The USC Upstate Shoestring Players, a student drama organization, performs at the center presenting a wide variety of dramatic, comic and musical productions. The Spartanburg Repertory Company also performs at the USC Upstate Center, providing patrons with magical evenings of opera and musical theater. If ballet is your bag, BALLET SPARTANBURG presents four programs each season, including their annual “Nutcracker” performance. Debuting on the scene in 1966, Ballet Spartanburg offers youth and adult classes to foster an appreciation of dance. In addition to locally-produced shows, nearly 30 visiting companies and guest artists from places such as Warsaw, Chicago and Russia have graced the stage. The SPARTANBURG COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART is dedicated to featuring diverse and unique art forms in rotating exhibits. A key component of the museum’s mission is to nurture public interest in the arts through educational programs that are open to the public. To date, the SCMA has acquired over 250 permanent pieces for display, many by prominent Upstate artists including August Cook, Margaret Law, Josephine Sibley Couper and Grace DuPre. Paintings, sculptures and ceramics are just a part of the works that await visitors. Each September, the SPARTANBURG COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART sponsors the annual SIDEWALK ARTS SHOW AND SALE. Held downtown at Barnet Park, artists from throughout the area display and sell their works in an outdoor setting. Several juried competitions are also held with prizes awarded to top artists. Music lovers can also find a niche in Spartanburg. THE MUSIC FOUNDATION OF SPARTANBURG presents several shows each year at both Twichell Auditorium on the Converse College campus and the Zimmerli Amphitheatre in Barnet Park. Offerings include performances by the Greater Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra as well as visiting artists specializing in classical music. Whatever your interest, Spartanburg has a cultural event for you. Try the SHERMAN COLLEGE OF STRAIGHT CHIROPRACTIC POETRY SLAM which draws big crowds downtown for a high energy poetry competition. While the CAROLINA GALLERY on Main Street hosts monthly art openings featuring new artists and showcasing their work. Or enjoy READINGS ON THE SQUARE which spotlights nationally published Carolina writers, hosted by the Hub City Writers project on Monday nights February-April and September-November.