Wharton Center Helps Launch National Initiative to Fund Theater for Young Audiences

New Works Commissioned to Tour in 2026–2027 Season

EAST LANSING, MI – Wharton Center for Performing Arts has joined forces with eight other leading arts organizations across the country to launch the TYA Tour Development Collective, a new funding initiative supporting the creation of original, high-quality performances for children and families. Wharton Center’s involvement reflects its ongoing mission to inspire and empower the community through meaningful performing arts experiences.

The Collective’s first round of commissioning has awarded funding to four artists and companies whose projects are designed to connect with young audiences in meaningful and imaginative ways. The following works will be developed for national touring during the 2026–2027 season:

• Daniel Carlton – New York, NY An award-winning Harlem-based storyteller and playwright whose socially engaged performances blend music, history, and narrative to engage audiences of all ages.

• Joshua Holden – Brooklyn, NY A celebrated puppeteer and self-described “Ambassador of Joy.” Holden combines singing, tap, and whimsical puppetry in beloved shows like The Joshua Show.

• Honolulu Theatre for Youth – Honolulu, HI Founded in 1955, HTY is one of the U.S.’s oldest, culturally rooted TYA organizations, commissioning over 300 works and engaging 100,000+ youth yearly.

• Inlet Dance Theatre – Cleveland, OH A Cleveland-based contemporary troupe known for athletic, narrative-driven performances and strong educational outreach.

“Being a founding member of the TYA Tour Development Collective grew out of our deep commitment to supporting artists and advancing the field. Through this new partnership, we’re able to make a greater collective impact— strengthening our shared goals and bringing performances for young audiences to life in a truly collaborative way,” shared Eric Olmscheid, Executive Director of Wharton Center.

“Bringing new stories and productions to life is incredibly powerful. By supporting new works, we’re investing in the next generation of artists, audiences, and a lifelong love of live performance.”

The TYA Tour Development Collective was formed in Fall 2024 and is administered by Michigan Maven Creative Associates. The first cycle awarded $74,000 in commissioning support, with funding decisions made through a competitive national review process. Of the 34 applicants, 10 were invited to present to the Collective, and four were ultimately selected.

TYA Tour Development Collective includes:

• Alden Theatre – McLean, VA

• Dayton Live – Dayton, OH

• Des Moines Performing Arts – Des Moines, IA

• Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center – Auburn, AL

• Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College – Overland Park, KS

• Playhouse Square – Cleveland, OH

• Walton Arts Center – Fayetteville, AR

• Wharton Center for Performing Arts – East Lansing, MI

• Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University – Bethlehem, PA

The next funding cycle will open in Fall 2025.