Who Let the Dogs Out Costume Contest, 1-5pm, Grab your pup and join Bold Rock in Mills River and celebrate “National Dress
Up Your Dog Day” Costume contest. There will be a local dog-trainer on-site to help host, along with dog-inspired giveaways,
prizes for the winners, and live music from Stephen Evans at 1pm,

Benefitting TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions
Fundraiser & Silent Auction, Music
Performances, Cat Clicker-Training, & More!
Join us for the purrfect, cat-filled evening!

READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

AUDITION DATES AT A GLANCE

• The Importance of Being Earnest – February 16-18, 2024
  • Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

The Importance of Being Earnest

Performance Dates: February 16-18, 2024
Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Directed By: Maggie Crowell
Production Assistant: Susan Maley

About The Importance of Being Earnest: Wilde’s most successful and enduring play is a wonderful and witty comedy of deception, disguise and misadventure. Two bachelors, Jack and Algernon, create alter egos in an effort to avoid tedious social obligations and win the hearts of Gwendolen and Cecily, the two women they adore.

additional auditions:

• The Birds – March 22-24, 2024
  • Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Over the River and Through the Woods – April 26-28, 2024
  • Auditions: April 2, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Enchanted April – May 31-June 2, 2024
  • Auditions: May 7, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Youth Production Auditions

This an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. Read more about Youth Productions HERE.

At the First Cast Meeting, students will be taught a dance combination and song to take home and practice for auditions and parents will receive comprehensive information about the entire Youth Production process.

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids

Ages: 8-12
Performance Dates: March 8-10, 2024
First Cast Meeting: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Auditions: Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 4:30 PM

About Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids: Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids is a fur-raising adventure with a high-spirited score and lovable characters that will charm and delight all audiences.

Read more about registering for Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids HERE

Mainstage Auditions

Auditions are held over two nights, and you may choose either night to audition. Please fill out the Audition Form (per show) to secure an audition time. Walk-ups will be asked to fill out the audition form on site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.

For musical auditions: In general, come dressed to dance and prepared to sing 16 bars (30-45 seconds) of a musical theatre song, in the style of the musical. Depending on the show, you may be asked to bring sheet music to be played by an accompanist or you may be asked to bring a backing track (like a karaoke track on your phone) to play on a provided speaker. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

For non-musical auditions: Generally, you will be asked to memorize and prepare a monologue or to read pages from the script in front of the director, the stage manager, and another reader. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

Matilda: The Musical

Performance Dates: April 12-May 5, 2024
Youth & Teen Auditions: January 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Adult Auditions: January 22 & 23, 2024 with time slot
Callbacks (for Youth, Teens, & Adults): January 25, 2024
Rehearsals: February 5, 2024-April 11, 2024
Directed and Choregraphed by: Zoe Zelonky
Music Direction by: Kristen Johnson Dominguez

About Matilda: The Musical: Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

How to prepare:

Youth & Teens will begin with the dance audition then move into the vocal audition. Please arrive before 1 PM to check in and make sure you are ready to go as auditions will begin promptly. Dance auditions will take about an hour, and vocal & acting auditions will immediately follow in the order in which you check in. After you have completed your vocal & acting audition, you will be free to go.

• Dancing: Please wear clothes that allow full body movement. You will learn a short, upbeat dance combination and perform it in small groups.
• Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
• Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Adults:

• Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
• Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Audition Time Slots: 

• Youth & Teens: Youth & Teens auditions happen at the same time. Fill out the audition form HERE.
• Adults: Please select your time slot and fill out the audition form HERE.

Audition Sides

• Character Descriptions
• Youth & Teen Audition Sides
• Adult Audition Sides

Want to avoid the winter blues? Get motivated with the 32nd Annual Frostbite Races presented by Hunter Subaru!

Join the largest winter footrace in Henderson County for a fun-filled afternoon of running and family-friendly activities. Choose from a 10K, 5K run/walk, or a flat and fast 1-mile un-timed Fun Run – perfect for runners of all ages and abilities. Join us at the Lelia Patterson Center in Fletcher, NC for a day of fitness, fun, and frosty festivities. Register now and gear up for the coolest race of the year!

Asheville Community Talent Showcase

March 10, 2024

Sunday at 7:30 PM

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

ABOUT

ACT is excited to present the 2024 Asheville Community Talent Showcase, a vibrant celebration of the rich talent from communities across Western North Carolina. Join us as we spotlight the diverse and extraordinary skills of our community members, showcasing the best of our region’s performers on stage.

PRIZES & AWARDS

• One grand prize winner will take home $500!
• Additional Awards & Prizes (TBA)

PARTICIPATION

• Asheville Community Talent Showcase auditions are open to acts of all ages and levels of experience.
• Bring your best skills – singing, instrumentation, plate-spinning, singing, acrobatics, dancing, juggling, baton twirling – the possibilities are endless!
• Each act should be 3 minutes or less.
• Each act should be performance ready at the time of Auditions.
• Acts may audition in person or send in a video submission by February 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM.
• If chosen to participate in the Showcase, acts may be asked to work with a director to elevate their piece.
• There is a $20 suggested donation per act to help cover the costs of administration. This is not a required cost, if it is a barrier to participate.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Auditions: February 20, 2024 – 6:00-9:00 PM
• Mandatory Rehearsal: March 9, 2024 – 1:00-4:00 PM
• Performance: March 10, 2024 – Call Time 5:00 PM, Show Time 7:30 PM

Proceeds from the Asheville Community Talent Showcase support the Tanglewood Teens Senior Scholarship Fund. Tanglewood Teens is ACT’s audition-based performance troupe that provides a unique platform for high schoolers to receive top-level training in acting, singing, dancing, and the performing arts. This inclusive program is designed to develop artistic abilities as well as foster teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Join Dr. Barden Greenfield for an informative webinar that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify and manage pet periodontal disease in its varying stages. Periodontal disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects the oral health of our beloved pets. In this class, we will delve deep into understanding the causes, symptoms, and consequences of periodontal disease in pets. Have questions for the expert? You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Dr. Greenfield at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Can’t attend the class? You will still receive the recording if you register. Sign up today at: https://hfu.hollywoodfeed.com/live-event-page/understanding-managing-periodontal-disease-in-pets/

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dr. Barden Greenfield is a 1985 graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) after completing a non-conforming dental residency in 2010. He has a dental referral specialty practice (Your Pet Dentist) in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Greenfield previously served on the AVDC board for multiple years and was President of the College from 2016-2018. He is currently a Board Member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. He was the recipient of the prestigious AVDC Peter Emily Service Award in 2017 and AVDC President’s Award for Stewardship in 2020.

Dr. Greenfield is also a veterinary dental educator, lecturing both nationally and internationally.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD FEED: Hollywood Feed serves pets, their owners, caretakers and communities in 170 stores across 19 states. Consistently ranking atop consumer choice awards in the markets it serves, Hollywood Feed and its family of brands have been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers for 2022 (ranking #1 in the pet care category), Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service for 2024, Best Pet Supply Stores by Dallas A-List, Best Pet Store by The Memphis Flyer, Best Self Atlanta Magazine’s Best Pet Store, Best Pet Food and Supplies in the Best of Denton County Awards, and Best New Business by Cary Living Magazine in North Carolina. Hollywood Feed proudly stands by its brand promise: If your pet doesn’t love it or if you don’t love it, we will gladly replace or refund it. Learn more about Hollywood Feed at hollywoodfeed.com and facebook.com/hwfeed.

• READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

  For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

• Performance Dates: March 22-24, 2024
  Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  Directed By: Elliot Weiner
  Production Assistant: Ruth Planey

  About The Birds: Based on a story by Daphne du Maurier and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, four strangers grapple with birds who have been transformed from creatures of beauty into terrifying, menacing predators.

Henry V is looking for a few more people to round out the cast! Rehearsals will begin TBD. Performances are Friday – Sunday, July 26 – August 25 at 7:30. Please visit the SignUp Genius to secure a slot. Walk-ins are also welcome but will be seen as time permits. If you are unable to attend auditions but are interested in the show, please email [email protected].

• ONSITE | 

  Instructor: Alexandra Holland

  $35 Adult Non-Member

   (**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.)

  BRN – Elective, 2 hours | BREG – Elective, 2 hours | NCEE – Criteria II, 2 hours

  Limit: 15

  Spring is here, and the natural world is waking from its winter rest! Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this wildflower walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of spring wildflowers emerging and in bloom. Learn some basics of wildflower ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of spring.

  Alexandra Holland graduated from Duke University and earned her Master’s degree in botany from the University of Texas at Austin. She was in the first class of students to be certified as Blue Ridge Naturalists. Alexandra managed the UTEX Culture Collection of Algae at UT Austin and spent many hours working with education programs at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  She has taught botany for over a decade and leads nature hikes in Western North Carolina for groups of all ages.

Instructor: Susan Patrice

$24 Non-member Adult**

 (**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.)

Limit: 12

Take a fresh look at the objects, moments and vistas that surround you during this “awe walk” led by documentary photographer Susan Patrice. The contemplative practices she teaches help you experience place through new and loving eyes, to see beauty and wonder in your surroundings. Bring cameras or phones to capture what calls to you in the enveloping landscape. Participants will be sent meeting instructions for this small-group class that will take a slow intentional walk through parts of the Arboretum forest and forest meadow. This walk is a precursor to the generative writing and contemplative photography workshops to be held the following weekend.

Susan Patrice is a documentary photographer, community artist, and founder of Makers Circle. She recently launched Kinship Photography Collective, a global community of practice designed to create rich visual conversations that explore the intimate connections between nature, culture and belonging. Susan’s own photography and public installations focus primarily on the Southern Landscape and its people and feature intimate images that touch deeply into the questions of place, gender, and belonging.

Disney’s Descendants

Ages: 12-18
Performance Dates: May 17-19, 2024
First Cast Meeting: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Auditions: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 4:30 PM

About Disney’s Descendants: Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Read more about registering for Disney’s Descendants HERE

This St. Patrick’s Day, Wagbar is not just about the green on land but also about the joy in water! Alongside our festive celebration with wine slushies, drink specials, and delicious food from Trucking Delicious, we’re excited to announce a special treat: our dog swimming pool will be open for one day only before its full-time opening this summer!

Here’s what’s brewing for the day:
– **Wine Slushee Return**: Our beloved Wine Slushees are back for the day. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleaser!
– **St. Patrick’s Day Drink Specials**: Enjoy themed drink specials all-day to keep the spirits high.
– **Annual Membership Raffle**: Drop by and get entered for a chance to win a year full of unforgettable Wagbar adventures.
– **Food by Trucking Delicious**: From 2:30 PM to 7 PM, indulge in the best eats on wheels.
– **Free Entry for All**: In the spirit of inclusivity, entry is free for both dogs and humans. Come one, come all!
– **Exclusive Pool Preview**: Dive into fun with our dog swimming pool, open exclusively for this St. Patrick’s Day. Get a sneak peek before it opens full time in the summer.

**Entry Requirements for Pooches**:
– Must be spayed and 6 months or older.
– Up-to-date on rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccines. (Show proof of vaccinations on entry.)

Dress in your festive best, bring your furry friends, and make a splash this St. Patrick’s Day at Wagbar. It’s the perfect place to experience joy, community, and a little luck of the Irish – both on land and in water. Don’t miss this chance to soak up the fun before our pool opens for the entire summer season!

Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a splash, laughter, and wagging tails. See you and your four-legged companions for a day to remember!