Blogs

A program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved middle schools that currently have none.

This is a series of monthly updates about the JumpStart Theatre pilot program launched this year in Cincinnati, Ohio. To view previous updates, click here.

Counting down 'til Friday! We're busy preparing for the first Bootcamp of the year on Friday, September 30. It will be held in the Green Room of the beautiful Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts. All JumpStart team members, EdTA/iTheatrics staff, and other local teachers and arts professionals will learn the basics of musical theatre in a fun and interactive all-day workshop. 

JumpStart teams are made up of at least three teachers at each school. These teachers cover a wide range of subjects: Science, English, Art, Band, Special Education and more. Very few have ever had experience in theatre, they simply believe that participating in the arts is crucial to becoming a well-rounded student. During these bootcamps, they step out of their comfort zones to learn valuable theatre skills and techniques in order to give their students an opportunity to grow and expand their horizons.

Welcome, Becca! Another exciting development in the program is the addition of a new program mentor, Becca Kloha Strand. Becca will be assisting Project Manager, Dee Anne Bryll, in providing professional support to our six JumpStart teams. She is excited to be joining the EdTA family and to be a part of the important work we do.   

Becca relocated to Cincinnati from NYC in 2014 and loves calling this city home. She has worked both nationally and internationally with award winning directors and choreographers. Most recently, she performed on the Broadway National Tour of  Wicked. In Cincinnati, Becca works extensively in both the commercial industry and as a teaching artist. 

When asked why she felt theatre education was important, she answered, "It offers students of all ages the opportunity to be a part of creating something. I think as humans we long to be in community and we define ourselves by the communities we are a part of. Theatre offers a rare and beautiful chance to be a part of a community in a safe and nurturing way. The skills that are learned from helping to create something are invaluable and reach far beyond the stage."

Learn more about Becca at BeccaKlohaStrand.com.

Thanks to all of our partners and supporters on JumpStart Theatre:

• ArtsWave

• Barnes Dennig

• Community Arts Initiatives

• The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

• The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation

• Hilton

• iTheatrics

• The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

• Music Theatre International

• Ohio Arts Council

• The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

• William O. Purdy, Jr.  Foundation Fund

• All of the individual donors