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 2024 – 2025 Schedule
The Barter Players perform Frosty on Thurday, December 5, 2024 9:30 am & 1:30 pm
In playwright Catherine Bush’s adaptation of the classic story, a young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat. When he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! But can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join Billy and Frosty as they embark on a New York City adventure filled with thrills and chills, and discover that the real magic of Christmas is love.
"Frosty" Book and Lyrics by Catherine Bush, Music by Dax Dupuy.
Bright Star Theatre on Friday April 11, 2025 presents The Wizard of Oz to grades K-3 8:30 am and Jack’s Adventure in Space to grades 4-7 9:45 am.
In 2018, Bright Star adapted The Wizard of Oz into a two person play and the result was amazing! While the medium might be different, the characters and classic storyline remain the same. Follow comic duo Lenny and Mabel down the yellow brick road to the land of Oz and meet all of your favorite characters along the way! Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic.
When it comes to adventure and imagination, no one beats Jack! Come along with Jack in this out-of-this-world adventure through the solar system! Learn about the origins of the names of the planets Mercury to Neptune, and even the controversial Pluto. Students will also learn about the physical features of the various planets and discover fun facts about each planet’s special path around the sun in this fun STEM adventure!
Uncle Ty-Rone will perform for the students on Friday, September 27, 2024 9:30 am & 1:30 pm.
Uncle Tyrone is a skillful ventriloquist, puppeteer and comedian all rolled up into one with the purpose of motivating and educating students, so they can cultivate the joy of learning. His mission is to create a positive learning experience that brings the audience into the imaginable world of Uncle Ty-rone and his cronies where anything is possible and teaching young people dreams do come true.
In person shows will be held in the Lancaster Elementary School Theater.
For more information, please contact Donna McGrath 804-438-5555 or admin@rfaonstage.com.
Arts for Youth 2023-2024 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.
The Barter Players streamed virtual performances of “The Princess & the Pea” for grades K – 3 and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” for 4th – 7th graders in October 2023
The Barter Players is a group of professional artists based in Abingdon, VA, who perform world-class theatre for young people and believe in theatre that awakens the imaginations of the most exciting, most participatory audience in the world: kids. Barter Player performances focus on what brings out bravery in all of us, with shows that never talk down to their audience.
Synetic Theater performed “The Snow Maiden” for all grades at Lancaster Elementary School December 1, 2023.
Synetic Theater is an internationally renowned physical theater company, producing work that creates cultural diplomacy, uplifts its community, and provides entertainment and enrichment to people of all ages and from all walks of life. Synetic redefines theater by blending innovative techniques and movement, investing in artists’ growth, and creating unforgettable visceral experiences for every audience. Synetic redefines theater by blending innovative techniques and movement, investing in artists’ growth, and creating unforgettable visceral experiences for every audience.
The Latin Ballet of Virginia dancers wove traditions into a journey about the history and soul (“alma”) of Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain for grades K – 7th February 9, 2024.
The Latin Ballet of Virginia is a non-profit performing arts organization that enriches and connects communities through Latin cultural dance experiences.
Geoff Marsh’s physics-defying tricks and dangerous juggling stunts kept all Lancaster Elementary and about 30 visiting Chesapeake Academy students on the edge of the seats May 1, 2024.
Geoff always gives you a show to remember when the kids become the star of the show: a witty, fun-filled, interactive performance of unthinkable yet hilarious juggling feats, musical plate spinning, audience participation, and much, much more!
