
ACT! for Youth (AFY) is a program of Wilson Arts whose purpose is to provide live theater opportunities for the youth of Wilson County and surrounding areas. Productions are open to children in kindergarten through high school who live in Wilson County, or whose parent(s) live or work in Wilson County, or those who are contributors to Wilson Arts at the family level or greater. The performances are open to the public, and school day performances are also offered during the school year.
Ticket Information for ACT! For Youth
Show tickets are available approximately 6 weeks prior to each show and are General Admission seating. To purchase your tickets for ACT! for Youth performances, please stop by the box office at the Wilson Arts Center during our regular business hours (Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), call us directly at (252) 291-4329 to purchase over the phone with a credit card, or click the applicable link below to purchase safely on-line (processing fees apply).
School Performances: Thursday, March 30 at 9 a.m. & 12 p.m. / $5 per person
Public Performances: March 31 & April 1 at 7:30 p.m.; April 2 at 3:00 p.m.
Edna Boykin Cultural Center / 108 Nash Street NE
Tickets: $12 Adults / $10 Seniors & Students
One of the most popular children's plays in Great Britain, professionally toured throughout Scandinavia, and the subject of broad-based critical acclaim, this stimulating interpretation of Pinocchio reaches out and captures youthful audiences with unprecedented spirit. The timeless story of the wooden puppet who must earn the right to fulfill his longing to be a real boy brilliantly conveys lessons of responsibility and respect for the feelings of others. A charmingly innocent, powerfully believable play.
Tickets may be purchased using the purchase ticket button, by calling 252-291-43296, or at the Wilson Arts Center during business hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). If you are an educator interested in bringing a group to a school show performance, please use the Field Trip form found on this webpage. You may contact Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Pridgen at stephanie@wilsonarts.com with any further questions.
“Pinocchio (Way)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Field Trip Opportunities for Local Students
Wilson Arts is pleased to provide opportunities for you to bring your students to see student-led performances during the day as a part of your school enrichment curriculum. The ACT for Youth program, which is funded through Wilson Arts, includes elementary, middle and high school students and has a reputation for being a top- notch program among youth theater programs in our region!
All performances are at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center (108 Nash St NE) in historic downtown Wilson.
Tickets are $5 per seat. We request a 25% deposit to officially reserve seats since space is limited! (If you are unable to pay the deposit, you can have your school principal sign the booking confirmation and the full amount will be due on or before the day of the event.)
Interested or want more information?
Please contact Stephanie Pridgen at 252-291-4329 x107 or email stephanie@wilsonarts.com
Auditions
Audition dates for the 2023-2024 season coming soon!
Auditions are always held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash St NE, unless otherwise noted.If you have questions, please reach out to Shaun Braswell at shaun@wilsonarts.com
Visit the link above to view/download the audition guidelines for the ACT! for Youth Program. These guidelines are applicable to all auditions for all ACT! for Youth productions.
Advertise your business AND support ACT! for Youth
YOU can play a part in our ACT! for Youth season through business advertising.
Use the button below to access the form needed, select the size ad you desire, and send your artwork prior to the due date. You may use the same ad for the entire season, or you have the opportunity to modify the copy/content of your ad prior to each show.
If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Pridgen at stephanie@wilsonarts.com
Crettie Mitchell Morgan ACT! for Youth Memorial Scholarship
The Crettie Mitchell Morgan Memorial Scholarship is awarded by Wilson Arts to one ACT! for Youth performer per show to help cover the cost of participation fees. The criteria for eligibility include:
- Must have participated in at least 1 previous ACT! for Youth show
- Must be a member of the cast or crew in the current production
- Exhibits leadership skills within the program and community
- Exhibits high moral character and be a positive role model for other participants
- Displays respect for others in the cast, crew and production teams, including all directors associated with the show
- Provides positive support and encouragement to their peers
- Embraces new opportunities and roles within the theater program, with a willingness to try new things
- Fosters growth of the ACT! for Youth program through community interaction and involvement
- Exemplifies outstanding character and behavior
The Emperor & the Nightingale and Turn the Page videos are now available on-demand for streaming on your personal device!
Missed the livestream of these epic performances? Now's your chance to see it at your leisure - available on-demand through ShowTix4U (price varies depending on how many devices you wish to stream on). Visit the show specific link to purchase a "48 hour pass" and enjoy this family-friendly show in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere!).