Mount Pleasant’s Paula Theater To Become The Avett Theater Live Music Venue

A historic movie house in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, has been handed over to a nonprofit with plans to turn it into The Avett Theater. The 634-seat live music venue will also serve as a performing arts center. To make this happen, organizers launched a $3.75 million capital campaign covering renovation work, preservation efforts, and startup expenses.

The Paula Theatre opened back in 1948. Showman's Trade Review called it "modern in every respect." By the late 1950s, the building had closed its doors. Other businesses moved in over the years, but the structure has sat vacant for quite some time.

The theater carries the name of the Avett family, residents of Mount Pleasant since 1947. Jim Avett is the father of Seth and Scott Avett from The Avett Brothers. He sits on the board of Mt. Pleasant Theatre, Inc., the nonprofit running this project.

"On behalf of Scott, Seth, Bonnie, and the entire Avett family, it is especially meaningful to have this new theater named for our family in our hometown," Jim Avett said in a statement, according to Axios. The family wants to turn the space into a destination for live music.

Dr. Allen Dobson helped donate the building. He explained that The Avett Brothers shot their "Orion's Belt" music video inside the empty theater a year and a half ago. That experience revealed what the building could become as a performance space.

"Bringing this landmark back to life will preserve an important piece of our history and return it to active community use," Dobson said.

Workers will keep the original stage, facade, and historic features intact during renovations. Updates will prepare the space for modern shows. The 13,000-square-foot building will welcome nationally touring musicians, regional acts, and local performers. Educational programs and community events will also take place there.

Dobson told The Charlotte Observer on Thursday that the two musicians know about the project and support using their family name for the venue. Their name signals the quality of performances planned for the space.

Uwharrie Bank kicked things off with $250,000 to start the capital campaign. The 634-seat facility will bring business to nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Construction should start in summer 2026. An opening is set for 2027. Design and construction partners will be announced soon.