As we celebrate Black History Month on The Front Row Blog, we are proud to spotlight the African American teaching artists and staff who help shape Encore Stage & Studio. First in our series is Brian Wilson, a teaching artist and choreographer whose creativity and leadership continue to inspire our students. Most recently, Brian choreographed Disney’s High School Musical JR. as part of our Season of Dreams, and audiences may also recognize his work from The Wizard of Oz and Disney’s Aladdin JR. during our Season of Courage. Check out his exclusive interview with us!
While Brian is now a teaching artist and choreographer for children’s theatre, he shares what it was like to start theatre as a kid himself:
The first real theatre production I did was in Junior year of High School where we did a Michael Jackson show titled Can You Feel It? My biggest takeaway from that show and the process was really the process itself. From the grueling rehearsals, auditions, and learning how tech week operated, it was all new to me. However, even with the unfamiliarity, I still excelled and gave it my all when across all fronts. Cast in various dancers’ numbers, had a speaking role, and was a consistent presence throughout the production. Even though I was new to theatre, I wasn’t new to giving whatever I was doing my best effort and living up to my own expectations.
Why is representation in the community important to you? How has being representation for others been fulfilling to you?
“Representation is not a request, it’s a requirement” is a quote by wrestler Bianca Belair that I consistently see myself going back to. Representation allows individuals of any community see and value what’s possible. Simply the idea of possibility could take any artist far in their field, they just have to it first. Being who I am, I’ve spoken with plenty of black boys and girls alike who see themselves in me and seeing where they can be and know it’s possible to be this. To be consistently in positions to shine no matter your background or how you look. It’s what inspires me to keep on inspiring them.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching in the creative arts? Is there a specific moment that highlights why you continue working in teaching positions?
The growth I’m able to see amongst the youth I work with brings me so much joy. It’s a fulfilling experience to be able to give those I teach the tools necessary to be greater
and shine beyond what they’re already capable of. The times I’ve worked with Encore as a choreographer, I’ve received countless remarks about how I helped students get out their shells as dancers, realize that they could dance, and just being an amazing teacher in general. These are valuable experiences not only for myself, but for them. If I can help an upcoming artist see and realize their potential, no matter the extent, I’ve done my job.
Is there a dream show or role you hope to be part of one day, and why does it resonate with you?
Dreamgirls has always been my favorite musical whether it be the original show with it’s music and story, or the 2006 movie starring Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson with their powerhouse vocals. A story following how rotten and manipulative the music industry can be and how that strive for greater ruins relationships is such an evergreen and rich tale. Throw in the additional layer of being through the lens of black artists, there’s levels to the show that cement it’s legacy within black theatre. I hope to either choreograph, movement coach, or even potentially direct a production of the show one day.
What is your advice to young Black performers or technicians getting started in the arts today?
Something I share to young black artists I work with often is to know and value their voice. We have the ability to offer so much to where or who we work with just by being us. Our shared experiences through actions, language, background, and so much more. You must be able to know how valuable that experience is and separates us from the rest who dominate this field, you just gotta be able to take the lead.
Brian Wilson (Artistically known as Bosa) is an Actor, Dancer, Writer, Choreographer, and Director based in the DMV Area. He is a graduate of University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Theatre and Dance. Since becoming a theatre artist in high school, he has performed for and in a multitude of productions, including shows under the Jaguar Players, UMD TDPS, The Dance Institute of Washington, PEARSONWIDRIG DANCETHEATER, as well as dancing in and directing music videos for different performing artists including Goldlink and other local Singers, Rappers, and producers. Since becoming a Teaching Artist for Encore in 2023, Brian has consistently remained in the position for their summer camps and courses. This consistency led to Brian choreographing for shows such as Matilda, Aladdin Jr. and their Spring 2025 production of The Wizard of Oz and Winter 2026 production High School Musical JR.
Website contributor: Emma Crawford