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College of Fine Arts Internship Coordinator Kate Wolsey has been named one of 2022's Career Champions of the Year by the University of Utah Career & Professional Development Center!

Awardees are faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond to support students in their career development. As Internship Coordinator, Kate helps connect CFA students to valuable experiential learning opportunities in the community, and career resources that will help them reach their goals. She also leads the team of ArtsForce Emerging Leaders Interns as they help students articulate the value of their degrees and transition from college to the workforce. 

One nominator wrote: 

"I have seen Kate champion each of the students she comes into contact with – providing professional connections, taking extra time to address students' specific concerns, and following up with them to see how they are progressing with their goals. Once a student has met with Kate, she is invested in their success. She still stays touch with students who have gone on to exciting professional opportunities post-graduation, continuing to cheer them on and offer lasting mentorship." 

Thank you Kate, for all you do for our students! 

When asked what students are thinking when it comes to life after college, ArtsForce Emerging Leaders interns shared valuable insight.

“I know a lot of people are scared about the exact path they are going down, and if it is the right one,” U Department of Film & Media Arts student Cayden Turnbow explained. “You have this idea of what it’s going to be and if it doesn’t exactly go that way it can feel like failure.”

School of Dance student Celine David has a similar thought. “It’s intimidating going into such an unknown world when you have been a student your whole life,” she said. “This is such a big shift – from working on your art every day to a path that isn’t so set for you.” 

“I think students are worried about finding a position they will enjoy, and that will make all the time and money they invested in their college education worth it,” Duke Ross, also pursuing film, said.

But here’s the good news. They have planned an event to help students navigate these very concerns – and make valuable community connections along the way.

This Saturday, March 26th, ArtsForce will host their annual networking event, (in person!) at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Students will definitely not want to miss this chance to gain insight from a panel of fine arts professionals, meet local employers, network with alumni, and more.

“I’m excited for students to see all the opportunities there are. I think when you are getting ready to graduate, it can feel like there is nothing out there. But you just need to be made aware of the opportunities,” David said.

Intern Kaitlin Kerr-Osman chimed in: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to connect with people in the local arts world. In college, it’s so easy to get all your time sucked up by projects. It’s nice to take a step away and focus on something that will be very important for your future.”

Attendees will hear from panelists Allison DeBona (Owner & Artistic Director of artÉmotion and Ballet West soloist) Arthur Veneema (Director, Screenwriter & Producer), and Nancy Rivera (Visual Artist, Curator & Administrator), then enjoy free lunch and a friendly networking hour.

Scared of the idea of networking? It’s not as bad as you think. And there is so much to gain.

“Talking to professionals in different areas other than your own can give you so much value and understanding of the experiences we will all have to face. People really do have so much depth and insight into things you wouldn’t have considered,” intern Pablo Cruz-Ayala asserted.

“I’ve learned what communities I do and don’t want to be a part of,” Ross added. “There are some situations I have vibed with, and others that were less in line with my values and needs. It reinforces some things, and makes me question other things.”

There’s still time to join in the fun. So gather your burning questions, a couple friends, and an open mind. You won’t be sorry.

The First Step: Launching your Career in the Arts 
ArtsForce Annual Networking Event

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 2022
10AM – 1PM
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
RSVP HERE

By Cayden Turnbow

This past month, I was able to speak with commercial director and Department of Film & Media Arts alumna Sage Bennett. Sage recently completed a sunscreen commercial for EltaMD that was shot in Salt Lake. I remember seeing Sage’s capstone film “The End” in one of the first classes I ever took at the U. I remember being blown away by the quality, and it really set a precedent for what I should be striving for by the time I get to my capstone class.

As a film student myself, I really wanted to get an idea of what it was going to be like post-graduation, and Sage was more than willing to give her take on that transition. 

As art students, it’s important to remember that our career will most likely take many unexpected turns, and our expectations change as we learn more about what we like to do – plus balancing all that with being able to afford rent. Being able to see how other artists have established their careers, and how much their vision has shifted can be beneficial because there really isn’t one way to succeed. “I make a living as a commercial filmmaker [...] but I guess from my education I thought that my paths were limited. Either I’m going to become a famous director of feature films immediately, or not,” Sage said. “There are so many paths in between where you can still do film and make a living.”

Sage credits her internship at St. Cloud, now Namesake, as the experience that best prepared her for her career as a commercial director. “I think that was instrumental in my career. I wouldn't know what I would be doing if I hadn't done that internship,“ she said. She started out as a production assistant and climbed up the ladder into eventually getting signed as a director at Namesake. This proves that internships provide valuable networks and experiences for those starting out. Who knows, your internship could lead directly to a more permanent position at the company later on. Sage’s experience made me remember: make sure you put 100% of your energy into creating a positive experience for whatever internship you can get a hold of.

“There is this narrative that if you want to work in any sort of art it's going to be really, really hard and I'm not saying it's not hard – but there are ways to do it where if you are passionate about it, and it's what you really love, I think you can be far more successful in that than in something that you don't care about.”

Beyond building a professional reel for film and production work, Sage also built a solid community while she was in college. “I think the biggest thing is community and finding people that you can align yourself with that also want to succeed,” she said. For a lot of people, community starts in college. Whether it be getting involved with different internships or joining a club, being able to team up and work with a variety of people is a skill that continues beyond campus life. There are so many resources on campus for students to utilize. It's just a matter of if you are willing to take the time to try it out. “Filmmaking is just a giant group project. [...] Learning how to work with other people, especially people that maybe you don't agree with, or you wouldn't think you would work together well, learning how to do those kinds of projects with my peers really helped me to prepare.”

So test yourself. Try something new.

As Sage said, “You'll never know unless you do, and now is such a good time to try stuff out.”

Regardless of if you choose to apply for an internship, focus on creating a cohesive reel, or build up a community, make sure to ground yourself and enjoy where you are at the moment. “I have kind of realized that every time I accomplish something, I want to accomplish something else, so I might as well just be happy where I am […] Enjoy where you are in your journey and make the most of that.”

Artsforce Takeaways

• Really experiment and discover what you enjoy creating while you are in college.

• Get involved in a community that shares your passions and ambitions.

• Find your niche. Start to build up a portfolio that showcases your skills.
  
  

If you are interested or want to learn more about ArtsForce, join here.  

Author Cayden Turnbow is an Emerging Leaders Intern at ArtsForce, the Film Production Club President and a Commercial Director in Student Media. He is majoring in Film and Media Arts.

It's hard to believe that the year 2020 is coming to a close.

A year with more adaptation, collaboration, flexibility, and innovation than any of us can remember — this one will not soon be forgotten. 

At the College of Fine Arts, 2020 was a year of immense achievement in spite of rising challenges. Let's look back: at how we came together, the new discoveries we made, the milestones we crossed, and the highlights we shared. 

Department of Art & Art History 

• Student work was shared at the MFA Interim Show "Mixed Bag," Photo and Sculpture Clubs' group show "Things & Pictures of Things," the Valentine's Print Sale, BFA Show "Social Distance (online), Capstone Exhibitions (online), Interdisciplinary Capstone Exhbition (online), the Juried Student Art Exhibition 2020 (online), Contemporary Photography Projects Exhibition (online), Open Studio showings, and more. 
• The department hosted fantastic guest artists Bryan Czibesz, Tanja Softić, Anna Hansen, Brad Evan Taylor, John F. Simon Jr., Jeannette Ehlers, and Michelle Bowers. 
• Advanced Digital Imaging students, under the guidance of associate professor Ed Bateman, responded to current events in a "New Decameron," a collection of original photography. 
• In the fall, the department began offering a brand new illustration emphasis, and a new Illustration 1 course with Professor Michael Hirshon. 
• Students had the opportunity to learn from artist Kei Ito, Marva & John Warnock Artist-In-Residence. 
• Graduate student Bryce Billings, with a team of undergraduate students, created a 151' work in the Art & Art History building, titled "The Remains of a Dream." 

School of Dance 

• School of Dance faculty and students kept moving no matter what, adjusting to technique class via video, rehearsing outside, and learning choreography from guest artists over Zoom. 
• Students showcased their work in Spring Utah Ballet, Fall Utah Ballet, Performing Dance Company, the Gala performance, and in the student led concerts including the Modern Senior Concert, Graduate Thesis Concert, and Ballet Showcases. 
• The school hosted guest artists Heather Gray, Katlyn Addison, Melanie George, Darrel Grand Moultrie, and Penny Saunders. 
• The annual Utah Ballet Summer Intensive was held for the first time entirely online, bringing together world renowned faculty, including current artists, ballet masters, and Artistic Directors. 

Department of Film & Media Arts 

• Students started the Film Production Club who, in their first few months of meeting, hosted film discussions, script competitions, and screenwriting workshops!  
• MFA alumna Lee Isaac Chung swept top honors at Sundance with his film "Minari," which earned both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. 
• Producer-in-Residence Emelie Mahdavian was awarded both a Peabody Award and an Emmy for her film "Midnight Traveler." 
• Assistant professors Miriam and Sonia Albert-Sobrino, started the "Alone Together" online film festival as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting cancellations that eliminated public screening opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
• Assistant professor Sarah Sinwell released a new book, "Indie Cinema Online," exploring emerging trends in indie cinema and streaming services.
• To accommodate social distance while still sharing student films, the department hosted its first ever drive-in F&MAD Fest, where viewers were able to enjoy films from the safety of their cars. 

School of Music 

• Dozens of recitals were livestreamed via Live at Libby, the School's YouTube channel, showcasing the work of undergraduate and graduate musicians. 
• The School of Music Student Success Initiative allowed special events for students focused on wellness, including panel discussions, Alexander Technique workshops, discussions on diversity, and masterclasses. 
• Celebrating the end of the academic year with an online watch party, the virtual 2020 Student Showcase highlighted student performances from each area. 
• The Michie Jazz Quintet recorded an exciting EP, capturing the unique blend the group had honed over years of practicing and performing together. 
• The Jed Moss Memorial Concert, not only celebrated the life of a beloved member of the Utah music community, it helped establish an endowed scholarship in collaborative piano. 
• The online Camerata Awards Gala, hosted by Kirsten Chavez, featured video performances from all of the School of Music ensembles and honored this year's award recipients, Roger H. and Colleen K. Thompson. 

Department of Theatre 

• The Department of Theatre delighted audiences with their live productions of "She Kills Monsters" and "Floyd Collins." 
• Students led "Self Isolation Shakespeare," a collaborative effort to read through Shakespeare's canon weekly on Zoom — and a way to stay connected when the pandemic hit. 
• Graduating students in the Actor Training Program visited with actor Jim Parsons on Zoom, gaining valuable career and life advice. 
• Youth Theatre wasted no time in creatively pivoting to accommodate summer theatre classes for K-12 students. As a result, they thrived all summer. 
• The department welcomed Sydney Cheek-O'Donnell as the new Interim Chair. 
• "Night Witches" triumphed as the first production designed specifically for digital streaming. The rave reviews rolled in!

College of Fine Arts

• When COVID-19 took hold just a few short months into the year, students, faculty & staff sprung into action to pivot our plans. We brushed up on online software to learn how to continue remote study, students adapted their living spaces to make space for Zoom class, our Academic Advisors and Create Success Interns offered their guidance and advice, and we leaned on our dedication to the arts to lift our spirits and fuel our persistence. 
• Our annual Arts Bash (Arts Pass 101, this year) and annual Gala celebration moved online, bringing us together from the safety of our own homes. 
• We solidified our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, with the first meetings of our official JEDI Committee. 
• We enlisted a group of bright and engaged alumni and arts supporters to advocate for the CFA locally and nationwide as the first cohort of Fine Arts Ambassadors. 
• Art educators in both the ArtsBridge and MAT-FA programs went the extra mile to ensure K-12 students continued to have access to the arts remotely.
• We consulted many alumni, now working professionally in the arts, for their advice in our Making Art Work and ArtsForce Asks series. 

Here's to celebrating where we have been, and looking forward to all that is sure to come.
From all of us at the CFA — Happy New Year, indeed! 

The Fine Arts Ambassadors at the University of Utah is a group College of Fine Arts alumni, now professionals active in the arts community and eager to advance the mission of the College of Fine Arts. Formed in summer of 2020, the FAA seeks to increase representation and advocacy for the University of Utah College of Fine Arts in local and national arts communities, provide mentorship to current students, and connect alumni back to the ongoing work of the College. 

Jazmin Gallegos (she/her/hers) is the K-12 & Community Outreach Coordinator for the Book Arts Program at the J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah. She teaches the History of the Book and basic bookmaking to K-12 classes across Utah. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, her interest in visual arts began at a very young age which led her to obtain a degree in Art Teaching from the University of Utah. She is thrilled to be advocating for art education in schools around Utah and hopes to continue making art including her hand-bound books in her free time. She also enjoys hot yoga, pet-sitting, hiking, kayaking, camping and relaxing with friends and family.

Nick Pedersen received his BFA in Photography from the University of Utah, and his MFA in Digital Arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Nick's work combines his own photography, digital collage, and printmaking techniques to create elaborate, photorealistic images focusing on environmental issues. His artwork has been shown in galleries across the country and internationally, including the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, Paradigm Gallery, Antler Gallery, and UMOCA. He has published two artist books featuring his long-term personal projects Sumeru and Ultima, and his work has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Create Magazine, Juxtapoz, and Hi-Fructose. Many of his images have been recognized with awards from the International Photography Awards, the Future Art Awards, the Adobe Design Achievement Awards, and the Photoshop Guru Award. As an educator he teaches workshops on photomontage and digital collage with Domestika, and has lectured at Pratt Institute, NYU Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Utah. Nick has also completed artist residencies at the Banff Center in Canada, the Gullkistan Creative Residency in Iceland, the Taft-Nicholson Center in Montana, and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art to work on his environmental projects. 

Douglas Wilson earned his BFA from the University of Utah Department of Art & Art History in 2009. Since graduating, Douglas has served in a variety of important roles within creative-based companies, with positions including Art Director, Sales & Marketing Manager, and his current position as Art & Branding Director for University of Utah Athletics. Additionally, Douglas works as a freelance artist and muralist for a variety of local and nationwide brands. These experiences have allowed Douglas to establish an active and successful career. He not only understands the business and financial aspects of art and design, but also possesses expertise in drawing, painting, sculpting, graphic design, apparel design, photography, and videography.

Ashley Jian Thomson is a Communications Specialist in the College of Fine Arts, a Choreographer with Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative, and a Steering Committee Member with DanceMN. Professional credits include Art Meets Fashion! Gala (Charles & Ron), JessaKae (Ballerina Collection), James Sewell Ballet, Akram Khan x MN Opera, NIJAD Dance Collective, Festival de Danse Cannes 2019, Nu.topia: Tour the Mystery!, HATCH: Danceworks in Progress, RDT’s Emerge, SACDT’s Sign of Life, Lexus GS Japan’s Kaleidoscope Commercial. Teaching credits include UBSI, IBSI Korea, and Ballet West Academy. Ashley graduated from the University of Utah with a Ballet, B.F.A. and a Strategic Communications, B.S. She holds certifications in ABT® National Training Curriculum, Progressing Ballet Technique, and University of Minnesota’s UX/UI Design Program. 

Lydia Martin, originally from West Palm Beach, FL, graduated from the University of Utah in 2018 with her BFA in Modern Dance and BS in Psychology. After graduating, she worked as a freelance artist and performed in Nu.topia: Tour the Mystery!, as well as Brine’s production “NaCl 18.” She currently works as a Benefits Specialist for Clearlink Technologies, LLC., and is an artist and performer with Fem Dance Company and Oquirrh West Project. With Oquirrh West Project, Lydia also serves as the Community Outreach Director, collaborating with high schools to increase accessibility to the arts. She currently lives in Salt Lake City and is attending the University of South Florida as an MBA candidate with an emphasis in Healthcare Analytics.

Anne Marie Robson Smock is a Brooklyn-based choreographer, performer, and dance educator. She received her MFA in Dance from NYU Tisch School of the Arts while simultaneously earning her MA in Dance Education from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. Originally from Salt Lake City, she holds a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. She is currently adjunct faculty at NYU Steinhardt, faculty for the pre-professional youth program at Steps On Broadway, and working towards her Dance/Movement Therapy certification at the 92Y Harkness Dance Center. She has taught and had her work presented in New York, Utah, Martha's Vineyard, Colorado and Uganda. Her latest creative pursuit is crocheting baby blankets, very slowly. 

Originally from Boise, Idaho, Michaela Gerard moved to Utah to attend the University of Utah where she graduated with a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Psychology. Michaela danced locally with Municipal Ballet Co prior to joining Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative where she takes an active role in helping with daily operations, show planning, as well as performing. She has also explored her interest in early childhood development as a behavior technician and early childhood classroom teacher. Currently, Michaela works for the Utah Food Bank in the Mobile School Pantry program, helping to distribute free groceries to students and families.  Michaela is thrilled to join the Fine Arts Ambassadors and hopes to have the ability to continue learning from and collaborating with so many talented CFA alumni. 

Severin Sargent-Catterton (she/they), of Ellicott City, Maryland, grew up immersed in various western dance techniques before setting sights on modern dance. Studying under Marilyn Byers, Severin practiced Nikolais technique before moving to Salt Lake City to continue her dance studies at the University of Utah. During her completion of her Honors Bachelor of Fine Arts at the School of Dance, Severin performed works by Anouk Van Dijk, Eric Handman, and others. She also performed Outdoors, Noa Zuk and Ohad Fishof, with Repertory Dance Theater during their Fall 2019 season. Post graduation, Severin taught for Johns Hopkins University.  She has performed with sonderIMMERSIVE, Interdisciplinary Arts Collective, Myriad Dance, and Deseret Experimental Opera. Severin continues to create and move for various artists around the Salt Lake Valley. Severin is the current Booking and Touring Manager for Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company; and has worked for the company since 2016.

Jordan Boge is a film producer and instructor from Des Moines, IA. He holds an MFA in Film and Media Arts from the University of Utah and a BA in Communication Studies and French from Luther College. Beyond just education, Jordan's work is rooted in a range of experiential learning opportunities that have spanned the globe. These internships include TV Tours in France, Connection Events in Montréal, CNN in Atlanta, Participant in Los Angeles, and HLN in NYC. Jordan is currently located in Atlanta and working in creative marketing for CNN. Ultimately, Jordan has a passion for creating non-fiction content that brings to life the stories of the marginalized so that everyone can be seen on screen. When he is not working, Jordan enjoys obsessively rewatching Pixar movies and perfecting the best brewing practices for Masala Chai.

Beth Kearsley is an emerging editor and assistant editor from Salt Lake City, Utah. She began her career assistant editing on independent feature films after graduating with an HBA in film and media arts from The University of Utah in 2021. She is most interested in working on documentaries involving environmentalism, women, and music. Beth's work includes PLAN C (Sundance 2023), What Comes Around (TIFF 2022), Free Chol Soo Lee (Sundance 2022), and Bitterbrush (Telluride 2021). She is currently a 2023-2024 Sundance Institute Contributing Editor Fellow and a 2022-2023 Karen Schmeer Film Editing Fellow.

Eduardo Ayres Soares, a Brazilian filmmaker based in Los Angeles, boasts an impressive career as a director, producer, and editor. With a rich background that includes roles at the Slamdance Film Festival and AFI Film Festival, Eduardo has directed six short films, edited TV series and web series, and contributed to countless corporate and commercial videos. His acclaimed work, "Chasing the Dragon," received worldwide praise and distribution on Revry Streaming Service and HereTV, earning 13 nominations and four awards. Eduardo's expertise extends to teaching commercial filmmaking and film production at the university level. Holding a Masters in Fine Arts in Film Production and a BA in Visual Arts from institutions like NYU Tisch and the University of Utah, he now leads the Post Production team at Anastasia Beverly Hills, producing content for this prestigious makeup brand.

Mitchell Atencio completed his Honors Bachelor of Music degrees in Flute Performance and Instrumental Music Education at the University of Utah in 2019. His primary flute teachers include Lisa Byrnes, Caitlyn Valovick-Moore, and Tiffany Sedgley. He works in the Utah Symphony Music Library during the USUO summer season, previously winning the audition for the library fellowship at the Sarasota Music Festival and working for Utah Festival Opera preparing their materials. He also completed a degree in mathematics through Utah State University during 2021. Mitchell currently plays with the Utah Wind Symphony. He also freelances and plays with orchestras in the Salt Lake City area. During his undergraduate, he played in the top orchestras and bands at the U on both flute and piccolo. Presently, Mitchell teaches instrumental music and music theory at Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah, additionally condcuting the pit orchestra for the school’s musical. He serves on the boards for the Canyons Education Association (UEA/NEA); on the Utah Flute Association, coordinating a nationwide competition for Adult Amateur flute players; and is a member of the Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA). He loves working as an educator, performer, librarian, and advocate.

In addition to working in the U's Real Estate Administration office, Justin Morgan is the Grants Manager for Gifted Music School and the Principal Bassist for the Bozeman Symphony. After graduating from the University of Utah with a BM in Double Bass Performance, he furthered his graduate studies at Bard College and The Orchestra Now (TŌN). Prior to his current position at the U, Justin held the roles of Dean and Interim Executive Director at the Gifted Music School. In addition to his administrative experience, Justin also volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City. A true artist-administrator, Justin balances a career as a performing musician in addition to his work in nonprofit leadership. His varied experiences span performing at world-renowned stages such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center; participating in tours across North America, Europe, and Asia; and collaborating with a diverse array of acclaimed artists, composers, and conductors like Tan Dun, Joan Tower, Valery Gergiev, Hans Graf, and many more. Beyond his engagements with the Bozeman Symphony, he freelances with Ballet West Orchestra, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, Utah Chamber Artists, among other prestigious Utah-based ensembles.

Amanda Moreton Hales holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Bassoon Performance from the University of Utah. She is currently an active freelancer having worked with various orchestras including Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, Ballet West, Orchestra at Temple Square, Sinfonia Salt Lake, and Chicago Civic Orchestra among others. She enjoys teaching privately as well as on faculty at the Gifted Music School. She has participated in multiple music festivals including Aspen Music Festival, Le Domaine Forget, and Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Amanda holds a Master’s of Music and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music as well as a Bachelor’s of Music from Brigham Young University in Bassoon Performance. 

Librarian Claudia Restrepo joined the Utah Symphony in 2021. She came to Salt Lake City after working two seasons at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Library. Prior to joining the DSO, she was the Library Fellow for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where she was mentored by the librarians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Claudia has served as the Head Librarian for the Aspen Music Festival. She also worked for the National Symphony Orchestra assisting with music preparation for performances at Wolf Trap and the nationally televised concert “A Capitol Fourth.” In 2017 Claudia was a Library Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center where she worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra librarians. Claudia holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Utah. 

Olivia Custodio has built her career in development in the arts sector, holding positions of leadership at Salt Lake Acting Company, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and currently serves as the Director of Major Gifts at the Sphinx Organization. She is deeply committed to social justice work within the arts and the advancement of equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. Olivia holds a BFA in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University and a MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. On top of her life as a development professional, Olivia is an opera singer, actor, and playwright. She has appeared in numerous productions in the Salt Lake Valley, and most recently was the playwright for Salt Lake Acting Company's 2023 Summer Show: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. www.oliviacustodio.com

Claudia Escobar graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Sound Design and Music Technology. In her time as a collegiate, she focused on courses and opportunities to learn about sound through different mediums and departments. The U gave her a place to discover her passion through hands-on learning opportunities that helped fine tune her skills. She has participated in the USITT Gateway program as both a mentee and mentor in helping to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. After graduating from the Department of Theatre, she went on to work as an Audio Engineer at Indiana Repertory Theatre, but has since returned to her roots in Utah where she is now working as an AV Field Engineer. She can also be found freelancing all over town at Hale Centre Theatre, Kingsbury Hall, as well as mixing the occasional party band or rock concert. 

Mary-Helen Pitman, a Chicago-based theatre artist and piano teacher, graduated with a BFA in Theatre from the Actor Training Program in 2019. As a co-founder and administrator of Sandbox Theatre Collective, she works to foster new works and opportunities for early-career theatre artists in a relaxed and playful setting. With experience spanning Utah, Arizona, and Illinois, Mary-Helen spends her time experimenting with friends in all aspects of theatre to discover her unique artistic lens.

Mark Macey is currently an MFA Theatre Directing candidate at the University of London, Birkbeck. From 2019 to 2023, Mark was Executive Artistic Director of Stage East in Eastport, Maine. A graduate of Dell’Arte International’s Professional Training Program, they also hold a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Utah.
 

Jordan Nelson is a theatre educator at Midvale Elementary School, team lead for Canyons School District elementary theatre and dance teachers, and a Professional Development Partner for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program. During the summer, she works with Tanner Dance and Youth Theatre at the U. Jordan was raised in Wyoming in a small town named Glenrock. She loved performing but education was always a close second. She discovered her love for educational theatre at Casper College, then transferred to the University of Utah two years later, earning her BA in the Department of Theatre. For years she served as Executive Director for Casper Children’s Theatre back in Wyoming where she directed thousands of kids in countless musicals. In 2020, she graduated with the first cohort of the University of Utah Master of Teaching - Fine Arts program. While not everyone may be born to be a teacher, she believes sharing your passion with youth is such a strong part of building the next generation of artists. The U has provided her with so many resources and opportunities, and she is happy for her chance to give back to the College of Fine Arts.

Aaron Hoenig graduated from the University of Utah in 2021 with a BFA in Theatrical Sound Design and minors in Music Technology and Chemistry. His main focus is sound engineering and he has been mixing the sound for musical all around Salt Lake since 2017, primarily working at Salt Lake Acting Company and The Grand Theatre. He is now back at the U working in the Department of Theatre where he is the Sound and Lighting Lead Technician. He loves working in an educational environment where he can not only work doing what he loves but help other students learn about theatre and how to make a career in it. He still manages to freelance in his time off and loves traveling both near and far.

Former Ambassadors  

Martin Alcocer
Jessica Baynes 
Matthew Castillo
Cynthia Chen
Annealea Flynn
Stephane Glynn 
Will Hagen
Catherine Heiner
Paul Leland Hill
Victoria Johnson
Elyse Jost
Taylor Mott
Cece Otto
John Peterson
Connor Rickman
Steph Shotorbani
Evan Silloway
Daniel Stergios
Geoff Sutyak
Douglas Tolman
Arthur Veenema

By Marina Gomberg

My colleagues and I spend our days celebrating the successes and promoting the work of the brilliant students, faculty and staff of the College of Fine Arts. And today, I want to shine that light back on them and what goes on in our shop as we work to elevate what you all are doing.

In fact, I’m inviting you to celebrate these professional praise-singers with me.

Between them, the team manages more than 20 social media accounts, almost a dozen websites, they perform media relations, manage blogs, produce performance season artwork, deploy internal communications, eNewsletters, online calendars, magazines, brochures, recruitment, development efforts, events and more. I could go on, but you get it.

They are dedicated, they are talented, and they are winning major awards for their work!

Most recently, the team was recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Utah Arts & Museums’ Design Arts program. Take a gander at these accolades:  

CASE Circle of Excellence GOLD: School of Dance season poster design
By Molly Powers, Communications + Marketing Manager

“The judges unanimously agreed that these illustrated posters were fresh, exciting, and unexpected in their direction. The creative use of negative space and handmade art reminded the judges of Matisse's cutout art. This lets the art be minimal, yet still convey a lush energy and fluid vibe. The artwork is restrained and minimal but conveys energy and respect for the art form of dance. The color palette was unique and unexpected. The typography was carefully handled with a keen eye to balance the hierarchy while harmonizing with the art.”

CASE Circle of Excellence GOLD: Department of Theatre Season Brochure design, Multi-Page Publication
By Anna Oldroyd, Communications + Marketing Manager

“This is a really creative piece. The playfulness was absolutely wonderful. The illustrations really enhance the photography and make the piece unique. The use of color is strong and vibrant. The layout is clean and simple, and the typography is nice as well. The design is modern and inviting. This was such a fun piece.”

DesignArts Utah ’20 virtual exhibition Department of Theatre Season  
By Anna Oldroyd, Communications + Marketing Manager

“We are pleased to tell you, the juror, Jason Schupbach, has selected one or more of your designs for inclusion in the exhibition. The juror reviewed the work of 56 professional and student designers and selected 30 design projects from 13 designers for inclusion in the exhibition.”

CASE Circle of Excellence SILVER: State of the Arts Address, General Information Video
Team effort

“This video covers a lot of ground, but with a very warm, charismatic spokesperson, smart use of archival footage, and after effects that add the right visual "pop" without being gimmicky or gratuitous, we felt this video was effective. Congratulations on a creatively conceived, well-produced piece.”

CASE Awards of Excellence BRONZE: Studio ‘19 Award in Special Constituency and Annual Magazines
Team effort

“We received 543 submissions this year, and your excellent work stood out among the best. One of our objectives is to showcase best practices among our colleagues, and your efforts will be recognized as an example for others to emulate. Thank you for producing the kind of work that brings respect and best practices to our profession.”

I hope you join me celebrating these incredible professional creatives:

• Emeri Fetzer
• Michaela Funtanilla
• Samantha Matsukawa
• Anna Oldroyd
• Molly Powers
• Aaron Swenson (who actually belongs to Theatre, but we like to claim him, too)

by Kelby McIntrye-Martinez 

Arts Education Partnership partner organizations work to promote opportunities for high-quality, arts learning opportunities for all students in every classroom. Inclusion of the arts in state plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act elevates the critical role that arts teachers play in a well-rounded education for students. Increasing access to arts in education by integrating it with other courses — such as math, science and language arts — is one strategy to consider. Integrating arts education has proven beneficial in improving student learning, and developing thinking skills and capacities, as well as supporting the civic skills necessary to contribute as a member of a diverse community.

The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTSALP) provides arts-integrated instruction to elementary students, effectively increasing student performance in every subject — from language arts and social studies to math and science. Three hundred Utah elementary schools in 31 districts (including more than 30 charter schools) currently implement the program, which serves approximately 202,800 students.

The BTSALP puts specialists trained in one of four arts disciplines (visual art, dance, music or theatre) in elementary schools to work alongside classroom teachers in developing lesson plans for other core curricula that incorporate the arts. The Utah State Board of Education administers the program statewide and collaborates with deans and university staff from universities across Utah to provide professional development for arts specialists and classroom teachers.

For example, the University of Utah’s Professional Development Partners provided support and mentorship to 118 participating BTSALP schools in the form of on-site modeling for faculty, regional- and district-level artsintegrated workshops, exposure to nationally recognized arts educators, research, and program implementation. The university’s school- and district-level support methods provide a platform to create tailored professional development opportunities based on the needs of each individual school or district. This guided implementation and comprehensive support structure also demonstrates the university’s dedication to providing quality professional development experiences and opportunities that support student learning using best practices rooted in research.

The program is implemented as a public/private partnership between the Utah State Board of Education and Art Works for Kids. Beverley Taylor Sorenson began developing an arts-integrated teaching model in 1995 by collaborating with arts education professionals, state organizations and higher education institutions throughout Utah. In 2008, the Utah State Legislature adopted the model, named it the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program and has since provided the funding needed to implement the program in a portion of elementary schools across the state. The Utah State Board of Education receives funds annually to operate the program, with Art Works for Kids providing additional financial support where needed. School districts with BTSALP specialists provide up to 20 percent of the salary costs for their specialists. This cost-sharing model not only provides buy-in from state policymakers, philanthropy and school leaders, but also allows under-resourced communities to participate in the program.

The implementation of BTSALP brings together collaborators from across the K-20 education spectrum. The University of Utah partners with the Utah State Board of Education to increase the quality and quantity of arts education programs for elementary students by providing public educators teaching kindergarten through sixth grade with professional learning experiences in the arts to support highly- effective teaching and learning. The Endowed program offers a preservice Arts Integration Conference that provides students with: content knowledge; implementation and collaborative planning guidance; and practical teaching experience by teaching mini lessons to elementary students (kindergarten through sixth grade).

This article was originally published by the Education Commission of the States & Arts Education Partnership. 

By Emeri Fetzer 

During U Youth Theatre’s summer sessions, students could be asked at any moment to run and grab a creative costume they can find, as quick as they can. They are guided to locate an object in the room that they then devise a spontaneous scene around. They might burst into a familiar song with their fellow classmates.

In the summer of 2020, they cannot yet be in the same physical space. This is all happening virtually on Zoom.

Even so, these moments somehow feel like truly being together.

Penny Caywood, artistic director of Youth Theatre at the U didn’t know quite what to expect when she and her team of artist teachers decided to forge onward with summer theatre sessions for K-12. She and most of her team had finished teaching virtually in the spring with the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and they gained valuable insight as to what works and what doesn’t.

With so many families looking forward to the summer, the team felt the pressure to deliver, but also to be safe. Many students were still committed to summer theatre, in whatever format it had to take. Soon, Caywood and team were able to say to elated participants: “The summer is happening.” 

While working on a teaching framework, Caywood knew she wanted the screen to be the jumping off point for Youth Theatre, not the main activity. “I was thinking, how can we use our screen time to actually get kids off the screen?” she said. “Things work best for us when we are creating in the space, not just giving them an assignment to work on alone and then come back. Kids are hungry to create together.”

So, during their zoom sessions, students are invited to spontaneously play on group prompts, bringing them out of their seats to explore the environment around them.

In some ways, this experience can be even more personal that studio time. “It’s fun to see everyone’s space, it gives you ideas.” Caywood said. “I can say, ‘what’s that behind you? Go grab that!’ In a way there is a new closeness. You are not just coming to my class, you are inviting me into your space. It’s not your parents dropping you off, it’s an invitation. I get a warm feeling when they all pop up on screen.” 

Within class, the students are also planning mini video productions which will be shared at the end of each session, highlighting their work. When a video editor was suddenly needed, Caywood was delighted that a high school senior, in the program for many years, stepped up. In preparation for college, he had received Adobe Premiere Pro and needed a project to learn and experiment with the new software. Caywood jumped at the chance to give him one more chance to learn, and have him help fellow students in the process. 

This close-knit nature of the U Youth Theatre community has been a unique strength in the face of challenges. “Most of the teachers have been with me for over ten years,” Caywood explained. “I always take it as such a compliment that they return year after year. After all this time, we really share the same goals.”  

To maintain a sense of strong community across the grade levels (who are divided into different online classes) they are leaning into a platform called Flipgrid. “When we write a lesson, we include a video and then kids can respond with a video, all on Flipgrid. We have one ‘grid” for all of Youth Theatre. So, a third grader can see what a high schooler is making, and they can view it or comment on it. It builds community even when we are not together. It sort of recreates what would happen in our building, walking by a student singing, or stumbling on a dance class.”  

As they come to the end of Session 1, registrations are at about a third of what a normal summer would look like, which exceeded expectations.

“It’s really about the process,” Caywood said. “I’m mostly grateful that these kids and their families think highly enough of our program to come back together and try it out with us.”  

And the feedback reflects the effort.

One parent, in a quick email to Caywood recounted:  

“It's been about 40 minutes since Orange Company ended and my daughter talked for about 35 of those minutes. While hopping up and down. And smiling like her face might break in two. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN she practically shouted at me as soon as the Zoom call ended. She couldn't stop talking about how much fun the actual session was, and how happy she was to see teachers and teen aides and friends, and how the games were great, and how the ideas Darin has for the session are genius, and what villain and song she wants to pick for their production, unless everyone votes for CATS in which case that would also be amazing.... (just imagine over half an hour of nonstop enthusiasm.)”

Turns out summer won’t be so bad after all.

For more information on U Youth Theatre’s Summer Sessions, visit their website. And look out for the productions, airing soon on social media at @uuyouththeatre!

By Laurie Ann Larson 

Hello College of Fine Arts! Last month I had the opportunity to grab coffee with U of U School of Dance alumna Kat Martinez and ask her some questions about her life and career. Since graduation, Kat has launched into an impressive array of political, educational, and artistic involvements in Utah. She has served on the Murray Arts Advisory Board and was recently elected to the Murray City Council. Kat also has an extensive record of volunteer work all over the Salt Lake City area. Kat is particularly interested ADA accessibility, arts access, childcare, and education. 

Since I am a senior approaching graduation, I wanted to ask Kat about her transition out of college and see if she could offer me any advice. Kat explained that the transition out of college wasn’t straightforward for her.

“I had felt funneled down this path of professional dance, and for a while I didn’t know I could do something else,” she said. “I started to realize this might not be how I do the most good -- both for myself and my community."

While it was only a year between graduation and her first teaching position, she told me she did a lot of ‘sampling’ in that time in between. She said, “It’s okay to try things and then move on.” This is how she has carved out a space for herself where she is able to do all the things that make her life feel full. She also told me it was important to be really honest with herself about what she wanted out of life.  She explained how important it is to acknowledge your own needs. “I always knew I wanted kids,” she admited.

“Do you need a stable 9 to 5 job? Are you okay working on contract? Do you want to be able to travel at the drop of a hat?” The demands of creative careers can look different from other professions, Kat explained.

On her transition into policy work, Kat noted:  “It’s important to know that your skills as an artist are important in other areas. It took me a while to realize my value. We need to be comfortable taking up spaces on committees and councils even if it’s not directly related to the arts.”

I’ll leave you with Kats parting advice: “The cool thing about life is that there are so many ways to do it right.” 

A few ArtsForce takeaways:

• Give yourself permission to fail and change your mind.

• Be honest with yourself about your priorities.

• Think about where your passions meet a need, and how you can do good for yourself and others.

• Know that your skills as an artist are important in other areas.
  
  

Thanks so much for reading, I hope that you will keep Kat’s advice in mind as you make your way in the world. 
Stay tuned for more helpful tips from professionals that we will be interviewing in the next couple of months!

And don't forget to RSVP for the upcoming ArtsForce Networking Event. 
March 7th, 2020
10:00AM - 1:00PM
Gould Auditorium at Marriot Library

If you are interested or want to learn more about ArtsForce, join here.  

Author Laurie Anne Larson is a Film and Media Arts major with an emphasis in Animation and a minor in Sculpture. She is an Emerging Leaders Intern at ArtsForce. ArtsForce is a student-led organization dedicated to articulating the value of your arts degree and helping you transition from college to the workforce.  

This weekend, January 16 -- 18, nearly 2,000 Utah high schoolers and educators will flood campus with one unifying focus: to connect around their love and study of theatre.

In this year’s annual Utah Theatre Association Conference (UTA), young students will take part in workshops hosted across campus, hear from notable guest speakers, participate in staged readings, see productions, and even attend auditions for college programs.

“It’s a great opportunity for the students to get a taste of the university culture. Most college campuses are a lot bigger than their high school campuses and students don’t realize all of the resources available to them including the various clubs, programs and student groups. They also get to meet other high school students from across the state,” Harris Smith, chair of the U Department of Theatre, explained.

Many U Theatre faculty will contribute their expertise in student workshops. For example, students might get the chance to learn stage combat techniques from Harris Smith, conquer the cold read with assistant professor David Eggers, explore teenage superheroes with professor Gage Williams, or begin a strong playwriting practice with professor Tim Slover, just to name a few options.

Students can also connect with accomplished guest artists Ciara Renee and Tilly Evans-Krueger, both who boast impressive professional stage and film credits. Ciara Renee will address all attendees in the conference keynote entitled “We Tell The Story.”

“They’re exposed to a wide variety of different theatre productions. They also get to explore all aspects of theatre, from how to make fake blood, creating a set on a shoestring budget, getting a play published or how to market yourself as a performing artist.” Smith said.

It takes a village to host such a large event, and undergraduate students, faculty and staff are volunteering their time to make it happen. “The Department of Theatre has been preparing for UTA for over a year, mainly scheduling spaces for the workshops. We are excited to hold some of the workshops in our new building 73. The instructors for our technical (light, sound, costume, and props) classes have been busy preparing their spaces to host students. Our facutly will teach those workshops and 40 student volunteers will help host the high school students on our campus,” Smith explained.

The space to connect with peers with similar interests is a central focus for the Utah Theatre Association, who first established the conference in 1977 as a place “where secondary education students and teachers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of theatre, connect with theatre peers and professionals, and celebrate in the creation of educational theatre.”

Harris Smith echoes this as one of the most exciting aspects of the event: "Most importantly, attendees will see that there are over 2,000 students across the state of Utah who are interested in theatre arts."

We are proud, as the host of UTA, to foster this belonging, connnection and growth in our younger Utah arts enthusiasts. 

To find out more about Utah Theatre Association and this year’s conference, visit www.utahtheatreassociation.org.