Inspiring Young Artists: Real-World Creativity in the Classroom

At East Millbrook, we believe that learning from working artists brings a whole new level of inspiration to our students. Through our Guest Artist Program, students connect with professional dancers, musicians, visual artists, actors, and designers who share their talents, stories, and creative process right here on our campus.

Each year, we welcome 6–8 visiting artists who work with students through live performances, hands-on workshops, master classes, and longer-term classroom residencies. School-wide performances spark excitement and curiosity, while smaller classroom visits allow students to dive deeper and receive personal guidance from artists in the field. Whether your child is in a core class or an arts elective, every student at EM3 gets the chance to experience the magic of a visiting artist.

Growing Hearts and Minds

The impact of these experiences goes far beyond the stage or studio. Research—and our own daily experience—shows that arts education builds empathy, boosts academic achievement, and supports personal growth. We’re proud to offer a learning environment that helps students grow not only as thinkers, but as thoughtful, expressive individuals.

Past Guest Artists in Performance Have Included:

Ballethnic Dance Company

African American Dance Ensemble

Aggregate Theatre

Storyteller Donna Washington

Actor Mike Wiley 

Greg Gelb La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quartet

Past Guest Artist Workshops Have Included:

Visual Artist Peter Marin

Living Rhythms Percussion Ensemble

Musicians from the NC Symphony

Burning Coal Theatre

Degrees of Brass

Past Artists in Residence Include:

Black Box Dance Theatre

Burning Coal Theatre

Painters Anna Podris and Keith Norvall

Painter Leni Newell

Wire Artist Johnathan Daniel

Writer/Poet Michael Beadle

NC Theatre Conservatory

Visual Artist Shannon Newby

Cellist Shana Tucker

Visual Artist Senora Lynch

Adaptive Music Artists Push Play Sing