In the heart of Pell City, Alabama, the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) stands as a beacon for creativity, community connection, and educational enrichment. Located on the campus of the former Pell City High School, CEPA is more than just a performance venue—it’s a multi-functional space that blends the arts with civic engagement, education, and community development.
Whether you’re attending a stage production, enrolling in a summer workshop, or participating in a community forum, CEPA offers a space where the people of Pell City and St. Clair County come together.
🎭 A Vision Realized
The CEPA building originally served as the Pell City High School auditorium. Recognizing its potential to be repurposed for broader community use, city leaders, educators, and volunteers transformed the space into a vibrant community arts and event center. With backing from local donors and city leadership—including the late Judge William E. “Bill” Hereford—CEPA was established as part of a long-term vision to revitalize community access to the performing arts and educational opportunities.
Since its opening, CEPA has evolved into a cultural cornerstone in Pell City.
🌟 A Hub for the Arts
CEPA is perhaps best known for its performing arts programming, which brings live theater, music, dance, and film to the region.
Notable Programs Include:
Pell City Players: A local theater troupe that stages full-scale productions throughout the year.
School Performances: St. Clair County students regularly use the CEPA stage for concerts, plays, and ceremonies.
Guest Productions: Touring musicians, comedy acts, and cultural events are hosted year-round.
With professional lighting, sound, and seating for over 400 guests, the theater offers a high-quality venue for performers and audiences alike.
🎓 Educational Impact
CEPA also plays an active role in educational enrichment for youth and adults. Through partnerships with local schools, nonprofit organizations, and teaching artists, the center offers:
Summer camps and workshops in acting, music, and visual arts
After-school programs that focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math)
Career and college readiness events, including financial aid seminars and leadership forums
By providing students with access to creative learning spaces and experiences, CEPA helps inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and artists.
🏛️ A Space for the Community
One of CEPA’s greatest strengths is its multi-purpose use. In addition to arts and education, the venue frequently hosts:
– Town hall meetings
– Veterans programs
– Community health and wellness events
– Workshops and nonprofit fundraisers
This makes CEPA a vital gathering space for Pell City and the surrounding region—a place where civic pride and community dialogue flourish.
💡 What Makes CEPA Unique?
Local roots: CEPA was created by the people of Pell City, for the people of Pell City. It’s driven by local visionaries and volunteers.
Inclusive mission: It welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through a range of free and low-cost programming.
Economic impact: Events held at CEPA bring people into downtown Pell City, boosting local businesses and revitalizing interest in the area’s cultural scene.
🎤 Upcoming Events & How to Get Involved
CEPA’s calendar is packed with shows, workshops, and events. Locals can stay up-to-date through www.cepacenter.org or follow CEPA on social media for ticket information and event announcements.
Want to get involved? You can:
– Volunteer at productions
– Donate to support youth programming
– Sponsor a performance or scholarship
– Join a class or attend a show
Final Thoughts
The CEPA Center in Pell City is more than a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community invests in culture, education, and collaboration. It proves that even in small towns, big ideas can take center stage.
Whether you’re a student looking for creative expression, a resident attending your first play, or an artist sharing your talent, CEPA is a place where Pell City’s stories are told, voices are heard, and futures are built.