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Academy Center of the Arts

Lynchburg VA center for arts, culture, and community building

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Virginian Hotel – Purnell Pettyjohn- Watercolor
May 9 - August 8
Westminster Canterbury – Nelfa McReynolds- Acrylics
May 12 - July 26
Anne White Gallery – Art & Artists of Tye River
June 6 - July 25
Up Front Gallery – JoAnne Becker
June 6 - July 25
Wednesday Independent Studio
July 9 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Intermediate & Advanced Hand Building
July 9 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Creatures & Cocktails
July 9 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Beginning Hand Building
July 10 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday Independent Studio
July 10 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Steel Magnolias
July 11 - July 13

 ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES 5 YEAR CELEBRATION OF HISTORIC THEATRE OPENING

December 13, 2023

The Academy Center of the Arts is thrilled to announce a 5 Year Celebration event commemorating the reopening of the Historic Theatre on February 17, 2024. 

All are invited to join the Academy Center of the Arts for a FREE concert as we celebrate 5 years of the restoration of our beautiful Historic Theatre. The evening will recognize some of our most valued community partners and will feature the exciting music of Kadencia, whose high energy Bomba, Plena, and Salsa music will bring the night to life. The event is free, but those who would like to attend are asked to please reserve their seats early. 

Originally opened in 1905, the Historic Theatre closed in 1958 and the venue remained dormant for nearly 60 years until renovations could begin in 2015 thanks to numerous generous donors. Renovations were completed in late 2018, and the theatre officially reopened on December 6, 2018 with performances by Mavis Staples and Devon Gilfillian, emceed by former NASA astronaut, Leland Melvin.

“The opening of the Academy’s Historic Theatre was a monumental event and stands as a monument to what is possible when an entire community comes together to accomplish a great feat.” says CEO Geoffrey Kershner.

Since the theatre’s reopening in 2018, the venue has hosted hundreds of performances spanning genres, including musical performances, theatre productions, movie screenings, opera, dance performances, and more.

“The last five years are a dream realized after decades of imagining what a world-class facility like this could bring to Lynchburg. We have not just seen world-class artists grace our stage but have supplied a home to our incredible local organizations and artists. We could not be more proud.”  continues Kershner.

The Academy Center of the Arts is excited to celebrate 5 years of the renovated Historic Theatre’s continued operation at our February event. Get tickets here!

Filed Under: Academy News, Community Outreach

Contact Us

Phone: 434-528-3256

600 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504

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