Guest artists are frequently on our Academy campus. Working with professional artists allows students to learn from adults who share the same passions and interests. No other WCPSS magnet middle brings in more professional artists to collaborate with students.

Guest artists either perform, conduct workshops, and master classes, or work in residence for longer, more involved arts experiences.

In 2022, the Academy celebrated a return to in-person learning after the pandemic. We hosted a special series of workshops and residency experiences which included 13 professional artists on our campus in one semester of learning.

Past Guest Artists in Performance Have Included:

Dancer/Choreographer Chuck Davis

African American Dance Ensemble

Vocal Ensemble The Beast

Burning Coal Theatre (Returning in 2023)

Storyteller Donna Washington

Actor Mike Wiley (Returning in 2023)

Transit Vocal

Past Guest Artist Workshops Have Included:

Living Rhythms Percussion Ensemble

Adaptive Musicians Push Play Sing

Clay Artist Senora Lynch (Returning in 2022)

Musicians from the NC Symphony

Burning Coal Theatre

Justice Theatre Project

NC Museum of Art

Degrees of Brass (2022-2023)

Past Artists in Residence Include:

Black Box Dance Theatre

Burning Coal Theatre

Painter Anna Podris

Painter Keith Norvall

Painter Leni Newell

Wire Artist Johnathan Daniel

Writer/Poet Michael Beadle

NC Theatre Conservatory