2026 Staff
Each summer we thoughtfully assemble a group of artists and educators to provide excellent arts instruction for campers of all ages and abilities. This enthusiastic staff is dedicated to making sure each camper is recognized and appreciated for who they are and the art only they can make.
If you are interested in employment at Camp Arena Stage, please visit the Opportunities page for up-to-date postings.
Staff Testimonials
“The staff pours into each camper.” – CAS parent
“We appreciate the professional counselors who deeply care about their art and about the campers.” – CAS parent
“I loved that I was able to get out of my comfort zone. Especially in singing, my counselors were really helpful in encouraging me.” -CAS camper
Staff
AARON CARTER
Teaching Apprentice
ANDREAS HÄBERLIN
Accompanist
ANSLEY SEIFFERT
Dance Instructor
ANYA PEREGRINO
Sewing and Design Instructor
CARMEN JENKINS
Visual Arts Instructor
DANIELLE N. KELLY
Teaching Apprentice
DAVID JOHNSON
Theater Instructor
GABRIEL BRUMBERG
Teaching Instructor
HASAN CRAWFORD
Theater Instructor
ISABEL DINES
Visual Arts Instructor
KIRSTIN KENNEDY
Shakespeare Instructor
MAR COX
Film Instructor
MATTHEW RECKEWEG
Theater Instructor
NIA HICKS
Visual Arts Instructor
NIAJOY WATERHOUSE
Musical Theater Instructor
NISSAN NI
Music Instructor
ROBERT ST. JOHN
Writing Instructor
ROSIE ALGER
Theater Instructor
SAVINA BARINI
Theater Instructor
TERALIN JONES
Music Instructor
ZAKIYA LEWIS
Writing & Media Instructor
AARON CARTER
Teaching Apprentice
Aaron Carter is a full-time student at James Madison University, majoring in theater with a performance concentration and a minor in film studies. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., and graduating from Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland. Aaron was originally a camper himself all the way back in 2014, so being able to come back and teach and assist means everything to him, and giving back to the youth warms his heart more than ever. This is Aaron’s second year acting at the college level, recently taking intermediate acting and professional topics in theater class, allowing him to improve his art and craft even more. He recently starred as Jaime in the short play Hanging On by Nicholas Moxley, Edmund in The Poet, The Sea, The Shore by Amy Lee, and Doug in Gruesome Playground Injuries, in addition to participating in other studio theater plays and student-directed films while at JMU.
"Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship." – Denzel Washington
Class Taught: Pick-Up Sports, Surprise Squad
Why I Teach: I teach because, being a working artist myself, I understand the importance of giving back. I teach because I am confident that I can assist every child who enters the classroom, and that they will leave with a newfound sense of empowerment.
Art Can: Empower, Change, Positivity.
What I Love about CAS: This is my fifth year working here, and each time I come back, it's always something new to offer. Camp Arena Stage allows young artists to express themselves, and I love seeing the youth create the art that they love. The community is something special, and you're not going to find it anywhere else.
ANDREAS HÄBERLIN
Accompanist
Andreas Häberlin is a DMV-based pianist and music director, currently working for Georgetown Visitation and the Washington International School. In 2025, he celebrated his Broadway debut as music transcriber for three-times Tony-nominated show BOOP! The Musical. As an active team member of 16-time Grammy-winning music producer David Foster, he has been a music copyist on album projects for Michael Bublé and Barbra Streisand. As a frequent team member of three-times Emmy-nominated music director Michael Bearden, he has created sheet music arrangements for the 16th Governors Awards (Honorary Oscars), the Mark Twain Prize with Adam Sandler, the annual Music Will benefit gala, and Harry Belafonte's 93rd Birthday tribute concert. Music copyist credits in motion picture include Gabby's Dollhouse, How to Train Your Dragon (2025), That Christmas, and The Umbrella Academy. He also creates the official sheet music for five-times Grammy-winning Jazz band Snarky Puppy and its affiliated artists. Andreas has framed his music industry experiences in his textbook "A Music Transcription Method: Notating Recorded Music by Ear", published with Routledge in 2025.
Why I Teach: Because I get to help others grow as artists and humans.
Art Can: Help you find your own voice.
ANSLEY SEIFFERT
Dance Instructor
Ansley Seiffert is from Alexandria, Virginia where she grew up training at the
Washington School of Ballet under Septime Webre and Metropolitan School of the Arts where she trained in dance, theater, and voice. In May of 2024, she graduated cum laude and with high distinction from Butler University with her BFA in dance performance and minor in creative media and entertainment. As a member of Butler Ballet, she performed many notable roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker. She also performed in a variety of soloist roles in contemporary works including Atomikós, Swingin, and Noir et Blanc. In addition, she has performed in various Musical Theater productions such as Pippin with Butler Theater.
Ansley received distinction certifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and has trained at various summer programs including American Ballet Theater in NYC, The Donald Byrd Workshop, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Kennedy Center Dance Lab, The Washington Ballet, Water Street Dance Festival, and BOUNCE! Ansley has performed in “Pictures at an Exhibition” as a featured dancer for The Reach at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra choreographed by Hope Boykin. Directed and produced by Sydney Sutherland, Ansley starred in the short film “Release” as the lead dancer and actress, which was selected for the 2025 Indy Shorts International Film Festival and Victory International Film Festival!
She was previously a company dancer with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s DCDC2 for the 2024-2025 season performing notable works by Crystal Michelle Perkins, Kevin Ward, Shonna Hickman-Matlock, and Robert Pullido. Ansley is currently a company artist with Gin Dance Company under the direction of Shu-Chen Cuff for the 2025-2026 season and dance faculty at Metropolitan School of the Arts! While Ansley loves to perform, her passions to create and collaborate with other artists have led to aspirations for teaching and choreographing. Ansley is super excited to return to teaching the amazing artists at Camp Arena Stage this summer!
Classes Taught: Musical Theater Dance, Jazz Dance, Hip-Hop Dance
Why I Teach: To share my passion for the arts, connect with others, and show artists that they can do things they never thought they could do before.
Art Can: Show us a new perspective, joy, vulnerability, and change us for the better.
What I Love about CAS: The supportive and contagiously fun environment! The incredible variety of visual and performing art created and produced by the campers in just a few short weeks always amazes me!
ANYA PEREGRINO
Sewing and Design Instructor
Anya Peregrino is a South African-American wardrobe supervisor and costume designer. Her breadth of work varies from theater to film and TV, cirque, and fashion. She is excited to be rejoining Camp Arena Stage! Having worked across multiple parts of the entertainment industry since she was in high school, Anya is passionate about educating the industry's future leaders and getting kids interested in the arts! She received a BFA in production design with a concentration in costume design from Savannah College of Art and Design. During her time in Georgia, she worked in film as a Costumer and Lighting Fixtures Technician. Some of her work can be seen on The Menu, Halloween Ends, Apple TV’s Manhunt, Fly Me To The Moon, and many more! In 2024, she returned to her birthplace, the DMV to work for the Kennedy Center on their Theater for Young Audiences National Tour as the Wardrobe and props supervisor. Anya has continued to work for the Kennedy Center as the Wardrobe supervisor for the Broadway Center Stage. She has led the wardrobe department for their productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the world premiere of Schmigadoon Live! Anya has worked with Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated costume designers and has learned couture fashion techniques from her apprenticeship in Dubai. She can’t wait to share all her sewing, costume, and fashion knowledge with the campers!
Classes Taught: Sewing, Fashion Design, Costume Design
Why I Teach: Because everyone deserves the chance to explore art and discover what they’re capable of—no matter where they come from or what their background is.
Art Can: Oftentimes say what words can't.
What I Love about CAS: I love creating so many core memories for kids with art and design.
CARMEN JENKINS
Visual Arts Instructor
Carmen Jenkins is an award winning visual and digital media arts educator in Washington, D.C. who teaches at The School Without Walls High School. She teaches students how to use art as a platform to develop global competency and awareness, while using traditional and digital media as a tool to communicate ideas effectively. Carmen’s expertise also expands beyond the classroom. She has co-written curriculum with DCPS and American University to develop the “Art and Architecture” curriculum guide, participated in the “Teach it Forward” program with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and has partnered with the Washington International School and Project Zero to write curriculum with museum educators in Washington, D.C. Carmen has a BA in graphic design from Hampton University and a MFA in Electronic Studio Art from Howard University. Carmen has facilitated workshops for artists and teachers at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the VSA Emerging Young Artists program. In 2017, Carmen was nationally recognized as the PBS Digital Innovator for Washington, D.C.
Classes Taught: Painting, The Art Show, Mask Making
Why I Teach: To equip students to be independent problem solvers, effective storytellers and confident human beings.
Art Can: Spark imagination and boost critical thinking. It can be a tool for self-discovery and cultivate social connections.
DANIELLE N. KELLY
Teaching Apprentice
Danielle N. Kelly is a full-time student at George Mason University, majoring in business-marketing with minors in film and African and African American studies. Danielle has lived all over the world due to her father being in the military; she currently resides in Woodbridge, VA. Danielle started at Camp Arena Stage as a camper in 2016 and has been working as a CIT since 2023. This year, she is stepping into a new role as a teaching apprentice and is very excited to do so! She is serving as the first assistant director on a short film production scheduled for September 2026. She has also gained a variety of experiences creating and editing short-form digital content through her social media internship with George Mason's Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. This past spring semester, she has taken video editing for film and beyond screens and digital creation where she has learned the importance of visual components and the emotion behind each cut of a film.
Why I Teach: To encourage young artists to think outside the box and to never limit themselves.
Art Can: Inspire, Motivate, Empower, Open doors.
What I Love about CAS: Being around a supportive community of artists of all disciplines and backgrounds.
DAVID JOHNSON
Theater Instructor
David Johnson is a multifaceted professional in the performing arts, excelling as a teacher, actor, improviser, director, and acting/improv coach with a B.A. in drama and an M.F.A. in acting. He has over 20 years of experience teaching theater for numerous clients, such as Washington Improv Theater (where he is the most senior teacher, '04 - present), Arena Stage, Washington College, Ohio University, Mount St. Mary's University, NextStop Theatre Co., Comedy Sportz, Richmond Improv Festival, North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, Coalition Theater, Project Create, Calvert County Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools (among others). He has extensive acting experience in scripted productions at theaters such as The Kennedy Center, New Dramatists, Theater Alliance, Catalyst Theater Company, Center Stage, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and continues to act in films, on stage, and in web/TV shows and commercials. He has decades of experience performing improvised theater as a member of various long-form improv groups, including onesixtyone (Washington Improv Theater's original troupe), Werewolf Mcbutterbone (Winner of WIT's Tournament of the FIST), Dr. Fantastic, Dial M for Nasty, Topher and Dave, NimprovYC, and many more. He directed productions for Arena Stage's Voices of Now, Washington Improv Theater, and numerous student productions and showcases for various clients. An acting and improv coach since 2004, his clients have included many individual actors and improvisers, and the improv groups onesixtyone, Press Play, The Lodge, Prettier Than You, Tiovivo, Aboulia, Oh That Baby, Commonwealth, Sistine Robot, and Boom Crunch (among others).
Classes Taught: Improvisation, Mime & Physical Theater, Long-Form Improvisation
Why I Teach: To help others along on their artistic journeys.
Art Can: Deepen your soul.
What I Love about CAS: I love that Camp Arena Stage has such a wonderful community of artists and a culture of kindness.
GABRIEL BRUMBERG
Teaching Instructor
Gabriel Brumberg is an actor, musician, and writer from Washington, D.C. He recently graduated from the University of Chicago with degrees in theater and “fundamentals: issues/texts,” a student-led major where he investigated the persuasive role of stories by studying classic texts. As an actor, his credits include Shakespeare Theatre Company: Noura; Variations Theater Company: Capriccio Radio; The University of Chicago: The Ballad of Oedipus, Red Rex, Cactus Flower, and Twelfth Night. As a multi-instrumentalist, Gabriel has performed around the D.C. area at venues including Blues Alley Club, Villain & Saint Music Hall, and the Petworth Community Market, and has taught music privately and at Middle C Music’s Rock Band Camp. His ongoing work includes dramaturgy for Heather Raffo’s Migration Play Cycle: A New Theatrical Platform, and performing his original piece Ready, Aim, Sing! ––a solo show about the history of American folk protest music. Gabriel is also a proud alum of Camp Arena Stage, where he was a camper from 2014 to 2018!
Classes Taught: Songwriting, Acting Scenes, Acting Technique
Why I Teach: Because of how much my own teachers inspired me and supported me to get where I am today.
Art Can: Remake the world!
What I Love about CAS: CAS puts kindness first and is a space where young artists can express themselves and create freely, without judgment. The best art in the world comes out of environments like that!
HASAN CRAWFORD
Theater Instructor
Hasan Crawford is a New York based actor raised in the DM(V). A graduate of George Mason University with a BFA in musical theater and currently pursuing his masters in acting at The Juilliard School of Drama. Hasan is so excited to come back for another best summer EVER and explore all the different ways we can embolden our community and world through storytelling.
Classes Taught: Acting for the Camera, Myths and Fables, Poetry & Spoken Word
Why I Teach: Because I was taught and I hope that those I teach can pay it forward to another young artist one day.
Art Can: Connect each and every one of us.
What I Love about CAS: The freedom to play and explore and discover but most importantly getting to create in an environment that is conducive to the essence of artistry.
ISABEL DINES
Visual Arts Instructor
Isabel Dines is an educator and artist from Arlington, VA. Isabel has taught through Arlington Public Schools, Art House 7, Young Writers Institute and more! She earned her bachelor’s in psychology and communication rhetoric from the University of Pittsburgh. Her work in education and youth development has brought her to volunteer at an NGO in Guatemala and assist in a special education program in Peru. Isabel has a passion for exploring the world and loves witnessing and nurturing the creativity that young artists possess. Her favorite art forms include, watercolor, printmaking and ceramics! She is so excited to engage in multi media projects and creative explorations with campers this summer.
Class Taught: Jewelry Making, Mini Masterpieces, Visual Journal
Why I Teach: I get to uplift and inspire the voices of the future!
Art Can: Bring people together.
KIRSTIN KENNEDY
Shakespeare Instructor
Kirstin Kennedy is a theater educator, director, and teaching artist originally from Connecticut with a lifelong love of storytelling, ensemble work, and rehearsal rooms full of creativity, collaboration, and a little bit of chaos in the best way. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, she holds a BFA in acting from Webster University and an MA in theater education from Emerson College. Over the past two decades, she has taught and directed students ranging from kindergarteners to college theater majors through schools, theaters, camps, and conservatory-style programs across the country.
Kirstin has worked with organizations including Hartford Stage, Ocala Civic Theatre, and Huntington Theatre Company, where her work has included directing productions, developing curriculum, teaching acting and Shakespeare, mentoring young artists, and creating original educational programming. She is especially passionate about introducing students to the worlds of Anton Chekhov and William Shakespeare — two playwrights she could happily talk about for hours.
Kirstin believes theater education should be rigorous, joyful, collaborative, and deeply human. She loves helping students build confidence, discover their creativity, and find connection through storytelling and performance.
Class Taught: Shakespeare, The Secret Language of Chekhov, Da’ Greeks
Why I Teach: Because theater gives students a chance to take risks, think boldly, and surprise themselves.
Art Can: Build empathy, create community, and make us see the world differently.
MAR COX
Film Instructor
Mar (they/she) is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and filmmaker. Originally from Louisiana, Mar is a D.C. transplant by way of Georgetown University and then American University. They enjoy photography, theater, film, ice cream (pistachio is best), cats, going to the movies with friends, and building community in the DMV. Mar has had their photography exhibited at the D.C. History Center and BlackRock Arts Center in Germantown, MD. They have two short films currently in post-production—Stone Fort, about camp counselors navigating identity and responsibility, and Sliced, a coming-of-age story set in a pizza shop. When not on set or in the classroom, Mar enjoys arranging flowers for family and friends, cooking elaborate meals, and brainstorming new stories with friends.
Classes Taught: Stop Motion Animation, Experimental Photography, Filmmaking Lab
Why I Teach: I teach because I want students to recognize the power of their own voices and stories. When young artists gain the confidence and skills to tell their stories, the impact extends far beyond the classroom—it ripples through their communities. Filmmaking not only gives students a platform for self-expression but also allows them to reflect their world back to others, fostering empathy, understanding, and new perspectives. Through storytelling, they don’t just find their voice—they learn that their voice matters. There is nothing more rewarding than watching that come to fruition.
Art Can: Ignite imagination, amplify voices, and transform the way we see the world. Art can be a playground for self-expression, a bridge between different experiences, and a spark that inspires change. It can connect us and create a space where every human, every story—no matter how big or small—has meaning.
What I Love about CAS: Watching Artists grow and develop their artistic self-expression!
MATTHEW RECKEWEG
Theater Instructor
Matt Reckeweg (they/them) is a multi-disciplinary Director & Teaching Artist who focuses on creating highly visual new works involving a blend of puppetry, mask, & dance. In 2010, they co-founded Pointless Theatre, where they served as Co-Artistic Director for 12 years. Notable directing credits include Visions of Love, Rite of Spring:a rotoplastic ballet, Doctor Caligari, Sleeping Beauty, and Minnie the Moocher, all created with Pointless. They remain an active ensemble member as well as serving on Pointless’ board of governors.
They have contributed puppetry to several local companies including Adventure Theatre, Flying V, Kennedy Center TYA, Puppet Co., and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. As a teaching artist, they have taught puppetry and devising techniques for Arena Stage, Signature Theater, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Andy’s Summer Playhouse, ATLAS and Dance Place.
Classes Taught: Puppetry, Puppetry Performance, Puppet Creation, Backyard Theater
Why I Teach: Teaching is play time!
Art Can: Grow your imagination!
What I Love about CAS: I love that Artists get to be introduced to new art forms.
NIA HICKS
Visual Arts Instructor
Nia Hicks is an artist and art educator from Prince George's County, Maryland. Just this spring, she graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art's Master of Arts in teaching where she learned from and collaborated with several art educators in Baltimore and its surrounding areas. Returning to the Washington metropolitan area, she hopes to utilize her experience student teaching to create wonderful artworks with all the artists at Camp Arena Stage. Nia has a strong belief in art's power as a language that can be used to communicate with anyone. She also works hard to work inclusion and representation into her teaching by encouraging artists to include their identities and culture in their work. She is also a graduate of Bowie State University with a BS in visual communication and digital media arts.
Classes Taught: Sculpture, Tiny Worlds, Illustration
Why I Teach: To learn and grow from my students as they learn and grow from me.
Art Can: Be a universal language.
What I Love about CAS: Not only is this a true community of artists, but also of great people who care for others and want to see everyone succeed!
NIAJOY WATERHOUSE
Musical Theater Instructor
NiaJoy is an interdisciplinary arts educator, director, and choreographer with over 15 years of experience working with young people. Her work in youth theater builds on this deep foundation, where she has directed and choreographed productions including The Wiz, creating spaces for storytelling, confidence-building, and creative expression. She currently leads liturgical dance at Candler School of Theology, where her studies explore movement as a pathway to the divine. NiaJoy brings a joyful, embodied, and imaginative approach to her teaching, blending artistic rigor with care and connection. She has also served as a summer culinary instructor at Sidwell Friends School, designing arts-based programming that nurtures both skill and self-expression. She is passionate about helping young performers find their voice and experience the magic and freedom of the stage.
Classes Taught: Musical Theater. Acting the Song, Disney on Broadway
Why I Teach: To inspire folks to believe in and to embody joy.
Art Can: Bridge the space that separates us and bring us into greater harmony and creative power.
NISSAN NI
Music Instructor
Nissan Ni is a music educator currently serving as an instrumental teacher at Sandalwood Elementary School within Baltimore County Public Schools. She is currently completing her master’s degree in music education while conducting research in curriculum design and culturally responsive music education. Originally from Canton, China, Nissan earned her bachelor’s degree in jazz voice performance and music education from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in 2025.
In addition to her work at Sandalwood Elementary, Nissan has experience teaching students of diverse ages and backgrounds. During her student teaching in Howard County, she directed middle and high school band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles. She also has experience teaching STEM and music summer camps.
Beyond the classroom, Nissan Ni is an active performer and the bandleader of “Nissan and Cylinder Voltage.” She has toured nationally and internationally, performing genres including funk, jazz, R&B, blues, and gospel. Through both teaching and performance, Nissan is committed to fostering creativity, musicianship, and cultural connection through music.
Classes Taught: A Capella, Beginning Rock Band, Advanced Rock Band
Why I Teach: “Water can carry a boat; it can also overturn it.” Rather than simply delivering instruction to students, I believe teaching is a process in which students and teachers inspire and exchange ideas with one another. Although I am a music educator, the educator within me always comes before the musician. It is important for educators to provide students with positive moral guidance while also supporting their individual needs and goals. In my classroom, I strive to foster a joyful, engaging, and personalized learning environment through a group-based learning approach. I believe students maximize learning when they develop self-motivation. Utilizing a variety of teaching activities, both individually and collaboratively, can help students personalize their learning habits. In this way, learning becomes more accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding. To embrace the diversity of today’s student body, it is essential to create an inclusive environment that respects and explores different cultures. In my classroom, I regularly introduce students to music, instruments, and repertoire from a variety of cultural traditions. Through music, students are able to explore the world while also connecting with their own cultural experiences. My classroom is joyful, creative, and student-centered, where students actively engage in musical activities for at least 90% of class time. I hope each student leaves my classroom feeling fulfilled and accomplished, whether by learning something new or overcoming a new challenge. Music is a magical language that can move people. Music brings us together and will guild us to the path of love.
Art Can: Save the world
What I Love about CAS: Inclusive
ROBERT ST. JOHN
Writing Instructor
Robert St. John grew up in Atlanta, earned degrees from Western Kentucky University and the University of Oregon, taught theater in Hawaii for thirty years, and won a national award from the American Alliance for Theater and Education for innovations in teaching playwriting. In his plays, he experiments with anthropomorphism, magical realism, time travel, slapstick, science fiction, social satire, horror, and every combination possible, and has written dozens of short plays about the connection between humans and dogs. He lives in Maryland, where he continues to teach and learn and write and wonder.
Classes Taught: Creative Writing, Playwrighting
Why I Teach: Because I think outside the box all the time, and I love creative collaboration, and because I understand what it felt like growing up and loving learning my own way and being misunderstood by my teachers at the time. I loving rescuing people like that.
Art Can: Make the impossible possible through the power of imagination and determination.
ROSIE ALGER
Theater Instructor
Rosie Alger is an artist, educator, and theater maker originally from Baltimore, MD. They completed their BA in theater and dance from Washington College in 2018 and have been working in the D.C. region ever since. Rosie was an education apprentice at Imagination Stage from 2018- 2019 and has worked in regional theater as an actor, stage manager, and theater educator with Imagination Stage, Arena Stage, NextStop Theatre, and Constellation Theatre, among others. They are also a painter, violinist, and lover of all things creative. In 2018, Rosie directed a production of Spring Awakening at Washington College that jump started their passion for using theater and the arts as a tool for social change. They are especially passionate about increasing access to theater and arts for underserved communities. Currently, Rosie is pursuing their masters degree in expressive arts therapy through Lesley University, looking forward to using arts of all kinds to help young people find mental health healing. Rosie believes that art has the power to change the world, and that everyone can experience the transformative power of creation.
Classes Taught: Acting 101, Theatrical Design, Devised Theater
Why I Teach: To empower young people so their voices can be heard.
Art Can: Transform lives, connect communities, heal.
What I Love about CAS: CAS knows the value of process and encourages artists to be bold, take creative risks, and make mistakes!
SAVINA BARINI
Theater Instructor
Savina Barini is a theater maker and educator based in Washington D.C. A graduate of Howard University, they have studied, directed, and performed across genres in New York, D.C./Baltimore, London, and Idaho. Offstage, Savina is a playwright and teaching artist. They have worked with St. Thomas Playhouse, Sage School, The Spot, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Howard University, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, and Arena Stage directing, choreographing, and teaching dance and acting to K-12 and undergraduate students. They are a founding member of and Director of Communications for Glass Canon Theatre Company.
Classes Taught: Improvisation, Sketch Comedy, The Play, Acting, Improv
Why I Teach: It reminds me why I started making theater and the first place, and that I don't need to take myself so seriously. I love that I get the opportunity to be what my teachers were for me for the next generation of artists.
Art Can: Make us happier, more empathetic, more loving people, if we let it.
What I Love about CAS: Two things I love are a game and a plan, CAS has just enough structure to keep me calm and more than enough fun to keep me from growing up too fast.
TERALIN JONES
Music Instructor
Teralin Jones (any pronouns) is an actor, writer, musician and director who is eager to pass on their love of the arts to the next generation. This is their third year teaching at Camp Arena Stage! Some of their credits include BROADWAY: Vacation Swing, The Book of Mormon; NATIONAL TOUR: Frankie, Jagged Little Pill. REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: Emmeretta, Hair; Monumental Theatre: Ilse, Spring Awakening. OTHER: Lin-Manuel Family Fellowship Alumna. PRODUCING/ DIRECTING: Howard University, Heathers: The Musical. Disney Storytellers Fund, Tales from the Hill. EDUCATION: National Theatre Institute, Howard University: BFA musical theater. They are excited to meet everyone and have another great summer!
Classes Taught: Musical Theater Audition, Solo Voice, Show Choir, Vocal Adventure
Why I Teach: I teach because as a child I was so passionate for the arts and felt I had so little direction. I want to help other young people who feel the same to find a sense of belonging.
Art Can: Help you connect to yourself and the world around you. It creates empathy and makes us all more human.
What I Love about CAS: I love that Camp Arena Stage is a judgement free creative zone! So often we kill our own creativity by listening to nay-sayers and becoming self-conscious. There is none of that here. The teachers and staff are all here to support and uplift all your creativity and help you become your best creative self.
ZAKIYA LEWIS
Writing & Media Instructor
Zakiya Lewis is an exceptional educator and creative writer. This will be her first year working with Camp Arena Stage, however she is no stranger to working with kids and providing a safe and fun space for students to express themselves about the world through writing. Early in her career as a writer, she spent her days working at a local radio station in D.C. called We Act Radio. She was an assistant writer for a segment called “The Education Town Hall”. She also had the pleasure of interviewing various guests such as ward 8 council member Trayon White Sr. She then transitioned her skills as an assistant editor and writer for a magazine called Women Own Excellence Magazine. She wrote articles and interviewed various celebrities, women entrepreneurs, and other change makers. She has since taken her skills to the classroom where she has the pleasure of building connections and helping students find confidence in their voice and critical thinking through writing.
Classes Taught: Podcasting, Newspaper, and Poetry
Why I Teach: Because I look forward to the end product of creation. Seeing the joy in students’ eyes and witnessing their beautiful struggle to put words together in a creative and eloquent way to express their thoughts and ideas is what gives me purpose. The voice is one of the most important characteristics of humankind and it’s crucial that the young learn the power of words and voice early. They must know their voice matters and what better way to do that than through the artistic expression of words through print and digital.
Art Can: Ignite a passion inside one’s being that leads them to their God given purpose.
Program Details
