Powered by hundreds of volunteers, Live Arts is a national model for engaged community theater. For more than three decades, we’ve dedicated ourselves to the mission of “forging theater and community” in Charlottesville, Virginia. Our engagement in local communities runs deep, and we happily attract participants and audiences from across Central Virginia. We’re known for exceptionally high caliber productions that reflect the remarkable talent of our volunteer actors and production teams.
Our Mission
Forging Theater and Community
Vision & Values
Live Arts is a welcoming home for all stories and storytellers.
Community: We believe in forging community connections by engaging people in the creation of locally produced, volunteer-powered theater.
Creativity: We believe in the power and beauty of creative expression in all its forms.
Equity: We believe that advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is essential to the creation of relevant theater. We believe in treating every person with respect.
Social Change: We believe in theater as a platform for social change and a way to explore the pressing issues of our time.
Learning: We believe in the joy of learning, personal growth, and the value of education at every stage of life.
Artistic Courage: We believe in artistic excellence, pushing boundaries, and taking risks in all aspects of our work.
Our Programming
We are a hub for creativity, theater education, and community connection. Each year, we present a compelling season of plays and musicals, as well as a month-long new works festival. We welcome students of all ages to our year-round classes and workshops, offer teen playwriting programs, and run award-winning youth summer camps that introduce young artists to all aspects of the theater.
We support the development of local works and provide resources for volunteer-led groups including a playwriting lab, script reading group, and costume and scenic guilds. And for more than 25 years, we have provided tech support to high school and college theater companies performing in Scotland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Our Funding
It takes more than $1 million to run this remarkable nonprofit theater. In a typical year, almost half comes from ticket sales, education fees, and concessions. The rest comes from grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic gifts from theater lovers like you.
We are so grateful to each and every one of our donors. Each gift, big or small, has the power to change lives. Interested in the impact of your donation? Check out some of the countless Live Arts experiences from our volunteers.
Live Arts: A Brief History
Live Arts started in 1989 with a group of dedicated artists and benefactors who sought a home for live performance in the heart of downtown Charlottesville. What began as the dream of a small group of passionate people has grown into a major cultural force in our community. Dreaming is still at the heart of all we do.
The first Live Arts production was Sartre’s NO EXIT in September of 1990, which took place in developer Gabe Silverman’s Old Michie Building on Market Street. This 135-seat theater space also became the venue for "Acid House" dance parties, an early approach to artistically motivated, experience-based events as a fundraising tool. This form of fundraising found fuller expression in the legendary “9 Lives” annual benefit, a combination of cabaret and promenade theater with outrageous visual design excess and broad community support.
A popular series called The Coffeehouse became a regular feature under the direction of founding Artistic Director Fran Smith, providing a stage for local musicians, actors, and writers. The late '90s also brought the addition of a second theater space, educational and outreach endeavors, distinctive musical theater productions, and a novel Pay-What-You-Can ticket program. As the organization grew in scale and ambition, growing professionalism led to the addition of full-time artistic, development, and technical director positions.
After a campaign led by Thane Kerner, Live Arts moved into its custom-built facility on Water Street in 2003 under the direction of Artistic Director John Gibson. The Center for Contemporary Arts building, designed by Bushman/Dreyfus Architects, remains a locus for theater, film, and art in Charlottesville.
Since its inception more than 30 years ago, Live Arts has presented more than 300 fully produced plays and musicals while continuing to grow and evolve as a staple of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. We have provided a home for countless memorable performances and engaging experiences for volunteers, artists, teachers, students, and audience members alike. We are still a place where passionate people gather to create theater, learn new skills, and foster lasting relationships.
