Fine Arts Faculty Take Advantage of Summer Learning Opportunities

The Performing Arts faculty made every second count, this summer.

Middle School Theatre Director Ricky Watson worked with Creatively Independent, an arts education company based in Austinville, VA, from June to July. During that time, he participated in and facilitated workshops with individuals from Minnesota to Miami to Las Vegas exploring the idea and impact of “play” and it’s importance in every aspect of our lives.

Carolyn Tuttle, Director of Choral Music, took six students to a camp in Romania, where they worked with gypsy children. Carolyn and her students taught the campers music, recreation, arts and crafts. They also participated in a cultural exchange. In July, Carolyn went to Choral Panorama in Altamonte Springs. One thousand choral teachers united to read through 300 new titles of choral music.

Amber Daniels, Director of Dance, choreographed “West Side Story” for Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Summer Musical Theatre Experience. As a dancer with Jacksonville Dance Theatre, she will be performing in Los Angeles in August.

Assistant Director of Dance Tess Ferguson had her first concert with Jacksonville Dance Theatre. She was the only Full Company member hired this year. She went to Los Angeles to assist JDT Director, Rebecca Levy, in setting a piece on the company, Nancy Evans Dance Theatre. She completed a residency with Jay Jackson and also attended the SAIS New Teachers Training.

Megan Elsila, Technical Director, was the lighting designer and stage manager for JDT’s fifth annual performance at the Florida Theatre. She also spent time enhancing the Munnerlyn space.

Upper School Theatre Director and Performing Arts Chair, Taylor Horne, participated in workshops focused on both voice over and on camera acting at the Tony Award winning Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

“Our ESJ students benefit greatly from the connections we make and skills we gain during professional development opportunities,” said Horne. “It is important for them to know that we are students and artists in our own right. We are always striving to grow and enhance our craft.”