Warehouse PAC & Charlotte Conservatory Theatre
Warehouse Performing Arts Center began in 2008 with the support and underwriting of local Property Developer and Dad, Jim Morton.
When offered the opportunity of 1500 square feet of unused office space at a "bargain price" (space being the greatest gift known to theatre artists) Jim's daughter, Marla Brown, sputtered for a second and then said, "Thank you, yes, yes please. Thank you! Really? Yes!"
After a long road, Transcarolina Corporation continues to support oppo
Corporate recognition
In 2008he prospects for theatrical and literary performances became possible.
to theatre folk
The name WPAC, conceived by Marla Brown and Marshall Cesena, was meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek---"PERFORMING ARTS CENTER?" REALLY? In 1500 sq. feet of warehouse offices off the dark and untraveled road that was 2008 WESTMORELAND? hahahahaha. Yes. Let's be a Performing Arts Center!
After a few "salon" years, Warehouse became a producing organization comm
had an unused office space amidst Warehouse suites, and a daughter in theatre. Marla and Marshall Cesena met up at Mt. Zion UMC AND the Cornelius YMCA teaching a drama camp, and decided. — a place where people gathered to read plays, share ideas, take creative risks, and ask big questions about what it means to be human. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t polished. It was real — and it worked.
As the company grew, so did the ambition. Warehouse evolved into a full production company committed to making thoughtful, high-quality theatrical work while treating artists like humans. Along the way, the focus stayed the same: professional craft, meaningful stories, and community at the center of it all.
When the pandemic disrupted everything — including the loss of a venue — it created space to pause and rethink what kind of theatre was worth rebuilding. After time spent learning, growing, and working in larger production environments, the decision was made to return home to Cornelius — and build something intentional, sustainable, and personal.
The Theatre
Today, Warehouse Performing Arts Center lives in an intimate 80-seat space where audiences and artists share the same air, energy, and experience. We believe intimacy is a strength, hospitality is part of the art, and great stories don’t need a massive building to matter.
This is theatre meant to be experienced up close — where performances feel personal, conversations linger, and community happens naturally.
Our Work
Warehouse Signature Productions
Our Warehouse Signature Productions represent the highest level of our work — thoughtfully curated plays and performances brought to life with experienced creative teams, professional design, and elevated technical standards.
These shows are built with care for both artists and audiences, offering the kind of artistry you’d expect from much larger theatres — without losing the intimacy that makes live performance powerful.
Warehouse Partner Productions
Alongside our signature work, we produce community-based programming that focuses on collaboration, access, and shared ownership — inviting artists, neighbors, and audiences to create work together in a supportive, welcoming environment.
The scale may vary, but the intention never does. This is theatre as a gathering — built on curiosity, participation, and connection.
Eighty seats. Zero hiding.
Your new favorite seat in town.
Upcoming shows and special events — delivered when it matters.
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