For most students, seeing a play probably wouldn't even cross their minds. Most students aren't aware that a theater scene exists in Charlottesville. By taking advantage of the many plays that are performed all year round, students can find a unique and exciting way to spend a couple of hours. Each year, the drama department puts on a variety of productions. The plays are usually fairly famous and are chosen expressly for production by college students.
Audiences are often surprised at how professional the productions are.
The drama department is not limited to Culbreth Theater mainstage shows, though. The Helms Theater features showcase productions most weekends ranging from one-act comedies to plays written by drama students. Very rarely is the audience given an opportunity to influence a production in this way. Seeing showcases is one of the ways students can have that opportunity. Showcases are ideal for students who wish to experience less mainstream theater.