News Summary
A new theater named Skin and Bones Theater will open next summer in downtown Durham, focusing on independent films and live events. Located in a renovated historic building, the venue aims to enhance the local arts scene and offer a platform for local filmmakers. Owners Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp are committed to fostering a diverse arts community and enriching Durham’s cultural fabric, addressing the gap in independent film venues following recent closures. The theater will also host preview screenings to build audience interest ahead of its opening.
Durham to Welcome New Cultural Venue with Independent Films and Live Events
Durham, NC — A new theater focused on independent films and live performances is set to open in downtown Durham next summer, adding to the city’s vibrant arts scene. Located at 118 W. Parrish Street, the Skin and Bones Theater is currently under construction and plans to serve as a cultural hub for local residents and visitors alike.
Location and Building Details
The theater will occupy the oldest building on the north side of the 100 block of Parrish Street, constructed in the early 1900s. This three-story structure is being renovated to accommodate approximately 60 seats, creating an intimate setting suitable for independent films and live performances. The building is owned by Eno Ventures, a local real estate development group. Once completed, the venue will be a significant addition to downtown Durham’s existing arts infrastructure.
Owners and Existing Ventures
The project is led by owners Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp, who also own Shadowbox Studio, a nearby creative space. Both have lived in Durham for over 25 years and have witnessed the city’s evolving cultural landscape. Their experience and familiarity with Durham’s arts scene motivate their goal of contributing further by opening the new theater.
Context within Durham’s Cultural Landscape
Despite a population exceeding 340,000 residents, Durham has limited venues dedicated to independent and alternative films. Past facilities like the Manbites Dog Theater closed in 2018, and the larger Carolina Theatre and AMC theater at The Streets of Southpoint primarily show mainstream, blockbuster movies. The Northgate Mall theater also shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing available options for cinephiles seeking independent or documentary content.
Owners Maness and Haverkamp aim for the Skin and Bones Theater to complement existing venues without overlapping in programming. They intend to focus on local films and documentaries, highlighting Durham’s thriving filmmaking community and fostering a space for cultural expression. The owners also stress their intention to cultivate a diverse arts scene, enhancing the city’s cultural fabric rather than competing with current entertainment options.
Location and Surrounding Community
The new theater will be situated near key downtown landmarks, including M&F Bank, Neomonde Mediterranean Durham restaurant, and the Unscripted Hotel. This strategic position places it amid a growing arts corridor designed to attract foot traffic and support downtown’s revitalization efforts.
Vision and Community Engagement
Both Maness and Haverkamp have expressed a desire to return to Durham’s roots as a city with a lively, locally driven arts community. They recall a past where abandoned spaces downtown were filled with creativity and hope to revive that spirit through their new theater. Their vision emphasizes localism and fostering a culture of independent filmmaking to better serve Durham’s diverse population.
Programming and Upcoming Events
Before its official opening next summer, the Skin and Bones Theater team plans to host a series of screenings titled “Skin and Bones Presents” at Shadowbox Studio. These preview events aim to generate interest and build an audience base for the new venue once it opens its doors.
Long-Term Downtown Development Plans
Durham’s downtown district has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, with ongoing efforts to preserve its unique character. Downtown Durham Inc. is working on a blueprint for 2035 focused on balancing development with the retention of cultural landmarks. Future plans include redesigning parts of Parrish Street to connect important community spaces like the Black Wall Street Garden and CCB Plaza, fostering a vibrant environment for small businesses and community events.
Community Impact and Cultural Goals
The opening of the Skin and Bones Theater represents a deliberate step toward enriching Durham’s local arts community. The owners hope their venue will serve as a cultural catalyst, encouraging local filmmakers and artists while providing Durham residents with more opportunities to experience independent art forms. Their approach underscores a commitment to fostering a community-centered, diverse, and culturally rich downtown.
For ongoing updates on the theater and Shadowbox Studio, interested individuals can follow their presence on social media platforms and monitor the studio’s website. As construction progresses, this new addition is poised to become a notable cultural fixture in Durham’s expanding arts scene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Festivals and Events Scheduled for September in Raleigh
Additional Resources
- The News & Observer
- The Daily Tar Heel
- The Tab
- BBC News
- Durham Region
- Google Search: Durham theater
- Wikipedia: Durham, North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
