Beloved community theater honors the past, uplifts the present and builds a future for Durham’s young artists
By Sharon Kinsella |Photography by John Michael Simpson
Walltown Children’s Theatre, a cornerstone of the Durham arts scene, marks its 25th anniversary this year with a legacy rooted in community. The theater, founded in 2000 by dancer and educator Cynthia Penn-Halal and her then-husband, Joseph Henderson, took shape in the heart of Walltown – a historically African American, working-class neighborhood just north of Duke University’s East Campus.
Cynthia and Joseph moved to Durham in the mid-’90s as Walltown was undergoing revitalization efforts to recover from decades of decline caused by years of disinvestment and suburban flight, which put a strain on its long-standing spirit of close-knit relationships and mutual support. Cynthia, who taught dance at local private schools, recognized a serious gap in affordable, high-quality arts education for area children. Inspired by her own transformative experience with community-based arts programming as a child, she set out to expand access to the arts. Her dedication to equity led to the inception of Walltown Children’s Theatre – filling a vital need and helping strengthen and restore the neighborhood’s community fabric. Today, WCT stands as a robust performing arts institution with instruction – from early exploration to advanced training in drama, dance, music, writing, stagecraft and production.
WCT’s conservatory is home to pre-professional, audition-based ensembles, including the Dance Company, whose preteen and teen students consistently earn high marks at regional competitions – even against large, for-profit dance studios with narrower focuses. “That speaks volumes about the quality of our instruction and the dedication of both our faculty and students,” says Executive Director Cara M. Williams.
But the impact goes far beyond trophies. One of WCT’s core commitments is to need-blind performing arts training for youth from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. It removes barriers by offering sliding-scale tuition, scholarships and community-informed programming so every child has a place to grow, create and belong.
The organization also builds confidence and leadership by encouraging students to take on more responsibility, equipping them with lifelong skills. Cara says she’s witnessed how transformative the arts can be, especially for children who may not always see themselves reflected or celebrated. “We’re not just teaching young people to sing, dance or act,” she says. “We’re giving them tools to discover their voice, build confidence and understand their worth.”
Dance Director Grace Wallace Underwood embodies that mission, recalling her own experience as one of few Black girls in a for-profit studio. Now, she draws on that knowledge to serve children who might otherwise lack access to quality arts education. “Being able to teach kids who might not be able to afford a for-profit studio – and to give them the training, love and background I have – feels special,” she says.
WCT not only provides excellent instruction to historically marginalized groups, it also opens pathways to professional arts careers. Its tech program, for example, gives children hands-on experience with industry standard lighting, sound and production design. Students as young as 12 run shows in the black box theater, gaining creative, marketable skills. Some even earn income for tech work while still in high school. “It’s powerful to watch them realize they can build a future through these skills,” Cara says.
Several WCT alumni have gone on to professional arts careers, including Abigail Garcia Gomez of the Charlotte Honey Bees NBA dance team, who credits WCT for shaping her goals. “As a first-generation college student, I had no clue about anything college related,” Abigail says. “Mrs. Grace’s stories about her time at UNC Charlotte and on the dance team inspired me to follow a similar path. WCT’s staff gave me the confidence to believe in myself and dance with both technique and heart.”
That sense of support is central to WCT’s mission of nurturing confidence and collaboration in a safe, welcoming environment. “I feel like Walltown’s always had this family sense – my home away from home,” shares alumna and current business administrator Mariana Gomez Arceo. She now helps create that same culture for the next generation. “Growing up, this was my safe space where I could express myself through dance,” Mariana says. “Seeing that it’s still a [safe space] for other kids shows that Walltown is staying true to its core purpose.”
More than 3,000 children and their families have passed through WCT’s doors over the past 25 years. Cara says that the real legacy lies in the outcomes: timid first-timers becoming confident performers; entire families finding their place in the WCT community; and alumni returning as teachers and mentors. “Parents have told us this is the one space where their children feel truly seen and celebrated,” she says.
WCT’s reach extends well beyond its own walls – it partners with schools, community groups and local festivals to serve Durham’s diverse population, demonstrating to its students that their talents can connect and inspire. “We try to push students to see larger than themselves,” Grace says. “We’re not just teaching kids about dance or music – we’re encouraging them to be good people and citizens. It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger and opens your eyes to the world and your place in it.”
Walltown Children’s Theatre’s work is as vital as ever as it enters its next 25 years, serving as both a reflection of historic Walltown and a cultural anchor for the neighborhood. “Like many small organizations, we’ve weathered some storms, but we’ve emerged more committed than ever,” Cara says. Looking to the future, WCT plans to expand its footprint with a new or renovated facility and innovative curriculum to reach more children while preserving the grassroots, family-oriented spirit that defines it. “The strength of our community, the loyalty of our families and the vision of our young artists continue to propel us forward,” Cara says.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
WCT hosts homecoming weekend events
WCT Southern Soul Dance Party
Friday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m.
A lively, adult-centered kickoff event welcomes alumni, long-time supporters and out-of-town guests back to Durham for a night of dancing, connection and celebration.
‘Twenty-Five’ – 25th Anniversary Showcase
Saturday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
The centerpiece of the weekend, this inspiring evening at the Carolina Theatre features captivating performances by alumni and current students, special guest appearances and stories that highlight WCT’s enduring impact.
Homecoming Brunch & Documentary Preview
Sunday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m.
This intimate closing event in WCT’s black box theater features a community brunch and a preview screening of its upcoming documentary chronicling 25 years of artistic excellence and community transformation.
