Ferrum College

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas - Dec 14th
2024-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611
It’s three days before Christmas and Mayor Fox has just announced a Christmas talent contest with a grand prize of fifty dollars! Meanwhile, times are tough for Ma and Emmet Otter since Pa passed away, and winning that prize money would allow them to secretly buy each other a Christmas gift. Emmet considers forming a jug-band with his friends, but in order to do that he’ll have to put a hole in Ma’s washtub. The problem is, Ma earns money by doing other folks’ laundry in the washtub. Ma thinks about hocking Pa’s old toolbox so she can make a costume for the contest, but Emmet uses those tools to do odd jobs. As Christmas Eve and the talent contest quickly approach, will Ma and Emmet sacrifice what little they have, or will their Christmas wishes come true?
Your new Franklin County holiday tradition is here! Coming back for our second year, this family favorite is sure to please with new surprises! This is the only production of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas running nationwide this holiday season, so don’t miss it!
About Us:
An optional dinner or lunch is served before the show in Franklin Hall next door, and is served by the actors in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Both Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advanced notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at- (540)365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas - Dec 15th
2024-12-15 14:00 - 15:30 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611

You Caught Me Dancing - 1/24 7pm
2025-01-24 19:00 - 20:00 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States
You Caught Me Dancing by Bernard Sabath, is the story is of Katy Leary, who for 30 years was servant and companion to Sam “Mark Twain” Clemens. The time is six months after his death in 1910. Katy, 47, is closing the family home. Now that Clemens, his wife and two of their daughters are gone, Katy must make a new life. Will she accept a housekeeping job with another illustrious family, buy into a New York City boarding house with an old friend, or marry a former beau who reappears and proposes marriage? Chatting and reminiscing with an unseen friend, Katy ponders the choices as she packs her belongings and prepares to leave.
About Us:
No preshow meal will be served on Friday, January 24th – Join us for the Fish Fry Friday in Franklin Hall (sold separately).
An optional dinner or lunch is served before the show (on Thursday and Sunday only) in Franklin Hall next door, and is served by the actors in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Both Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advanced notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at- (540)365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

You Caught Me Dancing - 1/25 7pm
2025-01-25 19:00 - 20:00 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States

You Caught Me Dancing - 1/26 2pm
2025-01-26 14:00 - 15:00 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States

Auditions - Mary Poppins
2025-02-05 18:00 - 20:30 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States
The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre at Ferrum College invites students, community, faculty, staff, and alumni to audition for our Spring production of Mary Poppins.
February 5, 2025
Ferrum College Campus in The Rex Stephenson Theatre, Schoolfield Hall, 1st Floor
6:00PM – 8:30PM – please plan to attend the whole time, no registration or appointment required
Prepare:
32 bars of a musical theatre song with accompaniment, songs from the show or similar material are encouraged
Come dressed to move. A short dance combination will be taught.
Sides from the script will be provided, no monologues necessary
If you can’t make this time, please contact us as soon as possible to schedule a private audition.
Contact:
Email ebtucker@ferrum.edu or theatre@ferrum.edu with questions or to schedule your private audition.
Performances March 27-30th 2025
Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Mary Poppins - Thursday March 27th 7:30pm
2025-03-27 19:30 - 21:30 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”
Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
About Us:
No preshow meal will be served on Thursday, March 27th or Friday, March 28th – Join us for the Fish Fry Friday in Franklin Hall (sold separately).
An optional dinner or lunch is served before the show (on Saturday and Sunday only) in Franklin Hall next door, and is served by the actors in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Both Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advanced notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door. Unless sold out, most shows will have show-only tickets available at the door.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at- (540)365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

Mary Poppins - Friday March 28th 7:30pm
2025-03-28 19:30 - 21:30 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611

Mary Poppins - Saturday March 29 - SOLD OUT
2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611

Mary Poppins - Sunday March 30th - SOLD OUT
2025-03-30 14:30 - 16:30 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611

Auditions - Faith of Our Fathers [Postponed] TBA
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States
Unfortunately, we need to postpone the auditions originally scheduled for April 10th, as well as the production of Faith of Our Fathers originally scheduled for April 26th and 27th. Stay tuned for updates!
Contact theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at (540) 365-4355
The Music & Theatre Department at Ferrum College invites all faculty, staff, students and local community members to join us for auditions for our final production of the semester, Faith of Our Fathers. This is an original production, written by our own R. Rex Stephenson, about the rich history of one of the most iconic buildings on our campus, Schoolfield Hall.
Performers will be asked to prepare 32 bars of a folk song, and be prepared to read scenes from the script.
Contact us at theatre@ferrum.edu or (540) 365-4355 with questions!

Faith of Our Fathers - [Postponed] TBA
2025-04-26 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-27 14:30 - 16:30 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611
Unfortunately, we need to postpone the auditions originally scheduled for April 10th, as well as the production of Faith of Our Fathers originally scheduled for April 26th and 27th. Stay tuned for updates!
Contact theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at (540) 365-4355
A celebration of a century in Schoolfield Hall, written by R. Rex Stephenson. Look back on the rich history of one of the most iconic buildings on the Ferrum College campus. Dinner will be served in the Blue Ridge Mountain room before the show, in the tradition of the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre.
About Us:
An optional dinner or lunch is served before the show in Franklin Hall next door, and is served by the actors in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Both Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advanced notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door. Unless sold out, most shows will have show-only tickets available at the door.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at- (540)365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

"You Caught Me Dancing" by Bernard Sabath August 22, 23 and 24, 2025
2025-08-22 19:00 - 2025-08-24 14:00 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States

Auditions - Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Virginia
Audition Information:
Auditions and interviews for actors, musicians, puppeteers, and crew will take place on September 24th, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us in the Rex Stephenson Theatre, first floor, Schoolfield Hall, Ferrum College.

Actors, singers, and instrumentalists should prepare a favorite holiday song. Bring sheet music in the appropriate key; accompaniment will be provided.
The rehearsal schedule depends upon performer availability. Performance dates are December 5-14th.
Email ebtucker@ferrum.edu with questions or for more information.
About the show:
It’s three days before Christmas, and Mayor Fox has just announced a Christmas talent contest with a grand prize of fifty dollars! Meanwhile, times are tough for Ma and Emmet Otter since Pa passed away, and winning that prize money would allow them to secretly buy each other a Christmas gift. Emmet considers forming a jug-band with his friends, but in order to do that, he’ll have to put a hole in Ma’s washtub. The problem is, Ma earns money by doing other folks’ laundry in the washtub. Ma thinks about hocking Pa’s old toolbox so she can make a costume for the contest, but Emmet uses those tools to do odd jobs. As Christmas Eve and the talent contest quickly approach, will Ma and Emmet sacrifice what little they have, or will their Christmas wishes come true?
Your new Franklin County holiday tradition is here! Coming back for our third year, this family favorite is sure to please with new surprises!​

Jack Tale Players 50th Anniversary Celebration! Fri. Oct. 10, Sat. Oct. 11, Sun. Oct. 12
2025-10-10 19:00 - 2025-10-12 14:00 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611
Beloved by generations of audiences, The Jack Tale Players are a treat for the whole family. In this very special anniversary celebration, the current company of The Jack Tale Players is joined onstage by veteran performers spanning five decades of the troupe’s history to perform Rex Stephenson’s dramatized Appalachian folktales and foot-stomping music.
There will be an optional meal served before the show on Saturday and Sunday. Join us! Visit www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets for your tickets!

October 10 at 7 PM
October 11, meal at 5:30, show at 7 PM
October 12, meal at 12:30, show at 2 PM

Are you a Jack Tale Player who wants to join us as a performer? Click here to register for Jack Tale reunion activities.
About Us:
An optional dinner or lunch is served by the actors in Franklin Hall next door before the show in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advance notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door. Unless sold out, most shows will have show-only tickets available at the door.
Tours of Schoolfield Hall and its archival displays will also be offered during Homecoming Weekend, on Saturday, October 11 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 12 between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to peek behind the scenes at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre, learn a bit of Ferrum College trivia, and perhaps hear a ghost story or two. Homecoming Weekend schedule and registration at https://www.ferrum.edu/homecoming-weekend.
“Faith of Our Father” is a free performance on Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon, telling the story of the first hundred years of Schoolfield Hall through narration, music, and historical dramatization.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at (540) 365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

Faith of Our Fathers - by R. Rex Stephenson
2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:00 | The Sale Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, Virginia, 24088-2611
A musical celebration of a century in Schoolfield Hall, written by R. Rex Stephenson. Look back on the rich history of one of the most iconic buildings on the Ferrum College campus.
Tickets are free, but we suggest reserving your ticket on our website https://www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets
About Us:
Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, is handicapped accessible. Please note mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout for this free event.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at- (540)365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Dec 5-14, 2025
2025-12-05 19:00 - 2025-12-14 14:00 | Virginia
It’s three days before Christmas, and Mayor Fox has just announced a Christmas talent contest with a grand prize of fifty dollars! Meanwhile, times are tough for Ma and Emmet Otter since Pa passed away, and winning that prize money would allow them to buy each other a secret Christmas gift. Emmet considers forming a jug-band with his friends, but in order to do that he’ll have to put a hole in Ma’s washtub. The problem is, Ma earns money by doing other folks’ laundry in the washtub. Ma thinks about hocking Pa’s old toolbox so she can make a costume for the contest, but Emmet uses those tools to do odd jobs. As Christmas Eve and the talent contest quickly approach, will Ma and Emmet sacrifice what little they have, or will their Christmas wishes come true?
Coming back to Ferrum College for our third year, this family favorite is sure to please with new surprises!
About Us:
An optional dinner or lunch is served before the show in Franklin Hall next door, and is served by the actors in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Both Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advance notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door. Purchase tickets at www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at (540) 365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.
Read more about the 2023 production and the creation of many puppet characters here: https://cardinalnews.org/2023/12/07/ferrum-brings-a-much-loved-puppet-christmas-to-the-stage

Auditions - The Music Man - New Day & Time!
2026-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States
The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre at Ferrum College announces open auditions for our mainstage spring musical, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, to be performed March 19-22, 2026​. Auditions are open to all, including non-majors, community members, faculty, staff, and students at Ferrum College.
Updated 1/27/26 after winter weather delays – Auditions are February 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Rex Stephenson Theatre, in lower Schoolfield Hall on the Ferrum College campus. Performers should prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show. Please bring prepared sheet music in the key you wish to sing. Sides will be provided. Come prepared to move! Contact Emily Blankenship-Tucker at ebtucker@ferrum.edu with questions.
Click here for more information about the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre.
Junior Danielle Wilburn, assistant editor of The Iron Blade and a BRDT performer, described the Tony-award-winning play as “a classic Broadway favorite filled with fast-talking charm, big ensemble numbers, and plenty of small-town mischief. The story follows Professor and con-man Harold Hill through River City, Iowa. With its lively music and colorful cast of characters, the show offers multiple opportunities for performers to jump in, have fun, and shine together on stage.”
Click here for photos from last year’s spring musical, Mary Poppins.

Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk, Feb. 20-22
2026-02-20 19:00 - 2026-02-22 14:00 | The Rex Stephenson Theatre – Schoolfield Hall, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA, 24088-2611, United States
In 1955, Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, a 67-year-old Ohio woman in Keds, carrying her things in a homemade sack, walked the entire Appalachian Trail. She hiked nearly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. She was the first woman to complete a solo thru-hike and later did it again twice.
Her story is about grit, stubborn hope, and that deep Appalachian knowing that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you’ll get where you’re meant to go. Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk by Catherine Bush brings this true story to the stage. It offers a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, chase freedom, or answer the call of the trail. If these mountains mean something to you, come walk a while with Grandma Gatewood.
Performances February 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., February 22 at 2 p.m. An optional pre-show dinner is served on Saturday at 5:30 and Sunday at 12:30.
Directed by Emily Blankenship-Tucker, with visiting performer Becky Prophet as Grandma Gatewood and Rebecca Crocker performing thirteen supporting roles.
Produced with permission of the playwright.
The play has adult themes and is not intended for children. It is based on a true story, as told in the nonfiction book Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery (2014), and in Gatewood’s diaries and interviews.
www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets
Click here to read more about it.

The Music Man – March 19-22, 2026
2026-03-19 19:00 - 2026-03-22 14:00 | Virginia
By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.
This production is directed by Emily Blankenship-Tucker, with a multigenerational cast of Ferrum College students, faculty, staff, alumni, local children, and other community volunteers.
The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.
Click here to read more about the show.
About Us:
No preshow meal will be served on Thursday or Friday, March 19 & 20 – Join us for the Fish Fry Friday in Franklin Hall (sold separately at the dining hall) on Friday March 20.
An optional dinner or lunch is served before the show (on Saturday and Sunday only) in Franklin Hall next door, and is served by the actors in the tradition of The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. Both Franklin Hall and Schoolfield Hall, where our performances are held, are handicapped accessible. We offer alternative meals for those with food allergies when given advance notice: please note dietary and mobility restrictions in the comments at checkout.
Meal ticket sales often end before the show dates, and may not be available at the door. Tickets are available at www.ferrum.edu/theatre-tickets.
Thursday is Student Night. Area high school students will be admitted for $1 cash, and younger children are free.
Email us at theatre@ferrum.edu or call the box office at (540) 365-4355. Please leave a message at the box office phone number, and we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.
Follow Ferrum College Theatre Arts in Facebook and ferrumtheatrearts in Instagram for cast announcements and other previews.
