Make Your Mark Camp
REGISTER BY JULY 13
CAMP DATES July 27 - 31
Artists who have completed grades 6 - 12 study master artists, then create their own artistic expressions. Camp ends with an exhibit of finished work during the last 30 minutes of camp.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Watercolor
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Watercolor
Class dates: THURSDAYS
August 6 - September 10, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
In this 6‐week class, students will be introduced to the delight of watercolor. Each week the instructor covers new techniques to help beginners develop a set of skills. Soon, you’ll be creating your own unique watercolor paintings. All materials are provided.
The Studio
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The Studio
Meets: MONDAY
August 17, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Join an art club that meets once a month for tweens and teens. The goal of the club is to bring together the artistic youth of our community and create an enriching space for sharing, learning, and creating art! We’ll paint, draw, sculpt and many other forms of art. The Studio is free to join. Please register your attendance for each session.
Jukebox Lounge
BUY TICKETS
Familiar favorites transformed by Wendel Werner’s genre-bending arrangements—jazz-inflected pop, doo-wop noir, swing-tempo rock—prove that reinvention is where the magic happens.
Mean Girls
BUY TICKETS
Mean Girls is a high-energy stage musical based on the 2004 film. Cady Heron, a former homeschooled student from Africa navigates the vicious social hierarchy of public high school. She infiltrates the "Plastics," led by queen bee Regina George. Will she lose herself to popularity before learning the importance of friendship and being true to herself?
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Drawing Workshop
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Drawing Workshop
Workshop date: TUESDAY
August 25, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
In this two-hour workshop students will be taught the basics of drawing. Students will learn and practice gesture drawing, perspective, value and shading. Students will be introduced to drawing tools and techniques. Materials Included.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Youth Handbuilding
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Youth Handbuilding
Class dates: FRIDAYS
September 4 - 18, 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Learn the basics of handbuilding with clay in this 3-week class. Make clay pinch pot creatures and turn coils of clay into mugs and bowls. You’ll glaze your pieces for the final firing. Notification will be sent in 3 to 4 weeks when the completed pottery items are ready to be picked up.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Pottery Wheel
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Pottery Wheel
Class dates: SATURDAYS
September 5 - October 17, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel! We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay, as well as forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms. No prior clay experience necessary! Beginners and those looking for a refresher course in wheel-throwing are welcome!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Intermediate Pottery Wheel
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Intermediate Pottery Wheel
Class dates: SUNDAYS
September 6 - October 18, 1:30 - 4:00 PM
Designed for students who have taken the 7-week Beginner Pottery Wheel class with our instructor, Patricia Shook. All materials are included. Students will be given one 25lb block of clay.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Stained Glass
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Stained Glass
Class date: THURSDAYS
September 17 - October 29, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
In this 7-week long, beginner-friendly course, you will learn the techniques to make your own stained-glass creation using equipment and tools provided in our Visual Arts Studio. However, you must purchase your own glass. Glass is $30 or more depending on the quality. The first class will be an orientation; design template ideas, glass retail options, and an overview of the equipment that you will use.
AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET
American Patchwork Quartet
BUY TICKETS
Led by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, American Patchwork Quartet weaves timeless American folk with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation to create an innovative sound that transcends culture, politics, and ideology.
RECEPTION Open Exhibit 2026
RECEPTION Open Exhibit
An annual competition and exhibit of for artists in McMinn and surrounding counties.
Want to exhibit? Check out our Prospectus (deadline to register is August 26)
PROSPECTUS
The Crucible
TICKETS GO ON SALE SEP 7
One of the most acclaimed plays in the American theatrical canon, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is a gripping and timely parable of contemporary society.
Auditions: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
AUDITIONS
AUDITION FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2026
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang come to life with humor and heart celebrating friendship, hope, and everyday triumphs.
Gone 90s Country
BUY TICKETS
Two-step and toe-tap along with the twangy tunes that defined a decade. Relive the nostalgia and feel the influence that still shapes Country music today.
Auditions: Ragtime
AUDITIONS
AUDITION FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER 2026
This sweeping musical portrait of early-twentieth-century America tells the story of three families in the pursuit of the American Dream.
A Choral Christmas
BUY TICKETS
Ring in the season with this beloved annual tradition, featuring stirring choral arrangements, intimate small-group numbers, and standout solo performances spanning sacred and secular favorites.
Torch Burns Blue
BUY TICKETS
Sit back for a slow burn as our vocalists ignite the night with smoldering torch songs drawn from blues and beyond—aching, soulful, and impossible to look away from.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN IN NOVEMBER 2026
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang come to life with humor and heart celebrating friendship, hope, and everyday triumphs.
Auditions: Crimes of the Heart
AUDITIONS
AUDITION FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2026
Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy reunites three Mississippi sisters, unraveling family secrets with heartbreak and hilarity.
Ragtime
TICKETS GO ON SALE DECEMBER 5
This sweeping musical portrait of early-twentieth-century America tells the story of three families in the pursuit of the American Dream.
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS
One Night in Memphis
BUY TICKETS
The number one, critically acclaimed tribute to Sun Records recording artists Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash starring former cast members of the Broadway smash hit, “Million Dollar Quartet.” Over 90 minutes of authentic rockabilly, country, gospel and rock and roll.
Crimes of the Heart
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN JANUARY 2027
Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy reunites three Mississippi sisters, unraveling family secrets with heartbreak and hilarity.
![The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6317adca405c417800ee18f2/1783019355113-VAYO9ATNMQHCGWIGP98J/Shakespeare-Logo.png){kind=logo}
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]
TICKETS GO ON SALE IN FEBRUARY 2026
Three irreverent comedians race through all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in under two hours, proving the Bard is funniest when he's being completely, gloriously demolished.
Evening with the Stars, Jr.
BUY TICKETS
We heard you, kids: it’s your turn to take the stage for this perennial favorite auditioned variety show.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Family Pottery
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Family Pottery
Class dates: SATURDAYS
Aug 1 - 15, 2:30 - 5:00 PM
This 3-week class is designed for a parent/guardian to accompany their child with the pottery wheel.
Auditions: The Crucible
AUDITIONS
AUDITION FORM
One of the most acclaimed plays in the American theatrical canon, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is a gripping and timely parable of contemporary society.
Visual Arts Mini Camp
SOLD OUT
CAMP DATES July 20 - 24
Dress for a mess and join AACA instructors or five days of visual arts projects in a variety of mediums and styles. Grades K-2 meet at 9:00 AM, Grades 3-5 meet at noon. The camp ends with a collective exhibit on Friday during last 30 minutes of camp at The Arts Center.
The Studio
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The Studio
Meets: MONDAY
July 20, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Join an art club that meets once a month for tweens and teens. The goal of the club is to bring together the artistic youth of our community and create an enriching space for sharing, learning, and creating art! We’ll paint, draw, sculpt and many other forms of art. The Studio is free to join. Please register your attendance for each session.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Handbuilding Pottery
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Handbuilding Pottery
Class dates: SUNDAYS
July 19 - Aug 9, 2:30 - 5:00 PM
Learn the basics of hand building with clay in this 4-week class. You will learn to roll a clay slab, then using patterns you will create sugar and creamer containers, and mold formed bowls & plates. You will learn to use texture tools and underglazes to decorate your pottery. This class is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience who want to expand their skills.
Table Read: A Little Talk
A Little Talk
A collection of short pieces written by Susan C. Hunter. The pieces are for characters of all (adult) ages. Some are humorous, some very serious. PG-13 Advisory for mature language.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Pottery Wheel
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Pottery Wheel
Class dates: FRIDAYS
July 10 - Aug 21, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel! We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay, as well as forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms. No prior clay experience necessary! Beginners and those looking for a refresher course in wheel-throwing are welcome!
Youth Theatre Camp 2026
SOLD OUT
CAMP DATES July 6 - 17
AACA’s annual Youth Theatre Camp for ages 11 - 17 is an area favorite. Campers enjoy two weeks of classes in acting, improvisation, stage combat, music, movement, and stage craft with directors Bob Borwick, Kelly Borwick, and Pam Thigpen. The camp ends with a performance of the musical “Wnderful" on Friday, July 17 at 7:00 PM.
The Studio
THE STUDIO
Join an art club that meets once a month for tweens and teens. The goal of the club is to bring together the artistic youth of our community and create an enriching space for sharing, learning, and creating art! We’ll paint, draw, sculpt and many other forms of art. The Studio is free to join. Please register your attendance for each session.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Gouache Painting
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Gouache Painting
Class dates: TUESDAYS
June 30 - July 27, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
In this 6‐week class, students will be introduced to the complexity of Gouache. Each week the instructor covers new techniques to help beginners develop a skills. Soon, you’ll be creating your own unique paintings. All materials are provided.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Stained Glass Workshop
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Stained Glass Workshop
Class date: THURSDAY
June 25, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
In this one-day workshop you will learn the techniques to make your own stained-glass creation using provided equipment and tools in our Visual Arts Studio. The workshop includes finalizing your stained-glass piece to your satisfaction. All materials are included.
Jr. Musical Theatre Camp 2026
TICKETS FOR FINDING NEMO KIDS
CAMP DATES June 15 – 26
PERFORMANCE DATES June 26 & 27
AACA’s 5th Jr Musical Theatre Camp is for grades 1 - 6. Campers enjoy two weeks of theatre games and classes in acting, music, movement, and stage craft with directors Michael Webb and Ethan León. The camp ends with three performances on Friday, June 26 at 6 PM & Saturday, June 27 at 12 PM and 2 PM.
Auditions: Mean Girls
AUDITIONS
AUDITION FORM
Mean Girls is a high-energy stage musical based on the 2004 film. Cady Heron, a former homeschooled student from Africa navigates the vicious social hierarchy of public high school. She infiltrates the "Plastics," led by queen bee Regina George. Will she lose herself to popularity before learning the importance of friendship and being true to herself?
Table Read: The Prom
The Prom
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. On a mission to make a difference, the Broadway stars team up with a courageous student, leading to a transformation that brings everyone together in the name of love and acceptance.
Kids Arts Camp 2026
REGISTER NOW
WEEK 1 June 1 – 5 (Registration closed)
WEEK 2 June 8 – 12 (DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 28)
AACA’s 29th annual arts camp for grades K-6 is for students who will have completed the grade in the 2025-26 school year. There are daily classes in art, music, drama, and dance. The beloved summer camp led by Kay Frank and Lisa Sharp is a great introduction to the arts in a week full of fun for newbies and practiced performers alike. Friday performance at 1:00 PM.
Grand Ball
Grand Ball is a dance for grandparents (and honorary grandparents!) and their grandchildren featuring recorded music from the 1940s through the 2020s.
Admission by donation. We suggest minimum $5 for grandkids and $10 for grandparents.
Proceeds benefit AACA's scholarship programs:
Marian Biddle Trew Scholarship for Youth
Laura Abbot Scholarship for Senior Citizens
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Intermediate Pottery Wheel
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Intermediate Pottery Wheel
Class dates: SUNDAYS
May 31 - July 12, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Designed for students who have taken the 7-week Beginner Pottery Wheel class with our instructor, Patricia Shook. All materials are included. Students will be given one 25lb block of clay.
Table Read: Crimes of the Heart
Crimes of the Heart
Warmhearted, irreverent, zany and brilliantly imaginative, Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play examines the plight of three young Mississippi sisters betrayed by their passions.
Table Read: Play On
Play On
A theatre group tries desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance, in which anything that can go wrong, does.
The Studio
THE STUDIO
Join an art club that meets once a month for tweens and teens. The goal of the club is to bring together the artistic youth of our community and create an enriching space for sharing, learning, and creating art! We’ll paint, draw, sculpt and many other forms of art. The Studio is free to join. Please register your attendance for each session.
Live Drawing Studio
Live Drawing Studio
Practice gesture and live drawing portraiture. Bring your own paper and drawing materials and we’ll provide drawing boards and easels. It is free to participate but cash contributions to our model are appreciated. Be advised that all of our live drawing sessions will include clothed models. No instruction will be offered during this self-guided session.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Youth Pottery Wheel
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Youth Pottery Wheel
Class dates: SATURDAYS
May 16 - 23, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
In this 2-day workshop, learn to center clay on the wheel and throw a cylinder and bowl shapes, and make mugs. Students will be allowed to have one item finished to firing. Final firing will be 2 to 4 weeks after the final class and students will be notified to come pick up their pottery.
Evening with the Stars
BUY TICKETS
This perennial favorite auditioned variety show is back—for all ages—by popular demand.
Auditions are Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 PM
RECEPTION for Things I’ve Seen
RECEPTION
Things I’ve Seen
See work by 2-time EXPOSURE Best in Show winner, Wayne Setser. In this exhibit, the photographer hopes these photographs do more than show the viewer what he saw. He hopes they allow the viewer to hear what he heard, and perhaps even feel what he felt in the moment the shutter was released.
RECEPTION EXPOSURE
RECEPTION EXPOSURE
EXPOSURE is a curated and judged photography exhibit for amateur and professional photographers.
Artists: Please enter work by March 18, 2026.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Intermediate Pottery Wheel
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Intermediate Pottery Wheel
Class dates: SUNDAYS
May 10-June 21, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Designed for students who have taken the 7-week Beginner Pottery Wheel class with our instructor, Patricia Shook. All materials are included. Students will be given one 25lb block of clay.
Audition: Evening with the Stars
AUDITION
Audition form
Performances of all kinds are welcome. Whether the talent is singing, dancing, acting, or other kind of performance, Evening with the Stars is a great place to take the stage in this perennial favorite auditioned variety show is back—for all ages—by popular demand.
Table Read: Noises Off
Noises Off
Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Slamming doors, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious, high-energy comedy.
The Studio
THE STUDIO
Join an art club that meets once a month for tweens and teens. The goal of the club is to bring together the artistic youth of our community and create an enriching space for sharing, learning, and creating art! We’ll paint, draw, sculpt and many other forms of art. The Studio is free to join. Please register your attendance for each session.
Steel Magnolias
BUY TICKETS
Steel Magnolias is alternately hilarious and touching—and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters.