2025 Season:

Representation Still Matters

Different Strokes’! New online production speaks poetic justice to being a Black Woman in the land of opportunity and freedom. “Ti[r]ed”-Black Women, takes center stage in the digital space, offering a raw, unapologetic, and deeply moving exploration of the lives of Black women in America. This compelling compilation of spoken word poetry and dramatic readings capture the challenges, joys, and trials faced by Black Women in the United States. “Ti[r]ed”-Black Women boldly addresses themes of strength, identity, and the intersection of race and gender in a society that often demands much but gives little in return. “Ti[r]ed”-Black Women is a collective sigh of frustration born from a history of systemic inequities, relentless micro-aggressions, and unrecognized labor.

369 Monologue and Short Play Festival Part 3: Hell and High Water

written by A Curated Selection of Emerging Playwrights of Color

Thursday – Saturday, May 1-17, 2025 @ 7:30 pm, and Sunday May 18 @3:00 pm

Experience the third annual 369 Monologue & Short Play Festival! While the themes may evolve, the exhilarating format remains the same.

Over three weekends, we’ll present a captivating blend of six short plays and nine powerful monologues in ten unique evening performances.

This year, prepare to be moved by heartfelt, dramatic, humorous, and thought-provoking stories. Our talented actors will share their experiences navigating the complexities of floods, hurricanes, and the ever-shifting socio-political landscape.

Purchase 369 Tickets Here

Dear God

World Premiere Production

written by Lisa Langford Thursday – Saturday, August 7-23, 2025. @ 7:30 pm and Sunday, August 24@ 3:00 pm Aliens have arrived from space, and they are turning Rev. Vonnie Braxton’s world upside down. Her congregation is freaking out; her husband is distant, and her faith is challenged. When someone from her past shows up, Vonnie must choose between the way things are and her commitment to social justice. Dear God is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in the development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
Purchase Dear God Tickets Here

Juked

World Premiere Production

written by Mildred Inez Lewis

Thursday – Saturday, November 6-22, 2025. @7:30,  and Sunday November 23 @3:00 pm

Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.

Purchase Juked Tickets Here

The Narrative Series

The Narrative Series is a collaborative project between Asheville Community Theatre and Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presenting three staged readings of  powerful plays by acclaimed Black playwrights: Katori Hall (“The Hot Wing King”), Lynn Nottage (“Clyde’s”), and Coleman Domingo (“Dot”).
This series challenges harmful stereotypes about Black theater. We aim to showcase the diverse voices and perspectives of Black playwrights, demonstrating that their work encompasses a wide range of themes and styles – not solely limited to narratives of struggle or hardship. Please call the ACT box office for Tickets (828) 254-1320

One Night Only. Saturday January 25, 7:30

One Afternoon Only. March 29, 2:30 pm

One Afternoon Only. May 31,  2:30 pm