Each winter the theater scene in Waynesville takes off with the opening of the Feichter Studio at Haywood Arts Regional Theater. Area actors mount six shows in 12 weeks in the intimate backstage space at the Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House.

HART has won state, regional and national awards for some of those productions. For many HART supporters, it is their favorite place to see theater. With only 65 seats and the actors within reach, it is impossible not to get involved. The shows regularly sell out, so patrons are able to make reservations any time by simply leaving a message on the box office phone.

This season the Studio kicks off with “The Oxymorons,” an improvisational comedy troupe made up of many HART veterans. The group has been in existence for a number of years and has become quite well known in Asheville. This will be their second appearance at HART, and they will open the season and close it when they return in April.  

Original members Graham and Forest Livengood are joined by Strother Stingley, Sarah Felmet and others.  For those not familiar with improvisational comedy, the group takes titles, words and ideas from the audience then builds a comic sketch on the spot. It requires actors with quick minds and a great sense of humor. Every performance is different.  

“The Oxymorons” will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 22. Tickets are $10 for all adults and $6 for students, general admission. For reservations call the HART Box Office at 828.456.6322. All performances are in the Feichter Studio Theatre, 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville.

The rest of the season will include, “Land’s End and Beyond” by area playwright Gary Carden, beginning Jan. 27; “Collected Stories” by Donald Margueles, beginning Feb. 10; “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh opens Feb. 24; a two-character musical titled “The Story of My Life” opens March 9; “The Guys” by Anne Nelson begins March 24; and the Oxymorons close it all out the weekend of April 6.