Celebrating 20 Years!
Learn how a renovation and expansion project of the local high school turned into a state-of-the-art facility for the region. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center believes in the importance of a flourishing arts and cultural community!
Our History
In March of 1999, plans for the renovation of Greeneville High School were in the final stages. The budget for that renovation included a new $2.5 million dollar auditorium.
A visionary group of local businessmen suggested that by adding private funds to the public money, a performing arts center could be built that would be an asset for the Greeneville City School system and the region.
With a donation from Scott Niswonger,
a local businessman and philanthropist, plans for the 800 seat auditorium soon became a $7 million dollar venue with 39,000 square feet and a seating capacity of nearly 1,150 guests. “This facility would be an obvious recruiting tool for economic development, while also offering enrichment in the performing arts for the region,” said Niswonger.
The Greeneville Board of Education
voted in June 2003 to name the venue the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in honor of Niswonger, who ultimately contributed a total of $6.2 million dollars to the overall Greeneville High School expansion and renovation project. Construction began in the summer of 2003, and the venue opened in December 2004.
Today, NPAC
continues to enhance the guest experience by offering improvements and providing a wide selection of programming including musical artists in multiple genres and touring theatrical performances. NPAC serves as the primary performance venue for local students participating in band and choral programs, and also offers school day educational performances benefitting children throughout the region.
Our Mission
The misssion of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center is to perpetuate a commitment to the performing arts for Greeneville, Greene County, neighboring counties, and the region including East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwestern Virginia. We believe that a flourishing arts and cultural community enhances our quality of life, produces community pride, encourages cultural development & understanding, and broadens the education of our children.
The NPAC Team
Vicki Hudson
Executive Director
Bryan Smith
Technical Director
William Banks
Facilities Manager
Elijah White
Assistant Technical Director
Emily Gilland
Creatives Manager
Gracie Weems
Box Office Manager
The Board of Directors
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center Governing Board consists of six appointed members:
Scott Niswonger
President
Carla Bewley
Member
Robin Shepherd
Secretary
Bill Brown
Member
Loren Plucker
Treasurer
Steve Starnes
Member