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JumpStart Theatre Breakfast
The second annual JumpStart Theatre Breakfast was held December 5 at The Center in Cincinnati to raise awareness and funding. On a rainy Cincinnati morning, nearly 100 local supporters were welcomed with a hot cup of coffee and warm conversation. The highlights of the event were the poignant stories and encouraging reports from those whose lives have been changed by experiencing theatre, matched by the exciting news of the expansion into St. Louis and La Jolla. After the formal program, many lingered to chat with JumpStart Theatre teachers and staff to learn more or brainstorm ideas about getting involved. Everyone departed feeling excited for new opportunities and reenergized to start their day. Attendees contributed $5,000 to support the program!
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Speaker Phillip Johnson Richardson, a Thespian alum and current student
at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, chats with breakfast attendees.
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We got Annie!
Oyler JumpStart Theatre students were invited to attend the dress rehearsal for Annieat The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, thanks to Artistic Director and Business Manager, Tim and Jennifer Perrino. It was the first time many of the students had experienced a live theatre performance. Tony Gargano, one of the JumpStart Theatre teachers at Oyler, shared that it was an “eye-opening” experience for the students and that they were “now able to visualize the play and their character when they read lines/listen to music.” Fellow Oyler teacher, Tiffaney Hamm, added that the performance helped her learn more about scene transitions, choreography and sets.
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Oyler students and teachers outside of the Covedale.
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Oyler students wait for the production to begin.
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Peer to Peer.
The JumpStart Theatre bootcamps bring all of the schools together, creating an opportunity for the seasoned schools to share advice with the rookies. After learning that Oyler had selected Annie JR for their first production, Gamble Montessori, who presented the same show last year, offered to lend various props and costumes. This type of collaboration and community can save schools valuable time and money, as well as create a critical support system.
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The Faces of St. Louis and La Jolla.
As EdTA expands the JumpStart Theatre program into other cities, some incredible individuals emerge to fill the crucial role of Program Manager for their region. Supported by EdTA and their own organizations, they will handle the day-to-day tasks: leading the school selection process, overseeing progress and performance at each school, coordinating the details for events (bootcamps, Showcase) and mentor visits, along with general problem-solving. They will also regularly communicate with EdTA to provide updates and impact reports. We’re excited to introduce Tali Allen and Julia Cuppy:
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Tali Allen is the Director of Education and Outreach at STAGES St. Louis. Tali is thrilled to join EdTA in bringing JumpStart Theatre to St. Louis! She has worked in performing arts education for the past 15 years, and has taught musical theatre, piano and voice on all academic levels. She has also directed, music directed, and accompanied an innumerable award-winning professional and youth theatre productions across the country.
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Tali was a teaching artist with Tennessee Performing Arts Center (Nashville, TN) and Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Chicago, IL), where she was also the Director of the Music School. After relocating to St. Louis, Tali founded her own performing arts studio which offered private lessons and youth musical theatre programs in various school districts and parks and recreation departments throughout the city. She taught music and drama within the Archdiocese of St. Louis and conducted a series of musical theatre professional development for its teachers. In her position at STAGES, Tali directs the Triple Threats program, teaches private voice and directs/music directs several theatrical productions for the Academy and its Outreach programs. She is also an adjunct faculty member at The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University.
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Julia Cuppy is the Associate Director of Education and Outreach at La Jolla Playhouse. Julia has been a theatre educator and artist in a variety of capacities for over 13 years. In her position at La Jolla Playhouse, she has committed to providing in-school and summer theatre programming for students and facilitating professional development opportunities for teachers across San Diego. She stays active as a multi-disciplinary theatre artist as either a director, dramaturge or actor with many regional theatre companies.
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Next month, she will be touring San Diego County schools as an actor in the 2018 Theatre for Young Audience production of Home of the Brave produced by La Jolla Playhouse. As a self-proclaimed musical theatre nerd, she has taught musical theatre history and acting at San Diego State University. Prior to living in San Diego, Julia was a high school theatre teacher and Thespian Troupe Director in Southern Oregon. She is delighted to be partnering with EdTA through the JumpStart Theatre program and can’t wait to see the impact on students, teachers, and the entire community. Julia has earned her MAT in theatre and MFA in musical theatre. Learn more at www.juliacuppy.com.
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9 Education Programs Bringing Broadway to Students Across the Country
From Inside Broadway to Disney Musicals in Schools, these programs introduce students to all aspects and professions in theatre. JumpStart Theatre is at the top of Playbill’s list! Click on the photo to read the article:
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