For many summer theater camps, the final production is the finish line.
At the Urban Arts Center (UAC), it’s simply the beginning.
This summer, the Dallas-based performing arts organization concluded another successful season with a culturally reimagined production of Matilda, featuring young performers ages 5 to 16 who spent weeks learning far more than choreography, songs, and stage directions. Under the leadership of founder and lead producer Jiles R. King II, Urban Arts Center once again demonstrated why it has become one of North Texas’ premier youth arts organizations—developing not only exceptional performers, but confident, emotionally healthy young leaders.
While audiences were treated to an energetic and heartfelt performance, the production represented the culmination of weeks of artistic instruction, mentorship, and personal growth.
Theater Meets Mental Wellness
One of the defining characteristics of Urban Arts Center’s summer program is its commitment to caring for the whole child.
Unlike many performing arts camps, UAC intentionally integrates social-emotional learning into its curriculum through Dr. JuNene K., who serves as both Camp Director and Social Emotional Specialist. Throughout the summer, Dr. JuNene worked alongside students to help them navigate the emotional challenges that naturally accompany performance—from overcoming stage fright and building self-confidence to managing conflict and learning how to work collaboratively within an ensemble.
For campers ranging in age from 5 to 16, that support creates an environment where emotional development is valued just as highly as artistic achievement. As conversations surrounding youth mental health continue across the country, Urban Arts Center is demonstrating that arts education and emotional wellness are not separate priorities—they are complementary investments in a child’s future.
A Legacy That Comes Full Circle
This year’s production also marked a meaningful milestone for the organization.
London Crawford, who serves as Director and Theatre Lead, is a former student of founder Jiles R. King II, making this year’s production a powerful example of Urban Arts Center’s lasting impact.
What began years ago as a student learning the fundamentals of theater has evolved into a new generation of artistic leadership. Crawford now mentors young performers using many of the same principles instilled during his own time at Urban Arts Center. That full-circle moment reflects the organization’s mission: creating artists who eventually become educators, directors, and leaders within their own communities. Supporting Crawford throughout the production was Summer Mitchell, who served as Theatre Assistant, helping guide students through rehearsals and performance preparation.
A Matilda “For the Culture”
Urban Arts Center’s adaptation of Matilda honored the beloved musical while giving it a fresh cultural perspective. Students were encouraged to embrace their individuality, bringing contemporary movement and creative expression to the production while maintaining the technical discipline expected in musical theater.
Leading that vision was Daunte “Cheesy” Borner, Dance Lead, whose choreography blended modern dance styles with the foundational techniques required for professional stage performance.
Assisting in developing the dancers was Miracle Craig, Dance Assistant, helping young performers build confidence through movement while reinforcing precision and stage awareness. The result was a production that felt authentic to today’s generation while remaining rooted in the timeless principles of theatrical excellence.
A successful production extends far beyond what audiences see on stage.
Urban Arts Center assembled a dedicated creative team that ensured every aspect of Matilda reflected the organization’s commitment to excellence. LeTisha Nyembo, Director of Education, oversaw the educational framework that supports the camp’s curriculum, ensuring students received instruction that balanced artistic development with personal growth. The musical performances were led by Kirschen Wolford, Music and Voice Lead, with assistance from Kadence Phearse, Music and Voice Assistant, who helped students strengthen their vocal technique and ensemble performance. Visual creativity throughout the production was enhanced by Angelica Blakes, Art Lead, while Tami Gamble, Scenic Production, helped transform the stage into the imaginative world of Matilda. Costume design was led by Dontrelle Kayde, whose work helped each character come to life through thoughtful wardrobe choices that complemented the storytelling. Behind the curtain, Lailah Ford, Stage Manager, coordinated the technical execution of the production alongside Myriah Elam, Assistant Stage Manager, ensuring scene transitions, cues, and backstage operations ran seamlessly throughout each performance.
Together, the production staff created an environment where young performers could focus on growing, learning, and delivering their best work on stage.
Community Investment Makes It Possible
Urban Arts Center’s work continues because of strong community partnerships and investment in youth arts education. This year’s summer programming was supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, whose ongoing commitment to expanding access to arts programming helps organizations like Urban Arts Center provide transformative opportunities for young people across the city.
That support allows students from diverse backgrounds to receive professional-quality arts instruction while developing confidence, discipline, creativity, and leadership skills that extend well beyond the stage. As the curtain closed on this year’s production of Matilda, it was clear that Urban Arts Center had accomplished something far greater than presenting a successful musical.
The organization cultivated confidence. It prioritized emotional wellness. It empowered former students to become today’s leaders. And it reminded the Dallas community that arts education remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping the next generation.
Through the vision of Jiles R. King, II and a dedicated team of educators, artists, and mentors, Urban Arts Center continues to prove that when young people are given the opportunity to express themselves, supported emotionally, and challenged artistically, they leave the stage prepared not only to perform—but to lead. For the children who took their final bow in Matilda, this summer wasn’t simply about learning lines or choreography. It was about discovering their voices, building resilience, and becoming part of a legacy that continues to shape Dallas one young artist at a time.
