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Scenes from the Hat
Issue 9: April - June 2025
Welcome to Scenes from the Hat, a bimonthly newsletter that highlights local theater news, updates, and featurettes on many of the talented people who make up the Greater Lynchburg Theater Community.
We are gearing up for summer and with that come lots of theater opportunities for the youth in this area! Not only are there multiple theater camps and educational opportunities, there are also a few community theater shows coming up that have roles for children and teenages. Make sure you check out the audition and performance calendars for upcoming productions. Read below to learn more about some of the theater camps being offered, some of which are now being run by former Lynchburg community theater child actors! ​
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A quick reminder that if you are interested in appearing on Theatre Thursday with Radio434, you can sign up for your slot on our website here. As part of our Foundation's partnership with Radio434 and The MIKEShow, theaters are provided an opportunity to be featured on this weekly show to advertise upcoming shows and other news. This is a free publicity opportunity, so make sure you secure your slots today.
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Now sit back, relax, and enjoy Scenes from the Hat.
Past Issues
From Child Actor to Youth Director
Theater Camps in Lynchburg
For many of us who grew up with the Lynchburg theater scene, we can recall a time where our performing options were different. Sure, we could always do school plays and there might be an occasional children's show in the area. But for the most part, we performed in community theater shows if there were roles for children. This was different than children's theater; these were shows with adults in adult roles, children in child roles. Think Annie, The Music Man, The Sound of Music - family friendly musicals. In fact, it was well-known that the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center would always have a big summer musical for the entire family to participate in. For youth growing up in the 80's and 90's, this was our primary exposure to
Backstage Pass
Opera on the James
This issue, we are visiting a group that brings musical theater to a whole other level. Since 2005, Opera on the James has established itself as a vocally and visually stunning member of the Lynchburg theatrical community. Over the past twenty years, Opera on the James ("OOTJ") has grown from a small regional company to a distinguished organization performing fully staged operas and concert events. Despite what is seen on stage now, OOTJ has humble beginnings similar to other theaters in the area, and it all began with recognizing a need.
Spotlight
Steve Allen
Actor, Playwright
Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will interview a local actor/actress, director, set designer , or crew member. This is a chance for you  know some of these icons of the Lynchburg theatre community who you may have seen on stage or watched shows they were involved in backstage or directed. ​ This issue's spotlight: Jim Ackley​
Upcoming Events
APRIL
4-6,
10-12
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6
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6-7
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11, 13
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11-13,​​​
24-27​​​​​​
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18-19​
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24-27
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26-27
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Heritage High School
Peter and the Starcatcher​​
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246 The Main
**AUDITIONS**
Sweet Delilah Swim Club
Renaissance Theatre
**AUDITIONS**
9 to 5
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Wolfbane Productions
**AUDITIONS**
2026 Season
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Liberty University
The Sound of Music
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Academy Center of Arts
Alice in Wonderland, Jr.
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Brookville High School
Hadestown (Teen Edition)
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Commerce Street Theatre
Winnie the Pooh: Pooh and the Hood
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MAY
1-2,
9-10
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1-4
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2-4
3-4,
10-11
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9-11,​
16-18
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29-31
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E.C. Glass High School
Footloose​
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Jefferson Forest High School
The Music Man
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Liberty High School
Suessical
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Commerce Street Theatre
Winnie the Pooh: Pooh and the Hood
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Little Town Theatre
The Color Purple
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Wolfbane Productions
Hamlet
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JUNE
1, 6-8,
12-15,
20-22,
26-28
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​​6-8,
12-15
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6-8,
13-14​
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14
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14-20
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20-22,
25-29
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26-28
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​27-28​​
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29
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Wolfbane Productions
Hamlet
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Renaissance Theatre
9 to 5
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246 The Main
Sweet Delilah Swim Club​​​
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Academy Center of the Arts
Imagine a Dragon
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Endstation Theatre Company
Central Virginia Fringe Festival
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Endstation Theatre Company
Whirlwind​​​​​​
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Poplar Forest
1776
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Academy Center of the Arts
Beetlejuice, Jr.
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246 The Main
**AUDITIONS**
To Kill a Mockingbird
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Next Issue
Stay tuned for our next newsletter for July-September 2025. If you want to receive this newsletter in your e-mail, please add your name to our e-mail list below. As always, thank you for your continued support of this Foundation, the theaters of the Greater Lynchburg area, and the world of performing arts.
"Let's all support each other and help the Lynchburg community theatres thrive."
-Mark W. Foreman