ABOUT US

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

The mission of HT is to inspire, nurture, enrich, empower, educate, entertain and challenge artists and audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works; we train and support the next generation of theatre artists; we provide arts education programs that promote life-long learning to a diverse community; and we celebrate the essential power of the theatre to illuminate our common humanity.

HISTORY

It began with a passion for theatre; 56 years later the passion still lives on. The first inklings of Hendersonville Theatre began in 1966, prompted by a groundswell of interest from local theater supporters. The theater’s first location was a storage building on Haywood Road, owned by noted Henderson County native and entrepreneur Clifton Shipman. He also owned the beloved barn on State Street that the theater used as a performance and rehearsal space for more than 40 years.

During those decades, what was known as Hendersonville Little Theatre produced dozens of dramas, comedies, mysteries, and musicals. Despite the barn’s cramped quarters, the theater thrived and drew crowds from Henderson County and beyond. In 2012 it moved to its current location, an old church on Washington Street, which allowed it to expand programming and educational workshops. In 2021, the theatre changed it’s name to Hendersonville Theatre, with a commitment to inclusion, diversity and transformative theatrical experiences for everyone. 

New Works Series

Hendersonville Theatre is committed to developing original works from inception to production. Our monthly New Works Series offers area playwrights the opportunity to have their working scripts read by actors for public feedback.  From this series, selected works are chosen for workshops and future full production on our main stage. To Submit to Our New Works Series:

  • All work must be original.
  • The playwright must attend the performance.
  • If your script is chosen, the playwright will agree to provide scripts for each character in their show plus a script for the stage direction reader.
  • We prefer new work. However, if you’ve had a previous production, please provide details.
  • Include a short bio about yourself as a playwright and tell us where you live (Hendersonville, Greenville, Asheville etc.)
  • Scripts must be submitted as a PDF and include a character list and short character description.
  • There is no submission fee.

Submit plays and questions to [email protected].