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.
October 10 – 26
Grab your guitars and dust off your cowboy boots before heading out to the Playhouse Barn for Autumn at the Opry, Vol. 2. This popular country extravaganza is back with all new music and showcases everything from bluegrass to honky-tonk, tin pan alley to pop standards, and the blues to rock-n-roll. Join our world-class musicians and singers in this ode to The Grand Ole Opry. We guarantee a hand-clappin,’ foot-stompin’ good time.
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
October 16-26 , 2025
Thursday, 10/16 at 7:30 (pay what you can available 10/2)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturday at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Director: Jennifer Treadway
Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult situations, language, depictions of smoking, and alcohol use.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party, and murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth–the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th annual Haunted Trail; Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. The Adventure Center of Asheville is the host of this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Wortham Center Student Series Donna Washington: A Little Shiver
Tue, Oct 28 • 10 am
Grades 3–5
Show length: 60 minutes
Join internationally acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington for a delightful session of fun, interactive, and not-so-scary ghost stories perfect for young audiences. Through the enchanting world of Swamp Stories rooted in African American traditions, students will not only enjoy the tales but also enhance their literary skills. Donna’s animated storytelling style, complete with vocal pyrotechnics and expressive characterizations, will captivate and inspire students, making this an unforgettable educational experience.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Tue, Oct 28 • 7 pm
Master storyteller Donna Washington delivers delightfully disquieting tales of skin-spinners, sweet-toothed child-eaters, undead lovers, and blood-hungry captains. Perfectly timed for the Halloween season, these stories will get under your skin and revisit you deep in the night.
Recommended for ages 18+
Spotlight on Donna Washington:
Called a “Walking Disney Movie” for her animated, spellbinding style
Consultant on the eerie video game South of Midnight
30+ national awards for storytelling and spoken word recordings
Performed at major festivals across the U.S., Australia, and beyond
For grown-up lovers of the strange, spooky, and spine-tingling—don’t miss it!
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Join NC Stage Nov. 5th – Nov. 23rd for Is This A Room. Wed., Thurs., Sat. at 7:30pm; Fri. & Sun. at 2pm. (Friday 11/7 at 7:30pm)
June 3, 2017: A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking classified information to media sources. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Adult Tickets: $24-48
Student Tickets: $10
“Choose Your Price” Nights 11/5-11/7: $10-48
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Calling all fans of classic rock and pop! Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible sounds of two of music’s greatest legends, Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the ultimate tribute band! DAVID CLARK performs as BILLY JOEL along with BILL CONNORS as ELTON JOHN. This tribute show promises to evoke a wave of nostalgia and joy with hits like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right.” The iconic hits don’t stop, and you won’t want them to!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Paperhand Puppet Project presents The Gift
Friday, Nov 7 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 8 • 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 • 3 pm
Stories move on the water. The water moves in all things. Life moves in dynamic patterns that weave like currents and rich tapestries that shape who we are. We may sometimes fall short of such states of grace. We readily receive the gifts the world provides with no explicit expectations in return. Yet reciprocity could very well be our best pathway to survival. We can decide to give back, and now is the time. We were built for this. Made for it.
We humbly request the gift of your presence as we seek this balance. Let the Grandmothers tell you a story that you didn’t know you needed. Let the water protectors and heroines of justice sing you a song of resilience. Let us share a moment of connection, wonder and gratitude. Let us create this, our future, together — through art!
Join us in honoring the rare gift that is life on Earth as we celebrate Paperhand’s 25th year! Come and experience the magic of giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted cardboard and cloth, illuminated puppets and shadows all set to original live music in a performance for all ages. See you at the show!
Calling all fans of classic rock and pop! Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible sounds of two of music’s greatest legends, Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the ultimate tribute band! DAVID CLARK performs as BILLY JOEL along with BILL CONNORS as ELTON JOHN. This tribute show promises to evoke a wave of nostalgia and joy with hits like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right.” The iconic hits don’t stop, and you won’t want them to!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Paperhand Puppet Project presents The Gift
Friday, Nov 7 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 8 • 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 • 3 pm
Stories move on the water. The water moves in all things. Life moves in dynamic patterns that weave like currents and rich tapestries that shape who we are. We may sometimes fall short of such states of grace. We readily receive the gifts the world provides with no explicit expectations in return. Yet reciprocity could very well be our best pathway to survival. We can decide to give back, and now is the time. We were built for this. Made for it.
We humbly request the gift of your presence as we seek this balance. Let the Grandmothers tell you a story that you didn’t know you needed. Let the water protectors and heroines of justice sing you a song of resilience. Let us share a moment of connection, wonder and gratitude. Let us create this, our future, together — through art!
Join us in honoring the rare gift that is life on Earth as we celebrate Paperhand’s 25th year! Come and experience the magic of giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted cardboard and cloth, illuminated puppets and shadows all set to original live music in a performance for all ages. See you at the show!
Calling all fans of classic rock and pop! Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible sounds of two of music’s greatest legends, Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the ultimate tribute band! DAVID CLARK performs as BILLY JOEL along with BILL CONNORS as ELTON JOHN. This tribute show promises to evoke a wave of nostalgia and joy with hits like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right.” The iconic hits don’t stop, and you won’t want them to!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Paperhand Puppet Project presents The Gift
Friday, Nov 7 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 8 • 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 • 3 pm
Stories move on the water. The water moves in all things. Life moves in dynamic patterns that weave like currents and rich tapestries that shape who we are. We may sometimes fall short of such states of grace. We readily receive the gifts the world provides with no explicit expectations in return. Yet reciprocity could very well be our best pathway to survival. We can decide to give back, and now is the time. We were built for this. Made for it.
We humbly request the gift of your presence as we seek this balance. Let the Grandmothers tell you a story that you didn’t know you needed. Let the water protectors and heroines of justice sing you a song of resilience. Let us share a moment of connection, wonder and gratitude. Let us create this, our future, together — through art!
Join us in honoring the rare gift that is life on Earth as we celebrate Paperhand’s 25th year! Come and experience the magic of giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted cardboard and cloth, illuminated puppets and shadows all set to original live music in a performance for all ages. See you at the show!
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents: Swan Lake
November 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Swan Lake is a ballet masterpiece that tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful swan princess under a spell. The ballet is renowned for its stunning choreography, intricate set design, and Tchaikovsky’s captivating music. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic that has endured for more than a century.
This timeless tale of love and magic will be brought to life by the finest dancers of the Grand Kyiv Ballet. The graceful movements of the world’s best dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, the USA and Japan will give you unforgettable emotions. And colorful costumes and decorations will transport audiences to a world of enchantment and wonder.