Granted monies from the City of Hendersonville, the Community Foundation
of Henderson County, and the Arts Council of Henderson County to “open safely,” The Center for
Art & Entertainment (CAE) at 125 S. Main is opening April 23rd with the theatre downsized and
socially distanced as a result of COVID challenges.
According to Managing Director Jeanie Linders, “We are very excited BUT it’s not going to be
‘theatre as usual’ for awhile as we work to assure the health and safety of our audience and staff
members.”
COMMUNITY COMMITTED
Aware that funding challenges have affected arts and service non-profits throughout Henderson
County, CAE is making the use of the theatre space available to groups who need a “safe” space to
hold an event to raise funds or visibility to their supporters or audience members at no charge.
“The Center was designed to be a ‘community’ center, offering performances and arts-based
activities to area residents and guests. We want to take the meaning of community even farther,
eliminating rental fees so that groups can hold events in a safe environment…and not as a drive thru in a parking lot,” said Linders. “Tens of thousands of dollars have been invested in safety
equipment, protocols and staff training. We have the opportunity to help lay the foundation for
business as usual. More importantly, the psychological benefits of reconnecting to those who
share a mission or vision is also important as we all move on from the pandemic.”
As a performance space, The Center has access to actors, musicians, dancers and artists to help
create a unique event which will employ members of the creative community.