Community Calendar

This class will provide aspiring actors with the tools they need to smoothly go from first read-through to opening night. Participants will learn proven techniques for analyzing a script and understanding a character’s motivations, and practice essential skills for working with scene partners, making bold choices, and being creative in the rehearsal room. This class is open to anyone who is curious about how to get started in acting, with no experience required. Whether you are keen to get on the stage yourself, or even to understand the process of those you enjoy watching on stage, this class is for you. This class will be entirely practical.

This introductory playwriting course invites adult learners to explore the fundamentals of writing for the stage in a supportive, creative environment. Participants will examine various dramatic structures, engage with key narrative conventions, and experiment with techniques that bring stories to the stage through dialogue, character, and action. Through guided exercises, discussions, and writing prompts, participants will develop original pieces of dramatic art while gaining a deeper understanding of how plays are often built to function as meaning machines. This class offers a mix of practical application and theoretical discussion.

In this class, participants will explore the full scope of the director’s role: from choosing the right play to giving final notes. They will learn the importance of creative problem solving, text analysis, collaboration, running a successful casting session, working with actors in rehearsal, using space as a storytelling tool, and ultimately bringing the imagination to life on stage. This class is intended for both first-time directors and those looking to expand their technique. If you have a curiosity about how to take a play from the page to the stage and how to keep rehearsals progressing toward clear storytelling, this class is for you. No experience required in directing, acting or writing. This class offers a mix of practical application and theoretical discussion.

Charlottesville, Journey is coming to John Paul Jones Arena on May 28th for their FINAL FRONTIER TOUR!

Oak Grove Theater's Summer 2026 Session begins with "No Sex Please, We're British": Newlyweds Peter and Frances Hunter are settling into life above Peter’s bank when a harmless mail-order mistake delivers Scandinavian pornography instead of glassware. As the illicit packages multiply, the couple, along with a panicked bank cashier, scramble to contain the chaos, dodging bosses, inspectors, in-laws, and the police in a farce that spirals wildly out of control.

Join us for live theater outdoors under the stars at beautiful Oak Grove Theater; performances begin at 8:45pm sharp, but attendees are welcome and encouraged to come early, bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds. Oak Grove Theater sells tickets for the season - one season ticket purchase allows you to see each show once; tickets for a single performance are not available. Learn more and purchase your tickets here

In the SVAC Member’s Gallery the theme is “Green.” The members will present their unique interpretations of the theme in each work of art which is priced to accommodate art collectors seeking pieces to expand their collection. The public is invited to view the exhibition, remembering that the art center serves the community by recognizing talent, encouraging creativity, and joining lives through art! The exhibition opening will be April 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the public April 4 – May 30, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of April, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery, is exhibiting the artwork of Joan Graybeal Menad of New Hope, VA. Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, Menard moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2012. She has created art her entire life and enjoys combining multiple media in her work. In response to an often chaotic world, Joan creates her own fantasy figures. Her calm-faced ladies emerged during Covid, when she missed seeing people’s happy expressions. She hopes they bring a sense of peace and joy to viewers. “Life Is a Stage: Welcome to Joan of Art’s World” features her beloved ceramic figures alongside new mixed-media assemblages. Step into Joan’s imaginative world and stay awhile. The public is invited to the opening reception on April 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. where you can meet and talk to the artist. The exhibition will be open to the public April 4 – May 30, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 126 S. Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

A new month means new artwork at Arts Council of the Valley’s Smith House Galleries! Kicking off with an opening reception Friday, May 1, lovely paintings and ceramic works fill the Rhapsody Room and Darrin-McHone Gallery at the Smith House in TWO new exhibitions: "Young Warriors" by Richmond-based artist Sukenya Best and "Water’s Journey" by Virginia Beach-based artist Anna Freeman.

Stop by throughout May to explore mixed media paintings and sculptural works speaking to resilience, protection, strength, and tranquility. Opening reception festivities (during First Fridays of the Valley May 1, 5-7 pm) include an opportunity to meet and hear from both visiting artists; complimentary refreshments; and popup, pay-what-you-will live portrait-drawing sessions (20 minutes each) by guest artist Will Stroud on the Smith House patio!

Both May exhibitions, sponsored by The UPS Store #6595, will be on view through May 29, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm AND Second Saturday (May 9), 10 am-2 pm.

Learn more at valleyarts.org!

This class will provide aspiring actors with the tools they need to smoothly go from first read-through to opening night. Participants will learn proven techniques for analyzing a script and understanding a character’s motivations, and practice essential skills for working with scene partners, making bold choices, and being creative in the rehearsal room. This class is open to anyone who is curious about how to get started in acting, with no experience required. Whether you are keen to get on the stage yourself, or even to understand the process of those you enjoy watching on stage, this class is for you. This class will be entirely practical.

This introductory playwriting course invites adult learners to explore the fundamentals of writing for the stage in a supportive, creative environment. Participants will examine various dramatic structures, engage with key narrative conventions, and experiment with techniques that bring stories to the stage through dialogue, character, and action. Through guided exercises, discussions, and writing prompts, participants will develop original pieces of dramatic art while gaining a deeper understanding of how plays are often built to function as meaning machines. This class offers a mix of practical application and theoretical discussion.