Our History
Eastern Shore’s Own, Inc. was founded in 1984 by Allen Derrick, a retired actor from New York and Joyce Holland, a local theater performer. Originally ESO was an adult theater troupe that expanded into instruction of the arts and became incorporated on August 1, 1986. ESO began leasing the Belle Haven School building from the Town of Belle Haven on September 1, 1986. ESO has been located in the facility since that time.
Our Facility
Many renovations and improvements have been made to the classic, three story brick building since ESO’s occupation in 1986. The ESO Facility currently includes:
- a pottery/sculpture studio with four potters’ wheels and one kiln
- a studio theater with stage, sound and lighting equipment
- a kitchen
- an art room
- a small dance/fitness studio
- a large dance studio
- a “green room”/small dance studio
- a costume shop
- teaching spaces for music lessons
- a performing music room
- a hallway and lounge area
- storage spaces
- Main Office Suite with 3 work spaces
- and updated restroom facilities
The ESO, at 15293 King Street in the Town of Belle Haven, is located in southern Accomack County and serves the residents of the Eastern Shore from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the Maryland State Line. The ESO classes, facilities and productions are available to all residents of the Eastern Shore regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic origin, financial means, or level of ability.
Programming
Classes at ESO are offered by Independent Contractors who are experts in their various fields. Classes in Adult Fitness, Ballet, Hip Hop, Music, Karate, Pottery and Art are offered throughout the year. Currently ESO hosts 45 classes each week with a dozen independent contractors, and has more than 250 unique students who have registered for classes this fiscal year. Annually, ESO hosts ESO Summer Arts Camp (with a Little Bit of Science) in partnership with local research teams and schools, with 35 participants, over two weeks, in July 2024.
Productions & Events
ESO Arts Center is committed to offering a rich variety of events and educational opportunities. Annually, ESO hosts six ESO Live! Concerts and two full-length ballets, including the Eastern Shore’s only production of The Nutcracker. Additional seasonal events are designed to further engage the community. Monthly ESO Live! music concerts commence in September, showcasing local and regional artists in the intimate setting of the black box Studio Theater. The ESO School of Dance produces two ballets each year at the Nandua High School Auditorium. The Nutcracker, performed every December, is a cherished tradition attracting nearly 1,000 spectators. Tickets for all productions are conveniently available online through Onthestage.com.
Eastern Shore Overview
The Eastern Shore of Virginia encompasses Northampton and Accomack Counties. The region is characterized by its rural landscapes and coastal charm, serving as a vital part of our cultural identity and local economy. Isolated from the mainland of Virginia, the peninsula provides no shortage of unique challenges for the arts, arts education, and non-profit arena.
Northampton County
- Population: Approximately 12,000 residents
- Median Income: Around $45,000
- Percentage Minority: Approximately 37%
Accomack County
- Population: Approximately 33,000 residents
- Median Income: Around $43,000
- Percentage Minority: Approximately 41%
These demographics highlight a diverse community with varied economic conditions. ESO Arts Center plays a crucial role in enriching the cultural fabric of this region, providing significant artistic opportunities to a broad spectrum of the population. Through its inclusive approach, ESO ensures that the arts remain accessible to all residents of the Eastern Shore, fostering community engagement and cultural development. See ESO’s Commitment to Cultural Equity.
