THE BEST KEPT ENTERTAINMENT SECRET IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

A gem in the middle of Orange Park, Florida, the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts has been providing art and entertainment to Northeast Floridians and visitors for over 10 years. It’s a cultural mecca, owned and operated by St Johns River State College, located on the Orange Park campus. The college is committed to bringing the very best of affordable theater and visual arts to the community and region. 

Educational programs abound with the “School Time Series” offering entertaining and engaging performances to local school children, furthering the Center’s commitment to enriching the lives of the community. After a performance, children browse through one of the galleries. It’s a cultural experience that all children should enjoy. 

Best of all, the performances will be enjoyed by people of all ages. From the kids to grandma, there’s something for everyone. 

Surrounded by nature and comprising nearly 85,000 square feet of performance and meeting space, the center includes two theaters, a state of the art conference center with six meeting rooms, a kitchen, two art galleries, a dance studio and dressing rooms. Sparing no expense to bring a cultural arts center to Clay County, the Thrasher-Horne Center cost nearly $22 million to complete.

View from the stage

THE THEATERS 

Two modern, cutting-edge theaters include the main stage theater with 1,725 seats and a smaller studio theater with 180 seats. Thrasher-Horne hosts top-notch national and international performers, local and national Broadway shows, comedy acts and dance events. Upcoming performances by R5 (Sometimes Last Night Tour), LyleLovett, Bill Engvall, and America, will allow concert-goers to experience all the magic the Center can provide with its state-of-the-art acoustics, comfortable stadium seating and sleek, modern décor.

THE CONFERENCE CENTER

The stunning conference center is perfect for business meetings, holiday office parties, weddings, workshops, award banquets and more. The tastefully appointed rooms are perfect for any occasion. Boasting 11,000 square feet of space overall, with 6,200 square feet of meeting space separated into six conference rooms, the amenities include: 

Tastefully Appointed Conference Room

• State-of-the-art equipment
• Wireless network access
• Multimedia presentation lectern
• On-site planning staff
• Ample, free parking
• Easy access- low traffic
• Full days/half days
• On-site security
• Warm-up kitchen
• Break-out rooms
• Flexible catering
• Peaceful surroundings

The rooms are available seven days a week and offer a variety of seating arrangements designed to accommodate your every need.

Do you want your event catered? The staff at Thrasher-Horne has thought of everything. The flexible catering plans afford you the option of choosing one of the Center’s recommended caterers, or you may elect to bring in your own caterer. Their caterers are some of the best in the business and offer a wide range of services from snacks and hors d’oeuvres to themed dinners and award-winning barbecue. 


THE GALLERIES

The Jack Mitchell Gallery is named after the famed photographer and native Floridian. He is best known for his photographs of artists, performers and musicians such as Meryl Streep, Brooke Shields and Robin Williams to name a few.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is proud to own a unique collection of Jack Mitchell’s work that is displayed at the Center on a rotating schedule.

The Lee Adams Florida Artists Gallery is named after the artist known as one of the foremost botanical and wildlife painters in America. Established by the late Louis and Mary Ward Huntley, the Florida Artists Gallery exhibits artwork by artists throughout the state.

DONATIONS- BECOME A MEMBER/SUPPORTER

Thrasher-Horne does not survive on ticket sales alone. The Center is also funded by generous members of the community who want to experience the culture and art that is brought to Northeast Florida.  Platinum, Gold and Silver Circle memberships are offered, as well as Contributor, Donor and Friends memberships. Visit http://thcenter.org/memberships.html to learn more.

The Roger and Gail Arrowsmith Education Enhancement Fund gives you another opportunity to give back to the community by offsetting the ticket costs for students at designated Title One schools. Visit http://thcenter.org/artseducationthca.html to learn more. 

MAIN STAGE EVENTS

July 7, 2015 at 7:00 PM

R5: SOMETIME LAST NIGHT TOUR 

 Coming off of an incredibly exciting, 21-country world tour, the pop-rock quintet is coming to Thrasher-Horne. After the release of their second album, they are off on a US tour that will bring electrifying live performances to their grateful fans.

August 20, 2015 at 7:30 PM

AN EVENING WITH LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND

The legendary Lyle Lovett will bring his unique mix of country, jazz, folk, gospel and blues to Thrasher Horne for a unique evening of music and story-telling. This can’t be missed.

October 2, 2015 at 8:00 PM

BILL ENGVALL

A member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and star of the “Bill Engvall Show,” is one of the top comedians in the country. His ability to connect with the audience keeps him a very busy man as he tours the U.S. with his blue collar humor.

November 13, 2015 at 8:00 PM

AMERICA

The classic rockers will take you through a musical journey that has spanned decades. The Grammy award winning band is celebrating their 45^th anniversary and touring the U.S. much to the excitement of their adoring fans.

BROADWAY SHOWS 

January 7 and 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM

RAGTIME- THE MUSICAL

Ragtime returns to the road with an all-new touring production. Set in the early 20^th century, it tells the story of three groups and their interactions; African Americans, upper-class, white suburbanites and Eastern European immigrants. The Tony award winning production is coming to Thrasher-Horne.

February 4 and 5, 2016 at 7:00 PM

ANNIE

This beloved musical is coming back with a new twist on the iconic original. This promises to be a fun-filled evening for the whole family with musical classics like “Tomorrow.”

February 12, 2016 at 7:30 PM

February 13, 2016 at 2:00 PM

ALWAYS…. PATSY CLINE

Based on a true story of a long-time friendship with Louise Seger, the play is filled with emotion and country humor featuring 27 Patsy Cline favorites. Don’t miss it.

March 7 and 8, 2016 at 7:30

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

Based on the 70’s movie starring John Travolta, you will reminisce back to the days of disco. With the hit songs from the legendary Bee Gees, this evening will blow you away.

May 1, 2016 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

ONCE

This is the Northeast Florida premier of this beautiful love story. Winner of 8 Tony awards, you’ll experience the powerful musical performances of this ensemble cast and be captivated every minute of it.

December 15, 2016 at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM

RUDOLPH- The red-nosed reindeer- the musical 

The original television classic is now a musical! Take the kids to experience the story of how our differences are what make us unique.

Visit https://thcenter.secure.force.com/ticket for tickets and information.

This article gives an overview of the wide cultural experiences and entertainment found in Northeast Florida at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts. From art galleries to concerts to broadway show and more, the Thrasher-Horne Center has everything  you want in fun, family entertainment.

With all the family-friendly entertainment being offered so close to Jacksonville, if you are new to the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts, you’ll wonder how you missed it.  Don’t let the Center stay Northeast Florida’s best kept secret.  Spread the word! Tell your friend and family about the Center. Share this article with them. They will appreciate the good news. We appreciate you taking the time to visit us. If you have a comment about this article, leave it in the comment section below. 

We look forward to you visiting the Thrasher Horne Center for the Performing Arts. Soon. Come experience the wonderment.