61 years of community theatre

With the help of a tremendous amount of generous volunteers and donors, what started out in 1961 as an idea for a “little theater” has grown to become a Salisbury institution, recognized by the North Carolina Theatre Conference as The Outstanding Community Theatre in North Carolina.

Meet our Team

Piedmont Players Theatre is made up of some incredible people. In addition to the many volunteers and support staff, our day to day staff does an amazing job keeping the theatre running.

Our History

1961 - 1986

Era of a new community theatre

After performing the first few years at Knox Junior High School, a young PPT moved performances to Hedrick Theater at Catawba College in 1964 where the organization remained and continued to grow for nearly three decades.

1986 - 1992

PPT Welcomes Resident Director

Resident Director Reid Leonard arrived at PPT in 1986 and immediately gained a reputation for doing a variety of top quality shows, from intense dramas to screwball comedies. In 1992 PPT purchased the Meroney Theater in Downtown Salisbury.

1992 - 1995

The Meroney Theater

After spending three years and $1.8 million renovating the theater, the Meroney reopened to the public with Jesus Christ Superstar on October 19, 1995.

2010

The Norvell Theater

On May 20, 2010, PPT opened the Norvell Theater, one of the only all-youth theaters in the state, with the youth production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In addition to the 5 mainstage shows at the Meroney each season, PPT also produces 5 youth shows each year at the Norvell. Students are involved in every aspect of the production, from ushering and concessions to backstage. In the fall of 2014, PPT launched its Youth Theatre Academy.

2014

Eastern Costume Company moves to Salisbury

In December of 2014, PPT purchased Eastern Costume Company, one of the largest and most respected costume companies in the country, and moved the company to Downtown Salisbury. Currently supplying and building costumes for theatre companies from California to the Carolinas, Eastern Costume has a 35-year reputation for building the highest quality costumes in the industry with a focus on style and authenticity. In addition to renting costumes and outfits to various theatre companies throughout the country, the new location also welcomes walk-in customers.