Check Out Peggy Taphorn’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Taphorn.

Hi Peggy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Temple Theatre was built in 1925 by Mr. Robert Ingram, Sr. (owner of Sanford Coca-Cola Bottling) at a time when Sanford had a population of only 3,500. Located half a block from the railroad station, Temple was a frequent stop for the shows and the stars of Vaudeville. For several decades it served as Lee County’s principal seat of entertainment. The name “Temple” comes from the fact that it is located next door to what once was Sanford’s Masonic Lodge. After the death of vaudeville, the Temple showed its versatility by becoming a touring house for the road shows of the 1930s (including a bit of burlesque). The Temple Theatre also served as a popular downtown movie theater. The Sanford Little Theatre used the Temple for their community productions during the early 1960s, but in the mid-70s, the Temple Theatre closed its doors. 

The rebirth of Temple Theatre began in 1981 when Mr. Robert Ingram, Jr., the son of the theatre’s original owner, donated the building to the citizens of Lee County. Led by Mr. Sam Bass, the building was designated a National Historic Site in 1983 and given a large challenge grant by the North Carolina Legislature. Lee County citizens and businesses matched the grant, along with a generous grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Through the efforts of many, the gutted and vandalized shell of Temple Theatre was refurbished with both the comfort of the theatre patron and the performer in mind. 

In 1984, the Temple finally reopened with The Footlight Players’ performance of Chicago. The lobby’s richly painted walls and wooden trim flank the original multi-colored floor of hexagonal tiles. Above hangs a crystal chandelier accented in gold, while twin staircases sweep up on either side of the lobby leading to the balcony, where the restored tin ceiling can be best appreciated. Backstage, the actors enjoy comfortable dressing rooms, a kitchen, and a green room area. There is a full counter-weight fly system backstage, an advanced communication network, and a computer-controlled lighting and sound system, making the theatre practical and workable. The theatre itself is intimate, seating 330. Because it was designed for vaudeville, the acoustics are superb, and audience members have a good view of the stage from every seat. 

MODERN HISTORY 

Peggy Taphorn is in her 17th season as the producing artistic director of Temple Theatre. She is an award-winning actress, director, and choreographer who before coming to Sanford, spent 22 years based in New York City. She has performed in six Broadway shows, including Broadway!, Me and My Girl, Showboat, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and Urinetown. 

Peggy is an NC Mainstreet Champion for her work on and dedication to the revitalization of Downtown Sanford. She has also been honored with the Sanford Herald Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to Temple Theatre, where she has produced more than 150 shows. 

Peggy’s arrival at the Temple in 2007 resulted in the best season the theatre had ever experienced. Then, the recession hit. In 2008, 70% of patrons could not honor their theatre pledges. Community leaders encouraged Peggy to allow the theatre to close, but she couldn’t bring herself to that kind of finale. Instead, she persevered. 

With tenacity, Peggy fought to the keep the Temple afloat by reworking budgets and downsizing an already 

barebones staff. One look at the theatre’s current statistics and it’s evident Peggy’s determination has helped Temple Theatre become one of North Carolina’s most important historic theatres, more than fulfilling its mission to entertain, educate, and enrich patrons of central North Carolina. 

Presently, Temple Theatre is a cultural center and is consistently the top year-round attraction in Lee County. Temple Theatre produces six professional, Mainstage productions annually, in addition to offering five fully produced youth conservatories in the summer and educational courses during Fall and Winter. Additionally, the Temple hosts special events featuring guest artists and groups. The Red Clay Ramblers, The Kingston Trio, the Glenn Miller and Count Basie Orchestras, The Embers, Jimmie Walker, Carlos Mencia, Bill Hayes, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, Maureen McGovern, and Britton Buchanan are just a few of the famous performers to grace the Temple stage. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The aftereffects of covid are still being felt in arts organizations nationwide, and Temple Theatre is no exception. Donations, corporate sponsorship, and attendance still have not reached prepandemic numbers, while production costs and staff salary needs have increased. The Temple Theatre is nearing its centennial, so there is a constant need for physical plant refurbishments and upgrades. Programming choices which appeal to all of our current patrons and also draw in a younger audience base is a constant challenge as there are so many entertainment options available these days. Sanford is growing but is still a small town; however, our productions draw people from 63 counties in NC, making the theatre not only the cultural hub of Historic Downtown Sanford but also its economic engine. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the producing artistic director of a non-profit, I do all the duties of both the CEO and the CFO for the organization. I do the annual budgets, write all the grants, and have financial oversight for the organization. I am overseen by the Board of Directors. I also hire and oversee a staff of 9, some administrative, some production-based, and some creatives. I also hire guest performers, directors, choreographers, and designers. I am the frequent director or director/choreographer for Temple Theatre’s mainstage productions and youth conservatories. I also formed and have been the director of the Temple Teen Ensemble and have been a frequent educator. My daily job is always a blend of creative and administrative duties! 

What makes you happy?
Seeing the theatre grow and the young people we serve thrive is my greatest happiness. I love to watch the audience as they watch a Temple Theatre production and meet and greet patrons in the lobby pre- and post-show. Seeing how far the Temple Teen Ensemble has come since its inception in 2007, is also a great joy, and keeping up with past Temple Teens now scattered around the globe! Being a small part of keeping this beautiful, historic gem alive in Downtown Sanford and continuing to upgrade the facilities annually. 

Pricing:

• 17.00
• 27.00
• 29.00
• 32.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.templeshows.org
• Instagram: @templetheatrenc
• Facebook: facebook.com/templetheatrenc
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/temple-theatre-company
• Youtube: youtube.com/templetheatrenc