Virginia Stage Company: Every Brilliant Thing

Presented in partnership with The Harvest Foundation's Pick Up the Pace! program.

"[A] heart-wrenching, hilarious play…One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression—and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop." – THE GUARDIAN (2014 Edinburgh festival)

This powerful story is told from the perspective of a single performer. An immersive storytelling experience performed in the round that blends comedy, improv, and audience interaction to tell the story of someone growing up in the shadow of their mother's struggle with suicidal depression while learning to grapple with their own journey. Every Brilliant Thing provides a life-affirming jolt of humanism, reminding us that hope comes from the miracles of life’s minutiae. Seating will be “in the round” so that every seat is a great seat.

Before the show, join us for a special Make Some Noise: Open Mic Night hosted by Greg Hackenberg. Various community resources and mental health services will be set up in the Art Garden for this event.

Schedule of Events

Community Resource Fair: 5:30-7:30 

Make Some Noise Open Mic: 6:30-7:30

Every Brilliant Thing: 7:30-9:00 

Make Some Noise: After-hours Open Mic Series

Grab the mic and express yourself through music, poetry, comedy or spoken word. Performers should sign up for a five-minute (max) spot upon arrival. Free to performers and audience. Cash bar.

Open mic emcees:

Expressions Artwork Entry

Entry is open to all artists living within a 100-mile radius of Martinsville, Virginia (check your location here). Artwork submitted for entry must have been completed within the last two years. Work previously exhibited in Expressions is not eligible. Up to two pieces of art may be submitted per artist. Unlike a juried exhibition, Expressions is open-entry, and all submitted works in compliance with the entry rules are accepted.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in seven categories, as well as purchase awards, the Lynwood Artists Award and Best In Show. 

Entry Date
Saturday, May 18, 2024
10 am – 1 pm
Piedmont Arts

Click here for the online entry form.

Exhibit Opening Reception

Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of the museum's new exhibits. Gallery talk at 6:15 pm. Free and open to the public. Complimentary wine and light refreshments. Live music.

• Expressions 2024

RSVP attendance here by May 28.