ABOUT US

Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective was formed at the intersection of art and activism and consistently calls into question the social norms and quiet acquiescence that allow racism, discrimination, and other forms of oppression to thrive. We appreciate the value of empathetic and thought-provoking theatre as a profound and effective means to social change and transformation. Founded in 2010, we have established and maintained our position as a forerunner in producing theatre that makes a difference in, and to, our community.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to Making Theatre, Building Community, Facilitating Awareness, and Changing The World, One Play At A Time. Motivated by the belief that the arts are capable of bridging cultural and social gaps, we work to increase and sustain opportunities for diversity within the Western North Carolina performing arts community, and present works that confront issues of social diversity, in a provocative way. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation today.
“Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective — year after year — challenges audiences to acknowledge our deepest social conflicts, to sort out options for resolving same, and then to act for social change”– Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times.

A Note From Our Founder and Managing Artistic Director,                                      Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Friends
Last season, Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective embarked on a journey to spotlight Black voices, experiences, and narratives through a series of thought-provoking and inspiring productions (Blood at The Root, Abe Lincoln, and Uncle Tom in The White House, 369 Monologue and Short Play Festival, and Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years).
Our commitment to representing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity guided our selection of plays, ensuring a varied and impactful lineup. Each production showcased the depth and breadth of the Black experience, exploring themes of identity, history, social justice, personal triumphs, and challenges. Last season was an overwhelming success, both artistically and in terms of audience reception.
Performances entertained and captivated our audiences, sparking conversations and fostering connections. It was truly heartening to witness the impact that these stories had on our patrons, as well as the broader community. The engagement and support we received throughout the season are a testament to the importance of representation and the hunger for diverse storytelling.
As we reflect on the impact of this season, we are inspired to continue our commitment to greater diversity and representation. Moving forward, we will continue to amplify marginalized voices and expand our exploration of underrepresented stories. We recognize that there is still much work to be done, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our theatre remains a platform for stories that reflect the richness and diversity of our society. Welcome to our 13th season, where Representation Still Matters.
We look forward to welcoming you back for our upcoming seasons as we continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and celebrate the transformative power of theatre.
Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our theatre community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape.

With Peace and Gratitude

Stephanie and Your Friends at Different Strokes!

“Well, when I was nine years old Star Trek came on. I looked at it and I went screaming through the house, ‘Come here, mum, everybody, come quick, come quick, there’s a black lady on television and she ain’t no maid!’ I knew right then and there I could be anything I wanted to be.” – Whoopie Goldberg, on representation

Wortham Theatre Audience Photo courtesy of Carol Spags Photography

Stephanie has been active in Asheville’s theatre scene since 1999. She has worked with several local theatre companies as an actor, stage manager, and director, and toured nationally as an actor. As the Managing Artistic Director for Different Strokes!, Stephanie is committed to directing and producing theatre that expresses the diversity we encounter in our everyday lives and finding ways to recognize and honor our differences in a safe and positive environment.  Not unlike Different Strokes!, she is committed to being an active part of her community and seeks every opportunity to champion diversity and inclusion. She fulfills her personal mission to change the world through her art, compassionate leadership, straightforward communication, and a deep love of storytelling. She has shared her presence, her voice, and perspective through her service with many Western North Carolina non-profit organizations. She currently sits on the board of Directors at Asheville Community Theatre. Stephanie envisions Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective will further impact our community as an artistic bridge for ALL performing artists in our community.

Read about our Board of Directors