Art Classes
Community Theater and Arts Education in Charlottesville · Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with Live Arts
Book online anytime
Live Arts has been Charlottesville's premiere community theater since 1990, serving as both a performance venue and educational institution in the heart of downtown. Located at 123 East Water Street, the organization operates a black box theater that hosts 6-8 full productions each season, ranging from classic dramas and comedies to contemporary works and original musicals. The intimate 120-seat space creates an immersive theatrical experience where audiences sit just feet from the performers, making it one of the best live theater experiences in Charlottesville for those seeking professional-quality community productions.
Beyond mainstage productions, Live Arts runs one of the region's most comprehensive theater education programs, offering classes in acting, improvisation, playwriting, stage combat, directing, and technical theater. Their youth programs serve students from elementary through high school with after-school classes, summer camps, and the Teen Ensemble program. Adult classes welcome everyone from complete beginners to experienced actors looking to sharpen their skills. The organization also offers private coaching and works with local schools to provide theater residencies and workshops throughout the academic year.
What distinguishes Live Arts from traditional theater companies is its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Auditions are open to the entire community regardless of experience level, with productions featuring actors from teenagers to retirees, first-timers to seasoned performers. Ticket prices are kept affordable, with pay-what-you-can performances offered for every production to ensure cost is never a barrier to experiencing live theater. The organization also maintains partnerships with local nonprofits to provide complimentary tickets to underserved populations and runs outreach programs that bring theater education to schools and community centers across Albemarle County.
Live Arts has become an anchor institution in Charlottesville's cultural landscape, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for performing arts in Central Virginia. The theater serves as a gathering place where artists, students, and audiences come together to create and experience stories that reflect the diversity of the community. Whether you're looking to see thought-provoking theater near the downtown mall, enroll your child in drama classes, audition for your first play, or support local arts, Live Arts offers an accessible entry point into the world of live performance.
Best for: Families seeking youth theater classes in Charlottesville, adults wanting to try acting for the first time, experienced community theater performers, theater lovers seeking intimate performances near the downtown mall, parents looking for creative summer camps, high school students interested in serious theater training
Service area: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding Albemarle County
Why choose Live Arts: Live Arts stands out as Charlottesville's only true community theater with open auditions for all productions, making it accessible to first-time performers in a way professional theaters are not. Their commitment to pay-what-you-can ticketing and comprehensive education programs from age 4 through adult sets them apart from other performing arts venues in the region that focus solely on presenting professional touring shows.
Open Auditions for All Community Members: Unlike professional theaters, Live Arts holds open auditions for every production with no experience required. First-time actors regularly perform alongside seasoned community theater veterans, creating a truly inclusive environment.
Pay-What-You-Can Performances: Every production includes pay-what-you-can performances to ensure financial barriers don't prevent anyone from experiencing live theater. This commitment to accessibility extends to their scholarship programs for classes and camps.
Comprehensive Theater Education for All Ages: From Tiny Actors classes for ages 4-6 through adult improvisation workshops, Live Arts offers year-round theater training taught by experienced educators and professional theater artists in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Historic Downtown Black Box Venue: The intimate 120-seat black box theater on East Water Street creates an immersive experience where audiences sit within feet of performers, offering a connection and immediacy impossible in larger venues.
| Service | Details | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Teen Ensemble Program | Advanced theater training for high school students with ensemble building and public performances. | |
| Youth Acting Classes | After-school acting classes for youth covering theater fundamentals, improvisation, and performance skills. | |
| Adult Acting Classes | Acting technique, scene study, and improvisation classes for adults at all skill levels. |
Do I need acting experience to audition for a Live Arts production?
No experience is required. Live Arts holds open auditions for all community members, and many productions feature first-time actors alongside experienced performers. Audition notices are posted on their website with details about each show, and the staff is happy to answer questions from newcomers to the audition process.
What acting classes does Live Arts offer and who are they for?
Live Arts offers classes for all ages and skill levels, from Tiny Actors (ages 4-6) through teen and adult programs. Youth classes cover acting fundamentals, musical theater, improvisation, and stage combat. Adult offerings include acting technique, improv workshops, playwriting, and audition preparation. Classes run in 6-10 week sessions throughout the year, plus intensive summer camps for kids and teens.
How much do Live Arts tickets cost?
Regular ticket prices typically range from $15-25 depending on the production, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Every production includes pay-what-you-can performances where patrons choose their own price, ensuring cost is never a barrier. Season subscriptions offering discounted tickets to multiple shows are also available.
Where is Live Arts located and is parking available?
Live Arts is located at 123 East Water Street in downtown Charlottesville, just steps from the Downtown Mall. Street parking is available on Water Street and surrounding blocks (metered until 5pm on weekdays, free evenings and weekends). The Water Street parking garage is located two blocks away, and the theater is easily accessible by foot from anywhere downtown.
How do I get involved as a volunteer or performer?
There are multiple ways to participate: audition for mainstage productions (audition notices posted on their website 6-8 weeks before each show), volunteer as an usher or backstage crew member, take a class to build skills, or join committees that support fundraising and community outreach. First-time volunteers and performers are always welcome, and staff can help match your interests and availability with opportunities.
Does Live Arts offer summer camps for kids?
Yes, Live Arts runs multiple week-long theater camps each summer for ages 5-18. Camps include acting, musical theater, improv, and technical theater intensives that culminate in performances for family and friends. Early registration is recommended as camps typically fill quickly. Financial aid and scholarships are available to ensure all interested students can participate.
What makes Live Arts different from other theaters in the area?
Live Arts is a true community theater where anyone can participate regardless of experience level. Unlike professional theaters that hire actors, Live Arts casts community members through open auditions. The intimate black box venue creates a unique closeness between performers and audience, and the commitment to accessibility through pay-what-you-can pricing and inclusive casting makes it a welcoming space for both artists and audiences from all backgrounds.
Can I rent the Live Arts theater space for a private event?
Yes, the Live Arts theater is available for rental when not in use for productions or classes. The space works well for readings, rehearsals, small concerts, private performances, and special events. Contact the Live Arts office at (434) 977-4177 for availability, rates, and technical specifications.
“Nice place for theatre lovers! Their building is nice with three levels and two different theatres. They have a concession stand for intermissions and it's generally a good time if you're into performing arts.”
— Marieta P, Google Review
“Saw Young Frankenstein, the musical, at Live Arts. Wow: the talent of those actors, extremely well done choreography and direction. All the voices were amazing, some were Broadway ready. Was my first time: what a treasure Charlottesville has! Also :comfortable seats, and the volunteers are fun and gracious hosts.”
— Anne, Google Review
“Wonderful play! Exciting and funny and heartwarming 💕 💖”
— ginger webster, Google Review
“Beautiful place for live local theater that is largely volunteer-driven!”
— Jay Berget, Google Review
“Just participated in (as a parent) and watched (also ushered - free shows if you can help!) 25 amazing young writers and actors and actresses putting forth their creativity, insight and courage into two equally brilliant and intriguing shows of the Teenish Workshop 2018. Pretty amazing and eye opening what the kids came up with on their own and along with the help of Miller and Claire (and many others) turned their ideas into something professional and entertaining. Definitely will participate again! And as season ticket holders (I ask for them for my birthday every year), in the last three years we have not be disappointed once by any Live Arts show. They run a highly professional theater program, all on a volunteer basis. I would easily compare some of the shows to those I have seen on Broadway. Really, we are fortunate to have this arts group here. And the range of how you can participate is amazing as well, with classes and volunteering to assist or even be in a show. Support local arts and freedom of expression in the arts!”
— Lindsay Diamond, Google Review
Book online: View Shows & Classes →
Phone: (434) 977-4177
Address: 123 E Water St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Get directions)
Website: livearts.org/
Google: Live Arts on Google