Decades of drama

• Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance has brought unconventional productions to the public for 40 years. Cast members performed dramas, musicals, and comedies in a variety of spaces around the city before the organization found a new home in the arts district in 2021. See “Return to the Forbidden Planet” Nov. 9 through Nov. 13.
• The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem is celebrating nearly nine decades of live theatre productions. It offers acting classes for children and adults and maintains a costume rental program that is open to the public. See youth performances of “The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet” Nov. 10 + Nov. 11. Auditions for “The Mountaintop” are on Monday, Nov. 20.

• Stained Glass Playhouse focuses on theatrical productions with moral messages, family values, and community issues. Performances have been held in the former sanctuary of Marvin United Methodist Church since the 1960s. See “The Red Velvet Cake War” Nov. 10 through Nov. 12. Auditions for “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” will be held Nov. 27 and Nov. 28.

All aspiring actors welcome

• Spring Theatre has been mentoring youth actors since 2011. Members are encouraged to write, direct, stage, and perform in original productions. The group also has its own “Spring Sings” album available for sale. The 2023 Holiday Tour will perform Dec. 1 through Dec. 15 — details have not been announced.
• Camel City Playhouse performs in a black box theatre space in the downtown arts district. The theatre company works to bring current plays to audiences — many of which touch on social issues. See “Reunion” by local playwright Lynn Hall Dec. 1 to Dec. 10.
• 40+ Stage Company invites actors of all ages to find a role on stage or behind the scenes. The group focuses on plays with intergenerational themes — it also offers dramatic reading classes for seniors + actor workshops. See “Educating Rita” Dec. 1 through Dec. 10.

• synHERgy: Business Group Coaching for Women | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Bailey Power Plant, 486 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem | Free | Engage in guided discussions and a hands-on workshop with other female entrepreneurs.

• “As You Like It” | Thursday, Nov. 9-Saturday, Nov. 18 | Times vary | Freedman Theatre, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem | $25-$30 | Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery present a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.”

• A Veterans Day Affair | Friday, Nov. 10 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | WS Urban League Event Center, 510 Trade St., Winston-Salem | Free | Veterans and other attendees can enjoy an appreciation breakfast and take part in a discussion on mental health — registration requested.

• Botanical Blooms and Brunch | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mossy Hill Farms, 5770 Balsom Rd., Pfafftown | $200 | Enjoy a light brunch and mimosa bar then take part in two workshops to learn how to create botanical art pieces.

• William “Pat” Pate is officially on the job as the new Winston-Salem city manager. The former city manager of Manassas, VA replaces Lee Garrity, who retired in July. (Winston-Salem Journal)

• Small Business Saturday is just around the corner — Nov. 25, to be exact. What local businesses will you be supporting + which local deals should we check out? Let us know and we may feature your recommendation in an upcoming newsletter.

• Salem College School of Music will present a free piano performance for the community featuring pianist Sara Davis Buechner. The concert on Friday, Nov. 10 in Shirley Recital Hall inside Elberson Fine Arts Center (412 Rams Dr.) begins at 7:30 p.m.

• Get the first taste of Foothill Brewing’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate stout at a first look party on Friday, Nov. 10. Tickets to the event at the tasting room (3800 Kimwell Dr.) are $100. The award-winning beer will be on sale to the public starting Friday, Nov. 24.

• Winston-Salem is one of the top 20 places to retire nationwide, according to US News and World Report’s 2024 Best Places to Retire list. The Twin City earned the No. 17 spot when evaluated for resident happiness, housing affordability, tax rates, and quality of health care. (Triad Business Journal)

• Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s ENVISION campaign will work to raise $100 million to support and improve patient care over the next two years. Funds from donors will be used to advance medical research in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, healthy aging, regenerative medicine, and other focus areas.

• The 2024 Pride Winston-Salem Festival will be held June 22, 2024. The annual event will include a parade and food truck rodeo.

• 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the auditorium at Forsyth County Central Library, 660 W. 5th St. in Winston-Salem
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mazie S. Woodruff Center at Forsyth Technical Community College, 4905 Lansing Dr. in Winston-Salem