In the Ann White Academy Gallery, Wax, Wind, & Fire brings together five encaustic artists whose works are rich in texture, atmosphere, and layered storytelling. Amanda Smith, Christine Rooney, Giselle Gautreau, Gina Louthian-Stanley, and Gail Haile each approach the medium in distinct ways—whether through photography, monotype printing, or abstract forms—yet all share a sensitivity to nature, memory, and transformation. This group show offers a contemplative experience, inviting viewers to look closely and reflect. The result is a beautifully curated collection that highlights the elemental quality of wax and the emotional depth it can hold.

Both exhibitions speak to the power of process and material, and together they offer a wide range of artworks that would make thoughtful additions to any space. Whether you’re drawn to the raw strength of wood or the quiet richness of encaustic, these pieces are available for purchase through the Academy’s online art sales platform, Artistica.shop. Explore the collections, support local artists, and find work that resonates with you.

On view from August 1–29, the Academy Center of the Arts invites you to explore two new exhibitions during gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.

The post August Exhibitions at the Academy: Rooted in Nature, Shaped by Hand appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

We kicked off April with a special MOMIX Student Matinee, welcoming over 150 middle and high school students from public, private, and homeschool communities to the Historic Academy Theatre. MOMIX, an internationally renowned company of dancer-illusionists led by Moses Pendleton, is celebrated for its stunning fusion of movement, light, and illusion. Students experienced a Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)-aligned performance that connected dance with science, visual art, and physical expression—broadening their understanding of how the arts intersect with education. For many, the highlight was a post-show Q&A session with the performers, offering a rare and exciting chance to engage directly with international touring artists.

The performance of MOMIX was made possible thanks to generous corporate support from Schewel Home and Bank of the James. In addition, funding from the Al Stroobants Foundation directly enabled us to offer this dynamic and engaging student field trip opportunity.

Later in the month, our Academy Youth Theatre program brought magic to the stage with a full-scale production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. This beloved program invites young people from across Central Virginia to take part in a professional-style theatre experience, from audition to final curtain call. Through guided instruction in acting, movement, choreography, and stagecraft, students gain valuable performance skills while building confidence, teamwork, and creative expression.

At the heart of the Academy Youth Theatre is a deep commitment to access. Thanks to generous donors and corporate sponsors—including Foster Fuels, IWT, and Runk & Pratt—the Academy offers tuition assistance to ensure that no child is turned away due to financial barriers. Dozens of students participated in Alice in Wonderland this season through our Tuition Access program—ensuring that all young artists have the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine on stage.

This spring also marked the launch of the Young Storytellers: Script to Stage program at Amelon Elementary School in Amherst County, reinforcing our mission to expand rural arts access.

The program paired 5th grade students with trained college-age mentors who guided them through a 10-week journey of writing their own original plays. With the support of Centra and Financial Designs, the Academy was honored to be the first organization to bring this dynamic program to Virginia.  Suzanne Halka led this program as the Head Mentor. She is a seasoned teaching artist, director, and youth mentor with a strong background in theatre education and community engagement. Under her thoughtful guidance, students explored their creativity, found their voices, and saw their words come to life—performed by professional actors in a culminating staged reading. For many participants, it was their first time seeing their ideas fully realized on stage.

The post Spring Spotlight: Youth Performing Arts at the Academy appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

RUBEN & CLAY: TWENTY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Ruben & Clay are thrilled to reunite twenty years after captivating audiences during their historic run on the second season of Fox’s American Idol in 2003. 

 

Called a ‘pitch perfect, flawless show,’ Twenty | The Tour highlights the music that made Ruben & Clay American Idol favorites and household names. From Clay’s iconic rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to Ruben’s soulful single ”Flying Without Wings”, join America’s favorite odd couple for an unforgettable evening of music and memories, spanning two decades, delivered as only these true superstars can.

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MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.

 

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STEP AFRIKA!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

 

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DIANNE REEVES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Five-time Grammy winner DIANNE REEVES is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a Grammy first in any vocal category.

 

In recent years Reeves has toured the world in a variety of contexts including “Sing the Truth,” a musical celebration of Nina Simone which also featured Lizz Wright and Angelique Kidjo. Don’t miss this jazz legend on the Historic Academy Theatre stage!

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LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

The year 2023 marks the 63rd anniversary of Joseph Shabalala forming GRAMMY-Award winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), developed by black workers in the mines of South Africa.

After leading his group for over 50 years and approaching his 75th birthday, Joseph Shabalala retired in 2014, handing the leadership to his three sons, Thulani, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala. Having joined their father’s group in 1993, their many years of training had prepared them in ways no others could be trained. Now, carrying their father’s dream into the future, the Shabalala Family continues the group’s success for the world to hear.

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THE PEKING ACROBATS
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

For the last thirty two years, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. THE PEKING ACROBATS are often accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments; the time-honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival.

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