Faculty profiles

JIM AVENI

Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair; Director of Instrumental Music “Music is a profound and important part of our lives. The Ensworth music program educates our students about this universal language through the study of music theory, history, performance, and technology. We encourage our students to learn about and perform music that speaks to who they are as individuals, and use their talents for creative expression and discovery.”

CODY ALLEN

Technical Theatre Director

Cody Allen

“When you go to a play, the opera, the ballet, or even a concert, you may happen to notice the lighting effects, audio effects, costuming, makeup, and the sets the performers are on. All of these things are part of the world of technical theatre. With my recent experience at Disney, I am excited to bring a sense of Technical Theatre “magic” to our many Ensworth productions. The world of technical theatre is vast and constantly evolving. Ensworth students have the creativity and drive to become proficient operators and world leading designers of Technical Theatre.”

DAVID BERRY

Director of Theatre

David Berry

“The Ensworth theatre program extends into and beyond the classroom. Theatre classes exercise the Core Skills through in-depth scene studies from dramatic literature, including Thornton Wilder, Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, and Shakespeare. Main stage and student-directed theatre productions embrace storytelling as an essential vehicle in a community’s search for truth and as a time-honored forum for exploring and practicing the highest principles with the greatest love.”

CATI BLITZ

Director of Ceramics and Studio Arts

Cati Blitz

“The visual arts program at Ensworth allows students first to explore, then to specialize in three distinctive tracts of study: photography, ceramics, or studio art. We investigate the creative process through idea development, planning, and technique mastery within an expansive range of media and subject matter. My goal is to help my students develop a passion that will sustain them through adulthood, whether as a professional artist, amateur, or collector!”

J.C. JOHNSON

Director of Photography and Digital Arts

J.C. Johnson

“As a part of the Ensworth Arts faculty, I strive to provide students a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to photography and studio art. My hope is that each student realizes the importance of making intentional images while recognizing the relevance and use of art as a necessary part of our everyday lives. My courses integrate processes such as analog and digital photography, film and video, art history, and new digital media. I believe all courses should include technique, concept, understandable relevance, problem-solving, experimentation, and a little bit of magic.”

ELIAS SALAZAR

Director of Choral & Orchestral Music

Elias Salazar

“The choral and orchestral program here at Ensworth is an exciting catalyst for students to explore the age-old mysteries of classical music and to develop their appreciation for one of the richest arts. Through their performances of exciting repertoire and, most importantly, the rehearsal process leading up to performances, our young musicians learn the values of teamwork, musicianship, passion, leadership, responsibility, and reaching their highest potential.”

ARMON MEANS

Arts Program Coordinator

Armon Means

The Ingram Art Center and Gallery seeks to provide the Ensworth community with real world engagement to the visual and performing arts. “Through a background in college instruction and admissions, gallery management, and active arts practice my goal is to elevate gallery related programming and help establish Ensworth as a destination for the arts in our region.“

RACHEL TOLBERT

Associate Director of Dance

Rachel Tolbert

“The Ensworth School of Dance creates a forum for personal development and professional experience by bringing together athleticism and artistic expression in an enriching experience for dancers to connect their mind and body into an art form. It is our mission to both challenge and enlighten students in the storied and ever-evolving art of dance. Drawing from a historical foundation with particular attention to current trends and stylization, we strive to empower students with the necessary tools to be successful and creative in the world of performing arts.”

LINDSAY WHITE

Director of Dance

Lindsay White

“Ensworth dance students grow creatively, physically, and intellectually as they explore a variety of dance genres and collaborate to create works of their own. Whether refining their technique at the ballet barre, lacing up their tap shoes for a percussion-packed class, or perfecting a fast-paced hip hop routine, these young men and women are growing in confidence every step of the way. They are simultaneously challenging themselves as athletes and artists, which is a gift that is quite unique to the art of dance. The dance program at Ensworth allows students of all ages, genders, and abilities to discover that movement is not only a beautiful vehicle for self-expression, but it’s loads of fun, too!”

ENSWORTH School of Dance

The Ensworth School of Dance is an after-school dance program committed to providing quality dance education in a positive, loving environment. Our goal is to instill in students a lifelong love of the art, technical proficiency, poise, creativity, and respect for self and others. The Ensworth School of Dance specializes in teaching ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap and tumbling to anyone ages 4–18.

For more information on fees, schedule, attire and policies, visit ensworth.com/dance.