Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective

Making Theatre That Makes a Difference Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective Inc. is a 501(c) 3 certified nonprofit organization which purposes to increase and sustain opportunities for more diversity within the Western North Carolina performing arts community. Since our founding in 2010, we've continued to confidently follow a belief system, dictating: 1) audiences look to the arts to see beyond themselves and their own boundaries, 2) the arts can be a valuable educational medium capable of bridging cultural gaps, and 3) we are foremost a theatre for the community. Reviewers have consistently referred to our plays as “professional”, “well directed” and “exceptionally acted”. Of our company, David Starkey, Executive Director of Asheville Lyric Opera, said, “They, completely, are the definition of grass roots. As far as evaluating people that are on the ground, working in a grass roots initiative of theatre and what it means to the socio-economic aspect of our community, that is an organization that you have to go out and support and really get to know…”. In seven seasons we've produced 21 plays, both inside and outside of the company, lengthened our season from two to five or six shows per year, cultivated a pool of five directors and 67 actors, and have been able to donate over to 26 different charitable nonprofits and organizations throughout WNC. Yet though much of our success can be largely attributed to the support of our sponsors and local media, it can also be measured in terms of our steady growth. Such as the respect we’ve earned, the relationships we’ve built, or the professionalism we've established and to which we are committed. We're artists looking to make a difference one production at a time.