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Oakwood Series 2026: From the Ground Up

Date: Fri, Sep 18, 2026

Time: Fri.-Sat., 6:30pm and Sun., 2pm

Venue: Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh

Price: $20, $10 for Students

Category: Arts

Burning Coal Theatre Company presents From the Ground Up written and directed by Bobby Kaufman. About From the Ground Up - Wouldn't you like to know if the dead were talking about you? Or, how about listening to whatever it is they talk about? Well here's your chance.Come see and hear some of Raleigh's dead artists talk about what happened both before and after they died. You may recognize some names. All the people named in this show were real and are buried here, in the Historic Oakwood Cemetery. This will be a most enlightening experience. About Bobby Kaufman - Robert (Bobby) Kaufman acted, directed, sang, danced, flipped, juggled, designed lights over fifty years. Has been writing plays since 1984. Ex-New Yorker, with a B.A. from Pace University. Hunter College for his M.A. He was awarded Best Director and Best Long Production at The N.Y. State Theatre Festival Association for his new concept of “Godspell” and best director for “Lou Gehrig Didn't Die of Cancer” at the 13th Annual International Theatre Festival in Westchester, N.Y. His play, “The Man Who Hated Music”, was a finalist in the North Carolina Playwrights Lab in 2023. His short plays, “Plate Licking Tofu Scramble” and “O'Shaughnessy” were both chosen for different festivals. Bobby is excited as heck to be raising ghosts for your entertainment, and his. About the Cast - Lemony Wood is Thomas. Laura Lillian Baggett is Ruth. Dan Oliver is Edgar. Gus Allen is Robert. Mary Rowland is Cantey.

Arts · Raleigh

Oakwood Series 2026: From the Ground Up

Wear closed-toe flat shoes to navigate the uneven cemetery turf safely.

When
This Friday
Fri, Sep 18, 2026
Fri.-Sat., 6:30pm and Sun., 2pm
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
$20, $10 for Students
raleigh

Oakwood Series 2026: From the Ground Up is an outdoor theatrical production by Burning Coal Theatre Company featuring stories of real Raleigh artists buried in the historic cemetery. Written and directed by Bobby Kaufman, the play uses performance to connect audiences with local history through the voices of those who lived it. This production is best suited for middle schoolers, teenagers, and adults who can sit quietly through a live performance. Tickets are twenty dollars for adults and ten dollars for students. Because the show takes place outdoors in a historic cemetery, you should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the evening temperature, and prepare for uneven terrain. It is a smart choice for a weekend outing because it combines local history with live local art. The early evening start times on Friday and Saturday allow you to grab dinner downtown before the show, making for an easy, educational date night or an outing with your older kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this performance appropriate for young children?
This show is best for middle school students and older who can remain quiet and attentive during a live theatrical performance in a cemetery setting.
Where do we park for the performance?
Parking is available on-site at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, but you should arrive early to find a spot and walk to the performance area.
How much are tickets and where do we buy them?
Tickets are twenty dollars for general admission and ten dollars for students, available through Burning Coal Theatre Company.

Last updated

$20, $10 for Students

This Friday

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Oakwood Series 2026: From the Ground Up runs Fri, Sep 18, 2026, Fri.-Sat., 6:30pm and Sun., 2pm.

Getting There

Historic Oakwood Cemetery is at 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

What to Bring

  • Tickets or entry money — admission is $20, $10 for Students

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