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Backstage Pass

The Center for the Arts blog offers a closer look at the people, ideas, and work behind our performances, exhibitions, and engagement programs. Through peeks behind the scenes, stories from artist and student perspectives, and reflections on access and impact, this space invites readers to see how creative experiences come to life and why they matter.

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    Close-up of a black, faceted 3D-printed rhinoceros figurine standing on a rocky base in the Center for the Arts lobby.
    A Herd of Tiny Traditions

    What do ticket counts, a 3D printer, and miniature rhinoceroses have in common? A behind-the-scenes tradition that keeps growing.

    Date: Jul 01, 2026 -
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    Scenic view from Mountain Lake in Giles County, Virginia, where the Mountain Lake Workshops brought artists, students, and community members together. Forested Appalachian mountains stretch into the distance beneath storm clouds and rays of sunlight.
    The Remarkable Story of the Mountain Lake Workshops

    An artistic hub: A mountain retreat brought world-renowned artists to Southwest Virginia and left a legacy that lives on in the Center for the Arts' current exhibition.

    Date: Jun 26, 2026 -
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    A dancer from Compagnie Hervé Koubi’s “Sol Invictus” balances upside down in a breakdance-inspired headstandbeneath a sweeping canopy of illuminated gold fabric that stretches across the stage.
    Your Guide to Building the Perfect Season Subscription Package

    Start with Yo-Yo Ma. Stay for the surprises.: From crowd pleasers to global music and emotionally powerful performances, learn how to build your perfect season package.

    Date: Jun 11, 2026 -
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    Decorated graduation caps fill a crowded commencement ceremony. One black mortarboard in the center is adorned with gold and silver star stickers, standing out among the surrounding caps.
    Meet Our Graduating Student Staff Members

    From backstage and the box office to production and admin, graduating student staff members shape the Center for the Arts experience while building futures of their own.

    Date: May 06, 2026 -
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    Members of Stephanie Lake Company wear white costumes and perform on stage in front of a towering pink curtain and several drummers.
    Behind the Scenes of Manifesto

    What does it take to stage something bold? Go behind the scenes of Stephanie Lake Company's "Manifesto" at the Center for the Arts.

    Date: May 04, 2026 -
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    Members of the Irish Baroque Orchestra stand and sit in front of wooden doors in a grand room, all wearing black and holding their instruments.
    Inside an Acting Master Class

    A student perspective on a collaborative session with Mill Mountain Theatre and visiting artists Bert and Nasi.

    Date: Mar 16, 2026 -
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    Members of the Irish Baroque Orchestra stand and sit in front of wooden doors in a grand room, all wearing black and holding their instruments.
    What About the Castrato?

    Who were the castrati and why did 18th-century audiences obsess over them? Discover the remarkable story of opera star Giusto Tenducci.

    Date: Feb 16, 2026 -
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    Cast members of "Chicago" perform a dance number on stage.
    Beyond the Cell Block Tango: What "Chicago" Tells Us About Crime and Gender

    This essay situates the musical "Chicago" within feminist criminology, examining how the musical exposes the gendered spectacle of crime, media, and justice by tracing its roots in real murder trials and criminological theory.

    Date: Feb 01, 2026 -
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    Five students sit closely together in a darkened theater, their faces lit by stage light as they watch a performance with focused, engaged expressions.
    How to Listen to a Big Band

    Big band music is meant to be felt. And once you know a few simple things to listen for, it becomes easier to relax and settle into the music.

    Date: Jan 21, 2026 -
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    PK-12 students and their teacher explore works by Shaunte Gates in the Center for the Arts' spring 2025 exhibitions.
    A Year of Creativity and Connection

    Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, we increased attendance, expanded programming, and provided new opportunities for audiences, students, and schools across Southwest Virginia to connect through the arts.

    Date: Jan 01, 2026 -

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