News Summary
Virginia Beach’s Zeiders American Dream Theater will host the Proteus Festival, a celebration of performing arts featuring theater, music, and community engagement. The festival includes a free Community Block Party, the Proteus New Plays Festival, and music competitions. Attendees can participate in creative contests and enjoy engaging performances while local artists showcase their talents. An all-access pass is available, and the festival aims to inspire creativity and foster collaboration among artists and the community.
Virginia Beach will be alive with creativity as the Zeiders American Dream Theater (The Z) hosts the highly anticipated Proteus Festival from October 3-11, 2025. This exciting festival brings together a rich assortment of performing arts, including theater, music, comedy, and various artistic endeavors.
Kicking off the final day of the festival, a free Community Block Party is planned for October 11, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Town Center Fountain Plaza. This family-friendly event features a plethora of activities such as live performances, interactive art, and a vendor fair showcasing local artisans and food options.
Throughout the festival, attendees can look forward to the Proteus New Plays Festival, taking place from October 3-5 and October 10-11. This segment of the event highlights fresh works from emerging community artists. In an interactive twist, participants will have the chance to vote for their favorite performance. The Audience Favorite will earn an extended workshop run scheduled for January 2026.
A critical highlight of the festival, the Proteus Music Contest, is set for October 10 at 7:30 PM, featuring music from local artists residing in the 757 area. Five finalists will be vying for the top spot, including the audience favorite determined by community votes. This competition will be judged by experts from the music industry, and the grand prize winner will have the opportunity to perform in a headlining concert, in addition to receiving a recording package from The Z’s studio.
Additionally, the Creative Teams contest invites artistic collaboration by allowing pairs or groups to create new pieces within a 48-hour window based on a specific prompt. This contest will culminate in performances on the main stage at The Z.
The festival encourages community participation, particularly for the Creative Teams contest, where individuals can come together to create innovative artistic expressions. Those interested in attending the festival can purchase an all-access pass for $40, while individual events will have separate ticketing options. Notably, the Block Party remains free and open to all.
For individuals seeking more information or ticket purchases, details can be found through The Z’s official website or by contacting their Box Office during operational hours.
Founded with the aim of fostering the arts, the Zeiders American Dream Theater plays a pivotal role in the cultural landscape of Virginia Beach. The Proteus Festival stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to promoting artistic talent and providing engaging experiences accessible to everyone. With its focus on collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, this festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistic expression.
The Proteus Festival is more than just an event; it is a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, engage with the community, and inspire creativity in numerous forms. Whether through theater, music, or visual arts, the festival aims to leave a lasting impression on attendees and participants alike.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Proteus Festival Expands Across Town Center
- Pilot Online: New Program Provides Community for Creatives
- Coastal Virginia Magazine: Zeiders American Dream Theater Opens
- Wikipedia: Proteus Festival
- 13 News Now: Arts Scene Expanding in Virginia Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Beach
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
