A series of vibrant community performance events. Located often on the 4th floor rooftop terrace of Live Arts off the downtown mall, in each instance, Live Arts Presents brings you something new, something different – from improv and karaoke to trivia or a happy hour! Produced and hosted by community members, “Live Arts Presents!” provides opportunities for local talent and audiences alike, while advancing our mission of forging theater and community.
November 2025: Puppets, Magic, and Music!
November 21, 2025, 7 pm
Puppets! Magic! Music! @ Friday Night Live Arts
PUPPETS:
Lucky Rat Studios
Born in a swamp near the Mississippi Delta Crossroads, these puppets (and puppeteers) now come to Live Arts from Nelson County, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
MAGIC:
Sergio Sastre, Magician From Spain
A Spanish magician preparing for a go at the World Championship of Magic in 2028, Sergio, a 4th-year at UVA, brings delight and wonder with his close-up wizardry. Fantastico!
MUSIC:
Pony Show
The band consists of 4 ponies: Tanya Manwell, Emma Givens, Alex Davis, and John Owen. It’s all good, fun, easy, original music. Sit back with a drink and enjoy!
December 2025: Comedy and Improv!
Friday, December 19, 2025, 7 PM
Big Head Fight is eight, smart, funny grown-ups with kids and mortgages. “We love make-em-ups and supporting the crap out of each other. We weave multiple storylines into one ridiculous episodic-style show.” Whether it’s the end of days, a deadly mystery, or a disastrous high school reunion, you’ll laugh your socks off and leave wondering what the heck just happened.
With a combined 50+ years of acting and improv experience, this team has been performing together since early 2025 with sold-out shows at numerous venues. We are excited to bring what some are calling “the smartest, funniest comedy in Charlottesville” to Live Arts!
Previous Events
QUEEN LEAR, OCTOBER 31st, 2025
Our hour-long production uses the original poetic language, with the narrative trimmed and shaped to reflect our interest in the themes of family dynamics among a mother and her daughters, the disbursal of generational wealth, aging in a female body, the blind expectations of privilege, and loyalty and love of chosen and blood family. It features six actors playing multiple characters, original music, and striking ensemble work.
This is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear by Karl Sikkenga, Kate Bennis, and Miller Susen, with input from the original cast.
More info about Queen Lear from the creators.
