Appell Center for the Performing Arts

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA) is a nonprofit cultural icon and vital economic driver in Downtown York. In existence for nearly 100 years, our mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through professional performing arts experiences that bring together York County’s diverse voices. The facility consists of two theaters - the 1,262 seat Strand Theatre (1925) and the 450 seat Capitol Theatre (1906) and The Studio—a versatile space used for rentals, our First Friday Jazz in the City program, and special events. The theaters operated as movie houses into the 1970's when they were closed and left for ruin. Led by a group of community leaders and performing arts advocates, the theaters were purchased, renovated, and reopened under the banner of the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center in 1980. In May 2017, the organization’s name was changed to Appell Center for the Performing Arts in honor of the family who both built the theaters and led their reclamation and reopening.

Appell Center for the Performing Arts serves York County with a full slate of performing arts programs and educational offerings hosting more than 200 events annually, including Broadway, comedy, theater, dance, concerts, films, educational workshops, camps and programs, and community rentals.