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Families and young people are the future of the arts, and no one knows that better than Mark Fitzgerald Wilson, Executive Director of the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.
Mark joined Zoellner in 2020, bringing an eclectic background as an educator, business professional, and opera singer. Originally from Iowa, he discovered the Lehigh Valley through his son’s lacrosse tournaments and fell in love with the area’s energy, trails, and sense of community.
When he arrived at Zoellner, he noticed a missing piece in local arts programming: family experiences that were fun, welcoming, and accessible. The result was Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, an annual event that brings families together for live theater, interactive arts activities, and partnerships with local organizations.
This year’s Family FUN-A-PALOOZA takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems. Developed by the Kennedy Center, the show promises laughter, energy, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move and make noise.
“This is a non-shushing show,” Wilson says. “Kids, have fun. Parents tell us that when they hear that, the weight just lifts off their shoulders. This is for everyone. We have families with neurodivergent children, sensory-friendly audiences, and people who just want to enjoy being here together.”
The event features more than 20 community and campus partners, including PBS, Lehigh University Art Galleries, and local dance groups. Visitors can take part in crafts, art projects, and pre-show performances throughout Zoellner’s lobby and open spaces. Costumes are encouraged, even for parents.
“It’s the day after Halloween, so bring your costumes,” Wilson laughs. “Dress up, have fun, and parents, wear a costume too.”
Beyond Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, Zoellner’s fall and spring lineup is packed with major performances and new experiences. Wilson highlights Postmodern Jukebox, Dirty Dancing in Concert, and the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, along with orchestral performances from the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra.
“We want to bring world-class artists to our stage while also connecting students to the professional world,” Wilson says. “There are so many great arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and each of us brings something different. For Zoellner, it’s about giving people cultural experiences they might not get anywhere else.”
He also points to Zoellner’s new well-being concert series, which lets audiences lie onstage among musicians for a meditative, health-focused experience.
“The arts are part of the ecosystem that keeps our community healthy,” Wilson explains. “Music and movement make people feel better. Across the country, doctors are prescribing the arts as part of someone’s physical or mental health. That’s where we’re headed too.”
Wilson says innovation will define the next phase of Zoellner’s growth. Expect site-specific performances, partnerships with local nonprofits for community ticket programs, and more creative collaborations that bring people together in unexpected spaces.
“People want experiences, not just events,” Wilson says. “Some want to sit in Baker Hall, some want to see a show outside, and some might even want to see something in a parking garage. The arts can meet people wherever they are.”
Family FUN-A-PALOOZA 2025 takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Zoellner Arts Center on the campus of Lehigh University.
Visit zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu for details and upcoming events.
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