Cape Fear Regional Theatre announces final million dollar match for Act 2: Expand and Elevate
By Staff Report, posted Jun 18, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
Cape Fear Regional Theatre is proud to announce THE FINAL MILLION DOLLAR MATCH – a $1,000,000 fund created by The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, The Junior League of Fayetteville, Larry & Julianne Bass, Betsy Hubbard, and Mary Flagg & Jim Haugh that will DOUBLE the impact of any new gifts of $10,000+ (payable over five years) made to the campaign before Sept. 1, 2026.
“We’re so grateful to The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County for their strategic lead gift to establish this fund,” said CFRT’s Managing Director, Ella Wrenn in a press release. “Since the beginning of this project, The Arts Council’s support has been a catalyst that sparked other gifts and helped make this big vision for the arts in our community feel achievable. To then see them joined by such remarkable support from the other match donors has been really incredible.”
CFRT’s Act 2 Capital Campaign was launched in response to dramatic growth across every program, making it clear that with more space, CFRT will serve more people. The $25M project doubles CFRT’s square footage, adding two new studios for rehearsal, classes, and camps; increasing the capacity and function of scenic and costume shops; and making dramatic improvements to the customer experience including the development of a 60 space parking lot. A new rooftop event space will serve small plates and craft cocktails, host private events and create a venue for everything from live music to comedy nights to gallery shows.
“Cape Fear Regional Theatre is one of the region’s premier cultural anchors, and this investment is about more than a building – it’s about creating a destination, “ said Robert C. Pinson, President and CEO of The Arts Council in a press release.
After breaking ground in April of 2025, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. More than 180 donors have invested in the project, securing 95% of the necessary funds, and this match has been established to help raise the final million dollars!
“This is really the home stretch,” said CFRT’s Artistic Director, Mary Kate Burke in a press release. “This is a building of, by, and for this community, and we want every single person who wants to be part of it to join us. The time has never been better to make a pledge, immortalize your name on the wall, and play a role in a strong future for CFRT and the arts in North Carolina!”
As CFRT doubles its square footage, donors can double their impact if they pledge $10,000 or more before Sept. 1. Act 2 donors receive a variety of exciting benefits at various levels as a thank you for their support including tickets to the grand opening, permanent donor wall placement, an exclusive rooftop concert, and more! More information about donor opportunities and CFRT’s campaign can be found at https://www.cfrt.org/capital-campaign/support-act-2/. If you would like to join their donors, please contact CFRT Managing Director Ella Wrenn, at ewrenn@cfrt.org or call (910) 323-4234 ext. 227.
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