Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Blood at The Root written by Dominique Morisseau – BLOOD AT THE ROOT is a striking ensemble drama based on the Jena Six; six Black students who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus. This bold new play by Dominique Morisseau (Sunset Baby, Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew) examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards, and the crises in relations between men and women of all classes and, as a result, the shattering state of Black family life.
“Bursting with youthful exuberance, critical race issues, emotional authenticity, and astonishing beauty. It is powerfully auspicious“-DC Theater Arts
“Blood at the Root vividly illustrates the near impossibility of getting through one’s teenage years-fraught in the best-case scenario-unscathed when also having to tackle larger societal problems. It’s a necessary and evocative production all-around.” – Chicago Reader

The Fangmeyer Theatre at HART
Directed by Steve Lloyd
When a badly botched version of Hamlet- “to be or not to be, that’s the point…”- hits a local stage, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest friends, know they have to act. Three years after William Shakespeare’s death, a group of actors meet to try and gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and create the First Folio. It’s a theatrical, beat-the-clock race to save a legacy. The Book of Will is full of the wit and nerve you would expect from Shakespeare’s favorite actors and a triumph that will leave your heart full of joy.
Suitable for all audiences.

Directed by Steve Lloyd
When a badly botched version of Hamlet- “to be or not to be, that’s the point…”- hits a local stage, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest friends, know they have to act. Three years after William Shakespeare’s death, a group of actors meet to try and gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and create the First Folio. It’s a theatrical, beat-the-clock race to save a legacy. The Book of Will is full of the wit and nerve you would expect from Shakespeare’s favorite actors and a triumph that will leave your heart full of joy.

A WNC PREMIERE! by Catherine Bush Directed by Rodney Smith Opening 8/19/2022 – 9/17/2022
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: AUDITION DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NEW AUDITION DATES ARE: Saturday, August 27 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, August 28 1:00-4:00pm with callbacks Tuesday, Aug 30th 6:30-9:30pm.
AUDITION FORM: Please fill out the Audition Form and sign up for an open time slot. Walk-ups are welcome (just be aware you may have to wait for an open slot). You can fill out the Audition Form at the audition, or save time and fill it out now!
CALLBACK DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2022; 6:30-9:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: Production Calendar. Rehearsals will be held Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30PM – 9:30PM beginning September 18th. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: A cast of 9 principal roles and 10+ ensemble roles. Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL:
Singing: Please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. Acapella is fine if you don’t have sheet music. The music director will also have you sing scales.
Dance: All those auditioning will learn a short routine with choreographer Rose Pillmore. Dances will be modified as needed to ensure accessibility of choreographic content. No need to prepare in advance, just wear something you can move in.
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.

The Fangmeyer Theatre at HART
Directed by Steve Lloyd
When a badly botched version of Hamlet- “to be or not to be, that’s the point…”- hits a local stage, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest friends, know they have to act. Three years after William Shakespeare’s death, a group of actors meet to try and gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and create the First Folio. It’s a theatrical, beat-the-clock race to save a legacy. The Book of Will is full of the wit and nerve you would expect from Shakespeare’s favorite actors and a triumph that will leave your heart full of joy.
Suitable for all audiences.

Directed by Steve Lloyd
When a badly botched version of Hamlet- “to be or not to be, that’s the point…”- hits a local stage, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest friends, know they have to act. Three years after William Shakespeare’s death, a group of actors meet to try and gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and create the First Folio. It’s a theatrical, beat-the-clock race to save a legacy. The Book of Will is full of the wit and nerve you would expect from Shakespeare’s favorite actors and a triumph that will leave your heart full of joy.

A WNC PREMIERE! by Catherine Bush Directed by Rodney Smith Opening 8/19/2022 – 9/17/2022

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting full-length play or musical. Our fall YPC session features A Wrinkle in Time, a fantasy drama about the bonds of family and the power of love through time and space. Based on the much-loved Newbery Medal winning novel of the same name.
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $350.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
Student Ages: 11-13
Classes/Rehearsals: Aug 22-Oct 5 | Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 10-13 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 15 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 16 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.

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting full-length play or musical. Our fall YPC session features The Prom, a musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission, a small-town Indiana prom, and the love they discover that unites them all. Classes will meet afterschool, and each session will end with two performances on the Mainstage!
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $450.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
Student Ages: 14-18
Classes/Rehearsals: Aug 23-Oct 15 | Tuesdays at 4:30-7:30 PM and Saturdays at 1:00-5:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 17-20 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 22 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 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.

Join us after the Annual Meeting to celebrate and bid farewell to our beloved Jenny Bunn! Since 2002, Jenny has served ACT, most notably as the illustrious Marketing Director. With remarkable knowledge and endless enthusiasm for the theatre and the people here, Jenny has brought an abundance of joy and connection to ACT. Join us Tuesday, August 30th at 5:00 pm to appreciate Jenny!
Ushers Needed
Volunteer ushers are a vital part of the theatre’s Front of House operations.
Ushering is such an easy way to support Local Theater, and to see a show for free! Whether it’s collecting tickets or tidying up after the performance, your help is greatly appreciated and rewarded with free admission. Sign up today, it is a great way to support local theatre!

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting full-length play or musical. Our fall YPC session features A Wrinkle in Time, a fantasy drama about the bonds of family and the power of love through time and space. Based on the much-loved Newbery Medal winning novel of the same name.
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $350.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
Student Ages: 11-13
Classes/Rehearsals: Aug 22-Oct 5 | Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 10-13 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 15 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 16 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.

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. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm for 8 weeks starting August 10. The class will conclude on September 28 with a showcase of the students’ work.
Improv Level One: Communicate. Collaborate. Play. is for anyone over 18. Tuition is $180. Hendersonville Theatre will offer a free class preview and information session on Monday, August 8 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.
To register for the class, please visit HVLtheatre.org or call the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. No registration is required to attend the free information session.
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.
One of the missions of HT is to provide arts education that promotes life-long learning, in a way that inspires, nurtures, enriches, and empowers.
Hendersonville Theater has made masks optional for students, but volunteers, staff and performers are fully vaccinated. No proof of vaccination is required to attend a class.
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.
Ushers Needed
Volunteer ushers are a vital part of the theatre’s Front of House operations.
Ushering is such an easy way to support Local Theater, and to see a show for free! Whether it’s collecting tickets or tidying up after the performance, your help is greatly appreciated and rewarded with free admission. Sign up today, it is a great way to support local theatre!
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.

What goes on behind the curtain? In our Tech Youth Production Classes, students learn and experience technical theatre and backstage work, including: safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by running all technical and backstage roles during the Youth performances of The Prom, a musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission and a small-town Indiana prom.
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $250.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
Student Ages: 12-18
Classes: Aug 25-Oct 13 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 17-20 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 22 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 PM
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. Once your application is processed, we will be in touch with you to register.

Students explore their potential and harness their skills in this intermediate course all about the art of the scene. Students will discover their strengths and weaknesses through practicing acting exercises and character development techniques. Scene study is best for students who are already familiar with basic performance training. The course includes a showcase for family and friends on the final day of class.
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 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.

Blood at The Root written by Dominique Morisseau – BLOOD AT THE ROOT is a striking ensemble drama based on the Jena Six; six Black students who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus. This bold new play by Dominique Morisseau (Sunset Baby, Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew) examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards, and the crises in relations between men and women of all classes and, as a result, the shattering state of Black family life.
“Bursting with youthful exuberance, critical race issues, emotional authenticity, and astonishing beauty. It is powerfully auspicious“-DC Theater Arts
“Blood at the Root vividly illustrates the near impossibility of getting through one’s teenage years-fraught in the best-case scenario-unscathed when also having to tackle larger societal problems. It’s a necessary and evocative production all-around.” – Chicago Reader
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.
9.01. 22 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULPWhat: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 9.01.22.
8p-11p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or https://theorangepeel.net/…/slice-of-life-comedy-open…/e)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Stand up comedy featuring Mario Trevzo with special guest James Harrod. Hosted by Cody Hughes
Mario Trevizo
Originally from the suburbs of Maryland, Mario has made a home for himself with stand up comedy in Asheville, North Carolina. His style focuses on the awkward moments that come with being a non Spanish speaking Mexican living in the south. Beyond hosting various events around town, he is mainly known for his animated performances, quirky faces, and crying randomly at movies.
James Harrod
James is a stand up comedian originally from Raleigh now living in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to hosting the Comedy Freakshow every Tuesday night at The Odditorium, he also performs around the east coast opening for comedians like Sean Patton, Yedoye Travis, Michael Palascak, Brandie Posey and many more. Out of all the comics in his scene he was voted most needy and desperate for compliments.
Host Cody Hughes
Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/
Ushers Needed
Volunteer ushers are a vital part of the theatre’s Front of House operations.
Ushering is such an easy way to support Local Theater, and to see a show for free! Whether it’s collecting tickets or tidying up after the performance, your help is greatly appreciated and rewarded with free admission. Sign up today, it is a great way to support local theatre!

Chapter Two is presented as readers theatre by The Autumn Players.
In life, love and loss can intertwine in sometimes painful, sometimes funny ways. Recent widower George Schneider finds that especially true when he re-enters the dating world at the insistence of his interfering brother. The road to love is bumpy, and for George it’s a bittersweet journey towards hope and finding someone worth fighting for…again.
RTS: Chapter Two
By Neil Simon; Directed by Elliot Weiner

The Prep Program is a pre-conservatory style program for those students who are excited to dive deeper into musical theatre. Each Prep Program student takes a variety of classes to help develop the groundwork for further arts education. This program is designed for beginning/intermediate artists in Elementary and Middle School.

Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30pm – 7:30pm; Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm (when called)
The Company is an individualized pre-professional performing arts conservatory for intermediate/advanced artists in Middle and High School who are committed to deepening their performing arts education in American Musical Theatre.
The Company at the APAA is an individualized pre-professional/pre-collegiate performing arts conservatory, for artists committed to deepening their performing arts education in American Musical Theatre.
The Company program is for rising 6th-12th graders who show a love for being on stage. This conservatory program offers weekly classes in Dance, Acting, and Music. The Company students also put on a fully produced musical and attend theatrical performances/conferences.
Please note, students must apply and be accepted into the program before Registering.



