The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre is dedicated to the promotion of the arts and has a number of performance ensembles for people of all ages. We have a variety of ensembles devoted to helping people polish that inner star to let it shine. Thanks to our benefactor, Ann Carson Dater, we will have a performing arts centre for a long time to come.

The Ohio Valley Symphony is the only professional orchestra in Southeast Ohio. OVS musicians hail from six states and play with a number of other prestigious orchestras such as the Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, West Virginia, Roanoke, Toledo and Pro Musica Symphonies. Designed around the Ariel Theatre's magnificent acoustics, the OVS, under the direction of Maestro Ray Fowler, performs a wide variety of music selected to satisfy every musical appetite. The OVS offers a five-concert subscription series with one or two concerts in the fall and two or three in the spring sandwiched around a Holiday Concert which is usually the first weekend in December. For more information, contact OVS Manager, Lora Lynn Snow.

The Ariel Players presents a wide range of offerings including comedies, dramas, mysteries, musicals and more.  This unique community theatre group casts local adult, teen, and youth actors for productions throughout the year.  The Ariel Player's productions quickly captures the audience, and whisks them on unforgettable journeys.

Here at the Ariel, we believe the arts are for everyone and we are especially dedicated to our youth as the pathway to our future. We have several ensembles devoted entirely to our them.

The Ohio Valley Youth Orchestra was formed in 1995 as a direct offshoot of the After School Strings Program. The OVYO brings together young musicians from six counties in Ohio and West Virginia to learn and perform symphonic music written by the masters. The OVYO supports or provides string programs in the region dedicated to broadening the cultural horizons of an historically underserved population in the heart of Appalachia. Staffed by professional musicians from The Ohio Valley Symphony, the OVYO provides string instruction not available in the local school system. Suzuki, Appalachian fiddling, traditional group and private lessons are available. The OVYO offers a three concert series during the year. Contact Music Director, Scott Michal, for more information.

The Ariel Junior Theatre, formed in 2005, highlights local youth talent in a minimum of four large productions, annually.  Children as young as Kindergarten join together in an impressive creative effort to create magical productions that enchant both youngsters, and the young-at-heart. Acting classes are offered on a weekly basis.