Arts & Culture

Dayton's music, dance, theater and visual arts offerings truly make the Birthplace of Aviation soar. With performances, exhibits and programs that rival those in larger metropolises, world-renowned arts establishments including the Dayton Ballet and the Dayton Art Institute have molded Dayton's reputation as a Mecca for superlative entertainment and cultural institutions.

ART CENTERS & MUSEUMS

Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
The Schuster Center enriches lives by providing a world-class venue for the best in local, national and international performing artists. The facility includes the 2,300-seat Mead Theatre, the 150-seat Mathile Theatre, the Wintergarden atrium, the Performance Place office/condominium tower and Citilites restaurant. The Schuster Center is home to the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Opera and also hosts select Dayton Ballet performances and Victoria Theatre Association presentations. Second and Main Streets, Dayton, Tickets: 937/228-3630, Office: 937/228-7591, Fax: 937/449-5068
http://www.schustercenter.org

Dayton Art Institute
One of the nation's finest mid-sized art museums, The Dayton Art Institute features a permanent collection of more than 20,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art history. The striking Italian-Renaissance-style building, which sits atop a hill overlooking downtown, boasts 60,000 square feet of exhibit space. Highlights include the museum's outstanding Asian collection, 17th-century Baroque paintings, 18th- and 19th-century American art, and a contemporary art collection. In addition to its diverse collection, the museum frequently features world-class special exhibitions. In 2007, look for the exhibit Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe, on display April 28-June 24. A variety of media and artists are featured in this salute to an American icon. Artwork from Andy Warhol, Allen Jones, Peter Blake, Richard Avedon and many others bring to life Monroe's rise to stardom. The museum also features a wide variety of educational programs and an interactive, family-oriented Experienceter gallery. 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-5277, 800/296-4426, Fax: 937/223-3140. Open 365 days a year, Monday-Wednesday 10am-4pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. FREE (Fees may be charged for special exhibits.)
http://www.daytonartinstitute.org

Dayton Cultural Center
In 2005, the Dayton Cultural Center opened the doors to its new home at the Dayton Cultural and RTA Transit Center, housed in a renovated 100-year-old church, the oldest African-American Baptist church in Dayton. Tours of the facility include information about the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as a visit to the Legacy Gallery. This gallery includes reproductions and original works of art - including photographs, sculptures, quilts and masks - from India, China, Japan, Africa, Europe and Appalachia, as a part of the center's focus on multiculturalism. Another facet of the center's work involves cultural education, art and diversity programs within the community. 40 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton, 937/333-2489, Events and Tours: 937/333-7060, Fax: 937/333-7072. Gallery: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and additional hours during special events. FREE (donationas accepted.)

Dayton Visual Arts Center
Founded in 1991 by Dayton area artists, art supporters and community advocates, the Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) shows newly made artwork in all media by regional artists in its recently renovated 1,800-square-foot gallery. The new facility, which also houses the business offices and a learning space, has 16-foot ceilings and a distinctly urban feel. DVAC's innovative programming and changing exhibitions of the highest quality help bring Dayton's city center to life. 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. 937/224-3822. Fax: 937/224-4356. Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-6pm. FREE.
http://www.daytonvisualarts.org

Fraze Pavilion
Serving up top-name performers and cultural festivals in Southwest Ohio since 1991, Fraze Pavilion is a premier outdoor performance venue. The 4,300-seat ampitheater in Kettering's Lincoln Park Civic Commons features lawn, terrace and orchestra seating and hosts more than 75 performances May through September. 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 937/296-3300, Concert line: 937/297-3720, Fax: 937/296-3302. Box office: Monday-Friday noon-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm. Free and $ events.
http://www.fraze.com

K-12 Gallery For Young People
This vibrant, nonprofit arts organization is focused on inspiring young artists to create, imagine and grow together. Located in the heart of downtown, K-12 Gallery presents a variety of classes, workshops, exhibitions and special events to tens of thousands of children from throughout the community, giving them an opportunity to express themselves artistically. 510 E. Third St., Dayton, 937/461-5149, Fax: 937/461-4934. Monday-Thursday 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-1pm, Friday Art Party: the first two Fridays of every month, 6:30pm-10:30pm $
http://www.k12gallery.org

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center
The aim of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is to educate the public about African-American history and culture by collecting, preserving and interpreting material evidence of the Black experience. Beginning with early African origins and continuing through the present, more than 10,000 items allow visitors to explore the trials and triumphs of past and modern-day leaders. 1350 Brush Bow Rd., Wilberforce 937/376-4944, 800/752-2603, Fax: 937/376-2007. Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Adults $4; ages 6-12 and college students (with ID), $1.50; ages 5 and under and OHS members, free.
http://www.ohiohistory.org/places/afroam

Riverbend Art Center
With approximately 70 classes offered each quarter, it's no wonder the Riverbend Arts Center has allowed visitors of all ages to take a walk on the creative side. From painting techniques to photography, calligraphy to video, classes are offered in a range of skill levels. The highlight of the season is Art in the Park over Memorial Day weekend, where artists bring their creations from throughout the region and students have an opportunity to display their work. Other programs include an annual artist marketing and business conference and an after-school artist-in-residence program for youth ages 5-14. 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, 937/333-7000, Fax: 937/333-3158. Gallery: Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm $

The Loft Theatre
A cozy performance space, The Loft Theatre is home of The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton's only regional professional theater company, producing new and award-winning plays and musicals. This intimate space with only 219 seats (no one is more than 20 feet from the stage) is the perfect location to experience high-quality performances at a reasonable price. Select a single show or a three- or five-show series. Some shows are produced in collaboration with the Victoria Theatre Association. 126 N. Main St., Dayton, 937/228-3630 or 937/461-3823. Box Office: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and two hours prior to every performance.
http://www.ticketcenterstage.com

Victoria Theatre Association
The Victoria Theatre Association presents a variety of performances at the historic Victoria Theatre, the Schuster Performing Arts Center and The Loft Theatre. In addition to the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series, the Victoria Theatre Association presents the Chase Young at Heart Family Series, the Michelob Ultra Cool Films series, Star Attractions and the Discovery Series, curriculum-enhanced live theater productions for school children. The association also collaborates on The Loft Series 1 with The Human Race Theatre Company. The 2007 season includes Tim Rice and Elton John's Aida January 30-February 4, Jesus Christ Superstar April 17-22, and Rent April 3-4 at the Schuster Performing Arts Center; Tuesdays with Morrie May 15-27 at the Victoria Theatre; and Harold & Maude: The Musical March 8-25 at The Loft Theatre. 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Tickets: 937/228-3630, Office: 937/228-7591, Fax: 937/449-5068 $
http://www.victoriatheatre.com

PERFORMING ARTS

Brookville Community Theatre
Northwest of Dayton just off I-70, the Brookville Community Theatre presents everything from comedies and family-friendly musicals to thrilling mysteries and touching dramas. A recipient of several DayTonys awards for its productions, the theater operates in a cozy, modern facility that seats 110 people. Ticket sales are handled through the Brookville Flowershop. 770 Arlington Rd., Brookville, Information: 937/833-6790, Tickets: 937/833-3531. $12 for a play, $15 for a musical production.
http://www.brookvillecommunitytheatre.com

Cityfolk
As Ohio's only full-time, professional presenter of traditional and ethnic performing arts, Cityfolk comes alive with music, dance and film from around the world. From jazz and bluegrass to Celtic and World Music, Cityfolk brings music and dance from across America and around the world to audiences in the Dayton area. Be sure to experience the free Cityfolk Festival, occurring July 3-5, 2008, in downtown Dayton, which features some of the best in music and dance from around the world, fireworks, ethnic foods and family fun. 126 N. Main St., Dayton, 937/223-3655, Fax: 937/223-2842 $
http://www.cityfolk.org

Culture Works
Greater Dayton's United Arts Fund and Art Council, Culture Works, provides the necessary resources to ensure a reliabe base of support for cultural endeavors. A leader in arts and cultural development, Culture Works raises and distributes the largest single source of private funding for the arts in Greater Dayton. Culture Works offers valuable services to the arts community, including professional development and technical-assistance programs, promotional services, advocacy and grant-making. Members receive discounts for arts events as well as The Living Arts, a quarterly arts magazine and calendar of events. Call for the latest information on art and cultural events. 126 N. Main St., Suite 210, Dayton, 937/222-ARTS, Fax: 937/222-2786
http://www.cultureworks.org

Dayton Ballet Company
The Dayton Ballet is the second oldest professional ballet company in the United States, and one of the finest. Taking the stage at the elegant Victoria Theatre and stunning Schuster Performing Arts Center, the company presents more than 40 performances each year. Dayton Ballet has become widely known for showcasing American dance classics and for premiering new works by emerging American choreographers. The 2007 season includes Tchaikovsky's classic Swan Lake February 8-11, America's Robin Hood March 16-18 and The Who's Tommy April 26-29. 140 N. Main St., Dayton, Tickets: 937/228-3630, Office: 937/449-5060, Fax: 937/461-8353. $25-$55
http://www.daytonballet.org

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Founded in 1968 by Dayton native Jeraldyne Blunden, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is rooted in the African-American experience and focuses on delivering high-quality contemporary dance to the broadest possible audience. Through local performances, national and international touring, and educational programs in the Miami Valley, DCDC and DCDC2 (the repertory-training ensemble of DCDC) bring power and imagination to the stage, receiving national and international acclaim for artistic excellence and a repertoire of classic and new works. The 38th home season includes colorography, n.: The Dances of Jacob Lawrence February 3-4, 2007. Also, let DCDC teach you some of the basics of dance through their workshops, including hip-hop on February 17 and 24; salsa on April 21 and 28; and African on June 8 and 16, 2007. 126 N. Main St., Suite 240, Dayton, 937/228-3232, Fax: 937/223-6156 $
http://www.dcdc.org

Dayton Opera
For 45 years, Dayton Opera has produced the best in professional opera entertainment in the Miami Valley and highlighted some of the most gifted voices on the U.S. opera scene. The 2007 season includes H.M.S. Pinafore January 26-28, Samson & Delilah March 3, 9 and 11, and one of America's top contemporary sopranos in the Dayton Opera Star Gala: The Art of Ruth Ann Swenson May 4 and 6. 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Tickets: 937/228-3630, Office: 937/228-0662, Fax: 937/449-5068, Tickets start at $15.
http://www.daytonopera.org

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
If you're looking to enliven your spirit, inspire your imagination and be thoroughly entertained, look no further than the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO). This celebrated arts institution welcomes some of the world's most respected guest musicians each season. The DPO features the Classical series, with a variety of blockbuster works; the Dayton Daily News Classical Connections series, for those just becoming acquainted with classical music; the Chase SuperPops series, with jazz, rock, gospel and Hollywood music; the Demirjian Chamber Orchestra series, with traditional and unusual combinations of voice, strings, winds, brass and percussion; and the Time Warner Cable Family Series, hosting performances with the whole family in mind, as well as special events. Performance Place, 109 N. Main St., Suite 200, Dayton, Box Office: 937/228-3630 Office: 937/224-3521, Fax: 937/223-9189, Box Office: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm $5-$98
http://www.daytonphilharmonic.com

Dayton Theatre Guild
Continuously staging live theater since 1945, the all-volunteer cast and crew of the Dayton Theatre Guild have performed more than 400 productions. The guild stages contemporary scripts, revives American classics and strives to premiere a new play every year. This year's season includes: Frozen, a riveting journey into the mind of a criminal, January 12-28; The Beard of Avon, a witty consideration of who might really have written Shakespeare's plays, March 2-18; Speaking in Tongues, a psychological thriller of two seemingly disparate stories that come together in unexpected ways, April 20-May 6; and The Dice House, a comic look at how life would be if everything was determined by the roll of dice, June 8-24. 2330 Salem Ave., Dayton, 937/278-5993. $65 for the season; $15 per show.
http://www.daytontheatreguild.org

Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series
Victoria Theatre Association's Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series presents the best in musical theater and plays at the Victoria Theatre and the Schuster Center. Selected from the hottest touring companies, these blockbuster shows bring the best of Broadway to Main Street in Dayton. The 2007 season brings Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida January 30-February 4, the acrobatic dreamscape Cirque Dreams - Jungle Fantasy February 20-March 4, Andrew Lloyd Weber's Jesus Christ Superstar April 17-22, and the best-selling book brought to life, Tuesdays with Morrie, May 15-27. 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Tickets: 937/228-3630, Information: 937/228-7591, Fax: 937/449-5068 $
http://www.victoriatheatre.com

Musica!
The professional choral ensemble Musica! brings vocal excellence to the Dayton area and wins over audiences with a repertoire ranging from classical music to show tunes. Call or visit the website for 2007 performances and ticket information. 816 Otterbein Ave., Dayton, 937/229-3909, $
http://www.musicadayton.org

The Bach Society of Dayton
Performing music from Bach to Bernstein, this ensemble introduces audiences to religious and secular choral music. Call or visit the website for the 2007 concert schedule. 156 E. Dorothy Lane, Suite 300, Dayton, 937/294-BACH, $.
http://www.bachsocietyofdayton.org

The Dayton Playhouse
The Dayton Playhouse was founded in 1959 by a group of theater enthusiasts whose mission was to develop a theater troupe to showcase local talent and provide an affordable outlet for the Miami Valley to enjoy the performing arts. Dayton Playhouse has grown today to one of the oldest and largest theaters in southwest Ohio that uses only local talent. Since its founding, Dayton Playhouse has been a training ground for young actors and a creative outlet for older performers who have chosen an alternative career path. With a specialty of performing large-scale musicals, Dayton Playhouse is also home to FutureFest, a festival of new works, and The FLIP Side series, which is devoted to presenting modern, fresh and challenging theater. In 2007, the Dayton Playhouse presentations include One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest January 19-February 4, Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park March 9-21 and Fiddler on the Roof May 4-20. 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, Tickets: 937/424-8477, Fax: 937/424-0062, Box Office: Monday-Friday 1-5pm and one hour prior to performances. $
http://www.daytonplayhouse.com

The Human Race Theatre Company
Dayton's only regional professional theater company, The Human Race is in its third decade of presenting new and award-winning plays and musicals to discerning audiences. Producing six shows annually at The Loft Theatre and a frequent guest on the Victoria Theatre's stage, The Human Race utilizes the best talent in the Miami Valley with guest artists from across the continent. The Human Race runs the gamut of style and genre and is becoming well known for its development of new muscials. This year's season features productions of the one-man show I Am My Own Wife January 18-February 4, the new Harold & Maude: The Musical March 8-25, the comic drama Painting Churches April 19-May 6, and the award-winning baseball tale Take Me Out June 14-24. Also, the Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center offers a diverse education program for children and adults. 126 N. Main St., Suite 300, Dayton, Tickets: 937/228-3630, Office: 937/461-3823, Fax: 937/461-7223, $28-$34
http://www.humanracetheatre.org

The Muse Machine
The Muse Machine is an arts-in-education organization that enhances the lives of young people and their teachers by providing opportunities to experience, value and participate in the arts. This is accomplished through arts-based workshops, discount tickets to arts events in the Dayton area, performance opportunities and arts-related road trips for both teachers and students. By becoming part of the creative process, children and teachers can discover the enriching effects that the arts can have in a person's life. 126 N. Main St., Suite 310, Dayton, 937/222-MUSE, Fax: 937/461-0321 $
http://www.musemachinedayton.com