Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) is located at College of The Albemarle (COA) – Elizabeth City. The PAC is a proscenium house that seats approximately 1,000 guests. We host a full season of exciting events and performances and hope you’ll join us in one of our upcoming shows.
College of The Albemarle’s (COA) 2024-2025 season for COA Student Theatre (COAST) Players will be announced soon. We extend our gratitude to our students, faculty/staff and community for their invaluable contribution to the success of our 2023-2024 season!
YESTERDAY – A Tribute to The Beatles
Since 2001, Yesterday – A Tribute to The Beatles (founded by Don Bellezzo) has toured internationally, with seven tours of Japan and numerous performances in Canada, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the Bahamas, and United States military bases worldwide. Endorsed by Sir Paul McCartney, the group has performed on five continents and has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Showbiz Magazine. The group has also premiered on NBC, CBS, and ABC, among others. Yesterday has entertained at events such as the unveiling of the “Yellow Submarine” Postage Stamp at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Additionally, they have collaborated with Yesterday Productions on ‘The British Are Coming!’ production, depicting the Beatles’ “Live” US performances, which enjoyed long-term runs in Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and other venues nationwide.
In their extensive career, Yesterday has garnered recognition from celebrities such as Laurence Juber and Tony Perkins and has been invited to headline events like the annual Joe Johnson’s Beatles Cruise. The group’s accomplishments include a 5-month run at the Tropicana LV Resort Casino on the Las Vegas strip in 2021 and being featured with other Las Vegas celebrities at McCarran International Airport. With a rich history of performances and collaborations, Yesterday continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying their place as one of the premier Beatles tribute bands and contributing to the vibrant entertainment scene in Las Vegas, the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World.’
Event Date:
Sat, July 13, 2024
Pirates of Penzance – Free Event
Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera is packed full of sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes.
Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a snag. Born on 29 February, Frederic discovers that he is technically still a youngster. Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable. Can he find a way to live happily-ever-after with Mabel?
Complete with an ensemble from the “Pirates Who Sing and Dance” summer camp, Pirates of Penzance is a fun swashbuckling adventure with fun song and dance and the occasional sword fight. This show is a fun evening for the whole family!
Event Date:
Fri, July 26, 2024
Music Fest
Event Date:
Sat, August 24th
Sherri Priester & James Lawson: Comedy Show
At 52 years old, Sherri Priester stepped on a stage, told a joke to a room of strangers, and it was fabulous. In five years this Trophy Wife has grown to become a rising star on the comedy scene. Her southern charm, honest and irreverent take on military life, marriage, raising daughters and aging connects with audiences across all ages. Sherri delivers a high energy, engaging, and entertaining performance, leaving audiences wanting more. She’s shared the stage with comedy pros, appeared on television including Good Morning America and regularly performs with the Armed Services Arts Partnership, and in comedy clubs, venues, festivals and for private and corporate events.
Event Date:
Sat, September 14th
Trial by Fire: Journey Tribute Band
Event Date:
Sat, October 12th
COAST Players Presents: The Neverending Story
Told with all the thrills of a classic adventure, the story begins with Bastian, a lonely boy, who stumbles into a curious bookshop where he discovers a curious book—The Neverending Story. Bastian hides in the attic of his school and begins to read, and a huge adventure surges into life. Fantastica, a land of stories, is being destroyed by the Nothing. The Childlike Empress has chosen Atreyu, a young hunter, to be the Hero of the Great Quest. Atreyu, an orphan, is an unlikely choice, but he accepts and, with his horse and companion, Artax, rides to face the menace. First, he experiences the Nothing and discovers its thoughtless destruction. Then he is guided by a dream to the Swamps of Sadness where he meets Morla, the Ancient One, who reveals another solution. He must find the Childlike Empress a new name. With this new direction, Atreyu faces Ygramul the Many, befriends Falkor the Luck Dragon, and solves the riddles of the three magic gates to meet Uyulala. From her he learns that only a human child can give the Empress a new name. In despair he faces his final test—the werewolf Gmork—and returns to the Childlike Empress without a new name. However, his quest has attracted a human child. It is Bastian himself who calls out a new name for the Empress, and the story rushes to its triumphant and moving conclusion. Commissioned by Seattle Children’s Theatre and Imagination Stage.
Showtimes:
Thur, October 24th, 10:00 a.m.
Fri, October 25th, 10:00 a.m.
Fri, October 25th, 7:00 p.m.
Sat, October 26th, 2:00 p.m.
Sat, October 26th, 7:00 p.m.
Sun, October 27th, 2:00 p.m.
Kids in America – 80’s Tribute Band
Event Date:
Sat, November 16th
The Outer Banks Choir Holiday Concert
For 38 years, the Outer Banks Chorus has been a vibrant thread in the cultural fabric of the Outer Banks and its neighboring communities. Under the spirited leadership of Kyle Cook since 2015, the chorus has seen a remarkable growth, nearly tripling its membership. Today, the chorus boasts over 110 enthusiastic singers, from high school students to adults of all ages, each contributing to a rich tapestry of sound.
The Outer Banks Chorus is not just a group of singers; it’s a musical adventure. Their repertoire spans from timeless choral masterworks to the dazzling melodies of Broadway and Hollywood. This diversity ensures there’s something for everyone, even for those who might not consider themselves traditional choral music enthusiasts.
Praised in numerous publications, the Outer Banks Chorus stands as a beacon of musical excellence in Eastern North Carolina and beyond. The group’s commitment to bringing high-quality performances to the community is unwavering, with annual holiday and spring concerts that have become cherished traditions. In June 2025, the Outer Banks Chorus will embark on an extraordinary concert tour across Italy, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime performance of Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Join us and experience the magic of the Outer Banks Chorus—where every performance is a celebration of the joy of music!
Event Date:
Sat, December 14th
Taikoza Concert
Seeing and hearing Taikoza is to experience thunderous sounds like never before.
Taikoza is a unique Taiko group that features Taiko drums, Shakuhachi, and Fue in a magical and mind-blowing performance.
The raw energy that Taikoza brings will make you rediscover Taiko and energize your senses. A truly life-changing experience. Nowhere will you find such dedication in bringing you the best in Taiko and bamboo flutes.
The group is led by musical director Marco Lienhard- an international Shakuhachi and Taiko virtuoso.
Taikoza is a unique professional Taiko group that blends these instruments into their performance to create a thrilling experience.
You will feel energized and renewed after experiencing Taikoza.
Marco Lienhard is one of the rare Shakuhachi players worldwide with such range, power, and understanding of the music. It is a unique sound that will touch you deeply and make you discover or rediscover Shakuhachi.
Taikoza has thrilled and entertained audiences of all ages around the world. Come and discover the world of Taikoza. Taiko has the unique power to bring people together.
Event Date:
Sat, February 22nd, 2025
COAST Players Presents: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. Following a critically exalted premiere at Ars Nova in New York City, a subsequent off-Broadway transfer and an acclaimed run on Broadway, this award-winning musical expands the possibilities for the genre with its daring score and bold storytelling.
Showtimes:
Fri, March 28th, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Fri, March 28th, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Sat, March 29th, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Sat, March 29th, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Sun, March 30th, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Comedian Lionel Harris
Lionel Harris II is an award winning filmmaker and comedian. He’s made several TV appearances as the resident comedian on Studio 5 with Efrem Graham, on WTKR’s Coast Live morning show, and with two sketch comedy shows he’s produced, “30 Seconds of Black,” and “Everybody Needs to Laugh” for WSKY Sky4-TV. He has a Dry Bar Comedy special, performed in comedy clubs & festivals around the country, and was chosen for 2019’s Steve Harvey’s Standup Spotlight. His dedication to his craft helped him to create #Jokeaday where he wrote and performed a new joke everyday for a year on social media. The notoriety from #Jokeaday allowed him to produce a podcast, and live comedy shows under the same, “Jokeaday” brand.
Event Date:
Sat, April 19th, 2025
Magician & Comedy Hypnotist David Anthony
A native of Cleveland, Ohio David Anthony started his love of magic when he was five years old and his uncle got him a magic kit. He shared his love as a performer for the first time when he was twelve years old.
He worked vigorously on his show with the help of Rodney Whitlock, the owner of a local magic shop. He attended his first magic convention when he was fifteen years old. Since then he has won competitions with his award-winning act, “A Tale of Serendipity.” These have included 3rd place in the 2008 International Battle of Magicians, 1st place at the Magi-Fest in 2009, and 1st place at the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 2009 where he also won the prestigious Fantasma Award.
David continues to work with his theater director, Art Thomas in developing bigger and better routines. Throughout the US, David has entertained thousands.
Event Dates:
Fri, May 2nd, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Sat, May 3rd, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
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Contact
Jarvis, Elisabeth
Administrative Assistant, Operations
COA - Elizabeth City: D 151
252-335-0821 ext. 2358
Santa, Mary Elysse
Instructor/Director, Drama
COA – Elizabeth City: D 144
252-335-0821 ext. 2297