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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

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
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
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
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?"
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
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
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
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 
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