Engaging Our Community
At the Wilson Center, we believe that everyone deserves access to the arts—regardless of ability, socioeconomic status, or any other barriers that might stand in their way. In addition to bringing you world-class shows, community engagement is a vital part of our mission.
We consistently work to foster increased accessibility and artistic engagement, in collaboration with a wide range of community partners. Aside from our dedicated initiative, Broadway for a Better World, below are just a few of the ways we make that happen.
Ghostlight Series
We partnered with the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County and WHQR to create our virtual Ghostlight Series to raise funds to support out-of-work artists during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Lightning Thief
We partnered with New Hanover County Public Library to offer discounted tickets to families attending the Broadway production of The Lightning Thief, based on the bestselling book by Rick Riordan.
American Spirit
We partnered with local organizations to offer over 500 no-cost tickets to veterans, active military, and their families to Paul Taylor Dance Companies military-themed show “American Spirit.” The Folded Flag Foundation presented 7 educational scholarships to individuals who lost family members in combat or hostile action at the show.
Dreams of Wilmington
When the touring Broadway production of Evita “teched” at the Wilson Center before taking the show on the road, students from DREAMS of Wilmington’s youth dance company, had the rare opportunity to meet the show’s technical director, producer, and choreographer—giving them a glimpse into careers in the performing arts.
Rent-Free Space
We partner with New Hanover and Pender County Schools to offer workshops, classes, and tickets to performances and provide our space rent-free for their events.
Writing Workshop
In partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council, we offered a day-long, free-of-charge writing workshop with NC Arts Council Literary Fellowship recipients.
STOMP
Thanks to the generosity of Wilson Center members, Elaine and Jim Hynes, we were able to provide tickets for over 30 Pender County middle school students—many of whom had never set foot in the Wilson Center—to see the touring production of STOMP.
Dance Residency
We partner with nationally recognized dance and theatre projects to undertake creative and technical residencies, involving our students and the local performing arts community whenever possible. Check out our Dance Residency Activities page to get involved!
Interested in Partnering?
