Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Performing Arts Hub in Richmond
Since 2009, Richmond Performing Arts Alliance has been the cornerstone of performing arts advancement in the Richmond region. Our organization has served over 4.4 million patrons and engaged 57,000 students, educators, and families through transformative arts programs. We provide critical access to performance spaces at Dominion Energy Center and Altria Theater while creating employment opportunities for teaching artists. Our BrightLights Education Initiatives deliver equitable arts education through programs like Greater Richmond Wolf Trap and Baby Artsplay! for children as young as 3 months. The Digital Arts Lab offers after-school video production courses for middle and high school students, while our Lights Up!Youth Series provides free workshops and performances. As stewards of historic venues including the Carpenter Theatre and Altria Theater, we ensure Richmond's arts community has spaces to thrive. Our advocacy efforts amplify the voices of arts educators across the region. With strategic partnerships and community agreements, we've established a comprehensive ecosystem supporting both emerging and established artists. This sustained commitment to arts accessibility and education has made RPAA the region's leading performing arts organization.
Services
Legends on Grace Series
Lights Up! Youth Programs
Greater Richmond Wolf Trap
Digital Arts Lab
Venue Management
Arts Education Workshops
Community Performances
Youth Theater Programs
Historic Venue Preservation
Arts Advocacy Services
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We've served 4.4 million patrons since 2009
- Our BrightLights Education Initiatives engage 57,000+ students
- We manage historic venues including Dominion Energy Center
- We offer free arts education programs for all ages
- We provide employment opportunities for teaching artists
Services
Legends on Grace Series
This traditional cabaret series showcases Virginia's legendary artists at Dominion Energy Center. Hosted year-round, it provides professional performance opportunities for local talent while offering affordable access to live theater for Richmond residents. The program has expanded since its 2024 season announcement.
Greater Richmond Wolf Trap
Our arts integration residencies bring professional artists into early childhood classrooms across the Richmond region. This evidence-based program combines performing arts with early education curricula, serving thousands of students annually through interactive learning experiences that enhance cognitive development.
Digital Arts Lab
This after-school program teaches video production skills to middle and high school students at Dominion Energy Center. Participants learn technical skills while creating original content, with access to professional equipment and mentorship from industry experts in Richmond's arts community.
Venue Preservation
We maintain and operate historic performance spaces including Dominion Energy Center's Carpenter Theatre, Altria Theater (formerly The Mosque), and Genworth BrightLights Education Center. These venues host over 200 annual performances while preserving Richmond's architectural heritage for future generations.
Lights Up! Youth Series
This free program offers arts workshops and performances for students of all ages across Richmond. Activities include dance, theater, music, and visual arts experiences designed to foster creativity and cultural appreciation through hands-on learning opportunities.
Questions
What programs does RPAA offer for children?
We provide Greater Richmond Wolf Trap for early childhood arts integration, Baby Artsplay! for ages 3-36 months, and Lights Up! Youth Series for all ages.
Where are RPAA's performance venues located?
Our venues include Dominion Energy Center (Carpenter Theatre, Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, Rhythm Hall) and historic Altria Theater in downtown Richmond.
How can students access arts education through RPAA?
Our Digital Arts Lab offers after-school video production courses for middle/high school students, and Lights Up! provides free workshops and performances.
Does RPAA support local artists?
Yes, we provide performance spaces at Dominion Energy Center and Altria Theater, employment opportunities for teaching artists, and advocacy for the arts community.
How can I get involved with RPAA?
You can attend events, participate in educational programs, join our mailing list, or support our mission through donations and volunteer opportunities.
