Washington and Lee University
The Shenandoah Valley is a place not only where local food and friendly faces are valued, but the arts are an integral part of communities up and down the I-81 / Route 11 corridor. The listings below will give you some options to enjoy when you are spending time touring campus, visiting classes or taking in the beautiful outdoors.
The Lenfest Center for the Arts
Since 1991, the Lenfest Center for the Arts has served W&L, Lexington, Rockbridge County and the region as an exceptional educational and professional performing arts center. The setting for over 250 public performances each year, the Lenfest Center is dedicated to the magic and delight of the performing arts through education, presentation and community service
Conveniently located right next door to the Gilliam Admissions House, this 19th century house features an extensive collection of Chinese porcelain and the adjacent building, Watson Pavilion, has a distinctive Japanese Tea Room.
One of the most unique performance venues in Virginia, this outdoor venue is built into the historic ruins of a lime kiln and presents a variety of concerts and plays throughout the warmer months
Visit many fine art galleries within easy walking distance of each other, featuring fine art, American crafts, hand-made jewelry, contemporary photography and traditional Chinese paintings.
The R-C State Cinema 3 shows popular current releases right in the heart of downtown. Just a few minutes north of town, Hull’s Drive-In was opened in 1950 and is now the nation’s only community-run and owned, non-profit drive-in theater. Stackhouse Theater in the student Commons shows second-run films and a variety of international offerings each week. For an even more extensive selection, students sometimes visit the Visulite in Staunton or some of the larger theaters in Roanoke.
American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton (40 minutes north)
The world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s renowned theater, The Globe, this all wooden theater performs year round and is a real treat!
Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke (50 minutes south)
An unmistakable building at the heart of downtown, each Thursday night is free admission and often host to special programming. Supporters of the arts will also appreciate the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke and Center in the Square.