The $6.5 million, 40,000-square foot Center opened in the fall 1997. It is named for South Carolina’s “First Lady of Letters” and a longtime friend of the College. The facility won the 1997 Best New Construction Project Award from the South Carolina Downtown Development Assocation.

The performing arts center’s houses the Watson Theater (466 seats), a proscenium theater, and the Black Box Theater (up to 100 seats). The center also includes two dance studios, a music/choral rehearsal studio, a costume shop, a scene shop, a round table classroom, a green room, and dressing rooms.

The Stein Gallery, which permanently exhibits Coker’s fine arts collection, is located at the entrance of the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center.