Artist Village Community Theatre is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 theatre season, made possible in part through a $12,500 Grassroots Arts Project Grant administered by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Funding for the grant is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The grant supports Artist Village Community Theatre's mission of providing quality, affordable live theatre while expanding opportunities for performers, volunteers, and audiences throughout Hope Mills and the surrounding region.
Since incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on July 22, 2022, Artist Village Community Theatre has presented theatrical productions, concerts and community arts events that enrich the cultural life of southeastern North Carolina. The organization remains committed to fostering creativity, lifelong learning, and community engagement through the performing arts.
The 2026–2027 season features three productions that offer something for audiences of every age.
Oct. 22–25, 2026
Witches!? In Salem?!
The season opens with Witches!? In Salem?!, a darkly comic yet historically grounded examination of one of America's most infamous periods of mass hysteria.
Set during the Salem Witch Trials, the production introduces audiences to the accused, the accusers, and innocent bystanders caught in a community consumed by fear, suspicion, and injustice. Blending humor with historical insight, the play explores timeless themes of power, conformity, and the consequences of fear-driven decision-making.
Written by acclaimed New York playwright, actor, improviser, and sound designer Matt Cox, the play showcases the wit of the creator best known for Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, one of the nation's most-produced high school plays.
Performances will be held at Thomas Campbell Oakman Chapel, 3715 South Main Street, Hope Mills, on October 22 and 23 at 7:00 p.m. and October 24 and 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Artist Village Community Theatre is currently seeking performers for this production. Auditions are open to individuals of high school age and older. Auditions will take place at VFW Post #10630, 3226 Davis Street Hope Mills, NC on Friday Aug. 15th from 5-8pm and Saturday Aug 15 from 11am-3:30pm.
Artist Village extends its sincere appreciation to the Town of Hope Mills and Hope Mills Parks & Recreation for their generous in-kind sponsorship and continued commitment to the arts.
Dec. 11–15, 2026
The Toys Take Over Christmas
The holiday season comes alive with Patricia Clapp's heartwarming family production, The Toys Take Over Christmas.
The story follows a hardhearted toymaker who refuses to part with the dolls he lovingly creates. Nearly alive through mysterious magic, the toys dream of leaving the workshop to experience Christmas with real children. Along the way, audiences meet elegant Tina, the fashionable doll; a timid clown who always agrees with the toymaker; Sunny, the lovable rag doll; a gallant wooden soldier; and many other memorable characters determined to change their creator's heart.
Filled with humor, imagination, holiday spirit, and a touching conclusion, the production celebrates kindness, friendship, generosity, and the magic of Christmas.
Performances are scheduled for December 11–15, 2026. The performance venue will be announced at a later date.
Roles are available for performers ages 16 through adult. Auditions will take place at VFW Post #10630, 3226 Davis Street Hope Mills, NC on Friday Aug. 15th from 5-8pm and Saturday Aug 15 from 11am-3:30pm.
May 2027
Peter Pan — Youth Musical
The season concludes with the beloved musical Peter Pan, featuring talented performers ages 13–18.
Audiences will journey to Neverland alongside Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, and Michael Darling as they encounter Captain Hook, his band of comical pirates, the ticking crocodile, and many unforgettable characters.
This timeless adventure celebrates imagination, courage, friendship, and the joy of believing that anything is possible.
Performances are planned for early May 2027. Venue and audition information will be announced in the coming months.
"Theatre has the power to bring communities together, inspire creativity, and provide opportunities for people of all ages to discover talents they never knew they had," said Executive Director of Artist Village Community Theatre Teresa Davis in a press release. "We are deeply grateful to the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts for investing in community theatre and helping us continue making the arts accessible in Hope Mills and the surrounding region."
Artist Village Community Theatre welcomes audiences, performers, volunteers, and community partners to participate in another exciting season of live theatre. Information about performances, auditions, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorships can be found at www.artistvillagehm.com.
Through productions, educational programs, concerts, and community partnerships, Artist Village Community Theatre strengthens the cultural and economic vitality of Hope Mills and surrounding communities.
A family affair: Along with a full staff, Owner Eddie Claude and his wife Ruth (pictured right) work with their kids to run the restaurant. Eddie is a Veteran who served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. Photos by YGH STUDIOS & GFBJ. The Fayett
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Proposed incorporation boundary (pink) · Gray’s Creek, Cumberland County, N.C. This is a working draft and is subject to revision. Image courtesy of grayscreeknc.com. After decades as an unincorporated rural community in Cumberland County, Gray’
