Workshops & Master Classes

Kenan Connects Artists to the Community

The following are workshops, master classes, and other programs offered by the Office of the Arts.

If you or your organization are interested in participating in one of our events or would like to partner with the Office of the Arts please contact the Engagement and Artist Services Coordinator, Alexis Dickerson.

Artist Residencies and Community Engagement Programming

Upcoming Events

Coming soon!

Past Events

The Second City Masterclass

Nov. 30, 2023 | 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Kenan Auditorium

This masterclass led by Second City, introduces students to the skills needed for character work, an element essential to dynamic improvised scenes. Students will explore creating characters through internal motivations like point of view, status, wants & intentions - as well as external ones like physicality and relationships to other characters. They will learn how to make choices in scenes that help define their character and clearly establish the "who."

Ira Glass Student Q&A

Nov. 11, 2023 | 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Kenan Auditorium

Join a Q&A session with iconic radio personality, host and producer of This American Life, Ira Glass. Participants should be familiar with his work and come prepared with questions.

The Other Mozart Masterclass

Oct. 19, 2023 | 12:30 - 2:20 p.m.
Cultural Arts Building 1064

This free masterclass, led by Sylvia Milo and Nathan Davis, will walk through the intricacy of building a show from initial inception and development to promotion and final production.

Kenan Connects Faculty and Students to the Stage

UNCW faculty members can request tickets to bring their students to the Kenan Auditorium Presents performing arts series through our Kenan Auditorium Connects program.

We encourage faculty members to use KAC to support their coursework and expose students to artists and speakers from our performing arts series. KAC will provide students with interesting and exciting opportunities to experience course content beyond the classroom, contributing to a more expansive university experience. Following are a few suggested courses that may correlate to each show.

If you are a faculty member interested in bringing your class to a Kenan Auditorium performance, please complete our online ticket request form below. Please contact dickersonar@uncw.edu with any questions.

Please Note: Ticket requests must be made at least three weeks prior to the show. Ticket availability varies based upon the event and demand.

UNCW Faculty: Request Tickets Here!

Events and Related Courses

Rhiannon Giddens (Sept. 30)

Rhiannon Giddens
Saturday, Sept. 30
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

Rhiannon Giddens is known for her powerful voice, her ability to blend musical genres, and her passionate activism. As a Grammy award-winning musician, Giddens draws inspiration from traditional folk, blues, gospel, and country. She uses her platform to address issues of race, social justice, and gender equality, often exploring historical themes while shedding light on forgotten stories and marginalized voices. Through her art, Giddens continues to make a significant impact on the world of music and beyond.

Opening Act: Adia Victoria

AFN 130 Introduction to Africana Studies
AFN 235 Race and Voting
ANT 105 Introduction to Anthropology
ANT 206 Cultural Anthropology
ANT 208 Language & Culture
ANT 395 Archaeology of Race and Class
ANT 495 Myth of Race
AED 501 Art Education Pedagogy and Assessment
AED 503 Art Education Issues, Research, and Practice
MBA 542 Marketing
COM 101 Public Speaking
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
COM 344 Intercultural Communication
COM 346 Interracial Communication
COM 465 Media and Popular Culture
CRW 305 The Creative Process
EDN 280 Play and Creative Arts
EDN 348 The Teaching of Communication Arts (K-6)
EDN 414 Integrating the Arts in the Elementary Curriculum
EDL 535 Equity Institute for Educational Leaders I
EDL 558 Social Justice Topics in Education
EDL 574 Social Action Research
EDL 575 Social Justice Issues
EDL 625 Developing Curriculum for Equity
ENG 230 Women in Literature
ENG 318 Writing and Activism
EBD 281 Creativity and Innovation
FNA 101 Cultures of the World Through Music and Dance
HST 260 African American History
HST 270 Global Issues in Historical Perspective
HST 290 The Practice of History
HST 333 American Social History
HST 580 Digitizing Black Wilmington
GLS 592 Special Topics in Liberal Studies: Identity, Difference, and Cultural Location
MKT 445 Marketing Strategy
MUS 106 Exploring Music
MUS 115 Music in Society
MUS 117 American Music
MUS 150 Introduction to Music Listening
MUS 245 Instrumental Techniques II
MUS 300 Applications of Music Theory
MUS 382 Music Industry
PAR 240 Religion, Race, Social Justice
PAR 355 Southern Religion
PLS 340 The Black Experience in American Politics
SOC 105 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 250 Issues in Social Justice
SOC 304 Popular Culture
WGS 210 Introduction to Women’s & Gender Studies

The Other Mozart (Oct. 20)

The Other Mozart
Friday, Oct. 20
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

Nannerl Mozart, the older sister of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was a prodigy lost to history. Written and performed by Sylvia Milo, The Other Mozart takes audiences on a journey through Nannerl's life, exploring her talents as a musician and the societal limitations she existed within. With elaborate costumes and a beautiful musical score, The Other Mozart is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful production. Nannerl's story highlights the often-overlooked contributions of historical female figures and pays homage to women in the arts.

ANT 105 Introduction to Anthropology
ANT 206 Cultural Anthropology
ANT 208 Language & Culture
AED 501 Art Education Pedagogy and Assessment
AED 503 Art Education Issues, Research, and Practice
COM 101 Public Speaking
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
CRW 201 Intro to Creative Writing
CRW 305 The Creative Process
CRW 316 Playwriting I
EDN 304 Creativity, Imagination, and Innovation in Education
EDN 551 Advocacy Reasearch Project I
EDL 535 Equity Institute for Educational Leaders I
EDL 558 Social Justice Topics in Education
EDL 574 Social Action Research
EDL 575 Social Justice Issues in Curriculum and Instruction
EDL 625 Developing Curriculum for Equity
ENG 230 Women in Literature
FNA 101 Cultures of the World Through Music and Dance
HST 270 Global Issues in Historical Perspective
HST 290 The Practice of History
HST 570 Public History Colloquium
HST 590 Comparative Historical Studies
GLS 592 Special Topics in Liberal Studies: Identity, Difference, and Cultural Location
MKT 342 Social Media Marketing
MKT 344 Branding
MUS 106 Exploring Music
MUS 115 Music in Society
MUS 351 Introduction to Music History I
SOC 250 Issues in Social Justice
SOC 304 Popular Culture
SOC 345 Sociology of the Family
SOC 350 Gender and Society
THR 121 Introduction to Theatre
THR 125 Introduction to Design
THR 165 Playscript Analysis
THR 230 Acting for Non-Majors
THR231 Acting Craft I – Self Discovery
THR 301 Physical & Vocal Expression I
THR 309 History of Fashion
THR 316 Playwriting I
THR 321 Western Theatre History I
THR 333 Craft of Acting III – Scene work
THR 355 Directing
THR 367 Women in Theatre
THR 371 Applied Dramaturgy
THR 380 Stage Management
WGS 210 Introduction to Women’s & Gender Studies
WGS 510 Feminist and Queer Theory

Ira Glass (Nov. 11)

Ira Glass
Saturday, Nov. 11
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

Ira Glass is a legendary journalist and host of the popular public radio program, This American Life. In Seven Things I’ve Learned, Glass uses audio clips, music, and videos to share insights and lessons from his prolific storytelling career. With equal attention to failure and success, Glass presents a fascinating exploration into the art of storytelling and provides a unique glimpse into the mind of one of its most accomplished practitioners.

ANT 105 Introduction to Anthropology
ANT 206 Cultural Anthropology
ANT 208 Language & Culture
ANT 318 Religion and Public Life
CHHS 210 Creating Happiness and Well-Being
EDN 304 Creativity, Imagination, and Innovation in Education
ENG 190 Adventures in Literature
COM 101 Public Speaking
COM 105 Introduction to Communication Studies
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 200 Research Methods
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 220 Interpersonal Communication
COM 231 Essentials of IMC
COM 232 Strategic Writing in IMC
COM 265 Communication Media
COM 268 Multimedia Journalism
COM 280 Introduction to Media Production
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
COM 320 Interpersonal Communication II
COM 361 Media Law and Ethics
COM 368 Applied Multimedia Journalism
COM 383 Audio Storytelling & Podcasts
COM 465 Media and Popular Culture
CRW 204 Research for Creative Writers
CRW 209 Creative Nonfiction I
CRW 305 The Creative Process
CRW 309 Creative Nonfiction Writing II
EBD 281 Creativity and Innovation
ENG 202 Introduction to Journalism
PAR 115 Introduction to Ethics
PAR 205 American Philosophy
PAR 313 Social and Political Philosophy
PLS 403 Public Opinion
SOC 105 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 240 Individuals and Societies in a Global World
SOC 300 Methods of Social Research
SOC 304 Popular Culture

The Second City: "What the Elf?" (Dec. 1)

The Second City: "What the Elf?"
Friday, Dec. 1
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

The Second City comedy troupe has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. The Second City holiday production, What the Elf? is a humorous and irreverent take on the traditional Christmas tale. What the Elf? is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying a great night of comedy. (Suggested for Audiences 17+)

ANT 105 Introduction to Anthropology
ANT 206 Cultural Anthropology
ANT 208 Language & Culture
ANT 318 Religion and Public Life
CHHS 210 Creating Happiness and Well-Being
COM 101 Public Speaking
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 200 Research Methods
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 220 Interpersonal Communication
COM 231 Essentials of IMC
COM 232 Strategic Writing in IMC
COM 265 Communication Media
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
COM 320 Interpersonal Communication II
COM 431 IMC: Brand Strategy & Research
COM 465 Media and Popular Culture
EDN 280 Play and Creative Arts
EDN 304 Creativity, Imagination, and Innovation in Education
EDN 414 Integrating the Arts
EBD 281 Creativity and Innovation
HST 333 American Social History
MKT 344 Branding
PAR 115 Introduction to Ethics
PAR 201 History of Western Philosophy
PAR 313 Social and Political Philosophy
PSY 105 General Psychology
PSY 211 Perception and Cognition
PSY 246 Psychology of Personality
PSY 256 Brain and Behavior
REC 265 Leisure and Society
REC 381 Meetings and Events
SWK 320 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SOC 304 Popular Culture
THR 121 Introduction to Theatre
THR 130 Improvisation
THR 165 Playscript Analysis
THR 232 Improvisation for Theatre Majors
THR 301 Physical & Vocal Expression I

Port City Poetry Jam featuring Dasan Ahanu (March 15)

Port City Poetry Jam featuring Dasan Ahanu
Friday, March 15
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

In collaboration with Wilmington’s Black Arts Alliance, Kenan Auditorium presents a line-up of local and regional poets. Dasan Ahanu, North Carolina’s 2023 Piedmont Poet Laureate, will grace the stage as the evening’s headliner. In addition to his accomplishments as a poet, Ahanu is a performer, educator, and community organizer. He has been actively involved in the arts and social justice movements for over two decades, using his talents and voice to uplift marginalized communities and amplify their stories.

AFN 130 Introduction to Africana Studies
AFN 235 Battle for Justice: Race and Voting
ANT 105 Introduction to Anthropology
ANT 206 Cultural Anthropology
ANT 208 Language and Culture
ANT 395 Archaeology of Race and Class
AED 503 Art Education Issues, Research, and Practice
COM 101 Public Speaking
COM 105 Introduction to Communication Studies
COM 116 Performance of Literature
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
COM 344 Intercultural Communication
COM 346 Interracial Communication
COM 356 Speech Writing
COM 465 Media and Popular Culture
CRW 201 Introduction to Creative Writing
CRW 203 Evolution of Creative Writing
CRW 208 Poetry Writing I
CRW 303 Poetry: Reading for Craft
CRW 305 The Creative Process
CRW 308 Creative Nonfiction Writing II
CRW 542 Poetry Writing Workshop
CRM 110 Crime and Justice Issues
CRM 307 Police in Society
CRM 315 Victimology
CRM 370 Racialization and the Criminal Justice System
EDN 200 Teacher, School, and Society
EDN 304 Creativity in Education
EDN 414 Integrating the Arts
EDN 551 Advocacy Reasearch Project I
EDN 552 Critical Issues in Higher Education
EDN 558 Social Justice Topics in Education
EDN 574 Social Action Research
EDN 575 Social Justice Issues
EDN 625 Developing Curriculum for Equity
EDL 535 Equity Institute for Educational Leaders I
ENG 101 College Writing and Reading I
ENG 110 Introduction to Literature
ENG 318 Writing and Activism
ENG 382 Ways of Teaching Literature
HST 105 United States from 1865 to Present
HST 260 African American History
HST 270 Global Issues in Historical Perspective
HST 290 The Practice of History
HST 333 American Social History
HST 480 Topics in Public History
LED 211 Principles of Leadership
LED 311 Communication and Leadership
LED 411 Contemporary Leadership Applications
GLS 592 Identity, Difference, and Cultural Location
PAR 101 Invitation to Philosophical Thinking
PAR 205 American Philosophy
PLS 340 The Black Experience in American Politics
SOC 105 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 215 Modern Social Problems
SOC 250 Issues in Social Justice
THR 110 Introduction to Theatre
THR 301 Physical & Vocal Expression I
THR 371 Applied Dramaturgy

Wilmington Dance Festival (April 12)

Wilmington Dance Festival
Friday, April 12
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

Wilmington Dance Festival showcases a diverse range of styles, from ballet and contemporary to hip-hop and African dance. Established in 2002, the festival has become a popular event in the Wilmington arts community, attracting locally and nationally recognized collaborators alike. In addition to performances, the festival also offers workshops and masterclasses for dancers of all ages and skill levels.The Wilmington Dance Festival provides a platform for communities to experience the power and beauty of dance.

AED 501 Art Education Pedagogy and Assessment
MBA 542 Marketing
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
COM 431 IMC: Brand Strategy & Research
COM 465 Media and Popular Culture
CRW 305 The Creative Process
EDN 304 Creativity, Imagination, and Innovation in Education
EXS 320 Exercise Physiology
EXS 321 Biomechanics
FNA 101 Cultures of the World through Music and Dance
MKT 344 Branding
PHY 101 Elementary College Physics I
PHY 102 Elementary College Physics II
PHY 201 General Physics I
PHY 202 General Physics II
PHY 321 Classical Dynamics I
PHY 335 Modern Physics
PHY 492 Experimental Physics
SOC 304 Popular Culture
THR 110 Introduction to Theatre Technology
THR 112 Dance Appreciation
THR 235 Modern Dance II
THR 342 Dance Improvisation and Composition

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (April 27))

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Saturday, April 27
7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium

Experience uproarious ballet with "The Trocks," the all-male comic ballet company renowned for en travesti and on-pointe performances. Join their 50th anniversary season for amazing virtuosity and hilarious parodies of your favorite works. Since 1974, "The Trocks" evolved from Off-Off Broadway to a major dance phenomenon, celebrated for cheeky humor and genuine reverence. Pioneers of diversity, their mission is to bring dance joy to all. Witness their sensational program, filled with playful views of classical ballet, leaving you in stitches. Enjoy the pleasure of dance with "The Trocks" as they share their artistry with a wide audience. Experience top-notch ballet with a humorous twist and celebrate their 50th year in style.

ANT 105 Introduction to Anthropology
ANT 206 Cultural Anthropology
AED 501 Art Education Pedagogy and Assessment
AED 503 Art Education Issues, Research, and Practice
MBA 542 Marketing
EDN 304 Creativity, Imagination, and Innovation in Education
EDN 558 Social Justice Topics in Education
EDN 575 Social Justice Issues
EDN 625 Developing Curriculum for Equity
EDL 549 LGBTQ Issues in Education
EDL 558 Social Justice Topics in Education
EDL 649 LGBTQ Issues in Education
EDL 535 Equity Institute for Educational Leaders I
EDL 574 Social Action Research
EDL 575 Social Justice Issues
COM 160 Engaging Contemporary Media
COM 212 Storytelling in the Community
COM 313 Storytelling and Community Engagement
COM 431 IMC: Brand Strategy & Research
COM 465 Media and Popular Culture
CRW 305 The Creative Process
EXS 320 Exercise Physiology
EXS 321 Biomechanics
FNA 101 Cultures of the World through Music and Dance
GLS 592 Special Topics in Liberal Studies: Identity, Difference, and Cultural Location
MKT 344 Branding
PHY 101 Elementary College Physics I
PHY 102 Elementary College Physics II
PHY 201 General Physics I
PHY 202 General Physics II
PHY 321 Classical Dynamics I
PHY 335 Modern Physics
PHY 492 Experimental Physics
PLS 304 Introduction to Public Policy Analysis
PLS 315 Contemporary Political Ideologies
PLS 403 Public Opinion
PSY 671 Psychology of Diversity
SOC 105 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 215 Modern Social Problems
SOC 240 Individuals and Societies in a Global World
SOC 250 Issues in Social Justice
SOC 304 Popular Culture
SOC 350 Gender and Society
SOC 503 Sociological Theory
SOC 550 Gender
THR 112 Dance Appreciation
THR 134 Ballet I
THR 205 Stage Make-Up I
THR 309 History of Fashion
THR 342 Dance Improvisation and Composition
WGS 212 Sexuality and Gender
WGS 510 Feminist and Queer Theory