VIRGINIA BEACH — Zeiders American Dream Theater (The Z) in Virginia Beach Town Center is bringing back its flagship Proteus Festival from Oct. 3-11, with a celebration of theater, music, comedy, and art of all forms. This year’s Festival features a free Community Block Party that has expanded to the Town Center Fountain Plaza.
Proteus Block Party, Oct. 11 from 1-7 p.m., FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
Free and open to all, the Proteus Block Party is a family-friendly community event that celebrates the arts with a variety of comedy, music, art, performances and activities, all day long. This year, catch performances on an all-new Town Center Fountain Plaza stage, along with a vendor fair featuring artisans and delicious bites.
Proteus New Plays Festival, Oct. 3-5, 10-11
The 2025 Proteus New Plays Festival features new works written by emerging artists in our community. Join us for staged readings in repertory during Proteus Festival and vote for your favorite show. The winner of the Audience Favorite will get an extended workshop run in January 2026.
2025 Selected Plays are:
- Jest Like Us — by Arlynn Parker, Directed by Tia Collier and Samuel Flint
- Coming To Terms — by LouJ Stalsworth, Directed by Tia Collier and Samuel Flint
- Salt in the Sugar — by Tabetha McNeal, Directed by Medha Marsten & TréVeon Porchia
- Love, Sex, and Palindromes — by Ryan Clemens , Directed by TréVeon Porchia & Samuel Flint
- Departure Lounge — by Kendra Louka, Directed by Medha Marsten & TréVeon Porchia
Proteus Music Contest, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Local musicians perform in the Proteus Music Contest, featuring your favorite emerging artists from the 757. Five finalists, including the audience favorite selected by a community vote, compete in a live concert contest to be crowned the winner by a panel of music industry professionals. The grand prize winner will be featured in a headlining concert in the Live at The Z Music Series and receive a recording package in The Z’s recording studio.
Creative Teams, Community Performances
Artists of all kinds can take the stage at Proteus 2025 in the Creative Teams contest. Teams work together to create a brand new piece of film, music or theatrical art based on a prompt in The Z’s version of a “48-hour Play Festival,” and will perform their new creation on the mainstage at The Z. In the past, teams from local community theaters, bands, and other arts groups have taken part. There’s still time to form a team and create new art!
The 2025 Proteus Festival runs weekends from Oct. 2-11 at the Zeiders American Dream Theater. An all-access pass to all events within the festival is available for just $40, and all events are ticketed separately. The Block Party is a free, open event for all to join.
For tickets and information, visit thez.org/proteusfestival or call The Z Box Office Tuesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m. at 757-499-0317.
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