What sets the Asher apart is that we are not just a theater — we are a bridge to the community. We are coming in with a serving towel over our arms ready to serve and to partner with the Grand Strand and all surrounding communities. Our programs are wholesome and family-oriented. Highly professional in nature, you can expect to see hip and exciting Disney- and Vegas-style shows in a comfortable Cotton Club like environment. We strive to be more than just a theater as we are the only ones in town to also offer a conference center. In addition, we offer culture and diversity because we believe that our theater ought to reflect our community.
The Asher Theatre is where you can expect to Experience the Uncommon. Whether it’s through cutting edge shows like Myrtle Beach’s newest hit, The Man of a Thousand Voices, or through showcases of young artists and established celebrities alike, the Asher is a class act that will continue to provide something exciting for everyone.
We strive to be socially conscious, caring for the needs around us, and yet never losing our sense of humor and fun. Our “All Good Things” retail store offers unique international fair-trade items that help benefit impoverished communities around the world. And to keep things light-hearted and amusing, we are also home to the Original Yo’ Mama Joke Store (yes, you read that correctly!) featuring cool and unique items as well as the largest Yo’ Mama Joke mural in the country!
Our Purpose
We exist to provide wholesome entertainment, community engagement, and artist development to the residents and visitors of Myrtle Beach. Our faith is our cornerstone and this is reflected in the kind of entertainment you can expect to see at the Asher. Those values are mirrored in the way we engage our community, the way we respect our artists, and in the way we treat our staff. We wish to further the arts because we believe that the ultimate Artist conveyed beauty and wonder to us through the arts.
WE ARE PROUD OF OUR VALUES
- Educational and personal achievement
- Clean, wholesome entertainment
- Community engagement and citizenship
- Culture and diversity
- Integrity, faith, and commitment
Our Founders
James and Grace Stephens are the owners of the Asher Theatre, and the theater is the perfect melding of the strengths, interests, values, and experiences of this dynamic duo. The couple has several key things in common. They are both licensed ministers and have committed themselves to each other and to a life of service for the Lord. They believe in education, building up our youth, bridging gaps within the community and empowering people to reach their greatest potential. See their individual bios below.
James Stephens
James has lived in Los Angeles for most of his adult life but was born just 1½ hours away from Myrtle Beach. He's been called one of the funniest comedians of our times by the editor of TIME magazine. In addition to being a regular headliner on all the major cruise lines, he has also graced the halls of the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall and has performed around the world. James starred on several TV shows and has done stand-up appearances on network television as well as Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, and MTV. His quick wit and improv skills make every show different. James’ cross-over appeal transcends all races, gender, ethnicity or creed; but what’s important to James is his faith as a born-again Christian.
Grace Stephens
Dr. Grace Stephens is a serial entrepreneur and published author who has held executive positions in academia and on Wall Street. Her biological father is a 50-year community development influencer and a veteran in the entertainment business as a musician and with several albums to his credit. She is currently Chancellor of MacCormac College where she hailed as one of the youngest college presidents in America and the first woman and person of color to hold the presidency at the 115‐year old institution. Her work at Kaplan, Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. and various commercial banks, has positioned her as a leader and innovator in academia and business. Stephens is also a published researcher and author. She writes, speaks, and advises on leadership and management, strategic planning, fund development, and the incorporation of faith into the workplace. She often ministers as a teacher or preacher to church leaders, congregations and groups nationally and internationally. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her accomplishments, yet, she estimates her most significant achievement to be the establishment of The Global Christian Professional Women’s Association, the world’s largest and premier resource in serving and advancing professional women of faith.