The mission of the Rappahannock Foundation, Inc. is to be a community arts advocate by providing exceptional performing arts experiences in the Northern Neck of Virginia
Arts for Youth
The Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts brings performances to Lancaster County Public School and Homeschool students through our Arts for Youth program. We believe that arts education not only inspires and motivates students to enjoy learning, it also supports the creative and critical thinking skills that are so highly valued in today's economy.
Special emphasis is placed on programming that introduces students to a variety of artistic genres including musical productions, jazz, dramatic presentations, magic, and puppetry. Attention is given to relate these programs to the Virginia Standards of Learning and the school curriculum, including providing learning guides to students and consulting with school administrators and teachers.
Arts for Youth 2025 – 2026 Schedule
Synetic Theater performs The Miraculous Magical Balloon on September 19, 2025
A series of hilarious sketches synthesizing music, ballet, clowning, and audience participation. Students will discover the art of acting without words, opening the door to their imaginations. Expressed through body and facial masks, pantomime illusions, and unique choreography, “Balloon” tells a wonderful story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk of tricks and toys.
Atlantic Coast Theatre presents The Snow Queen on December 5, 2025
Hans Christian Andersen's tale of mystery and adventure comes to the stage in this musical adaptation for the Holidays.
Book & Lyrics by Don Gruel, Music by Noel Holland.
Sunrise Theatre Company presents Seussical the Musical on March 12, 2026
A musical tale of friendship based on the works of Dr. Seuss! The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Will the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community prevail?
In person shows will be held in the Lancaster Elementary School Theater. Homeschooled students are always welcome to attend.
Please contact Donna McGrath 804-438-5555 or admin@rfaonstage.com.
Arts for Youth 2024-2025 Performances
Through grants that the RFA receives, we can nurture and spark the imaginations of youth, offer inspiration, and promote and develop life skills by bringing professional performances to students in Lancaster County. We appreciate the support for our Arts for Youth program from River Counties Community Foundation, The Tidewater Foundation and the Mason & Lulu Cole Trust Fund. The generous community support from these groups greatly enhances arts education for our children. In addition, the RFA receives grant monies from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts to support the performances we provide to the schools.
Uncle Ty-Rone Travis, a ventriloquist and children’s comedian, had help from his puppets - Ty-J, his 7-year-old son who faces peer pressure, Raggz a hound dog hungry for healthy food, and Baby T-Rex who showed students how to safely care for a young sibling. PreK – 7th graders in September 2024
The Barter Players captivated their audiences with Frosty the Musical by transforming the auditorium into NYC's Central Park, complete with dramatic chases, swirling snow, a snowman dancing with a police officer, and a triumphant family reunion. PreK – 7th graders in December 2024.
Bright Star Theatre took students on 2 remarkable journeys with Wizard of Oz, a revised version of Oz & Dorothy's quest for home (PreK – 3rd graders), and in Jack’s Adventure in Space, an exploration of the planets in our solar system (4th – 7th graders). April 2025.
