Devonté Jerome Wells (’14 BFA Choreography and Performance), who goes by D. Jerome, is the recipient of a 2026 College of Visual and Performing Arts Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a Broadway performer, choreographer, creative director, and educator from Winston-Salem. He began his artistic training at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he developed the musical foundation and confidence that helped to launch his professional career.
Most recently, D. Jerome captivated audiences as the Tin Man in the acclaimed first national tour of The Wiz. He also appeared on Broadway in MJ the Musical and crisscrossed the country with the first national tour of Hamilton (Angelica Tour). A formidable triple threat, he has collaborated with Tony Award-winning legends George Faison and Debbie Allen. His screen credits include Haunted Mansion (Disney), TURN (AMC), and My Big Fat Fabulous Life (TLC). Regional theatre highlights include Hairspray, The Color Purple, Gypsy, Once on This Island, and Dreamgirls, for which he received the Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2026, D. Jerome made his debut as Creative Director and Choreographer with Calling, an original work that premiered at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
In recognition of his artistic achievements and lasting contributions to the performing arts, D. Jerome received an official Resolution from the City of Winston-Salem in 2025. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Actors’ Equity Association.
D. Jerome gave an interview to CVPA on a recent trip through Greensboro on his tour with The Wiz and shared thoughts about his experience at the School of Music.
How did you find your way to UNCG’s School of Dance?
“When I started at UNCG, I thought I would like to major in both music and dance but realized that would not be possible because both areas are so demanding. I chose dance because that was the one place I could always be around music.”
What has your career path been like?
“I began my regional theater work at the Virginia Repertory Theater in Richmond. There is where I did my first union show, The Color Purple. I also worked at the MUNY in St. Louis, which is where I earned my equity card for Hairspray.
“At that point I started thinking about moving to New York. I taught in some studios in Connecticut, worked at a children’s gym in the city, even came back to North Carolina and taught at my alma mater, Carver High School, worked in Atlanta, and back to New York where I booked some shows. And then came the audition for George Faison for The Wiz, and here we are.
“You’ve got to know—this kind of career—it’s not a straight line. There are a lot of pivots and hurdles. But, if you have the right determination and work ethic, plus some talent, and a lot of faith, I think you can achieve anything.”
Tell us about playing the Tin Man—was this a favorite role of yours?
“The Tin Man character, played in the 1978 film by Nipsey Russell, is iconic, and it’s been incredible to get a chance to do my version of this role.
“I really identify with the Tin Man because he and I are party people. We love to be the life of a party. We enjoy community. We enjoy creating and building relationships because that’s what life is about. And this Tin Man does hip hop instead of tap dancing. The thing I enjoyed most about this story is that we get to see the humanity in the Tin Man.
“At the end of the story, he gets his heart. And I love how this story makes you think about who actually has had his heart all this time? I think it’s his community.”
How has it been to be back in Greensboro to perform and to visit the School of Dance for a masterclass?
“You know, coming home, coming to Greensboro means so much to me. It means the world to have other artists, young artists, come out and be inspired and ignited. That’s what I feel like my life’s work is within our communities.
“I’ve been blessed to reach this point in my career. I do feel that I’m just beginning, but I look back and say, ‘Wow, you’ve done some cool things.’ You know, I offer all of that up to my faith and to my mom who’s been completely supportive and especially mentors like Duane Cyrus and my UNCG professors like Robin Gee, BJ Sullivan, Janet Lilly, and others.”
What advice do you have for today’s School of Dance students?
“When you go into an audition, I know you want to be loved, and you want to be chosen. But don’t get lost in that. Remember that any one gig you book is not bigger than the art. Without intention, without real goals, without purpose, it’s like moving frivolously through life. When you go into an audition, remember that the purpose starts with you.”
