Allow us to offer you the Best Seat in the House!
The Office of the Arts is excited to share our Best Seat in the House program as we commit to lifting spirits during this difficult time. This webpage will serve as a hub for the sharing of live and prerecorded performances of local, regional, and national artists – all available for streaming to the comfort of your home. All content we share is free, but when possible, we will share links that contain opportunities to directly support artists.
Last updated: October 10, 2020- Behind the Curtain Podcast
The roles of artists in society are varied and invaluable. UNCW’s Behind the Curtain Podcast explores the ways artists are adapting to new (if temporary) norms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in to hear interviews with musicians, performers, and storytellers of all kinds, as we look to reinforce local and national artistic communities. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Soundcloud, or Spotify.
Episode Eight: Dan Brawley
Wednesday, August 6, 2020
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Curbside Cinema with Dan Brawley, Chief Instigating Officer of Cucalorus! Curbside Cinema has been a partnership between UNCW Office of the Arts, Cucalorus, StarNews, and WHQR Public Media. We discuss how Curbside Cinema came to fruition, the curation process, and the future of the Cucalorus Festival.
Episode Seven: Susan Habas
Wendesday, July 8, 2020
In this episode, we are joined by Susan Habas, Executive Director of Thalian Association, to discuss all things Thalian! We take a deep dive into the history of Thalian, discuss how the pandemic has impacted community theatre, and preview Thalian's upcoming 2020-2021 season, Imagine. (Recorded June 1, 2020).
Episode Six: Keryn Vickers
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
This week we continue our social justice conversation, grappling with the pervasive racial equity issues facing our country. Today you will hear from Keryn Vickers of UNCW’s University College. Keryn has been an academic advisor within this department since 2012, and an Interim Coordinator since 2019.
Episode Five: Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Our regular programming has been put on a temporary pause to shift the focus onto pressing social justice and racial equity issues facing our country. We will be engaging in conversations with various African American leaders on campus, discussing justice for George Floyd, the nationwide protests, and how arts can promote social change.
We begin our series with Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith, UNCW Inclusion and Diversity Learning Development Specialist. Her position is housed in Human Resources and she has been with the university since 2008. Since then, Kimberly has spearheaded an on-campus initiative known as, ‘Skin in the Game’. Within this group, women of all ethnicities engage in self-reflection and dissection of what unites us and what keeps us divided. Kimberly has also produced her radio show Reggae Redemption Radio on WRMR Coastal Carolina's Modern Rock 98.7 since 1993.
Episode Four: Stray Local
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Hannah and Jamie Rowen of the Wilmington based band Stray Local join us to share the evolution of their relationship within the context of their music, and give insight into life as professional musicians (and running enthusiasts) both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode Three: Venita Jenkins
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
UNCW's Venita Jenkins (Office of University Relations) joins us for a reading of her collaborative writing piece, Tales From a Small Southern Town. After the reading, Jenkins explains how this story came to fruition and how it serves as a means of cultivating community while social distancing.
Episode Two: Stacey Kriby
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
In our second episode, we are joined by UNCW resident artist, Stacey Kirby. Kirby creates performative interactions in which she aims to cultivate conversations that range from gender identity, validity, to the importance of civil presence.
Episode One: Joesph Brent, 9 Horses
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
In our first episode, composer and musician Joseph Brent of the band 9 Horses joins us for a remote interview from his home in New York to answer questions about the roles of artists in society (especially in times of crisis), and the way daily life has been impacted by Coronavirus. - Teal Tunes
UNCW Campus Life presented a live concert series every Tuesday featuring a local artist via Facebook Live.
On-Demand
Teal Tunes: Entangled DreamsStreamed on Wednesday, April 29
Teal Tunes: Jacob Dixon
Streamed on Tuesday, April 28
Teal Tunes: Striking Copper
Streamed on Tuesday, April 21Teal Tunes: The Jared Show
Streamed on Tuesday, April 7 - UNCW Presents On-Demand
This space is populated by artists who have have been featured in previous UNCW Presents seasons, during the Lumina Festival of the Arts, or performed in UNCW Kenan Auditorium.
Upcoming
Wednesday, December 16, 2020As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, the Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin along with polar bear twins, Pinky and Polo-ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family!On-Demand
The Dance Cooperative - Performance Archive
The Dance Cooperative co-sponsors the annual Wilmington Dance Festival with UNCW Presents.
Stream performances from The Dance Cooperative on their website, featuring performances from the Wilmington Dance Festival, the Lumina Festival of the Arts, and more!
TheaterWorks Anywhere
TheaterWorksUSA was scheduled to be a part of the 2019-2020 UNCW Presents season.
TheaterWorks Anywhere aims to give young people a fun and active way to use their imaginations while learning the process of creating theater, and adapting a book or story for the stage. We'll show you video clips from TheaterWorksUSA productions, take you behind the scenes with our artists, and provide theater activities and crafts for you to make and share with us! Check back regularly for more activities and fun!Ailey II was a part of the 2019-2020 UNCW Presents season.
For a limited time, Ailey is thrilled to share full length videos of the Company performing on stage!
The Second City - Sketch Archive
The Second City was a part of the 2019-2020 and 2017-2018 UNCW Presents seasons.
Every week watch new funny video sketches and series from The Second City, the famous Chicago, Toronto, and Hollywood based comedy theatre and school of improv.
Jazzmeia Horn 'Tight' - Live Studio Session (KNKX Public Radio, 2018)
Jazzmeia Horn was a part of the 2019-2020 UNCW Presents season.L.A. Theatre Works: Black Voices
L.A. Theatre Works' production of SEVEN was a part of the 2019-2020 UNCW Presents season.
This Juneteenth, LATW shines the spotlight on some of the leading voices in the American theatre. Great works from Roger Guenveur Smith, Lonne Elder III, Lynn Nottage, Katori Hall, Charlayne Woodard and Lydia Diamond are available to stream for free on their website though July 30th.
Ragamala Dance Company: Written in Water (Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, 2018)
Ragamala Dance Company was a part of the 2019-2020 UNCW Presents season.
Opera Columbus: 2019-2020 Season, Cooper-Bing Competition
Opera Wilmington is an annual component of the Lumina Festival of the Arts.
This internationally-recognized vocal competition engages impressive young operatic talent from all over the world. The Cooper-Bing Competition aims to encourage emerging artists and celebrate the next generation of opera stars. Join us for an afternoon of outstanding singers as they compete for a top prize of $10,000! The third place winner of the 2019-2020 Competition was Jemeesa Yarborough of Opera Wilmington.
Dancemaker (1998) - Documentary
Dances by Paul Taylor were performed during ADF: Footprints as a part of the 2019 Lumina Festival of the Arts.
In the 1990s, dancer and choreographer Paul Taylor is working on a piece called "Piazzolla Caldera." Director Matthew Diamond captures the debut of Taylor's new work and explores the personality of the man behind the dance steps. Taylor's volatile nature often comes out in his interactions with his dancers, but interviews backstage with various sources portray the many sides of his personality. Diamond also captures vital moments such as the Taylor dance company's trip to India.
Dance Theatre of Harlem On Demand
Dance Theatre of Harlem was a part of the 2018-2019 UNCW Presents Series.
Dance Theatre of Harlem will offer a selection from the DTH repertoire each Saturday night at 8:00 pm. These are ballets from the historical repertoire and from the current repertoire—a chance to see the Dance Theatre of Harlem artists of today and the artists who contributed to the making of the Company’s legacy. Companion events, like interviews and artisti discussions, will be livestreamed on weeknights leading up to the main event on Saturday. At this time the ballets and some activities have been scheduled. Go to Dance Theatre of Harlems’s website for descriptions and dates for companion events (more are being added as the festival expands).
The Ballad of Fred Hersch (2016) - Documentary
Fred Hersch Ensemble was a part of the 2018-2019 UNCW Presents season.
The Ballad of Fred Hersch is an intimate portrait of one of today’s foremost jazz pianists. With more than 30 albums and 10 Grammy nominations, Hersch is internationally revered in jazz circles as a master improviser. A maverick in music and in life, he was the first jazz musician to come out as gay and HIV-positive in the early 1990s, and he miraculously survived a two-month coma in 2008. Both exacting and full of love, our unfettered cameras capture Hersch’s creative process as he does double duty as a workaday jazzman and first-time theater producer—turning his tragedies into triumphal art. This documentary was shared for free by Fred Hersch on March 24.David Sedaris on Storytelling, Humor & Chatting with Strangers (Jimmy Kimmel Live, 2020)
David Sedaris was a part of the 2018-2019 UNCW Presents season.Streamed on Thursday, April 2
Zoe & Cloyd was a part of the 2018-2019 UNCW Presents season.Third Coast Percussion: Philip Glass, Blood Orange, Jlin, and Peter Martin
Streamed on Saturday, March 28
Third Coast Percussion was featured as a part of the 2017-2018 UNCW Presents season.
This is the 2nd of TCP's live streamed concerts from our rehearsal studio in Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic. We'll be playing a program of music written for us by some of our favorite composers including Philip Glass's new work for us, "Perpetulum."
Sonia De Los Santos (Lincoln Center at Home)
Streamed on Sunday, April 5
Sonia De Los Santos was a part of Seahawk FAM in 2017.
A soulful and important new voice in family music, Sonia De Los Santos spreads messages of joyful community music-making and builds bridges across cultures to inspire and excite children and grown-ups of all backgrounds. Blending both old and new songs, Sonia weaves a personal musical story that touches on universal themes of understanding.
Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre: Transparent Walls (2010)Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre was featured as a part of the 2015-2016 UNCW Presents season. - Local and Regional Performances
Upcoming
More soon!
On-Demand
Lost and Found Concert Series: Massive Grass
Presented by UNCW Campus Life, the Lost and Found concert series is modeled after NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. This performance by Massive Grass was filmed by UNCW Teal TV, published on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019.
Strike at the Wind!
The drama returned this past July to its roots at the Lumbee Tribal Cultural Center. For three nights, an energetic cast performed the play to a sold-out crowd. Plans to perform the drama outdoors again this summer were halted because of COVID-19 and related restrictions on large gatherings. For the first time, the performance will be widely available online to the public as a virtual performance. The recording can be accessed on The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Givens Performing Arts Center’s website or social media sites.
Opera House Theatre Company: Musical [Theatre] Mondays
New Episodes Every Monday on Facebook!
Opera House Theatre Company is featuring local artists in their new weekly Musical [Theatre] Mondays series!
"Surge" by Linda Ann Webb & Patrick Ogelvie
A combination of dance and film premiered at the 2018 Wilmington Dance Festival. This was one section of a four-part series under the umbrella of Joel Vannfuller's visionary multimedia project 'The Mermaids' Song'. Joel's passion for creating climate change awareness through art spoke deeply to Patrick Ogelvie (filmmaker) and Linda Ann Webb (choreographer).
"Une Nuit Comme Ca" by Linda Webb & Patrick Ogelvie
Patrick Ogelvie (filmmaker) and choreographer (Linda Ann Webb), celebrating a thirteen year collaboration, dove headfirst into the Film Noir genre for this 2019 Wilmington Dance Festival and Dancealorus entry. The dancers were featured both on stage and in the film, and can be seen sipping cocktails amidst a gallery of card sharks at the Club Diabolique (Wilmington's favorite hotspot, The Penthouse).
Wilson Center Ghostlight Series - Full Archive
The Wilson Center and The Arts Council of Wilmington & NHC are pleased to announce the creation of a new series to support our local area artists impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Arts Council will be accepting donations which will support the artists featured in the Wilson Center Ghostlight Series.
- National Performances
Upcoming
Metropolitan Opera
7:30 p.m., Daily
The Met will stream a title from its Live in HD series each night beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET through the duration of the closure.
Bandsintown - Upcoming Live Stream Concerts
Bandsintown has created a listing of upcoming live stream concerts through its website.NPR Music: A List Of Live Virtual Concerts To Watch During The Coronavirus Shutdown
NPR Music is compiling a list of live audio and video streams from around the world, categorized by date and genre, with links out to streaming platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Some will require registration or a subscription, but most will be free, often with digital tip jars and opportunities to directly support artists by buying music and merchandise.On-Demand
ALL ARTS
ALL ARTS is breaking new ground as the premier destination for inspiration, creativity and art of all forms. This New York Emmy-winning arts and culture hub is created by WNET, the parent company of New York’s PBS stations. With the aim of being accessible to viewers everywhere, ALL ARTS’s Webby-nominated programming — from digital shorts to feature films — is available online nationwide through allarts.org, the free ALL ARTS app on all major streaming platforms, and @AllArtsTV on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. New York area TV viewers can also watch the 24/7 broadcast channel.
Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits has opened up some of their catalog from the last two seasons and some of this current season's shows. This includes performances from Willie Nelson, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend, and more.
Global Citizen: One World - Together At Home
Streamed on Saturday, April 18
A global broadcast & digital special to support frontline healthcare workers and the WHO.
Kennedy Center - Digital Stage
Watch extraordinary performances from the Kennedy Center's stages and beyond. Featuring original works, new clips, and the best of their vast archive.
Kennedy Center - Couch Concerts
Grab a pillow and get comfortable! The Kennedy Center is bringing exciting livestream performances straight to you. They have lined up talented artists—from thier backyard in D.C. to around the country and across Broadway, comedy, opera, dance, and more—to perform their work.
Lincoln Center at Home
Lincoln Center’s new portal enables families and communities to keep the performing arts front and center.
NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series Archive
Tiny Desk Concerts is a video series of live concerts hosted by NPR Music at the desk of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen in Washington, D.C.
Playbill: 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch On Stage From Home
From Newsies to Sweeney Todd, Playbill created a list running down some of the best filmed Broadway shows—and where to find them.
Some Good News with John Krasinski
New Episodes Weekly!
John Krasinski highlights some good news from around the world in this weekly webseries.
The Tonight Show: At Home Edition
New Episodes Daily!
In these very special editions of the show, Jimmy Fallon takes The Tonight Show to his home and highlights a different charity every night that you can donate to and help those in need.
- Virtual Experiences
This space is populated by educational experiences including virtual workshops, tours, and resources.
Alvin Ailey: Keep Dancing with Alvin Ailey
Ailey is offering live classes via Zoom through their Ailey Extension program!Americans for the Arts: Supporting Individual Artists Webinar Series
Americans for the Arts is presenting a series of deep dive webinars about supporting individual artists.
Bellamy Mansion - Distance Learning Resources for Educators
The Bellamy Mansion Museum has added distance learning resources and an online tour of the museum.
Black on Black Project: Curated Conversations
Curated Conversations features Black On Black Project founder Michael S. Williams chatting with people in the art community about their art practice and other related topics through Instagram Live. Follow Black On Black Project’s Instagram account.
Cameron Art Museum - Connect with CAM
Kid Friendly!
The Cameron Art Museum has launched a new online initiative to connect with its community, which will include artist demos, artist talks, and art activities for children on social media and on the museum website.Cameron Art Museum Virtual Tour - A House of One Room
Take a virtual tour of the "A House of One Room: Elizabeth Bradford" exhibit featuring paintings by Elizabeth Bradford.
Cameron Art Museum Virtual Tour - Stories in Print
Take a virtual tour of the "Stories in Print: Prints from the Permanent Colelction" exhibit featuring work by impressionist Mary Cassatt.
Cameron Art Museum Virtual Tour - Structure in Space and Time
Take a virtual tour of the "Structure in Space and Time: Photography of Phil Freelon" exhibit by architect Phil Freelon.
Dance Cooperative Dance Classes
Follow The Dance Cooperative on Facebook to get updates on class offerings through Facebook Live.
Dancing Grounds TV: Movement Series
Dancing Grounds is producing live dance classes and instrusctional videos every week!
DanZQuest Dance Studio: Virtual Dance Classes
DanZQuest Family and Wilmington community, we are bringing your studio into the comfort of your home! Starting March 30th, teachers will be using Zoom for classes. Each of the teachers have worked hard on contouring classes for you and your child while you are home during this time. The schedule below offers modified classes with a discount of 25% off per class. Classes will be during Spring Break and all recreational classes for this season will continue with choreography.Get in Shape Grrl - Broadway COVID-19 Series
Facebook Group with workouts led by some of Broadway’s top dancers, inspired by their shows and top ballerinas from the American Ballet Theater.
Google: Arts & Culture
Google Arts & Culture is an online platform through which the public can access high-resolution images of artworks from over 2000 museums and archives.
Fender Play
Fender is offering 3 months of free online guitar, bass and ukulele lessons to the first 100,000 who sign up for Fender Play.
History Museum Tours - Instagram
Museams from across the world are offering virtual tours through their Instagram pages.Masterclass
Watch hundreds of lessons from the best as they share their stories, skills, shortcuts, failures, and successes.Mr. Scooter - Storytime
Kid Friendly!
Join Mr. Scooter for a LIVE storytime on with books, felt stories, songs, robots and more!New Hanover County Public Library - Storytime
Kid Friendly!
The library is closed, but your librarians don't want you to miss storytime! Join New Hanover County Public Library for live streaming storytimes.New Hanover County Schools: Best Foot Forward Art Show
Virtual tour of the Best Foot Forward Art Show located in the CFCC Wilma Daniels Gallery.OLLI at UNCW Never Stops Learning
While we remain apart to stay healthy during this time, remember to keep learning every day. OLLI at UNCW staff continues to share learning opportunities with you and asks you to contribute to our community experience by recommending things we can do to stay engaged! Look for your weekly "OLLI at UNCW Never Stops Learning" email on Tuesday mornings!Olney Theatre - Online Classes
Kid Friendly!
Over the next coming weeks, Olney Theatre Center is offering free Zoom classes taught by members of their staff, apprentices and National Players. All classes are free and no registration is required. Just click the class link and hop on. Donations are appreciated.
Paul Taylor Dance Foundation Digital
The Paul Taylor Dance Foundation is offering daily virtual dance clasess and masterclasses via Instagram Live (@thetaylorschool).
Techniques in Motion - Virtual Dance Classes
Techniques in Motion is offering weekly virtual dance classes.Terra Sol Sanctuary - Virtual Yoga Classes
Starting March 19, Terra Sol will be offering virtual yoga classes via Zoom.
Touching the Art
Kid Friendly!
These 40-minute art appreciation lessons are designed for children ages 7-13. During the lessons we will immerse ourselves into the story of a wonderful artwork. We'll use our imagination and our thinking skills to figure out what is happening. And, then, we'll understand a little bit more about ourselves by empathizing with the characters. Lessons will take place online on Zoom.
The Second City - Online Classes
The Second City offers paid online classes to learn improvisation and sketch comedy.
UNCW Digital Arts Senior Show
Six undergraduate students are displaying the first annual Digital Arts Showcase. These projects include a variety of skills such as virtual reality, 3D modeling, web development/graphic design, technical prototypes, and topographical simulation.
Upgraded Points: 75 Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World
Kid Friendly!
Upgraded Points has put together an ultimate list of 75 world-class museums that offer virtual tours that you can visit from the comfort of your couch! The page is broken into 4 sections, including art, natural history, science and technology, and history museums.
Virtual School Activities
Kid Friendly!
A collection of sites to live webcams, virtual tours/trips, and other miscellaneous fun educational sites. Updated every couple of days.Free Virtual Summer Camps
Kid Friendly!
For families who want to keep their children's education growing over the summer but are worried about being able to afford it, here are some completely free online summer camps to keep your child's mind active and continuously expanding their knowledge.Young Scientist Academy
Kid Friendly!
Classes in science, math and other activities. Experience science in the comfort of your home with interactive peer discussions, guest speakers, and fun online exercises that relate to the real world.
COVID-19 Relief Resources
- American Alliance of Museums
- ArtsNC: The Arts and COVID-19
- ArtsReady
- Association of Performing Arts Professionals
- Americans for the Arts - Coronavirus Resource Center
- Billboard
- Cape Fear Collective - The 211
- CapitalBop
- Creative Capital
- Freelance Artist Resources
- Free Virtual Summer Camps
- Jazz Road Quick Assist Fund
- L.A. Theatre Works: Resources for Teachers
- Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
- North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents
- NC Artist Relief Fund
- UNCW Coronavirus Information
