The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts anchors our Arts Campus. Its original structure is over 100 years old, and was once the home of Shamrock Mills, which later became Hanes Hosiery, predecessors of today’s Hanesbrands Inc. Its initial renovation in 2010 was a key component of the revitalization of downtown Winston-Salem.
Today’s multi-dimensional structure is the product of both that strategic renovation and construction project in 2010, and a transformational project in 2019 that created or enhanced several destination venues. The Milton Rhodes Center now contains these dynamic, multi-functional, venues and spaces:
Reynolds Place Theatre
Reynolds Place Theatre is one of three multi-function theatres on our Arts Campus at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. Its state-of-the art LED lighting, projection and audio systems can accommodate virtually any need, and at affordable rates, for myriad events.
As a performance venue, Reynolds Place Theatre can seat 210 for theatre, film and other visual arts screenings, and small-group music or dance productions. It is a home performing venue for The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem and the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, and also stages productions by several other groups.
With retractable seating, Reynolds Place Theatre can be configured for a wide variety of non-theatrical events and activities, such as private receptions and parties, corporate training programs, public lectures and town-hall style meetings. It has hosted seated catered events for as many as 250 guests.
Located on the main level of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Reynolds Place Theatre’s entrance lobby has our dramatic and alluring Arboreal Gallery on one side, and our Community Arts Gift Shop on the other side. Both of these spaces are destination venues in their own right, and they provide extra art experience opportunities for attendees of events in the Theatre.
The Theatre also has optional exposure to skyline views of Marshall Street on its East side, which can provide a special ambience for any event.
Mountcastle Forum/ Theatre
Mountcastle Forum/Theatre is the smallest of the three multi-function theatres on our Arts Campus at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. As a performance venue, Mountcastle Theatre has theatrical-quality acoustics, and versatile basic lighting and audio systems. It can seat up to 125, depending on the stage configuration, in an intimate setting that provides a unique, almost participatory, engagement experience for every member of the audience.
As a non-theatrical venue, Mountcastle Forum can be configured for a wide variety of events and activities, such as private receptions and parties, corporate training programs, public lectures and other meetings. It can accommodate 150 guests for reception-style events, up to 180 guests for seated lecture-style events and up to 230 guests for events at which standing is acceptable..
Mountcastle Forum/Theatre is located on the third level of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. This location is assessable through the lobby of the Milton Rhodes Center, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the art on display in the Arboreal Gallery and to browse the creations of local artisans in the Community Arts Gift Shop
Main Gallery
The Main Gallery is our principal venue for art exhibitions, which are professionally curated, year-round, by different local artists we engage. Located on the main level of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, the Arboreal Gallery is a dramatic and welcoming space that flows seamlessly across the entrance lobby and into the Community Arts Gift Shop and Patron Services Center. The resulting connectivity of these spaces also makes them an ideal venue for hosting a wide variety of community events.
An alluring feature of the Main Gallery is the “ArtisTree”, a stunning artistic instillation that also functions as a circular bench for patrons, and adds warmth, inspiration and mystery to the space. The ArtisTree was designed for us by the Stitch Design Shop architectural firm and constructed onsite by Sunnyside Millworks, both local creative enterprises, as part of our 2019 transforming renovation of the Milton Rhodes Center.
The location of the Main Gallery provides an addition amenity for patrons of Reynolds Place Theatre. It attracts numerous theatre attendees before and after performances and during intermissions.
Every Corner Gallery
The Every Corner Gallery – also known affectionately as the “horseshoe” gallery – is the home exhibition gallery for juried works by members of Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, making it a veritable “canvas of the community”. Located on the main level of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, the Every Corner Gallery extends from the vestibule of Reynolds Place Theatre and curves around to Coffee Park café.
Its unique location and shape make the Every Corner Gallery a de facto “art in unusual places” venue. Patrons of Reynolds Place Theatre, Coffee Park, the Community Gift Shop and other Milton Rhodes Center destinations are likely to find themselves pleasantly exposed to an unexpected, curated and juried, exhibition of amazing artistic works by myriad local artists.
Associated Artists of Winston-Salem (AAWS) is one of our longstanding arts partner organizations. Its origins trace back to 1956, and it supports and promotes local artists by offering opportunities to learn and grow creatively, as well as to exhibit and sell their work. For more information about AAWS, visit www.associatedartists.org.
Additional Amenities
On Campus Parking
OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL OF WINSTON-SALEM AND FORSYTH COUNTY
Convenient parking is located directly across the street. Event Parking will be charged at $3 per car for most evening and weekend events. Weekday day time parking available for a minimum fee. There are several parking garages located within walking distance.
Concessions
Hanesbrands Theatre, the Mountcastle Forum, and Reynolds Place Theatre offer concessions for each show. Included for sale are candy, sodas, popcorn, beer, and wine. All concessions are permitted inside the theater unless otherwise noted.
Accessibility
All Facilities owned and operated by the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County are ADA Compliant. Hanesbrands Theatre offers hearing assistance devices upon request.