Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Bonsai is a Japanese term that means “planted in a container.” Bonsai is the art of growing beautiful small trees that actually mimic full-sized trees, and is a tradition that has been carried out for over a thousand years.

Join Bob Thatcher of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society to learn more about the history, care, and appreciation of Bonsai!  Bob will talk about how to get started, covering the basics of the cultivation and maintenance of bonsai trees. Thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program.

This free program will be at the Weaverville Library on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and everyone is invited.

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

AUDITION DATES AT A GLANCE

• The Importance of Being Earnest – February 16-18, 2024
  • Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

The Importance of Being Earnest

Performance Dates: February 16-18, 2024
Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Directed By: Maggie Crowell
Production Assistant: Susan Maley

About The Importance of Being Earnest: Wilde’s most successful and enduring play is a wonderful and witty comedy of deception, disguise and misadventure. Two bachelors, Jack and Algernon, create alter egos in an effort to avoid tedious social obligations and win the hearts of Gwendolen and Cecily, the two women they adore.

additional auditions:

• The Birds – March 22-24, 2024
  • Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Over the River and Through the Woods – April 26-28, 2024
  • Auditions: April 2, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Enchanted April – May 31-June 2, 2024
  • Auditions: May 7, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Youth Production Auditions

This an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. Read more about Youth Productions HERE.

At the First Cast Meeting, students will be taught a dance combination and song to take home and practice for auditions and parents will receive comprehensive information about the entire Youth Production process.

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids

Ages: 8-12
Performance Dates: March 8-10, 2024
First Cast Meeting: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Auditions: Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 4:30 PM

About Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids: Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids is a fur-raising adventure with a high-spirited score and lovable characters that will charm and delight all audiences.

Read more about registering for Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids HERE

Mainstage Auditions

Auditions are held over two nights, and you may choose either night to audition. Please fill out the Audition Form (per show) to secure an audition time. Walk-ups will be asked to fill out the audition form on site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.

For musical auditions: In general, come dressed to dance and prepared to sing 16 bars (30-45 seconds) of a musical theatre song, in the style of the musical. Depending on the show, you may be asked to bring sheet music to be played by an accompanist or you may be asked to bring a backing track (like a karaoke track on your phone) to play on a provided speaker. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

For non-musical auditions: Generally, you will be asked to memorize and prepare a monologue or to read pages from the script in front of the director, the stage manager, and another reader. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

Matilda: The Musical

Performance Dates: April 12-May 5, 2024
Youth & Teen Auditions: January 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Adult Auditions: January 22 & 23, 2024 with time slot
Callbacks (for Youth, Teens, & Adults): January 25, 2024
Rehearsals: February 5, 2024-April 11, 2024
Directed and Choregraphed by: Zoe Zelonky
Music Direction by: Kristen Johnson Dominguez

About Matilda: The Musical: Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

How to prepare:

Youth & Teens will begin with the dance audition then move into the vocal audition. Please arrive before 1 PM to check in and make sure you are ready to go as auditions will begin promptly. Dance auditions will take about an hour, and vocal & acting auditions will immediately follow in the order in which you check in. After you have completed your vocal & acting audition, you will be free to go.

• Dancing: Please wear clothes that allow full body movement. You will learn a short, upbeat dance combination and perform it in small groups.
• Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
• Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Adults:

• Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
• Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Audition Time Slots: 

• Youth & Teens: Youth & Teens auditions happen at the same time. Fill out the audition form HERE.
• Adults: Please select your time slot and fill out the audition form HERE.

Audition Sides

• Character Descriptions
• Youth & Teen Audition Sides
• Adult Audition Sides

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!