CoMMA holiday open house to include tours, crafts and anniversary film

CoMMA Performing Arts Center will open its doors for a free Holiday Open House from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

The afternoon will include theater tours, hot cocoa and cookies, a display of more than 100 nutcrackers, and a chance for visitors to make their own nutcracker ornament.

Guests also can learn more about upcoming performances and enter a raffle for tickets to a future show.

At 4 p.m., CoMMA will premiere “40 Years of Loving It,” a documentary looking back at the performing arts center’s 40-year history in Morganton. The film will highlight performances, community events, and other moments from the venue’s four decades.

The open house is designed as a casual way for longtime patrons and first-time visitors alike to explore the theater and take part in holiday activities.

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

PLANNED RENOVATIONS

As the city celebrates 40 years of arts and entertainment, a new era for CoMMA is planned — one marked by upgrades in three different phases, including work to the front of house, auditorium, back of house, and exterior.

In June, the city council applied for $6.7 million in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program, where the project is eligible through commercial revitalization.

The first phase of improvements is designed to better accommodate performers and their crews. Plans include a new loading dock facility with crew restrooms, a lounge, offices, and storage space. The project also calls for ADA-compliant front doors and a new color scheme in the auditorium, including updates to its dated carpeting and seats.

The city council previously awarded an engineering contract to Szostak Design for $208,000, with the goal to have phase one bidding and contracts by the start of November 2027. Outlined in the engineering contract, the plan is to have construction completed in October 2028.

Once the first phase is complete, the city will turn its attention to the lobby, with plans to improve traffic flow around the concession stand and add a stairwell behind it to provide access to the second floor. The second phase also includes adding restrooms on the second floor.

A subsequent phase could include a 2,000- to 2,500-square-foot multipurpose room for art exhibits, dance performances, classes, breakout sessions, and smaller, more intimate performances.

For more information about CoMMA and upcoming performances, visit commaonline.org.