Atlantic Stage in Myrtle Beach has a new performance venue

Nicole Boone WBTW News13 Anchor

Atlantic Stage Theatre Company, the only professional theatre company in Myrtle Beach, has moved to new performance space.

It’s new location is inside the former Academy of Arts, Science and Technology on 79th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach.

The theatre inside the former high school is being renovated as part of a half a million dollar refurbishment project that will also house the new Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Myrtle Beach Education Center. CCU’s Edwards Theater was the sight of the opening season for Atlantic Stage in which they débuted two plays. Through an agreement with CCU, Atlantic Stage was able to secure the use of the 79th Ave. theatre with 146 seats, office and box office space and a large reception area for permanent use.

Atlantic Stage plans to include in the renovated space a lobby with Coffee Bar, a state of the art ticketing counter, concession stand, and café seating. Included in the theatre complex are rehearsal rooms, a dance studio, dressing rooms and offices. Atlantic Stage also plans to partner with other artists and arts organizations to use the reception area for visual art display and cross promotion. The office space will also be used as a new permanent location for the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council (ACC).

“Many area residents have memories of the former Academy and our open house will be the first official opportunity for the public to see the recent changes being made,“ says Artistic Director, John Woodson. “We’re still putting the finishing touches onto the space and we’re very excited to pair a professional quality theatre space with professional quality performances when we open in November.“

The open house on Saturday, October 3, will include backstage tours of the theatre renovations, complimentary food and beverages, a drawing for complimentary 2009-10 season tickets, and a 50/50 raffle. Parking will be in the rear of the Coastal Carolina Education Center. The public is encouraged to RSVP by calling 877-ATS-TKTS or via e-mail at AtlanticStage@AtlanticStage.com .

In partnership with Coastal Carolina University, Atlantic Stage is the first and only professional theatre company in the Myrtle Beach area. Atlantic stage was formed in August 2008 and is comprised of actors, professional directors and designers who are members of the Actors Equity Association. Atlantic Stage is committed to bringing the Myrtle Beach area the best in Broadway, Off-Broadway and new plays from regional theatre across the United States. Atlantic Stage is a not-for-profit theatre and is funded through ticket sales, private donations, and in kind donations from Coastal Carolina University and the Department of Theatre.

For more information, visit http://www.AtlanticStage.com or call 877-ATS-TKTS.