In 1996, under Co-Founders Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, Aurora Theatre was established in a converted hardware store in the suburbs of Atlanta. The City of Lawrenceville, GA recognized the positive economic impact the arts have on its community and invited Aurora Theatre to serve as the cornerstone for their revitalization plans. In a unique partnership between city government, private development and a non-profit charity, the city purchased a 100-year-old church and together with Aurora Theatre transformed the space into a $7.5 million theatre complex, which opened in May of 2007. With the grand opening of the anticipated Lawrenceville Arts Center, Aurora Theatre and the City of Lawrenceville continue an innovative model of public/private partnership that was initiated with the theatre’s relocation.
Now in its 28th Season, Aurora Theatre is resident company and manager of the Lawrenceville Arts Center. Theatrical productions are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand-up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Aurora. Nestled on the historic downtown square, Lawrenceville Arts Center has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Lawrenceville Arts Center is a world-class facility with five venues, with the ability to host performances and community events both indoors and outdoors.
Under the leadership of Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence and Managing Director Katie Pelkey, Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by achievements that include a 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts & Humanities, winner of five 2019 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing’s “2010 Best Theatre Company,” Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2012 Best Places to Work,” Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2018” for Best Inclusive Programming, Gwinnett Chamber’s 2018 Inaugural Moxie Award for Outstanding Organization, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts, and Gwinnett Chamber’s 2015 IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality. Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts, and Gwinnett Chamber’s 2015 IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality.
