The Turnage Theater has had its ups and downs through the years after opening in 1927 as a state-of-the-art movie theater, a quiet mecca in which to showcase the new “talkies” that were becoming all the rage.

The Turnage continued to thrive for a half century in downtown Washington before falling into disuse in the late 1970s; then, just when the rats and pigeons were getting a little too comfortable in the once grand theater, a group of local citizens banded together to breath new life into the historic landmark. An extensive restoration began, and in 2007 the dreams of many were realized when the Turnage once again opened its doors to the public.

Sadly, the euphoria didn’t last. The theater struggled financially and regretfully closed its doors in December 2011. But that sad chapter isn’t the end of theTurnage story, by any means. It reopened with great fanfare in January 2014 and became the headquarters of the Beaufort County Arts Council.

Now, the Turnage combines the best of both worlds, shining the spotlight on the visual as well as the performing arts, according to Joey Toler, who serves asBCAC’s executive director.

Already, just a half year into its latest incarnation, the Turnage has featured art exhibits, stage shows, concerts and gala receptions. And that’s just the beginning.

“We are hosting the Pamlico Opry twice a month,” Toler said, referring to the concert series that began July 12 and runs through Sept. 17. “And we’re having our annual juried photography show from July 17 through August 14.”

The Turnage and BCAC, in fact, are making it a mission to hold a variety of events that will appeal to folks of all ages with diverse tastes in music and art. Beginning Monday, Neva Cashion of Inner Banks Music Academy Inc. sets up shop in the theater for a three-week Broadway Kids Camp. A few spaces are still available for the camp, which will culminate with a performance of Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.” Anyone wishing to register for the camp may do so Mondaymorning, according to Toler.

Also on tap will be the screening of an independent film titled “From Faith to Freedom” Aug. 16; the film will be shown and the public will have the opportunity to meet the filmmaker, Derreck Parker. BCAC will launch its Main Stage series in late August; Toler promised details on the series will be announced soon but he did say each event will be different from the others.

And while BCAC will host its 50th Fine Arts Show beginning in mid-October, that event will remain at the Washington Civic Center due to its size, Toler said.

East Carolina University’s Storybook Theatre and director Patch Clark will be back under the Turnage stage lights beginning in November. The holiday season will also see the BCAC’s first ever Festival of Trees, according to Toler. That event is being planned in partnership with the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center Foundation and will surely be a highlight of Beaufort County’s Christmas season.

“It will be two weeks of Christmas activities,” Toler said of the festival. “The whole gallery will be set up as a winter wonderland. There will be 12 theme trees, each sponsored by different organizations and businesses. We’ll have breakfast with Santa for the kids and performances of all types in the theater.”

*For more information about BCAC, the Turnage Theater and a schedule of events, call 252-946-2504 or visit www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org.