Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, Performing arts center in Melbourne, Florida, US

The Maxwell C. King Center is a performing arts venue in Melbourne that features two theaters of different sizes. The main hall seats around 2,000 people, while a smaller studio theater holds about 250 guests.

Florida's government approved plans for the facility in the 1980s, and the center opened in 1988. The building was created to give the region a dedicated space for live performances.

The King Center presents more than 115 shows annually, from touring acts to local groups, in its 2,016-seat main theatre and the 250-seat Studio Theatre, also called the Black Box. The venue opened on April 10, 1988, with two sold-out performances of Singin' in the Rain.

The center is located on North Wickham Road and is easy to reach by car. Events happen at various times throughout the year, so check specific timing before planning your visit.

The center's finances have been strained: it lost $911,000 in 2008, management projected a $700,000 loss for 2009, and in 2009 the building needed $2 million in repairs against a $3.5 million endowment. It also runs on a small staff of 10 full-time and 57 part-time employees, supported by 200 volunteers.