The Shaftman Performance Hall recently re-opened in the Jefferson Center with a new acoustic and architectural design. Modeled after 17th-century English shoe box opera houses, the venue seats nearly 1000, with wheelchair-accessible seats. This hall is used for many performances, including a Caribbean Music Fest in the fall, guest music bands and comedy shows. If you can catch a performance of the Big Lick Conspiracy ( www.biglickconspiracy.com) Improv Group, you'll be glad you did. It's a great evening of adult humor. Tickets are available over the phone by calling 540-345-2550 or 866-345-2550, in person at the box office inside the Jefferson Center between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday, or online from www.jeffcenter.org .
The newly formed Roanoke Children's Theatre is Roanoke's only professional children's theatre. It can be found within the new Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke. The theatre puts on 4 shows a year that are geared towards a family audience. It utilizes the talents of both professional actors and area children. The qualitiy of the performances are high, and this new performing organization is a welcome addition to the theatre community of the Roanoke Valley. The tickets are moderately priced at $12-$20, and you can save a bundle by getting season tickets! The theatre also provides year-round programing and classes for area schools and an after school theatre program for the budding talents of the Roanoke area. You can learn more about their upcoming shows and classes by visiting Roanoke Childrens Theatre.