Construction began on the Athens Theatre at 412 Pollock Street in 1910. The doors opened April 11, 1911. Designed by architect Herbert W. Simpson, the Athens Theatre was a gala theatre for silent movies, Vaudeville, traveling theatre troupes and locally-produced live productions.

The Theatre was renamed many times over the years - The Show Shop, The Kehoe Theatre and the Tryon Theatre. During the 1970s when many downtown businesses moved to the suburbs, the theatre seemed to languish. For a time it was vacant and deserted. In February 1980, NBCT purchased and renovated the Athens Theatre..

In September 1980, NBCT presented its first live production in the new home - Star Spangled Girl, a Neil Simon comedy. The Athens Theatre, "home" of New Bern Civic Theatre, is fully utilized for performances, auditions, rehearsals, and set construction.

In December 1981, NBCT purchased the building next door to the Athens Theatre at 412 Pollock Street known as the Athens Cafe Building.  After renovations in 2022, the Athens Cafe is now called the Studio. The floor space is much larger for rehearsals and special events, there is a private dressing/makeup area, and new bathrooms!