PPAC Named a Top Ten Theatre Worldwide by Billboard Magazine
Professional Facilities Management, Inc. Venues Including the Durham Performing Arts Center, the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall – All Earn Top Tier Worldwide Rankings
Providence, RI – The Billboard magazine Boxscore Midyear 2026 Report listing Top Venues, published on May 27, 2026, named the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island as #9 worldwide for venues with 2,501 – 5,000 seats. Three venues managed by Professional Facilities Management (PFM), Inc. were also top-ranked; the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in Durham, North Carolina ranked #2 worldwide (and #1 in the United States) and the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, in Greensboro, North Carolina, ranked #15 - both of these venues are also in the 2,501 – 5,000 seat category. The third PFM-managed venue, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (BBMPAH) in Fort Myers, Florida ranked #4 for venues with 2,500 seats or less.
These rankings are based on a venue’s total gross revenue, attendance and number of shows presented from October 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of PFM, said, “Congratulations to each of the staffs recognized in Billboard’s mid-year report. Having three of PFM’s venues achieve top tier rankings within their respective categories is reflective of PFM’s commitment to delivering in-demand events and quality customer service to all of the venues that we manage. This is a great recognition of everyone’s hard work throughout the live entertainment season, and we look forward to what the rest of the year has in store.”
Congratulations to each of the staffs recognized in Billboard’s mid-year report. Having three of PFM’s venues achieve top tier rankings within their respective categories is reflective of PFM’s commitment to delivering in-demand events and quality customer service to all of the venues that we manage. This is a great recognition of everyone’s hard work throughout the live entertainment season, and we look forward to what the rest of the year has in store.
J. L. "Lynn" Singleton, PFM President & CEO
Alan J. Chille, President and CEO of PPAC, said, “Speaking on behalf of the PPAC staff, we are thrilled that PPAC is known as one of the top ten theatres in the world. For every performance that we present, our goal is to make sure every attendee has a phenomenal experience. We greatly appreciate everyone who attended a show during the 2025/2026 season.”
Speaking on behalf of the PPAC staff, we are thrilled that PPAC is known as one of the top ten theatres in the world. For every performance that we present, our goal is to make sure every attendee has a phenomenal experience. We greatly appreciate everyone who attended a show during the 2025/2026 season.
Alan J. Chille, PPAC President & CEO
With a seating capacity of 3,100, PPAC welcomed 199,000 guests from October 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Audiences attended touring Broadway productions in the Taco and The White Family Foundation Broadway Series and the Encore Series, comedy shows with John Mulaney and Andrew Schulz as part of the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot and concerts featuring Gregory Alan Isakov and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a two-show engagement of the Boston Pops Holiday Concert conducted by Keith Lockhart.
Currently, PPAC is pleased to present a three-week engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING, with performances running until Sunday, June 7, 2026.
PPAC is looking forward to its 2026/2027 season, which features six award-winning shows in the Taco and The White Family Foundation Broadway Series and four shows in the Encore Series. New subscriptions to both Series are on sale now and may be ordered by calling the Box Office at 401.421.ARTS (2787) or Sharon Corcoran, New Subscriptions Representative, at 401.574.3136. Learn more about the 26/27 season line-up and the benefits of subscribing at ppacri.org/events-tickets/series-subscription
About the Providence Performing Arts Center
Located in the heart of Providence’s arts and entertainment district, the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) presents top-notch touring Broadway productions, comedy and concerts. Since 2008, numerous national tours have launched at PPAC. For the 2026/2027 season, OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL will launch its national tour at PPAC; performances will start on September 20, 2026.
PPAC is the second largest Theatre of its kind in New England, with a seating capacity of 3100. The Loew’s Theatre Building, which is the historic home of PPAC, opened in October 1928 and is acclaimed for its stunning architectural design and grandeur. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, PPAC consistently ranks among the top ten entertainment venues of its size nationwide, according to Pollstar /Venues Now and Billboard.
About Professional Facilities Management, Inc. (PFM)
Professional Facilities Management, Inc. (PFM) is a wholly-owned for-profit subsidiary of Providence Performing Arts Center, incorporated in 1988 in response to a growing need for objective evaluation and management of small-to-medium-sized performing arts facilities in geographically diverse locations. One of the first companies of its kind, PFM’s business is focused on performing arts productions.
It was founded by a group of dedicated business and entertainment-industry professionals who had been invited to consult and advise on a number of venue-related projects in New England.
They saw the need for a company that could act quickly, responsively and decisively to both public and private facility management needs, programming needs, marketing support and fiduciary responsibilities.
PFM is governed by a Board of Directors who contribute successful business experience, entrepreneurial spirit and a bottom-line focus. Presently, PFM holds management, booking and/or consulting contracts with eleven facilities located in six states. Learn more at pfmcorp.com