Volunteerism

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Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:17:30 +0000

Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave Lauren Reuscher Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:17

As director of contracts and special projects for Auxiliary Services and Operations at �鶹��Ƶ, Buz Grover manages the university’s contracts for print, mail, and on-campus banking and ATMs. He also coordinates oversight of camps and youth programs on campus.

Buz Grover during an expedition in Crystal Cave, part of Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

On the job, Grover has managed plenty of new and experimental projects. When faculty and staff returned to campus during the COVID pandemic, he led the creation of a temporary, on-campus child care facility where the children of faculty and staff could attend virtual school while their parents worked, known as the Patriot Learning Pod.

Outside work, Grover’s expeditionary spirit goes beneath the surface. As a volunteer with the Cave Research Foundation, Grover explores caves on federal lands, mapping the unknown twists and turns of the earth’s darkest—and coolest—corners.

How did you get started with this hobby? How long have you been doing it?

As a result of my misspent youth, the town I grew up in “invited” me to take part in a diversionary program modeled after Outward Bound. We’d head into the woods with the town’s police officers and members of a local Special Forces reserve unit to learn outdoor skills like climbing and rappelling. I eventually became one of the program’s leads.

Several years later, I moved to Champaign, Illinois, where I worked as a lead cook and kitchen manager at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. That area of the Midwest is known as the flatlands; there is absolutely nothing to climb up or rappel down. There are, however, caves that you can rappel into and ascend out of. I got connected with a local cave “grotto” group.

Expedition participants gather in Crystal Cave’s Grand Canyon within Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

One of my fellow cavers was involved with the Cave Research Foundation (CRF). The CRF is an elite group of cavers, so I was surprised when I was asked to attend an expedition in the mid-1980s. I’ve been caving with the CRF for more than 40 years and am now a Fellow with the organization.

Entrance to Crystal Cave in Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

When and where do you participate in these adventures?

The CRF is chartered by the National Park Service to explore caves on federal land. I do most of my work at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. The CRF has mapped over 400 miles of cave at Mammoth Cave, making it the longest known cave on the planet and a prominent tourist destination. I have also spent time at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

Given the length of Mammoth Cave, it can take 8–10 hours to get to an unexplored part of the cave. Once there, we spend at least eight hours surveying and exploring new parts of the cave. It takes longer to get out than it did to get in, so it’s not uncommon for a trip to last 24–30 hours. The longest trip I’ve been on lasted 36 hours. Mammoth Cave expeditions happen almost every holiday weekend, with the exception of Christmas.

What lessons have you learned?

The power of effective teamwork and the importance of supporting the group effort. I cooked professionally when I began with the CRF and swore I’d never take on the surface job of camp management, as it was too much like my day job. But returning to camp after long, exhausting trips underground only to find glops of unidentifiable mush, I decided it was time to share some of my cooking skills with the CRF.

Grover has provided provisions during many expeditions, including Thanksgiving turkeys. Photo provided

For close to 40 years, I’ve been cooking for the Thanksgiving expedition, smoking turkeys with all the fixings for 35–60 cavers each year. I’m working on a CRF camp manager’s manual to codify and pass on effective caver care and feeding techniques.

What have been the most meaningful or memorable experiences?

I’ve confronted what I thought were my limits and exceeded them. I’ve crawled through wet, muddy chert tubes for hours, waded in hip-deep water censusing crayfish, read my compass and clinometer in water-filled passages with limited breathing space, fractured a finger and then completed a 100-foot climb, among many other challenges.

A substantial amount of scientific inquiry has occurred at Mammoth Cave and other project areas. None of it can happen until folks like me go in and map the cave, as that allows the scientists to identify where their inquiries took place.

As a parent, it’s been wonderful to watch my children grow up attending CRF expeditions and become cavers themselves. I don’t think they realized it at the time, but my kids were in “school” for the length of any expeditions they attended, learning lessons that stuck with them well after we returned home.

I’ve formed lifelong friendships with fellow cavers, entrusted my life to them, as they have entrusted theirs to me. There are few other endeavors where you and a couple of friends can go out and be the first people to explore a portion of the planet. Few people get to make that claim, and I count myself as fortunate for being able to be one of them.

Grover at the former Crystal Cave ticket office in Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

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Volunteers at �鶹��Ƶ Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:11:51 +0000

Volunteers at �鶹��Ƶ Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project Lauren Reuscher Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:11

�鶹��Ƶ Korea recently joined forces with General Motors (GM) Korea to revitalize a youth home in Incheon's Bupyeong area through a collaborative beautification project. The activity was organized by �鶹��Ƶ Cares, which focuses on community engagement around �鶹��Ƶ’s Incheon campus, and �鶹��Ƶ Korea’s Office of Development and Strategic Partnership.

Volunteers from �鶹��Ƶ Korea painted a mural designed by students and staff. Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Korea.

Student, faculty, and staff volunteers, including �鶹��Ƶ Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park, worked diligently to bring a mural concept to life. The mural was designed by �鶹��Ƶ Korea students and staff, and the volunteer artists received on-site support from the GM Korea team.

Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Korea

“I was excited to participate in this project, because I have experience working in mural design from a similar volunteer project at the Smithsonian,” said Victoria Gehring, a sophomore business major.

This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between �鶹��Ƶ Korea and GM Korea's mural painting project, underscoring a shared commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Korea

Among the volunteers were four international students and eight participants from the MK Way program, �鶹��Ƶ Korea’s conditional admission program offering intensive English instruction for students.

Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Korea

Hyewon Lee, a freshman global affairs major, was grateful for the service opportunity. “I try to volunteer often, but it is sometimes difficult to find opportunities,” said Lee. “I was really happy to see this unique painting project organized by our school.”

Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Korea

Learn more about �鶹��Ƶ Korea

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�鶹��Ƶ Korea

Campus News

Community Engagement

Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 18:57:44 +0000

Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students Lauren Reuscher Wed, 09/25/2024 - 14:57

Debbie Cohen started working in �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations in fall 2023 as the development coordinator for planned giving and parent and family philanthropy. Before coming to George �鶹��Ƶ, she worked in another realm of education: as a middle school teacher.

Gabriella Singh and Debbie Cohen at a College Bound end of year celebration. Photo provided

Her passion for education fueled her involvement with another activity outside work: Cohen serves as a volunteer mentor with College Bound Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving public and charter school students in grades 8–12. Through its academic mentoring program, College Bound aims to help students enter college, earn a degree, and achieve their goals.

After leaving the classroom, Cohen felt like something was missing. She learned about College Bound by chance, when she walked by a booth at a street fair in the District.

“I left my teaching position and moved to this area just before the pandemic, and I was missing ‘my kids’—my former students,” Cohen said. When someone from College Bound asked if she would consider mentoring a high school student, “My answer was a resounding ‘yes,’” Cohen said.

Cohen mentored Gabriella Singh, a former high school student in Washington, D.C. For two years, Cohen and Singh met in-person once a week at a D.C. public library, along with other students and mentors from the program. They kept in touch outside those meetings and attended social activities with College Bound, too.

Since then, Singh has graduated from high school, but her connection with Cohen is now entering a new phase: Singh is a first-year student at George �鶹��Ƶ this fall.

A history major, Singh chose George �鶹��Ƶ for its location in Fairfax and proximity to professional opportunities in the nation’s capital. She also hopes to participate in a study abroad program.

“Knowing Ms. Debbie is on campus is actually pretty great,” Singh said. “It's nice knowing that if I ever need some advice, want an adult’s perspective on anything, or just want to chat for a bit, I can go down to visit her.”

Now that Singh has started college, she and Cohen are participating in College Bound’s virtual mentoring program, a critical part of helping students continue toward their goals of graduating college and realizing their potential.

Cohen encourages others to consider participating in mentorship programs. “There’s a need for positive role models everywhere, to help the next generation realize their dreams and their potential,” Cohen said. “I’m now an even bigger advocate and cheerleader for bringing others into this kind of mentorship opportunity to help make a difference.”

The opportunity to be another caring adult in the life of a young person means a lot, Cohen said.

“To be even a small part of Gabriella’s life for the past two years, to be a part of her high school and college preparation journey, has been memorable and very special,” she said. “I’m excited to see what she’ll do next.”

Topics

Mentorship

Mentoring

9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:12:01 +0000

9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages Lauren Reuscher Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:12

�鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the 12^th annual �鶹��Ƶ Nation 9/11 Day of Service. Since its inception, the day of service has been an opportunity to reflect on the value of individual contributions toward social change and the ways in which individuals can support their community through service projects.

The �鶹��Ƶ Nation 9/11 Day of Service took place across locations on the Fairfax Campus, with an opening ceremony and luncheon in the Johnson Center. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Over 200 George �鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, staff, and alumni joined the day’s activities. Service activities occurred across campus, a service fair provided a chance to learn about year-round volunteer opportunities, and a luncheon honored first responders, active members of the military, veterans, and volunteers.

The event was hosted by University Life, and the planning team included campus partners from departments and offices around the university.

George �鶹��Ƶ ROTC's Patriot Battalion Color Guard at the 9/11 Day of Service ceremony. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Service activities included a clothing, diaper, and wipe drive for Women Giving Back; a book drive to benefit the City of Fairfax Regional Library; assembling blankets and chew toys for the Prince William Animal Shelter; creating cards and flower pots for a local assisted living community, working in the campus Greenhouse and Gardens, and more. In partnership with Van Metre Companies, volunteers put together almost 300 snack bags to support children at Pattie Elementary School in Prince William County.

Volunteers work in the Innovation Food Forest for the 9/11 Day of Service. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Fourth and fifth grade students from Pattie Elementary also participated in the event. Members of the school’s P.O.P. Club (Paws of Positivity), a before and after school service club, visited George �鶹��Ƶ for the day. Thanks to a grant from the Harvey S. Lowe, Jr. and Susan Hitchcock-Lowe Foundation, the university provided transportation, lunch, and project supplies for the students.

Students from Pattie Elementary School shared remarks on stage. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

During the opening ceremony and luncheon, students from Pattie Elementary took the stage to share what 9/11 means to them—children who, like many of today’s college students, were not born before September 11, 2001.

Students from the Pattie Elementary School P.O.P. Club joined the service activities. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“In the P.O.P. club, we give back to our community through acts of service. Service is a way to show kindness and make our communities better. Whether it’s helping a friend, cleaning up trash, or doing something nice for someone, every little act of service counts. When we serve others, we spread positivity and help make the world a better place. So today, let’s think about how we can help out and make a positive change, just like so many people did on that day. Together, we can make a big difference.” –Trey, Pattie Elementary School student

Watch a video from Prince William County Public Schools to learn more about the P.O.P. Club and their visit to George �鶹��Ƶ.

Topics

Prince William County

�鶹��Ƶ ROTC

Community Service

Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:11:10 +0000

Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:11

Carissa O’Neill started her job at �鶹��Ƶ as an office assistant in University Life one year ago. In this role, she manages schedules, plans events, and more. Outside the office, O’Neill volunteers to do a different variety of tasks: planting seedlings, sinking stakes, laying out irrigation hose, harvesting crops, and weeding greenhouses.

O’Neill volunteers at The JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia—a 150-acre working farm that donates 100% of its produce to local food pantries. The farm is managed by three staff members, and most of the farm work is done by volunteers. Produce is donated for distribution to community members facing food insecurity.

Carissa O'Neill (with husband Justin O'Neill) volunteers at JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. Photo provided

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity? How long have you been doing it?

I had never worked on a farm before! But I like to work with my hands, have a great desire to learn about growing and harvesting food, and there are a good number of small farms around this part of Virginia. I found JK Community Farm when I was looking for farming jobs one day. I didn’t find a job that made sense for me, but volunteering has been a great alternative. I’ve been doing it since 2021. It's a great way to get outside, and what a boost to know that you're helping someone get access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

What's a typical day look like when you volunteer at the farm? How many different crops have you harvested?

I spend a few hours a month there, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. When you get there, you gather with the other volunteers and wait for one of the staff members to assign you a task. They take time to show you how to do it, and off you go! I've helped harvest produce like potatoes, asparagus, and sunflowers, and I've planted crops like onion and bell peppers.

O'Neill did not have any prior experience working on a farm, but she wanted to learn about growing and harvesting food. Photo provided

What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Harvesting asparagus for the food banks—I never knew how it grew, or that it can regrow itself from the stalk you cut.

What lessons have you learned?

I’ve learned the importance of addressing the lack of fresh produce available for those who need food assistance. Of course, food banks have shelf-stable items, but what a blessing to also have fresh fruit and veggies to offer.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I also love to sew, cross stitch, watch television, and do escape rooms.

Did you know? George �鶹��Ƶ’s Greenhouse and Gardens Program offers volunteer opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The program partners with the Patriot Pantry to help address food insecurity within the George �鶹��Ƶ student population. Volunteers grow food sustainably, harvest and distribute produce, and more. Visit the University Sustainability website for more information.

Topics

University Life

food insecurity

Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:35:51 +0000

Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter Lauren Reuscher Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:35

As an Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance manager in �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of Research Integrity and Assurance, Kim Paul ensures that research projects involving human subjects comply with all regulations. Outside of work, one of her hobbies revolves around nonhuman subjects: dogs eligible for adoption.

Kim Paul volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, where she helps train both dogs and the volunteers who take care of them. Photo provided

As a volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Paul, who has a graduate certificate in forensic science from George �鶹��Ƶ, spends time taking care of the dogs—taking them for walks, offering socialization, and training them. After volunteering at the organization for more than four years, she also mentors new volunteers and has started spending time with adoptable cats, too.

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity? How long have you been doing it?

I have always loved animals and previously worked at a doggy daycare in New Orleans. When I moved to Alexandria in 2016 for graduate school, I wanted to get back into hanging out with dogs in some capacity. I am waiting to adopt a dog until I have a fenced yard of my own, but in the meantime, I wanted the opportunity to play and cuddle with some dogs.

What is the time commitment?

At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, volunteers must commit to at least four hours of service each month. I average 8–10 hours a month. Outside of the standard dog walking and cat cuddles, volunteers also complete the never-ending laundry and dish washing. We also work at the front desk, do field trips, assist with adoptions, etc. There are a lot of things to do, depending on what interests you! Each opportunity is preceded by training.

It's not all playtime and dog cuddles—there is lots of laundry to do at an animal shelter. Photo provided

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Being asked by staff to become a dog volunteer mentor was incredibly meaningful to me. I love to teach and mentor people, so I am grateful that I can elevate my time at the shelter in an even more meaningful way.

I also love when I come to the shelter and see all the “I’ve been adopted” signs, meaning that these precious fur babies are finding their forever homes.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

I have learned not to personalize interactions with shelter animals too much and not to take any sad emotions home. People often ask me if it is hard to not adopt every animal I work with, and to be honest, that was one of my biggest hesitancies before signing up to become a volunteer. Fortunately, I can separate shelter and personal time and not become emotionally attached to the animals—that is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Otherwise, I would have a house full of fur, and the shelter would be empty!

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love acting and have been soaking in the spotlight with community theatre. I have been doing theatre since I was a kid, all through college, and even did professional theatre when I lived in New Orleans.

I love going for long walks and listening to thrillers, suspense, and mystery audiobooks. I also enjoy spending time with friends and their pets, going on adventures to places I have never been, and new dining or social experiences. I recently went to Busch Gardens for the first time and went on many roller coasters that scared me, but what a thrill it was! I am trying to push myself further and take in new experiences while I have the energy.

Topics

Around �鶹��Ƶ (E-Files)

Off the Clock: Liza Wilson Durant serves her community as an emergency medical technician

Shayla Brown — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 17:14:43 +0000

Off the Clock: Liza Wilson Durant serves her community as an emergency medical technician Shayla Brown Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:14

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of �鶹��Ƶ's talented faculty and staff.

Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement and a professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering and Computing. Photo provided.

Liza Wilson Durant wears many hats at �鶹��Ƶ.

Wilson Durant, who joined the �鶹��Ƶ Nation in 2010, is an associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement and a professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering and Computing. Her particular focus is on �鶹��Ƶ’s engineering and computing initiatives.

She is also the director of the Northern Virginia Node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, a role that helps �鶹��Ƶ forge broad partnerships with other universities, colleges, industry and government partners.

Outside her work at �鶹��Ƶ, Wilson Durant makes a different impact on her community—since 2021 she has volunteered as an emergency medical technician (EMT), licensed in the State of Maryland and with the National Registry of EMTs.

Wilson Durant's commitment to service began 45 years ago when she was a middle schooler, volunteering as an aid and companion at a transition house for those with mental health challenges. Those hours of service had a profound impact on her mindset, and she committed to community service as an integral part of her daily life.

In addition to providing emergency medical aid to those who call 911, she also drives the ambulance and supports other emergency operations with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Maryland, and occasionally provides mutual aid to Virginia when needed.

What is the time commitment like for this community service? How do you balance it with your work and home life?

As an EMT and private with the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, I am required to volunteer one, 12-hour overnight shift each week, and 20 additional weekend hours every two months. So, I contribute more than 750 duty hours a year. It is a privilege to do this work and rewarding to have immediate impact; this makes it easy to show up, even when I am tired or have other competing demands on my time.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had as an EMT?

Each week there are memorable moments. We are often with people at the lowest point in their lives, and if we can successfully improve their physical and mental health outcomes or support their families who are experiencing the emergency alongside their loved ones, the immediate impact is very rewarding.

How do you prepare for the intense and fast-paced environment, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional preparation?

We undergo a significant amount of training, testing and certification. When we are not running calls, we are running drills, reviewing protocols, discussing our approach to various calls and supporting each other on our crews. Preparation, and constant study and drills, help ensure confidence at a difficult moment.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

Although my tasks as associate provost and dean are very different than as an EMT charge officer, the roles are similar in terms of working in an ensemble of expert, dedicated individuals who are driven by the mission of incredible impact on the well-being and success of our community members. I've learned in both roles to trust in the power of a team and the power of the diversity of our approaches to a challenge.

I have had a lifelong commitment to community service activities that get me out from behind a desk and part of a team with "hands-on" impact in my community. I learn something new every day I show up for duty, from my crew and from the incredible health care providers in our hospitals and health care system in the region.

Apart from this volunteer work, what else keeps you busy outside �鶹��Ƶ? What do you do to relax?

I love spending time with my beautiful family and especially running, playing golf and enjoying the land around the Potomac River where we live.

Learn more about the College of Engineering and Computing

In This Story

Liza Wilson Durant

Topics

College of Engineering and Computing

Community Engagement

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:15:12 +0000

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children Lauren Reuscher Thu, 04/13/2023 - 09:15

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of �鶹��Ƶ's talented faculty and staff.

Caroline Masakayan, student enrichment coordinator in the College of Education and Human Development and court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children. Photo provided

As the student enrichment coordinator in �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), Caroline Masakayan helps organize a variety of student activities, including writers’ retreats, destress events, the CEHD Student Research Symposium, and the college’s Degree Celebration. She also supports student organizations and the college’s two learning communities. Before arriving at �鶹��Ƶ in June 2022, Masakayan worked as a third-grade teacher.

Outside of work, Masakayan volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), helping children experiencing tough living situations, abuse, and neglect. She has been volunteering since February 2022, helping kids in need and building strong relationships with them.

How did you first get started with this volunteer work? How long have you been doing it?

I learned about the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program years ago when I was in college. A mentor mentioned that she was a CASA and explained that CASAs work to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. I remember thinking how difficult the work sounded, and honestly didn’t think about it again for years.

Then, in my first year as a third-grade teacher, I had a student who was living in a foster care placement. I was contacted by the student’s CASA to provide information about how the student was doing in school—socially, academically, and behaviorally. The CASA was able to add that information to her report and use it to shape her recommendation of next steps for the child and family. Again, I thought how hard that work must be, but something stuck with me this time.

When I started thinking about leaving the classroom in the early months of 2022, I knew I still wanted to be able to work with kids somehow, and being a CASA seemed like a perfect fit.

What is the time commitment? Does it vary at different times of year?

The time commitment varies depending on what is happening in the case. The work consists of home visits, writing up notes and reports, and continuing education. Generally, it only takes a few hours a month. That being said, report writing is a lengthy process, so the commitment is a bit more in months when your case goes to court.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this role?

The most meaningful part of this work is the relationships with the kids. Once the relationships are established, it’s fun to see the kids light up when you walk in the door. Stability is often a challenge for these kids, as they can sometimes be moved multiple times throughout the duration of their case. Being a steady, friendly, familiar face can be a real source of comfort for the kids, and it’s special to be able to play that role.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

This experience has given me a lot of perspective. People experience very real, very difficult things all the time. You truly never know what someone is going through and a smile or a little kindness can go a long way.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Exercise is my favorite way to clear my mind and relieve stress, so I’ve been really enjoying my time at the gym. Lately I’ve also been reading a lot and watching lots of good documentaries.

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Topics

College of Education and Human Development

Children and Youth

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Women's History Month

Off the Clock: Amanda Snellings is the artistic director of City of Fairfax Theatre Company, a community theatre group

Shayla Brown — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:55:53 +0000

Off the Clock: Amanda Snellings is the artistic director of City of Fairfax Theatre Company, a community theatre group Shayla Brown Wed, 01/11/2023 - 15:55

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Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of �鶹��Ƶ's talented faculty and staff.

Amanda Snellings, assistant director of development at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has been at �鶹��Ƶ for just over a year.

Outside of work, Snellings volunteers with the City of Fairfax Theatre Company (CFTC) as the artistic director. Many of her �鶹��Ƶ peers have also participated in productions by CFTC. “We had a professor direct our show a couple of years ago, and it was really great. Students and alumni have performed, and we’ve even had some �鶹��Ƶ theater students teach at our camp,” Snellings said.

Amanda Snellings performing on stage. Photo provided.

How did you first get involved with local theater?

I’ve been doing community theatre since I was 11. My first show was Oliver, playing one of the orphans. I’ve had the theater bug ever since. I studied theatre in college and pursued freelance directing while working in arts management at professional theatre companies to stay connected to my passion, most recently at Shakespeare Theatre Company in D.C.

I returned to community theatre to get involved in productions creatively while advancing my development career. My passion and experience in performing arts made my role at �鶹��Ƶ working with donors to the Schools of Theater, Music, and Dance a perfect fit.

What is the time commitment?

By far the busiest time of year is the summer. I direct the big summer musical with 50 people of all ages in the cast and another 50 involved between all the technical elements and live orchestra. It’s our biggest as far as set design, costumes, and lighting. We plan the production elements in January, hold auditions in May, and perform in July. The rehearsals span 10 weeks for about 12 hours per week. During the two weeks leading up to the show, I am at the theater every evening right after work until 10 p.m. and all day/evening on the weekends. It’s a lot of work but everyone is excited to be there together.

A performance of Beauty and the Beast by the City of Fairfax Theatre Company. Photo provided.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

The first musical I directed with CFTC was Beauty and the Beast. It was a huge technical challenge to figure out special effects like the enchanted rose petals falling at specific moments and the Beast’s magical transformation within 30 seconds without the audience seeing it. We also built a rotating cube set with four different scenes painted on the outside walls that then opened up into a huge castle interior. We were nominated for nine awards and won Outstanding Cast and Outstanding Set Design from the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) organization.

How has COVID impacted CFTC?

We were in the middle of rehearsals for a production of True West meant to open in April 2020 with the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival when COVID hit. We were finally able to do the show in April 2022. In late March 2020, we started using Zoom and Facebook to keep our volunteers and audience engaged, doing online play readings and classes. We started an outdoor Shakespeare program to replace our summer musical when we couldn’t be indoors. The first was A Midsummer Night’s Dream staged with the actors always staying six feet apart as part of the storytelling. We spray-painted the lawn, creating household seating boxes 10 feet apart.

A performance of Shrek the Musical by the City of Fairfax Theatre Company. Photo provided

What has been one of your favorite productions from your time with CFTC?

This summer we put on Shrek the Musical. I always say the songs from that show are so much better than you’d think they would be for a musical based on Shrek! There were a lot of challenging technical demands that the script set out for that show, but all the technical elements like costumes, hair, makeup, sets and lights really brought the story to life. It was such a beautiful final product and we were really proud of it.

What do you tend to enjoy most of the production process?

I love directing because I am deeply involved in all aspects of the entire production; I get to be the guardian of the vision for the show everyone is working hard to achieve. I really enjoy working with the multigenerational casts and seeing everyone learning from one another, especially the younger kids. We always have a few families that participate together, sometimes even three generations in one show. My role doesn’t usually involve performing, but each fall we do a cabaret of musical theater songs, and that's the one night a year that I always get to perform—which I love, too.

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