An extensive, two-year planning study, community surveys, and workshops with an active local arts community of considerable variety and diversity was key to FDA’s theatre planning work on this $32-million cultural complex, which opened in 1994. The complex houses a 1,200 seat theater, 300-seat theater, museum-quality art galleries, a restaurant, performance courtyard, classrooms, offices, shops, and rehearsal spaces for children’s and community theatre groups. An adjacent outdoor amphitheatre with a capacity of 5,000 has featured everyone from Mikhail Baryshnikov to Bob Dylan.

The 1,200-seat Castle Theater has an intimate feel with its balconies wrapping back to the stage. The 300-seat McCoy Theater, configured in the style of “theatre in the round”, is an even more intimate space that lends itself to plays requiring a minimum of scenery and props.

The popular center now hosts a full and remarkably diverse schedule of touring events, locally produced music and dance groups, and classes in fine and performing arts.