Call for Theatre Proposals
2026-2027 Season
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The Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA) Theatre's goal is to provide exceptional, creative, diverse, and affordable theatrical productions that stimulate and entertain the audience and artists. We welcome proposals for both original and established works, in an effort to provide our community with quality live theatrical performances. We are currently accepting proposals for the 26-27 Season! Proposals must be submitted by 12 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026, to be considered. Please read below for more information and directions for submitting proposals. We look forward to hearing from you!
Encore Players
Senior Readers Theatre
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Auditions Open
Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
​Thursday, February 12th, 11:00 - 1:00
Friday, February 13th, 11:00 - 1:00
in BMCA theatre
Show Dates: March 20th-21st​
Experience stories come alive this season as the Black Mountain Center for the Arts proudly introduces the Encore Players, a brand-new senior readers theatre program dedicated to the craft of script-in-hand performance. This inaugural season celebrates the power of the actor's voice to ignite the imagination without the pressure of memorization. Participants will enjoy a collaborative environment that fosters social connection and lifelong learning. Whether you are a veteran of the stage or a curious newcomer, the Encore Players offer an accessible way to dive deep into character development and share the joy of storytelling through public performances. Join us as we launch this vibrant new chapter in the Swannanoa Valley, proving that the magic of theatre is an enduring spirit that only grows richer with time.
Valentine's Burlesque Class
led by Claire K. Landis
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Friday, February 13th • 7:30-9pm
Tuition $25
Ages 16 and up
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Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of sparkle, sass, and sophistication this Valentine's season! Join Claire for a sultry Friday night experience where classic burlesque meets modern empowerment.
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Whether you're looking to surprise someone special or simply celebrate yourself, this 90-minute workshop will have you feeling confident, sensual, and absolutely radiant. Learn timeless burlesque choreography designed to make you feel incredible in your own skin—no dance experience necessary, just bring your bold energy and willingness to play.
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Sip on indulgent bubbly as you master alluring moves, playful gestures, and that unmistakable burlesque confidence. Claire will guide you through a complete routine that's equal parts glamorous and fun, creating the perfect blend of instruction and celebration.
Galentine's Polymer Clay Earrings Workshop
led by Cristy Leonard
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Saturday, February 14th • 10am-12:30pm
Tuition $55 (supplies included)
Ages 16 and up
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Celebrate friendship and creativity this Galentine's Day at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts! Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll create your own pair of unique polymer clay earrings to wear or gift to your favorite gals.
Heads, Hearts, & Hands
In Bloom
A Family Workshop and Experience with Artist Tommy Simpson
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Saturday, February 14th • 2-3:30pm
Ages 7 & up with a parent or guardian
$20 per child/adult pair
Additional pairs $10
All supplies included
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Parents and children are invited to join artist Tommy Simpson for an afternoon of art and creating together. Each adult/child team will create a beautiful bouquet together. What a fun activity for Valentine’s Day! You’ll also get a chance to engage with Tommy’s exhibition in our Art Gallery and talk to the artist about his whimsical creations.
All supplies will be provided. Children must be at least 7 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Please register in advance. Space is limited.
Zoe & Cloyd
Annual Valentine's Concert
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Saturday, February 14 • 7:30pm
Tickets $25
Zoe & Cloyd—the creative partnership of fiddler/vocalist Natalya Zoe Weinstein and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist John Cloyd Miller—prove that opposites truly do attract. Hailing from two distinct musical worlds, they merge their unique backgrounds into a powerful collaboration that has garnered both critical acclaim and widespread appeal.
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Join us for this annual Valentine's tradition! Tickets for this show tend to sell quickly, so don't wait to snag your seats!
Valentine's Ballroom Workshops
led by Justin Chaple
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Mondays, February 16th - March 9th
Ballroom 1: 6:30-7:30pm
Ballroom 2: 7:30-8:30pm
Tuition $125 per couple
Ages 16 and up
Ballroom 1 is the perfect way to extend the romance and give your special someone an experience you'll both treasure. ​Music, dancing, and fun are guaranteed as you and your partner explore the exciting world of Latin and Ballroom dancing. From the smooth elegance of foxtrot and rumba to the infectious rhythms of salsa, merengue, and swing, you'll discover styles that will have you moving with confidence and joy.​ This 4-week course is designed for beginners—no experience necessary! You'll learn the basics of social dancing and finally be prepared for your next wedding, party, or special event. No more chair dancing for you!
Ballroom 2 is how you keep the sparks flying. Expand your knowledge with more dances, more steps, and more fun as you and your partner deepen your connection on the dance floor.
Because the best relationships keep growing. In this intermediate class, you'll refine the essential elements that make great dancers: style, tempo, hip motion, footwork, and frame. These are the components that will make you confident and skilled on any dance floor, at any venue—turning every wedding, date night, or special occasion into your moment to shine together.
Music Theory for Singers
Led by Cary Fridley
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Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00
Feb. 17th, 23rd, March 3rd, 10th
Ages 15+
Tuition $80
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This class is for singers who know how to sing but want to learn more about music theory and traditional music notation. We will work together on learning to hear and sing different intervals like thirds, fourths, and fifths, and how to recognize them in a piece of sheet music so that you know what to sing. Topics covered include basic music theory, sight-singing melodies, understanding choral music scores, and ear training techniques.
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The Complete works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield
February 20 - March 1
Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Tickets $20
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a fast, furious, and laugh-out-loud sprint through the Bard’s best (and weirdest) moments. Expect tragic deaths, wild romances and more ridiculous wigs than a royal court as three performers attempt to tackle every play and sonnet in one whirlwind performance. This play is brought to you by Mike Yow and Fire in the Head Productions.
Beer and Hymns
A benefit for BMCA at White Horse
February 23rd • 7pm
Tickets by Donation
Lift your voices as you lift a brew to support the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Monday, February 23 at the White Horse Music Hall for Beer & Hymns. This fun, nondenominational fundraiser supports nonprofits that make a difference in our community, and BMCA is proud to be the recipient for this event. This is not a church service. All are welcome to go and sing! The sponsoring church for this event is Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and the talented Director of Music at BMP, Aaron Price, will lead us in song. Tickets are just $15 and available for purchase on the White Horse website. Get your ticket now and join us to support the quality arts programming at BMCA with this fun event.
BMCA Instructors Concert
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***NEW DATE***
Sunday, March 8 • 2pm
(was previously January 24)
Tickets $20
The BMCA instructors are back for another performance! The Black Mountain Center for the Arts rings in the new year with our annual Instructors Concert on Saturday, January 24 at 7:30 pm. BMCA is blessed to work with many wonderful professional musicians through our Junior Appalachian Musicians program and private lessons.
We love to highlight their great talent with a yearly concert. You’ll experience a variety of music from several different genres as instructors perform individual and collaborative pieces. Appearing in this year’s concert will be Clarke Williams, Maddy Mullaney, Travis Stuart, Nathan Vargos and Cary Fridley from our Junior Appalachian Musicians program, as well as private lesson instructors Alison Adams (voice) and Joel Ragan (piano). Join us in celebrating the wonderful musicianship that lives here at BMCA. Grab some friends and get your tickets now!
Reasonably Priced Babies
Friday the 13th Show
Friday, March 13th • 7:30pm
Tickets $20
Test your luck with the Babies’ Friday the 13th comedy improv show at BMCA! It’s sure to be your lucky night, as this award-winning improv troupe takes the stage. No two RPB shows are the same. The Babies take audience suggestions to build each show, so come ready to participate because the audience makes the show!
O'Carolan's Best
Featuring Sue Richards and Robin Bullock
Sunday, March 15th • 2pm
Tickets $20
Experience the enchanting legacy of the "last of the bards" as virtuoso guitarist Robin Bullock and four-time National Scottish Harp Champion Sue Richards take the stage at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. On Sunday, March 15 at 2pm, this award-winning duo will perform the timeless compositions of Turlough O'Carolan, the legendary 17th-century blind Irish harper whose music uniquely blends traditional Gaelic melodies with Italian Baroque elegance. Bullock, hailed as a "Celtic guitar god," and Richards, a world-renowned harper who has performed for presidents and royalty, bring decades of shared mastery to these ancient planxties and airs. Their performance promises to bridge the gap between the Old World and the New, showcasing the "string wizardry" that has earned them multiple WAMMIE Awards and critical acclaim. Do not miss this rare opportunity to hear the hauntingly beautiful tunes of O'Carolan brought to life by two of the finest instrumentalists in the Celtic tradition.
AN Artful Journey
Exploring the Best Art Exhibitions of 2026
led by Julianna Caro
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Fridays, 10:30am-12pm
Tuition: $25 per lecture
(refreshments included)
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Join us for an artful journey to the world’s most exciting art centers: Boston, Denver, London, New York and Charlotte to virtually tour this year’s best museum exhibitions. Each artful journey will begin with a delightful morning drink and snack followed by an inspiring lecture and discussion with art historian and curator Julianna Caro. Together we will enjoy time to visit, connect and learn about current shows featuring artists such as Allan Crite, Camille Passaro, Raphael, Carvaggio, Turner and Constable.
January 30th: Allan Rohan Crite: Urban Glory at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
March 27th: The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism at the Denver Art Museum
April 24th: Raphael: Sublime Poetry and Caravaggio: Revolution
May 22nd: Turner and Constable at Tate Britain, London
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Julianna Caro is an art historian, curator, museum educator, and a passionate advocate for wellness and transformative life experiences. Formally an art history professor and Chair of the Art Department at Warren Wilson College, she is the Head of Learning and Engagement at the Asheville Art Museum. Caro has curated exhibitions at the Black Mountain College Museum, the Center for Craft, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. Her popular Friday morning lecture series, An Artful Journey, pairs engaging art history lectures with gourmet refreshments and time to socialize. With her company, The Artisan Tour by Julianna, she leads week-long excursions to Italy and local art and food tours. For more about Julianna, visit www.theartisantour.com.
Walker Family Band Concert
Firday, May 1st • 7:30pm
Tickets $15
The Walker Family Band returns to BMCA on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 pm! Drawing from a rich legacy of musical education and diverse performance backgrounds, the Walker Family Band offers a multi-generational "melting pot" of sound that is a perfect fit for audiences at BMCA. This family ensemble showcases an incredible range of talent, from Jennie Brunner’s compelling fiddling and her father Scott’s multi-instrumental expertise, to Landon Walker’s transition from Florida's jazz scene to high-energy Irish accordion. Their performances celebrate a
unique evolution of styles, blending the precision of their Suzuki-method roots with the soulful, "unbuttoned" traditions of Old-Time and Irish music. The inclusion of third-generation rising star Claire Brunner adds a heartfelt, family-centered warmth that cements the family musical legacy. Audience members will experience more than just a concert; they’ll encounter a joyful night of original compositions and collaborative spirit that is the Walker Family Band!
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
By Terrance McNally
May 8-17
Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Tickets $20
The setting is a walk-up apartment on Manhattan's West Side where, as the curtain rises, Frankie (a waitress) and Johnny (a short-order cook who works in the same restaurant) are discovered in bed. It is their first encounter, after having met several weeks ago on the job, and Frankie is hopeful that Johnny will now put on his clothes and depart, so she can
return to her usual routine of watching TV and eating ice cream. But Johnny, a compulsive talker (and romantic), has other ideas. He is convinced that he loves Frankie, a notion that she, at first, considers to be ridiculous. She has had more disappointments than delights in life, and he is the veteran of one broken marriage already. And neither of them is in the bloom of youth. Yet out of their sometimes touching, sometimes hilarious interplay the promise of a relationship beyond a "one-night stand" does begin to emerge and, as the lights dim, the two are back in bed again, but this time side-by-side, holding hands before the glowing television screen.
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Frankie and Johnny at the Clair de Lune is produced by Multiverse Theatre Collective.
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This production includes adult themes and language.