Temple Theatre In Sanford Prepares For Historic 100th Anniversary
The city of Sanford is taking a turn for the dramatic in all the best ways. The historic Temple Theatre Company in Sanford – firmly nestled in the town’s ever-growing downtown area – is preparing for its Centennial Mainstage season, which will celebrate the best, most impactful productions of the venue’s storied 100-year history.
The Temple has long served as a cornerstone of the artistic community in Sanford and is intimately woven into the city’s DNA. As a Sanford native, I myself have fond, countless memories of witnessing some of the most lively and extravagant performances from those very seats. As its 100th anniversary draws near, I jumped at the chance to speak with a Temple icon about the legacy of Sanford’s grandest stage, as well as the upcoming Mainstage season.
Peggy Taphorn, who is entering her 18th year as the Temple’s Producing Artistic Director, is ecstatic to put on a centennial celebration for the ages. “We are all very excited,” said Peggy, “the theatre was built in 1925, and to be a part of that history and to honor its 100th birthday, I think is really special.”
Temple Theatre in Sanford: Shining In The Spotlight
The past century has seen Temple Theatre’s reputation evolve throughout much of the state. What may have once been considered a “hidden gem” of a quaint and quiet North Carolina town, is now a cultural powerhouse leading the charge for creative self-expression in the Carolinas.
“As we celebrate the centennial, this will be the end of the ‘hidden gem’ era,” Peggy assured, “people are coming in from over 63 different counties [to see these shows]. They’re finding out that Sanford isn’t out in the middle of nowhere.”
For nearly the past two decades, Peggy and her team have worked tirelessly to make every Temple show flourish into must-see entertainment. Despite being a modestly-sized 330-seat venue, the production value at the Temple is breathtaking to behold, with grandiose set pieces and backdrops accentuated by expertly arranged lighting systems.
This is all by design for the Temple Theatre in Sanford, as Peggy notes in our interview. “The advantage [of a smaller venue] is both for the actors and the audience. Everything does feel very intimate. We really do try to put Broadway production values into what we do, but the audience gets to see that close up.”
Local, Non-Traditional Casting a Focus
While the technical components of the Temple are remarkable in their own right, the true backbone of every Mainstage season, as Peggy adamantly states, is the depth of talent from within the community. “The talent pool here is immense. We do try to give local artists here a chance.”
The team at the Temple Theatre in Sanford makes a point to practice what’s known as non-traditional casting, with the payoff being more people from vastly different walks of life showcasing their talent. “I think the youngest person we’ve ever had in a show was six, and our oldest actor has been in their 80s,” said Peggy, “I think that’s important. Not only diversity but also just showing the whole range of life on the stage.”
Inspiring Younger Generations
In fact, what has arguably endeared the Temple Theatre in Sanford to its community the most over the past 100 years has been its dedication to educating younger generations of aspiring performers. The theatre’s Temple Academy program has long provided a safe, controlled space for students to act, sing, dance, and explore the full scope of their creativity. This is similar to the theatre workshops that Lee County High School has held over the past few years.
The Temple’s Summer Conservatory is another valuable pathway to stage work for many of Sanford’s aspiring young thespians. Children from ages 4-18 are invited to perform in various shows throughout the summer season, promoting a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for those wishing to pursue a passion for the performing arts.
Then there’s Temple Teens, which is the brainchild of Peggy herself. For 17 years, Temple Teens has been the proving ground for some of Sanford’s most gifted young performers, with an emphasis placed on singing and dancing. This program in particular is near and dear to Peggy’s heart, as she could recall from personal experience how essential programs like that were for her growing up in the industry. “I started my life taking dance classes at four years old. I knew how important that was as a kid. That gave me something that was just mine, and I wanted to give that to these kids.”
“The Temple Teens have come a long way. When I first got here they did one summer camp, and that was it. I thought, ‘where are all the misfit toys? Where are all the kids that need a place?’ That was really important for me to start.” One of the events throughout the Temple’s centennial season includes a Temple Teens reunion show, the mere mention of which immediately summoned a wellspring of emotions for the artistic director. “When you start with kids here at 4 years old, and then you see them again as adults, that’s a very important thing,” Peggy said, valiantly fighting back tears, “maybe not as much for them, but it’s definitely important for me.”
But Peggy is not the only member of the Temple staff who understands the importance of these youth-based programs. Temple Theatre Marketing Director Seth Hoyle also shared with me a personal testimony of how his time in the youth programs helped his professional and personal life in equal measure.
“I think the conservatory and the youth program as a whole, it teaches you skills beyond the arts,” Seth said. “It enhances your ability to be creative, and to have the confidence to speak in front of people. It also teaches you how to collaborate with a lot of different types of people. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to use all of those skills while in college and other jobs I’ve had.”
A Treasured Hallmark
From its humble beginnings in 1925, the Temple Theatre in Sanford has rightfully become a treasured hallmark of North Carolina’s thriving performing arts scene. As auditions approach for its boldest and most ambitious season yet, the sheer impact and legacy of the Temple Theatre can not be understated.
“Who knows what the next big thing is going to be that changes all of our lives? I do know it’s going to be from a creative thinker,” posits Peggy as we neared the end of the interview, “and right here at the Temple is where we really encourage that.”
For more information about the Temple Theatre in Sanford, please visit their website.
