The theater is named after Diana Wortham, a significant benefactor and patron of the arts in Asheville.
The building was constructed as part of the 'Pack Place' complex, which also includes the Asheville Art Museum.
The venue utilizes a specialized acoustic design to accommodate a wide variety of performances in a compact, intimate seating layout.
The facility manages the 'Matinee Series,' which provides curriculum-aligned performing arts experiences for over 10,000 students annually.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is a multi-venue facility located in downtown Asheville, featuring the 500-seat Diana Wortham Theatre and the smaller Tina McGuire Theatre. It serves as a primary cultural hub for Western North Carolina, hosting a diverse range of performances including dance, theatre, music, and comedy. The venue prioritizes community accessibility by offering a variety of educational programs and matinee series for local students. Originally opened in 1992 as part of the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center, the facility was designed to anchor the revitalization of the city's downtown core. It functions as a non-profit organization that balances touring Broadway-caliber productions with local independent artist showcases. The architecture utilizes a brick-and-glass aesthetic consistent with the surrounding historic district. It remains a key partner for the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival and various regional cultural collaborations.
The glass-fronted lobby atrium at sunset, which captures the reflection of the downtown skyline.
Arrive early to explore the gallery spaces located within the shared lobby area of the complex.
Check the venue's website for 'Pay-What-You-Can' preview nights for specific local productions.
Utilize the nearby multi-level parking garages rather than searching for limited street parking on Biltmore Avenue.
Do not attempt to park directly in front of the venue, as Biltmore Avenue is a high-traffic pedestrian and vehicle corridor with limited loading zones.
Operations are event-dependent; the box office is typically closed on Sundays unless a show is scheduled.
Business casual is recommended, though there is no strictly enforced dress code.
