By Dathan Kazsuk | Photos Courtesy of DPAC |
Seventeen years ago this November, a star rose in the American Tobacco District, made of glass, light, and ambition. When the Durham Performing Arts Center opened on November 30, 2008—with B.B. King christening the stage—it was clear this wasn’t just another theater.
At the time, Durham’s arts landscape was still growing, with local theaters and cultural events contributing to its burgeoning reputation as a cultural hub. However, DPAC’s arrival marked a turning point, establishing Durham as a must-visit destination for top-tier performances. DPAC provided a new home not just for Broadway shows and concerts, but for a community seeking a vibrant arts scene where every seat felt like the best in the house.
On a sunny afternoon leading up to DPAC’s 17th birthday, I sat down with general manager Bob Klaus to talk about the past, present, and future of this Durham powerhouse. Klaus was DPAC’s very first employee, back when his “office” was nothing more than a laptop and a table at a nearby Starbucks.
“I really have been here since the building came out of the ground,” Klaus says with a laugh. “Back then, there were a lot of questions. No one knew what to expect. Now, 17 years later, it’s been incredible to see how this place has grown.” When DPAC was first proposed, Durham wasn’t quite the Durham we know today. The idea of building a world-class performing arts venue in the middle of the city sparked plenty of skepticism.
“At the start, some people wondered if folks from Wake County or Chapel Hill would even drive to Durham for a show,” Klaus recalls. “But now, half of our audience comes from Wake County every year.”
That audience isn’t just local anymore. With a calendar packed with top Broadway shows, A-list comedians, and iconic musicians, DPAC regularly draws guests from across the country. The scale of DPAC’s success is staggering. Since opening, more than 6.9 million guests have walked through its glowing glass lobby for over 3,200 performances.
Part of what makes DPAC so unique is its balance. One week, the stage might be filled with the elaborate set of The Lion King; the next, a single spotlight might shine on a comedian like Jerry Seinfeld or Bert Kreischer. And in between, legendary musicians like Duran Duran or Brandi Carlile could roll into town. “Every day, our mission is the same,” Klaus says. “Get the very best and biggest shows that are playing theaters to come to DPAC.”
That means juggling a calendar so busy it borders on chaotic. This year alone, DPAC is hosting 265 performances. For every show that makes it to the stage, Klaus estimates four or five others are vying for the same night. “We have software to track it all,” he explains. “Some days there might be seven or eight different shows trying to land the same date. It’s a good problem to have.”
It’s not just about volume. The design of DPAC is a major factor in its success. The farthest seat is only 85 feet from the stage, creating an intimacy performers notice. “We built this theater so that no matter where you sit, you feel close to the action,” Klaus says. “Whether it’s a single comedian with a mic or a massive Broadway production, it always feels special.”
Last season was DPAC’s biggest yet. Billboard ranked it the No. 2 theater in America, while Pollstar placed it in the top five for ticket sales nationwide—a rare feat for a venue outside of New York, Las Vegas, or Atlanta.
The numbers tell the story: 260 performances; 626,071 guests; and sellouts that Broadway producers dream about. Major hits like Wicked, MJ the Musical, and Disney’s The Lion King all played extended runs, while concerts and comedy acts brought in crowds with everyone from Mitski to Nick Cave—one of my favorites.
Big shows mean big setups, too. Some Broadway productions roll in with 20 trucks worth of gear. The upcoming Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will take four full days to set up before its December 28 opening. “It’s a huge production,” Klaus says. “We’ll have crews working around the clock to bring that world to life on our stage.”
While DPAC’s calendar is packed with national tours and headline acts, there’s a deeper community connection at play. The venue is a main stage for the American Dance Festival and a holiday home for Raleigh’s beloved A Christmas Carol by Theatre in the Park.
Perhaps most meaningful is DPAC’s work with local youth through its Heart of the Arts programs. The Rising Stars initiative brings thousands of students to the theater, often giving them their first glimpse of a Broadway musical. “Performing arts have the power to inspire young people in a profound way,” Klaus says. “We’re proud to play a role in that.”
The program culminates each May with an awards show, where students from 20 high schools compete for a chance to attend New York City’s prestigious Jimmy Awards. “It’s one of my favorite nights of the year,” Klaus admits. “You see these kids chasing their dreams with such passion—it’s impossible not to get emotional.”
The stage has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Kamala Harris, Ricky Martin to Greg Gutfeld. Additionally, DPAC has proudly showcased numerous local talents. Durham’s own Bull City Syndicate, known for its vibrant jazz and soul performances, has graced the stage, captivating local audiences with its energetic shows. The Carolina Ballet, a celebrated regional dance troupe, has also been a frequent performer, bringing its exquisite productions to life for the community.
As the official 17th anniversary on November 30 approaches, DPAC plans to celebrate the way it always does—by putting on an incredible show. This year, the birthday falls in the middle of a busy stretch that includes Mannheim Steamroller, A Magical Cirque Christmas, and multiple Broadway blockbusters.
Klaus hinted that the 20th anniversary will feature something extra special, but for now the focus is on maintaining the guest experience that has earned DPAC national acclaim.
“Our world-famous customer service is what sets us apart,” Klaus says. “Every night, we want guests to walk away feeling like they were part of something unforgettable. We started out as a question mark. Now, 17 years later, we’re the exclamation point at the end of, ‘Let’s go out tonight!’”
