WELCOME
At the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, every season is an invitation not just to be entertained, but to discover something new. From lifelong arts patrons to curious first timers, kids with big imaginations to seniors who finally have time to develop their creative spark, we hope everyone will find joy, connection, and inspiration here.
In that spirit, we are excited to introduce two new initiatives. The Wake Forest Arts Exchange creates opportunities for local professional and semi-professional art makers to join our mainstage series, while the Family Series expands access to highquality, educational entertainment designed for the youngest members of our community. Through both initiatives, we are proud to invest in local creativity and support families through the arts.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports the Centre by attending performances, participating in programs, volunteering, and giving generously. Your support allows us to offer a season as diverse as the community we serve – one that celebrates different voices, artistic styles, traditions, and generations.
Thank you for continuing to explore all that the Renaissance Centre has to offer. We are honored to be a part of this community, and grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you.
Amy Pridgen, Centre Director
2026–2027 SEASON
2026
SEPT 12 A Tangle of Tales
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS FAMILY SERIES
OCT 2–4 Misery
WAKE FOREST ARTS EXCHANGE
OCT 10 Diggery’s Dino Adventure FAMILY SERIES
OCT 30 Donna Washington: Of Blood and Bone MAINSTAGE THEATER
NOV 14 Adam Pascal: Broadway Unplugged MAINSTAGE THEATER
DEC 11–13 Little Women
WAKE FOREST ARTS EXCHANGE
DEC 17–19 Shaun Johnson & the Big Band Experience MAINSTAGE THEATER
2027
JAN 9 Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase
WAKE FOREST ARTS EXCHANGE
FEB 6 Mystery Theater: Lucky 13 MAINSTAGE THEATER
FEB 27 Cleveland Celtic Ensemble MAINSTAGE THEATER
APR 1 Let’s Be Frank
DONOR APPRECIATION EVENT MAINSTAGE THEATER
APR 15 & 16 Linda Davis with Lang Scott & Bill Whyte MAINSTAGE THEATER
MAY 2 The Suits MAINSTAGE THEATER
MAY 7 & 8 Dare to Dream Jr.
WAKE FOREST ARTS EXCHANGE
OF BLOOD AND BONE
SCARY STORIES & DESSERTS
Not for the faint of heart, this spine-tingling evening features bone-chilling tales from master storyteller Donna Washington. Journey into the dark, devilish, and downright terrifying corners of mortal life – and beyond.
And what’s a night of tricks without a little treat? Tickets include “death by chocolate” desserts to be enjoyed at a communal table with friends or at an intimate place setting for two. Purposefully blood-curdling, this event is recommended only for adults and the bravest of teens.
7:30 pm | Reserved tables
donna washington
BROADWAY UNPLUGGED
ACOUSTIC BROADWAY
Broadway star Adam Pascal performs highlights from his extraordinary career. Best known as the original Roger in Rent, Pascal also originated Radames in Aida and brought unforgettable leading performances to Cabaret and Something Rotten!
Experience this rock-musical powerhouse in an intimate evening of acoustic Broadway favorites.
2 pm & 7:30 pm | Reserved tiered seating
DEC 17–19
THE RUN RUN
RUDOLPH TOUR
shaun johnson & the big band experience
HOLIDAY BIG BAND
Ring in the holidays in classic style! Seven world-class musicians deliver timeless seasonal favorites as Emmy-winning vocalist Shaun Johnson leads this energetic, feel-good Big Band. Swing, jazz, and festive cheer abound in this joyful celebration of the season.
Dec 17 & 18 7:30 pm
Dec 19 2 pm
Reserved tiered seating
LUCKY 13
it’s a mystery
INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY THEATER
A group of strangers are called together to vie for a grand prize. When something sinister occurs, audience members must work together to solve the mystery. Can you solve the whodunnit before tragedy strikes again?
Sweet treats will fuel your sleuthing during a deliciously twisty mystery. The 11 am performance will include brunch pastries, fruit, and coffee. The 8 pm performance will include decadent desserts and coffee. A cash bar featuring beer, wine, and bubbly will be open for both shows.
11 am & 8 pm | Reserved tables
IRISH CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT
In Ireland, the neighbors would pick a house to ramble to in the evenings to share music, dance, and story. It was these settings that bore the humor, charm, and a sense of community that are exemplified in this show. Enjoy the best of both Celtic and chamber music in exciting and creative ways, as the Cleveland Celtic Ensemble blends Scottish and Irish bagpipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, harp, and dance to create a Celtic style all their own.
7:30 pm | Reserved seating
LET’S BE FRANK
sachal vasandani & christian tamburr
JAZZ REVUE OF FRANK SINATRA
Award-winning vocalist Sachal Vasandani embodies the powerhouse of big band with the emotional depth of an intimate performance. With inventive new arrangements by pianist, Christian Tamburr, this program reimagines the small-ensemble sound of Frank Sinatra. Audiences will hear selections drawn from his mid-1950s radio era, recordings from the late 1940s released by Columbia Records, and material inspired by his acclaimed 1959 Australian performances alongside the Red Norvo Quintet. 7:30 pm | General admission by section
This event is FREE for 2026-2027 Friends & Patrons of the Centre and Partners Circle Members. Please contact the Box Office for more information.
15&16
SONGS, STORIES & LAUGHTER
linda davis, lang scott & bill whyte
COUNTRY MUSIC
This intimate night of acoustic music, starring Grammy-award winner Linda Davis and hit songwriters Lang Scott and Bill Whyte, showcases hits, humor, and a whole lot of down-home appeal. Davis may be best known for “Does He Love You” a chart-topping, Grammy-winning duet with Reba McEntire. Scott, Davis’s husband, is a two-time Grammy winner and the first winner of TNN’s You Can Be A Star. Davis and Scott are the parents of Hillary Scott, the lead singer of Lady A. Whyte is a comedy songwriter and CMA award-winning radio personality. See these country music stars shine together as they light up the stage in Wake Forest! 7:30 pm | Reserved seating
THE SUITS
POPULAR HITS FROM THE 50 s –80 s
Four dynamic gentlemen. Four genres. Four decades of unforgettable music. That's The Suits!
Get ready for an evening of smooth choreography, tight harmonies, and irresistible charm as The Suits take audiences on a high-energy journey through the biggest hits of Motown, Doo Wop, Pop, and Rock from the 1950s through the 1980s. From “Oh, What a Night” and “My Girl” to “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” this talented quartet delivers one crowd-pleasing hit after another. 2 pm & 7 pm | Reserved seating
A TANGLE OF TALES
grey seal puppets
CHILDREN’S PUPPET THEATER
Join the Wake Forest Public Art Commission for a fun, free, and family-friendly event celebrating the vibrant arts community in Wake Forest. Take in new works of art, explore the Guild of Artists mini market, participate in hands-on experiences, and enjoy a variety of on- stage performances. The Grey Seal Puppets take the stage at 11 am with the featured performance “A Tangle of Tales.” 10 am | Free admission, no ticket required
DIGGERY’S DINO ADVENTURE
CHILDREN’S INTERACTIVE PUPPET THEATER
While presenting his remarkable dinosaur fossil collection to a live audience, Paleontologist Diggery accidentally activates the DinoSauroScope 3000—sending everyone hurtling back in time for an unforgettable, up-close encounter with living dinosaurs. Featuring enormous interactive puppets, music, magic, and realistic replica dino bones, this high-energy adventure is packed with thrills. Join Diggery on a rock-and-roaring prehistoric journey to help save the human race!
10 am & 2 pm | General admission
MISERY
firebox theatre company
THEATER
Firebox Theatre brings Misery by Stephen King to life in a gripping stage adaptation that promises intensity and intimacy in equal measure. The story follows a famous novelist who is rescued from a car accident by his self-proclaimed “number one fan,” only to discover that her devotion quickly turns into something far more dangerous. This production marks the first time the company’s founders will share the stage together, adding an extra layer of excitement for longtime supporters.
Oct 2 7:30 pm
Oct 3 2 pm & 7:30 pm
Oct 4 2 pm
General admission, limited seating
LITTLE WOMEN
firebox theatre company
THEATER
A heartfelt coming-of-age story, Little Women follows the lives, dreams, and challenges of the four March sisters—spirited Jo March, gentle Beth March, romantic Meg March, and artistic Amy Marchas they grow up together, navigating love, loss, ambition, and sisterhood. Celebrate the season with a stage adaptation of a beloved tale of resilience, compassion, and family.
Dec 11 7 pm
Dec 12 2 pm & 6:30 pm
Dec 13 2 pm & 6:30 pm
Reserved tiered seating
STARS OF THE FOREST
SHOWCASE OF TALENT
Celebrate the incredible talent of your friends and neighbors! This showcase may feature singers, dancers, instrumentalists, comedians, and more—all shining on one stage in a joyful celebration of local creativity. Open auditions Nov. 17.
2 pm & 7:30 pm | General admission, tiered seating
DARE TO DREAM JR.
carolina theater company
DISNEY MUSICAL REVUE
Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, this musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages. Enjoy the youthful magic of Disney performed by local, widely accomplished, professional singers and musicians.
May 7 7 pm
May 8 2 pm & 7 pm
General admission
SUPPORTING THE ARTS
JOIN THE CIRCLE
Our Partners Circle is comprised of dedicated businesses and individuals that generously support the arts in our community. Sponsorships begin at $500 and offer such benefits as your name or logo in the season brochure, on the Renaissance Centre website, and on the stage screen prior to Main Stage Performances. Your name will also be prominently displayed on our donor wall in the Centre lobby, and you will receive complimentary tickets to upcoming performances.
BE A FRIEND OR PATRON
By donating to our Friends ($125) or Patrons ($250) of the Centre, you will be eligible to purchase up to four tickets for all our shows before they go on sale to the public. Your name will also be displayed on the Renaissance Centre website and on the stage screen prior to our Main Stage Performances.
For more information on becoming a Friend or Patron of the Centre, scan the code to the right, visit wakeforestrencen.org or call 919-435-9458.
TICKET ON-SALE DATES
Patrons of the Centre
Friends of the Centre
General Public
AUG 18, 2026 10:00 am
AUG 19, 2026 10:00 am
AUG 26, 2026 10:00 am
PARTNERS CIRCLE SPONSORS
Ben and Nancy Clapsaddle
Don and Brenda Dobrick | Bob and Sam Hedrick
- - 919 556 3604
David and Maria McGee | Anna Lewis Shope, DDS
Alan and Paula Bohnwagner | Joe and June Bowman
Ruth Ann and Jim Dyer | Carol and Parris Geiser
Shawn and Jennifer Googins | Doug and Deborah Murray
Kip and Tracy Padgett | George and Patti Shiel | Aileen J. Staples
Bob and Alison Stuart | Anthony and Yvonne White
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts
405 S. Brooks St. Wake Forest, NC 27587
405 S. Brooks St. Wake Forest, NC 27587
Arts Annex: 407 S. Brooks St. Box Office: 919–435–9458, open Mon–Fri, 9 am–12 pm and 1–5 pm wakeforestrencen.org
stay in touch
Sign up to receive email updates about upcoming programs and events at the Renaissance Centre. Join our list at wakeforestrencen.org.
purchase tickets
Online: Visit wakeforestrencen.org to order advance tickets. A convenience fee applies for online ticket orders.
Email: rcboxoffice@wakeforestnc.gov
Phone: Call 919–435–9458 to purchase tickets over the phone.
Taxes apply to all ticket sales.
Please contact the Box Office for any ADA or accessibility services needed.
register for classes and programs
Visit wakeforestrencen.org and select the “Education” tab, then select “Classes” to see our programming selections.
