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  • 2530 Mt. Zion Parkway, Jonesboro, GA 30236
  • Phone: (770) 473-2875 | Fax: (770) 473-2877
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About Us

Located in the heart of Clayton County is the Clayton County Public Schools Performing Arts Center.  Since its opening on May 20, 1990, the facility serves as the center of artistic activity in Clayton County.  Superintendent Ernest Stroud led the citizens of Clayton County to vote in a referendum at an astounding 90% rate of approval to fund the $7.5 million building.  The operating costs continue to be funded by the Clayton County Board of Education.  These financial commitments demonstrate the strong support of the performing arts, both by the citizens of Clayton County and the administration of the Clayton County Public Schools.

The most outstanding feature of this unique facility is the housing of three separate performance areas under one roof.  The 1,798 seat Main House named after former Superintendent Ernest Stroud features a 6000 square foot full flyloft auditorium stage with a large electrically operated orchestra pit.  Areas of seating at the left rear and right rear of Stroud Hall rest on huge turntables.  By turning both turntables away from the Stroud stage, the seating is reduced to 1,209 persons.  With the turntables revolved to this configuration, seating is provided for two additional performance areas.  Tarpley Theatre named after Lloyd Tarpley, band director at Forest Park High School for many years and later CCPS Coordinator of Instrumental Music, seats 339 persons facing a 1500 square foot stage with full theatrical lighting.  The Recital Hall seats 250 persons facing a 1200 square foot recital podium.  All seating is raked gradually from the staging area to the back of the halls.

Another special feature of the facility is the Martha Ellen Stilwell Art Gallery dedicated to and named for Martha Ellen Stilwell, the first Fine Arts Coordinator for Clayton County.  Throughout the year art work of students, staff, and residents of the county is featured in the Stilwell Gallery. 

The first priority of the Center is to serve the needs of the schools.  However, many community and state-wide organizations, along with commercial ventures, choose to lease the Center for their functions.  The facility’s uniquely designed versatility enables the scheduling of three events simultaneously making this an extremely desirable venue.

Address: 2530 Mt. Zion Parkway  - Jonesboro, GA 30236
Contact Us: (770) 473-2875 / (770) 473-2877(fax)