Our Venues

Located at the heart of the University’s campus, Memorial Hall is CPA’s largest venue, home to theater and dance productions, orchestral concerts, and much more. Originally built in 1885, it was renovated in 2005 and reopened for the inaugural season of Carolina Performing Arts.

The former CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio is now home to two distinct venues: the Joan H. Gillings ArtSpace at CURRENT and CURRENT Studio. Located in the Carolina Square development on Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill, these spaces comprise Carolina Performing Arts’ hub for immersive and interdisciplinary art.

The Joan H. Gillings ArtSpace at CURRENT—a state-of-the-art, black box-style theater—was renamed on April 23, 2025, in honor of Joan H. Gillings, a visionary philanthropist and passionate arts advocate.

CURRENT Studio remains a flexible venue for workshops, artist talks, post-performance gatherings, and creative collaboration among visiting artists, students, and the wider community.

Together, these spaces reflect CPA’s commitment to bold, boundary-pushing performance and meaningful campus-community connection.

Located in Hill Hall, the James and Susan Moeser Auditorium is home to recitals and other intimate performances by world-class artists and ensembles. The cornerstone for the original building was laid on June 1, 1907. Funded by Andrew Carnegie, the building served as the University’s first consolidated library. In 1918-19, it even served as headquarters for Carolina Playmakers when Thomas Wolfe was a member. The music department moved to the building in 1930, and it was renamed Hill Hall for the late John Sprunt Hill, a UNC alumnus, and his family.

The historic heart of the music department in the College of Arts and Sciences, Hill Hall received a multi-million dollar renovation in 2016. Work centered on improvements to Hill Hall’s rotunda and 450-seat auditorium. The auditorium was renamed the James and Susan Moeser Auditorium in honor of the former chancellor and his wife.

 

Originally intended to serve as a “New Chapel” when it was completed in 1837, Gerrard Hall has since played host to writer Langston Hughes, enslaved poet George Moses Horton, and three presidents of the United States, including Carolina alumnus James K. Polk.

In 1993 the N.C. General Assembly met here in honor of the University’s Bicentennial. Movie fans may recognize Gerrard from Patch Adams, which had a prominent scene filmed here.

A major renovation of Gerrard Hall, including restoration of its beautiful Greek Revival portico, was completed in November 2007. Central air conditioning was installed and the building’s exterior repaired. The facility now includes a built-in sound system and projector with retractable screen.

The building features a U-shaped balcony with fixed seating and room for movable seating on the lower level. Total seating is 380 (187 in the upper level and 193 in the lower level). Standing receptions of up to 200 people may be accommodated on the lower level.

Gerrard Hall is located on East Cameron Avenue between Memorial Hall and South Building, near the Old Well and the Campus Y.