In acting, and in life, there is no substitute for experience. That is the thought behind a new initiative being launched this year that will see some U.Va. Department of Drama MFA students working alongside professional actors during the coming 2015 Heritage Theatre Festival season. “I have been looking for ways to link our academic programs with what we do at Heritage in away that benefits all involved,” Heritage Producing Artistic Director Robert Chapel said. “We decided that the answer was to feature a few of our students in prominent roles this summer, which both gives them valuable experience and allows us to showcase their outstanding talent for our audiences this season.” The 2015 Heritage Theatre Festival season kicks off on June 25th at the Ruth Caplin Theatre with Murray Schisgal’s acclaimed comedy Luv. Next up will be the international musical comedy sensation Monty Python’s Spamalot (“lovingly ripped off” from the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail), opening on June 30th in the Culbreth Theatre. The season will also include I Love a Piano, which will celebrate the music of American music icon Irving Berlin with a hit-filled revue; John Cariani’s comedy of love and magic, Almost, Maine; and the highly-celebrated modern musical Violet, running from July 28th through August 1st at the Culbreth Theatre.