The Academy Center of the Arts has announced Mavis Staples, Grammy award-winning R&B-gospel singer and civil rights activist, as the headlining artist the first event of the Historic Academy of Music Theatre’s Opening Week Activities on Thursday, December 6, 2018, at 7:30pm. “The evening will celebrate the integration of the Historic Academy of Music theatre, a space that was previously segregated when it closed in 1958,” said Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director of the Academy Center of the Arts. “We chose Mavis Staples as our headlining artist for this event because of her significant accomplishments as a civil rights activist and her continuing efforts to serve as a positive force for social equity”. Mavis Staples began singing with her family, The Staple Singers, in Chicago in the 1940s, later performing in Montgomery, Alabama for none other than Martin Luther King, Jr. Lauded as one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, her powerful voice has underscored some of the United States most pivotal and dramatic periods of social change, weaving herself into the very fabric of gospel, soul, folk, pop, R&B, blues, rock, and hip hop over the last 60 years. Mavis Staples is both a Rock […]
Announcing Historic Academy of Music Theatre Opening Week Events
After 60 years in the making, the Academy Center of the Arts Board of Directors and staff are proud to announce that the Historic Academy of Music Theatre, built in 1905 and closed in 1958, will have completed its renovation and will open its doors to the public in December 2018 with two weeks of Opening events and performances. “The long-awaited opening of this community treasure deserves a week of activity and not just one night,” said Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director of the Academy Center of the Arts. “We want as many people in our community as possible to share in the excitement of opening this theatre after so many years. With a wide range of programs and price points, we hope everyone will celebrate with us in December.” The Historic Academy of Music Theatre’s Opening Week will begin on December 6th, 2018, with a night celebrating the integration of the theatre, a space that was previously segregated when last closed. This night will feature a concert event with Devon Gilfillian and a legendary musical act to be announced on October 15, 2018, emceed by Leland Melvin, former NASA astronaut and community member. Three community arts and culture awards will also […]
2018 National Juried Art Exhibition Announces Winners
The Annual National Juried Art Exhibition at the Academy Center of the Arts opened on Friday, April 6, 2018, and includes 82 artists from 17 states. The exhibition encompassed a wide variety, including oil paintings, clay, mixed media paintings and sculpture, wood, fiber, woodcuts, and collage. Over $3000 in cash awards was presented to ten artists. The winners are listed below. Best in Show: $1,000 Bryan Rayner (Charlottesville, VA) Body of Work Sponsored by the Academy Center of the Arts 2nd Place Award: $700 Teresa Harris (St. Joseph, Missouri) Body of Work Sponsored by the Academy Center of the Arts 3rd Place Award: $500 Isabelle Martire (Laurel, Maryland) “Power” Sponsored by Cary and Robert Roberts Juror’s Choice Award: $300 Shaun Whiteside (Radford, VA) “Elegy to the Us Republic” Sponsored by the Academy Center of the Arts Juror’s Choice Award: $200 Megan Burak (Berlin, Maryland) Body of Work Sponsored by the Academy Center of the Arts Juror’s Choice Award: $125 Glen Kessler (North Potomac, MD) “Save Spend” Sponsored by Royal County Arts Juror’s Choice Award: $100 Jill Jensen (Lynchburg, VA) “Lady M” Sponsored by Lynn Shapiro @ JSW Realtors, Inc. Juror’s Choice Award: […]
A New Record for Empty Bowls
The Academy Center of the Arts, Centra, Framatome, and the Bank of the James are proud to announce the success of the tenth annual Empty Bowls event, which raised over $9,000 to benefit the Lynchburg Daily Bread and the community members they serve. Empty Bowls was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, with a record number of 496 attendees. During Empty Bowls, attendees selected their own beautiful, handmade ceramic bowl, donated by local potters, and enjoyed delicious soup tastings with bread, dessert, and beverages, all donated by local restaurants and individual donors. Over 50 businesses, community organizations and individual donors contributed to the event. In 2017, proceeds from Empty Bowls totaled $7,931.49. This year, we are thrilled to announce that the event raised $9,318.49! “Empty Bowls has become an event that the community looks forward to supporting every year,” said Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director. “We’re very proud to be able to present this check to the Daily Bread, and to support our community members in need.” The donated funds will directly impact the Lynchburg Daily Bread, allowing them to continue to serve meals in our community. “We are so thankful for the tremendous community support of Empty Bowls, led by […]
Annie, Kids Spring Break Camp Takes the Stage with 41 Campers
The Academy Center of the Arts is proud to present the Academy Children’s Theatre spring break production, Annie, Kids on Saturday, April 7, 2018, in the Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre, 519 Commerce St., at 4:00pm and 7:00pm. Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Annie, Kids features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. The cast of Annie, Kids is made up of 41 cast members, ages 8 to 14, from the Greater Lynchburg area. These talented actors are directed by Lauren Barnes, with assistance from Logan Troyer and Brooke Spencer. Tickets for the family-friendly production of Annie, Kids are $9.00, and are on sale at academycenter.org or in-person […]
Academy Center of the Arts Announces August 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Artists
ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES AUGUST 2018 RIVERFRONT PARK CONCERT ARTIST The Academy Center of the Arts, through the support of Framatome, Inc., is excited to announce the final concert of the 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Series, which features national, regional, and local music acts performing in Riverfront Park, 1100 Jefferson St. This event will continue the Academy’s efforts to serve our community through arts and culture by bringing world-class music to our city’s beautiful downtown park. The Academy Center of the Arts will close out the 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Series on Saturday, August 11, 2018, with headlining artist Wynonna & The Big Noise. Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30-million albums worldwide spanning her remarkable 34-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” This iconic performer has received over 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).” Wynonna […]
Apply for the ACOA Street Team
The Academy Center of the Arts is looking for a few volunteers to join our street team, starting this March! If you love the programs that we bring to Downtown Lynchburg – whether it be theatre, classes, art shows, camps, or concerts – and want to help support, the ACOA Street Team is the way to do it! What’s the job? Street team members will: Hang posters at various locations around town Hand out flyers and handbills at colleges, downtown Lynchburg locations, and special events (tickets provided to events) Represent the academy at area festivals (tickets provided) Spread the word via social media about upcoming events, performances, and other cool happenings at the Academy For your help, you’ll receive: A free ACOA T-shirt An ACOA Street Team sticker Two free tickets to the events you’re helping us promote Street Team Requirements: Be 18 years old or older Have access to reliable transportation Have a flexible schedule with ability to assist with one project every two months Must LOVE talking to people and spreading the word on ACOA events and happenings Interested? Apply for the ACOA Street Team today!
Academy Center of the Arts Announces July 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Artists
ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES JULY 2018 RIVERFRONT PARK CONCERT ARTISTS The Academy Center of the Arts, through the support of Centra Health, is excited to announce the third concert of the 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Series, which features national, regional, and local music acts performing in Riverfront Park, 1100 Jefferson St. This event will continue the Academy’s efforts to serve our community through arts and culture by bringing world-class music to our city’s beautiful downtown park. The Academy Center of the Arts will continue the 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Series on Saturday, July 14, 2018, with headlining artists The Spin Doctors and Arrested Development. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Spin Doctors’ landmark debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite, the band’s four original members, front man Barron, guitarist Eric Schenkman, bassist Mark White, and drummer Aaron Comess, can still appreciate the uncanny, enduring musical rapport that’s allowed them to maintain the upbeat energy and restless creativity that first endeared them to their fiercely devoted fan base. “When you get the four of us in one room, things just start to happen,” Schenkman asserts. “It instantly feels like the old days. The […]
Academy Center of the Arts Announces June 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Artists
ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES JUNE 2018 RIVERFRONT PARK CONCERT ARTISTS The Academy Center of the Arts, through the support of the Academy’s Restoration Partners, announce the second concert of the 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Series, which features national, regional, and local music acts performing in Riverfront Park, 1100 Jefferson St. This event will continue the Academy’s efforts to serve our community through arts and culture by bringing world-class music to our city’s beautiful downtown park. The Academy Center of the Arts will continue the 2018 Riverfront Park Concert Series on Saturday, June 9, 2018, with headlining artists Naughty By Nature and Big Daddy Kane. The Grammy Award-winning, Platinum-album selling, New Jersey super-group, Naughty By Nature, has a twenty-year track record of creating the hits and party anthems that have become the soundtrack to our lives. Their music has smashed through mainstream barriers all while remaining true to the sound, message and grit of the hood. And now, these three kings of the Hip-Hop anthem have formally claimed their titles with the 20th Anniversary album, Anthem Inc. “We wouldn’t have reunited if we didn’t think we could give people that authentic Naughty feeling,” says the […]
Open Auditions for ‘Ragtime, the Musical’
The Academy Center of the Arts’ Community Through Theatre organization is hosting open auditions for their summer production of ‘Ragtime, the Musical‘, directed by Joshua Carter. Synopsis of ‘Ragtime, the Musical’: Something is stirring at the turn of the 20th century. An African American musician, aristocratic housewife, and Jewish immigrant’s worlds collide as each of them pursue the American dream. Adult Open Audition Dates: Thursday, March 15th from 6:30pm – 9:00pm Friday, March 16th from 6:30pm – 9:00pm Youth Open Auditions Dates: Saturday, March 17th from 2:00pm – 3:00pm **All youth should arrive at 2:00pm All auditions will be held at the Academy Center of the Arts’ warehouse theatre, 519 Commerce St., in the Lippard Room, found on the lower level of the building. Available roles: Mother: A housewife who suddenly seeks something more than the walls of her home on the hill. (30’s) Father: Mother’s proud and well-o husband. (30-40) Little Boy: Father and Mother’s son who sees the world explode at the turn of the 20th Century. (8-12) Younger Brother: Mother’s impressionable younger brother who seeks a sense of purpose. (20’s) Kathleen: Mother’s maid. Grandfather: Mother’s father. (60’s 70’s) People of New […]
