Last night local non-profit Charleston Stage celebrated the much awaited opening of their West Ashley Theatre Center and the Pearl Theatre with a cocktail reception (and delightful bites from Salthouse Catering) and a musical performance featuring Mayor Tecklenburg.

I’ve been photographing Charleston Stage events downtown at their Historic Dock Street Theatre location where they are in residence for a couple years now, which made last night’s celebration extra special for me. It’s been so lovely to watch this non-profit grow and expand. 

The West Ashley Theatre Center is a 10,000 square foot facility located in West Ashley at the Ashley Landing, which is also home to long-standing beloved Chinese restaurant Red Orchid and local brewery Frothy Beard. 

The newly revamped space, which used to be a CVS (though you’d never know it!), includes two dance and rehearsal studio spaces featuring sprung floors and mirrors and a 130-seat performance space known as “The Pearl” or the Pearlstine Theatre in recognition of a very generous $250,000 lead gift to Charleston Stage from the Pearlstine Family. The West Ashley Theatre Center also boasts classrooms and a recording studio.

Look forward to seeing shows and performances come to The Pearl this spring, but also remember the studio and performance spaces are available for rental. Interested in supporting the arts? You can also “Adopt a Seat” at The Pearl. Seats range from $10,000 for front row seats, $5,000 for tier one seats, $1,000 for tier two seats, $500 for tier three seats, and $200 for a lobby bench.

Charleston Stage is currently performing Southern classic Steel Magnolias at the Dock Street Theatre, as directed by Jesse Siak. The show will run until March 24 and will be followed by Director Marybeth Clark’s rendition of Disney’s Beauty in the Beast, opening April 3.