Thalian Hall is often referred to as the cornerstone of cultural arts in downtown Wilmington. The historic theater opened its doors to audiences in 1858 and continues to host nearly 500 shows and events every year. The value of Thalian Hall to the community is priceless, but operating and maintaining a historic facility is an ongoing challenge.


Like so many other non-profit organizations, Thalian Hall relies on the continuing generosity of people like you, who love this theater and want it to continue to be an icon of cultural significance. Your generous support helps insure that this remarkable theater will continue to be a treasured landmark showcasing talented performers for generations to come.


*Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All charitable contributions are tax deductible, as allowed by law.


Giving Opportunities

Pied Piper Children's Theatre

Growing an audience from the ground up is the philosophy behind Thalian Hall’s very successful children’s program. At the start of each school year, elementary schools in New Hanover County recieve a synopsis and portions of the music to familiarize students with the play.  The stage is set by talented local actors, technicians, and designers, and over 8,000 students from across the county are welcomed to Historic Thalian Hall. 


Year after year, we see the wide-eyed reactions of 1st and 2nd-grade students who are often seeing their very first play in a real theater. 


You can support this life-changing program and share the magic of theatre with children. Their excitement for the arts is worth every penny.

General Operations

It takes funds to keep Thalian Hall open to provide quality performing arts and rental space at affordable prices to the community. Donating to general operating expenses will help us to attract high quality performers, make needed building repairs and continue to expand our programs and education to the Greater Cape Fear Region. Unrestricted funds are needed to keep the doors open and we can’t do it without your help. If you are interested in the general support of Thalian Hall, please consider making a gift to general operating expenses.

Endowment

A gift to the Endowment Fund is a gift that keeps giving well into the future and is so important to our community. It is an investment in securing the future of this historic theatre. 


The Endowment Fund allows performing arts programming to grow as well as creates a foundation to increase capital for future improvement and expansion projects.


Preserve The Art & Archive Collection

First seen by audiences on opening night in 1858, our curtain, an actual painting by renowned Philadelphia artist Russell Smith (1812-1892), represents the threads that bind generations of theatergoers who support our magical Wilmington landmark. 


Our Art & Archive collection provides a unique opportunity to interpret and study the importance of theatre in the context of Wilmington’s economic and social history. Like our one-of-a-kind curtain, our theater building and its many historical artifacts must be maintained for future generations. 

Technical Improvements

Making the best performances happen requires the best technical equipment. Sound, projection, lighting equipment, and accessibility technologies are constantly improving.


Your support helps to present performances with the highest production values possible that are accessible to all.


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