user
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Appearance

Comments
Te
Review №1

I saw an AMAZING REO Speedwagon concert here! The bassist had the flu, and so Kevin Cronin played acoustic for a while, and did the first ever live performance of Keep the Fire Burning. They had a great opening band and it was just overall an awesome experience, with a great performance center for it to be in. Love this place and plan on coming back! I highly recommend it!

Al
Review №2

Wonderful theater with plenty of space and great sound. Many wonderful shows come through this theater, and there is plenty to do around the theater before and after shows.

Mi
Review №3

Beautiful venue.Came to see Sebastian Maniscalco and the theater experience was fantastic.Drink prices were not outrageous, the staff was friendly, clean bathrooms, made for a great time.Definitely a great place to see a show!

De
Review №4

Anywhere you sit is going to be good. Only bad part is the parking garage if you can avoid the parking garage do even if you have to pay to park trust me you’ll thank me later. If your older or it’s harder for you to get around I understand but if your able body you’ll be fine there is a lot downtown and everything thing is in walking distance get a drink or something before hand because you don’t want to buy drinks inside $$$$ just saying

ro
Review №5

This place is 5 stars all the way! Easy parking, easy access, helpful employees all around the venue. They keep the bathroom lines, food lines, and drink lines going. Makes it such a pleasant experience, especially if you are a bit older. No bad seats in the place either. Durham is lucky to have the DPAC! And great location

Ka
Review №6

Great performance hall. The stage is capable of hosting Broadway size sets and shows - and they offer several each year. Volunteer staff are friendly. The parking options arent too bad. The East deck is the closest other than VIP or handicap. They offer snacks and drinks at several stations throughout the building after you pass through security at the doors. There are also several restaurants in the area if you want dinner before the show. There is a coat check station open during cold weather. The seats are fairly comfortable. They do have select seats to accommodate folks with mobility or size (big or tall) needs. They also offer limited discount balcony seating ($20) to local residents for select shows. Call the box office for more details.

Fr
Review №7

DPAC is an amazing modern venue! It is perfectly located in Downtown, Durham. Easy access to parking lots and to the Tobbaco area.

Ma
Review №8

A great place to see and hear a performance. There really isn’t a bad seat in the theater. We’ve been attending since it was built.

Ha
Review №9

This is one of my favorite venues! I’ve seen all sorts of shows here and the staff is always courteous and the venue is clean... good snacks, plenty of bathrooms and great shows, too!!

Su
Review №10

I like the fact that they have some great performers who have shows here. I enjoy concerts, preferably rock concerts. Its not the type of venue where youll rock out or anything. Its a pretty reserved audience so it kind of dampens the mood for a rock concert. You cannot take pictures or videos inside, so dont plan on snagging a picture of your favorite artist on stage. Security is really strict about that. Thats their job, so I dont hold it against them. The Performing Arts Center is not my favorite place for a concert, however, its a nice venue for other types of performing arts. Ill return, but only when I know for sure that this is the only place to catch a particular performer anywhere near me. If the musician is performing at another location nearby AND this venue, Id more than likely choose the other venue to see that performer. Just being honest.

Ni
Review №11

Great facility that brings High Level and hit performances to the Triangle region. Parking in the area is very easy with 3 associated parking decks. Hit like if you agree and feel lucky to have this available in our region. Have gone here multiple times to see Broadway shows. There are several check in lines and the easiest and fastest are for those patrons that dont bring bags or purses with them. Security has been improved with metal detectors when we went to see the sold out performances for Hamilton. Once inside assistance is always easy to find if needed and there are the typical concession booths but also free water fountains.

Er
Review №12

Always a great place to watch a play or concert. DPAC makes the experience magical. The staff is friendly. It is easy to access and leave the show. Keep up the great work. Beautiful location!

Da
Review №13

A great location and pleasant, helpful and smiling staff. We saw Aladdin and it was wonderful. Parking can be found on decks and street if you look.

Sc
Review №14

This place is fantastic. Everyone here is so helpful and friendly from the guy directing traffic to the security checkers to the ushers. Such a great experience. Ive never had a bad seat at any of the shows Ive seen and the lighting and sound is excellent. Parking is super convenient, I always park in the Church Street parking garage ($5) and walk across the road. Always a great job, DPAC.

Bl
Review №15

Fantastic event center for any production! Sound quality is outstanding and all seats have very good to exceptional views of the stage. Very comfortable seating and the staff are friendly and very helpful.

Sa
Review №16

The DPAC is such an BEAUTIFULLY designed performing arts center!! Great location and incredible architecture add to the high quality of venues held here! Great online service and customer care adds to the incredible experience with the DPAC.

Ja
Review №17

One of the best venues ever. Extremely friendly staff. Acoustics were amazing. Ill be coming back for sure.

Al
Review №18

I am proud to have the DPAC here in Durham. Ive watch many plays and concerts at the DPAC. This establishment has a great sound system and acoustic. This is a classy establishment and those that work there are exceptional; everyone is so friendly. You can also tell that the DPAC is well maintained. If you have an opportunity to watch a show at the DPAC, please do! Also know that you can purchase tickets without all the fees at the on location Box Office.

J
Review №19

Every event is well organized. The staff here seem to always be smiling and genuinely want you to enjoy the events. The roasted nuts in the lobby are hard to ignore. Good craft beer selection. I love how the seating area is sloped so you dont have trouble seeing the stage.

Vi
Review №20

Great place to see a show. FYI though, don’t bother with the nosebleed seats. You won’t see a thing. They really should have a big screen to show the live action for people in the balcony. It’s not the balcony seats are a lot cheaper. A world renowned astrophysicist just joked, hoping the people in those seats didn’t pay more than $25 each (we did pay a lot more than $25!) Also if you are disabled at all and plan to use the elevator, give yourself loads of time.

Ph
Review №21

I have been to DPAC for a number of events (Broadway productions, music concerts). It is simply a wonderful venue. Staff is always super friendly! Concessions are pricey, but in line with similar venues. Audio is great.

Ja
Review №22

We saw the most incredible performance of Les Miserables on Tuesday at the DPAC! The sets were amazing, creative, and integrative. The cast was engaging and believable. The singing was superb! So glad we were able to experience it.

La
Review №23

Very beautiful venue; comfortable seating and very well maintained! Designed to have great viewing of performances regardless of assigned seating. Definitely deserves a 5-Star rating with two thumbs up!

St
Review №24

What an amazing place, seats were comfortable, great sound and great lighting. Food and drinks were great as well.

Te
Review №25

Its always a pleasure returning to the DPAC and as before the well organized and professional staff make this venue stand out from the rest.We were welcomed with smiling faces at the door, with just a few minutes to spare and thanks to assistance of the staff we immediately found our seats.The venue expertly hosted a wonderful show and made for a very pleasant evening.Cheers!

Fe
Review №26

Truly a great experience! Ive attended many events at this venue and Ive yet to have a bad experience. The staff is AMAZING, the sound/light/stage presentation is AWESOME, and there isnt a bad seat in the house.

Ka
Review №27

I have been to many different performances at the DUPAC, some serious plays, some funny shows, and beautiful ballets. I have sat in the orchestra, midway floor, and balcony. The performances are always breath taking. Such wonderfully talented performers and actors. There is not a bad seat in the house. Treat yourself to a matinee in balcony seats. Its no more expensive than a nice dinner out for 2.

Ti
Review №28

This place is amazing! I have seen a dozen or more shows here over the last seven or eight years. There is plenty of reasonably priced parking within an easy walk Plus there are all kinds of restaurants and bars that you can go to before or after a show. They do a great job of clearing the parking decks so its easy in an easy out

Je
Review №29

This venue is great! Wait to get inside was super quick, staff are very friendly and helpful. They have bathrooms and concessions on 3 out of the 4 floors. Easy access to elevators. There are water coolers set up throughout the venue. Food from the concessions was great. Venue and specifically bathrooms are clean.

Sc
Review №30

Awesome venue, the staff is always friendly, and the concessions are pretty decent. But mostly the space is fantastic and the programming is always stellar. Just wish it were easier/cheaper to get tickets!

P
Review №31

Lots of restrooms. Seats were comfortable. Concessions food and drinks were good.RENT was GREAT! In fact, every show I have seen here has be good!

Ma
Review №32

My first time there to see The Alan Parsons Project. Staff was good, looked like most seats were good (we were center back and it was great), bathrooms well maintained.

ku
Review №33

Great place for a good time. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Very handicapped friendly.

jo
Review №34

Parking is a pain. Staff has been consistently very unhelpful with finding seats. Small seating area so all seats are situated with a clear view of the stage. They have some really great performances. Seats are uncomfortable and too close together. If seated in middle of the row get ready to climb over people. Wine, beer and snacks sold before performance and during intermission. Bathrooms are clean. Lots of places around DPAC to eat before a show. Close to major roads so its an easy commute. Tickets to performances available on Ticketmaster. Security to enter has been fast and efficient. There is also security in parking lot.

GX
Review №35

This facility is an incredible example of modern architecture. It is built for wonderful theatrical presentations.I have been fortunate enough to see musicals on Broadway, as in New York City; however they did not do any better than DPAC.I felt safe at all times during my visit to the DPAC. Their system of checking-in and proceeding through security, with all the precautions they have taken were top-notch. The restroom facilities were clean and well maintained.DOUBLE thumbs UP to the DPAC ~~ the Broadway experience is possible in Durham.

Al
Review №36

Loved this theater! Spacious, great options for beverages and super friendly staff

Se
Review №37

Amazing venue to see a show at! Saw Bob weir and wolf bros and it was wonderful. The sound is fantastic! I seriously doubt that theres a bad seat in the house! Staff was so friendly! Will definitely be back!!

Yv
Review №38

Close and great seating and acoustics were great. We were close to the stage and not too high up. Just a great place!If you can go there, youll be able to see how you will love it like we do.

Da
Review №39

Great venue for live performance, excellent refreshment area. Just make sure to arrive early so you dont get stuck in the rush! Parking is behind the center, and usually pretty cheap.

Ro
Review №40

As parking , great friendly staff make you comfortable. Everybody attending seemed relaxed and happy to be there. Alexander Mani......was funny . Never stopped laughing!

Te
Review №41

I am not someone who ordinarily likes going to plays, but since childhood Ive loved the movie White Christmas with Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby. Going to see the play was my wifes Christmas present. One reason I used to dislike going to events like this was my dread of the traffic. There was no traffic problem entering or exiting DPAC. The folks there really have their act together. I was amazed how quickly security checked almost 3000 people into the building with metal detectors, a very efficient and fluid process. I usually feel kind of intimidated trying to find my way around these facilities, but all the people at DPAC made my wife and I feel at ease, explaining where the concessions, elevators, and seats were. Becky especially helped us...she went out of her way to get us programs. The cast and crew were just amazing! The sets were spectacular! I am so glad that my wife got me out of my comfort zone so we could experience some Christmas magic together. We will definitely return to this wonderful facility. A little advice...paying $12 for the VIP parking less than 50 yards from DPACs front door was totally worth it!

Sh
Review №42

Weve been here twice so far and it is wonderful. The atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant. I love that you see people from all walks of life; some are in jeans and tshirts while others are dressed up. The musicals have all been fantastic! The only thing I would add is more comfortable seating, but I have back issues...

Ap
Review №43

Have been on at least 4 occasions and it was truly fantastic each and every time. The excitement is just as new with each show. Great place!

Qu
Review №44

Went to see the Hip.Hop nutcracker...thus show was awesome if you like hip hop....and you get to see Kurtis Blow....yessss

Al
Review №45

Very well constructed auditorium that allows for great viewing angles regardless of your ticket price!Drinks, as always, are a bit pricey. If you buy a drink in the sippy cup, you get to keep it for perpetuity, and get a dollar off the next drink if you bring it back.

Ta
Review №46

This is by far one of the best musical theaters I have been to in the United States. Its amazing the shows that they are able to bring into the Raleigh/Durham area. I have season tickets and its been amazing getting to see all of the shows!

an
Review №47

Went Here For Beautiful for Mothers Day, & Cats For Katie

Fr
Review №48

This is my favorite performing arts theatre in the Triangle. There is not a bad seat in the place. The amenities are gorgeous. The staff is friendly and helpful. The performances here are Broadway shows and top notch artists. The theatre is in the heat of Downtown Durham and there is plenty of nearby parking.

He
Review №49

I love this venue! They offer a large variety of events and Ive never had a bad view. Easy access to off of 147. Parking is about 1 block away, which is not scary to walk to since a stream of theater patrons are going the same way.

Jo
Review №50

Very nice venue. We attended a Kenny G concert and were very pleased with the sound and our seating. Staff seemed to go out of their way to be pleasant, before and after the performance. We were somewhat confused by parking availability but we eventually worked it out. Concession prices were rather high. I cant see paying six bucks for a soda. All in all, my wife enjoyed celebrating our anniversary at DPAC.

Ju
Review №51

Great theater featuring some of the biggest Broadway shows and unique, one night only tours. A nice venue with not a bad seat in the house and its close to many restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Na
Review №52

I had the pleasure to attend the Jill Scott concert! The venue was safe, clean and the staff was helpful and wonderful! I hadnt been there in a couple of years. But it was great to go back and enjoy, a wonderful Jill Scott concert! First, she was on time and the duration of the concert was perfect!

Ja
Review №53

One of my FAVORITE shows thus far! Once again, DPAC hosted and AMAZING and MAGICAL show! I was in awe from the first act to the last!!!

As
Review №54

Always great! Have been here for the nut cracker and Kenny G. Both were amazing. Their snack bar needs some help though. Otherwise it would have been 5 stars.

Ke
Review №55

I saw Come From Away and was breathtaking. This profoundly touching story may be the best thing I’ve seen at DPAC, or at least in the top 4 or 5. I would really like to see this show make another stop in Durham.

ir
Review №56

Great Sebastian Maniscalco show and was the perfect size venue!

Wi
Review №57

It was an interesting performance. The dancers were amazing.

AN
Review №58

Excellent show!! Donna Summer. The energy was amazing. The performers were awesome. One of the best shows ever!!

To
Review №59

The theatre is clean and well organized. All the seating feels like a good view. Plenty of parking nearby. A lot of restaurants within reasonable walking distance.

La
Review №60

Great venue for concerts! Not a bad seat in the whole place. Plenty of restrooms. Good beverage and snack selection. We go when there is a great oldie group performing. Also plenty of good restaurants within walking distance.

Ge
Review №61

This is a awesome place to go! This is a first class place. I always have a great time here. All the staff does a outstanding job! 10+++++++++

Ke
Review №62

Recently attended my second show at this venue. The service was absolutely incredible! Staff is super friendly and happy to assist, and I felt very safe due to the security and crowd control measures. Even before the show started, just seeing how organized the parking was made me feel comfortable. I highly recommend this venue and look forward to returning in the future!

Ky
Review №63

We had too much fun going to see the Nutcracker at DPAC! The theater was beautiful & so clean. All the staff was so helpful & nice!

Pe
Review №64

Great venue. Friendly staff and unbelievable sound acoustics. #WSMFP

Ja
Review №65

Our favorite venue in the Raleigh Durham area for broadway shows or smaller intimate events, music, dance, kids fare. Staff is always attentive and friendly. Have been going there since !st season and the quality has been consistent. It is refreshing to have such an amazing and consistent level of staff quality, great training and management style. When I have needed to ask a question, I can do it online or via phone and always get fast reply. They have started offering more food options which is a great alternative. Seating in lobby a touch limited but that is mostly pre-show waiting area anyway. Parking and walking is all convenient and egress is easy too. Curtains Up!

Ma
Review №66

Acoustics were amazing for where I sat and I had zero issues. Parking is easy and extremely close. Hope Distant Worlds comes back soon.

Ch
Review №67

Hamilton was amazing beyond words! DPAC really is a great venue. Entry was smooth...bathrooms werent too crazy crowded...but I really didnt notice anything after that but the show itself! Isnt that how it should be!?!

Te
Review №68

Saw come from away. Spectacular play and comfortable seeing. Wonderful and helpful volunteers. Looking forward to more visits..

Ch
Review №69

Its a great venue. And staff is usually cool with jam bands special type of crowd

Sh
Review №70

Fantastic venue with top notch plays, musicians, and more. It doesn’t have the old historic spice that some venues have, but everything else is amazing.

Je
Review №71

Easy to get to. Plenty of parking ( not much free parking around though) and a great venue for a concert or show. I havent sat in ther uppermost level, but theyre are no bad seats in the lower two levels. Traffic Id managed well when leaving too!

Am
Review №72

I always have a good time here! I appreciate the different entertainment they bring in.

Ka
Review №73

Wonderful venue for every form of entertainment!! Love the DPAC!!!

Ke
Review №74

This is a great venue for acts of all kinds. Live theater to live music. There’s not a bad seat in the house. Easy parking, easy in and out! There are great restaurants all within a very short walking distance!

Vi
Review №75

Easy logistics for eating prior to the show, parking, and everything once inside. I have been to shows on both the orchestra level and grand tier and dont think there is a bad seat in those areas. All my interactions with the staff have been very friendly and helpful.

Th
Review №76

We have been season ticket holders for two seasons. We love DPAC. As the pictures suggest, the wine is stronger than you think.

Ri
Review №77

So much excitement when i came here to see Jacksepticeye on stage!! Sold out tickets at this wonderful event held at DPAC. Stunning views of this massive amazing building, friendly staff, and well organized for a Full-House audience

Jo
Review №78

Always a good time, well organized and they have a lot of lobby space so it never feels too crowded. Wondering what to wear? No need to get too fancy, jeans or khakis and a button down shirt will work fine.

Me
Review №79

The staff--from the people who help you find a parking space and that may not be directly employed by the facility, to the people who help you find your seat--is exceptional. Super friendly, super helpful, and entirely genuine. The facility itself is gorgeous and easy to navigate. One of the most positive experiences of my life.

Ca
Review №80

Always a pleasure having a seat in this house as there really isnt a bad one to be found! Attending a show at DPAC is feeding ones spirit, especially with the care provided to guests by the DPAC staff. Bravo!

Je
Review №81

Kenny G was INCREDIBLE!!! I recommend stage seats or grand tier for live music shows. Overall the music fills the WHOLE building.

Sr
Review №82

Came here twice. Once for The Phantom of the Opera and once for a Jerry Seinfeld show. Both experiences were great. Friendly staff who explain where your row/section/seat is located.Wish the snacks/drinks were a bit more reasonably priced though. Paying $10 for a cocktail and getting a small cupful (with 75% ice) is extremely unfair.Other than that the seating, sound and promptness to start on time are excellent!

Te
Review №83

Went to The price is right live! The seating was spacious. The sound system was excellent. The staff was helpful and the show was great!

Br
Review №84

The Donna Summer Musical is a 10+ Broadway musical you need to experience! Top notch cast, music, dance and singing!

Ro
Review №85

You need a night to remember, Go to the DPAC for an afternoon. Just for the right kind of entertainment coming to you. Right off Broadway to your front door. SURE TO AMAZE YOU. Mades me coming back time after again.

Jo
Review №86

Had a fantastic time the other day seeing Hamilton, I highly recommend. Ive seen other musicals at the venue such as Pippin several years ago and others, and they have all been really high quality.

JG
Review №87

Luxurious atmosphere and the best live entertainment, theater and performances. If a legend is going to perform, this is the place you want to see them so you can appreciate the feel of a more intimate venue where you arent lost among 19,000 other individuals. DPAC holds about 2,700 in comparison. The seats are comfortable, the place is pristine, the people are friendly and they have wine and snacks as well. Everyone should experience DPAC and the wide variety of entertainment options it offers.

Mi
Review №88

Beautiful Theatre with very friendly people. Easy parking, comfortable seating, great sound system. Its our favorite.

Me
Review №89

Great first experience, even sitting in the far back balcony.

ch
Review №90

Ive seen some really outstanding acts here. I honestly dont think theres a bad seat in the house because Im always pleased no matter where I sit.

Ra
Review №91

DPAC is an amazing place to visit. I loved the atmosphere and the show. If there is 1 thing they could do better, it would be to offer more food/snack items.

Bi
Review №92

Just saw RENT. Awesome. First time there but wont be the last. The whole area was just wonderful.

Ri
Review №93

Always a great experience. Good views and sound from the cheap seats. Plenty of bathrooms- and a better mix of shows and performers than Raleigh Municipal (or whoever holds the current naming rights) Auditorium

Pe
Review №94

Comfortable seating in a in door venue. Music volume was perfect. I dont think theres a bad seat in the house

CJ
Review №95

Visited from Tennessee. Parking was easy to find. The staff was friendly, snacks were a bit pricey, but thats to be expected. Security was awesome and polite.After the event, the staff helped keep crowds to a manageable flow rate. And it wasnt a hassle, or headache to get to your vehicle and depart from the venue.

An
Review №96

It was a bit disappointing since the curtain hid part of the projected images. Headless people for example. Someone should have checked that. Also our seats had no room. The railing was too close to make it comfortable. For 130 dollar tickets we should get better service. The performance on the other hand was great.

Ro
Review №97

Wonderful atmosphere. Amazing show! Come From Away

T
Review №98

Hosts the best plays in the Triangle. So far Ive seen Anastasia and Aladdin and have enjoyed both. The professionalism of the staff really makes this place wonderful as well as the high quality of productions.

Me
Review №99

Great place to see a show or concert. Very organized and all the seats have a great view of the stage!

El
Review №100

My girls enjoyed their evening here. We went to see Aladdin. Show was great and well worth every cent. Plan on returning for future shows.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC 27701, United States
  • Site:http://www.dpacnc.com/home
  • Phone:+1 919-680-2787
Categories
  • Performing arts theater
  • Performing arts group
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
Similar organizations