Magnetic Theatre debuts its new location with Brief Encounters 2015

Magnetic Theatre’s website proclaims that the production company ‘has a new lease on life—a 10-year lease!’

The theatre, which focuses on producing original works, will once again have a year-round home of its own: Magnetic 375, at 375 Depot Street, directly across from its former River Arts District digs, which it had to vacate in early 2013 due to financial challenges.

The first chance to see the new venue will be with Brief Encounters 2015, a program of 6 short plays, running from April 30 through May 16. The scripts were chosen from more than 300 submissions from across the country and here in Asheville. The production marks the return of the Magnetic’s Brief Encounters series, an annual program of short work which honors the Magnetic’s dedication to producing original plays, and showcases new Asheville talent in directing and acting.

“Brief Encounters is theatre for those with short attention spans,” says Katie Anne Towner, who co-produces along with Lucia Del Vecchio. “Each play is totally different, and just long enough to tell a quick story, make you laugh, or pack an emotional punch before it’s over.” The plays are primarily comedic, poking fun at driving school, office culture, family life, hipster talk, and more. The exception is “The Tug of Love,” a haunting study of love gone tragically wrong.

Brief Encounters 2015 is funded in part by the N.C. Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program through the Asheville Area Arts Council.

Tickets (including low-priced ones for the previews) can be purchased online or in-person at the box office at Magnetic 375.

Back in September, Magnetic Theatre announced its new venue and put out a plea for help from their supporters. To date, the theatre has received more than $27,000 in contributions from more than a 100 supporters, and is hoping to raise more funds so that the first months of operation are backed by a solid financial foundation. Information about how to contribute is on their website.