We are a non-profit performing arts organization committed to our mission - to produce and present diverse music, circus, and theater events rooted in strong relationships - with our audience, the surrounding communities, and the artists who grace our stage. In the course of just twenty years, Payomet has become a world class cultural destination.
Our audiences love the range - jazz to rock to bluegrass to New Orleans brass bands. Our theater productions are mostly original. And our exciting Cirque by the Sea professional circus shows are one of a kind as is our Circus Camp for kids. What guides us is a desire to stay fresh, to strive for the highest artistic standards and to engage and listen to our audience.
Our audiences love the range - jazz to rock to bluegrass to New Orleans brass bands. Our theater productions are mostly original. And our exciting Cirque by the Sea professional circus shows are one of a kind as is our Circus Camp for kids. What guides us is a desire to stay fresh, to strive for the highest artistic standards and to engage and listen to our audience.
Services
Founded in 1998 by Guy Strauss, a professional stage and film actor residing in Truro, Payomet began as a passionate theatre company steadily gaining a reputation for excellence over the years. From the beginning, our theater productions have sought to use highly trained professional actors and directors.
Our Ringmaster, Executive Artistic Director Kevin Rice, has assembled a smart troupe of multi-talented, multi-taskers that can all walk a high wire while juggling multiple jobs. From Programming to Marketing, Volunteer Coodinator to Grantwriting, Accounting to House Manager, Operations to Development, we have the best team in the business!
We are a volunteer driven, non-profit performing arts organization committed to gradual and sustainable growth in order to remain true to our core mission: to produce exciting professional live music, theatre, circus arts and humanities events rooted in strong social values. We believe that access to the arts should be available and affordable to everyone.
You can ensure that Payomet continues as a Cape Cod non-profit arts organization to bring extraordinary artists - music, circus, theater and more - to the outer Cape by making a tax-deductible donation. Payomet is volunteer driven. We operate with a lean and efficient staff so you can be assured that your gift will be immediately translated to more great onstage performances.
Our 2020 Season is now complete. We were so proud to have built our Drive-in Live stage at the Ballfield. It was a herculean effort but it was essential for us to continue our mission to bring quality entertainment to the outer Cape.even during a pandemic! In normal times, Payomet Performing Arts Center is a music powerhouse.
Reviews (26)
Jessica V.
Sep 18, 2021
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Richard Henderson
Aug 30, 2021
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John P.
Aug 07, 2021
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It was rainy there were plenty of mosquitoes but boy did we have a great time at a recent concert. It was outdoors in the field with some chairs setup. You can get up close and see the artist perform. The workers were Gilbert helpful and the location is easy to get to. Bring some bug spray and have a good time.
Andre Corlaite
Jul 30, 2021
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Denise Hippert
Jul 22, 2021
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Ilya L.
Oct 02, 2020
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Sara E.
Mar 18, 2020
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David S.
Dec 24, 2019
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Ron O'Keefe
Dec 14, 2019
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Absolutely love this place ! Not a bad seat in the place. Very clean, easy to get to . Every single staff member was polite and helpful. You get to see your favorite artists up close. Can't wait to see who's going to be there next year. Me and wife just saw Peter Wolf there and it was amazing ! We will be back next year.
Jeff B.
Dec 11, 2019
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Payomet is *the* place for live music on the outer cape, and if you're not on the outer cape, it's worth the trip. Payomet has a large enclosed tent. Although there may be a few mosquitoes on a warm summer night, it's also airy and quite comfortable. There's a bar for drinks before the show and during intermission. The high point of course is the music. We've seen a wide variety of musicians in a site near the ocean. The acoustics are quite good, and the audiences are always engaged. All in all, it's a great, fun place to take in fine music. Payomet is a 501c3
Patricia Lemme
Nov 15, 2019
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Truro is know as a sleepy Cape Cod town but in its woods down a long wooded road is something that is just fabulous! Payomet Performing Arts Center has shows all summer long and they have some of the best music and talent around. From Rock n Roll, to Soul, Reggie, blues, the music just keeps coming night after night. If your coming to the Cape plan on including a wonderful evening of talent in your itinerary!
Dennis K.
Sep 05, 2019
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My spouse and I recently purchased tickets in August 2019 for "Cirque by the Sea: Some Like it Hotter." After securing two general admission seats on line, it was made known that the tickets, themselves, could be picked up at the box office for admission one hour prior to performance time. There is neither a box office nor a real ticket. Names are checked off a list by someone sitting at a table outdoors where others appeared to be purchasing admission and/or snacks. The female at the tent door prohibited us from entering one hour prior to performance because the event was insufficiently
Kristen Simonetti
Aug 14, 2019
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Janice K.
Aug 03, 2019
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Gary G.
Jan 08, 2019
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M.-E. A.
Aug 31, 2018
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This is a wonderful venue to see spectacular performers, hear amazing concerts and have your children enjoy the performance and learn the art of circus ropes; No bad seats, but subject to weather and lack of A/C. Staff, especially, Kevin Rice and volunteers are incredible. We thoroughly enjoyed every performance we saw this summer, especially Peter Wolf, and the Midnight Travelers.
Jonathan H.
Jul 05, 2018
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This is a great venue for a summer concert. I saw Robert Crtay perform there last week and it was spectacular. The venue is located in an absolutely beautiful spot overlooking thd Atlantic ocean. The seats and stage are under a tent and the sound is excellent. Having been there a number of times over the years I should mention that it the show environment is subject to the weather. It is weatherproof but if there is fog or rain it can alter the atmosphere accordingly. The staff are incredible and the seasons lineup top notch!
Cheryl W.
Sep 02, 2017
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Great location with ample parking. They have bug Spray there as most nights you will need it. Sit inside the tent if you can. Tickets advised if you can buy well in advance. VIP gust enter better seats. Great summer options. We go several times each summer. Great group of Turo and Wellfleet people! Good sound and lighting for music and entertainment.
Ann A.
Aug 21, 2017
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This "theater" is on the site of an abandoned military base and while some call it "unique" I find it , well, depressing. First of all, it is difficult ( and risky) to park here and you have to arrive early unless you are content with a parking space that is far from the tent. And if it is raining you will be slogging long distances through mud. I have seen two excellent performers here but the uncomfortable seats, the heat ( or chill ) and the bugs detract from the performance. Some reviewers have called this venue "intimate" but that can be a negative. Someone
Pablo R.
Jul 10, 2016
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We saw the Yardbirds perform this past week. The concert was great! The seating was a little strange. The general admission seating was on the dance floor set outside the main area. The staff, while very nice, didn't seem to know much about seating or the other general questions. (Yes they are volunteers). What was annoying was when a staff member (maybe a manager) stood in front of us and videoed the concert with his cell phone. Another staffer sat in front of a couple blocking their view. I have worked in the theater for quite some time, and the patrons should be the first priority. The
Dan K.
Jul 25, 2015
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Alan L.
Jul 13, 2015
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Heidi F.
Jul 23, 2014
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Coming from the Midwest and vacationing on the outer cape has been great and one of the reasons is because of Payomet Performing Arts center in Truro. The performers they bring in are uniquely original and well known for their craft. The Mosquitos and heat are two things that you can't control but can take away from an otherwise enjoyable evening.
Ralph A.
Aug 13, 2012
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Just went to Carolina Chocolate Drops at the Center. Amazing concert. Chocolate Drops should not be missed. When you are visiting the Cape you should make time for concert at the center. They pick amazing artist every season. Worth buying Preferred or VIP seats. It makes all the difference at this intimate performance space.
Howard D.
Jul 10, 2012
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Saw Fishtank Ensemble - American Gypsy Band - at the Tent on Sunday night - unbelievably good. See their website http://www.fishtankensemble.com/ - operatic lead singer Ursula plays violin, tiny banjo and...the saw! Magic! And what a voice! The 3 musicians with her - gypsy violin, flamenco guitar and slap bass - were unreal - the energy level was crazy and the audience went wild - my 20 year old daughter called it "mind-blowing" A great evening in the wilds of Truro...
Chris B.
Jul 25, 2009
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Who knew the Soviet's detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949 would eventually provide this charming theatre with a place to call home? certainly not me. From a plaque I learned that, in response to Russia's actions, the U.S. quickly built hundreds of radar stations across the country and, even, on floating ocean rigs 110 miles east of Cape Cod, in order to provide advance warning of an attack (estimated to give an extra 1/2 hr. alert; whoopee!). In the midst of this eerie ghost-town, which is suitable for the filming of Night of the Living Dead III, there was a wedding style tent with seating
