The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement will launch a new speakers' series, "Celebrating Life in the Mountains," with a panel discussion lead by local theater directors. "The Asheville Theater Scene" will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at UNC Asheville's Reuter Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The panel discussion will feature remarks by Phil Atwood of the Asheville Community Theatre, John Ellis of the Diana Wortham Theatre and Charlie Flynn-McIver of the North Carolina Stage Company. The seasoned directors will reveal what makes a box office hit or miss, offer a sneak preview of upcoming performances and examine the future of theater in Asheville. A question-and-answer session will follow their remarks. The program will close with a light reception.

For more information, call the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement at 828/251-6140.