WORKSHOPS – BIOS
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OVERVIEW

Learn first hand from professional, working artists with our festival's workshop series! Engage with artists and your peers as you learn Musical Theatre Dance, Comedy, Fiber Art, Stage Combat, Filmography, and so much more.

Register for workshops starting Wednesday, March 13, 2024 through March 24, 2024 using the SignUpGenius link provided by your teachers. Don't be afraid to try something new!

Students are limited to 2-3 of these workshops, but don't worry.. there are plenty of pop up workshops to enjoy throughout the day! Please check your adjudication schedule to make sure nothing overlaps.

Don't forget to check out our Student Gallery, Pop-Up Installations, and Open Mic! Scroll to learn more about these events and this year's workshops.

OUR WORKSHOPS


Stay tuned for the workshops! We're updating this page daily.

CREATIVE WRITING

Creative Writing workshops will take place at the Millville Public Library, at 210 Buck Street.
Rebecca Bonham Headshot

Writing for Open Mic: Poetry Writing & Presentation

Rebecca Bonham is a co-owner of Blue Jade Press, LLC; publishing local authors of all genres. Established in 2018, Blue Jade Press represents fifteen authors with 25 titles. Rebecca is an active member of the Millville, New Jersey Art’s District. She hosts poetry workshops, local author features, and open mics. She has hosted the open mic portion of the Teen Arts Festival in Millville NJ, 2018-2023. She also performs at various open mics in New Jersey. She was published in local literary magazines “L’Spirit” Cumberland Co. College, 2007; “Disorder III” and “Moving beyond Mars” Red Dashboard, 2017. Her own collection, “Model Poet” was published in 2021, Blue Jade Press.
alma pesiri headshot

Look Around You: Speak Up!

Alma is an artist who encourages poetry, creative writing, looking for the color, shape, and movement in words. She is an amazing artist/ poet and has collaborated with many artists and her work has been shown in a variety of publications. A lot of her poems have photos or artwork embedded within them. This workshop is to encourage the creativity within you - to help you easily express in words what you feel. It's to remind participants of the power of words for poetry, school projects, stories, and all the times you want to present yourself.

DANCE & YOGA WORKSHOPS

Dance Workshops take place at the Hands Up Theatre (16 N. High Street) and the American Legion (220 Buck Street). The Yoga Workshop takes place at the Levoy Arts and Education Center at 16 E. Pine Street.
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Hip Hop

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olivia cruiz headshot

Musical Theatre Dance (final workshop - Tap)

Taught by Olivia A Cruz. Olivia is a multidisciplinary performing artist, but her first love will always be dance. She obtained her BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts and has since been performing all over the country in places like Walt Disney World, the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles CA, and on set of Steven Spielberg’s 2021 feature film, West Side Story. When not performing, she enjoys teaching dance and choreographing; Many of her recent works appearing right here on the Levoy Stage! She is excited to share her love of Musical Theater Dance with the upcoming artists of the Teen Arts Festival! @Olivia_Antoinette
Deserea Byrd

West African Dance

Taught by Deserea Byrd. Deserea embarked on her dance journey in 1998, honing her skills in Ballet, Hip-Hop, and African dance under BettyAnn Guyton's guidance at NJBC Liturgical Dance Team. Quickly rising to leadership, she became head teacher/choreographer in 2001, orchestrating performances for missions in Mexico and Jamaica. Her talents expanded to theater in 2002, showcasing her prowess as an actress, singer, and dancer with HRHS Backstage Players, eventually assuming the role of choreographer. Her dedication to dance led her to earn an Associates Degree from Camden County College in 2008, followed by a Bachelors Degree in Dance: Studio Operations from Richard Stockton University in 2011. As a standout member of the RSCNJ Dance Company, Deserea premiered numerous original works and performed in productions under esteemed choreographers. She currently teaches Hip-Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Jazz, and West African styles at All That Dance Studio.
Candice Bernhardt headshot

Yoga for Performers

Candice is a certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance, with certs in kripalu, Yogic A&P, disabilities, Ayurvedic studies, yin, and nidra. Her classes are typically found in Vineland and Ocean City.

MUSIC WORKSHOPS

Music Workshops take place at the Levoy Arts and Education Center at 16 E. Pine Street.
chris orazi headshot

Sound Engineering & Recording: Music as a Business

Owner and founder of C.A.S. Music Productions, in 1984 in Southern, NJ. C.A.S. is a full-service music and audio recording production facility. Chris Orazi scores and produces for TV, Film and ad campaigns. He has produced and co-written albums for a number of singer-songwriters, jazz artists and indy artists. Recent theatrical releases include songwriting, score and sound design for The Lost Princess of Oz, a live stage musical and is currently a streaming podcast production. TV Scores and production include: Joan Cusack’s Local Flavor, Prisoner’s Among us, Dressed, Guy Fieri DDD, Miss America. Awards include an Emmy for original score, two Emmy nominations, Addys and 12 Telly awards for post-production scores and soundtracks. Chris Orazi’s original music can be found on his Avenue C releases, avenuecmusic.com.
Earl Phillips Headshot

Instrumental Jazz Improvisation

Earl Phillips is the Professor of Jazz Trombone and a member of the Composition / Arranging faculty at Rowan University, the Director of 2 Jazz Ensembles, the pit orchestra, and teaches Music Theory and Music Technology at Cherokee High School, creator of the “Evesham Jazz Machine” and, also, is the communications liaison for NJAJE and is a sitting board member. Earl’s 2 sessions for the Cape May Teen Arts Festival are: Improvisation Basics - Bring your instruments! We will be playing as a group (and individually if you choose) and talking about ways to begin practicing how to improvise! “Music Beyond High School” - I’ll talk to you about my path as a music major (the good/bad/ugly) and have this function more as a Q&A for anyone thinking about anything musical beyond high school
Peter Arsenault Headshot

Performance Anxiety

Dr. Peter Arsenault is a Psychologist who practices in the high school setting and in a private practice. His pop up will cover tips to reduce the symptoms of performance anxiety.

MUSICAL THEATRE & THEATRE WORKSHOPS

Musical Theatre & Theatre Workshops take place at the Hands Up Theatre (16 N. High Street), the River Renaissance Center for the Arts (RRCA, 22 N. High Street), the Levoy Arts and Education Center (16 E. Pine Street), and the American Legion (220 Buck Street),
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Acting Methods: Alexander & Meisner Techniques

Taught by Jada Mayo. Jada is a distinguished alumni of Carnegie Mellon’s esteemed Musical Theatre program. With a passion for the performing arts that started at a very young age, Jada has embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of acting and musical theatre education. Jada will be offering a workshop on the Alexander and Meisner techniques, which helps actors be more in connection with their bodies and voices as well as connecting with their scene partner through various exercises that actors can add to their process.
Kristy Whilden headshot

American Sign Language in Theater

Kristy Whilden is a #1 International Bestselling Author, Founder and CEO of Hands Up Silent Theatre. She has a Bachelor of the Arts Degree from Rutgers University, a Degree in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language from Rowan College at Burlington County and is currently persuing a Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Kristy was a music educator for 10 years before losing her hearing from progressive sensorineural hearing loss in 2014. Since closing the doors of her music school, her and her daughter Hailey co-founded Hands Up Silent Theatre so Kristy wouldn't lose her love of the performing arts forever. The mission of Hands Up is to encourage the d/Deaf/HOH communities to learn more about the performing arts and encourage the hearing to learn ASL and interact with d/Deaf peers. Together they create not just accessible but equal performances for the d/Deaf/HOH and hearing communities to enjoy as one! Learn a brief bit of ASL history and the national theater of the Deaf and the different ways to interpret theater then learn a broadway song in sign.
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Audition Cuts

Lizz is a singer/songwriter/actress/dancer originally from South Jersey. They went to school for their BFA in Musical Theatre and one of their favorite credits includes, "Xena: Warrior Musical" by Lucier&Rose. Come learn how to take control of the audition room and book your next role! Please come prepared with a 16 bar musical cut or 30 second monologue.
Nerys Muller

Headshots (for all disciplines)

Born and raised in Vineland, NJ, Nerys Muller (she/her) is a Variety-mentioned award-winning director, filmmaker, and photographer. In addition to helming her own independent production company Book Two Productions LLC, Nerys has partnered with and worked for several creative institutions including Broadway Cares, Netflix, AMC, the Institute for American Musical Theatre, and Ms. Rachel at Songs For Littles. She is thrilled to be coming back to Teen Arts this year to offer her skills in photography, teaching young actors and artists the art of Headshot Photography for that perfect photo finish!
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Dressing Your Character: Costume Design

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Sally Bingham

Improv: What Could Go Wrong

Sally Bingham is a writer/ director of Children's Theater and the Art-In-Education Director of East Lynne Theater Company. She has performed and taught improv for lots of different folks over lots of years. In the What Could Go Wrong Workshop, we'll talk about using improv skills to deal with performance curveballs and mishaps. All are welcome as these skills can also help boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and inspire creative problem solving in a sometimes uncertain world.
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Stage Combat

Dominic is an actor, fight director, and teacher who has been working in South Jersey theater for over 10 years. Recent projects include the Levoy Theater (Sweeney Todd), Cumberland Players (The Crucible), The Ritz (MacBeth), FTW (MacBeth), Haddonfield Plays & Players (Spamalot), and Masquerade (She Kills Monsters). Recently Dom has become a certified LudoSport lightsaber combat instructor and competes regionally in tournaments.
sean mcgarry headshot

Stage Combat

Sean McGarry has taught and choreographed stage combat since 2007, with experience teaching young people from middle school to college. Recent experience includes recurring classes with the Levoy theater, and workshops with the South Jersey Teen Arts Festival (4/23), and the New Jersey Thespian Festival (1/23). All of his work is consent forward, his job as an instructor and fight director is to prioritize the safety of students and cast, both physical and emotional. CLASS DESCRIPTION Get to the Punchline! (Basic unarmed stage combat) In this class we’ll cover fundamental concepts like consent, partnering, and distance among others, leading up to the delivery of a safe stage punch and learning how to fall down safely after “taking a hit”. No need to bring anything but comfortable clothes and some water to stay hydrated.

VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS

Visual Arts Workshops take place at the River Renaissance Center for the Arts (22 N High Street), the Rowan Arts and Innovation Center (AIC, 321 N. High Street), the Village on High (501 N High Street), and DC Gallery and Studio (508 N High Street).
Jenn Gibson headshot

Airbrushing

Jenn Gibson, a Buffalo State College alumna with a BFA in Fine Arts and a BA in Art History, discovered her passion for airbrushing in 1998 during her junior year of high school—a passion she has fervently pursued ever since. Notably, she became a co-instructor for both the Freehand Realism classes at the prestigious Airbrush Action Getaways in 2017 and the Freedom to Freehand class at the Airbrush Art Circus in 2018. Jenn conducts private workshops both nationally and internationally. Recognized as an elite artist, she has represented esteemed companies like House of Kolor/Sherwin Williams, Anest-Iwata Medea Airbrush, RTi-PBE DriAir Systems, and FBS Tapes and Sprayers at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Jenn’s airbrush talents have graced the runway during London Fashion Week 2020 with Ashley Williams design house, and in 2023, she collaborated with Urban Outfitters. Furthermore, she has gained international recognition through features in national and international magazines. Inspired by Neoclassicism and Magical Realism, Jenn channels these influences into her fine art endeavors. Currently, she explores these themes and ideas in her work. . Explore her captivating portfolio and learn more about her artistic journey at www.FavAirbrushGirl.com
steve gibson headshot

Airbrushing

Steve Gibson is a world renown airbrush artist whose technical abilities are inspired by traditional oil painting. His freehand technique has established himself as an innovator and a unique talent in his field. He specializes in automotive murals and reproductions as well as fine art. He has a BA in Fine Art from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. His fine art efforts have been recognized by curators in selected exhibitions at both The Philadelphia Museum of Art as well as The Whitney Museum of Art. He also has several TV appearances to his credit on Discovery Channels "American Chopper." His experimental nature, combined with a colorful and versatile work history make his pieces both highly original at their core as well as masterful in their execution. He has numerous awards and merits. His caliber of excellence has been called upon by notable bike builders and riders such as Jesse James (Monster Garage), Paul Teutel Jr. (American Chopper) and Carey Hart, as well as collaborative efforts with House of Kolor and The Frazetta Girls. He was CycleSource Magazines "Artist of the Year 2020." Most recently he was a featured artist at "The Eternal City Custom Show" in Rome, Italy, 2022. He maintains a busy work schedule both nationally and internationally for his approach to his craft and the knowledge it embodies. Workshop schedules are due to resume in the near future.
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Cake Decorating

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Kevin Jordan Headshot

CD Painting

Kevin Jordan is a local self taught artist and sculptor who has been creating art for 9 years. Their style is folk art and they utilize found objects in their art and sculptures. For the Teen Arts Festival the lesson will be painting on CDs and taking an often discarded item and turning it into a treasure. You can paint your favorite song lyrics or whatever your heart desires. Come visit my Simple Life Studio at The Village on High where you can see my sculptures and hex sign paintings
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Chalk Art

Helen’s freehand art is unique. Her bold black outlines are drawn from early years of studying pen & ink album art. She’s self taught and has been creating whimsical illustrative, mixed media surf art and chalk paintings since the 70’s.
Linda Robinson Headshot

Drawing from Life

I am currently a Pastel artist, art instructor, on the board of the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the arts and taught art for 31 years in Millville, Public schools. I presently exhibit my artwork locally and will be included in a group art exhibit at the Seaview country club, presented by the Noyes museum in May 2024. I continue my interest in the arts and to support arts, education in our community! Workshop- How to approach a landscape drawing -The lesson will consist of how to approach a landscape pencil, drawing. -Students will experience using references to create a landscape line drawing, focusing on composition, line, texture, and perspective.
Danielle Cartier Headshot

Fresco

Danielle Cartier is a visual artist, muralist and curator based in Millville, NJ. She is the owner of DC Gallery Studio in Millville. DC Gallery Studio is a contemporary art gallery, maker retail space and studio featuring contemporary art in a wide variety of media by emerging established local artists. Danielle is also a professor at Stockton University and Rowan University. Fresco Workshop Visit DC Gallery & Studio to learn how to make your own fresco. A fresco is a wet making painting technique used by muralists today. Make your own fresco dough, paint it with watercolor & take it home with you!
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Mandala with watercolor

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Gary Lindley Headshot

Paint Pen Grafitti

Gary Lindley is a mixed medium semi-abstract/ abstract artist with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the San Francisco Art Institute. His pop up will feature a paint pen workshop with influences from graffiti and street art.
Gloria Davis Headshot

Paper Collage

Gloria Davis’s first recollection of her art abilities occurred in elementary school. She carved a lamb out of a bar of soap, introducing her to sculpting. Then, an aunt taught her how to sew and over the years, Gloria continued by pursuing art classes, adding sculpting, beading, art quilting, knitting, crocheting, painting, and polymer clay to her repertoire. Finally obtaining her BFA in 2011. She has exhibited at the African American Museum in Detroit, Michigan, City of Philadelphia, PA, North Carolina City Halls, and the Will Grant Still Art Center in Los Angeles, CA, Underground Railroad in Cincinnati, OH, Joan Mondale Gallery, Textile Center in Minneapolis, MN, James Museum in St. Petersburg, FL. Two recent books by Carolyn Mazloomi called “We Are The Story” and “Black Pioneers” featured her quilts. Her work has been exhibited in the Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia, Pa and Moody Gallery in Glenside, PA. She was featured in the Philadelphia Tribune and has taught class for the Philadelphia Free Library, Wynnefield Resident Association, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Nile Swim Club and Johnson House. Gloria’s solo art exhibit at Scribe Video Center, Philadelphia, Pa was extended to October 18, 2023. Currently she is part of a group exhibitors at City Lore Gallery, New York City resulting in a book and Pendle Hill, Delaware County, Pa. ABC has run a feature story on her last month. Currently exhibiting in Philadelphia City Hall’s Refocus exhibit and The Peoples Stories exhibit with a solo exhibit at the African American Heritage Museum in Atlantic City. The Atlantic City exhibit ends March 30, 2024.
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Pine Needle Basket Weaving - Popup

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WORKSHOPS – BIOS

Pottery - Popup

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Maryann Cannon Headshot

Printmaking - Popup

CANNON graduated from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. She is a member of the American Color Print Society. She shows her printmaking work locally and in national shows. She will be inking small etching plates and hand pulling the prints from a small etching press. Her process is the same as it was five hundred years ago, with a look of antique with a contemporary feel or subject matter.
Syndei Smithjordan headshot

Wearable Art

Sydnei Smithjordan is a freelance artist/illustrator. She has had over thirty years in various fields of art. Beginning as a desktop publisher, she moved on to gain attention in the art market as a medical illustrator. Sydnei has chosen to assert the majority of her attention to fine art and illustration since 1995. She has worked for both commercial and private venues nationally and internationally. Educated in fine art at College of Design, Art, and Architecture at Santa Monica College under the mentorship of Ronn Davis; she also studied illustration at Rhode Island School of Design. Her works have been collected by such names as Park Overall, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti La Belle, Forrest Whitaker, Denzel Washington, Damien Escobar, and Sylvester Stallone. The workshop will consist of a custom sneaker demo with students tricking out a wooden prototype that they will be able to take home. Wearable Art