VAPA Center To Reopen April 2025, Expanding Charlotte’s Arts Scene
The Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA) opens its doors in Charlotte on April 3, 2025. This signals a major boost for the city’s creative community. The center stands out…
Colorful directions signs in Charlotte The Green city center park at sunny day
Getty Images Stock PhotoThe Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA) opens its doors in Charlotte on April 3, 2025. This signals a major boost for the city's creative community. The center stands out by offering the region's only method-acting program.
Inside VAPA, Linda Watt leads immersive acting classes in a cutting-edge black box theater. Her students dazzle in performance showcases, grabbing the attention of leading SAG-AFTRA agents.
"I teach at a very special place through Charlotte's Off Broadway at the VAPA Center," Watt said in a statement to the Charlotte Post. “The VAPA Center is home to artists across disciplines — visual arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy, and photography. But I'm the only acting coach in the building. And with the support of COB, the VAPA Center, and the city, we're creating a destination for serious actors.”
VAPA's return helps fill the void created by Spirit Square's 2021 shutdown. For 24 years, Spirit Square served as the hub of local art under Blumenthal Performing Arts. "Farewell to Spirit Square," posted by Blumenthal Arts on their website.
When physical spaces closed, teaching moved online. Between virtual classes, Watt penned a book. By 2023, she brought students back to in-person learning.
Watt's career boasts impressive connections. She collaborated with Betty White and Shelley Winters. Now she connects Charlotte to Atlanta's film industry through packed actor showcases.
New equipment fills the black box at Charlotte Off-Broadway. Actors train and perform in this renovated space. Professional actors meet for advanced workshops each Monday night.
The Spirit Square location will get a makeover. The plan includes a modern library, retail spaces, and residential units. Both McGlohon and Duke Energy theaters remain unchanged.
Through her role on Women in Film Hollywood's board, Watt brings industry connections to VAPA. Her network attracts film professionals and photographers to Charlotte.
VAPA gives actors alternatives to Hollywood's spotlight. As California's industry evolves, talent seeks opportunities in emerging cities.
This center promises to energize Charlotte's expanding arts scene. Under one roof, various art forms will blend, creating a unique creative hub.
