In this Tony Award® winning comedy by Christopher Durang, middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha. Hilarity, a bit of pathos, and just a touch of Chekhovian ennui ensue as the family, neighbor, boyfriend, and housekeeper navigate the complexities of their relationships.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and Language
COVID protocol: masks still required in the theatre during the performance

Ages 13-18
Mar 23-May 11 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

In this class designed for beginners to intermediate performers, students will develop and hone their acting techniques. They’ll work on short scenes, monologues and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class gives students the confidence to shine on stage and off – even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a  showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 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.

Register Now!

Ages 8-12
Mar 21-May 9 | Tuesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

In this class designed for beginners and younger performers, students will learn basic acting techniques and have a great time doing so! They’ll get creative with short scenes and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class builds the confidence to help them to shine on stage and in life –  even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 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.

Register Now!

Ages 13-18
Mar 14-May 13 | Tuesdays at 4:30-7:30 PM and Saturdays at 1:00-5:00 PM

Tech Week: May 15-18 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, May 20 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 PM

Inspired by a real event and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

Youth Production Classes tackle the entire production process – from auditions, rehearsals, character development, and performance. Great for performers of all levels of experience.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $450– 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.

Register Now!

Ages 12+
Mar 23-May 11 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

Tech Week: May 15-18 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, May 20 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 PM

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 Bright Star Young Performers Edition, a musical tale of love and redemption inspired by real events and set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s.

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.

Register Now!

Taught by Tom Chalmers
Ages 18+
Mar 6-Apr 10 | Mondays at 6:30-8:30 PM

This class will be offered in person on the ACT Mainstage, following all the recommended protocols for safety and sanitation. Limited to 10 students. For ages 18+.

This six-week course taught by local comedian Tom Chalmers covers the fundamentals of improvisational acting with an emphasis on comedy; such as listening, commitment, intuitive reaction, as well as recognizing and capitalizing on emerging patterns. A final showcase will be held on Friday, April 14th.

**If the class if full, we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may add an additional class for the session.**

Registration opens 1/25/2023. Tuition will be $180– 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.

Taught by Tom Chalmers
Ages 18+
Mar 7-Apr 11 | Tuesdays at 6:30-8:30 PM

PREREQUISITE: Improv 1 and Improv 2 (must be pre-approved by instructor)

The Performance Lab works with students to take the skills they have learned in the earlier levels and improve upon them by applying them to structures intended for performance. Students will be instructed on how to make “show-worthy” choices, choosing sustainable characters over quick-laugh caricatures, establishing relationships rather than just spouting punchlines, but at the same time developing instincts as to when a scene needs a spring or a solid blackout line. A final showcase will be held on Friday, April 14th.

**If the class if full, we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may add an additional class for the session.**

Registration opens 1/25/2022. Tuition will be $180– Scholarships are available.

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

“In the midst of the challenges of life, there are days when we just need some encouragement. Some fresh perspective to keep moving forward in the journey of faith. So we’d like to bring some encouragement and laughter through comedy theatre. We’ll perform a series of sketches that highlight some of those challenges, but also bring to life some of the mystery and gains of leaning into the presence of God; the surprise places where grace and love show up to give us strength for the journey. Laughter is good medicine.” -Carol Anderson, Acts of Renewal

By Christopher Durang

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and Language

Asheville’s LARGEST vaudeville show featuring WNC’s best comedy, juggling, magic, burlesque, acrobatics, aerial arts, short plays, puppetry, sideshow, music and more!

>> More details soon

Coming off a lauded Philly Fringe run extended twice by popular demand, HEART RIPPED OUT TWICE AND SO CAN YOU! will be performing two nights at Asheville’s Fringe Festival celebrating local, national, and international theatre. This one woman show was inspired by a double rare tumor diagnosis, open chest surgery, a severe infection, and a terrible breakup. HROTASCY! is a clown comedy set in the world between death and rebirth and asks how we look for hope in the midst of life’s terrible pain. It’s like 127 Hours meets 500 Days of Summer… performed by a sales representative in bardo.

From the Broad Street Review: “Time and effort can transform pain into art and laughter. Heart Ripped Out is the triumphant result of this alchemy…Witty and moving.”

March 24th at 9P
March 26th at 6P
Run time: 1 hour

Coming off a lauded Philly Fringe run extended twice by popular demand, HEART RIPPED OUT TWICE AND SO CAN YOU! will be performing two nights at Asheville’s Fringe Festival celebrating local, national, and international theatre. This one woman show was inspired by a double rare tumor diagnosis, open chest surgery, a severe infection, and a terrible breakup. HROTASCY! is a clown comedy set in the world between death and rebirth and asks how we look for hope in the midst of life’s terrible pain. It’s like 127 Hours meets 500 Days of Summer… performed by a sales representative in bardo.

From the Broad Street Review: “Time and effort can transform pain into art and laughter. Heart Ripped Out is the triumphant result of this alchemy…Witty and moving.”

March 24th at 9P
March 26th at 6P
Run time: 1 hour

Ages 5-7
Mar 25-May 13 | Saturdays at 10:00-11:00 AM

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, February 1, 2023 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.

Ages 8-12
Mar 25-May 13 | Saturdays at 10:00-11:30 AM

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, February 1, 2023 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.

Register Now!

Ages 13-18
Mar 25-May 13 | Saturdays at 11:45 AM-1:15 PM

Improv teaches performers spontaneity, creativity, and to think outside the box! This class is for both beginner students and for students continuing their improv journey. Students will learn and practice 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, February 1, 2023 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.

HT’s New Works 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 reading to provide feedback to the playwright about their script.

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.

Playwrights who would like to submit work for consideration for the New Works Series can follow the submission guidelines posted at www.HVLtheatre.org/about-us and email questions to [email protected]

The Beauty of
Divine Beings Dancing

By Christopher Durang

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and Language

Linnea Bond’s one woman (mostly) comedy about pain will be performing at the Asheville Fringe Festival on March 24 at 9p and 26th at 6p, its first stop on an east coast tour.
Coming off a lauded Philly Fringe run extended twice by popular demand, catch HEART RIPPED OUT TWICE AND SO CAN YOU! a clown comedy set in the world between death and rebirth. This one woman show was inspired by a double rare tumor diagnosis, open chest surgery, a severe infection, and a terrible breakup, and asks how we look for hope in the midst of life’s terrible pain. It’s like the best moments of 127 Hours and 500 Days of Summer performed by a sales representative in bardo.

From Philly’s Broad Street Review: “Time and effort can transform pain into art and laughter. Heart Ripped Out is the triumphant result of this alchemy…Witty and moving.”

March 24th at 9P
March 26th at 6P
Run time: 1 hour

Coming off a lauded Philly Fringe run extended twice by popular demand, HEART RIPPED OUT TWICE AND SO CAN YOU! will be performing two nights at Asheville’s Fringe Festival celebrating local, national, and international theatre. This one woman show was inspired by a double rare tumor diagnosis, open chest surgery, a severe infection, and a terrible breakup. HROTASCY! is a clown comedy set in the world between death and rebirth and asks how we look for hope in the midst of life’s terrible pain. It’s like 127 Hours meets 500 Days of Summer… starring a desperate sales representative in bardo.

From the Broad Street Review: “Time and effort can transform pain into art and laughter. Heart Ripped Out is the triumphant result of this alchemy…Witty and moving.”

March 24th at 9P
March 26th at 6P
Run time: 1 hour

The Artisan Players present Neil Simon’s “Rumors”
At a large, tastefully-appointed NYC townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself! Though it’s only a flesh wound, Ken Gorman’s self-inflicted injury sets off a series of events causing four couples to experience a severe attack of Farce! As their tenth wedding anniversary party commences, Ken lies bleeding in another room, and his wife Chris is nowhere in sight. Chris and their lawyer, Ken, scramble to get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

The Beauty of
Divine Beings Dancing

By Christopher Durang

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and Language