Wharton Center seeks to connect people to engaging, creative opportunities that expand their minds and world view.
Through the Wharton Center Institute for Arts and Creativity, supported by MSU Federal Credit Union, we offer unique, valuable experiences for patrons to engage with the arts and further develop critical life skills. Our special programming—tied to captivating performances—infuses our lives with connection and meaning.
The creative engagements at Wharton Center are defined by our collaboration with many world-renowned artists who grace our stages: they come to us as performers and as teaching artists in classrooms. They are advocates for the creative process and innovative partners in the co-creation of new work. They provide us with new ways of expressing ourselves and viewing the world in which we live.
We offer many opportunities to engage, learn, and grow. Connect with us.
Our Take It From The Top musical theater workshops are taught by a vibrant, talented team of experienced Broadway professionals who take time out of their shows and schedules to come to East Lansing and engage with local students.
Wharton Center’s Young Playwrights Festival gives Michigan high school students the opportunity to see their one-act plays brought to life on the Pasant Theatre stage.
The Sutton Foster Awards are a year-long educational initiative that engages high school theatre programs across the state of Michigan. Schools are given in depth professional review of their productions, and their students are given opportunities to hone their craft. The program culminates in a public performance on Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall Stage.
Seeing a show on a Wharton Center stage can encompass so much more than sitting in the audience. For select performances each season, we are proud to offer opportunities for our patrons to connect with performers, learn from artists and ask questions to uncover the deeper meaning of works.