While the Wetumpka Depot Players have been thrilling audiences with comedies, dramas and musicals for three decades, that was not the only intent of the founders. The group actually formed, in part, to save a building. The old Wetumpka train depot was deteriorating and needed a new purpose to survive. In the spring of 1980, a small group of local residents with varied skills and diverse occupations decided to form a community theatre to fulfill that need and put on the show, Nine Girls. The early years were challenging to the members of the Depot troupe and their audiences. In the winter, the building was cold, so preparing to go to see a play included dressing in layers and packing blankets to stay warm. In the summer, patrons wore shorts and brought fans. But the shows were entertaining and the audiences came back again and again. Though its history is rich, the Depot’s best days are in the future. Original plays, moving dramas and Broadway favorites will continue to be staged in the intimate setting of the Depot. There are those who have visions of expanding the current space, improving the technical capabilities, and adding rehearsal facilities. But one thing is certain: The Depot will always offer those who are passionate about theatre the chance to perform and leave audiences hungry for more.

The Center is a multi-purpose facility that includes Imagination Place (a children's museum), three visual art galleries, a 72 foot model of 1948 Gadsden with working trains, an art studio, and two performance halls which are home to the Etowah Youth Orchestras and the Kings of Swing and the Gadsden Symphony. The Center also has a full service restaurant. Special programs include reservation accepted guided and narrated tours, field trips, planetarium shows, special children's activities, concerts, dinner theater, and classes.

Community Theatre, Ballroom Dancing, Featured Regional Artists, and Traveling Exhibitions are just a sampling of what the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center has to offer. The Community Arts Center was constructed to better serve the artistic needs of the Auburn-Opelika area and provide residents and visitors with access to an outstanding, active schedule of exhibitions, musical concerts, lectures, art classes and special events for children and adults throughout the year. The Arts Center also provides artists, dancers, and actors the opportunity to offer programs and instructional classes to area citizens. The Community Arts Center contains an Art Gallery, 2 studio/classrooms, a children's gallery, a conference room, and a performance room. The Community Arts Center currently offers dance, theatre, and art classes, as well as theatrical performances, dance recitals, and other activities. Located in Auburn.