Lakin Raybuck / en Christopher Kardambikis on the Power of Print, Publishing, and Possibility /news/2025-06/christopher-kardambikis-power-print-publishing-and-possibility <span>Christopher Kardambikis on the Power of Print, Publishing, and Possibility</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-02T13:27:21-04:00" title="Monday, June 2, 2025 - 13:27">Mon, 06/02/2025 - 13:27</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ckardamb" hreflang="und">Christopher Kardambikis</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><a href="/profiles/ckardamb"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Christopher Kardambikis</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US"> never set out to create work that would sit behind glass or live in private collections. Instead, he found his voice and purpose through publishing zines, artist books, and prints—things people could hold, trade, collect, and care about without needing a trust fund.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0 intro-text">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Now an associate professor and director of studio art at 鶹Ƶ's </span><a href="https://art.gmu.edu/"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">School of Art</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, Kardambikis brings that same ethos into the classroom. He teaches printmaking, book arts, and a deeply collaborative publishing minor that opens students up to something much more tangible than the "starving artist" cliché.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0"> &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">"I want the work to be distributed," he </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">says</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. "I want normal people to actually access it."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">It's a perspective shaped not just by art school or gallery walls but by real-world experiences that most students </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">never hear</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> about. Before coming to George 鶹Ƶ, Kardambikis worked as an artist's assistant and then at an art shipping warehouse in Long Island, New York. His job? Packaging up expensive artwork and preparing it for storage, sometimes indefinitely.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0"> &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">"There's so much work that just sits in crates," he recalls. "These paintings get bought by wealthy collectors, but no one ever sees them. They're not even </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">being enjoyed</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. They're investments, sitting on shelves."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">With print-based art, he found a medium that could move freely, outside the confines of exclusivity.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2025-06/9i6a4687.jpg?itok=bh5jsL0z" width="560" height="373" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Christopher Kardambikis of George 鶹Ƶ's School of Art. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">His long-running podcast </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW119472824 BCX0" href="https://www.kardambikis.com/paper-cuts" target="_blank"><em><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Paper Cuts</span></em></a><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> was born from that same spirit of access. Launched initially during his artist residency at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, the project started </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed" lang="EN-US">as a way to</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> interview </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">zinesters</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> and small press artists as an excuse to talk to people about the books they make. Over the years, it's grown into a traveling platform for community, collaboration, and archival storytelling.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">It also gave him a way to connect. "When I moved to new cities—Pittsburgh, San Diego, LA, New York—I always started a publishing project. That's how I made friends. That's how I met people and became part of </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">a scene</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">At George 鶹Ƶ, he's helping students see how print and publishing can do the same for them.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Students team up with working artists, presses, and organizations across the region through the School of Art's </span><a href="https://creativewriting.gmu.edu/undergraduate-program/minor-in-dynamic-publishing"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Dynamic Publishing minor</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. They produce real books, collaborate with local creatives, and watch their work move from concept to finished product—all while developing a skill set that's adaptable, entrepreneurial, and community-focused.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0"> &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">And while he's quick to point out that not everyone needs to start their own press, he wants students to understand the range of what's possible. He introduces them to people building careers through small studios, cooperative print shops, local arts education, and community-centered creative work.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">"You're not limited to being in a gallery," he says. "You don't have to wait for someone to give you permission."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">One of his goals is to help students see just how resourceful they already are. In his classes, students don't just learn the techniques. They learn how to plan, produce, and problem solve, often using materials or processes far outside traditional expectations. "You learn to do </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">the research</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, figure it out, and follow your vision wherever it leads. That's not something you can teach in theory. You have to live it."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">He also believes deeply in the relevance of physical work in </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">a digital</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">-first world. Books, he says, still matter. Maybe now more than ever.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0"> &nbsp;</span></p> <blockquote><p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">"Websites </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">disappear</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. Apps go away. But books can last hundreds of years. They're solid. They hold stories. They're touchable, tangible</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">, real</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> </blockquote> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">It's not about resisting technology. It's about remembering that the physical and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">the digital</span><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> don't have to be at odds. In fact, for many of his students, learning how ink interacts with paper changes how they think about design altogether.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0"> &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">"Once they've made something by hand. Once they've printed it, folded it, held it, it shifts how they understand what they're doing," he says. "It gives it weight."</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW119472824 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">And for Kardambikis, that's the point: helping students create work that carries weight not just on the page but also in the world.</span><span class="EOP SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW119472824 BCX0">&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1086" hreflang="en">School of Art</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/146" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/166" hreflang="en">innovative classes</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3681" hreflang="en">minors</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:27:21 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 117936 at Boris Willis Is Helping Students Rethink What a Career in Game Design Can Be /news/2025-06/boris-willis-helping-students-rethink-what-career-game-design-can-be <span>Boris Willis Is Helping Students Rethink What a Career in Game Design Can Be</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-02T13:13:22-04:00" title="Monday, June 2, 2025 - 13:13">Mon, 06/02/2025 - 13:13</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/bwillis3" hreflang="und">Boris Willis</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="p1"><span class="intro-text">For Boris Willis, the future of games has always been bigger than pixels and code. Long before the rise of virtual production and interactive storytelling, Willis was blending technology, dance, and design into new forms of creative expression.</span></p> <p class="p1">Now, as an Associate Professor at 鶹Ƶ, he's helping students rethink what a career in game design and creativity can look like.</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-06/screenshot_2025-06-02_at_1.14.04_pm.png?itok=-GMG0Hg7" width="350" height="350" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Boris Willis of 鶹Ƶ Computer Game Design. Photo credit: Tiffany Richardson</figcaption> </figure> <p class="p1">For a long time, those interests lived separately. But over the years, Willis began weaving them together, exploring how technology and the body could speak to each other. Today, as an Associate Professor in 鶹Ƶ's Computer Game Design Program, Willis helps students see game design as something much larger than entertainment or technology. It becomes a way to tell stories, build worlds, and imagine futures.</p> <p class="p1">"I've always been drawn to the intersection of the physical and the imaginative," Willis says.</p> <p class="p1">That intersection defines everything Willis brings into the classroom. Before arriving at George 鶹Ƶ, Willis spent years pushing creative boundaries: collaborating on projects that translated dance notation into computer animation, developing live performances enhanced by motion capture, and designing interactive experiences where audiences shaped the outcome of a story. This was long before the words "interactive media" became commonplace.</p> <p class="p1">The thread running through it all is clear. Willis understands that movement, whether physical or digital, is at the heart of every great interactive experience. It's not enough to learn how to program a character. Students need to understand how players feel moving through a space and how story and tension build through choice and motion.</p> <p class="p1">This approach stands apart from many traditional game design programs, where the focus often stays narrowly on coding, engineering, or entertainment. At George 鶹Ƶ, students are encouraged to see the field through a broader, more creative lens, and faculty like Willis make that difference tangible by opening up new horizons and possibilities.</p> <blockquote><p class="p1">"The artistic process and the design process are the same," Willis explains. "You have an idea. You test it. You iterate. You revise. Whether you're making a dance, a play, or a game, you're shaping an experience."</p> </blockquote> <p class="p1">In Willis' classes, concepts like "up, down, over, under, around, and through"—terms drawn from choreography—become part of the vocabulary of level design. Students learn that building a world isn't just about filling empty spaces. It's about creating an emotional journey, guiding players the way a choreographer leads an audience through a performance.</p> <p class="p1">Assignments often push students well beyond what they expect. Rather than duplicating popular games, students are tasked with reimagining how games can work: remixing storylines, combining dissimilar concepts, and creating entirely new kinds of experiences.</p> <p class="p1">"I try to get students to move beyond what they know," Willis says. "There are thousands of games made every year. Why not create something no one's seen before?" This emphasis on creative risk-taking is not just academic. It's essential for future careers and can inspire students to push the boundaries of game design.</p> <p class="p1">That creative risk-taking isn't just academic. It's essential for future careers. The industry is evolving fast. Today, game engines are used not only to build entertainment but also to produce films, train healthcare workers, develop educational tools, design virtual museums, and simulate real-world experiences.</p> <p class="p1">Students trained purely in technical skills may find themselves boxed into narrower roles. Like Willis encourages, students trained to think like creators, collaborators, and innovators are prepared for opportunities across industries that barely exist today.</p> <p class="p1">This bigger-picture thinking is part of what makes George 鶹Ƶ's program distinct. The school doesn't just teach students how to make games. It teaches them to think like artists, designers, and problem-solvers ready to adapt, imagine, and lead.</p> <p class="p1">Willis' own work models that future. His projects range from interactive poetry games to virtual museums of student dance films. He sees games not as isolated products but as evolving conversations between technology, culture, and human experience.</p> <blockquote><p class="p1">"Games are a text," Willis says. "They're not just about winning. They're about experiencing, connecting, imagining. They're about possibility."</p> </blockquote> <p class="p1">For students at George 鶹Ƶ, learning from faculty like Willis means more than building technical portfolios. It means leaving with a mindset. One that sees connections where others see limits, one that understands that creativity is a skill as critical as coding.</p> <p class="p1">Willis believes that the future of games will belong to those who can blend disciplines, think across fields, and imagine more. And at 鶹Ƶ, that future is already being built.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/10246" hreflang="en">Computer Game Technology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/146" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:13:22 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 117626 at How 鶹Ƶ Computer Game Design Program Prepares Students for Industry Success /news/2024-09/how-george-mason-university-computer-game-design-program-prepares-students-industry <span>How 鶹Ƶ Computer Game Design Program Prepares Students for Industry Success</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-09-17T08:29:59-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - 08:29">Tue, 09/17/2024 - 08:29</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>At 鶹Ƶ, the <a href="https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/visual-performing-arts/computer-game-design/computer-game-design-bfa/">Computer Game Design</a>&nbsp;program offers students more than just an education—it provides a direct pathway into the gaming industry. Emphasizing practical experience and industry connections, the program enthralls students in the game community, preparing them for thriving careers. Key events like the Global Game Jam illustrate this immersive approach, where students like Matthew Neri find unique opportunities to hone their skills and build valuable networks.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;<br><br> A game jam is an event where participants, ranging from novices to seasoned professionals, come together to create video games from scratch within a set timeframe, often a weekend or a few days. These events are centered around a specific theme, which remains undisclosed until the jam begins, challenging participants to think creatively and work collaboratively under time constraints. The goal is not just to produce a finished game but to engage in an intensive, hands-on learning experience that enhances game development skills and fosters a sense of community among developers.</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-09/screenshot_2024-09-17_at_8.29.56_am.png?itok=fCARjLYi" width="560" height="543" alt="Game Jam Event at 鶹Ƶ" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Professor Hahn (left) with participants at the Game Jam event, collaborating on innovative game designs.</figcaption> </figure> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> This game jam, organized by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), was the first of its kind hosted at 鶹Ƶ since 2016. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, industry professionals, and hobbyists, all eager to share their passion for game creation. Professor Nathanial Hahn was instrumental in bringing this event to 鶹Ƶ, leveraging his industry connections and commitment to student development to provide a unique opportunity for the 鶹Ƶ community. Through this game jam, students could apply their classroom knowledge in a dynamic, real-world setting, gaining invaluable experience and forging connections that would benefit their future careers.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> Neri, who will graduate in Spring 2025, participated in the Global Game Jam at the beginning of the Spring 2024 semester.</p> <p>"It was great getting to work in a space where everyone had a common goal," Neri said. "The jam not only helped me improve my skills as a game developer but also strengthened my connections within the gaming community." Working alongside friends and peers from the game design program, he experienced firsthand the collaborative spirit and creative intensity that define the game jams at George 鶹Ƶ.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> That inclusive and friendly atmosphere is supported and upheld by student organizations like the Game Analysis Design Interest Group (GADIG), of which Neri has been president for two terms GADIG provides a supportive environment for budding game developers and equips them with tangible portfolio pieces that enhance their career prospects.&nbsp;"The end result of having a game at the end of the semester is such a positive outcome," he explained. "I now have numerous projects I can showcase, demonstrating my involvement in game creation."<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> Faculty members are crucial in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. Professor Nathanial Hahn, who balances his duties at George 鶹Ƶ with his role as associated producer at Bethesda Game Studios, brings current industry insights directly into the classroom. His active involvement in the gaming industry ensures that students are learning the most relevant and up-to-date skills. "I try my best to bridge that gap so that students can find jobs in the industry and companies get developers who are productive from day one," he said.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> The program's holistic approach sets it apart from others, emphasizing a broad education in game development. Students gain experience in art, programming, music, and writing, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the game creation process. This comprehensive education helps students identify their strengths and teaches them effective communication skills, which are crucial for successful collaboration in the industry.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> Events like the Global Game Jam are integral to this holistic approach, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. Game jams provide a platform for students to experiment with new tools and engines, collaborate under time constraints, and develop innovative games that reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of game development. These events are crucial for preparing students to meet the demands of the gaming industry, offering them the chance to test their skills in a dynamic and challenging environment.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> Hahn emphasized the importance of these practical experiences. "Participating in game jams helps students apply what they've learned and prepares them for the teamwork and project management skills required in the industry," he said. His advice to students underscores the program's philosophy: engage in as many game jams as possible to gain practical experience and build a robust portfolio.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> George 鶹Ƶ's Computer Game Design program is designed to foster innovation, collaboration and excellence. By integrating practical experiences, expert faculty involvement, and a supportive community, the program prepares students to excel in the competitive gaming industry. Students leave with not only technical skills but also the real-world experiences necessary to navigate and shape the future of game development.&nbsp;<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br> This unique approach to education in the gaming field is tailored to produce skilled professionals and innovators who will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming. As they transition from the classroom to the global stage, George 鶹Ƶ students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will help them succeed in the ever-evolving world of game development.&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2321" hreflang="en">Computer Game Design</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:29:59 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 114526 at George 鶹Ƶ's Green Machine Ensembles Bring the Rock, the White House Provides the Roll /news/2024-04/george-masons-green-machine-ensembles-bring-rock-white-house-provides-roll <span>George 鶹Ƶ's Green Machine Ensembles Bring the Rock, the White House Provides the Roll</span> <span><span>Emily Schneider</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-04-04T12:25:43-04:00" title="Thursday, April 4, 2024 - 12:25">Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:25</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414812.jpg?itok=AnBxowT-" width="1480" height="1083" alt="Students, faculty, and staff of the Green Machine Ensembles pose together in front of The White House at the annual Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Students, faculty, and staff of the Green Machine Ensembles pose together in front of the White House at the annual Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>Being invited to perform at the White House is an exciting honor for any ensemble, but for 鶹Ƶ’s Green Machine Ensembles, it’s an environment where they are quickly becoming comfortable. Following their inaugural performance at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2023, the ensembles were invited back for the beloved annual event on April 1, 2024. Despite gloomy weather, the Green Machine Ensembles showed delighted crowds how the rain can’t keep them down with a high-energy performance that kept guests mesmerized.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Our students are engaged, enthusiastic, and dedicated,“ said Matthew Dievendorf, <span><span>assistant director of academics, research, and audio production, Green Machine Ensembles</span></span>. "This performance, however, required another level of preparation, not only in a musical sense but in a professional sense. Our students demonstrated admirably that they were ready to perform in a venue that required punctuality, poise, and responsibility."<br><br> <br><br> <span><span>“Both years this has been a really fun performance, and what makes it really special is the amount of different people we see that we don’t usually get to perform for,” said Kenny Yi, who will graduate with a BS in finance in May. ”It’s a really amazing way to get to have fun and perform for such a diverse audience. The coolest part for me this year was getting to talk to a Secret Service agent, and he told me he was excited when he heard we were coming back because he loved the variety and diversity of music we play, which is what I believe is truly one of the cornerstones of the Green Machine: celebrating diversity and inclusivity through our music.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7422567.jpg?itok=LuUae8ob" width="1480" height="983" alt="Guests at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll pause in front of the Green Machine Ensemble as they perform. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Guests at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll pause in front of the Green Machine Ensembles as they perform. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>In the vibrant world of the Green Machine, individuals with diverse skill sets and varying levels of experience come together to create something extraordinary. Comprising musicians, dancers, actors, artists, and more, this remarkable university ensemble celebrates the beauty of individuality while fostering a sense of unity. <span><span>The initial invitation to perform at the White House Easter Egg Roll came from </span></span>the ensembles’ previous performance for the Department of Education's Special Projects Division. The students' enthusiasm, talent, and infectious energy made them the perfect choice for this annual family-friendly event on the iconic White House South Lawn.<br><br> <br><br> <span>“It was a really great opportunity to perform at such a prestigious event two years in a row,” said Taye Folk, who is working on an MA in international security. “It was so cool to see how many people were surprised and excited to be welcomed to the White House by our energetic group, and it was really awesome to get to have our picture taken on the White House Lawn! Getting to perform alongside Jonesboro High School was electric and really exciting to see such talented young musicians having such a blast performing.”</span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414565.jpg?itok=uT00CoK0" width="1480" height="986" alt="Members of the Green Machine Ensembles dance as they play during their performance at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles " loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Members of the Green Machine Ensembles dance as they play during their performance at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414914_1.jpg?itok=fYfzXwVU" width="1480" height="988" alt="Members of the Green Machine Ensembles cheer for another student ensemble performing at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Members of the Green Machine Ensembles cheer for the Jonesboro High School Marching Band performing at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7422414.jpg?itok=XUemZqQY" width="1480" height="986" alt="Guests gather in front of The White House on April 1, 2024 for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Guests gather in front of The White House on April 1 for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>The theme for the White House Easter Egg Roll for the last three years was “Eggucation,” making this event an even more perfect fit for the Green Machine, whose ensembles are dedicated to learning as a community. Since its creation in 2006, inspired by the Men's Basketball team's epic NCAA Final Four run, the Green Machine has become a vital part of the 鶹Ƶ community. Made up of musicians, dancers, actors, artists, and more, this group creates unforgettable experiences that reflect the values and essence of 鶹Ƶ. The Green Machine has a clear and impactful mission: to deliver diverse and innovative performances for various events and venues. Captivating audiences with its electric energy and unmatched creativity, from exciting sports games to important university ceremonies, lively student recruitment events, and prestigious competitions. </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7422349.jpg?itok=t9QDlcd-" width="1480" height="983" alt="A line of performers snap their fingers as they dance and perform at the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Performers with the Green Machine Ensembles add a little snap to their performance at the White House Easter Egg Roll.&nbsp;Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414951.jpg?itok=TYAYmhYD" width="1480" height="1004" alt="Students jump up and down, cheering with excitement, as the Green Machine Ensembles perform at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Students performing with the Green Machine Ensembles can't hide their joy at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll.&nbsp;Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7422175.jpg?itok=50FigU_H" width="1480" height="986" alt="Performers with the Green Machine Ensembles sing and dance while gathered underneath a tent at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Wet weather at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll can't stop the music of the Green Machine Ensembles.&nbsp;Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span><span><span>“It was an amazing experience to get to perform at the White House!” exclaimed psychology major Bianca Natal.</span></span><span><span><span> “</span></span></span><span><span>Seeing so many people stop and listen to us, dance with us, and cheer with us all while we were at such a prestigious venue was a truly unique and exciting experience.”</span></span><br><br> <br><br> Jeremy Freer, <span><span>associate director of the Green Machine Ensembles</span></span>, said, “We’ve striven to keep the Green Machine as inclusive as humanly possible for over 17 years now. No matter what instrument you play, audio engineering experience you want to have, or level of commitment, we make a space for you. The result of this policy is a group that has shaped itself over a decade and a half, bringing in amazing human beings and expanding our instrumentation with strings, harp, guitar, keyboard, mallet percussion, auxiliary percussion, vocalists, rappers, and scratch DJ's.” </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414943.jpg?itok=WA9LhnwC" width="1480" height="986" alt="Students dance while they play in a line at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Green Machine Ensemble performers get into their groove at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024.&nbsp;Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414581.jpg?itok=NKD9JVtE" width="1480" height="986" alt="Students smile and laugh as they dance and perform at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Members of the Green Machine Ensembles can't stop smiling as they put on an incredible performance for the crowds at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll.&nbsp;Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>Their commitment to inclusivity and celebrating individuality makes the Green Machine so unique. No matter your skill level or level of commitment, this fantastic group welcomes anyone with a passion for making music and who wants to be part of something truly extraordinary. In the true spirit of "All Together Different," the Green Machine celebrates the communities’ students are already part of, as well as the ones they form while at George 鶹Ƶ, providing a judgment-free space where students can explore their musical talents, form lifelong friendships, and express themselves artistically. </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-04/04012024_gm_pep_band_white_house_easter_egg_roll_web_photog_joshua_cruse_nathaniel_henry_green_machine_ensembles2024-04-01-web-7414858.jpg?itok=bh8LYPaE" width="1480" height="995" alt="Students, faculty, and staff of the Green Machine Ensembles pose for a photo in front of the White House. Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>The Green Machine ensembles are all smiles after their second spectacular performance at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.&nbsp;Photo by Joshua Cruse &amp; Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/jfreer" hreflang="und">Prof. Jeremy Freer</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="7ce1ecbc-813d-4ea8-8ee2-7f4977a3c253"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://music.gmu.edu/academics/ensembles/green-machine-athletic-bands"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Green Machine <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="f3304079-7f30-4f8d-9458-4814e14ecc58" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="603f4353-aa22-4feb-a15c-d7a271e79e38" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-765c47f73b678d44813b9cdc6a70b7b8b6b9173d340ea2796f8e1b307a231843"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-06/alumnus-uses-his-creative-voice-build-connections-honor-heritage-and-foster-peace" hreflang="en">Alumnus uses his creative voice to build connections, honor heritage, and foster peace</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 18, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-06/christopher-kardambikis-power-print-publishing-and-possibility" hreflang="en">Christopher Kardambikis on the Power of Print, Publishing, and Possibility</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 2, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a 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class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 2, 2025</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1801" hreflang="en">Green Machine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/146" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17591" hreflang="en">White House</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19291" hreflang="en">White House Easter Egg Roll</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19296" hreflang="en">student performers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/866" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) School of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7131" hreflang="en">Dewberry School of Music</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:25:43 +0000 Emily Schneider 111401 at How the Young Alumni Commissioning Project Supports Al Refai and Wahls' Visionary Projects /news/2024-03/how-young-alumni-commissioning-project-supports-al-refai-and-wahls-visionary-projects <span>How the Young Alumni Commissioning Project Supports Al Refai and Wahls' Visionary Projects</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-26T14:08:03-04:00" title="Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - 14:08">Tue, 03/26/2024 - 14:08</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Welcoming our alumni back to 鶹Ƶ is even more exciting when they return to share work and projects that are deeply meaningful to them. Preparing to do just that are the <a href="https://cvpa.gmu.edu/news/2024-01/recipients-announced-2024-young-alumni-commissioning-project-awards" title="YACP">latest recipients of the Young Alumni Commissioning Project (YACP)</a>, Jumana Al Refai and Rebecca Wahls.</span></p> <p>Despite pursuing different degrees within the&nbsp;College of Visual and Performing Arts, each of these alumni found transformative connections during their 鶹Ƶ experience, impacting their outlook on the world as well as their creative futures.</p> <h4><strong>What was most memorable about your time at 鶹Ƶ? Were there particularly eye-opening moments or experiences during your time as a student? How have those experiences impacted your work, potentially including this project that the YACP will support?</strong></h4> <p><strong>Al Refai:</strong> Going to 鶹Ƶ was something major. I already graduated and held a bachelor's degree, but it was a big deal because I was actually pursuing a dream of mine and going to 鶹Ƶ was the first step. I was there for a total of three years. The first two years were a struggle because everything was new to me. Everything from the approach to dance, the structure of technique, understanding music, learning different movement approaches, it was all very new to me. I came from a movement background where dance meant simply responding to what I heard. Improvisation was something I was extremely comfortable with. At 鶹Ƶ I learned how to interpret what I heard. How music works, how movement works, and how my body works in response to that. I gained the tools to truly understand why we as humans respond to things physically. Why we use our bodies to express what we hear, what we think, and what we feel. By the time I entered my final year at 鶹Ƶ, I felt like I had truly understood these tools and was able to confidently start applying them. I applied this in my final choreographic piece at 鶹Ƶ which was the third piece that I had choreographed. That experience was an “aha” moment where I understood the power of choreography. I felt empowered because not only did I gain the tools to structure my thoughts and creative process, but now I was able to convey the messages I want to show the world. It made me understand the power of movement and how sometimes words simply are not enough to convey a message.</p> <p><strong>Wahls:</strong> As the director and producer of Him, a feature film, I needed to have a working understanding of all elements of production. While my 鶹Ƶ degree is in Theater, it trained me to always be learning about what those around me do. For kinesthetic learners, learning is doing, so I am a better artist for having spent hours in a lift hanging lights for a production I wasn't otherwise involved in. You have to understand how processes other than your own work - especially if you aspire to leadership positions.</p> <p>After moving on from 鶹Ƶ, Al Refai expanded her educational and professional experiences at The Ailey School, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The School at Jacob's Pillow, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and Akram Khan Company Intensive in London. These experiences “[refined] my choreographic voice… I was ready to take on the world of movement confidently. It prepared me to not be afraid to try things and to constantly explore my movement voice.”</p> <p>A native of Kuwait, Al Refai returned there in 2018, where she founded the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/haraka.center/?hl=en" title="Haraka">Haraka Center for Movement Arts (HCMA)</a>. The center is a beacon for women and girls, offering a supportive environment to explore dance. HCMA's philosophy emphasizes movement as a universal form of communication, encouraging students to embrace their individuality and push artistic boundaries.</p> <p>Wahls similarly continued her educational exploration after leaving 鶹Ƶ, completing her MFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University, where she was a John Wells Fellow from 2020-23. In 2017, she founded the nonprofit theatre Who What Where Productions, where she produced and directed several world premiere plays including Spills by Ruthie Rado, which has gone on to successful runs in NYC and London. Rebecca has worked as Artistic Associate for Acting for Young People since 2012, and her current focus with the company is on private coaching and corporate improv events. In April 2022, Wahls spoke at TEDxCMU, delivering her presentation titled “Yes, And: The Power of Improv in EveryDay Life."</p> <p>Both women are excited to bring their unique projects home to 鶹Ƶ, with the support of their awards from the Young Alumni Commissioning Project.</p> <p>The Haraka Project, an extension of Al Refai’s vision, seeks to elevate dance awareness in the Gulf region through performances that draw on Middle Eastern art, music, and landscapes. This initiative not only showcases Jumana's choreographic talents but also fosters collaboration with local artists, contributing to a vibrant cultural dialogue. Reflecting on her path, Jumana credits her time at 鶹Ƶ with preparing her for the challenges and opportunities of the dance world. Her journey underscores the importance of curiosity, risk-taking, and adaptability—qualities she encourages in current and prospective 鶹Ƶ students. When Al Refai returns to campus, she will present Tashkeel تْشِكيل, a short film featuring four dancers from Kuwait and abroad as well as Al Refai as dancer and choreographer.</p> <p>Building on the expansive skill set she developed at 鶹Ƶ and beyond, Wahls will present <a href="https://vimeo.com/890508851" title="Him">Him, a feature-length ensemble comedy film</a>. Wahls directed, co-wrote, and co-produced Him, alongside actor and writer Tess Higgins. Wahls is excited to showcase her work to the 鶹Ƶ community which helped to foster her personal and professional growth with the film, which is now an official selection of the Sedona International Film Festival.</p> <h4>What advice or insights would you offer to current or prospective 鶹Ƶ students as they consider pursuing their own artistic practice and professional careers?</h4> <p><strong>Al Refai:</strong> Take risks. Ask Questions. Be the odd one out. Try new things. You will only regret the chances you didn’t take so seize every opportunity that comes your way. Whatever plan you have set for yourself, adapt. Adapt to the changes that come your way and learn from these experiences, and see what you can learn from it. Whether you are a prospective or current student at 鶹Ƶ, stay hungry for knowledge and invest in yourself as an artist.</p> <p><strong>Wahls:</strong> Instead of "networking," focus on building community. Many people I met at 鶹Ƶ remain allies to my artistic practice. Him features the work of fellow alums Kira Omans on screen, and of Noah Peterson and Keenan Gibson behind the scenes. Our VFX Supervisor, Eric Stenmark, is someone I didn't know at 鶹Ƶ, but was connected to because of my strong network within the 鶹Ƶ alumni community. I'm writing a new musical with another alum, Maggie Marie Rodgers. Faculty members Mary Lechter, Kevin Murray, and Rick Davis have all been instrumental in my professional journey. Your community is everything, and right now, you should be fostering your 鶹Ƶ community so that it transcends your undergraduate experience.</p> <p>You can follow the creative journeys of each of these talented artists on social media, with Al Refai via @jumanaalrefai and @haraka.center, and Wahls via @rebeccawahls.</p> <p>Stay tuned for more news and announcements about these talented alumni and to help us welcome them back to campus for their events during the 2024-25 academic year!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14461" hreflang="en">Young Alumni Commissioning Project. alumni support</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/146" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7171" hreflang="en">Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:08:03 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 111511 at Harmony in Diversity – 鶹Ƶ's Jazz Vocal Ensemble Hits the Global Stage /news/2024-03/harmony-diversity-masons-jazz-vocal-ensemble-hits-global-stage <span>Harmony in Diversity – 鶹Ƶ's Jazz Vocal Ensemble Hits the Global Stage </span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-26T13:13:48-04:00" title="Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - 13:13">Tue, 03/26/2024 - 13:13</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/dpurcel2" hreflang="und">Dr. Darden Purcell</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">At 鶹Ƶ Dewberry School of Music, the 鶹Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr. Darden Purcell, has notably marked the past year with accolades that spotlight not just their musical aptitude but the inclusive spirit that defines the university. </span></p> <p>This ensemble, distinctively open to auditions from across the university's diverse student body, stands as a living testament to George 鶹Ƶ's core ethos of inclusivity and the unique opportunities it fosters, perfectly embodying the "all together different" spirit that pulses through the campus.&nbsp;</p> <p>The ensemble's journey through the year was nothing short of remarkable, crowned by winning the prestigious DownBeat Student Music Award for "Outstanding Performance—Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Undergraduate College" in spring 2023. This accolade, recognized globally, spotlighted the ensemble's exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, setting them apart in a fiercely competitive field with submissions spanning the globe.&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-03/music.png?itok=2v8J4e2u" width="560" height="320" alt="鶹Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>鶹Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble. Photo Credit: Joyce Boghosian</figcaption> </figure> <p>The ensemble's journey of achievements gracefully flowed into another standout moment as they carried the banner for 鶹Ƶ at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) conference in November 2023. Standing as the university's singular musical voice at this event, they beautifully embodied the spirit and talent of 鶹Ƶ. The crescendo of their narrative hit a thrilling peak during their performance at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) conference in New Orleans, LA, in January 2024. Amidst a global gathering of talent, they stood out as one of only six Vocal Jazz groups chosen to perform, solidifying their place as a beacon of excellence in the international jazz community.&nbsp;</p> <p>The ensemble's composition—comprising 15 dedicated members, including 11 vocalists alongside a rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass, and drums—mirrors the university's academic diversity. With students from Music Studies to Business and Creative Writing, the group exemplifies the rich tapestry of George 鶹Ƶ's student body, their varied backgrounds adding layers of depth and perspective to their music.&nbsp;</p> <p>Preparing for such esteemed stages involved an intense rehearsal schedule, pushing the ensemble to explore a repertoire that was as challenging as it was rewarding. This included premieres written expressly for them by 鶹Ƶ Jazz faculty Dr. Shawn Purcell and pieces that demanded a high level of improvisation and professional skill, truly stretching their musical capabilities.&nbsp;</p> <p>The ensemble's path to these prestigious platforms was paved by the generous support from the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research (OSCAR) and the Dewberry School of Music Jazz Studies program, alongside proceeds from the annual Jazz4Justice concert. This backing is crucial, reflecting the university's investment in nurturing creative and scholarly pursuits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Entering these highly competitive events required a submission process that mirrored the professional music world's rigor, emphasizing "live" and unedited performances. This stringent selection criterion underscores the ensemble's excellence and aligns with the university's dedication to authenticity and high standards.&nbsp;</p> <p>For those within the 鶹Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble, the year was transformative, filled with opportunities beyond performances to personal and professional growth. The shared experiences, from rehearsals to stage, fostered a profound sense of unity, highlighting the ensemble's role as not just musicians but ambassadors of 鶹Ƶ's inclusive culture.&nbsp;</p> <p>Reflecting on the ensemble's achievements, it’s clear that their story is more than a sequence of musical triumphs. It's a narrative that celebrates the power of opportunity, diversity, and collaboration, reflecting 鶹Ƶ's supportive, dynamic, and diverse environment. Through their musical journey, the ensemble showcased their formidable talents and the rich, empowering backdrop of George 鶹Ƶ, where every student is encouraged to explore, perform, and excel.&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7131" hreflang="en">Dewberry School of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1421" hreflang="en">diversity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1431" hreflang="en">inclusivity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20211" hreflang="en">obie+</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:13:48 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 111501 at Linda Apple Monson Honored in the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame /news/2023-11/linda-apple-monson-honored-steinway-teacher-hall-fame <span>Linda Apple Monson Honored in the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-11-08T10:08:39-05:00" title="Wednesday, November 8, 2023 - 10:08">Wed, 11/08/2023 - 10:08</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/lmonson" hreflang="und">Dr. Linda Apple Monson</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Extraordinary teachers shape the future of talented students. Among them is 鶹Ƶ’s own Linda Apple Monson, international Steinway Artist and director of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music at 鶹Ƶ. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to teaching piano have earned her a place in the prestigious 2023 Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame.</span></p> <p>The Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame is a distinguished honor celebrating the dedication and passion of the outstanding piano educators of North America.</p> <p>During her more than 20 years at 鶹Ƶ, which is an <a href="https://music.gmu.edu/why-study-here/all-steinway-school">All-Steinway School</a>, Monson shared her profound musical insights with gifted students from across the globe. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, as she has graced stages across the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia with her performances and lecture-recitals.</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-11/linda_monson_gavin_english_steinway_pres.jpg?itok=80gYQREe" width="420" height="560" alt="Dr. Linda Apple Monson and Gavin English, president of Steinway &amp; Sons America" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Pictured above: Gavin English, president of Steinway &amp; Sons Americas with Dr. Linda Apple Monson</figcaption> </figure> <p>"I am humbled and honored to be inducted into the 2023 Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame. My heart is filled with gratitude for this honor and for the incredible privilege of teaching piano, our beloved art form, to the next generation of artists at 鶹Ƶ," shared Monson.</p> <p>"As an International Steinway Performing Artist, I am particularly honored to receive this additional prestigious award in recognition of my career as a teacher and mentor to my remarkable piano students," she added.</p> <p>Gavin English, president of Steinway &amp; Sons Americas, expressed his appreciation at the recent induction ceremony in New York City: "Your passionate commitment to teaching and inspiring young people in their study of piano music is commendable and rare. Through your efforts, you help students lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical and artistic expression."</p> <p>We celebrate Monson's exceptional dedication and role in shaping the next generation of piano artists. Her inclusion in the 2023 Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary contributions to music education and piano artistry.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/866" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) School of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7131" hreflang="en">Dewberry School of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:08:39 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 109956 at A Contemporary Composer Fuels a New 鶹Ƶ Collaboration /news/2023-03/contemporary-composer-fuels-new-mason-collaboration <span>A Contemporary Composer Fuels a New 鶹Ƶ Collaboration</span> <span><span>Emily Schneider</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-03-07T14:19:10-05:00" title="Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - 14:19">Tue, 03/07/2023 - 14:19</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ljackson" hreflang="en">Lawrence M. Jackson</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/wlake" hreflang="en">Dr. William Lake, Jr.</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span><span><span><span class="intro-text">Growing up in the Black church, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Concert Bands, <strong>Dr. William Lake, Jr.</strong>, deeply understands the power of music and movement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>After hearing <em>Come Sunday</em> by composer <strong>Omar Thomas</strong>, Lake dreamed of bringing this work to life with movement, bringing together the 鶹Ƶ Bands and the School of Dance.&nbsp; Working on such a project would not only expand his students' musical vocabulary but also create an authentic and expansive cultural experience for the 鶹Ƶ community. Associate Professor of Dance, <strong>Lawrence M. Jackson</strong>, had similar experiences, growing up in “the southern Black church, a very charismatic church” and reflected on his own upbringing and research into African diasporic dance forms. This collaboration came to life onstage in the Center for the Arts on 鶹Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus </span>on February 28<span>.</span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-03/Come%20Sunday%20Concert%20featuring%20School%20of%20Dance%20Students%20with%20鶹Ƶ%20Wind%20Symphony%201.png?itok=ICgcfHeY" width="1350" height="900" alt="鶹Ƶ School of Dance students pose center stage during the performance of Omar Thomas's &quot;Come Sunday&quot; with the 鶹Ƶ Wind Symphony on February 28 in the Center for the Arts. Photo by Will Martinez" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Students from 鶹Ƶ's School of Dance performing with the 鶹Ƶ Wind Symphony to Omar Thomas's <em>Come Sunday</em> on February 28. <strong>Photo by Will Martinez.</strong></figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span><span>As a composer, arranger, and educator, </span></span><a href="https://www.omarthomas.com/"><span>Omar Thomas</span></a><span><span> works with some of the most respected names in composition and education, including multiple GRAMMY-winning composer and bandleader </span></span><a href="/news/2022-05/grammy-winning-composer-and-mason-artist-residence-maria-schneider-led-events-across"><span>Maria Schneider</span></a><span><span>, Ken Schaphorst, and Frank Carlberg. Born to Guyanese parents in Brooklyn, New York, Thomas pursued music diligently, completing his Master of Music at Berklee College of Music and becoming the first Black composer to ever receive the National Bandmasters Association/Revelli Award for <em>Come Sunday</em>. His compositions are described as “thought-provoking, multi-layered masterpiece[s],” which made embarking on a partnership around this piece even more exciting for Jackson and Lake. </span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span>“I really hold dear my experiences as a musician in the Black church (I started playing the piano for my children’s choir around age 6) to my musical upbringing.&nbsp; Since I know gospel and other sacred music intimately, I can infuse the music with the extra nuances that can’t be described using notation but are true to the style. This piece has been performed by many great ensembles across the country… however, there hasn’t been a performance that centers movement and these great sounds.” said Lake.</span></span></span></span></figure> <p><span><span><span>Professor Jackson’s career often includes collaborations, a hallmark of his practice at other universities before coming to 鶹Ƶ in the fall of 2022. While the invitation to work with Dr. Lake at the end of the fall semester was a surprise, it also felt reassuring to find this partnership so early on and to begin exploring what this experience would mean for 鶹Ƶ students from both the School of Dance and the Dewberry School of Music.</span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-03/Come%20Sunday%20Concert%20featuring%20School%20of%20Dance%20Students%20with%20鶹Ƶ%20Wind%20Symphony%203.png?itok=l7pXNso9" width="1350" height="900" alt="A student from the School of Dance smiles at the audience during the performance of &quot;Come Sunday&quot; by Omar Thomas, performed by the 鶹Ƶ Wind Symphony. Photo by Will Martinez." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>A student from the School of Dance smiles at the audience during the performance of "Come Sunday" by Omar Thomas, performed by the 鶹Ƶ Wind Symphony. <strong>Photo by Will Martinez.</strong></figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>Building a vocabulary for the dancers was an opportunity for Jackson’s students to explore the storied culture of the Black church's sacred space and develop an understanding of the types of movement vocabulary that would reflect the energy and history of these spaces and traditions. From watching Alvin Ailey’s <em>Revelations</em> and clips of a particular scene from the movie <em>Blues Brothers</em>, Jackson offered context to his creative process, “blending contemporary dance forms, African diasporic dance forms, and pedestrian movement that is derived from the Black church, all merged into an amalgamation of movement vocabulary uniquely designed for this work.”</span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>“The 鶹Ƶ School of Dance students are excited to work with the musicians,” said Jackson. “These dancers, most of them, if not all of them, have never had the experience of working alongside a symphony or a band. I’m excited for them to experience the unique energy of the symphony and adapt in the moment.” All of the dancers performing in this piece are seniors in their final semester with the School of Dance, which made Jackson that much more eager to share this experience with them before they embark on the next stage of their careers.</span></span></span></figure> <p><span><span><span>The dancers are not the only ones expanding their understanding and skills with this performance. “The jazz and gospel musical vocabulary is foreign to my students,” said Dr. Lake.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“It’s inspiring to see how invested our students are in something that they realize is new and different.&nbsp; My hope is that through music and collaborations, my students have a gateway to appreciate cultures different than their own,” Lake adds. </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-03/Come%20Sunday%20Concert%20featuring%20School%20of%20Dance%20Students%20with%20鶹Ƶ%20Wind%20Symphony%202_0.png?itok=aw1L3XvK" width="1350" height="900" alt="Dancers from 鶹Ƶ's School of Dance perform Professor Lawrence M. Jackson's original choreography to &quot;Come Sunday&quot; by Omar Thomas, performed by the 鶹Ƶ Wind Symphony on February 28. Photo by Will Martinez" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Dancers from 鶹Ƶ's School of Dance perform Professor Lawrence M. Jackson's original choreography to <em>Come Sunday</em> by Omar Thomas, performed by the 鶹Ƶ Wind Symphony on February 28. <strong>Photo by Will Martinez.</strong></figcaption> </figure> <p><span><span><span>Unlike most concerts, the Wind Symphony will be moved further upstage than normal and without the acoustic shell to allow for the choreography to be presented downstage.&nbsp; This has resulted in the assistance of the Center for the Arts Artistic Staff to add audio, lighting, and stage-managing support.&nbsp; This unique concert has been chosen as one of the 鶹Ƶ Arts at Home features that will be captured via six cameras in the hall and even GoPros! Dr. Lake shared, “I’m jealous of the audience, I won’t get to experience the concert from their vantage point – I’m thankful that the School of Music and the College of Visual and Performing Arts have agreed to record, edit, and professionally mix our hard work”.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The duo is optimistic that this is just the beginning of collaborations between the 鶹Ƶ School of Dance and the Dewberry School of Music. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5lF3Sasr18" title="Video Interview with Dr. Lake and Professor Jackson on YouTube"><strong><span><span><span><span>You can watch an in-depth interview with Jackson and Lake on the College of Visual and Performing Arts YouTube channel, including behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals leading up to the performance.</span></span></span></span></strong></a></p> <p><span><span><span>The Wind Symphony’s performance from February 28, 2023, including <em>Come Sunday</em> featuring the School of Dance,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://masonartsathome.gmu.edu/browse">will be available to watch from March 28 through April 28, 2023 exclusively through <strong>鶹Ƶ Arts at Home</strong></a></span></span><strong><span><span><span>. </span></span></span></strong></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/871" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17616" hreflang="en">鶹Ƶ Arts</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7131" hreflang="en">Dewberry School of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4821" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5246" hreflang="en">Center for the Arts</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17646" hreflang="en">鶹Ƶ Bands</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17621" hreflang="en">Wind Symphony</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17626" hreflang="en">choreography</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17636" hreflang="en">Omar Thomas</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17641" hreflang="en">digital performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4431" hreflang="en">鶹Ƶ Arts at Home</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17631" hreflang="en">collaboration</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:19:10 +0000 Emily Schneider 104611 at 鶹Ƶ School of Theater Alumni Collaborate on Musical at Carnegie Mellon /news/2022-10/mason-school-theater-alumni-collaborate-musical-carnegie-mellon <span>鶹Ƶ School of Theater Alumni Collaborate on Musical at Carnegie Mellon</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-10-25T10:00:30-04:00" title="Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - 10:00">Tue, 10/25/2022 - 10:00</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-10/Rebecca%20Wahls%20Headshot.png?itok=4FLaevGD" width="232" height="350" alt="Rebecca Wahls, 鶹Ƶ School of Theater Alumna and Director of this old haunt" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Rebecca Wahls, 鶹Ƶ School of Theater alumna and director of this old haunt.</figcaption> </figure> <p><span class="intro-text">This is not the first time 鶹Ƶ School of Theater alumni actor/lyricist Maggie Rodgers and writer/director Rebecca Wahls have joined creative forces.&nbsp;</span></p> <p>The pair first worked together in 2013 in a play that Wahls directed, followed by several other pieces in subsequent years.</p> <p>What had originated as an idea for a thesis for Wahls, who now attends Carnegie Mellon University, the musical, <em>this old haunt</em>, evolved over time and countless Zoom calls. With Rodgers overseeing the music and lyrics, Wahls directing, and NYC-based playwright <a href="https://www.smjwrites.com/" title="SMJ">SMJ</a> writing the book, they held eight separate draft readings with other artists across the country to build their team. Once they received the official greenlight from Carnegie Mellon, the physical world of the play began to come to life.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Going to 鶹Ƶ was the best choice I ever made. The relationships I formed during my time at 鶹Ƶ include not only Maggie but many of my most essential collaborators” shared Wahls. As for students pursuing a career in theater, she adds, “If you are dedicated to making a career in the arts, don't wait for permission. Write the play, raise the money you need to make it happen, book the venue, get people in seats. You also don't have to do things the way someone else already did them. Decide how much time, how much money, and what people you need to make the thing happen. Being an artist-producer has been essential to my journey, and through the skill set I have acquired, I have been able to lift up my own work and the work of my collaborators.”</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-10/Maggie%20Rodgers%20Headshot.png?itok=946LBBl6" width="350" height="349" alt="Maggie Marie Rodgers, Actor and Lyricist" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>School of Theater alumna Maggie Marie Rodgers, actor and lyricist.</figcaption> </figure> <p>“鶹Ƶ gave me the opportunity to really explore text and new work. A lot of my time at 鶹Ƶ was figure it out with your collaborators." said Rodgers. Many late nights were spent in rehearsal rooms. We worked really hard and got great support from the faculty. My time at 鶹Ƶ led me to opportunities such as studying at the O'Neill Theatre Center and being an apprentice at Berkshire Theatre Group.” As for her advice to aspiring students, “Go see shows in the DC area (they have discounts for students). Write down what worked and didn't work-how can you put that into your practice? Support your classmates who do get a part. It's a community that brings each other up.”</p> <p>The musical, <em>this old haunt</em>, explores the ups and downs of friendship and how the people we know become ghosts. 10 years after high school, Hetty, Selina, Caroline, and Penelope reunite after their choir teacher's passing. In a cabin in the woods, old memories and past selves are summoned.&nbsp;</p> <p>What’s next for this team? The Big Apple! Following the academic premiere of&nbsp;<em>this old haunt</em> at Carnegie Mellon University this fall, November 19-30, they are planning a concert of the music in Spring 2023 in New York City.</p> <p>For more information, including how to purchase tickets, <a href="https://www.drama.cmu.edu/box-office/this-old-haunt/" title="Purchase Tickets for this old haunt"><em>visit this old haunts</em> performance website</a>.</p> <p><em>this old haunt</em><br><br> Created by Maggie Marie Rodergs, Rebecca Wahls, and SMJ<br><br> Music and lyrics by Maggie Marie Rodgers<br><br> Book by SMJ<br><br> Additional music and lyrics by Annabelle Lee Revak</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2871" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Theater</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:00:30 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 101701 at 鶹Ƶ's School of Theater Presents Head Over Heels /news/2022-10/masons-school-theater-presents-head-over-heels <span>鶹Ƶ's School of Theater Presents Head Over Heels</span> <span><span>Lakin Raybuck</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-10-14T15:07:18-04:00" title="Friday, October 14, 2022 - 15:07">Fri, 10/14/2022 - 15:07</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="720d8ad8-bc3a-4ad9-9201-15b7d8b90995"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://mpv.tickets.com/schedule/?agency=GEORGE_MASON_MPV&amp;orgid=42970#/?event=heels&amp;view=list&amp;includePackages=false"> <h4 class="cta__title">Purchase Head Over Heels Tickets <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="ca99d8f2-8518-4f98-9490-a8c6f02c21d3"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://mason360.gmu.edu/events?group_ids=47882"> <h4 class="cta__title">Reserve Free Student Tickets <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">The effervescent production, featuring a cast of 鶹Ƶ’s School of Theater students, will make its debut at 鶹Ƶ’s Center for the Arts on October 27, 2022, and will run through October 30, 2022.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2022-10/Theater%202.png?itok=TSLqZoYl" width="560" height="373" alt="The cast of the upcoming production of Head Over Heels performed songs from the show during a presentation at ARTS! By George on September 25. Photo by Cable Risdon Photography." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>The cast of the upcoming production of <em>Head Over Heels</em> performed songs from the show during a presentation at ARTS&nbsp;<em>by George!</em> on September 25. Photo by Cable Risdon Photography.</figcaption> </figure> <p>From the visionaries that rocked Broadway with&nbsp;<em>Hedwig and the Angry Inch</em>,&nbsp;<em>Avenue Q</em>, and&nbsp;<em>Spring Awakening</em><em>,&nbsp;</em><em>Head Over Heels</em><em>&nbsp;</em>will have you laughing out loud while taking you on a nostalgic journey with 1980’s classics such as the Go-Go’s “We Got the Beat,” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”</p> <p>"I know what you might be thinking, how could a 15th-century Elizabethan farce and the music of an 80s rock band possibly go together?&nbsp;&nbsp;Well they do in this fun and relevant show,&nbsp;<em>Head Over Heels</em>!" said&nbsp;Erin Driscoll Gardiner, the show's director, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the School of Theater and a well-known D.C.-area performer.</p> <p>"At its core,&nbsp;<em>Head Over Heels</em>&nbsp;is about a people steeped in tradition awakening to their true selves, love, acceptance, and forgiveness," shared Gardiner. "When I first was approached to direct this piece, I immediately thought of Madonna’s 1991 MTV Awards performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;She and her dancers were all in period costumes performing Vogue for the young MTV audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;That mixed world where both coexist is where I wanted this show to live.&nbsp;<em>Head Over Heels</em>&nbsp;is its own universe full of color and nature. "</p> <p>Performing alongside the actors is a band composed of three alumni, one current student, and one faculty member from 鶹Ƶ’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music.</p> <p>The show is based on the 15th-century story,<em>&nbsp;</em><em>The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia</em>, written by Sir Philip Sidney, with the book by Jeff Whitty, and adapted by James Magruder. A love story that is equally heartwarming and hilarious to watch follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their kingdom from extinction.</p> <p>The show features musical direction by Joe Walsh (Term Assistant Professor, Dewberry School of Music) and choreography by Stefan Sittig (Adjunct Faculty, School of Theater).</p> <p>"For the characters in our fictional Arcadia, they must leave their home and journey into the unknown. After two years in a global pandemic and our current political climate, changing ‘the norm’ can seem to threaten our way of life. But, this is the very time to let ourselves be turned upside down and see things anew. All the while, remembering that everyone can make mistakes, learn, and grow. Finding forgiveness and embracing love, when it seems impossible, IS how we change and grow.”</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2022-10/Theater%203.png?itok=UlKzP7R9" width="560" height="368" alt="The cast of the upcoming production of Head Over Heels strikes a pose during a showcase at ARTS! By George on September 25. Photo by Cable Risdon Photography." loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <figcaption>The cast of the upcoming production of Head Over Heels strikes a pose during a showcase at ARTS&nbsp;<em>by George!&nbsp;</em>on September 25. Photo by Cable Risdon Photography.</figcaption> </figure> <p>"This show is a challenge asking its performers to conquer the heightened Elizabethan language while also having proficiency in 80s rock music.&nbsp; Not only has this cast risen to the challenge but they have managed to create a piece that is heartwarming and a blast to watch," said Gardiner.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2871" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Theater</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:07:18 +0000 Lakin Raybuck 100951 at