Asheville Welcomes a New Era of Theater with the Launch of Asheville Theater Alliance
As Asheville gears up for a thrilling new chapter in its vibrant arts scene, the Asheville Theater Alliance (ATA) has officially made its grand debut. This exciting milestone was celebrated on August 28, 2024, at the charming Attic Salt Theatre Arts Space, where community members gathered to mark the beginning of a much-anticipated initiative aimed at bolstering the local theater community.
A Decade in the Making
For nearly a decade, the Asheville Theater Alliance quietly supported local theater companies and artists from the background, helping to connect and collaborate among the various performing arts organizations in the region. However, the recent challenges posed by the pandemic highlighted the urgent need for a stronger support system. “The decision to finally invest the necessary resources into ATA was made because the need is greater,” mentioned Jeff Catanese, the founder of ATA. “We’d like to keep WNC the vibrant theater region it has been and help all organizations that need a leg up to get one.”
The Launch Event
The launch event itself was a true celebration of community and creativity. During the program, attendees were treated to a lively presentation from Catanese, discussing the future direction of the organization. Edwin Arnaudin, a well-regarded arts writer and critic, graced the audience with his insights about getting reviews in Western North Carolina. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees engaged in a Q&A session, diving into discussions about theater and the path ahead for local artists.
Building Bridges Among Artists
One of the primary objectives of the Asheville Theater Alliance is to foster collaboration among the diverse theater communities in the area. The organization has launched a new website, ashevilletheateralliance.org, which serves as a central hub for local theater organizations and artists. This online platform features directories of member organizations, individual performers, and administrators, along with calendars for performances, auditions, and classes. “In these early days, we are providing directories of member organizations and individual performers,” Catanese explained. “We hope this will become the go-to calendar for theater enthusiasts and patrons alike.”
Resource Sharing and Collaboration
Aside from providing information, the Asheville Theater Alliance plans to create forums where organizations can connect for collaboration and share resources. Looking toward the future, Catanese envisions a lending library for props, costumes, and set pieces, as well as a shared space for rehearsals and performances. “Having that space will enable even the smallest theaters to have the same access as those with greater resources,” he noted.
Strengthening Community Connections
The launch event was not just about sharing information; it also aimed to strengthen connections within the local theater scene. Attendees were encouraged to mingle and network, forging new relationships that can blossom into collaborative projects in the future. “It is hoped that this event will be the first of many that bring together the people who create great theater all across Western North Carolina,” Catanese added.
A Bright Future Ahead
The mission of the Asheville Theater Alliance is nothing short of ambitious: to unite, promote, strengthen, cultivate, and celebrate the performing arts in Western North Carolina. Through advocacy and innovative programs, ATA aims to ensure a vibrant and economically healthy theater landscape in Asheville and beyond. As the curtain rises on this new chapter, it’s clear that the Asheville Theater Alliance is set to play a pivotal role in carving out a thriving future for local theater.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about what the Asheville Theater Alliance has to offer or want to get involved, you can reach out to their team. For inquiries, feel free to contact Rose Pillmore or Jeff Catanese at (828) 367-9387 or via email at rose@ashevilletheateralliance.org or jeff@ashevilletheateralliance.org.
