Calendar of Events

All proceeds from Reproductive Freedom Jam 2022 directly fund the NC ACTION PAC. This PAC supports the advocacy and voter contact work by endorsing NC candidates who advocate for accessible reproductive healthcare, protect access to abortion, support LGBTQ+ rights, and work for equity of people and their families.

Hosted by Barbie Angell, the event will feature performances from Ken Kahn, Melissa Hyman and Dulci Ellenberger, Daniel Shearin (of River Whyless), Lo Wolf, Life Like Water, Kendra Penland and Friends, Greg Cartwright (of Reigning Sound), The Smoky Mountain Sirens, and more!

Although the exquisitely detailed patterns of Shibori, a form of tie dye, look complicated, they can actually be quite easy to make—especially if you learn from a pro. In just a few hours, veteran textile artist Camille Duanno will teach you everything you need to know to get started with this ancient Japanese art.

Camille will begin by presenting an overview of Shibori, including its history, materials, and tips and tricks for success. Then, she’ll demonstrate four basic Shibori techniques using wooden blocks, popsicle sticks, tied bundles, and a small pole wrap. You’ll be invited to follow along, creating your own samples.

You’ll take home two beautiful scarves (an 8”x54” silk scarf and an 11”x60” chiffon scarf), as well as a couple of smaller pieces of Shibori that will be suitable for hanging.

No dyeing experience necessary!

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

Poetry of the Spirit with Luke Hankins

This class will focus on contemporary poetry that engages the “spirit” in some way, from a range of perspectives, both religious and non-religious. Some of the aspects of spiritual poetry that will come under discussion are the experience of transcendence, the longing for connection to something larger than ourselves, and the search for overarching meaning that might guide us throughout our lives. In addition to reading and discussing sample poems, we will do an in-class writing exercise aimed at writing from or to whatever “spirit” means to each participant.

Luke Hankins is the author of two poetry collections, Radiant Obstacles and Weak Devotions, as well as a collection of essays, The Work of Creation. A volume of his translations from the French of Stella Vinitchi Radulescu, A Cry in the Snow & Other Poems, was released by Seagull Books in 2019. Testament, a chapbook of poems, is forthcoming from Texas Review Press. His poems, essays, and translations have appeared in a wide variety of periodicals, including 32 Poems, American Literary Review, Image, New England Review, Poetry International, Verse, World Literature Today, and The Writer’s Chronicle. Hankins serves as an Associate Editor at Asheville Poetry Review and he is the founder and editor of Orison Books, a non-profit literary press focused on the life of the spirit from a broad and inclusive range of perspectives.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Zoom for the virtual connection. The link will be sent by the morning of the presentation. Check your junk folder if you have not received it by then.

Sun printing (aka solar printing) is a wonderful way to capture the summer sunshine! In this fun and easy workshop, textile artist Camille Daunno will show you how to create beautiful, personal pieces of art by applying SolarFast™, a non-toxic, light-reactive dye, to a “resist” and exposing the surface to light. The results are stunning and unlike traditional cyanotyping, which produces only blue images, can be quite colorful!

You’ll start by painting paper or fabric with SolarFast™ and then arranging stencils, paper pieces, or other flat objects to create a design. Camille will offer suggestions for manipulating your designs and layering colors so you can experiment with different looks. Then, you’ll expose your piece to a light source and watch the magic happen. Within minutes, your masterpiece will develop!

You’ll take home a beautiful canvas tote bag and an 8”x54” silk scarf, as well as a couple of smaller sun prints that will be suitable for hanging.

No dyeing experience necessary!

Join Emily Bell of Rhythm & Ritual for an evening of broomcraft and connection.

More than a handcrafts class, Emily creates a ritual space for participants to settle in and create with intention. Everyone will have an opportunity to make their own large AND small turkey wing whisk brooms for practical or ritual use (or both!)

This class is open to those who identify as women.
Class size is limited, so register early!

Note: this is a two-day course which takes place on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 9:30AM-5PM each day.

This is a beginners class for students wanting to learn the skills, exercises, and the fundamentals of mediumship. (Students need to bring a pen and notebook. Printed handouts will be also provided.)

Anthony Mikolojeski will be teaching students the foundation and techniques behind mediumship, and all healing aspects. Students will begin to learn various exercises in how to expand their energy to connect with loved one’s in the spirit world. Students will be engaging in exercises with each other while being mentored by Anthony. They will learn the boundaries, the responsibilities and professional ethics surrounding doing this work.

We will be doing a few singing bowl meditations, practice in meeting spirit guides we haven’t met before and learning techniques on how to build your personal power.

(Because of the summer tourist season and increased high traffic, students will be expected to allow extra traveling time so you arrive promptly for class.) We will start at 9:30 am sharp.

I just love what I do and look forward to to working with everyone in class!❤️

Lunch will be provided along with water, coffee, teas, and chilled beverages. (Please indicate if you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, please email Anthony at: [email protected].

Anthony has studied with some of the best mediums in the U.S and U.K such as James Van Praagh, Tony Stockwell, Mavis Pitilla, and Sheila French, just to name a few. He has completed a mentorship in mediumship with James Van Praagh and advanced mentorship with Mavis Pitilla. Anthony has also studied at the prestigious Arthur Findlay College in Stansted, England, in advanced mediumship.

Anthony Mikolojeski is known as the Asheville Medium. He has traveled internationally demonstrating mediumship on stage and provided personal readings. You can read more about his background, how he works or to book your next appointment at his website: ashevillemedium.com

Join Emily Bell of Rhythm & Ritual for an afternoon of broomcraft and connection.

More than a handcrafts class, Emily creates a ritual space for participants to settle in and create with intention. Everyone will have an opportunity to make their own cobweb broom.

A variety of broomsticks will be available to choose from and wood selection will be discussed, as well as cultivation of broomcorn.

This class is open to those who identify as women.
Class size is limited, so register early!

Note: this is a two-day course which takes place on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 9:30AM-5PM each day.

This is a beginners class for students wanting to learn the skills, exercises, and the fundamentals of mediumship. (Students need to bring a pen and notebook. Printed handouts will be also provided.)

Anthony Mikolojeski will be teaching students the foundation and techniques behind mediumship, and all healing aspects. Students will begin to learn various exercises in how to expand their energy to connect with loved one’s in the spirit world. Students will be engaging in exercises with each other while being mentored by Anthony. They will learn the boundaries, the responsibilities and professional ethics surrounding doing this work.

We will be doing a few singing bowl meditations, practice in meeting spirit guides we haven’t met before and learning techniques on how to build your personal power.

(Because of the summer tourist season and increased high traffic, students will be expected to allow extra traveling time so you arrive promptly for class.) We will start at 9:30 am sharp.

I just love what I do and look forward to to working with everyone in class!❤️

Lunch will be provided along with water, coffee, teas, and chilled beverages. (Please indicate if you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, please email Anthony at: [email protected].

Anthony has studied with some of the best mediums in the U.S and U.K such as James Van Praagh, Tony Stockwell, Mavis Pitilla, and Sheila French, just to name a few. He has completed a mentorship in mediumship with James Van Praagh and advanced mentorship with Mavis Pitilla. Anthony has also studied at the prestigious Arthur Findlay College in Stansted, England, in advanced mediumship.

Anthony Mikolojeski is known as the Asheville Medium. He has traveled internationally demonstrating mediumship on stage and provided personal readings. You can read more about his background, how he works or to book your next appointment at his website: ashevillemedium.com

Our Town

PLAY

By: Thornton Wilder

Directed by: Robert Arleigh White

Seeking a large cast of all ages, representing our community of Asheville. Tattoos, piercings, and extra-ness are welcome! Be YOU! Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet. The director prefers that you prepare a one-minute memorized monologue of your choosing for your audition. PRODUCTION DATES: September 30th – October 16th, 2022; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time. REHEARSALS: August 8th -September 29th. 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 large cast of all ages, representing our community of Asheville. Tattoos, piercings, and extra-ness are welcome! Bring your weirdness…be YOU! Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet. AUDITION MATERIAL: Auditionees – The director prefers that you prepare a one-minute memorized monologue of your choosing. You may additionally be asked to read from sides (pages from the script) at the audition. (Check back for sides here closer to audition date.) Need help finding a monologue? Check out this handy monologue resource!

Directed by: Robert Arleigh White

AUDITION DATES: Monday, July 25th and Tuesday, July 26th, 2022; 5:30-7:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: September 30th – October 16th, 2022; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: August 8th -September 29th. 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 large cast of all ages, representing our community of Asheville. Tattoos, piercings, and extra-ness are welcome! Bring your weirdness…be YOU!

Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.

AUDITION MATERIAL: Auditionees – The director encourages you to prepare a one-minute memorized monologue of your choosing, but it’s not required. If you don’t have a monologue, you will be asked to read from sides (pages from the script) at the audition.

Need help finding a monologue? Check out this handy monologue resource!

Scripts are available for checkout from the theatre. Or, borrow the script here from the library. (Disclaimer: The library version may be slightly different from the version we are using.)

SIDES:

George and Emily

George and Emily 2

Stage Manager

Stage Manager 2

Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb

George and Dr. Gibbs

Mrs. Webb and Emily

Mrs. Soames and Mrs. Gibbs

Dr. Gibbs and Mrs. Gibbs

Mr. and Mrs Webb and George

Simon

Mrs. Webb

AUDITION FORM: Fill out this Audition Form here or at the audition.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: 

Primary Characters:

• Stage Manager – a narrator, commentator, and guide through Grover’s Corners. She joins in the action of the play periodically, as the minister at the wedding, the soda shop owner, a local townsman, etc., and speaks directly to Emily after her death.
• Emily Webb – one of the main characters; we follow her from a precocious young girl through her wedding to George Gibbs and her early death.
• George Gibbs – the other main character; the boy next door, a kind but irresponsible teenager who matures over time and becomes a responsible husband, father and farmer.
• Frank Gibbs – George’s father, the town doctor.
• Julia (Hersey) Gibbs –George’s mother. She dreams of going to Paris but doesn’t get there. She saved $350 for the trip from the sale of an antique furniture piece but willed it to George and Emily. Dies while visiting her daughter in Ohio.
• Charles Webb – Emily’s father, Editor of the Grover’s Corners Sentinel
• Myrtle Webb – Emily and Wally’s mother.

Secondary characters:

• • Joe and Si Crowell – local paperboys. Joe’s intelligence earns him a full scholarship to MIT where he graduates at the top of his class. His promise will be cut short on the fields of France during World War I, according to the Stage Manager. Both he and his brother Si hold marriage in high disdain.
  • Simon Stimson – the choir director and church organist. We never learn the specific cause of his alcoholism and suicide, although Joe Stoddard, the undertaker, observes that “He’s seen a peck of troubles.” He remains bitter and cynical even beyond the grave.
  • Howie Newsome – the milkman, a fixture of Grover’s Corners.
  • Rebecca Gibbs – George’s younger sister. Later elopes with a traveling salesman and settles in Ohio.
  • Wallace “Wally” Webb – Emily’s younger brother. Dies of a burst appendix on a Boy Scout camping trip.
  • Professor Willard – a rather long-winded lecturer
  • Woman in the Balcony – attendee of Editor Webb’s political and social report – concerned with temperance
  • Belligerent Man at Back of Auditorium – attendee of Editor Webb’s political and social report – concerned with social justice
  • Lady in a Box – attendee of Editor Webb’s political and social report – concerned with culture and beauty
  • Mrs. Louella Soames – a gossipy townswoman and member of the choir
  • Constable Bill Warren – the policeman
  • Three Baseball Players – who mock George at the wedding
  • Joe Stoddard – the undertaker
  • Sam Craig – a nephew of Mrs. Gibbs who left town to seek his fortune. He came back after 12 years in Buffalo for Emily’s funeral.
  • Man from among the Dead
  • Woman from among the Dead
  • Mr. Carter (Dead)
  • Farmer McCarty

Our Town

PLAY

By: Thornton Wilder

Directed by: Robert Arleigh White

Seeking a large cast of all ages, representing our community of Asheville. Tattoos, piercings, and extra-ness are welcome! Be YOU! Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet. The director prefers that you prepare a one-minute memorized monologue of your choosing for your audition. PRODUCTION DATES: September 30th – October 16th, 2022; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time. REHEARSALS: August 8th -September 29th. 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 large cast of all ages, representing our community of Asheville. Tattoos, piercings, and extra-ness are welcome! Bring your weirdness…be YOU! Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet. AUDITION MATERIAL: Auditionees – The director prefers that you prepare a one-minute memorized monologue of your choosing. You may additionally be asked to read from sides (pages from the script) at the audition. (Check back for sides here closer to audition date.) Need help finding a monologue? Check out this handy monologue resource!

Directed by: Robert Arleigh White

AUDITION DATES: Monday, July 25th and Tuesday, July 26th, 2022; 5:30-7:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: September 30th – October 16th, 2022; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: August 8th -September 29th. 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 large cast of all ages, representing our community of Asheville. Tattoos, piercings, and extra-ness are welcome! Bring your weirdness…be YOU!

Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.

AUDITION MATERIAL: Auditionees – The director encourages you to prepare a one-minute memorized monologue of your choosing, but it’s not required. If you don’t have a monologue, you will be asked to read from sides (pages from the script) at the audition.

Need help finding a monologue? Check out this handy monologue resource!

Scripts are available for checkout from the theatre. Or, borrow the script here from the library. (Disclaimer: The library version may be slightly different from the version we are using.)

SIDES:

George and Emily

George and Emily 2

Stage Manager

Stage Manager 2

Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb

George and Dr. Gibbs

Mrs. Webb and Emily

Mrs. Soames and Mrs. Gibbs

Dr. Gibbs and Mrs. Gibbs

Mr. and Mrs Webb and George

Simon

Mrs. Webb

AUDITION FORM: Fill out this Audition Form here or at the audition.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: 

Primary Characters:

• Stage Manager – a narrator, commentator, and guide through Grover’s Corners. She joins in the action of the play periodically, as the minister at the wedding, the soda shop owner, a local townsman, etc., and speaks directly to Emily after her death.
• Emily Webb – one of the main characters; we follow her from a precocious young girl through her wedding to George Gibbs and her early death.
• George Gibbs – the other main character; the boy next door, a kind but irresponsible teenager who matures over time and becomes a responsible husband, father and farmer.
• Frank Gibbs – George’s father, the town doctor.
• Julia (Hersey) Gibbs –George’s mother. She dreams of going to Paris but doesn’t get there. She saved $350 for the trip from the sale of an antique furniture piece but willed it to George and Emily. Dies while visiting her daughter in Ohio.
• Charles Webb – Emily’s father, Editor of the Grover’s Corners Sentinel
• Myrtle Webb – Emily and Wally’s mother.

Secondary characters:

• • Joe and Si Crowell – local paperboys. Joe’s intelligence earns him a full scholarship to MIT where he graduates at the top of his class. His promise will be cut short on the fields of France during World War I, according to the Stage Manager. Both he and his brother Si hold marriage in high disdain.
  • Simon Stimson – the choir director and church organist. We never learn the specific cause of his alcoholism and suicide, although Joe Stoddard, the undertaker, observes that “He’s seen a peck of troubles.” He remains bitter and cynical even beyond the grave.
  • Howie Newsome – the milkman, a fixture of Grover’s Corners.
  • Rebecca Gibbs – George’s younger sister. Later elopes with a traveling salesman and settles in Ohio.
  • Wallace “Wally” Webb – Emily’s younger brother. Dies of a burst appendix on a Boy Scout camping trip.
  • Professor Willard – a rather long-winded lecturer
  • Woman in the Balcony – attendee of Editor Webb’s political and social report – concerned with temperance
  • Belligerent Man at Back of Auditorium – attendee of Editor Webb’s political and social report – concerned with social justice
  • Lady in a Box – attendee of Editor Webb’s political and social report – concerned with culture and beauty
  • Mrs. Louella Soames – a gossipy townswoman and member of the choir
  • Constable Bill Warren – the policeman
  • Three Baseball Players – who mock George at the wedding
  • Joe Stoddard – the undertaker
  • Sam Craig – a nephew of Mrs. Gibbs who left town to seek his fortune. He came back after 12 years in Buffalo for Emily’s funeral.
  • Man from among the Dead
  • Woman from among the Dead
  • Mr. Carter (Dead)
  • Farmer McCarty

The Haunted Trail at the Adventure Center of Asheville is hosting open auditions! The Haunted Trail (brought to you by Asheville Plays) is a family friendly all ages event that features 15 live action story based scenes in an outdoor trail. Actors bring the scenes to life as guests pass through. Actors earn free event tickets based on the amount of nights they have committed to working. Mellow Mushroom provides cast and crew dinner each night! This event raises meals for MANNA food bank, so come have fun and support your community this Halloween season and help us say BOO! to hunger! Volunteer actors should be at least 16 years old. For more information please contact our creative director, Lauren Rivas. [email protected]

Please join us for the 5th annual Love♡Shine♡Play Festival, July 28-31, 2022 (tentative date) taking place against the breathtaking backdrop of the world’s oldest mountains in gorgeous Asheville, NC. The festival classes take place in beautiful venues throughout downtown Asheville as well as our gorgeous & famous Pack Square Park. You will be able to choose from a variety of offerings including yoga classes, meditation, talks, hikes, and more. The pedestrian friendly festival will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of a city brimming with cultural arts, culinary delights, and many independent shops.

Once you have purchased your tickets, you will receive an order confirmation email from Eventbrite, our ticketing partner. Your e-ticket(s) will be attached to your order confirmation email. Important: if you do not see your order confirmation in your inbox, make sure to check your junk/spam folder. If you are still unable to find them, contact the Eventbrite help center here.

Event is rain or shine, and ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL.

We look forward to seeing you in Asheville!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and iDaph Events present the 4th Annual Light Up the Night 5k! This event is a fundraising, nighttime walk/run event that welcomes all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the continuous work of recovery, rescue, and restoration to individuals throughout WNC.

The first 200 people to register will also receive a FREE glow-in-the-dark commemorative finisher medal!

Each 5k registration will include a FREE t-shirt until July 10th at midnight. After that date, shirts will be available for purchase, in limited quantities and sizes, for $10. Glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets will be available for our in-person participants!

The event will take place at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC on Friday, August 5th. This is your time to shine! Runners will have a rolling start between 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM and take to the greenway to run or walk this fun and unique event.

In addition to the in-person event, there is also a virtual offering for participants who aren’t comfortable coming to an in-person event. The Virtual 5k event experience gives participants an opportunity to participate in this fundraising event ANYWHERE! Walk/Run/Hike 5k and submit your results online!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) exists to serve the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. They meet people in crisis, focus on helping them at the point of their need, invest in their future, and help them until they can move forward.

On Saturday, August 6, 2022, Linville River Pottery will hold a Community Benefit Sale at their studio in Pineola, NC. 75% of all proceeds will be donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Linville River Pottery is owned by Patti and Dan, who moved to the area full time in 2008. Since Patti was six years old, she has been working with clay. Patti views experimenting with clays and glazes as an immersion into the wilderness. This passion shows in the beautiful clays pieces created and in their dedication to benefiting the community around them. We invite you all to come out and enjoy supporting local artists and environmental conservation!

The Sale will feature stoneware and porcelain bowls, mugs, and vases—all handmade on a kickwheel by Patti Connor-Greene. The hours are from 11 am – 3 pm or until pots are gone; no early sales. Cash or checks only; no credit/debit cards.

Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular in the past few years. It’s fun, easy, and can be very useful!

In just a few hours, Camille Daunno will teach you how to make a beautiful wet felted vessel using only wool fibers, a plastic “resist,” soap, water, a few additional household items, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Once you learn how to wet felt—and especially after you get comfortable using resists—you’ll be able to make pretty much anything you can make using cloth: apparel, bags, and other accessories to wear or decorative your home.