UNC Pembroke News

UNCP Musical Theatre student Christian McArthur sings into a microphone on the GPAC stage alongside Tony Award-winner Marissa Jaret Winokur during the

UNCP Students Share the Stage with Broadway Stars

Nineteen UNCP students joined original Hairspray stars Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy when the trio brought their show, "Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now," to the Givens Performing Arts Center.

Performers in elaborate costumes portraying the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion on stage in The Wizard of Oz on Ice, coming to the GPAC at UNC Pembroke on April 30.
April 02 James Bass

The All-New Wizard of Oz on Ice is coming to the GPAC Stage April 30

Experience the enchantment of a classic tale brought to life as you’ve never seen it before with stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and state-of-the-art special effects.

The Forever Motown ensemble poses together in formal attire in front of gold and platinum records, representing the all-star Motown celebration coming to the GPAC at UNC Pembroke on April 24.
April 02 James Bass

Former Singers of The Temptations and The Spinners Lead Forever Motown at GPAC April 24

Forever Motown, an all-star celebration of the golden age of R&B, is coming to the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC) at UNC Pembroke on April 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Mama I'm A Big Girl Now
February 27 James Bass

Broadway’s Original Hairspray Stars Reunite at GPAC March 5

They first captured audiences’ hearts while originating the roles of Tracy, Penny and Amber in the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray

dog begins leap from large apparatus into his trainer's arms
February 24 James Bass

Mutts Gone Nuts Brings High-Flying Canine Comedy to GPAC March 15

Get ready for a howling good time as Mutts Gone Nuts, a comedic dog stunt show, comes to the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC) at UNC Pembroke on March 15 at 3 p.m.

John Oxendine performs onstage at the Lumbee Tribal Cultural Showcase
December 08 James Bass

A Day of Culture and Connection for Thousands at GPAC’s Lumbee Showcase

For a heartbeat, the audience sat in silent anticipation. Thousands of elementary students leaned forward in their seats and strained to make out figures on the darkened stage of the Givens Performing Arts Center.

Movie star and jazz musician Keith David stands on the stage of GIvens Performing Arts Center on the UNCP campus.
November 23 UCM Staff

From Broadway to BraveNation, Keith David Inspires the Next Generation at UNCP

Keith David moved through the rehearsal with the kind of calm confidence that only comes from decades of craft — smooth, unhurried, unmistakably iconic. For nearly 20 UNCP music students seated just steps away, it was surreal: a future Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how a jazz set comes alive. And before the night was over, that quiet rehearsal would set the tone for a soaring performance at GPAC.

musicians playing at the Holiday Extravaganza
November 12 Mark Locklear

Ring in the Season with UNCP’s 17th Annual Holiday Extravaganza!

UNC Pembroke Music is kicking off the season in spectacular style with the 17th Annual Holiday Extravaganza, Thursday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Givens Performing Arts Center.

Keith David
November 03 James Bass

Award-Winning Hollywood Actor Keith David to Highlight GPAC Season

Keith David is known for his many acting credits in movies and TV shows, but he’s also a talented jazz singer, and he is performing Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2025-2026 season at the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC) at UNC Pembroke.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
October 27 James Bass

The Timeless Charlie Brown Classic Comes to Life on the GPAC Stage

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Sally are coming to the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC) at UNC Pembroke on Nov.17 at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the holidays and the anniversary of the 1965 CBS animated TV special.