In 1961, by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly, Flat Rock Playhouse was officially designated The State Theatre of North Carolina. What began as a few weeks of summer performances in 1940 is now an eight month season of plays including Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and theatre for young audiences. The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 80,000 patrons annually.

The barn-like appearance of the main stage facility is reminiscent of their summer stock beginnings, but today it houses state of the art lighting and sound systems, electronic stages,  costume studio/storage, and dressing room space for 40. The Auditorium seats 506 patrons in air-conditioned comfort. There is reserved seating for patrons with special needs and assistive listening devices are available at no additional charge.