Staunton is a
thriving performing arts community. The Blackfriars Playhouse,
presenting Shakespearian theatre and other dramas of the era in an
authentic setting, has become a major attraction. There are many local
performances of drama, music, dance and individual talents such as
storytelling and magic. Other companies focus on improvisational
theatre and children' productions, or the production of well-known plays
and locally written works.
A performing arts
renaissance in recent years has spawned exciting new companies or
events... ANTS (A New Theatrical Society) is growing and Larry Vickers
founded Catch a Rising Star to showcase young new talent.
A group of
individual performers has formed The Staunton Performing Arts Alliance
to promote the performing arts, especially for young children. The
popular Queen City Acoustic series brings talented musical acts to the
area.
Two dance studios,
the Staunton Academy of Ballet and the Ballet Box, are thriving and need
performance space. Classical music is offered through the Valley
Symphonic Concerts. And a variety of other music is readily available
through the Staunton Community Concerts, Oak Grove Folk Music Festival,
and Staunton Music Festival.
There are more than
40 individuals and organizations on the Staunton
Performing Arts Center’s prospective performer list. These are the
performers who are interested in and would benefit from a professionally
restored, state-of-the-art performing arts center. The list includes
most of the major arts groups in the area, covering the full range of
disciplines and attracting diverse audiences.
Just imagine what it would be like...