Performances

2025 Gala: A Legacy in Motion

Name: 2025 Gala: A Legacy in Motion
Start: 2025-09-20T17:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-20T22:00:00-04:00
Location: Historic Academy Theatre

GET TICKETS

Time: September 20 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Venue: Historic Academy Theatre

Cost: $250 – $5000

Individual Tickets

Become a Sponsor

Community Access Appeal

Gala Silent Auction

THE ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS PRESENTS OUR ANNUAL GALA

Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 5 – 10 p.m. 600 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504

A CELEBRATION 120 YEARS IN THE MAKING

For 120 years, the Academy has set the stage for creativity, connection, and community in Central Virginia. From unforgettable performances to life-changing arts education, our legacy will continue to unfold for generations to come. As a valued patron, you play a vital role in this ongoing story—ensuring the arts remain a powerful force for unity, expression, and transformation.

Join us for an unforgettable evening that flows through the Academy’s iconic venues. Begin with cocktails and art in our Patricia Harrington Galleries and Cocktail Garden, experience inspiring performances in our Historic Theatre, enjoy an elegant dinner in our Warehouse Theatre, and dance the night away as we celebrate 120 years of artistic excellence.

THE EVENING’S JOURNEY

5:00 – 6:00 PM | COCKTAILS & SILENT AUCTION
Patricia Harrington Galleries and adjacent outdoor Cocktail Garden
Begin your evening with signature cocktails while browsing extraordinary artwork from over 30 regional artists available for purchase through our silent auction. This is your opportunity to add meaningful pieces to your collection while supporting both local artists and the Academy’s mission.

6:15 PM | SILENT AUCTION CLOSES

6:00 – 7:00 PM | SPECIAL PERFORMANCES & COMMUNITY ACCESS APPEAL
Historic Academy of Music Theatre
Be moved by the talent of our Academy Youth Theatre students as they present a special showcase celebrating our 120-year legacy. During this portion, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in our Community Access Appeal, with a goal of raising $75,000 to support Academy programming and access initiatives.

7:00 – 9:00 PM | DINNER & LIVE AUCTION
Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre
Savor an exquisite dinner catered by Avenue Foods with live entertainment by Brass 5. Following dinner, our exciting live auction will feature unique experiences and treasures.

9:00 – 10:00 PM | CELEBRATION & DANCING
BWXT Student Gallery / Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre Lobby
Cap off the evening dancing to music from DJ GBABY.

ATTIRE

Garden theme, Black tie optional. Attendees will be walking from venue to venue, so please consider comfortable footwear.

All attendees will enjoy event access, a seated dinner, complimentary full bar service, and concierge bidding registration.

PURCHASE TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

Ready to secure your place at this extraordinary celebration?

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW

Our streamlined purchasing system allows you to:

Purchase individual tickets ($250 per person)
Select sponsorship packages (details found in the purchase link)
- PLATINUM SPONSOR | $5,000
- GOLD SPONSOR | $2,800
- SILVER SPONSOR | $1,800
- BRONZE SPONSOR / $850
Make a donation to our Community Access Appeal
Process your payment securely

If you prefer to mail in payment, please use the downloadable form.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Sarah Proctor | sproctor@academycenter.org | 434-528-3256 x309

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.

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 $75,000 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.

OUR MISSION

To cultivate a healthier and more interconnected populace through cultural infrastructure and community-building arts programs.

YOUR GIFT CREATES ACCESS

$5,000 | ACADEMY IN MOTION (AIM)

Supports 100+ individuals for a full-day event
Brings art 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.

$2,500 | 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.

$1,000 | 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.

$500 | CAMPUS EXPLORATION

Supports 2 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.

$250 | 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 honoring Ted Batt’s 20+ year 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, and Artist in Residence program.

$100 | 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 450 kids last summer

In the summer of 2024, we had 450 kids enrolled in Academy Youth Theatre, with 41 taking advantage of tuition assistance.

Your donation provides: Scholarships and discounts for youth education programs.

Unable to join us in person on September 20? Please consider a donation to the Academy Community Access Appeal, or contact Sarah Proctor at sproctor@academycenter.org.