Performing Arts

Curtains up

Plenty of nationally touring acts make their way to the Asheville area — but don’t overlook Asheville’s unique gems: Our local talent regularly fills stages (and nontraditional spaces) with a remarkable variety of engaging performances and sometimes boundary-pushing productions.

From drama and comedy to fringe and circus arts, you’ll find lots to explore.

• A dozen local theater companies keep area stages active all year long.

• Homegrown dance troupes present modern, ballet, butoh and edgy acts.

• Spoken-word and literary offerings fill bookstores, club stages and listening rooms.

• Pop-up acts add unexpected surprises to downtown’s already vibrant scene.

• And at least four arthouse film theaters give moviegoers options that are on par with those of major markets.

Fringe Arts

Photo by Jennifer Bennett @jenbenmedia