When Arts of the Pamlico made its move to the Turnage Theatre, the focus of the nonprofit was primarily visual arts. Now, three years later and settled into its home, the arts are expanding — in a very public way.

Community theater productions led by a core group of theater lovers are on the rise at AOP. In the past year, four productions have come to the Turnage stage. The fifth production, “Love On Broadway,” is this weekend, and its roster of performers is a testament to an arts community that’s grown dramatically since its start a year ago, according to Stuart Lannon, AOP’s technical director.

“It’s grown from the initial audition I did, when we had four people show up and now we have 20 acts in this show,” Lannon said.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, “Love On Broadway” is billed as “a romantic evening of local talent performing skits and songs about all the forms of love,” and it’s the local aspect of the event that is creating a connection to the historic downtown Washington theater.

“The most important aspect of community theater is that it gets people involved in the theater on a level that’s more important than just buying a ticket,” Lannon said. “Not to mention the importance of the theater and the role it has for businesses downtown. It’s a sense of ownership. They feel like it’s their building, as well.”

Lannon credits his own background in high school theater productions for putting him on a career path in theater. In addition to running the theater, he’s also directed the past four plays, and wrote the last one, a holiday comedy entitled “Tinsel Almost, Sorta Saves Christmas.” With each production over the past year, the new, inclusive community has welcomed to its ranks friends and newcomers alike.

“There’s several people who are new in town and have found the group that makes them feel a part of the community,” Lannon said.

“Love on Broadway” director Crystal Holman said a local cast brings new people to the theater, and introduces people to the talent to found right here at home.

“I think it helps drive people to come to the show because they get to see their friends, their neighbors perform — the people they go to church with — they get to see the phenomenal talent and that they’re really gifted,” Holman said. “You never know with your neighbors next door what kind of talent they might be hiding.”

“Love On Broadway” has three performances: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10; however, there is a dessert theater option available during the Saturday show’s intermission. For an additional $5 per ticket, dessert from downtown bakery Patty Cakes is provided. For more information, call AOP at 252-946-2504.