The Proteus Festival Creative teams performance is a rush of creativity. Teams of playwrights, dancers, filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists create brand new works in just five days, all inspired by a shared prompt. Meet me at The Z for a showcase of art and creativity on the Main Stage.

On October 9, our creative teams will kick off the Proteus Festival with performances. 

All levels of experience are welcome. For ages 16 and up! Email our Community Engagement Director Heather Shannon with questions.

VIEW THE FULL PROTEUS LINEUP

FORM A CREATIVE TEAM

Comedy for all ages! Our improv troupe is back with laughs and smiles for the whole family!

Plan B Comedy Series: Performing regularly in both the Studio and the Main Stage, Plan B Comedy provides a high-energy, fast-paced and exciting experience to audiences of all ages. Plan B Comedy’s brand is “FUN” and it shows. Comedy starts here!

Learn from folk song duo Cindy and Shelly in this earth-friendly, environmental awareness program that teaches students about habitats, environments, biology, recycling, and conservation. The interactive program includes original tunes like “It Really isn’t Garbage,” “Bebop,” and “Someone’s Gonna Use it After You.” Children and families will enjoy this fun program celebrating our planet.

Presented in partnership with Arts for Learning and the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission. 

Cindy Kays and Shelly Potter have performed together for more than two decades as a children’s musical duo. Using stringed and percussion instruments, puppets, and props, Cindy and Shelly encourage students to participate with hand motions and singing. Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary folk songs to original songs. Their four CD releases have all been awarded Parents’ Choice Awards for excellence in children’s music, a national honor.

Additional program support is provided by Arts Alliance, Helen G. Gifford Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts.

—————————————————————————————————————————Photos and/or videos may be taken of adults and children at performances and used for promotional purposes, which may include social media, web, and print.

From “Anansi the Spider” to “Brer Rabbit,” traditional slave tales have hidden meanings that serve to educate and celebrate African American history. Storyteller Dylan Pritchett brings the early days of slavery to life through these tales that are wound tightly with themes of family strength and morals as well as lessons that teach about character and survival.

Dylan Pritchett shares his folktales with thousands of children and adults throughout the country, with positive messages that cross cultural boundaries. As the past president of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Dylan is dedicated to passing on the rich oral tradition of storytelling. In addition to live performances, Dylan has produced narration and served as a performer and consultant for a number of broadcast documentaries, including the PBS program, “View from the Mountaintop,” the Thomas Jefferson biography.

Presented in partnership with the Virginia African American Cultural Center and Arts for Learning. Free performance is provided through The Z Ticket Bank, special thanks to sponsorship from Virginia African American Cultural Center.

Additional program support is provided by Arts Alliance, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Photos and/or videos may be taken of adults and children at performances and used for promotional purposes, which may include social media, web, and print

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Family Time: The Z and community partners present a full season of original tales and family favorites in fun, engaging performances for theater-lovers of all ages! Family fun starts here! 

Contemporary and classical works with a focus on diversity and hope by Ballet Virginia Artistic Director Lydia Roberts Coco. Ms. Coco, a former principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will tap into the diverse cultural roots of the Hampton Roads community. Join us for an inspiring dance experience featuring soulful music, our company, BVII, exciting guest artists, and a world premiere!