Second Stage Amherst

Second Stage Amherst Second Stage | Amherst is a community arts center and event space. It is a hub for the arts, small businesses, and community groups..

Second Stage | Amherst is a non-profit fine arts center and community event space, focused on inspiring creativity and community, by providing a place where the cultural, civic, and economic vitality of Amherst County, Virginia, is encouraged. The facility can be leased for community events, musical performances, parties, weddings, and more. SAVING AN AMHERST LANDMARK

The old Amherst Baptist Chur

ch was the home of that church's congregation until 2005. Its sanctuary was constructed in 1882, making it the second oldest religious structure still standing in the Town of Amherst. Amherst County purchased the building with intentions to re-purpose if for government office space but studies proved that is wasn't financially wise. They started discussions of demolition to clear space for a metal office building in its place. That's when this merry band of citizens spoke up and asked to discover alternative uses. Starting in 2012, a grassroots group took the initiative to save a historic structure in the heart of Amherst, VA, and to re-purpose it as a creative community center. Located in the middle of a vibrant village, the goal was to provide a gathering place for public events such as performances, meetings, classes and workshops, community forums, and a farmers' market. The complete dream was to provide studios and office spaces for rent. All of these things are now happening! In 2015, Second Stage | Amherst signed a five-year lease with Amherst County allowing this not-for-profit organization the opportunity to convert the historic building into a center for creativity and community! We have installed handicapped-accessible facilities, repainted the beautiful pressed metal ceiling in the performance space, and upgraded the HVAC systems. The original pews have been replaced with stackable chairs for flexible space use. Our studio spaces are rented by artists, classes and small businesses. Many area organizations are holding regular meetings in our public spaces. You can access past newsletter and sign up to receive future ones here. VALUES
- We believe that continued use of historic structures anchors healthy communities.
- We believe that access to arts and culture enriches the fabric of community life.
- We believe that citizen participation makes a difference in the lives of both individuals and communities.
- We believe that the success of local small business contributes to a thriving community.

Local jazz/blues musician WANTED Thursday, July 9th for two half hour sets, in between "Headliner", Kurt Crandall from R...
05/28/2026

Local jazz/blues musician WANTED Thursday, July 9th for two half hour sets, in between "Headliner", Kurt Crandall from Richmond.
Will not be able to utilize outdoor stage. Set-up needs to be VERY simple, ie: single amp and mic, if necessary. Play times will be 6pm-6:30 and 7:30pm-8:00. Email [email protected] if intereseted.

Amherst local Rick Swartzwelder is offering "Introduction to Silver Smith Jewelry Making" classes in the Second Stage Gr...
05/27/2026

Amherst local Rick Swartzwelder is offering "Introduction to Silver Smith Jewelry Making" classes in the Second Stage Green Room, Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm. These classes have successfully taught basic silver soldering, an introduction to metallurgy, and beginning jewelry design since 2013. Max class size is 4 students- RSVPs are being taken by [email protected]. Class fee is $150 per class, which includes all instruction, materials, and tools needed to create your piece, which can be worn out the door at the end of the night!

Tomorrow Night, 7pm, Paddy D and the Quartet is making a special appearance at Second Stage, Main Hall! General Admissio...
05/14/2026

Tomorrow Night, 7pm, Paddy D and the Quartet is making a special appearance at Second Stage, Main Hall! General Admission is $20.

AGAR's mission is to bring, commission and develop or present programs in professional arts, humanities, design, historic architecture, arts for young people, arts education, and arts in healthcare to residents of Amherst County, Virginia, and others arou

Just a few moments from Saturday's Storytelling with Raven Mack. Everyone had such a fun time! If you had to miss this o...
05/12/2026

Just a few moments from Saturday's Storytelling with Raven Mack. Everyone had such a fun time! If you had to miss this one, our next one is scheduled for October 🎃👻

AGAR is presenting Paddy D and the Quartet at Second Stage | Main Hall this Friday, May 15th, starting at 7pm! General a...
05/10/2026

AGAR is presenting Paddy D and the Quartet at Second Stage | Main Hall this Friday, May 15th, starting at 7pm! General admission is $20. Baines Books and Coffee will be open from 6:15pm-7pm and during intermission, selling menu items. For further details, visit the Amherst Glebe Arts Response, Inc. (AGAR) website.

AGAR's mission is to bring, commission and develop or present programs in professional arts, humanities, design, historic architecture, arts for young people, arts education, and arts in healthcare to residents of Amherst County, Virginia, and others arou

05/06/2026

A lot of people seem to be interested in this event but the word is not getting out soon enough! If you or a friend is interested in coming to our "Storytelling" with Dirtgod Raven Mack, spread the word. It's the best form of advertisement 😏

To all you Paddy D fans! She's coming back to Second Stage | Main Hall Friday, May 15th, with the Quartet to share new s...
05/04/2026

To all you Paddy D fans! She's coming back to Second Stage | Main Hall Friday, May 15th, with the Quartet to share new songs and old faves! Event starts at 7pm. General admission is $20, Students are $10, VCA-VDH WIC Passport: FREE (tickets limited!). For more details or to buy an advanced ticket, visit AGAR's website at https://www.amherstglebeartsresponse.org/.

05/03/2026

Come to Second Stage Saturday, May 9th, for a little "Storytelling", beginning at 7pm. Local neighbors will come together and share an 8 minute story about themselves, their past, an experience, a loss or joy, a lesson learned. Whatever comes to their mind first.
Event will be lead by Lovingston's Dirtgod Raven Mack, an "American mongrel mystic poet-philosopher of the Greater Appalachian Unorthodox tradition", who has a love for words and rhythm.
Storytelling "Still Blossoming" will take place in the Main Hall. Musical interludes will be played by local musicians Kevin Packard and Jim Robertson. Snacks will be made available. General admission is $7. Students and storytellers are $5. For any inquiries, please email [email protected].

The Raine Stage is officially open for business! Thanks to all who came out to celebrate with us. The smile on Suzanne R...
04/27/2026

The Raine Stage is officially open for business! Thanks to all who came out to celebrate with us. The smile on Suzanne Raine's face during the ribbon cutting said it all. 💛😄

Address

194 Second Street
Amherst, VA
24521

Telephone

(434) 941-0997

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