We spend so much time in our daily lives focused on left brain thinking — processing language, math, and logic. It’s time to exercise your right brain, stimulating it with art and music. The arts are so important for a well-rounded education, for children and adults alike, yet they are the most underfunded and undervalued enterprises. The Hylton Performing Arts Center aims to change that, bringing the arts to life for thousands of Prince William County residents and beyond.

Located in Manassas, Virginia, the center has 85,000 square feet of unique spaces where audiences can delight in their favorite performances and galleries. They have Merchant Hall, an elegant opera house with a stage and orchestra pit, where you can enjoy symphonies, dance, opera and theater. If you enjoy dance, theater, cabaret and chamber groups, you will usually find them in the Gregory Family Theater. Standing receptions and dinners are generally enjoyed in the Didlake Grand Foyer, while visual arts are usually rotated through the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery.

Recently, the Hylton Performing Arts Center brought a Tony Award-winning cast to their stage with The Midtown Men. Four award-winning stars from the musical Jersey Boys make up this musical group, which performs classic hits from the 1960s. The center also hosted In The Company of Laureates, a gathering of five states’ award-winning poets for readings, panel discussions, workshops, open mics and other celebrations of poetry. These are just a few examples of the range of arts you can explore.

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, the Hylton Family Series bring arts education and performances to your children. With performances like Clifford the Big Red Dog Live, Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy: The Musical, Peter Rabbit Tales and more, your kids will find hours of highly engaging entertainment here.

Here are some upcoming events at the Hylton Performing Arts Center:
Bing Crosby and the Recording Revolution
Nov. 4, 2015 at 10:30 am
Art of Time Ensemble: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Nov. 6, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Manassas Chorale: The Spirit of Christmas
Dec. 5, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Art Feast
Nov. 16, 2015 – Jan. 31, 2016
Mason Opera presents La vie de La Bohème
Dec. 5, 2015 at 8:00 pm

For more events, view the full event calendar.

There is nearly always something art-related going on in Prince William County, whether you enjoy performing arts, music, dance, painting or literary art, and as active parts of the community, we keep up with the trends. For more information on our area, call us at 703-338-9678 or email us.