The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to welcome Amy Pridgen as the new director of the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. She succeeds Debbie Dunn who announced her retirement in July.
As Renaissance Centre director, Amy is responsible for coordinating the center’s performance and visual arts programming, exhibits, and educational initiatives, while also overseeing facility rentals. She will also partner with community groups, businesses, and individuals to develop and expand arts initiatives for the center and our community.
Born and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Amy graduated in 2009 from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and in 2014 from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Master of Fine Arts in Performing Arts.
Following graduation, Amy began teaching at William Peace University.
“After years of working as a professional actor and choreographer in New York City, I decided to pursue a career in teaching in 2014,” says Amy. “For eight years, I served as an Associate Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre at William Peace University. There, I taught courses in acting, dance, and contemporary dramatic literature. My research regarding collaborative playmaking was presented across the country and at the Sorbonne in Paris.”
In 2022, Amy joined the Town of Garner as its Arts & Culture Superintendent.
“In Garner, I oversaw operations of the Garner Performing Arts Center and other municipal cultural initiatives,” she said. “I'm proud to have founded Garner's arts education classes and camps and their first adaptive and sensory-friendly shows and classes for people with disabilities.”
When she’s not working, Amy enjoys performing and directing plays and performances at the Raleigh Little Theatre where she has garnered numerous awards for both her directing and acting.
The “proud mother of two beautiful daughters (ages 3 and 1) and the wife to the most patient kindergarten teacher in Wake County,” Amy enjoys yoga, coffee, and watching live performances.
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will host a “Meet & Greet” for Amy as part of the September 12 Friday Night on White. Amy will be available in and around the Renaissance Centre tent which will be erected along East Owen Avenue. Community members are invited to drop by any time from 5-8 p.m. to meet Amy, ask questions, and learn more about upcoming performances and initiatives at the Renaissance Centre, including the 2025-26 Main Stage Performance Series and October 11 Celebration of the Arts.
To reach Amy, call 919-435-9567 or email apridgen@wakeforestnc.gov.