Young Artists Begin Here

Pilgrim Park Middle School theatre students perform during Matilda, Jr. on the Wilson Center stage.

How the Wilson Center's partnership with the Elmbrook School District has inspired generations of students—and continues to grow.

By Jennifer Moran, Director of Marketing and Communications

When the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts was envisioned more than 25 years ago, it was created with a unique purpose: to serve both the community and the students of the Elmbrook School District. From the beginning, community leaders recognized that a dedicated arts center could provide professional-caliber opportunities for students while enriching the cultural life of Greater Brookfield.

That vision remains at the heart of the Wilson Center today.

As outlined in the Center's founding partnership with the Elmbrook School District, the Wilson Center was established not only as a home for professional performances and community arts organizations, but also as a place where students can learn, create, perform and grow. Each year, the Center reserves up to 90 days for Elmbrook school performances and educational events, ensuring generations of young artists have the opportunity to perform on the same Jorgensen Stage as internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers and entertainers.

This past school year, more than 2,500 Elmbrook students participated in band, orchestra, choir and theater performances at the Wilson Center. These experiences help students build confidence, develop collaboration and creativity, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Those experiences leave a lasting impression not only on students, but on their families. As Elmbrook parent Jill L. reflects, "Watching our children grow from elementary school performers into confident young artists has been incredible. The Wilson Center gives students the opportunity to perform on a professional stage—an experience they'll remember for the rest of their lives."

This season's student theater schedule* includes:

  • Brookfield Central High School – Big Fish (November 20–22)

  • Brookfield East High School – Mean Girls (December 3–6)

  • Wisconsin Hills Middle School – Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. (January 21–23, 2027)

  • Pilgrim Park Middle School – Newsies, Jr. (February 11–13, 2027)

  • Brookfield Elementary School – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jr. (March 5–6, 2027)

  • Tonawanda Musical – TBA (April 12, 2027)

  • Brookfield Academy – Hadestown(February 2027)

  • Brookfield East Play – TBA (April 22-26, 2027)

*Dates subject to change. Please visit www.wilson-center.com for details.

While the Wilson Center's partnership with the Elmbrook School District remains central to our founding mission, we are equally excited to welcome Brookfield Academy to the Wilson Center family this season. As a new educational partner, Brookfield Academy will bring student performances and concerts to our stages, expanding opportunities for young artists and strengthening our shared commitment to arts education throughout the Brookfield community.

Whether it's a fifth-grade concert, a middle school musical or a high school production, every student who steps onto the Jorgensen Stage becomes part of a tradition that has inspired young performers for more than two decades. We look forward to another memorable season of celebrating the arts—and the students who make them come alive.

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"I got my first chance to perform at the Wilson Center in sixth grade. I loved making new friends and working with the director, but my favorite part is making people laugh. Playing Mr. Wormwood in Matilda Jr. last year gave me the chance to do that!" — Allen W., Pilgrim Park Middle School

SLWCA