WARSAW — The transition has been underway for several years, but on Thursday, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts celebrated a major upgrade to what was once known as the 2517 event center, located adjacent to the theater.

The installation of a new dance floor at what is now known as the Wagon Wheel Conservatory was made possible with a grant from the K21 Health Foundation. 

On Thursday, 17 students showcased their dance skills on a new dance floor that occupies much of the building's floor space and is identical in size to the Wagon Wheel stage.

“The floor that we put in is from Harlequin Flooring. It's a world-renowned dance floor company –  the same dance floor that's used on Broadway as well as the American Ballet Theater –  it's a huge upgrade, said Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts Outreach and Education Director, Kira Lace Hawkins

“It's a huge upgrade. A wonderful space for instruction for the kids, and our professionals can also use it during the summer season when we need more rehearsal space,” Lace Hawkins said.

She said different groups will be using the refurbished facility.

“There will be dance classes, acting classes. We have hopes and dreams in the future of using it even as a black box theater space for smaller performances that might happen in that space. 

Wagon Wheel has also introduced a new training program.

“We also just started a pre-professional training program called Broadway 360 that meets weekly on Sundays, and it's an audition group for kids who are very serious about musical theater and interested in going into it for a career.” 

The theater also completed a recent fundraising effort ahead of the summer season, which kicks off June 4th with Cats.

The post Wagon Wheel Conservatory’s new dance floor part of a huge upgrade appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

The post Wagon Wheel announces $60,000 match to double community support appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

Warsaw — Beginning March 16, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts will launch its spring session of Conservatory classes, open to students from 2nd grade through adults. The session is sponsored by Dave and Cynthia Illingworth.

Classes meet once a week for six weeks and include musical theatre, dance, acting, and improv. Instruction will be led by Wagon Wheel’s professional teaching artists, along with special guest instructors, including members of the local improv troupe Everyone’s Tiffany.

To encourage continued learning, Wagon Wheel is offering multi-class discounts this session. Students who enroll in more than one class will receive $20 off their second class, $30 off their third class, and $40 off their fourth class and any additional classes. Discounts apply when the same student enrolls in multiple classes within the same session.

Wagon Wheel Conservatory provides innovative, personalized arts education designed to meet each student’s needs. Whether participants are exploring a new discipline or refining existing skills, instructors adapt lessons to individual learning styles to create a supportive and enriching environment.

Conservatory classes also focus on building confidence, communication, teamwork, and creative expression while giving participants the opportunity to experience Wagon Wheel not just as audience members, but as active creators.

“It is rare to have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are so talented, yet also so kind, engaged, and interested in their individual students,” shares one student testimonial. “Our teacher was inclusive and adapted to different skill and experience levels so that everyone had a meaningful experience. It is evident that the people of Wagon Wheel have a genuine passion for their work and for the people they work with. They make you feel safe, and they inspire confidence and creativity in the people around them.”

For a full list of classes, dates, and times, visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org/education/classes. Full and partial scholarships are available. For more information, email Outreach and Education Director Kira Lace Hawkins at kira@wagonwheelcenter.org.

About Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Warsaw, Indiana. Their mission is to enrich lives by fostering innovative educational programs, developing professional talent, and connecting communities through transformative performing arts experiences. For more information about Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts or to learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org.

The post Wagon Wheel launches Spring Conservatory Classes for students and adults appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts ignited the community’s generosity last night, raising $33,058 in just one evening during its second annual year-end gala, Great Performances, Greater Purpose.

The event marked one of the most successful single-night fundraising efforts in the organization’s recent history.

Hosted by Outreach and Education Director Kira Lace Hawkins and Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator Sam Engle, the evening celebrated the impact and legacy of Wagon Wheel while rallying support for its future.

“It’s overwhelming to think that your own community would come together in a single evening to do something like that,” said Engle. “As a nonprofit organization with a 70-year legacy, nights like these remind us why this place matters. It’s a powerful moment of clarity for me and for the people who faithfully and fiercely advocate for Wagon Wheel’s mission and for this community’s need for the arts.”

During the evening, every Wagon Wheel program shared the same stage in one unified showcase, featuring performances by Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre, Wagon Wheel Community Theatre, Wagon Wheel Junior, Wagon Wheel Conservatory, and Symphony of the Lakes. The night also highlighted Wagon Wheel’s national impact through video messages from alumni currently performing on Broadway in shows including Wicked, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, and Ragtime.

The organization will continue its push toward the $100,000 year-end fundraising goal through December 31. Funds raised directly support Wagon Wheel’s artistic programming, education initiatives, and its commitment to providing transformative arts experiences for the region.

The post Wagon Wheel year-end fundraiser tops $33,000 appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts will host its second annual year-end gala, Great Performances, Greater Purpose, on Thursday night.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a complimentary open-bar cocktail hour provided by the board of directors, according to a news release from Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet members of the professional cast of “Elf the Musical” and enjoy time in the lobby before the performance.

A silent auction will take place before the performance and during intermission. Attendees can bid on memorabilia from the Wagon Wheel archives, select costume pieces, VIP experiences including private dance classes, original chairs from the historic Wagon Wheel tent and autographed photos of Marie Osmond, Billy Rae Cyrus and The Temptations.

During the performance, audiences will experience the one night each year when every program of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts shares the stage: Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre, Wagon Wheel Community Theatre, Wagon Wheel Junior, Wagon Wheel Conservatory and Symphony of the Lakes. The evening will also showcase video testimonials from Wagon Wheel alumni who are now performing on Broadway in productions including “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” and “The Lion King.”

Kira Lace Hawkins and Sam Engle will serve as emcees for the event.

“This is the most important night of the year for Wagon Wheel,” said Engle.

“It shows, in one evening, just how essential our theater is to our community and how far our impact reaches. We celebrate our professional performers, our students and the generations of artists who started on this stage and are now on Broadway. And this year, you can even bring home a sacred part of our legacy through our silent auction. These pieces tell the story of who we are and why this place matters,” he said.

Tickets for the event are available at wagonwheelcenter.org or by calling the box office at 574-267-8041.

The post Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts fundraiser Thursday night appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is launching Broadway 360, a new pre-professional musical theatre training-in-the-round studio for middle and high school students across northern Indiana as part of Wagon Wheel Conservatory.

The year-round program offers advanced instruction in acting, singing and dance for students interested in pursuing college or professional careers in the performing arts, according to a news release from the Wagon Wheel.

Participants will meet weekly on Sunday evenings in two five-month sessions, January to May and August to December, receiving collegiate-level training, masterclasses and mentorship from working industry professionals from New York and beyond. The program includes repertoire development, performance prep, ensemble training and opportunities for students to build audition books tailored to their strengths.

Celebrating its 70th professional season, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts stands as one of the nation’s leading professional theatres and training programs, with alumni performing in major Broadway productions including “Wicked,” “Hamilton” and Disney’s “The Lion King,” according to the release.

Broadway 360 will be led by Ian B. Connor, a New York–based actor, director and choreographer with more than 17 years of experience in stage and television. His credits include work on “American Idol,” “The Golden Bachelor,” “Star Search” and “Squid Game: The Challenge.” Connor holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Rockford University and has coached young talent nationwide.

Thomas Hall, a music director and Ball State University professor, will serve as music director. Hall joined Wagon Wheel in 2021 and has worked on more than 30 productions as a performer, music director and educator. Hall is currently completing a Doctor of Arts in Voice Performance at Ball State.

Wagon Wheel Conservatory is led by Outreach and Education Director Kira Lace Hawkins, who holds an MFA in Acting from Penn State and has acted in over 65 Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre productions.

Tuition for the program is $275 per five-month session, with financial assistance available upon request. Wagon Wheel is committed to making arts education accessible to all students. Students ages 12–19 from across Northern Indiana and the surrounding region are eligible to audition.

Auditions will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw. No registration is required, though interested students may email ianbconnor@wagonwheelcenter.org with questions.

For more information, visit wagonwheelcenter.org/auditions.

The post Wagon Wheel launches new year-round program for young aspiring entertainers appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The K21 Health Foundation has awarded a grant to Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts to support upgrades to its Conservatory, located next to the main theater at 2517 E. Center Street in Warsaw.

The funding will help transform the Conservatory into a more dynamic space for musical theatre education.

The grant will fund essential equipment for the Conservatory’s renovation, including a new dance floor, ballet barres, partitions, and lighting fixtures. These enhancements were selected to create a safe, flexible, and inspiring environment for movement and creativity through musical theatre.

For decades, Wagon Wheel has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading regional theatres, serving as a launchpad for professional performers. Through the Wagon Wheel Conservatory, students from elementary age through adulthood can explore theatre arts through classes in acting, dance, singing, improvisation, and specialized workshops such as stage combat and dance audition preparation.

“Our Conservatory has become a vital part of Wagon Wheel’s mission,” said Outreach and Education Director Kira Lace Hawkins. “We’ve long dreamed of creating a true training ground where children and adults alike can explore and grow through musical theatre. Until now, limited space and resources have kept that vision just out of reach. Thanks to K21’s support, we’re taking a major step toward becoming one of the nation’s leading centers for musical theatre training. For so many of our students, theatre is their sport. It gets them moving, it boosts their mental and emotional well-being, and it fuels their creativity. We are so thankful that K21 recognizes this and has chosen to partner with us in such a meaningful way.”

A news release by Wagon Wheel did not say how big the grant is.

Construction is projected to begin in January 2026, led by Milestone Construction, Inc.

K21 is a private foundation that focuses on improving health and wellness for the residents of Kosciusko County.

This particular project aligns with K21’s Community Culture & Wellbeing health pillar, which supports initiatives that encourage a culture of health and wellness through community amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities that promote active lifestyles.

"Many in our community aren't aware of the full range of theater and dance opportunities available at Wagon Wheel, particularly for our youth," said K21 President & CEO, Rich Haddad. "K21 saw a chance to improve access and expand interest for those who consider this their active passion, and we're pleased to invest in this offering for our residents."

The post K21 grant awarded to Wagon Wheel for conservatory improvements appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts raised nearly $20,000 on Thursday during its annual Day of Giving fundraiser.

As a nonprofit organization, Wagon Wheel relies on two major fundraising efforts each year: a Year-End Giving campaign during the holiday season and the Day of Giving in the spring.

Sam Engle, Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator, expressed his appreciation for the community’s ongoing support.

“When we became a nonprofit in 2010, it became clear just how deeply this community loves Wagon Wheel,” Engle said. “Time and again, I’m reminded why our theater calls Kosciusko County home. Last Thursday’s incredible response is proof of how vital this work is, and how essential it is that it continues right here. We’re so grateful to share powerful stories that inspire, transform, and connect us with our audiences this summer.”

Tickets for Wagon Wheel’s upcoming 70th record-breaking professional summer season are available now and can be purchased at wagonwheelcenter.org or by calling the box office at (574) 267-8041.

Since 1956, Wagon Wheel has produced in-house professional theatre, earning a national reputation for excellence and serving as a launching pad for artists who go on to perform on Broadway stages, National tours, and beyond.

The post Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts raises nearly $20,000  appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — On Friday, Generous Coffee marked its one-year anniversary in downtown Warsaw by celebrating community, collaboration, and generosity.

Generous kicked off the celebration by welcoming dozens of community members, nonprofit leaders, and local partners into its renovated café space to reflect on the vision that launched just one year ago and to unveil an exciting new chapter for its mission.

“What started as a dream, and a lot of hard work, has turned into something more beautiful than we imagined,” said Tyler Silveus, Co-Founder and CEO. “This isn’t just a coffee shop, it’s a gathering place where generosity fuels purpose, and where local heroes are honored every day.”

Nonprofit Partners Honored

Over the past year, Generous Coffee has partnered with four local nonprofits: Baker Youth Club, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, Cardinal Services Inc., and CASA of Kosciusko County, using its donation-based coffee bar and coffee bean sales to raise both funds and awareness for their causes.

A New Chapter: One Nonprofit, Four Months at a Time

Looking ahead, Generous Coffee announced a new structure for its nonprofit support model. Moving forward, the coffee roastery will spotlight one nonprofit partner every four months, allowing for deeper engagement and storytelling around each cause.

What’s more, each nonprofit partner will be matched with a corporate sponsor to help underwrite the cost of the coffee bar, meaning more of the community's donations go directly to the featured nonprofit.

The first corporate sponsor in this new model is DreamOn Studios, and the next nonprofit to be featured is Agaitas, a faith-based organization that uses free sports camps to reach underserved children locally and internationally.

Executive Director Ryan Burgher shared about Agaitas’ mission and growing reach from summer camps in Kosciusko County, to pop-up events at local mobile home parks, and even global efforts in India, Brazil, and soon Cameroon.

"We use sports for kids to feel loved and to hear about Christ,” said Burgher. “We go where the need is greatest, whether it’s a mobile home park in Indiana or a remote village overseas. And we’re able to do that thanks to support from organizations like Generous Coffee and DreamOn Studios.”

A Space With a Mission

Guests were invited to enjoy coffee, pastries, and conversation inside the space that was lovingly renovated just over a year ago. Several nonprofit partners also shared how they’ve used the space for donor events, holiday parties, and community gatherings.

“This place was built for more than coffee,” said Silveus. “It was built for connection, for generosity, and for the stories that bring us all together.”

About Generous Coffee
Generous Coffee is an impact-driven coffee roastery located in downtown Warsaw, Indiana that donates 100% of profits to non-profits. Founded by Ben Higgins, Tyler Silveus, and a group of purpose-led entrepreneurs, Generous Coffee exists to create meaningful connection while generating funds for nonprofits around the world. Every cup of coffee supports a cause.

Learn more at: generouscoffee.com

The post Generous celebrates one-year, announces changes for the Future appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts will host local auditions for its upcoming production of Steel Magnolias directed by Brianna Borger.

Local actors are being sought to fill the roles of Clairee and Ouiser.

Audition Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Location: Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, 2515 E. Center Street, Warsaw

• Pay: $300 per week

• Housing: No housing is provided. Actors must provide their own housing and be within driving distance for this contract.

• Audition Preparation: No preparation is necessary — sides will be provided for cold readings.

• Actors are asked to bring a resume (if available) and a recent headshot/photo.

Character Descriptions:

• Clairee (Age Range 50-60+) – Elegant, witty, and warm-hearted, Clairee is the former mayor’s wife who finds joy in her friendships and a love for good humor.

• Ouiser (Age Range 50-60+) – Outspoken, eccentric, and lovable in her own rough-edged way, Ouiser is a force to be reckoned with but ultimately has a heart of gold.

Rehearsal & Performance Commitments:

• Rehearsals: July 4 – July 13

  • Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

  • Sunday: 1 p.m.– 9 p.m.

• Tech Rehearsals: July 14 – July 16 (mandatory) times TBD

• Performances: July 17 – July 26 (times can be located at www.wagonwheelcenter.org)

For any questions, please contact Kira Lace Hawkins kira@wagonwheelcenter.org.

Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Warsaw, Indiana. Their mission is to provide performing arts experiences that create community unity, educational opportunity, and economic growth. For more information about Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts or to learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org.

The post Local auditions being held for two roles in Wagon Wheel’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ appeared first on News Now Warsaw.