By F. Andrew Leslie, from the novel by Shirley Jackson

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN FORRESTER

In a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror, a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together in desolate and deserted Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known as a place of evil. The visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and to draw forth the mysterious powers that it is alleged to possess—powers which have brought madness, murder and suicide to those who have lived there in in the past. As disturbing events begin to transpire, the house begins to influence (and overtake) the visitors’ psyches. To stay sane, they must be stronger than the traumas the house has brought upon them.

OCTOBER 14 – OCTOBER 23
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
By F. Andrew Leslie, from the novel by Shirley Jackson

Directed by Jonathan Forrester
In a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror, a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together in desolate and deserted Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known as a place of evil. The visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and to draw forth the mysterious powers that it is alleged to possess—powers which have brought madness, murder and suicide to those who have lived there in in the past. As disturbing events begin to transpire, the house begins to influence (and overtake) the visitors’ psyches. To stay sane, they must be stronger than the traumas the house has brought upon them.

SHOW TIMES:
Friday& Saturday @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday @ 3:00 p.m.

The scientist. The monster. A creation suffering at the hands of his maker. We know the story, but what if the creation takes on a life of its own, and what if, by the act of making the monster, the scientist was changed as well?

In The Frankenstein Rubrics, local favorite David Hopes weaves a web of thought-provoking possibilities from familiar threads of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Mrs. Shelley, her prolific poet husband Percy Shelley, their fellow Romantic writers, and of course Victor and the Creature all undertake voyages of self-definition and discovery, moving between the play’s worlds of fantasy and reality, transcending bounds of time and space to live out their own stories and intermingle with one another’s in an elegant dance of poignant prose, humor, and humanity.

Directed by Doug Savitt, The Frankenstein Rubrics features Evan Eckstrom, Daniel Henry, Morgan Miller, Daniel Moore, Strother Stingley, Jon Stockdale, and Hannah Williams.

1st Annual Asheville Comedy Halloween Beauty Pageant
A +18 Comedy Show
The Orange Peel
October 22, 2022
8p/doors at 7p
$15 online/$17 at box office
Fully seated show

The area’s best comedians will be in character (think vampire, Batman or Alice from Wonderland,a politician, a dog, a witch, a game character, cartoon character or alien …so many possibilities!) and will be playing their part in this ridiculous pageant which will test these very special contestants in “beauty,” “talent,” “swimsuit” and standup comedy!

Decided by audience participation, YOU are in charge of who wins the prizes and is crowned the Asheville Monarch of Halloween for 2022!

You don’t want to miss the funnest event of the season! Free candy & Popcorn! Come early to enjoy Buzz Radio Asheville “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All Original, All Styles, All The Time.”

Produced by Slice of Life Comedy, Buzz Radio Asheville, The Hot Seat & Disclaimer Standup Comedy

The Cradle of Forestry is excited to offer visitors their incredibly outdoor drama, “The Legend of Tommy Hodges,” on Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22. Show times for both evenings will be at 6:30 and 8:00pm and will be limited to a total of 75 participants per showing. 

  During this unique and exciting outdoor performance, audiences will travel back in time to the year 1901 and hear yarns about the legendary Tommy Hodges, a student of the Biltmore Forest School who went missing one autumn night. Audiences will be led around the Biltmore Campus Trail by different characters from the play and watch as the story unfolds around them from all sides. In addition, audience members are invited to dress up in Biltmore Forest School-era clothing (early 1900’s) to fully immerse themselves in the event and take part in the story. 

The show is a one-mile-long experience, as the audience walks the well-lit trail to see the entire play and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The story is better suitable for ages six and up. Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and although we love our pets as much as you, we ask that you please leave them at home. Ponchos and other rain gear are welcome if the weather is drizzly, but please leave umbrellas at home so everyone has a chance to see the show unobstructed. 

Get ready for an all new production of Mamma Mia!

New sets! New costumes! New cast!

You’ll be dancing in the aisles to this familiar favorite dressed up in a brand new way!

 

Directed by Mark Jones

In this multiple Tony Award-winning theatrical tour-de-force, Assassins explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States. Stephen Sondheim’s intelligently, stunning lyrics and beautiful music effortlessly combine with a bold, disturbing and alarmingly funny book by John Wiedman. Assassins is a journey into the dark side of the American Dream, looking at our nation’s culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it. 

Mature audiences only, not suitable for all ages.

In this multiple Tony Award-winning theatrical tour-de-force, Assassins explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States. Stephen Sondheim’s intelligently, stunning lyrics and beautiful music effortlessly combine with a bold, disturbing and alarmingly funny book by John Wiedman. Assassins is a journey into the dark side of the American Dream, looking at our nation’s culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it. 

Mature audiences only, not suitable for all ages

YPC: The Prom

Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin; Directed by Michael Jorizzo

Emma just wants to go to the prom – with her girlfriend Alyssa! But the PTA is not having it. A duo of vain Broadway actors who happen to be in town catch wind of the drama, and they want to improve their public image after some justified bad press. After stumbling across Emma’s dilemma, they team up with a Julliard grad, an overlooked Chorus girl, and Emma to protest the PTA and regain their popularity. With the help of fun musical numbers, the self-centered actors and Emma try to convince the PTA and town that her love deserves to be celebrated, not hidden away!

Watch this cast of 13-17-year-olds light up the stage!

Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin; Directed by Michael Jorizzo

Emma just wants to go to the prom – with her girlfriend Alyssa! But the PTA is not having it. A duo of vain Broadway actors who happen to be in town catch wind of the drama, and they want to improve their public image after some justified bad press. After stumbling across Emma’s dilemma, they team up with a Julliard grad, an overlooked Chorus girl, and Emma to protest the PTA and regain their popularity. With the help of fun musical numbers, the self-centered actors and Emma try to convince the PTA and town that her love deserves to be celebrated, not hidden away!

Watch this cast of 13-17-year-olds light up the stage!

By F. Andrew Leslie, from the novel by Shirley Jackson

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN FORRESTER

In a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror, a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together in desolate and deserted Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known as a place of evil. The visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and to draw forth the mysterious powers that it is alleged to possess—powers which have brought madness, murder and suicide to those who have lived there in in the past. As disturbing events begin to transpire, the house begins to influence (and overtake) the visitors’ psyches. To stay sane, they must be stronger than the traumas the house has brought upon them.

This fun and high-energy class combines the three fundamentals of musical theatre which include acting,
singing, and dance! With a focus on singing, musicality, movement, and storytelling, students will learn new
skills and make new friends. A sharing will take place at the end of the session. No prior experience is
necessary

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 play or musical. Our fall YPC session, Fables and Fairytales, features favorite characters from Aesop’s Fables, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and other classic tales.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Tuition will be $350 – Scholarships are available.

Student Ages: 8-10
Classes/Rehearsals: Sept 7-Oct 26 | Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00 pm
Tech Week: Oct 31 – Nov 3 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Performances: Sunday, November 5, 2022 at 6:30 pm

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.

In this eight-week semester, young artists will learn to create dynamic relationships through theatre games,
improvisation, scene work, music, and dance. With an emphasis on ensemble storytelling, character creation,
physicality, and voice and speech, students will leave feeling more collaborative, creative, and confident
making bold choices on stage and in life. Apply your skills in an informal showcase for friends and family at the
end of the session. No prior experience is necessary, only an open mind!

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.

In this collegiate-style class, teen artists will learn from industry experts in a combination of acting and musical
theatre training, stage combat, scene work, monologue work and more! Each week will be a new Master Class
taught by local professional theatre artists. This session is ideal for students who are passionate about theatre,
excited to collaborate in a pre-professional environment with peers and industry experts, and looking to grow
and develop as artists. Space is limited.

Whether they’re performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs or displaying their technical prowess at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling or somersaulting, The Peking Acrobats astound audiences everywhere with utmost bravery and dexterity. For the last 32 years, this stunning troupe of world-class artists has redefined perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. Accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments, this time-honored tradition fuses Chinese music and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats with high-tech special effects to create an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival.

“The Peking Acrobats are pushing the envelope of human possibility, combining agility and grace in remarkable feats of pure artistry.” – The New York Post

The Peking Acrobats’ website

Recommended for Grades 1-12

Whether they’re performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs or displaying their technical prowess at trick-cycling, The Peking Acrobats push the limits of human ability, defying gravity and leaving your students inspired and amazed. Full of bright costumes, festival pageantry and traditional Chinese music, this thrilling cultural experience is one your class will never forget.

View the Peking Acrobats Study Guide here.

Prepare for your visit, learn about the theatre, and get the most out of each performance with this Guide to the Wortham Center.

Performance Length: 60 minutes

This class is designed for curious young performers eager to explore the “FUN”-damentals of acting, singing,
and dancing. Through high-energy theatre games, improvisation, pantomime, storytelling, & ensemble-based
activities, students will hone their theatre and musical theatre skills. They will build meaningful connections with
other young artists, and discover their creative potential! In the final class, showcase what you learned in an
informal performance for friends and family.

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 play or musical. Our fall YPC session, Fables and Fairytales, features favorite characters from Aesop’s Fables, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and other classic tales.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Tuition will be $350 – Scholarships are available.

Student Ages: 8-10
Classes/Rehearsals: Sept 7-Oct 26 | Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00 pm
Tech Week: Oct 31 – Nov 3 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Performances: Sunday, November 5, 2022 at 6:30 pm

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.

Whether they’re performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs or displaying their technical prowess at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling or somersaulting, The Peking Acrobats astound audiences everywhere with utmost bravery and dexterity. For the last 32 years, this stunning troupe of world-class artists has redefined perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. Accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments, this time-honored tradition fuses Chinese music and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats with high-tech special effects to create an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival.

“The Peking Acrobats are pushing the envelope of human possibility, combining agility and grace in remarkable feats of pure artistry.” – The New York Post

The Peking Acrobats’ website