Words and Images Courtesy of Zeiders American Dream Theatre
Virginia Beach - Zeiders American Dream Theater (The Z) in Town Center is bringing back its
flagship Proteus Festival this fall, celebrating the talents and treasures of the local arts scene.
Theater lovers can play a role in selecting the audience favorite winner of the 2022 New Plays
Festival, featuring four new scripts performed in repertory. New works written in the American
Dreamwrights Workshop are performed live on the studio theater stage, where audiences will
rate their favorite shows to pick the winner. The 2022 Audience Favorite Play will receive an
extended 2-weekend run at The Z this November.
Local musicians perform in the Proteus Music Contest, featuring emerging artists from the 757.
Five finalists, including the audience favorite selected by a community vote, compete in a live
concert contest to be crowned the winner by a panel of music industry professionals.The grand
prize winner will be featured in a headlining concert in the Live at The Z Music Series and
receive a recording package in The Z’s recording studio.
Artists of all kinds can take the stage at Proteus 2022 in the Creative Teams contest. Teams
work together to create a brand new piece of film, music or theatrical art based on a prompt,
and will perform their new creation on the mainstage at The Z. In the past teams from local
community theaters, bands, and other arts groups have taken part.
Bringing the event to a close is the Proteus Block Party, a free community event that celebrates
the arts with a variety of experiences, performances, and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Comedy, children’s theater, and music performances will take place on the outdoor stage, and a
sampler of the open mic slate will perform musical theater, spoken word and acoustic songs.
The Z is bringing its very own Virginia is for Lovers Love sign to the block party, with an
interactive art project curated by local artist Renee Calway. The sign will be on display in
Virginia Beach Town Center once complete.
The 2022 Proteus Festival runs weekends from September 30-October 8, 2022 at Zeiders
American Dream Theater. An all-access pass to all events within the festival is available for
$100, and all events are ticketed separately. The Block Party is a free, open event for all to join.
For tickets and information, visit thez.org/proteusfestival or call The Z Box Office M-F, 12-6pm at
757-499-0317.