Jump to content

Draft:Zeiders American Dream Theater

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The Zeiders American Dream Theater, often referred to as The Z, is a nonprofit performing arts venue located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The theater is recognized for its commitment to supporting emerging artists, fostering community engagement, and providing a platform for diverse artistic voices. It was established to promote creativity, collaboration, and expression in the arts, and has been described as the "Lincoln Center of Virginia Beach".[1]

Mission and Vision

[edit]

The mission of Zeiders American Dream Theater is to create an inclusive environment where artists, audiences, and the community can connect through creative experiences. The theater aims to be a catalyst for new works, original performances, and innovative artistic endeavors.

History

[edit]

The Zeiders American Dream Theater was founded by Michael D. Zeiders, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, as part of his vision to support and advance the arts in Virginia Beach. The theater opened in 2015 and has since become an important cultural institution in the area. According to 13News Now (WVEC), the theater’s opening marked a significant expansion in the local arts scene, enhancing opportunities for both performers and audiences to engage with the arts.[2]

Programs and Activities

[edit]

The theater offers a wide range of programs, including:

- Original Productions: The Z frequently features original theatrical works, music performances, and other forms of artistic expression, often developed in collaboration with local and emerging artists. - Workshops and Community Engagement: The Z hosts workshops and educational programs for aspiring artists, covering subjects such as acting, music, and scriptwriting. These initiatives aim to provide accessible opportunities for community members to engage in creative arts. - New Works Development: The Zeiders American Dream Theater is particularly committed to the development of new plays and musical performances. For example, a notable production focusing on the life of Edgar Cayce premiered at the theater, highlighting its role in supporting original works.[3]

Facility

[edit]

The theater is located in the Virginia Beach Town Center, a key cultural and commercial hub of the city. The venue includes both a black box theater and a main performance hall, designed to be flexible and accommodate a wide variety of productions, from intimate performances to larger-scale events.

Notable Performances and Events

[edit]

The Zeiders American Dream Theater is known for hosting a variety of performances and events, including:

- New Musicals and Plays: The Z collaborates with up-and-coming writers and directors to produce original works, such as new musicals like the one based on Edgar Cayce’s life. - Annual Festivals: The theater hosts annual festivals that bring together a diverse group of performers and audiences, showcasing innovative and creative art forms. - Music Performances: The Z also hosts concerts, featuring local artists and nationally recognized performers across a range of genres, further enriching the community’s cultural life.

Community Impact

[edit]

The Zeiders American Dream Theater has been described as a major boost to the Virginia Beach arts scene, helping to expand access to high-quality artistic performances and fostering a culture of creativity. 13News Now (WVEC) and VEER Magazine have highlighted The Z as a major cultural institution that provides an important outlet for the creative arts in the region. The theater aims to foster a sense of community by making the arts accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Leadership

[edit]

The theater was founded by Michael D. Zeiders, whose background in entrepreneurship and philanthropy has been instrumental in shaping the theater’s vision. Zeiders’ dedication to the arts is evident in the theater’s continued emphasis on inclusivity, artistic growth, and community impact.

See Also

[edit]

- Michael D. Zeiders - Virginia Beach Town Center

References

[edit]
  1. ^ [VEER Magazine - Zeiders: The Lincoln Center of Virginia Beach](https://veermag.com)
  2. ^ [13News Now (WVEC) - Arts scene expanding in Virginia Beach with opening of new theater](https://www.13newsnow.com)
  3. ^ [Coastal Virginia Magazine - New Musical on Edgar Cayce Premieres at Zeiders](https://coastalvirginiamag.com)