Performing and cultural arts

Whether its crafts or the stage, there’s lots to do in Prince William County. Dust off your dancing shoes or take a seat in the audience, the county offers much in the way of arts, theater, history and culture.

For information on current arts events, call the Prince William County Cultural Arts Council’s 24-hour arts “Parkline” information line at 703-792-PARK, Ext. 311. The Arts and Entertainment section of the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger on Thursdays includes theater, dance, music and movie previews and reviews.

PERFORMING ARTS
• Bull Run Cloggers promote and teach the folk art dance of clogging a fast-paced, country-style dance done to bluegrass, modern country and Celtic music. The group performs throughout the county and is available for shows. Memberships are available; practices are Monday nights in Manassas. Call 571-228-2618 or visit http://www.bullruncloggers.org.

• Bull Run Troubadours perform traditional American patriotic, gospel and barbershop singing with quartets and large choruses. The group meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church 5640 Hoadly Road, Manassas. Call 703-330-8787 or visit http://www.brtva.org.

• Castaways Repertory Theatre produces dramas, comedies and mysteries at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Auditorium in Woodbridge. The group offers a variety of presentations to entertain the community, expand theatrical experience and involve members in the creative aspects of theater. The Castaways perform three full-length plays each season and submit one-act plays to local and regional competitions. Call 703-508-5418 or visit castawaystheatre.org.

• Center For The Arts of Greater Manassas/Prince William County Inc. presents year-round classes in the arts, drama, music and creative writing for all ages. It sponsors the Pied Piper Theater, a children’s theater, and Rooftop Productions, an adult community theater presented in the round.

The Center for the Arts offers theater and art camps for children in the summer, including the Shakespeare Adventure and Whodunit Mystery Workshops. The Center for the Arts also offers family workshops and sponsors the SummerSounds concert series, held on the lawn of the Manassas Museum in Old Town Manassas.

The Center is in the old Hopkins Candy Factory at 9419 Battle St. in Old Town Manassas. The facility features an art gallery for rotating art exhibits, a theater and several multipurpose classrooms. Call 703-330-ARTS or visit http://www.center-for-the-arts.org.

Dominion Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra performing a couple times a year in the eastern end of the county, as well as smaller chamber and educational performances in Prince William County. 703-503-9391 or .

Gray Ghost Theatre Company offers original high caliber historical theater, drawing on the region’s rich history. The company takes its name from John Mosby, the Gray Ghost of the Civil War. Gray Ghost is a resident of the Mary Louise Jackson Amphitheater at Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas and the coming Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Prince William Campus of George Mason University. For more information call 703-993-8482, visit http://www.grayghosttheatre.com or e-mail .

• Homeschool Theatre Troupe is composed entirely of home-schooled children and performs two shows a year, one in the spring and one in the winter. Performances are held at the Ferlazzo building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge. Auditions are held in mid-September for the fall show and in March for the spring show. E-mail or visit http://mysite.verizon.net/resq0otq.

• Manassas Art Guild encourages dialogue among artists, students, crafters and others engaged in artistic activities and promotes the appreciation of art and fine crafts through exhibits, lectures, demonstrations and workshops. E-mail or visit http://www.manassasartguild.com.

• Manassas Community Chorale is an auditioned group of more than 75 adult and high school singers who present four concerts each year and perform for numerous community events. The Chorale rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. from late August until late May at Manassas Baptist Church, 8800 Sudley Road, Manassas. Call 703-368-0883 or visit http://www.manassascommunitychorale.org.

• Manassas Ballet Theatre is a professional ballet dance company with four productions a year, accompanied by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra. The company’s repertoire includes classical ballets and modern works. Call 703-257-1811, e-mail or visit http://www.manassasballet.org.