As the fall semester begins, University students are looking forward to enjoying the constellation of arts that the University and Charlottesville have to offer. This fall’s arts season does not disappoint, boasting a breadth of events from trusted University drama department productions to momentous visits from big names like Adam Sandler and Tyler Childers.
On Grounds, the University Department of Drama will proceed with their annual Mainstage fall production. This year’s show is a darkly comic play entitled “Continuity,” written by Bess Wohl and directed by Doug Grissom. The story follows a film crew in the New Mexico desert working against the clock to produce a blockbuster. The crew’s struggles with environmental threats and Hollywood pressures invites audiences to engage with and reflect on timely, real world issues. “Continuity” will run from Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 5-8 in the Helms Theatre.
Third-year College student Virginia Keen, cast as the producer’s assistant, is excited to share what she believes will be a very unique show with the Charlottesville community.
“I think it is very provoking in a way,” Keen said. “I hope that audience members will go home and just continue to think about their impact on the world, what role they have to play, and I hope that they also find humor. I hope this makes them feel [and] I hope this makes them laugh.”
The Fall Dance Concert, another staple of the Department of Drama, will run Nov. 20-22 in the Culbreth Theater. The concert will be produced by Kim Mata, associate professor and program/artistic director of dance. This annual production will showcase works by students, faculty and guest choreographers, incorporating both live and recorded dance to create innovative worlds of movement.
Throughout the rest of the University, there are numerous ways — both subtle and obvious — to get involved with the arts as the year progresses. Students can audition for a cappella groups like the Virginia Belles or Hullabahoos, pay a visit to local exhibitions at the Fralin Museum of Art or Ruffin Gallery, attend comedy performances, or even show face at a Saturday darty to hear a student band play.
Beyond Grounds, greater Charlottesville will host a variety of other arts events, staying true to the city’s roots in country, folk and bluegrass while also incorporating more eclectic and experimental events.
American country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers will be making a stop on his tour in Charlottesville Sept. 22, set to play in John Paul Jones Arena. Third-year College student Ford Chapman, who has secured tickets, views this event as a quintessential representation of the Charlottesville music scene.
“I think that the music that comes here reflects the people pretty well, and having bluegrass with the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby gives a good overall feel,” Chapman said.
Chapman also said that the variety of venues in Charlottesville affords students opportunities to explore arts and entertainment genres they might not otherwise encounter.
For example, The Jefferson Theater music venue will not only host the bluegrass band “Mountain Grass Unit” Aug. 28 but also recently wrapped up a 2000’s Dance Party event Aug. 3, demonstrating the diverse spectrum of Charlottesville’s entertainment.
Third-year College student Clarissa Russo acknowledged the variety of arts events and opportunities within Charlottesville. As a Music major, Russo is alerted to some artistic offerings due to her academic environment but otherwise feels a disconnect between available opportunities and student awareness. She pointed out that many of these occurrences — such as the concerts featuring other types of music besides the regionally popular Americana, country and folk — can go unnoticed by students, as information regarding the events is not always well advertised.
“I feel like I never know when it's happening, and the only reason I would know is because my Music professors talk about it,” Russo said.
Russo hopes to explore more of the local music scene, expressing special interest in the jazz scene in Charlottesville. The Downtown Mall offers a plethora of venues to investigate, like Miller’s Downtown, which offers a 6 p.m. Jazz Jam every Sunday, and the Whiskey Jar restaurant, which features live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
As academic and personal commitments grow, students should continue exploring Charlottesville's artistic avenues. Information on upcoming events can be found at U.Va. Arts and Visit Charlottesville, which both offer online calendars and email newsletters.
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