Performing Arts

Workhouse Film is a series of film screenings that usually take place on the third Saturday of each month in the theater of building W-3.  Oftentimes a relevant speaker or presentation is offered as part of the film screening.  Workhouse Film also supports annual film screenings such as the Clifton Filmfest and the Workhouse’s Cinema Under the Stars movies on the Workhouse quad. 

ArtNotes is a monthly performing arts series celebrating the union of the performing and visual arts and the soulful inspiration that both can provide. The ArtNotes series takes place during the fall and winter months in both the Workhouse Gallery (building W-16 second floor) and the new W-3 Theatre (in building W-3).  High quality music and dance ensembles are featured in an intimate setting and attendees are often able to enjoy the latest Workhouse exhibitions in the same setting.

Ballroom Social Dances & Chef’s Table are two special Workhouse series that feature ballroom dances and culinary classes – together it’s Date Night at the Workhouse!  Ballroom Social Dances feature dancing, complimentary refreshments and a cash bar.  Led by the Workhouse’s professional ballroom instructors, a mini-lesson featuring a different dance focus each month precedes the open dance.  Chef’s Table is a limited-seating class with the Workhouse Chef who teaches couples how to prepare a unique dinner.  Combined with the Ballroom Social Dance, couples can make it a complete night with both dinner and dancing.  These two series are usually held on the third Saturday of each month in building W-16 – Chef’s Table in the first floor café and Ballroom Social Dances in the second floor Gallery. 

Art of Movement is a premier mind and body center on the Workhouse campus featuring fully equipped studios that offer programs and classes for all ages and abilities in the areas of Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Balletone, Nia, Kukuwa Dance, Hula, Hip Hop, and Kempo Martial Arts, among others.

Art for a Change! was designed to assist local schools in areas of low income and that would not otherwise have necessary funds by allowing their students to experience theater and art programs.  Since the Workhouse’s Youth Arts Center opened in late 2011, the focus has been on bringing field trips to the Center’s new 100-seat theater to allow these students the experience of a live theater program.  The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Standards of Learning for arts education serves as the basis for the development of the study guides and curriculum enhancements in each theater program that is attended by schools.

Other Arts Events & Programs are offered annually by the Workhouse such as the Youth Arts Celebration, Art Out Loud, Mt. Vernon Nights at the Workhouse, and other seasonal programs.  Please visit our website calendar for more information about these special events.