ABOUT US

As one of the state's most innovative and exciting theatre arts centers, Theatre In The Park presents a wide range of comedy, contemporary drama, musicals, and Shakespeare in our totally flexible indoor performance space.

Theatre In The Park is internationally acclaimed for its outstanding theatrical achievements—more than 40,000 people attending our programming each year. Located in the northern end of Raleigh’s scenic Pullen Park, the theatre is an indoor, air conditioned facility with a seating capacity of 220.Year-round programming includes no less than four mainstage productions, classes, workshops and independent productions.

John S. Bento Garden and Isabella Cannon Fountain

The beautiful gardens at Theatre In The Park are lovingly maintained by Raleigh Parks & Recreation employee John S. Bento, whom the garden is named for.   A fountain was erected in the garden, with the unanimous vote of the City Council, recognizing and memorializing former Raleigh Mayor Isabella Cannon. Theatre In The Park is proud to be the very first city organization to name something in her memory.

Mission

The mission of Theatre In The Park is to provide a quality theatre experience to a diverse audience base in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Further, to offer the public an opportunity to see and participate in high quality dramatic classes and productions. Theatre In The Park’s mission also includes involving the community in the creation and development of live theatre to nurture a general appreciation and respect for the arts.

History

Originally chartered in 1947, Theatre In The Park started out as The Children's Theatre of Raleigh, Inc. During the early 70s, its name was changed to Theatre In The Park in order to reflect its expanded programming, location and new "home" in The National Guard Armory building located in scenic Pullen Park. In 2004, the building was renamed as “The Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre,” to reflect the decades of work done by Executive and Artistic Director, Ira David Wood III.

A Christmas Carol was first performed in 1974 in the Pullen Park Theatre, before moving to its current performance location at Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium.

Awards

Metro Magazine Standing Ovation Award for Best Cultural Event in 2008 & 2009 for A Christmas Carol.

Ira David Wood III is the only two-time recipient of The Medal of Arts, presented to him by The Raleigh Arts Commission. Theatre In The Park is also a recipient of The Medal of Arts award. Ira David Wood III has received The Order of The Long Leaf Pine—one of the highest tributes this state can bestow on one of its citizens. He has been presented The Builder of Bridges Award from The Babcock Center Foundation in South Carolina and The Halifax Resolves Award from his home county.

2008 INDY BEST Awards by the Independent Weekly included: Best Music & Best Design – A Christmas Carol; Best Supporting Performance – Give It Up Turn It Loose; Best Production, Best Ensemble, Best Lead Performer & Best Direction– Angels in America

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