Sam’s April Newsletter – I have so much to tell you (like…a lot)

Hey there, Pen Pal! Sam here. Thanks for letting me pop into your inbox for a bit. I hope you’re doing well and that life is treating you kindly. Do something sweet for yourself today. You deserve it. 💛

Transparent moment: I honestly can’t remember the last time I had this much to share in one newsletter. There’s so much happening at the Wheel right now, and as much as I love that, we should probably just jump right in, right? Here’s everything you need to know:

🎪 Coming Up at the Wheel…

🍻 Music for Movies – April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

This Saturday, we’re teaming up with Hoplore Brewing Co. for a Symphony concert like you’ve never experienced before. Here’s the deal: Doors open at 6:00, and Hoplore will be on site with a curated beer selection at the bar just for the night. Then at 6:30 SHARP, we’re kicking things off with trivia. And yes, there’s a prize involved, so come ready.

The concert starts at 7:00 and features some of the most powerful movie scores ever composed, live choir vocals, and our 2026 Young Artist Competition winner, Manish Eapen, will be joining the Symphony!

Movie orchestral music. Live singing. Trivia. Beer. It’s a pretty great Saturday night. Just don’t be late for trivia! I’m serious. Click HERE for tickets or grab them at the door.

🎠 Local Auditions for Professional Theatre – May 2

Scott Michaels needs your talent! We’re casting local talent for our summer season, and here’s who we’re looking for:

• Adults 30+ for the Footloose ensemble

• Kids ages 11-18 for the Carousel ensemble

I’ll be honest with you, there are a lot of details. Rehearsals, expectations, all of it. Too much to squeeze in here. So this is your heads up: do your research and click HERE to get all the details. If you’ve got questions, email the man himself directly at scottmichaels@wagonwheelcenter.org.

🎭 Broadway 360 Showcase – May 10 at 5:00 p.m.

This one’s really special. Our first-ever Broadway 360 Showcase is happening Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 on the Wagon Wheel stage. Broadway 360 is our brand new, audition-based pre-professional training program through the Conservatory, and this showcase is your chance to see what these students have been working toward.

It’s a celebration of local talent, accessible arts education, and the kind of growth that happens when students are taken seriously as artists. And the best part? Your ticket directly supports the future of this program. Click HERE for tickets.

☀️ Summer Workshops (and a little newsletter exclusive…)

Summer Conservatory workshops are officially OPEN for registration! If you’ve got a student completing grades 1-12, we want to work with them. I’ll be directing grades 1-2, 3-4, and 5-7, and for our high schoolers…newsletter exclusive time:

We’ve secured the licensing! Into the Woods is officially happening!

Wagon Wheel Professional Theater alumni (and husband + wife dream team) Matthew Janisse and Carolyn Anne Miller are leading it, and it’s going to be something really special. I don’t know about you, but Into the Woods is (maybe) my favorite musical of all time. Click HERE to register, and remember, financial assistance is available. Every student deserves to shine on the Wagon Wheel stage.

🎉 Summer Launch Party – May 22

Okay…I’ve been waiting for this one. Do you remember when I told you in my last newsletter that we were cooking up something brand new for you before opening night of our summer season? I can finally tell you! We’re throwing a Summer Launch Party Fundraiser!

Because here’s the truth: Wagon Wheel is a nonprofit, which means everything we do exists only because of people like you and your generosity beyond buying a ticket to a show. And if you’re going to be the fuel behind what we do, we want to celebrate that with you. So we’re throwing a party!

Your ticket is pay-what-you-can (starting at $20), and there’s a pretty incredible VIP option that includes a private open bar and champagne toast with the cast…the kind of moment you’ll remember forever.

And then…wait for it…we keep the night going! Head downtown to Atelier for the After Party with a DJ and drinks from Falling Rabbit. You already know the vibe.

There are a lot of details for this one, so click HERE to get the full scoop. Just keep in mind that no matter what you pay, your ticket is not a tax-deductible donation. If you’d like to make one of those beyond your ticket purchase, you still absolutely can by clicking HERE!

I cannot wait to celebrate with you! 🥳