The City Clerk's Office Presents the Monthly Board Member Spotlight:

Emily Page, Carolina Theatre of Durham Board of Trustees

Why would you encourage someone in the community to apply to be on a board, committee, or commission?

Serving on the Board of Directors of the Carolina Theatre of Durham Inc. provides an opportunity to work with other interesting board members that have a passion and interest in seeing this important historic treasure thrive and grow in its mission to serve our diverse Durham community with arts, entertainment, thought-provoking program and education. Serving on the board enables one to contribute to the evolution of the arts in Durham

What do you enjoy most about serving on your particular board?

For me the enjoyment stems from a personal connection. I'm a native of Durham and my family has history with this Theatre from its inception. When it opened, as African-Americans, my family was not welcomed here. Then, there was a period when my family could only visit if they climbed the historic 97 steps to reach the segregated balcony in order to see a movie. Now, I'm the chair of the board.

So, for me, I enjoy being a fiduciary of an institution that has witnessed Durham's history and been a part of its civil rights evolution. There is no other building in downtown Durham that is still operated in the same business as when it was built. Though it's a different type of theater than it was when it opened, The Carolina Theatre of Durham (originally the Durham Auditorium) is still a theater and serving as a venue for entertainment of our community.

As a board, we are committed to ensuring that our precious institution continues to evolve and thrive with Durham so that she can continue to be a witness to our beloved City as we all create Durham's future.

What is your favorite part about living in Durham?

My favorite part of Durham is that we have really great places like the Carolina Theatre. We have a variety of diverse entertainment choices in Durham that speak to a diversity of people. I love that people from all walks of life and that represent diversity in almost every dimension of the human experience come together in spaces and enjoy being in community. My hope is that we can maintain this unique and valuable aspect of Durham's culture as we continue to grow in population.