Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville

The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, originally opened in 1992 as the Diana Wortham Theatre, played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the city’s core. Following a major expansion completed in 2019, the Wortham Center now includes three distinct venues: the 500-seat Diana Wortham Theatre, the Tina McGuire Theatre with tiered seating for up to 100 guests, and the Henry LaBrun Studio, a flexible space for classes, performances, and events.

As a nonprofit organization, the Wortham Center presents a year-round series called Wortham Presents, featuring live and virtual performances by acclaimed artists from around the world. The lineup spans music, dance, theatre, and spoken word, with past performers including Bela Fleck, Pilobolus, Paula Poundstone, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Alongside its touring acts, the center also supports local arts through long-term partnerships and residency programs.