Performing Arts
Performing arts has always been a colorful and multicultural way to put smiles on people’s faces. Our committee invests tons of time and imagination into what the arts can bring, and it would be a shame to miss out on so many opportunities.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll see something or discover a passion you’ve never seen or thought of before!
*Free Workshops This Summer*
Physical Theatre with Synetic Theatre. All ages & experience welcome.
Magic/Illusion with Dave Vaught. All ages & experience welcome.
Ballroom focused on Foxtrot & Rumba w/Appalachian Ballroom. Best for ages 16 & up, and experience welcome.
Be sure to scroll for more information.
Comedian Rhapsody by The Second City
Tuesday, July 30: 8pm
Location: Barter Theatre’s Gilliam Stage
Tickets: $45 available at Barter online, box office, and at door if available
COMEDY LEGEND, THE SECOND CITY, RETURNS TO THE
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL WITH THEIR NEWEST REVIEW,
COMEDIAN RHAPSODY, FOR A ONE NIGHT ENGAGEMENT
Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? This comedic landslide promises to be an escape from reality! Comedian Rhapsody is a ground-breaking showcase of classic sketches and songs from the company's deep comedy archive, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature hilarious improv that made The Second City infamous. Brought to life by the dynamic Second City Touring Company, this show is a celebration of the comedic genius that has graced our stages for over six decades.
With alumni such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Keegan-Michael Key, The Second City has an unmatched track record of launching the careers of comedy superstars.
The Miraculous Magic Balloon presented by Synetic Theatre
Monday, July 29: 2pm & 7pm
Location: Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
Tickets: Adults $10, Youth $5 (12 & under) — available online and at door
A series of hilarious sketches synthesizing music, ballet, clowning, and audience participation. Students will discover the art of acting without words, opening the door to their imaginations. Expressed through body and facial masks, pantomime illusions, and unique choreography, ‘Balloon’ tells a wonderful story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk of tricks and toys.
Synetic Theater emerged from the creative vision of founders Georgian immigrants Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, who emigrated from the former Soviet country of Georgia in 1995. Trained in dance, theatre, and film, the Tsikurishvilis combine traditions of the Caucasus with distinctly American styles to tell classic stories through movement, music, technology and visual arts. Synetic made its artistic debut in 2001, with its first wordless Shakespeare production, Hamlet…the rest is silence, thrilling audiences with its athletic and high-voltage physical theatre. Synetic’s innovative take on Hamlet earned three Helen Hayes Awards: Outstanding Resident Play, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Director.
Mark Nizer 4D — A New Dimension in Entertainment
Friday, August 2, 7pm — Barter Theatre’s Smith Stage
Saturday, August 3, 2pm — Barter Theatre’s Smith Stage
Tickets $12 (includes 3D glasses provided)
Available at door and online. Link coming soon!
Making the impossible possible and the improbable probable, Mark Nizer has taken his one-man show to a variety of venues around the world, including The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Magic Castle, thousands of college campuses, and all major cruise lines. He has also performed in thousands of corporate events, civic centers, festivals and performing arts centers including the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Don’t miss the combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding evening. Whether juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms, or five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or even juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you'll discover for yourself that Mark Nizer is truly "the juggler your mother warned you about." Or if she didn't, she should have.
Physical Theatre with Synetic Theatre
Monday, July 29: 4-5pm
SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace
What is physical theater? How can you build walls from thin air and climb mountains that aren’t there, change your age or physical attributes instantly, unlock your body’s full potential as a creative tool, and go forwards and backward in time? Learn all of these skills and more with an introduction to the processes and styles that make Synetic art with a capital A.
This workshop is free and suitable for all ages and experience levels. Registration recommended.
Magic & Illusion with Dave Vaught
Tuesday, July 30: 4-5pm
SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace
Is it an illusion or reality? Learn from the feet of the master magician and illusionist, Dave Vaught. With decades of professional experience as well as producing illusions for other masters of the crafts such as David Copperfield, Dave will delight all ages with the inside scoop on how a turn of the hand and the power of suggestion creates magic before your eyes. ABRACADABRA...POOF!
This workshop is free and suitable for all ages and experience levels. Registration recommended.
Wednesday, July 31: 6-7pm
SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace
The Foxtrot is an early 20th Century American dance that has its origins in the one-step, the two-step, and syncopated ragtime dances. It was popularized in the USA by dancers Vernon and Irene Castle in 1914, and it is believed to be named after Harry Fox, who was an entertainer. The Rumba has a rich and diverse history, deeply rooted in African and Cuban cultural traditions. It is a sensual dance known for its slow rhythm, fluid movements, and emphasis on hip action.
This workshop is free and suitable for ages 12 & up in addition to all experience levels. Registration recommended.
