2026 GALA: THE NEXT ACT
Tickets go on sale May 25
THE ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS PRESENTS OUR ANNUAL GALA
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 6 – 9:30 PM | 600 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504
THE NEXT ACT
Bold Legacy. Bright Future.
The Academy is raising the curtain on its next act.
With new leadership, fresh energy, and a bold vision for the future, The Next Act Gala brings together our region’s most dedicated supporters for an immersive evening in the Historic and Warehouse Theatres.
For 120 years, the Academy has been a cornerstone of creativity, connection, and community in Central Virginia. Your support ensures this legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
Experience an evening that flows through our iconic venues—beginning in the Cocktail Garden, followed by performances in the Historic Theatre, then an elegant dinner and live auction in the Warehouse Theatre.
YOUR GENEROSITY SUPPORTS OUR NEXT ACT
All attendees will enjoy event access, a seated dinner, complimentary full bar service, and concierge bidding registration.
Proceeds from the gala support:
- Arts education programs for all ages
- Community access initiatives
- Preservation of our historic venues
- World-class performances that inspire and unite
THE EVENING’S JOURNEY
6 – 7:15 PM | COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION
Outdoor Cocktail Garden & Historic Theatre Lobby
Begin your evening with signature cocktails and music, enjoy mingling with friends, and capture special moments in front of our photo wall.
7:15 – 7:45 PM | WELCOME & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Historic Academy of Music Theatre
Be moved by the talent of Academy Youth Theatre students and an array of performers as they showcase the Academy’s mission and impact.
7:45 – 9:30 PM | DINNER, LIVE AUCTION & ACCESS APPEAL
Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre
Savor an exquisite dinner by Avenue Foods with live entertainment. Following dinner, take part in our exciting live auction featuring unique experiences and treasured items. Then, participate in our Community Access Appeal as we aim to raise $90,000 to support Academy programming and access initiatives.
As a sponsor, you not only enjoy an unforgettable evening but also gain valuable recognition while making a significant impact on our community.
PURCHASE TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS
Ready to secure your place at this extraordinary celebration?
Our streamlined purchasing system allows you to:
- Select sponsorship packages/tables for your company or as an individual (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Presenting)
- Purchase individual tickets ($250 per person)
- Donate to our Community Access Appeal
- Process your payment securely
If you prefer assistance or have any questions, please contact:
Keeley Cordingley, Head of Development | kcordingley@academycenter.org | 434-515-2048
The Academy Center of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID# 23-7061145). A portion of your ticket purchase is tax-deductible.
ATTIRE
Be inspired by the Academy’s colorful palette. Be comfortable. Be yourself. Black tie optional.
SUPPORT THE ACADEMY’S COMMUNITY ACCESS APPEAL
At the Academy Center of the Arts, we believe the transformative power of the arts should be accessible to everyone in our community. During our Gala, we invite you to participate in our Community Access Appeal, with a goal of raising $90,000 to support programs that break down barriers to arts participation.
Donations to the Community Access Appeal can be made securely online in advance, or in person at the Gala.
YOUR GIFT CREATES ACCESS TO THESE PROGRAMS AND MORE
Donations to the Community Access Appeal can be made securely in advance through the button below or in person at the Gala. If you’re not able to attend this year’s Gala, but would still like to support our Access Appeal mission with a tax-deductible donation, you may do that through the button below as well.
ACADEMY IN MOTION (AIM)
- From libraries to community centers, we reached 26,275 people through 92 events in 2025.
- Brings art and innovation directly to the community via the “Art Bus”
- Ensures inclusivity and accessibility
The Academy In Motion Program, affectionately known as AIM, is a vibrant force that brings the transformative power of art directly into our community. This program ensures inclusivity by reaching community members who face barriers to accessing our main campus programs. Your support helps us bring the arts to underserved rural communities.
Your donation provides: Program supplies and art materials, instructor compensation, transportation costs (bus fuel), outreach to libraries, schools, and community centers, and services for underserved communities.
EDUCATION ACCESS FOR YOUTH
- Empowers children of all backgrounds to engage in the arts
- Supports families in need of financial assistance
- Contributes to a more inclusive and diverse arts education environment
- Supports Academy Youth Theatre, which had 690 kids last summer
In the summer of 2025, we had 690 kids enrolled in Academy Youth Theatre. The prior year, we had 450 students, so we are experiencing significant growth. And 40% benefit from tuition assistance through our Community Access Fund.
Your donation provides: Scholarships and discounts for youth education programs that set our children up to be successful adults.
OPENING MINDS THROUGH ART
- Supports creation and facilitation of guided art projects delivered to local assisted living and memory care facilities.
- Promotes social engagement, autonomy, and dignity through creative art-making
- Fosters intergenerational connections between young adults and seniors
OMA is an evidence-based art program that provides personalized, failure-free creative projects guided by trained facilitators. The Academy Center of the Arts is the first organization in the greater Lynchburg community to provide this service to the area’s assisted living and memory care facilities.
Your donation provides: Instructor compensation, volunteer training, art materials, and supplies for one cohort.
YOUNG STORYTELLERS PROGRAM
- Empowers students to discover and share their unique voices through storytelling
- Provides one-on-one mentorship that fosters creativity, confidence, and social-emotional growth
- Creates a red carpet premiere experience at schools or community centers
The Young Storytellers Program at the Academy Center of the Arts empowers students to discover and share their unique voices through storytelling and creative expression. This one-on-one mentorship program fosters creativity, confidence, and social-emotional growth by helping students craft their own personal scripts. These stories are then performed by professional actors, bringing the students’ narratives to life in a powerful and inspiring way.
By amplifying student voices, celebrating diverse perspectives, and encouraging creative risk-taking, the Young Storytellers program cultivates a sense of ownership and pride in students while promoting connection and understanding within their community.
Your donation provides: Curriculum implementation, mentor training, student engagement, a dedicated program facilitator, and employment of professional actors for “The Big Event” performances.
CAMPUS EXPLORATION
- Supports classroom field trips during the school year
- Creates engaging, educational opportunities for youth
- Connects students with cultural experiences
This program facilitates student tours, hosts field trips for area schools, showcases national touring performance demonstrations, presents artist lectures, and provides access to Academy Youth Theatre sound check performances.
Your donation provides: Curriculum development and coordination, student tours and field trips, and access to performance demonstrations, artist lectures and sound check experiences.
TED BATT VISUAL ARTS FUND
- Honor Ted’s Legacy – Celebrate 20+ years of visionary arts leadership.
- Support Gallery Exhibitions – Help present juried shows and year-round exhibitions in our galleries and satellite locations.
- Fund Visual Arts Education – Provide supplies and instruction for youth and adult classes, workshops, and camps.
- Grow the Pottery Studio – Maintain equipment and expand classes for all skill levels in a safe, creative space.
- Promote Local Artists – Boost artist exposure and income through Academy opportunities and Artistica.shop.
Join us in continuing Ted Batt’s legacy at the Academy Center of the Arts. Your donation will directly support our visual arts programs, including the pottery studio, exhibitions, the Artist in Residence, and more.
Your donation provides: Support for our pottery studio, 6 galleries across our region, and Artist in Residence program.