Where Students Take the Stage: Celebrating the Arts in Elmbrook
Photography by Jill Emmer
As seen in the October 2025 issue of Brookfield Living Magazine
By Jen Moran, Marketing and Communications Director
From the moment a child picks up an instrument, steps onto a stage, or raises their voice in song, something remarkable happens. The arts are not just an outlet for creativity—they are a catalyst for growth. Studies show that students who participate in music, theater, and other performing arts consistently outperform their peers in academic achievement, develop stronger social-emotional skills, and are more likely to thrive in their future careers. Whether it’s the teamwork required to bring a play to life, the discipline of daily practice in band or orchestra, or the confidence gained from singing before an audience, the performing arts provide students with tools that extend far beyond the stage.
The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts has had a pivotal role in the Elmbrook School District since it’s inception over 20 years ago. Thanks to the former Brookfield Mayor Kathryn Bloomberg and other community leaders for recognizing the need for a dedicated arts facility to enrich both the local schools and the broader Brookfield community. A key part of the Wilson Center’s creation was its strategic partnership with the Elmbrook School District. Today, the Wilson Center and the Elmbrook School District enjoy a thriving partnership. The Center reserves up to 90 days per year for school events – ranging from choir and band concerts, to orchestra performances, theater productions and more. In 2024, more than 2,500 Elmbrook students in band, orchestra, choir and theater performed on the Jorgensen Stage, and approximately 11,000 tickets were sold for these school events – a testament to the magnitude of the Wilson Center’s impact on arts education in the district.
Brookfield Central High School theater director, Dan Pronley shares, “Theater builds real-world life skills for young people; self-confidence, teamwork and empathy - all the things the world needs more than ever.”
Mark Hansen, Superintendent, Elmbrook School District adds, “The partnership between the Elmbrook School District and the Wilson Center is something truly special. It's a testament to our community's commitment to providing students with opportunities to showcase their hard work and creativity in a professional setting. We're proud to be a part of their journey, whether they're in a full-scale musical production or a band concert.”
This school year, we invite you to attend one of the upcoming Elmbrook productions at the Wilson Center. These high-quality performances consistently receive accolades and awards across the State. Visit our website for details and tickiets.
Elmbrook Students perform at the Wilson Center up to 90 days each school year.
· Brookfield Central: Something Rotten, November 21-23, 2025
· Brookfield East: Pippin, December 4-7, 2025
· Wisconsin Hills Middle School: Frozen, Jr., January 22-24, 2026
· Pilgrim Park Middle School: Matilda, February 12-14, 2026
· Tonawanda Elementary Musicals: February 19, 2026 and March 10, 2026
· Brookfield Elementary: Sponge Bob the Musical, March 6-7, 2026
· Brookfield East Play Performance: TBA, April 23-26, 2026
In addition to school musicals, the Wilson Center hosts band, orchestra, choir concerts and other events for the Elmbrook School District such as:
· Distinguished Young Women’s Scholarship Event
· 3-minute Film Festival
· LAUNCH three times a year which showcases over 700 students who presents projects in varying categories to top businesses in Southeast Wisconsin.
Band, Orchestra and Choir performances are typically not ticketed. Please see each individual school for dates and details for band, orchestra and choir performances. See the Wilson Center website for ticket sales for Elmbrook School musicals.