Franklin, North Carolina has more than just a lovely scenic view to offer guests who visit; it is also home to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Each year, the 1,500 seat auditorium hosts some of the best live entertainment in the region. Bands such as Little Big Town, Mark Wills, Frankie Avalon, and many more have graced their stage. The performance hall also produces a number of Broadway-style musicals that keep audiences coming back year after year.
Phil Drake, the owner of Drake Enterprises, opened the Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in 2009 with a focus on family entertainment. “This is something he built mainly because he wanted people to have a place they could always go to so they’d know that, whatever they see there, their not going to question whether they can bring their kids,” says current General Manager and Artistic Director Scotty Corbin.
In addition to the traditional live stage acts, the Smokey Mountain Center has the very latest in entertainment technology. “We do movies every now and then,” he says. “We have an amazing 3D projector. The best 3D you’ve seen in your life.”
Corbin’s is a very hands-on job. When asked who directs the shows presented, he grins and says, “I do.” Not only does he direct the productions that grace the main stage, he is also the producer. “That’s my job too is to produce all of the shows,” he explains. “We have some semi-professional people that we bring in if we need and we pull people from the community for chorus roles, things like that.” It all sounds overwhelming but Corbin says he absolutely loves his job.
The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is a regional venue that’s both fun and affordable for the whole family. It sits adjacent to the popular Factory (also owned by Drake Properties) on Hwy. 441 in Franklin, NC, just a 45 minute drive north from Habersham County. Take the kids and make a day of it at the outdoor go-kart track and indoor gaming center, then stroll next door for a show. It’s the perfect setting for some quality family bonding time or for those just looking for wholesome, high quality, professional entertainment in the mountains.
Directions to the Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center
Want to audition?
If you are interested in performing, Corbin makes it possible for anyone to give live theater a shot without of the stress and uncertainty of a big city theater. “We make it as gentle and easy as possible and I always provide stuff for them to audition with,” he says. “We just want it to be very welcoming and exciting and a good experience.”
Upcoming Shows
Come help the Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts celebrate its 6th anniversary this year.
- The Overlook Theater Company presents the Disney musical, the Aristocats kids, adapted from the 1970 Walt Disney animated film of the same name. The show runs March 27th and 28th at 7:30PM each evening. Tickets are $12.
- Jeff and Sheri Easter will fill the center with their award-winning southern/country gospel music on April 3rd for one show only at 7:30PM. Tickets are $15 and $18.
For more information on upcoming shows and ticket prices please visit the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts website at: www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 828-524-1598.
