Residency Programs

For more than 25 years, Wharton Center has generated state and national prominence for its success with touring megahits and sold-out sensations. However, at its core Wharton Center is more than a space to entertain; it is a place to educate, engage and inspire.

What is an artist-in-residence?

An artist-in-residence is a professional performer with a dual role as a "teaching artist." During a multi-day stay on campus and in our community, an artist-in-residence shares his or her expertise and insights on creativity during close interaction with youth and lifelong learners.

Artist-in-residence programs often include lecture demonstrations on campus and in the community, master classes, career development discussions, and opportunities for one-on-one and group mentoring. No two programs are the same. Some focus on only one discipline such as performing, while most strive to integrate the creative process into all areas of study and interest, not just the arts.

Wharton Center prides itself on offering meaningful, participatory lifelong learning programs both at Wharton Center and throughout the state for audiences of all ages. Artist-in-residence programs are increasingly becoming the cornerstone of its education programs, in large part because they provide a nurturing environment to engage in the creative process and discover the fundamental value of the performing arts.

Residencies for the 2008-2009 season include:

Wynton Marsalis

An advocate, educator and cultural leader, Marsalis is committed to improving people's lives through music, and his contributions to the arts paint a portrait of his character and humanity.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada

Michigan State University and Wharton Center for Performing Arts are proud to partner with North America's largest classical repertory theater, the internationally renowned Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada, for a series of annual teaching and performing residencies in East Lansing.

Sophie Milman

Barely 24 years old, Sophie Milman has already seen and done more than many people twice her age. Since her self-titled debut was released in 2004, Milman has become one of the hottest and sultry singers in jazz.

Tiempo Libre

Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre, one the hottest young Latin bands today, returns by popular demand after their energetic performance at Wharton Center in 2006.