Live Theater Near Me in Wake
Yoder Barn Theatre
660 Hamilton Drive, Newport News, VA
Attucks Theatre
1010 Church Street, Norfolk, VA
The Attucks Theatre during its heyday was the focal point of entertainment, business, and racial pride in Norfolk's African American community because it was strategically located on Church Street, one of the most important and oldest thoroughfares in the city. Church street can be traced back at least to 1637 in Norfolk County's Deed Books. It was originally known as the "road leading out of town," because it was the only land route by which travelers could enter or leave the town.
The name of the theatre, "Attucks" commemorates Crispus Attucks, an African American man who was the first American patriot to lose his life in the Boston Massacre of 1770. The newly restored fire curtain on which is painted a scene depicting this historical event is suspended from the stage's proscenium and still remains in the theatre today.
The Attucks Theatre was the brainchild of the Twin Cities Amusement Corporation, an enterprise of black businessmen from Norfolk and Portsmouth who developed the Attucks as a regional mecca for entertainment and commerce. Their vision was to develop a cultural center in the heart of the minority community where the citizens would be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserved. The theatre was named in honor of Crispus Attucks, an African American who the first to die in the Revolutionary War. Harvey N. Johnson, a noted African-American architect, was selected to design this facility.
When it opened in grand fashion in 1919, the Attucks showcased legitimate theatre (or plays), vaudeville and movies at a price the community could afford. During its heyday a host of legendary performers graced the stage of the Attucks including Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Mamie Smith, Nat King Cole, Redd Foxx and many, many more.
The Attucks Theatre had a policy of giving the people the very best at the lowest possible price. Two acts were scheduled every week. The admission price was 25 cents. High-class pictures were shown daily in addition to the scheduled acts.
Virginia Musical Theatre
265 Kings Grant Road, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA
About Us
Virginia Musical Theatre has emerged as a leading theatre company dedicated to nurturing artists in a creative environment. VMT is driven by an innovative spirit that constantly seeks new management and artistic models. Current hallmarks of its management are resourcefulness and collaboration.
In addition to producing musical theatre revivals and new works, VMT prides itself on a wide variety of community outreach initiatives and educational programs.
Swift Creek Mill Theatre
17401 Jefferson Davis Highway, South Chesterfield, VA
History :
Records indicate that Swift Creek Mill was in existence as early as 1663. It is believed to be the oldest grist mill in this country. Henry Randolph I, born in Little Houghton, Northhamptonshire, England, migrated to this country about 1640. In 1655, he acquired a large tract of land in Bermuda Hundred on Swift Creek where he erected the present mill. An heir of Henry Randolph I, William Bland Randolph, deeded the mill to William Rowlett on February 20, 1805, and it became known as Rowlett's Mill. In 1852, the Rowlett heirs conveyed the mill to the Swift Creek Manufacturing Company. On May 9th and 10th, 1864, a battle was fought around the mill when General B.F. Butler's Army of the James attempted to cross Swift Creek. Following the Civil War, the property became Schmidt's Distillery, making corn whiskey. Following this, the property changed hands several times, was operated as a grist mill and became known as Swift Creek Mill. It continued to operate as a grist mill until about 1956.
On December 2, 1965, Swift Creek Mill Playhouse opened its doors. Converting the old grist mill into a dinner theatre required an addition to the three story building to house the kitchen, dressing rooms and restrooms. Stairways were built leading to upper and lower dining levels, and to the theatre located on the top floor. Much of the old equipment in the mill was refurbished to lend a rustic atmosphere.
Swift Creek Mill has been preserved as both an historical landmark and a cultural outlet for the talent of local artists, skilled actors, directors, designers and technicians whose efforts have made possible the artistic achievements of the Mill. The 300 year old Swift Creek Mill has been made a Virginia Historical Landmark and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Little Theatre Of Alexandria
600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA
Founded in 1934, the Little Theatre of Alexandria began as a small play-reading group in Old Town Alexandria under the Presidency of Miss Mary Lindsey. Full productions ensued, and in 1939 the group bought a rickety former blacksmith's shop located in Ramsey Alley, between Lee and Fairfax streets, for rehearsal space and construction of sets and costumes. Since 1934, the theatre has mounted over 300 productions.
Early productions were held upstairs at Gadsby's Tavern and recreated life in the eighteenth century, right down to the visit of President and Mrs. Washington journeying from their Mount Vernon home. Over the years, audience members included a veritable "Who's Who" of Washington. President Harry S. Truman attended on more than one occasion, and notes say that Lynda Bird Johnson even participated as a serving wench! In June 2001, President George W. Bush made LTA his first Washington-area theatrical outing when he came to see his sister-in-law perform in Neil Simon's Proposals.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
Located in Virginia, Wolf Trap combines cultural and natural resources for the community and nation to enjoy, including concerts.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts began as a gift to the American people from Catherine Filene Shouse. Encroaching roads and suburbs inspired Mrs. Shouse to preserve this former farm as a park. In 1966 Congress accepted Mrs. Shouse's gift and authorized Wolf Trap Farm Park (its original name).
Winchester Little Theatre
315 West Boscawen Street, Winchester, VA
Mission Statement:
WLT's purpose is to present, produce and encourage the production, acting, directing and writing of plays and all forms of entertainment that come under the heading of legitimate theatre.
History:
The Winchester Little Theatre was organized in 1929 "...to present, produce and encourage the production, acting and writing of plays..." by a group of persons interested in providing an outlet for their artistic interests and bringing to the community entertainment and culture.
The first production, Ario de Capo, was staged at Handley High School in 1930. In 1934, the first Junior Little Theatre play was given; 1939-40 brought professional directors for two plays while 1940 and 1969 saw four original plays produced. During this time, WLT produced plays in high schools, churches, motion picture houses, empty store fronts, warehouses and even an abandoned swimming pool building.
World War II brought on an intermission, but in 1946 the group got together and gave a benefit performance for the War Memorial Fund. The next few years were lean, but the group kept alive with play-readings and informal presentations of one-act plays.
In 1952, a full season of performances was staged in local high schools. By 1955 the WLT had found a home in the old Bark Mill, which was owned by one of its members. Here the group began to do shows in "arena" style, or theater-in-the-round.
In 1974, WLT stayed on track as it moved into the old Pennsylvania Railroad freight station (circa 1895). Through the generous support of friends and patrons, the building was paid for in only three years.
While early days here saw plays done in the round, a move was made toward a modified "thrust" stage with the audience on three sides of the stage; this continues to be the setting for most of our plays.
The years have seen many changes in the Winchester Little Theatre; in its organization, its players, its productions and its audiences. We look with enthusiasm and anticipation to many theatrical years ahead.
American Shakespeare Center
20 S. New Street, Fourth Floor, Staunton, VA
MISSION
The American Shakespeare Center recovers the joys and accessibility of Shakespeare's theatre, language, and humanity by exploring the English Renaissance stage and its practices through performance and education.
Who We Are
The American Shakespeare Center -- through its performances, theatres, exhibitions, and educational programs -- seeks to make Shakespeare, the joys of theatre and language, and the communal experience of the Renaissance stage accessible to all. By re-creating Renaissance conditions of performance, the ASC explores its repertory of plays for a better understanding of these great works and of the human theatrical enterprise past, present, and future.
Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton, Virginia
In our hometown of Staunton, Virginia, the ASC has constructed a re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theatre, the Blackfriars Playhouse, and also has plans to build an open-air re-creation of London's second Globe Theatre, which was built in 1614 after the original 1599 structure burned to the ground. By following the basic principles of Renaissance theatrical production, we give our audiences some of the pleasures that an Elizabethan playgoer would have enjoyed.
Lime Kiln Theater
607 Borden Road, Lexington, VA
History:
The Lime Kiln Theater is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. In 1967, two Washington and Lee University students, Tommy Spencer and Don Baker, produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream in an abandoned, turn of the century, lime quarry and kiln located in Lexington, VA. Fifteen years later, Tommy Spencer convinced the owner of the site containing the quarry to donate the use of the land for the establishment of an arts organization. After thousands of volunteer hours to clear the brambles, thickets, rubble, and build the stage, the first season was presented in 1984.
From that summer season of one play, twelve performances, and an audience of 2,000, Lime Kiln expanded to an annual season peak of 74 performances of 4 plays and 23 concerts for an audience of nearly 25,000. Through Lime Kiln, artists have created and premiered 20 original scripts, and helped develop 8 works by other playwrights. In February 2012, the theater temporarily ceased operations due to challenging economic conditions. In 2014, a newly energized Lime Kiln board led by executive director, Spencer McElroy, undertook the challenge to bring the unique performance space back to life.
The Omni Homestead Resort
7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA
Ten years before our country was founded, The Homestead opened its doors as a humble, 18-room lodge tucked away in the mountains. Over the past two and a half centuries, the resort has evolved, sharing milestones with America and memories with generations of travelers. Today, The Homestead is an iconic resort encompassing 2,300 acres with 483 guest rooms, numerous dining outlets and more than 30 recreational activities.
Throughout the past 250 years, generations of families and associates have made lasting memories here. In 2016, we will honor the past, present and future of America’s first resort and we invite you to be a part of our year-long celebration by sharing your memories of The Homestead.
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre
200 Wiley Drive, Ferrum, VA
The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre is an outgrowth of the Dramatic and Theatre Arts department at Ferrum College and the Jack Tale Players. Our patrons, area businesses, civic organizations, and Ferrum College provide the many kinds of support necessary to make the BRDT a viable enterprise. Founded in 1978, the BRDT has produced four to five major plays per season as well as a number of other productions. Every year the BRDT also premieres, at least, one original drama.
The Star Theatre
318 Patrick Avenue, Stuart, VA
The Star's mission is to present the best of performance art that seeks to uplift the audience and celebrate the human spirit. Audiences will enjoy not only the show, but dinner as well complete with gourmet buffet, salad bar, and homemade desserts.
The Star Theatre was originially opened on June 6, 1947 by Richard and Winfred Beasley. It accomodated 372 people, and was one of the first air-conditioned facilities in Stuart, VA. The first movie shown in the theare was "Carnival in Costa Rica" starring Dick Haymes and Celeste Holme.
The Lincoln Theatre
117 East Main Street, Marion, VA
Mission Statement
The mission of The Lincoln Theatre is to create and sustain a regional center for enrichment, education, and entertainment. Through the quality and integrity of programming and management, The Lincoln Theatre will operate with sensitivity to the diversity of its patrons. The Lincoln Theatre seeks to extend its visibility toward making Smyth County a travel destination.
Whether it's our award-winning PBS concert series, Song of the Mountains®, a community fundraising event, or a national performing artist singing with our own Lincoln Theatre Children's Chorus, The Lincoln Theatre staff, board of directors, and volunteers are passionate about bringing quality cultural and educational performing arts events to our beautiful community and to patrons across the country.
Barter Theatre
127 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA
About Us:
Our passion can be felt in two unique venues of live performance. From Barter Theatre, able to accommodate 507 patrons, to the more intimate Barter Stage II with 167 seats around a thrust stage...where the action is up-close and personal. Set inside a historical building across the street from Barter Theatre, Barter Stage II is a great place to enjoy a Barter production. Also, located in the lobby at Barter Stage II is The Caf?. You can stop in for lunch or dinner any day, and enjoy delicious specialty sandwiches, desserts, coffees and more! The Player Company, the youth stage of the Barter, produces plays for teachers and students.
History:
Imagine a live hog or a dead rattlesnake for the price of admission. We are a theatre of curiosity. And endurance.
During the Depression, Robert Porterfield, an enterprising young actor, returned to his native Southwest Virginia with an extraordinary proposition: Bartering produce from the farms and gardens of the region to gain admission to see a play.
So on June 10, 1933, Barter Theatre opened its doors, making Barter Theatre one of the oldest professional theatres in the nation. Proclaiming "With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh." The price of admission was 40 cents or the equivalent of produce. About 80 percent of the Depression-era audience paid their way with vegetables, dairy products and livestock.
The actors performing at the building were distracted not only by the occasional squealing pig or clucking hen, but noise from the town jail, which was located directly beneath the stage. The jail space was later used as a holding area for dogs suspected of rabies. It was eventually converted into dressing rooms for Barter actors. To the surprise of many, all the seats for the first show were filled. The concept of trading "ham for Hamlet" caught on quickly. At the end of the first season, the Barter Company cleared $4.35 in cash, two barrels of jelly, and a collective weight gain of over 300 pounds.
Today, at least one performance a year celebrates the Barter heritage by accepting donations for an area food bank.