Young Artist Program
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Young Artist Program
The Young Artist Program at PWCC offers creative opportunities for emerging artists ages 10–18 across a wide range of disciplines. Building on the legacy of the former Repertory Theatre, the program embraces both traditional performing arts—such as dance, music, and theatre—and modern creative forms like digital media, podcasting, photography, design, and visual arts. It provides youth with access to professional-level tools and experiences that support their artistic growth and prepare them for opportunities beyond the program. Designed to nurture all forms of artistic expression, the program encourages young creatives to explore, perform, build, and thrive within an inclusive and evolving arts environment.
Young Artist Program
History and Alumni
Classes
Upcoming Performances
Theatre
August 1st, 2025Disney’s The Lion King KIDS tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa. To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar. The Lion King KIDS features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production.
November 11-23, 2025Meet Frankie, a brilliant but socially awkward student who can’t seem to connect with her classmates. When a group project goes awry, Frankie devises an unconventional solution: she replaces all her classmates with android replicas, each programmed to correct their flaws. What follows is a hilarious and unexpected string of events that challenges Frankie’s ideas of belonging and perfection. Featuring a modern synth-pop score, this sci-fi musical comedy explores the ways we build narratives around one another and how a community where everyone is exactly the same is not a community at all.
Dance
Disney’s The Lion King KIDS tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa. To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar. The Lion King KIDS features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production.
Meet Frankie, a brilliant but socially awkward student who can’t seem to connect with her classmates. When a group project goes awry, Frankie devises an unconventional solution: she replaces all her classmates with android replicas, each programmed to correct their flaws. What follows is a hilarious and unexpected string of events that challenges Frankie’s ideas of belonging and perfection. Featuring a modern synth-pop score, this sci-fi musical comedy explores the ways we build narratives around one another and how a community where everyone is exactly the same is not a community at all.
Upcoming Performances
Disney’s The Lion King KIDS tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa. To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar. The Lion King KIDS features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production.
Meet Frankie, a brilliant but socially awkward student who can’t seem to connect with her classmates. When a group project goes awry, Frankie devises an unconventional solution: she replaces all her classmates with android replicas, each programmed to correct their flaws. What follows is a hilarious and unexpected string of events that challenges Frankie’s ideas of belonging and perfection. Featuring a modern synth-pop score, this sci-fi musical comedy explores the ways we build narratives around one another and how a community where everyone is exactly the same is not a community at all.
History
Over its 100+ year history Phillis Wheatley Community Center has almost always had an element of performing arts programming. In the mid-1980s, after a very successful summer camp finale performance with 70+ students, that programming was made a permanent part of the Center when Clark Nesbitt and Dwight Woods, both famous composers and producers of musicals and music, founded the Phillis Wheatley Repertory Theatre for youth.
Alumni Highlights
Several Repertory Theatre students have gone on to fruitful careers in the performing arts, including:
Phillip Boykin, a performer on opera stages and Broadway, who received a Tony Award nomination for his 2012 performance in “Porgy and Bess”.
Singer Gigi Allen, who has traveled the world performing solo as well touring with Peabo Bryson and Kenny G.
Producer Dontavious Ladson, award winning producer who’s worked with artist such as Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Todd Galberth, William Murphy and others.
Delvin Choice, top 8 finalist from TV show “The Voice”.
Ruby Durham, on-air personality, news anchor, and current Miss North Carolina.