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Celebrating 40 years of the Stevens Center: A look back at its history

Saturday, April 22, 2023, marks the 40th anniversary of the Roger L. Stevens Center opening to the public. In celebration of the performance venue's anniversary, we are taking a look back at its history — thanks to the UNCSA Archives and Digital Forsyth.

Located in the heart of our city, the historic performing arts venue serves as the largest learning laboratory at UNCSA, an economic driver for downtown Winston-Salem and a cultural destination for both residents and visitors. But it hasn't always been the Stevens Center. In fact, the venue has lived quite a few lives.

Originally the Carolina Theatre — a movie theatre — it once had more than 2,000 seats, with two balconies and a grand staircase in the lobby.

The Carolina Theatre entrance, pre-renovation, before it became Stevens Center. / Photo credit: UNCSA archives

The Carolina Theatre entrance, pre-renovation, before it became Stevens Center. / Photo credit: Forsyth County Public Library Photo Collection

The Carolina Theatre opened on Jan. 13, 1929, with Pauline Frederick in “On Trial” plus vaudeville on the stage. It was the largest theatre between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Various stars graced the theatre’s 40 feet deep and 80 feet-wide stage, including Elvis Presley, who performed in 1956 before his first national hit record.

After multiple changes in ownership, the Carolina Theatre officially closed in 1975. In 1980, the Carolina Theatre was donated to UNCSA by Piedmont Publishing. That same year, construction began on the old Carolina Hotel to transform it into the Stevens Center.

The original Carolina Theatre sign, with names of construction and demolition crews (1980-81). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesCarolina Theatre sign before demolition and renovation began (1980-81). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesGroup on the Stevens Center (formerly Carolina Theatre) stage pre-renovation. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesModel of Stevens Center. / Photo credit: UNCSA Archives.Carolina Theatre demolition and renovation (balcony and lower floor) (1980-81) / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesMembers of the construction team for the Carolina Theatre/Stevens Center renovation (1980-81) / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesInterior shot of Stevens Center renovations (Sept. 1982). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesInterior shot of Stevens Center renovation (Sept. 1982) / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesDetail of railing in renovated Stevens Center (Sept. 1982). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesInterior shot of Stevens Center during final stages of renovation. (Oct. 1982). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesConstruction members (unidentified) working on Stevens Center renovations (Dec. 1982). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesKen Huller, foreman for Herring Decorating of Winston-Salem (right); worker in left-background unidentified (Dec. 1982). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesBill Coe, foreman of Salem Electric of Winston-Salem (left); Ken Huller, foreman for Herring Decorating of W-S (center); Gray Lawrence, superintendent for Frank Bloom Construction Co. of W-S (right) Dec. 1982). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesInterior shot of Stevens Center in 1982-83./ Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesInterior shot of Stevens Center in 1982-83./ Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesExterior shot of the entrance to the Stevens Center (March 1983). / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesInterior shot of the Stevens Center April 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA Archives

On April 22, 1983, UNCSA celebrated the official opening of the Roger L. Stevens Center. This performance venue honors Broadway producer and leading art figure Roger L. Stevens. The black-tie event included music, dance and drama performances and a dinner for 1,300 guests. It was attended by President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford, Lady Bird Johnson, Maya Angelou and more.

The completed renovation of the Carolina Theatre into the Stevens Center premiered a redesigned stage and backstage designed to house Broadway-scale live performances of music, theater, dance and opera.

Arrivals at the front of Stevens Center on opening night, April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA archivesArrivals at the front of Stevens Center on opening night, April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA archivesBetty and Gerald Ford arriving at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA archivesBetty and Gerald Ford arriving at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA archivesLivingston and Kathleen Biddle arriving at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesGovernor and Mrs. James Hunt arriving at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA Archives(Left to right, background) Kathleen Biddle; Livingston Biddle; Mary Semans; Gregory Peck (right foreground) at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesMaster of Ceremonies and actor Gregory Peck at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA Archives Roger L. Stevens and his wife at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesArchie and Selwa Roosevelt at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesMrs. Lyndon B. Johnson (Lady Bird Johnson) at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesJoan Mondale at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesChancellor Robert Suderburg (left) and Oliver Smith on stage at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesConductor Leonard Bernstein and violinist Isaac Stern of the UNCSA Orchestra on stage performing at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesChoreographer Agnes de Mille and dancer Sir Anton Dolin on stage performing at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesActor Cliff Robertson on stage performing at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA ArchivesActress Jean Stapleton on stage performing at the Stevens Center opening on April 22, 1983. / Photo credit: UNCSA Archives

In 2023, the venue begins its multi-phase, comprehensive renovation, which will improve the patron and artistic experience for all the venue’s constituents. The renovation includes critical upgrades to modernize the student learning experience and the completion of necessary roof and building envelope repairs to ensure their functionality.

by Natalie Shrader

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April 24, 2023