B
FINE ARTS
ringing creative energy together to produce something amazing is one hallmark of the Tallulah Falls School experience.
This year, the fine arts program is seeing a renewed focus under the leadership of Performing Arts Director Jonathan Roberts, who is taking on this leadership role and teaching upper school theatre arts. Roberts will oversee and coordinate among the middle and upper schools’ performing arts groups. Roberts brings his wealth of experience in theatrical production to this new role. “This expanded focus will bring an intentional approach to promoting, fostering, nurturing and building our programs,” Roberts said. “Initially, that will include an assessment of existing programs and restructuring for the future in what we can offer at a high level. What I hope will make a big difference is the overall coordination and promotion of all programming.” A progressive approach is to establish a foundation at the middle school and inspiration and then identify, develop and refine talents and skills at the upper school level, Roberts said. “We’ll be trying to figure out how we fit together to help the pieces become a more cohesive program,” he said. The integration of disciplines will add a layer of polish to productions, Roberts said. One new event to kick off the year are (T)he (F)irepit (S)essions. This talent showcase aims to give students, faculty and staff the
opportunity to bring their spark to the stage and a chance to perform in an intimate outdoor performance for and with friends, peers and colleagues. “We envision this as a place where kids display talents and abilities outside of class,” Roberts said. “It’s open to all students as a casual showcase of student flair. Faculty and staff will also be encouraged to try out.” Additionally, the TFS performing arts team will offer a full-length musical in the spring, with the middle school also planning its annual Madrigal performance. Meanwhile, the TFS Players prepared for the annual One-Act competition in October, Roberts said. The middle school will prepare their own theatrical offerings. The school will also offer choral concerts with both middle and high school singers and musicians participating. Roberts said the Evening the Arts and Middle School Arts Expo programs would continue, with both campuses participating in these evening events that display an array of student work and are open to all. Long-term goals, Roberts said, are for students to be ready and confident to continue their creative endeavors at the collegiate level and beyond. “That’s a real measurement for me of how the program is working,” Roberts said. “Everyone can have fun and take part in shows, plays and concerts but how many people will go on to the next level?”
CARRIE LAYER RACHEL LEGRAND
20 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
AND BABY CHARLOTTE
STEPHANIE WITHAM “MS. CAT” SCHAPPACH
