Facility and Rental Information

The Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, located on the campus of Johnston Community College east of Smithfield, NC includes a 1,007-seat performing arts auditorium, library and learning resource center plus audio-visual facilities and classrooms for use by students and faculty of Johnston Community College.

Built at a cost of four million, five hundred thousand dollars and funded through appropriations from the North Carolina General Assembly, Jo. Co. Commissioners, and 1.5 million dollars contributed by citizens of Johnston County, the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium opened during the summer of 1989. It exists for the purpose of educational and cultural enrichment of Johnston Community College and the residents of Johnston County and surrounding areas. Facilities available for private and public rental include the theatre auditorium and the auditorium lobby. The Wilson Lounge and the Student Lounge area in the adjacent Wilson Building are also available for private rental.

The auditorium personnel do not have the authority to alter rental rates, charges or fees to any person or group. Basic factors determining rental rates charged for use of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium include the not-for-profit status of user organization and whether an admission fee is to be charged. There is no rental fee imposed for events sponsored by Johnston Community College and Johnston County government.

Rental fees vary according to the space being utilized, the time of day or week, and the not-for-profit vs. for-profit status of the user. Base rental use rates quoted include standard utilities and house lighting. The technical director, security and custodian personnel are required for all events: (for performance events in auditorium, add (2) ushers and (1) stagehand). Rates for services including pre-event set-up and post-event clean-up shall be charged accordingly.
In order to preserve and protect elaborate state-of-the-art technical equipment installed in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, facility-provided management and technical personnel are required to be present for all private/public rental and performance-related events.

Rental Use Fees and Space Capacities
Rental rates have been established by the Board of Trustees of Johnston Community College. Total rental fee shall be comprised of the base use fee plus the personnel services and equipment fees applicable per each individual event designed. Space capacities and typical uses are:

The Paul A. Johnston Auditorium: 1) Capacity 1,007 with eleven removed seats for wheelchair accommodation 2)Equipped for hearing-impaired 3)Available for rehearsals, performance events, large conferences, meetings, presentations and seminars 4)Can include use of dressing rooms, green room and orchestra pit if required. (Theatrical technical specifications provided upon request for performance events.)

The Auditorium Lobby: Capacity from 300-600 depending upon event design. Availability dependent upon student/school activity schedule. Size 40' x 120'. Concession services may be available. Can be used for receptions, banquets, meetings, performance events, displays and exhibits. It is understood that students may walk through the lobby during rental times.

The Green Room: Capacity 25-40 depending upon event design. Available weekdays from 8am-5pm only.

Rental Procedure and Rental Rates
Inquiry may be made in person or by phone to the office of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at (919) 209-2534. An appointment will be made at your convenience so that you may fully tour the available facilities and discuss services desired. A sample rental agreement will be made available for your inspection. The rental contract is only confirmed upon signature and payment of required deposit. Johnston Community College and the staff of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium welcome you to our beautiful facility and look forward to serving your individual needs.