The theater inside the Roswell Cultural Arts Center is temporarily closed through July 8, 2026, as the City of Roswell completes a major infrastructure improvement project focused on the venue’s lighting, dimmer and rigging systems.
The closure only impacts the theater. The lobby, administrative offices and Roswell Historical Society remain open during regular business hours throughout construction.
While audiences experience performances from their seats, much of what makes live theater possible happens above the stage and behind the curtain. Lighting systems, dimmer controls and rigging equipment work together to safely operate productions inside the venue. Many of these systems are original to the building, which opened in 1991, and have reached the end of their useful lifespan.
The Cultural Arts Center Improvement Project is designed to modernize these critical systems, improve safety and reliability, and support the continued growth of one of North Metro Atlanta’s premier performing arts destinations.
The closure only impacts the theater. The lobby, administrative offices and Roswell Historical Society remain open during regular business hours throughout construction.
What You Need to Know
• Theater closed: now through Summer 2026
• Lobby remains open
• Administrative offices remain open
• Roswell Historical Society remains open
While audiences experience performances from their seats, much of what makes live theater possible happens above the stage and behind the curtain. Lighting systems, dimmer controls and rigging equipment work together to safely operate productions inside the venue. Many of these systems are original to the building, which opened in 1991, and have reached the end of their useful lifespan.
The Cultural Arts Center Improvement Project is designed to modernize these critical systems, improve safety and reliability, and support the continued growth of one of North Metro Atlanta’s premier performing arts destinations.
A Community Hub for Live Performance, Arts and Culture
For 35 years, the Roswell Cultural Arts Center has served as a gathering place for live performance, arts and culture.
The venue hosts:
- Curated performances featuring local and national touring artists
- Partnerships with local arts organizations
- Facility rentals for touring productions, nonprofits and community groups
The current programming model, introduced in 2023, combines City-presented performances, partnerships with arts organizations and facility rentals to expand access to arts and cultural experiences while maximizing use of the venue.
In 2025, the center hosted 150 performances and sold more than 36,000 tickets. The venue is scheduled to host 166 performances in 2026 and is expected to exceed last year’s attendance. Since implementing the current programming model in 2023, the Cultural Arts Center has experienced 55% growth, reflecting increasing demand for arts and cultural programming in Roswell.
The Cultural Arts Center has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and these improvements are essential to supporting that momentum,” said Steven Malone, Director of Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs. “This investment will modernize critical theater infrastructure and help ensure the center continues delivering exceptional cultural experiences for residents, visitors and performers for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Steven Malone, Director of Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs
What Is Being Improved?
The Cultural Arts Center Improvement Project includes:
- Replacement of the theater’s dimmer system
- Replacement of theatrical lighting systems
- LED lighting upgrades
- Motorized rigging and control system upgrades
Why the Improvements Are Needed
Several systems currently in use are original to the building and have exceeded their intended lifespan. The project focuses on two critical theater systems: the dimmer system and the rigging system.
The Dimmer System
The dimmer system controls the brightness and power distribution for every stage light inside the theater. It is one of the most important operating systems in the facility.
According to project materials presented to Mayor and Council in February 2026, much of the current equipment is original to the building, with some components replaced after a lightning strike in 2006. The manufacturer of the existing dimmer system is no longer in business, making repairs and replacement parts increasingly difficult to obtain.
The Rigging System
The rigging system is the overhead infrastructure that safely lifts and moves lighting, curtains and scenery during performances.
Much of the existing rigging was installed before modern code standards were in place. Some components are overcrowded, damaged or no longer in service due to safety concerns. Current manual adjustments can take up to 20 minutes to reposition a single line, limiting flexibility during productions.
Key challenges with the current systems include:
- Aging equipment that has exceeded its useful lifespan
- Obsolete systems with limited replacement parts
- Rigging infrastructure installed before modern standards
- Damaged or out-of-service components
- Labor-intensive manual adjustments
Benefits of the Improvements
Once complete, the project will:
- Improve safety for staff, performers and guests
- Increase operational reliability
- Reduce long-term maintenance costs
- Improve energy efficiency through LED lighting
- Reduce heat output and cooling demand
- Expand production flexibility and technical capabilities
- Support more complex productions, future performances and programming
- Position the Cultural Arts Center for another 25-plus years of service
Project Delivery and Funding
The City selected Barbizon Lighting Systems, a manufacturer-certified provider, to complete the work during summer 2026. The procurement process utilized The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS), a national purchasing cooperative used by public entities.
Funding was approved as part of the City’s fiscal year 2026 Budget through the Hotel Motel Tourism Product Development Capital Project Fund.
Project Snapshot
- Construction Period: May 24 through July 8, 2026
- Contractor: Barbizon Lighting Systems
- Contract Authorization: $427,998.24
- Total Project Budget: Not to Exceed $470,000
- Funding Source: Hotel Motel Tourism Product Development Capital Project Fund
- Expected Reopening: Summer 2026
Temporary Production Pause and Continued Public Access
To safely complete the improvements, all onstage productions are paused through Summer 2026.
While the theater is closed:
- The lobby remains open during regular business hours
- Administrative offices remain open
- The Roswell Historical Society remains open
- Rotating art exhibitions continue to be displayed throughout the facility
The theater is expected to reopen in Summer 2026 for the Puppets & More series, Quilters, a Broadway Musical, and additional performances.
A Long-Term Investment in the Future
The current project represents the next phase in the City’s long-term effort to modernize the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
In 2025, the City completed the first phase of safety improvements by replacing the theater’s fire safety curtain and updating the stage’s fire suppression integration. The current dimmer and rigging upgrades are the next major steps in preparing the facility for future growth and continued community use.
Together, these improvements will help ensure the Roswell Cultural Arts Center continues serving residents, performers and visitors for decades to come while supporting another generation of performances, productions and cultural experiences in Roswell.
For listing of live performances, shows, and exhibits at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, please visit RoswellCAC.com.
