Macomb Center for the Performing Arts

== Macomb Community College Center Campus == === History === The Macomb Community College Center Campus is home to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, an institution with a rich history dating back to 1969. Initially, the college utilized a 1924 barn located at the corner of Hall and Garfield roads, known as Macomb Theatre At-The-Barn. This venue quickly became popular, with a season's subscription tickets surpassing those of any other subscription-oriented arts institution in the area at the time. However, the Barn Theatre closed its doors in July 1977, which led to a demonstrated community need for a new theater. In the interim period between the closure of the Barn Theatre and the opening of the new facility, Macomb Community College continued to present cultural programs at the student centers of its South and Center campuses. These programs included a diverse array of events such as special events, an education series, a Friday night film series, musical productions, summer series, and ethics action workshops. The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, designed by TMP Associates, Inc. of Bloomfield Hills, officially opened on November 7, 1982. The theater boasts 1,271 seats, offering an intimate experience for both performers and patrons. It features continental seating and unobstructed viewing, with a stage capable of accommodating a wide range of performances, from a 100-piece orchestra to grand opera productions or soloist spotlights. The Center is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, enhanced by 4,000 square feet of acoustic sculpture created by artist Glen Michaels. The design ensures that even the last row of the balcony, only ninety feet from the stage, has a clear and close view of the performance. Adjacent to the concert hall is Stage II, a venue for smaller productions with a seating capacity of approximately two hundred. It serves multiple purposes, including student productions, professional shows, receptions, and rehearsals. The attached Fine Arts facility provides additional resources such as music and art studios, lecture and rehearsal halls, voice and piano practice rooms, a photography studio, and faculty offices. Over the years, the Macomb Center has hosted a plethora of renowned entertainers, including Ray Charles, Buddy Rich, Rick Nelson, Glen Campbell, David Copperfield, Pat Boone, Ben Vereen, and many more. The list of stars continues to grow, with performances by artists like Mandy Patinkin, Jeff Daniels, Kathy Griffin, Air Supply, and The Irish Rovers, who have returned for their 25th season. The Macomb Center remains a cultural hub for Macomb County, attracting world-class artists and serving as a cornerstone for the arts in the community. === Contact and Additional Information === For more information on planning a visit, the Macomb Center's mission statement, area maps, driving directions, or to join their E-Club, interested individuals can visit the official MacombCenter.com website or reach out to the Center directly. The website also provides answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring visitors have all the necessary details for an enjoyable experience at the Center.