Community Calendar

Forward Motion Dance Company presents a stunning and innovative dance event with their annual performance - CAPE FEAR ARTS IN MOTION: WINDS, RYTHM, AND SOUL! This performance unites dancers with musical and visual artist to bring the art form of modern, contemporary, hip hop, classical and jazz dance to the beautiful and historic THALIAN HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. This is a varied and collaborative event that showcases the talents of Choreographer Tracey Varga. Presenting new performances along with re-creations of dances from the past, including several pieces with original film works by filmmaker Patrick Ogelvie, including one with an exciting new teen piece featuring teenage dancers from local studios. In a new classical piece, a trio of flutist. Sallie Dunn, Sarah Hand, and Mary Gheen will perform live onstage with the dancers. All three flutists are active in performance and education in the Wilmington community, as well as members of the Wilmington Flute Choir.
Forward Motion Dance Company is excited to invite Phillip Clyde Bernier as guest choreographer. Phillip is a Wilmington Based performer and choreographer, songwriter, recording artist, and arts educator with a multi-genre carrier, who now is owner and lead instructor of Wilmington Hip Hop Dance, where he mentors and trains young performers in confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

This exciting show is not to be missed, so come be astounded by an inspired evening of music, film, and modern, contemporary, classical and jazz dance that Cape Fear Arts in Motion in Motion: WINDS, RHYTHM, AND SOUL brings to the main stage of the beautiful and historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Forward Motion Dance is proud to be a resident dance company at THCPA and of our legacy of bringing quality dance performance to this historic venue. Since 2004, FMD a Wilmington, NC. based non-profit
501(C) (3) dance organization, has upheld it mission to provide local and regional communities with quality modern and contemporary dance and education in the art of dance, as well as enhance the local arts community by providing performance opportunities for area dancers and performance artists. FMD is an all-volunteer organization proudly supported by local, state and national grants, and community sponsors. To learn mor information please visit our Facebook page or www.forwardmotiondance.org.

Showtimes
Dates: Friday September 11, 2026 - Sunday September 20, 2026
Friday - Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 2nd Street Stage Hannah Block
Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon the Musical JR
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Originally developed through the DreamWorks Theatricals/
Music Theatre International Emerging Writers Program

Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage.
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
How to Train Your Dragon JR. was created through the DreamWorks Theatricals Emerging Writers Program, a collaboration between DreamWorks Theatricals, Music Theatre International, and NBC Universal.

Forward Motion Dance Company presents a stunning and innovative dance event with their annual performance - CAPE FEAR ARTS IN MOTION: WINDS, RYTHM, AND SOUL! This performance unites dancers with musical and visual artist to bring the art form of modern, contemporary, hip hop, classical and jazz dance to the beautiful and historic THALIAN HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. This is a varied and collaborative event that showcases the talents of Choreographer Tracey Varga. Presenting new performances along with re-creations of dances from the past, including several pieces with original film works by filmmaker Patrick Ogelvie, including one with an exciting new teen piece featuring teenage dancers from local studios. In a new classical piece, a trio of flutist. Sallie Dunn, Sarah Hand, and Mary Gheen will perform live onstage with the dancers. All three flutists are active in performance and education in the Wilmington community, as well as members of the Wilmington Flute Choir.
Forward Motion Dance Company is excited to invite Phillip Clyde Bernier as guest choreographer. Phillip is a Wilmington Based performer and choreographer, songwriter, recording artist, and arts educator with a multi-genre carrier, who now is owner and lead instructor of Wilmington Hip Hop Dance, where he mentors and trains young performers in confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

This exciting show is not to be missed, so come be astounded by an inspired evening of music, film, and modern, contemporary, classical and jazz dance that Cape Fear Arts in Motion in Motion: WINDS, RHYTHM, AND SOUL brings to the main stage of the beautiful and historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Forward Motion Dance is proud to be a resident dance company at THCPA and of our legacy of bringing quality dance performance to this historic venue. Since 2004, FMD a Wilmington, NC. based non-profit
501(C) (3) dance organization, has upheld it mission to provide local and regional communities with quality modern and contemporary dance and education in the art of dance, as well as enhance the local arts community by providing performance opportunities for area dancers and performance artists. FMD is an all-volunteer organization proudly supported by local, state and national grants, and community sponsors. To learn mor information please visit our Facebook page or www.forwardmotiondance.org.

Free 55+ Acting Workshops

Step into the spotlight with acclaimed performer, director, and educator Diane Coupe Frankel. Whether you are new to the stage or looking to sharpen your performance skills, these engaging adult acting classes offer a welcoming environment to explore character development stage presence, improvisation, and performance technique. Students will benefit from Diane’s extensive professional background and supportive teaching style while gaining confidence, creativity, and stronger acting skills in a fun and collaborative atmosphere.

Call 910-341-7860 to register!

Workshop Times:
12:30 - 2pm

Workshop Dates:
Beginner Acting 101 - July 11
Basic Scene Study - August 15
Cold Reading - September 19
Improvisational Acting Basics - October 17

More info at wilmingtoncommunityarts.org/free-acting-workshops/

Showtimes
Dates: Friday September 11, 2026 - Sunday September 20, 2026
Friday - Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 2nd Street Stage Hannah Block
Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon the Musical JR
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Originally developed through the DreamWorks Theatricals/
Music Theatre International Emerging Writers Program

Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage.
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
How to Train Your Dragon JR. was created through the DreamWorks Theatricals Emerging Writers Program, a collaboration between DreamWorks Theatricals, Music Theatre International, and NBC Universal.

Showtimes
Dates: Friday September 11, 2026 - Sunday September 20, 2026
Friday - Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 2nd Street Stage Hannah Block
Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon the Musical JR
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Originally developed through the DreamWorks Theatricals/
Music Theatre International Emerging Writers Program

Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage.
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
How to Train Your Dragon JR. was created through the DreamWorks Theatricals Emerging Writers Program, a collaboration between DreamWorks Theatricals, Music Theatre International, and NBC Universal.

Showtimes
Dates: Friday September 11, 2026 - Sunday September 20, 2026
Friday - Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 2nd Street Stage Hannah Block
Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon the Musical JR
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Originally developed through the DreamWorks Theatricals/
Music Theatre International Emerging Writers Program

Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage.
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
How to Train Your Dragon JR. was created through the DreamWorks Theatricals Emerging Writers Program, a collaboration between DreamWorks Theatricals, Music Theatre International, and NBC Universal.

Event submission for Free 55+ Dance Workshops

Join us for a lively workshop that starts with a gentle warm-up, followed by easy-to-learn dance moves and a fun routine. You'll explore expressive dance-acting, boost your confidence. and enjoy moving together at a comfortable pace. Then we will finish with a soothing stretch to leave you feeling energized and refreshed!

Call 910-341-7860 to register!

Workshop Times: 10:30am - 12pm

Workshop Dates: July 25, August 29, September 26, October 31, November 14, December 12

More info at wilmingtoncommunityarts.org/classes-and-events/take-the-stage-a-performing-arts-series-for-55/workshops/

Event submission for Free 55+ Dance Workshops

Join us for a lively workshop that starts with a gentle warm-up, followed by easy-to-learn dance moves and a fun routine. You'll explore expressive dance-acting, boost your confidence. and enjoy moving together at a comfortable pace. Then we will finish with a soothing stretch to leave you feeling energized and refreshed!

Call 910-341-7860 to register!

Workshop Times: 10:30am - 12pm

Workshop Dates: July 25, August 29, September 26, October 31, November 14, December 12

More info at wilmingtoncommunityarts.org/classes-and-events/take-the-stage-a-performing-arts-series-for-55/workshops/

Reconnect with your roots and the earth this summer. We are thrilled to host community dance classes that center on grounded, expansive movement influenced by cultural and indigenous traditions. Together, we will channel our energy through intentional motion, creating a space for wellness, strength, and collective storytelling. We look forward to moving with you. All are welcomed.