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

Kids have great imaginations – this is the place to let it loose! Our youngest students will learn to bring fun stories and characters to life. Through games and play, they’ll get comfortable expressing with their voices and bodies. And, their confidence will grow as they perform with other kids! Join us for play and creativity!

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $175 – 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.

Improv teaches performers spontaneity, creativity, and to think outside the box! In this class, students will learn the basics of improv with techniques designed to get them comfortable with performing, quick thinking, and being present on stage. They’ll be laughing and learning with fun games, warm-ups, “Yes And” exercises, and a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

PUFFS (A One Act For Young Wizards) Ages: 7 – 18 Rehearsals Start: Monday, September 12th Rehearsal Times: Every Monday from 1:00-3:00 pm (Please note we will take a break around the holidays) Tech Week: Week of February 6, 2022  (please note, all rehearsal this week are mandatory) Shows: February 10-12, 2023

Hendersonville Theatre (HT) resumes its Staged Reading Series Saturday, September 10 at 4 p.m. Showcasing the work of area playwrights and performed by local actors, The Staged Reading Series is a FREE public reading of a new play in development. However, donations are welcome to support HT.

HT’s The Staged Reading Series offers exciting script-in-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. The readings are followed by a talk back with the playwright and actors to provide feedback to the playwright.

A short discussion will follow each show to provide feedback to the playwright about their script.

The reading will be held on the Hendersonville main stage, 229 S. Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC. There is no charge to attend or to participate, however donations are welcome and will be used to support HT.

Hendersonville Theatre is committed to exploring and developing new work for American theater, supporting local playwrights with their creative process from concept to production.

Two short original one acts will be read on September 10. The Art of Conning by Beth Norris and Allison Starling and Lucky Women by Catherine Gillet.

In The Art of Conning, three con artists make their living by taking advantage of the elderly. However, meet their match when they encounter the strong willed Miriam, whose battle with dementia causes all sorts of shenanigans to ensue.

In Lucky Women, June and Lois consider their lives over a game of cards at a health spa in the Catskills.

Beth Norris and Allison Starling met and became friends in college, where they were both majoring in theatre. The Art of Conning started as a friendly joke and turned into a project for their playwriting class. Currently, Norris serves as HT’s Associate Artistic Director and Starling as HT’s Board Secretary.

Catherine Gillet’s published and award-winning plays have been produced in numerous venues in the United States including Off-Broadway. As a member of the Playwrights Project at Circle Repertory Company, she studied with Craig Lucas, Paula Vogel and Lanford Wilson. Gilet relocated from New York City to Tryon, where she is the co-founder of Shakespeare & Friends and director of The Dark Horse Theater Project.

Playwrights who would like to submit work for consideration for the Staged Reading Series can follow the submission guidelines posted at www.HVLtheatre.org and email questions to [email protected].

Since 1966, Hendersonville Theatre has provided an inviting and nurturing environment for live theatre, as well as high-quality, affordable entertainment for the residents of Hendersonville and surrounding areas. Hendersonville Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking behind and in front of the theater.

Hendersonville Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information contact us at 828-692-1082 or online at HVLTheatre.org.

Blood at The Root written by Dominique Morisseau – BLOOD AT THE ROOT is a striking ensemble drama based on the Jena Six; six Black students who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus. This bold new play by Dominique Morisseau (Sunset Baby, Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew) examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards, and the crises in relations between men and women of all classes and, as a result, the shattering state of Black family life.

“Bursting with youthful exuberance, critical race issues, emotional authenticity, and astonishing beauty.  It is powerfully auspicious“-DC Theater Arts

“Blood at the Root vividly illustrates the near impossibility of getting through one’s teenage years-fraught in the best-case scenario-unscathed when also having to tackle larger societal problems. It’s a necessary and evocative production all-around.” – Chicago Reader

Directed by Kristen Hedberg

Jo Marsh wants to be a writer, and as she struggles to get published, she begrudgingly takes the advice of a friend to write about something more personal. Through soaring melodies and an unforgettable score, Jo weaves the stories of herself and her sisters, Meg, Beth and Amy, and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women is filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), personal discovery, heartache, and a deep sense of hope. This timeless, captivating story encompasses a true night at the theatre providing you with laughter, tears, and a lifted spirit. 

Suitable for all audiences.

Directed by Kristen Hedberg

Jo Marsh wants to be a writer, and as she struggles to get published, she begrudgingly takes the advice of a friend to write about something more personal. Through soaring melodies and an unforgettable score, Jo weaves the stories of herself and her sisters, Meg, Beth and Amy, and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women is filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), personal discovery, heartache, and a deep sense of hope. This timeless, captivating story encompasses a true night at the theatre providing you with laughter, tears, and a lifted spirit. 

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

PUFFS (A One Act For Young Wizards) Ages: 7 – 18 Rehearsals Start: Monday, September 12th Rehearsal Times: Every Monday from 1:00-3:00 pm (Please note we will take a break around the holidays) Tech Week: Week of February 6, 2022  (please note, all rehearsal this week are mandatory) Shows: February 10-12, 2023

Directed by Kristen Hedberg

Jo Marsh wants to be a writer, and as she struggles to get published, she begrudgingly takes the advice of a friend to write about something more personal. Through soaring melodies and an unforgettable score, Jo weaves the stories of herself and her sisters, Meg, Beth and Amy, and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women is filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), personal discovery, heartache, and a deep sense of hope. This timeless, captivating story encompasses a true night at the theatre providing you with laughter, tears, and a lifted spirit. 

Suitable for all audiences.

Directed by Kristen Hedberg

Jo Marsh wants to be a writer, and as she struggles to get published, she begrudgingly takes the advice of a friend to write about something more personal. Through soaring melodies and an unforgettable score, Jo weaves the stories of herself and her sisters, Meg, Beth and Amy, and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women is filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), personal discovery, heartache, and a deep sense of hope. This timeless, captivating story encompasses a true night at the theatre providing you with laughter, tears, and a lifted spirit. 

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

PUFFS (A One Act For Young Wizards) Ages: 7 – 18 Rehearsals Start: Monday, September 12th Rehearsal Times: Every Monday from 1:00-3:00 pm (Please note we will take a break around the holidays) Tech Week: Week of February 6, 2022  (please note, all rehearsal this week are mandatory) Shows: February 10-12, 2023

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting full-length play or musical. Our fall YPC session features A Wrinkle in Time, a fantasy drama about the bonds of family and the power of love through time and space. Based on the much-loved Newbery Medal winning novel of the same name.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $350.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages: 11-13
Classes/Rehearsals: Aug 22-Oct 5 | Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 10-13 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 15 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 16 at 6:30 PM

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting 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.

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting full-length play or musical. Our fall YPC session features The Prom, a musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission, a small-town Indiana prom, and the love they discover that unites them all. Classes will meet afterschool, and each session will end with two performances on the Mainstage!

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $450.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages: 14-18
Classes/Rehearsals: Aug 23-Oct 15 | Tuesdays at 4:30-7:30 PM and Saturdays at 1:00-5:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 17-20 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 22 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 PM

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting full-length play or musical. Our fall YPC session features A Wrinkle in Time, a fantasy drama about the bonds of family and the power of love through time and space. Based on the much-loved Newbery Medal winning novel of the same name.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $350.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages: 11-13
Classes/Rehearsals: Aug 22-Oct 5 | Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 10-13 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 15 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 16 at 6:30 PM

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Ever wonder how a stage production comes together? In our Youth Production Classes, students work with directors, an artistic team, and their fellow students to learn and perform an exciting 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.

Enrollment is now open for an adult improvisation acting class at Hendersonville Theatre (HT). Classes will be taught by professional improvisation actor and comedian Emily Swindal. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm for 8 weeks starting August 10. The class will conclude on September 28 with a showcase of the students’ work.

Improv Level One: Communicate. Collaborate. Play. is for anyone over 18. Tuition is $180. Hendersonville Theatre will offer a free class preview and information session on Monday, August 8 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.

To register for the class, please visit HVLtheatre.org or call the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. No registration is required to attend the free information session.

Emily Swindal lived in New York City for 8 years as an actor and improv comedian before relocating to Hendersonville during the pandemic. Swindal studied and performed improv and sketch comedy writing at New York City’s Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Swindal has performed with an assortment of improv teams. Some of her past instructors include Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Ross Taylor, Michael Lutton, and Nicole Drespel. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory.

Swindal’s teaching motto is “growth only happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone.” In this class, actors will work at getting comfortable onstage and stepping into bravery while having fun doing it. The class will teach students to have compassion for themselves and their classmates as performers as they learn the fundamentals of improvisation and develop support and spontaneity.

One of the missions of HT is to provide arts education that promotes life-long learning, in a way that inspires, nurtures, enriches, and empowers.

Hendersonville Theater has made masks optional for students, but volunteers, staff and performers are fully vaccinated. No proof of vaccination is required to attend a class.

What goes on behind the curtain? In our Tech Youth Production Classes, students learn and experience technical theatre and backstage work, including: safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by running all technical and backstage roles during the Youth performances of The Prom, a musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission and a small-town Indiana prom.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $250.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages: 12-18
Classes: Aug 25-Oct 13 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 17-20 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 22 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 PM

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. Once your application is processed, we will be in touch with you to register.

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

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Announcing youth auditions for Flat Rock Playhouse and Studio 52’s upcoming holiday productions of
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, an adaptation of the 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz, and A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS.

All cast members must be fully vaccinated, along with the production team and all Flat Rock Playhouse staff. Proof of vaccination will be required upon being cast.

Auditions will be held by appointment on Wednesday, September 14, and Thursday, September 15, between 5 – 8 PM with invited callbacks on Saturday, September 17 from 10AM – 1PM. Actors who are invited to callbacks will receive an email invitation on Friday, September 16.

Auditioning young actors will be asked to sing a minute (16 – 32 bars) of a Broadway song or their favorite holiday song. Actors can sing a cappella or bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. We also ask that actors bring a recent photo of themselves and a resume or list of experience, if possible. Please be prepared to list any conflicts at your audition. (Again, Studio 52 classes will not be considered a conflict for casting.)

Flat Rock Playhouse seeks a small Youth Ensemble ages 10-18 for A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS, with rehearsals beginning November 13 and the production running November 25 through December 22.

Studio 52 seeks a diverse company of young actors and singers, ages 10 –  18, for the following roles in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS:

CHARLIE BROWN

SNOOPY

LUCY VAN PELT

LINUS VAN PELT

PIG PEN

FRIEDA

SCHROEDER

VIOLET

SALLY BROWN

PATTY

SHERMY

WOODSTOCK

ENSEMBLE (will also understudy named roles)

Introducing: The Black Box Series

You’ve never experienced a play on The Rock like this before! Join us for an exciting new series where the audience and artists share the stage together for an intimate and immersive theatre experience. The Black Box Series will feature contemporary works, classics, and stories and playwrights from around the globe.  Be among the first to join us on this new and exciting theatrical journey!

*Both shows contain adult language and content.

Described by Newsday as “brutally entertaining,” God of Carnage is a comedy of manners… without the manners. Don’t miss the triple-Tony-Award-winning Broadway sensation by Yasmina Reza. The New Yorker calls this laugh-out-loud hilarity “ninety minutes of sustained mayhem.”  A playground altercation between eleven-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their principals in tatters.

*Adult language and content.

“A streamlined anatomy of the human animal… delivers the cathartic release of watching other people’s marriages go boom. This play is itself a satisfyingly primitive entertainment.” –The New York Times