Mission Statement
THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through exceptional performing arts experiences and equitable access to high-quality arts education. We believe that dance, theater, music, and creative expression help children discover who they are, build confidence, and develop meaningful social-emotional skills.
Through our outstanding School of the Arts and our professional-level theatrical productions, PACA provides transformative opportunities for youth to learn discipline, resilience, communication, creativity, and leadership—skills that support mental health, academic success, and lifelong personal growth.
PACA proudly serves both serious young performers seeking professional-level training and recreational students exploring the arts for the first time. Each child is valued, supported, and encouraged to discover their unique voice. Our scholarship fund ensures that low-income, underserved, and at-risk youth have full access to the benefits of the performing arts.
Our mission is to inspire creativity, cultivate excellence, strengthen emotional and social well-being, and empower the next generation of artists through accessible, transformative performing arts opportunities.
About PACA
THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA) is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through extraordinary performing arts experiences—on stage, in the studio, and throughout the community.
Through two primary branches—PACA’s School of the Arts and PACA Theatrical Productions—we offer a comprehensive and inspiring arts ecosystem that nurtures creativity, confidence, discipline, and personal growth.
Our School of the Arts provides exceptional training in dance, theater, voice, music, choir, and musical theater, taught by an accomplished faculty of industry professionals. Students learn strong technique, artistry, communication, and the emotional skills needed to thrive in today’s world.
Our theatrical productions give young performers the rare opportunity to participate in professional-quality shows that mirror real-world theater. Through auditions, rehearsals, ensemble work, and backstage operations, students build responsibility, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for collaborative art-making.
PACA proudly serves both serious young performers seeking high-level training and recreational students exploring the arts for the first time. Every child is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to discover their unique voice.
At PACA, we believe the performing arts transform lives. Our work strengthens youth mental health, builds resilience, nurtures leadership, and fosters community well-being by providing meaningful, accessible, and joyful creative opportunities for all.
Why PACA Matters
Young people today face unprecedented levels of stress, isolation, and emotional pressure. They need safe places to belong, build confidence, form healthy identities, and connect with peers.
PACA exists to meet that need.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PACA provides transformative performing arts experiences that strengthen mental health, improve social-emotional skills, and empower children to thrive. Research shows that arts participation reduces anxiety and depression, improves communication, and builds empathy and resilience—exactly the protective factors youth need today.
Your support helps PACA:
Provide scholarships for underserved and low-income families
Expand access to mental health–supportive arts programming
Produce professional-level youth theater productions
Offer safe, structured, meaningful activities for at-risk youth
Grow our School of the Arts programs in dance, acting, voice, choir, and more
Maintain a high-quality faculty of seasoned artists and educators
Create a positive, inclusive community where all children are valued
In the News
Print Articles
Around Town: Asheville Junior Theater launches with ‘Matilda the Musical Jr.’
Members of Asheville Junior Theater discuss its founding and latest production
Asheville Junior Theater’s unique take on Into the Woods Jr.
Take the stage: Asheville Junior Theatre combines performance with inclusion
Asheville Junior Theater: Where Young Stars Rise and Community Comes Alive
Local youth theater brings Disney’s The Lion King Jr. to Wortham Theatre
Asheville Junior Theater offer summer camps, year-round arts training
Support Us
When you support PACA, you invest in more than the arts—you invest in stronger kids, healthier families, and a more connected community.