Clay County's biggest stage sits on a college campus. The Thrasher-Horne Center opened in the fall of 2004 on the Orange Park campus of St. Johns River State College, which still owns and runs it. The building is named for John Thrasher and Jim Horne, two state legislators who helped secure the money to build it.
The main stage theater has up to 1,728 seats. Around it are a 220 seat studio theater, two art galleries off the main lobby and a conference center. The calendar mixes concerts, Broadway shows, dance and comedy tours, which makes it the big local theater for comedy fans in Orange Park, Fleming Island and the rest of Clay County.
Parking and Drop Off
The center sells spots in a preferred lot closest to the building, which guarantees you a space. A limited number of free accessible spaces sit in front of the main entrance, with more on the south side of the building. Curbside drop off and pick up is available for most shows, and security will wave drivers to the right spot. The center suggests arriving 30 minutes early to park and find your seat, since late seating is up to management and the performer.
Inside the Building
The ticket office and guest services are to the right of the main entrance. To pick up tickets at Will Call, bring a photo ID that matches the name on them. Concessions run on both levels of the lobby from the time it opens through at least the first 30 minutes of the show, and for most shows you can take what you buy into the theater.
An elevator to the upper lobby is just inside the main doors on the right. On the upper level, only Row A and Box 3 on each side can be reached without stairs. Assistive listening devices wait at the coat room, held against your photo ID until you bring them back, and sign language interpreters need three weeks' notice.
House Rules
Outside food and drink are not allowed. Professional cameras and recording gear stay out, and photos and video during the show are off limits unless the show says otherwise. Re-entry depends on the event, so ask an usher before you step out, since you may need a hand stamp. The campus is tobacco free, vapes included. Business casual is the suggested dress, though guests come in all styles.
The center strongly suggests that children under five skip shows not meant for kids. Check your ticket for the night's rules.
More Clay County shows are on the Orange Park area page, and the full calendar covers the whole region.