But this 800-seat, state-of-the-art theater has evolved to offer much more and is the backdrop of diverse and high-quality productions positioning it to compete with local theaters including Strathmore, Birchmere and Lyric Opera.

“This is more than a theater just for schools — it’s for the County,” said The Center's Executive Director Jason Cook who is working to raise visibility in the community and attract new audiences.  “We are a fully operational professional theater with a full orchestra pit, industry-leading technology and tech crew.”

This Sunday, Opera Lafayette will perform George Frideric Handel's Radamisto, a fully-staged opera to which The Center is offering $10 tickets before the show moves on to The Kennedy Center.

“For those who love opera this is a steal,” Cook said of the upcoming presentation of Radamisto. “And for those unsure about opera, $10 is nothing to find out.”