The Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh is housed in the Historic Murphy School. The theatre acquired the historic Raleigh auditorium nearly ten years ago, and they poured their resources into its renovation. Now, the space is home to a season of 5 professional plays every year, but Burning Coal rents the venue when it is not in use. I have been to several events in this space: a blow-out eighteenth birthday party, and also a wedding reception. The events had very different set ups and decorations, but both occasions went miraculously well. The Murphy Auditorium has an exterior lobby furnished with chandeliers and a high ceiling, perfect for greeting guests as they enter. As the guests move into the main room, they are met with the impressive sight of the old proscenium arch that is now the back wall of the space. The main room is very spacious, with a high ceiling and a balcony that can be reached by stairs. I remember that the wedding reception I attended here made wonderful use of the floor to ceiling windows, which let in warming sunlight. The walls are a beautiful finished stone. The lighting grid allows for hanging of decorations and lights. There is spacious room for dancing, as well as for a spread of food. The theatre provides chairs, which can be arranged around the room to provide seating for guests in intimate clusters. This space exudes class, and is perfect for entertaining.