Joan Scheckel is an internationally renowned creator of The Technique™, a highly influential approach to writing, directing, and filmmaking craft in Hollywood. Dubbed the “director’s guru,” she is celebrated as a master teacher inspired by traditions such as Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Joseph Campbell. Her pioneering work advocates for a shift away from cultural conflict towards storytelling rooted in feeling and meaning, transforming all aspects of mise en scène—from writing and acting to directing and visual style.

Jeremy Workman’s 2025 documentary “Secret Mall Apartment” tells the story of eight Rhode Island artists who created a secret apartment inside the Providence Place Mall, living undetected for four years. Far more than a prank, the secret apartment became a deeply meaningful place for all involved—both a creative protest against gentrification and a compelling examination of what (and where) we call “home.” Join us for a post-screening discussion with artist Michael Townsend, the documentary’s primary subject.

Ramzi Aburedwan and his ensemble, Dal’Ouna, bring traditional musics from Egypt to Andalusia, through their life experience in the Middle East. Fused with French and Eastern Europe influences, Ramzi has created folk melodies and contemporary interpretations: “all enhanced by jazzy, layered improvisations, hints of other world traditions, and a profound sense of bluesy lyricism”. The word Dal’Ouna stands for the communal values of synchronicity, collaborative work and mutual support required for a successful olive harvest. The quartet will bring us an evening of beautiful music and an introduction to the expressive culture of the region.

Free tickets can be reserved via the Watson Box Office.

Join us for an evening of creativity and exploration at the galleries as we dive into the intricate world of tatreez embroidery- a centuries old Palestinian art form that weaves together history, identity and storytelling through vibrant thread work. This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the fundamental stitches, patterns, and symbolism behind tatreez and invites both seasoned embroiderers as well as those picking up a needle for the first time!

One of the most prominent contemporary music ensembles at work today, TAK Ensemble presents a program of works by composers including Ashkan Behzadi, Tyshawn Sorey, Eric Wubbels, and Bethany Younge.
Join us for a performance by Arneis Quartet as they perform world premieres by Wheaton student composers written during the spring 2025 semester.

Open to all levels, beginner dancer to advanced. The Haus of Glitter Dance Company specializes in activist dance lineages that come from Africa and Latin America. Explore (Queer) Afro-Latinx dance forms like Vogue, Hip Hop, Merengue, Bachata and traditional Mande West African Dance as embodied history, civil rights advocacy, gender affirming care and community wellness practice. Come ready to move your hips, get low, and strut the runway to explore the transformative power of these cultural traditions.

In connection with the exhibition Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories in the Beard + Weil Galleries, author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka will share his graphic novel, Hey, Kiddo, a profoundly important graphic memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction and finding the art that helps you survive.

Poets and co-hosts of the podcast The Ritter read from their work, discuss their decision to enroll the podcast in a VC Accelerator, and how they’ve been translating their academic training into a marketable foundation for running their podcast.  A brief Q&A session will be included in this event. 

Join us for an evening-length live concert featuring John Hollenbeck, Sarah Rossy, Anna Webber, and Chiquita Magic as they combine experimental jazz, ambient electronics, synth pop music and more.