Schaefer Center for Performing Arts

Venue Name: Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
City: Boone
State/Province: NC
Street Address: 733 Rivers St
Neighborhood: Appalachian State University Campus

Website: http://theschaefercenter.org/
Phone Number: (828) 242-4046

Box Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Public Transit Nearby:

AppalCart Bus
Green/POP 105/State Farm to Schaefer Center
Blue/Gold to Walker Hall
Silver to Jimmy Smith Park

Affiliation: Appalachian State University

Year Opened: 2013

Brief History: Originally the Farthing Auditorium (constructed in 1970), the theater was overhauled with a multi-million dollar renovation, transforming the aging, poorly designed auditorium into a safer, more accessible and more modern performance space.  Even with 1673 seats, there is literally not a bad one in the house.  Plus, the 2-floor lobby is home to the Smith Gallery, a constantly-evolving exhibition space that features work done by current Appalachian State students in a variety of media (the chandeliers were my favorite).

Genre(s)/Musical Niche: Classical, Contemporary, Ballet, Theatre

Capacity: 1673

# of Levels: 2

Seating: All Seated, Orchestra and Balcony

Accessibility/ADA/Onsite Medical: Yes, accessible; no onsite medical

# of Stages/Performance Spaces: 1

Indoor/Outdoor?: Indoor

Open Season: Open Year-Round

Age Restriction: All Ages

Average Ticket Price: $50

Frequency of Shows: Infrequent; Weekly-Monthly

Sound System: d&b audiotechnik V series

Notable View Obstruction(s): No obstructions

Aesthetic/Style (Architecture, Atmosphere, Décor): Modern, comfortable, intimate

Average Temperature: Comfortable (controlled)

Average Hours Open (Doors to Curfew): 6pm-10pm (gallery open M-F 9-5)

Usual Time Headliners Go On (on average): Time posted on ticket

# of Bars: 1

Avg. Drink Price: $6

Water Fountains/Coolers/Refill Stations: Yes (water fountains with bottle spigots)

Coat Check?: No

Smoking: On Street/Sidewalk

Restrooms - Quantity & Quality: One mens', one womens'; clean and spacious

Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

ATM Onsite: No

Merchandise: None

VIP/Upgrades Available: No

Available For Private Events? Yes

Parking: Lots onsite (university lots, free/unrestricted after 5:00pm; Street

Security Check (1-10, 1 being lowest, 10 being extreme): 1 - Basically none

Metal Detectors?: No

Bags Allowed?: Yes

Restricted Items: No cameras (period), no cell use in theater

Other Amenities/Activities (Photo booth, Meet & Greets, Tours, Etc.): Smith Gallery in lobby (both floors) open to the public Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm

Favorite Nearby Spots (food, drinks, shopping, lodging, etc.):

-Come Back Shack, 1521 Blowing Rock Road (food):  great simple, inexpensive burger bar; open late; totally customizable menu (you fill out a form); plenty of condiments

-RAM Rack Thrift Store, 877 W King St (shopping): local long-standing institution of Boone bargain shopping; wide selection of items from apparel to crafts to every houseware you can imagine; friendly and devoted staff; excellent pricing; benefits the Resort Area Ministries.

-Boone Saloon, 489 W King St (drinks): neighborhood haunt, chill vibes, pool tables, happy hour, pinball

-Country Inn & Suites, 818 E King St (lodging): perfect for the quick trip to Boone; budget-friendly accommodations; free breakfast; some rooms include an en-suite jacuzzi whirlpool

Notes/Insights/Opinions/Tips:

The headliner goes on pretty much right away.  So get there on time! People are a little ornery if you have to slide past them in the middle of a set to try and find your seat.  Just in case you do come in late, and are up in the balcony, the numbers start and go up from the right side of the theatre (if facing the stage).  So if you're in GG12, best head up the stairs and veer to the right once you get to the second floor (and the seats are sequential, not odd on one side and even on the other as in most theaters).