Performing Arts
Performing arts has always been a colorful and multicultural way to put smiles on people’s faces. Our committee invests tons of time and imagination into what the arts can bring, and it would be a shame to miss out on so many opportunities. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see something or discover a passion you’ve never seen or thought of before!
The Miraculous Magic Balloon presented by Synetic Theatre
Monday, July 29: 2pm & 7pm
Location: Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
Tickets: Adults $10, Youth $5 (12 & under) — available online and at door
A series of hilarious sketches synthesizing music, ballet, clowning, and audience participation. Students will discover the art of acting without words, opening the door to their imaginations. Expressed through body and facial masks, pantomime illusions, and unique choreography, ‘Balloon’ tells a wonderful story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk of tricks and toys.
Synetic Theater emerged from the creative vision of founders Georgian immigrants Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, who emigrated from the former Soviet country of Georgia in 1995. Trained in dance, theatre, and film, the Tsikurishvilis combine traditions of the Caucasus with distinctly American styles to tell classic stories through movement, music, technology and visual arts. Synetic made its artistic debut in 2001, with its first wordless Shakespeare production, Hamlet…the rest is silence, thrilling audiences with its athletic and high-voltage physical theatre. Synetic’s innovative take on Hamlet earned three Helen Hayes Awards: Outstanding Resident Play, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Director.
Mark Nizer 4D — A New Dimension in Entertainment
Friday, August 2, 7pm — Barter Theatre’s Smith Stage
Saturday, August 3, 2pm — Barter Theatre’s Smith Stage
Tickets $12 (includes 3D glasses provided)
Available at door and online. Link coming soon!
Making the impossible possible and the improbable probable, Mark Nizer has taken his one-man show to a variety of venues around the world, including The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Magic Castle, thousands of college campuses, and all major cruise lines. He has also performed in thousands of corporate events, civic centers, festivals and performing arts centers including the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Don’t miss the combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding evening. Whether juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms, or five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or even juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you'll discover for yourself that Mark Nizer is truly "the juggler your mother warned you about." Or if she didn't, she should have.
VHF Program Partner: Barter Theatre
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“Ivy Rowe”: A One-Woman Show with Barbara Bates Smith
Date: Sunday, July 31, 2022 | Time: 8-9pm
Location: Barter Theatre | Tickets: $10“Ivy Rowe” will be performed on the Gilliam Stage of Barter Theatre as the finale event of this year’s Virginia Highlands Festival. Musical accompaniment will be by Jeff Sebans.
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The Silver Drummer Girl
Saturday July 23 + Saturday July 30
Time: 10am-2pmThe Silver Drummer Girl is a professional living statue. However, if you place a dollar in her tip jar and she magically comes alive and plays the snare drum. She's been delighting crowds of all ages for over 10 years. You'll definitely want a selfie with her! #vahighlandsfestival