The Carolina Theatre: Making Magical Moments for Our Youth

Whether they’re in the audience for an Arts Discovery Educational Series field trip or stepping into the spotlight with one of our community partners, the Carolina Theatre gives young people enriching opportunities to be involved in, inspired by, and fully experience the magic of live performance.

“Our students had the opportunity to visit the Carolina Theater on a field trip to watch and listen to some scenes from the Nutcracker by the Triangle Youth Ballet. The students were in awe of the beautiful performance space and were excited to watch some dances from the Nutcracker live on a stage. They enjoyed the sounds of each song demonstrated by the live instruments and found some of the costumes beautiful and some hilarious. Several of our students recognized the Nutcracker tunes within the first few seconds of playing, while others felt so enthralled by the dancing that they asked if they could hop on stage and dance as well! The singalong at the end was a huge hit for some of our wigglier students. The staff at the Carolina Theater were so patient and helpful as we shuttled our kids in and out of the theater. I feel grateful that our students were able to have this performance experience together!”  –Abigail Lloyd, Music Teacher, Forest View Elementary 

“The Carolina Theatre is one of the first places where I really saw what a full stage performance felt like. Alvin Ailey and Walltown Children’s Theatre’s “Bangin” were the first shows I watched in a space that big. I had already loved the arts before that, but seeing work on that level in a real venue opened things up for me. It made everything feel larger, like there was a whole world out there I hadn’t stepped into yet. 

A little while later, I ended up taking dance classes at Walltown, not even realizing at first that they were the same folks who created the “Bangin” show I watched. When they brought the play back and cast me as the antagonist, it felt like life was coming full circle. Even though that performance didn’t happen at the Carolina Theatre, the connection to it still ran deep. Since then, I’ve had the chance to perform on that stage with Walltown and recently to help raise funds for the Theatre. Being part of that felt meaningful because it’s one of the places that shaped how I saw the arts growing up. 

The Carolina Theatre gave me confidence. Seeing shows there helped me believe that there was space for someone like me in the arts. Every time I’ve been on that stage, it reminds me why I chose this life and why I’m still here doing the work. Places like the Carolina Theatre give you moments that stick with you. They show you what’s possible before you even realize you’re ready for it. For me, it was one of those early signs that this path was real, and that I could build something out of the thing I love.” –Jose Velasquez, Founder and Artistic Director at Soul Struck 

The moments that happen on our stage don’t end when the curtain falls. They ripple outward into classrooms where confidence takes root, into artists who find their footing on this historic stage, and into a community that still believes in gathering together to share these experiences together. None of this happens by accident. It happens because people like you choose to support a place where creativity is welcomed, curiosity is encouraged, and the arts remain accessible to all. Please consider making a gift to help continue making these magical moments possible.

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