Join us for a staged reading of a new play in development! Where the Heart Is, written by Brevard playwright Stephen Marsh, tells the story of Maria Shaughnessy, who runs an unofficial boarding house that’s home to several elders. All goes well until…
This free show is a work in development. Actors will be walking the show on book, with as much movement and characterization as possible. The audience will be invited to join a talkback at the end to give feedback to the playwright.
Donations are appreciated but not required to attend.

Enrollment is now open for an adult improvisation acting class at Hendersonville Theatre (HT). Classes will be taught by professional improvisation actor and comedian Emily Swindal.

Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm for 8 weeks starting January 3, with the exception of the evening of February 7. The class will conclude on February 28 with a public showcase of the students’ work.

Emily Swindal lived in New York City for 8 years as an actor and improv comedian before relocating to Hendersonville during the pandemic. Swindal studied and performed improv and sketch comedy writing at New York City’s Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Swindal has performed with an assortment of improv teams. Some of her past instructors include Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Ross Taylor, Michael Lutton, and Nicole Drespel. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory.

Swindal’s teaching motto is “growth only happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone.” In this class, actors will work at getting comfortable onstage and stepping into bravery while having fun doing it. The class will teach students to have compassion for themselves and their classmates as performers as they learn the fundamentals of improvisation and develop support and spontaneity.

A Christmas Carol

by William Leach

One person show performed by faculty member, Dan Toot

Morrison Playhouse in the Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts

The Spirits are coming! In this faithful and poetic adaptation by William Leach, Scrooge, Cratchit, Tiny Tim and all the rest, are brought to life in one body! Presented in a comfortable, intimate setting let Brevard Theatre Faculty Dan Toot get you and the family in the Christmas Spirit, and perhaps reflect on how we’ve been a “Scrooge” in our own life.

ASHEVILLE CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

CAROLING BY GASLIGHT

Written and Directed by Skyler Goff

Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the tightfisted old miser. But if you thought he was bad, wait until you get a load of his neighbors. Find out what really happened that fateful night in this hilariously devious retelling of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.

Content Warning: Contains explicit sexual content, language, and dialogue. Depicts murder, gore, gun use, conspiracy, prostitution, necrophilia, hallucinogens, psychotic breaks, and other content not suitable for children. Please contact the box office for more information if needed. We do not recommend this show for audiences under 18.

Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese

Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain

DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH

FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.

JINGLEJACKS

Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.

Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.

The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

By Deborah Zoe Laufer

Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese

December 2 – December 18, 2022

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, and Thursday December 15 at 7:30 pm

Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain

DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH

FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.

JINGLEJACKS

Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.

Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.

The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

2022 HOLIDAY SHOW
By Skyler Goff

From the deviant minds that brought you Spanko: A Tex-Mex Commedia Musical, in partnership with The Magnetic Theatre comes a paranoid, bawdy, and morbid retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic. More information to follow!

December 2 – 17, 2022
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 4pm

In this class designed for beginners and younger performers, students will learn basic acting techniques and have a great time doing so! They’ll get creative with short scenes and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class builds the confidence to help them to shine on stage and in life –  even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Ages 8-12 Nov 3 – Dec 18 | Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Learn to be a triple threat in this musical performance class! Students will work with acting, music, and dance professionals to stage songs from some of our favorite Broadway musicals. Get ready for the spotlight – students perform in a cabaret style showcase at the end of the class!

Registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Tuition will be $375.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages 8-12
Classes/Rehearsals: Nov 3 – Dec 18 | Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tech Week: Dec 12-15 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 pm
Performances: Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 6:30 pm

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

In this class designed for beginners to intermediate performers, students will develop and hone their acting techniques. They’ll work on short scenes, monologues and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class gives students the confidence to shine on stage and off – even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a  showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

An Appalachian Christmas Carol: Vance Birthplace State Historic Site and the American Myth Center partner once again to present an evening of historical drama.  Under new direction by Mikayla Wilson, who created Leah & the Rabbit for the Vance Birthplace’s Juneteenth celebration, the sixth iteration of this show promises the same holiday tradition with a few new twists.

An Appalachian Christmas Carol – During this in-person program, the American Myth Center presents one of the greatest Christmas stories ever told, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Through the storytelling of puppetry, shadow theatre, and moving panoramas the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future lead Zebulon in an exploration of the life of Venus, a woman enslaved by the Vances. For approximately 25 minutes, visitors go on an illuminating journey through some of the history of the Vance Birthplace and the people who lived here.  Afterward, visitors are encouraged to return to the Visitor Center to talk with staff and visit the classroom where they can view the panel discussions from community members from previous years and hear present day discussion around how historic sites interpret slavery.

Tour tickets are $7.00 and can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-appalachian-c

Tour Dates & Times: Thursday, December 8^th & Saturday, December 10^th. Weather date, Sunday, December 11^th. Tours will run every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 pm with the last tour at 8:30 pm.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Due to the nature of the program after the play starts, late visitors will not be permitted. We recommend arriving to the Visitor Center ten minutes in advance. Tickets are a tax-deductible donation through the Mountain History and Culture Group and are non-refundable.

Pre-Visit Materials – Upon registering, guests will receive a virtual “program” giving background on the story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the history behind the characters portrayed in the play and background on the art form known as “crankies.”

Artists: Mikayla Wilson (director, puppeteer), Sherly Moore (puppeteer), Mack Moseley (actor, puppeteer), Cody Lovell (puppeteer)

The American Myth Center is a non-profit organization in Asheville whose mission is to curate stories that spark necessary conversation within our community. For more information visit www.americanmythcenter.org.

CAROLING BY GASLIGHT

Written and Directed by Skyler Goff

Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the tightfisted old miser. But if you thought he was bad, wait until you get a load of his neighbors. Find out what really happened that fateful night in this hilariously devious retelling of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.

Content Warning: Contains explicit sexual content, language, and dialogue. Depicts murder, gore, gun use, conspiracy, prostitution, necrophilia, hallucinogens, psychotic breaks, and other content not suitable for children. Please contact the box office for more information if needed. We do not recommend this show for audiences under 18.