Tanger Center Announces ‘Every Child Center Stage’ Initiative

The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro proudly announce the 'Every Child Center Stage' initiative. The initiative will provide up to 3,000 public school students each year with the opportunity to attend a Broadway performance at Tanger Center.

The program will begin this fall with a special matinee performance of WICKED on Thursday, November 19 at 11 a.m.

"In celebration of Tanger Center's fifth anniversary this fall, we wanted to create a permanent cultural legacy for our region," said Tanger Center Board Chairman Randall Kaplan. "The 'Every Child Center Stage' program is an incredible opportunity for local students to experience the wonder of live theater while inspiring an appreciation for the arts in future generations."

Funding for the 'Every Child Center Stage' initiative is being made possible through private donations, as well as proceeds from The Ozdust Ball, Tanger Center's fifth anniversary gala to be held November 14.

“At the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG), we believe all children deserve access to the arts,” said GFGG President Walker Sanders. "Thanks to the generosity of private donors and local foundations, this initiative will provide 3,000 Guilford County public school students each year with the opportunity to experience a Broadway performance at Tanger Center—many for the very first time. It's an investment in our children and our community."

For Tanger Center, the program represents an opportunity to introduce a new generation to the performing arts while creating a lasting connection to the venue.

"One of the greatest rewards of operating Tanger Center is introducing new audiences to live theater," said Scott Johnson, OVG General Manager for Tanger Center. "Every Child Center Stage will allow thousands of students to experience a Broadway production in a professional performing arts venue, and we're proud to help create an unforgettable day that could inspire future theatergoers, performers and artists."

The program will also give Guilford County Schools students an opportunity to experience the arts outside the classroom and discover new interests and possibilities.

"One of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring every student has access to experiences that help them discover who they are and who they can become,’ said Dr. Whitney Oakley, Superintendent of Guilford County Schools.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, the Tanger Center and the generous donors for making this opportunity possible. By connecting our students with world-class arts and culture, we are helping them develop the curiosity, confidence and sense of possibility that will serve them throughout their lives."

About Tanger Center

A $94 million, state-of-the-art facility that has transformed downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts is home to touring Broadway productions, concerts, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra performances, comedy shows and all types of family entertainment. Since its grand opening in 2021, the Tanger Center has hosted over 1.7 million guests. Presented with partners Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM), the First Bank Broadway Series is one of the nation’s top-selling one-week Broadway series. The 3,000-seat venue is operated by Oak View Group and managed by the staff of Greensboro Complex.  

 About Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

For over 42 years, the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG) has served as a cornerstone of local charitable giving for the region and beyond. With $329 million in assets and 700 charitable funds supporting diverse community priorities, CFGG also plays a vital role in convening leaders to address Greensboro’s most pressing issues. From supporting nonprofits with grants and capacity-building programs to spearheading major projects such as LeBauer Park and the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, CFGG is dedicated to making a lasting impact. CFGG helps individuals, families, nonprofits, and businesses establish charitable funds and ensures that every contribution strengthens Greensboro’s future.

About WICKED

Currently the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history, WICKED is currently in its 23^rd year on Broadway. 

Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. WICKED has been seen by over 72 million people worldwide. 

The Broadway sensation WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.  Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”