It’s never too late or too early to learn and grow. We offer a diverse range of engaging and educational youth and community arts programs for learners of all ages, from children and teenagers to working adults and retirees. Whether you join us for an arts summer camp, try out a dance class or play in a community ensemble, our dedicated faculty and staff create a safe and supportive environment for you to develop your artistic skills, gain confidence and explore your unique talents.
In addition to the youth and community arts programs below, you may be interested to know that UWM provides options for high school students to earn college credit through the Office of Dual Enrollment. Every semester, hundreds of high school students are enrolled in UWM courses that meet on campus or in their high schools.
Upcoming Programs
- Oct11October 11, 2023, 8:45am - 5:15pm
- Oct13October 13, 2023, 8:00am - 3:00pm
- Nov4November 4, 2023, 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Nov17November 17, 2023 - November 19, 2023
Performing Arts
Fall, Spring
Ages 18+
Ages 18+
Interested in learning about a day in the life of a dance major? Purchase a voucher to join us for a class with first-year majors and discover what it’s all about! You can choose to attend a single class or a bundle of ten.
February 2
Grades 9–12
Grades 9–12
High School Workshop Day is the best way for high school groups and classes to learn from our internationally known faculty and to experience what it’s like to study dance at the college level.
February 2
Grades 9–12
Grades 9–12
Presenting a special matinee for high school groups and students including an audience talkback with the opportunity to learn about the performance and life as a UWM dance student.
July 21–23
Ages 14+
Ages 14+
Designed for young dance artists seeking to deepen their dance practice, you will discover new techniques and build bridges that lead to pursuing dance professionally and in higher education.
Nov 4
All Ages
All Ages
Double Reed Day includes a performance with double reed guest artists and UW-Milwaukee oboe and bassoon faculty, lectures and masterclasses, reed-making guidance, and opportunities to explore and shop national vendors.
Oct 11
14–18
14–18
Are you a high school student with a passion for theatre? Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a behind-the-scenes enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the art of theatre, we have an exciting event just for you.
November 17–19
Ages 11-13
Ages 11-13
The region’s top middle school instrumentalists work with nationally recognized wind band conductors, participate in master classes and attend performances during this popular festival.
October 13
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
An event for high school musicians featuring faculty performances, breakout sessions, large ensemble rehearsals, interactive music theory and more!
September 22
Grades 7–12
Grades 7–12
A vocal festival open to tenors and basses with no advance preparation necessary. Students are organized into middle school and high school choirs with performances from both.
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 4–18
Ages 4–18
The UWM String Academy offers students a comprehensive musical education with a focus on the violin or viola. Students use their minds, ears, and bodies to express themselves through music.
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 5-18
Ages 5-18
Engage in comprehensive guitar and music instruction for all skill levels. Through lessons and performances, students build a foundation in classical guitar, equipping them with skills required to be versatile in any style.
Fall, Spring
18+ or approved minors
18+ or approved minors
The band performs one concert each semester with repertoire including standard and contemporary pieces. There is no formal audition to join, but previous band experience is required.
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
Advanced beginners and skilled amateurs rehearse and perform together in this ensemble, which is open to anyone who can read music and enjoys playing classical symphonic and pops repertoire.
Fall, Spring
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
This ensemble is for individuals with an interest in learning the musical techniques and performance styles of folk and popular genres from different corners of the globe.
January 26–27
High School Students
High School Students
An opportunity for talented singers to interact with, perform for, and join their voices with peers from around the region. Participants will have the chance to learn and grow as both soloists and choral artists.
February 24
All Ages
All Ages
A free clinic aimed to empower and inspire saxophonists of all ages to pursue musical excellence through an accessible and inclusive day of learning that features a guest artist.
Thursdays (Fall, Spring)
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Featuring high school students from the Greater Milwaukee Area, this ensemble provides the experience of being in a professional jazz ensemble, including performing opportunities.
Tuesdays (Fall, Spring)
Grades 8–12
Grades 8–12
Providing the region’s finest woodwind, brass, and percussion students an opportunity to rehearse and perform the best of traditional and contemporary repertoire in an artistic environment with other likeminded musicians.
Visual Arts
Wednesdays (Fall, Spring)
All Ages
All Ages
A lecture series designed for a broad audience with an interest in contemporary visual art. Each week presents a diverse group of national and inter-national artists working across traditional, hybrid and emergent disciplines.
May–August
18+ or Accompanied Minors
18+ or Accompanied Minors
Investigate a variety of topics, techniques and strategies while learning new ways to solve problems in the jewelry, metalsmithing, digital fabrication, and design studios.
June–August
UWM Students + Alumni
UWM Students + Alumni
Available for intermediate to advanced Jewelry & Metalsmithing and Digital Fabrication & Design students and alumni with previous studio training seeking access to help make their own self-guided projects.
July 10-21
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
Students build portfolio and art-making skills while venturing into new media such as printmaking, sculpture or digital processes. This on-campus experience can also lead to college applications, first-year opportunities or scholarships!
Tuesdays (Fall, Spring)
All Ages
All Ages
Free screenings of the most recent and celebrated experimental work in 35mm, 16mm and video. A standout venue for a parade of visiting filmmakers and touring programs, this series is hosted in partnership with UWM’s Union Cinema.
June 19–23, 2023
Ages 14–18
Ages 14–18
A comprehensive experience including workshops on Storytelling & Screenwriting, Cinematography & Lighting, Directing & Acting, Post-Production & Editing, Film Score Theory & Design or Animation Techniques.
October 14
All Ages
All Ages
Community members are invited to bring in their home movies in 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, VHS, Mini-DV, or digital formats to have their materials inspected and/or repaired by UWM volunteers and screened for an audience while the owner narrates.
Go Behind the Scenes with Us
As an arts school, we take campus tours one step further by offering on-the-go information sessions designed for creative minds. Go behind the scenes with one of our arts ambassadors and learn about our programs along the way.