GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is close to celebrating its 20th anniversary. Before it became the well-known performing arts center, which today is its original purpose was the local high school.
“It was originally going to be an 800-seat auditorium for Greeneville High School,” said Vicki Hudson, executive director of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC). “And there was a group of businessmen who came together and brought the funds to turn it into a performing arts center.”
One of those businessmen was Scott Niswonger, a public figure working to improve education in the community. NPAC serves as an educational opportunity for local schools.
“We also do an art education series where students can come in on field trips,” Hudson said. “This year we had four shows in it. We’ve already had Pete The Cat, Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure and we’ve got Charlotte’s Web coming up.”
The center not only provides entertainment to the local community but also brings tourism to the town.
“About 45% of our audience is local Greene Countians and about 55% is from outside of Greene County,” Hudson said. “This season we’ve already had visitors from 36 states and Canada.”
NPAC has events and concerts lined up for the rest of the season, you can buy tickets on their website.