Officially designated as The State Theatre of North Carolina in 1961, the Flat Rock Playhouse made their illustrious start with a short summer session of performances and has grown into an eight month season of "Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and theatre for young audiences." The Playhouse is dedicated to not only producing the performing arts, but also in educating future generations to carry on their legacy. They enrich the community by providing college apprentice and intern programs and year-round classes and workshops. "The Flat Rock Playhouse hosts over 80,000 patrons annually" in its quaint, yet state of the art barn-like facility. The Playhouse is located just outside of Hendersonville, 29 miles south of Asheville.