With work called “Excellent!” by the Mountain Xpress, and “Dazzling!” by the Citizen Times, ACA is Asheville’s professional children’s theatre providing ground-breaking work to audiences of all ages. Recognizing its contributions to the cultural landscape, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer declared July 18, 2014 "Asheville Creative Arts Day," and work has been supported with awards from NC Arts Council / Asheville Area Arts Council, and Puffin Foundation West; the company is a not-for-profit theatre with following mission:
To produce, present and create professional and innovative live theatre for children of all ages, from the very young to the young at heart, and embrace diverse cultures with a main stage season of productions of musicals, plays, literary and puppet based work that push the boundaries of the genre; to ensure that all children and families in Western North Carolina and beyond have access to theatre arts through outreach such as touring, acting classes, and “inreach” such as specially discounted performances for camp and other community groups; and whenever possible, to employ environmentally sound practices in operations.
We use theater to reflect and elevate the communities we represent and serve, and as such we are committed to presenting the stories of all its participants. Led by Daniele Martin, ACA's Resident Community Outreach Director, we are thrilled to partner with Hood Huggers and other community based organizations to build partnerships and pipelines to ensure that all are welcome.
About Us
Mission and History
With work called “Excellent!” by the Mountain Xpress, and “Dazzling!” by the Citizen Times, ACA is Asheville’s professional children’s theatre providing ground-breaking work to audiences of all ages. Recognizing its contributions to the cultural landscape, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer declared July 18, 2014 "Asheville Creative Arts Day," and work has been supported with awards from NC Arts Council / Asheville Area Arts Council, and Puffin Foundation West; the company is a not-for-profit theatre with following mission:
To produce, present and create professional and innovative live theatre for children of all ages, from the very young to the young at heart, and embrace diverse cultures with a main stage season of productions of musicals, plays, literary and puppet based work that push the boundaries of the genre; to ensure that all children and families in Western North Carolina and beyond have access to theatre arts through outreach such as touring, acting classes, and “inreach” such as specially discounted performances for camp and other community groups; and whenever possible, to employ environmentally sound practices in operations.
We use theater to reflect and elevate the communities we represent and serve, and as such we are committed to presenting the stories of all its participants. Led by Daniele Martin, ACA's Resident Community Outreach Director, we are thrilled to partner with Hood Huggers and other community based organizations to build partnerships and pipelines to ensure that all are welcome.
Meet the Team
Abby Felder
A writer, designer, puppet artist, theatrical producer who works Off- and Off- Off Broadway in NYC, nationally and internationally.
Gina Stewart
Formerly Doubting Thomas and Volatile Baby, Stewart is one half of Jonesalee, formed to create music, art and spoken word,
Brenda Gambill
The other half of Jonesalee, Gambill and Stewart have collaborated on film scores and theatrical composition all over the region.
Nehprii Amenii
An artist, writer, director and educator. As a theatre artist, she has a passion for both puppetry and grand-scale spectacle.
Katie Jones
A director, performer, puppeteer and teaching artist, she has spent the last decade working at theatres in Chicago, Denver, and Sarasota.
Daniele Martin
ACA's resident Community Outreach Director, she has worked in theater, film and television, and is an active volunteer.
Anthony Napoletano
A performer, writer, builder who has worked in national and international Broadway tours, regional theaters and performance venues across NYC.
Alex Smith
A playwright and ACA's resident dramaturge, Smith is a NC native and a graduate of University of North Carolina Asheville.
Marie Yokoyama
A Japanese set and lighting designer who has worked in NYC, regionally and internationally.
Board of Directors
Kari Sartorious (Chair), Andrew D. Atherton, Abby Felder, Edith Langley, Dosty Quarrier, Sarah Malinak, Bryan Robinson (chair emeritus), Laura Stone
Honorary Advisors
John and Julie Bresnan, Kevin Davis and Jim Lanning, Lucy Hazlehurst, Shirley Kaplan, Joanna Naftali, Stephanie Wilder
Read More...
See the full bios of Asheville Creative Arts' staff and Board
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