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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

Broadway's Next Hit Musical: Musical Improv 101
Sept. 12, 2023 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Kenan Auditorium 

This workshop will focus on the basics of musical improvisation, including the fundamentals of melody and the organic creation of song structure. Students will be given tools and techniques for how to improvise a memorable melody in the moment. Exercises will be done in both full groups, as well as in solos, duets and trios. Students will walk away knowing how to create a melody in the moment that listeners will have stuck in their ears for days to come.

Focus will be on the basic elements of musical improvisation, including:

  1. Creation of melodic ‘hooks’
  2. Letting melody dictate structure
  3. Physical connection to inspire the voice

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER For Musical improv 101.
Broadway's Next Hit Musical: Improv 101
Sept. 12, 2023 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Kenan Auditorium 

An improvisation workshop that teaches the basic rules of improvisation using interactive group exercises and games. Students will focus on introducing and learning the three basic rules of improvisation:

  1. Say Yes And
  2. Make Your Partner Look Good
  3. Mistakes are Gifts - Have Fun

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for improv 101.

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.

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 (KAC) 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 Alexis Dickerson with any questions.

Please note:

  • Availability of student tickets is limited and varies, so early submission is recommended.
  • If you are not requiring your entire class to attend the screening please only submit a request for those who are wanting to attend as most shows are reserved seating.
  • Make sure to include yourself and a plus one in the ticket request.

UNCW Faculty: Request KAC Tickets Here!