About Haywood Arts Regional Theatre

Welcome to one of the treasures of Western North Carolina. The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, founded in 1985, is a volunteer-based community theatre showcasing the talents of the people of the region. HART, under the leadership of Executive Director Steven Lloyd, has grown into one of the most active theatres in the Southeast, producing a year-round schedule of plays and musicals from its home, The Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House. Opened in 1997, and funded by the support of people throughout the community, HART’s home is a stunning facility constructed in the style of the traditional Summer Stock playhouses of the 1920’s. Architect Joe Sam Queen and builder Pat Burgin used native materials to create a facility that is both grand and informal.

HART’s main stage performances are in the James Auditorium, a 255-seat traditional proscenium space that operates April through November. In the winter, productions shift to the 75-seat Feichter Studio Theatre for a second season of more experimental work. Auditions for HART productions are open to the public, and we are always eager to welcome new faces.

In addition to its own productions, HART also co-sponsors the Razzle Dazzle children’s festival, and plays host to events by Folkmoot USA, the Smoky Mountain Brass Band, Voices in the Laurel, and the Haywood County Arts Council’s series of concerts, including the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival and February Jazz. HART also operates the Rodwell Visual Arts Gallery and has an
Internship program for young aspiring professional actors.

HART’s activities have helped spur economic development in the region and introduce a generation of young people to the magic of theatre, many of whom are pursuing theatrical degrees thanks to HART’s encouragement and training. All of HART’s activities and the maintenance of the Performing Arts Center are made possible thanks to the generous support of people like you.

• North Carolina Community Theatre of the Year
• Three-Time Winner: N.C. Theatre Festival AACT/Fest
• Two-Time Winner: S.E. Theatre Festival AACT/Fest
• Acting and Technical Winner: National AACT/Fest Theatre Festival
• Participant: Edinburgh Scotland International Theatre Fringe Festival

The Rodwell Gallery

The James Auditorium

The Feichter Studio