Business Details
28 Years
experience
Experience Broadway-Quality Theater in Fredericksburg, VA
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has been a cornerstone of theatrical excellence in Fredericksburg, Virginia since 1998. Founded by Rollin E. Wehman, our organization began as a dinner theater presenting Oklahoma! and has evolved into a premier regional theater attracting Broadway-caliber talent. Under the leadership of Patrick A. Hearn since 2010, we've expanded our mission to include educational programs, community outreach, and free summer camps for underserved youth. Our 400-seat facility features a professional stage, live orchestra, and dining experience that has earned critical acclaim across the Washington, DC to Richmond corridor.As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2024, we combine artistic excellence with educational impact, offering transformative experiences through mainstage productions, children's theater, and scholarship programs. Our commitment to quality has made us a cultural destination where creativity thrives across generations and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Services
Broadway Productions
Dinner Theater
Educational Programs
Summer Camp
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 27 years of critically acclaimed theatrical productions since 1998
- Live orchestra accompaniment for musical performances
- Nonprofit status enabling community-focused programming
- Professional-grade facility with 400-seat theater and fly loft
- Award-winning educational programs and free summer camps
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Broadway-caliber performances
Exceptional live orchestra
Immersive dining experience
Professional-grade facility
Outstanding community programs
Services
Broadway Productions
Professional theatrical productions featuring Broadway-caliber casts and live orchestras. Our stage hosts critically acclaimed musicals and plays with elaborate sets and costumes. Each season includes diverse offerings from classic favorites to contemporary works, attracting audiences from across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Dinner Theater
Immersive dining experience combining gourmet meals with live performances. Patrons enjoy multi-course dinners before evening shows or matinee performances. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with special themed offerings during holiday productions and seasonal events.
Educational Programs
Comprehensive performing arts instruction for all ages including workshops, masterclasses, and summer camps. Programs focus on theater arts, music, and dance with both recreational and professional development tracks. Scholarships and free programs available for underserved communities.
Children's Theatre
Specialized productions designed for young audiences with age-appropriate content and interactive elements. Shows include educational themes and post-performance activities. The program nurtures young talent through performance opportunities and theater education for children and teens.
Community Outreach
Initiatives providing free or discounted theater access to underserved populations. Includes free summer camps, scholarship programs, and partnerships with local schools. The outreach program extends performing arts education and experiences to economically disadvantaged individuals and groups.
People
Patrick A. Hearn
CEO and Producing Artistic Director
Patrick has led Riverside Center since 2010, transforming it into a regional theater destination. With decades of experience in theater production and arts administration, he oversees artistic programming and organizational strategy while maintaining creative oversight of mainstage productions.
Bruce Pomahac
Vocal and Dance Arrangements
Bruce serves as principal vocal arranger and music director for Riverside's productions. A seasoned theater professional, he brings extensive Broadway and regional theater experience to shape the musical elements of our mainstage shows.
David Landrum
Director
David directs multiple mainstage productions annually, bringing decades of theater experience to Riverside's stage. His work has been featured in regional theaters across the country, specializing in musical theater and classic adaptations.
Stephanie Wood
Assistant Director and Choreographer
Stephanie contributes to production direction and creates choreography for Riverside's musicals. With extensive background in dance and theater education, she plays key roles in both mainstage and children's theater productions.
Cody Medley
Stage Manager
Cody oversees all technical aspects of productions as lead stage manager. With professional experience in regional theater, he ensures smooth operations during performances and coordinates the technical crew for each show.
Questions
What dining options are available for evening performances?
Dinner service includes multi-course meals with contemporary American cuisine. Options vary by production but typically feature meat, seafood, and vegetarian entrées. Reservations required with ticket purchase.
Are there special programs for children and families?
We offer children's theater productions, summer camps, and family-friendly mainstage shows. Educational programs include workshops and performance opportunities for youth aged 3-18.
What accessibility features are available?
The facility includes wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and sensory-friendly accommodations. Special dietary needs can be addressed with advance notice through our online form.
Can I purchase tickets at the box office?
Yes, the box office is open daily for in-person purchases. Online ticketing is available 24/7 with a $5 convenience fee per ticket for digital transactions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Exchanges are free with 48-hour notice. Refunds available with 72-hour notice for non-subscription tickets. Subscription packages offer flexible exchange options without fees.
Do you offer group discounts?
Groups of 10+ receive discounted rates and dedicated seating. Special arrangements available for school groups, senior organizations, and corporate events through our group sales program.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Robbie Murray
Jan 01, 2022
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The food was good, service was excellent. The theatre was a little to warm for me and the chairs are very close together. The show was well done.
Sarah Panda Face R.
Oct 30, 2021
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Had a wonderful time at the theater - fun fact! if you want to see a show and call day of, you can get $30 seats! Dinner isn't provided but that's an awesome price! Food was delicious (can't go wrong with cake or cheesecake for dessert).
Nicole Long
Sep 19, 2021
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Wonderful dinner theater with phenomenal performances. My only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 stars is how early dinner is compared to the showtime with a hefty dealy between the meal and the show.
Corey Creswell
Sep 15, 2021
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It has a Bona-fide Broadway producer and it shows! I'm have been stunned by the quality of every performance I have seen. Even people who don't generally dig theater leave completely WOWed.
Karen Donnelly
Sep 04, 2021
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Very enjoyable show. Beautiful venue, good food, talented actors/singers. Service was very good. I'd give 5 stars but the A/C was much too high/too cool (take a sweater, shawl or blanket!) and the sound system was uncomfortably loud.
Shawn Meade
Sep 03, 2021
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We are blessed to enjoy Broadway caliber theater at "Fredericksburg" prices. Patrick and crew do a fantastic job at eyeing talent and putting them into perfect roles. The food is good. The wait staff has always been responsive to our every need. The box office is top notch. They always go the extra mile to help us with any questions or concerns we have. I usually ask for Kristen, she is the BEST!!! Thanks Riverside for bringing some A+++ Entertainment to our region!
