A new collaboration launched this year between Reinhardt’s School of the Arts and the Funk Heritage Center and Bennett History Museum. During elementary school field trips to the Center, theater and musical theater majors perform a short, engaging show in the Appalachian Settlement behind the museum.
Written by Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing student Andres Jorquera Sandoval (RU-2024 & 2026), the interactive play honors traditional Cherokee Native American stories with youth-friendly messages. This initiative provides elementary school students with a memorable introduction to live performance, while providing college performance majors with valuable experience.
Assistant Professor of Dance Jamie Trial collaborated with Funk Heritage Center Director Jeff Bishop to provide this opportunity. “I work with the musical theatre students on dance regularly, and many graduates perform theater for young audiences as a career. I wanted to find an opportunity for the students to do that here,” she explained, adding that the audience reaction confirmed their success. “The kids laughed out loud and enjoyed their time!”
The actors who performed so far this year were Laethan Day (RU-2029), Jasmine Greyling (RU-2029), Erin Jones (RU-2027), Kaylie Rickles (RU-2027), Kimberly Rodriguez (RU-2029), Sydney Smith (RU-2027), and Vassey (RU-2029). With its blend of education, culture, and creativity, the program highlights the power of storytelling by bringing history to life in a way that resonates with young students.
-By Suzy Alstrin
