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Turnage Theater - Past and Present
The Turnage Theaters Foundation, Inc
In the summer of 1996 a group of concerned citizens in the Washington N.C. area came together with the goal of restoring the historic Turnage Theaters. On August 10, 1996 they created a formal structure now known as the Turnage Theaters Foundation, Inc.
The mission of the Turnage Theaters Foundation is to enrich and cultivate the heritage of the community by authentically restoring, and effectively operating the Turnage Theaters, establishing a cultural center to be used for the performing arts, community gatherings, educational programs, corporate expos and meetings, and private functions for residents and visitors of Eastern North Carolina.
Through massive publicity, countless presentations, a vigorous membership drive and a variety of well-patronized fundraising events, by the end of 1996, the Turnage Foundation had accumulated over $50,000.  Considering the enormity and uncertainty of the future, this was a staggering achievement. In June 1997, the Foundation received non-profit 501(c)(3) status. The Foundation was then poised to make the Turnage Theaters a vital part of downtown Washington, Beaufort County and Eastern North Carolina once again. The Foundation has since raised additional significant funds, purchased and maintained the Turnage buildings, conducted business analyses and feasibility studies, retained an architect and building contractor, negotiated tax credits and construction loans, and successfully rehabilitated the first of two theaters on the property.
The Turnage Theaters building, located at 150 West Main Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Washington, North Carolina Historic District.
The Turnage presents the finest in professional performing arts and entertainment using the following guiding principles:
- Excellence
- Innovation
- A broad spectrum of programs
- Diversity
- Accessible and affordable arts experiences
- Celebration of the creativity of the human spirit
- Recognition of the power of the arts to change society
- Utilization of the unique facility
- Fiscal responsibility
2008 Turnage Theaters Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees
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Norm Koestline - President
Jeff Rumley – Vice President
Ed Mann – Treasurer
Alma Friedman – Secretary
Jon Tingelstad– Finance Director
Nita Byrum
Bill Castle
Judy Chesnutt
Mary Jane Cooke
Elise Dyer
Sadie Fowle
Marcia Griffin
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Marsha Hackney
Ranee Holbrook
Jeff Phipps
Marc G. Rucquoi
Victor Rodgers
Fred Scales
Mary Katherine Sheppard
Marshall Singleton
Helen Sommerkamp
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Honorary Members
Rachel Futrell - Emeritus
Buster Humphreys - Ex-Officio
Judy Jennette - Ex-Officio
John Shearin - Ex-Officio
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T he Stairway leading to the balcony,before and after
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