Mason Arts Board Minutes - February 2024

Mason Arts Board February 14, 2024 8:30-10:15am

Open the pdf version of the minutes

Zoom

Attendees:

Annie Bolger, Mike Brown, Steven Golsch, Molly Grimsley, Kelly Harms, Gardner Gillespie, Laila Abdul- Hadi Jadallah, Willy Meaux, Paulette Miller, Ida Portland, Bob Purks, Anika Tené, Isaac W.K. Thweatt, Victoria Salmon, Mark Shugoll, Rose Mary Flores Troche, Edward Weiner, Jenna Day, Jennifer Disano, Linda Harber, Jonathan Goldman, Janice Sutera Wolfe, Rick Davis, Djola Branner, Whitman Brown, James Casey, Kirstin Franko, Cynthia Fuchs, Adrienne Bryant Godwin, Susan Graziano, Mary Lechter, Karalee Dawn MacKay, Linda Monson, Michael Nickens, Sang Nam, Karen Reedy, Emily Rusch, Emily Schneider, Amanda Snellings, Julie Thompson, Lauren Wagner

Regrets:

Robert Golden, Charniele Herring, Jolanda N. Janczewski, Nancy Jean-Louis, So Lim, Colette Loll, Kimberly Macedo, Val McWhorter, Jay Speer, Mary Zigo, Zoe Charlton, Niyati S. Dhokai, Kristin Johnsen- Neshati

Welcome – Steven Golsch, Chair

Board members were invited to a reception before the February 17 Center for the Arts performance by

A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham. The performance was the culmination of their week-long residency.

Adrienne Bryant Godwin reviewed highlights from the residency. Find Information the residency.

The Center for the Arts is pleased to offer Mason Arts Board members a 20% discount on small groups of tickets to the Great Performances at Mason and the Family Series. Please contact Jessica Singley, CFA Group Sales coordinator, or call 703-993-8882, to purchase tickets.

Committee Reports

Audience Engagement – Paulette Miller, Chair

Paulette Miller highlighted upcoming performances, including the residency of Small Island, Big Song. That performance will be on Saturday, April 20. She encouraged Board members to read the program reports in the meeting materials to familiarize themselves with what is going on around the college. Paulette joined the Mason Community Arts Academy’s Advisory Board and will be sharing audience engagement opportunities between the Academy and Mason Arts Board.

Finance – Annie Bolger, Treasurer

Annie Bolger reported on the second quarter financial dashboard (attached). Consistent with the report from the last board meeting, year-to-date scholarship awards remain lower than FY23. The $540k in this year’s scholarship expenditures covers Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 and amounts to 373 scholarship awards with an average of $1,453.

CVPA spring course credits are up 1.3% for Spring 2024. While that is modest growth, it puts CVPA comfortably within the context of the greater university and demonstrates continued interest in Mason Arts. The key drivers of the growth are the School of Art and the Dewberry Family School of Music.

As of December 31, the performing arts centers have $253k more in ticket sales over the same period last year. That’s 22% year-over-year growth and it positions us well to meet, if not exceed, our ticket sales revenue targets for the year.

Rental revenue is up 24% or 65k as of December 31. Rentals at the Hylton Center drive two-thirds of their rental income and the high season doesn’t kick into gear until Spring so rental revenue is expected to increase sharply soon.

Mason Community Arts Academy spring enrollment remains strong. Mason Game and Technology Academy’s enrollment is anticipated to rebound in the spring after a decline this fall due to a drop-in grant-funded student from Prince William County Schools as previously reported.

Center for the Arts foot traffic is up 14% from this time last year, which is a nearly 7k jump. Hylton Center foot traffic is down 3% (-1,400).

Arts by George! – Steven Golsch and Annie Bolger, Co-Chairs

Steven Golsch announced that because ARTS by George! 2023 exceeded its fundraising goal, each program received just over $17,000 in support. He also shared the name of the 2024 ARTS by George! headliner and encouraged all Board members to donate to this year’s event. Carolyn Peterson has once again generously offered to host A Taste of ARTS by George! in her home. This year that event will be held on May 8.

Development – Victoria Salmon

The Tony and Trisja Podesta Collection made a gift of over 25 pieces of art from their collection to Mason. Robert Purks made a major gift for the Robert K. Purks Faculty Enrichment Endowment, which has supported more than 40 CVPA faculty members over the last 5 years for their creative research. The Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund pledged significant support for the Artist-in-Residence Fund.

This is the first major philanthropic gift for this program. Lucy Church made a gift to the scholarship endowment in her name to support Vocal Studies and Opera. Linda and Shelly Gersten created a scholarship in their names to benefit music performance students. The Vocal Studies Enrichment Fund received a contribution from the estate of John Aler. Mason Community Arts Academy received a donation from the Seeley Foundation.

The Hylton Gala will be held on April 27, 2024. George Mason University and the Hylton Performing Arts Center will honor Dr. Sam and Mrs. Lillian Hill and the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation for their loyal support of the Hylton Center and the arts in the region at its Annual Gala. This celebration raises funds that benefit the Hylton Center’s many artistic programs, Veterans and the Arts Initiative, educational outreach, and the Hylton Center’s endowment.

Isaac Thweatt discussed the upcoming Mason Vision Day, scheduled for April 4. He is leading the advisory committee for that day and its efforts to engage CVPA alumni. He encouraged all Board members to donate that day.

Donate to Vision Day.

Governance – Steven Golsch

Recent changes to Board membership include:

  • Lavern Chatman is stepping down from the
  • Mark Shugoll will be stepping down at the end of this

These Board members were thanked for their commitment and dedicated service to the Mason Arts Board. The Governance Committee is currently seeking a Chair and to add at least two new Board members. Board members were encouraged to think of people in their networks and/or ideas from the community to nominate for the Board.

Center for the Arts Report – Mark Shugoll

Mark Shugoll reported that $12.5M has been raised to date for the Center for the Arts Reimagination Initiative. Recent gifts include:

  • Michael and Susan Murphy, who are members of the Grand Tier Society, named the House Right
  • Molly Grimsley named an Orchestra Seat. This brings our Board member participation in the campaign to six.

Susan Graziano and Rick Davis continue to meet with prospective donors and all board members are encouraged to consider how they will participate in this important priority.

Around CVPA –Please see Program Directors’ written reports in the meeting packet.

Karen Reedy spoke about the upcoming Dance Fete and Gala concert. Further information can be found at the Dance website.

Dean’s Report – Dean Rick Davis reports on Mason/CVPA

Rick Davis reflected on how much the Mason Arts Board has grown in the past several years. He echoed everyone’s thanks to Mark Shugoll for his years of service. He also acknowledged John Mason’s passing and noted his many contributions to the college and the Fairfax arts community as a whole.

George Mason University will possibly receive a base budget increase from the Virginia legislature. CVPA is working on an earmark proposal for the Center for the Arts that will address technology needs in the reimagined facility.

The Hylton Center for the Performing Arts will soon have a new Director of Development, Carolyn Hays. She is an experienced non-profit professional with a background in fundraising for both the arts and healthcare organizations.

Presentation

Please see meeting recording for the Film presentation, including a student film by Sujay Khona: Feb 2024 Mason Arts Board meeting recording.mp4

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 am.

Next Meeting: May 1, 2024, Center for the Arts

Mason Arts Board February 14, 2024 8:30-10:15am AGENDA

  1. Welcome – Steven Golsch, Chair
  1. Updates – Steven Golsch, Chair
  1. Committees
  2. Board night at I.M. by Kyle Abraham, Saturday, February 17
  3. Group ticket purchases at the Center for the Arts
  1. Committee Reports –
  1. Audience Engagement – Paulette Miller, Chair
  2. Finance – Annie Bolger, Treasurer
  3. Arts by George! – Steven Golsch and Annie Bolger, Co-Chairs
  4. Development and Center for the Arts Report – Vicki Salmon, Mark Shugoll
  5. Governance – Steven Golsch
  1. Around CVPA –Please see Program Directors’ written reports
  1. Dance Fête – Karen Reedy, School of Dance
  1. Dean’s Report – Dean Rick Davis reports on Mason/CVPA
  2. Open Discussion – Comments/Questions
  3. New Business/Announcements --
  4. Presentation – Film at Mason, featuring student filmmaker Sujay Khona
  5. Adjourn

Next Meeting: May 1, 2024, Center for the Arts

Website link – Mason Arts Board | College of Visual and Performing Arts

Mason Arts Board Dashboard as of December 31, 2023 (FY 2024 Second Quarter)

Mason Arts Dashboard as of December 31, 2023 (FY 2024 Second Quarter)

 

*Note: Awards post for each term so many of the awards are to the same student for both Fall and Spring terms.

SCHOOL OF ART

The School of Art is as a dynamic, interdisciplinary unit with a roster of 33 full-time professors and over 50 adjunct faculty, and over 20 dedicated staff members. Combined, our community represents the breadth of creative practices and art and design focused scholarship. Here are some opportunities to attend local and national events of our students, alumni, and faculty this spring.

But, before you start populating your calendar with our community’s panel presentations and art exhibitions, and updating your Amazon cart with recent book publications from our faculty, you might enjoy reading these statistics compiled by SOA Assistant Director Bobby Yi about our alumni:

From an SOA Alumni Survey that was sent out FA23 Responses from 82 responses:

  • 95% are
  • 89% are working in the art and design field – Working in an industry that is related to their AVT
  • Job titles include: Art Specialist, Creative Manager, Art Teacher, Graphic Designer, Creative Strategist, Production Designer, Photographer, Design Patent Examiner, and Biophilic Design Specialist to name a
  • Our Alumni are nationwide and global: from Main to California, from Norway to Saudi Arabia

We love our alumni! Now to upcoming events, we hope you’ll join us at a few of them!

AT MASON (or near)

ShanShan Cui (faculty) participating in group exhibition Roots and Reflections: Contemporary Chinese Artists in DC, Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery, Feb 1 - April 19, closing reception TBA in March

MFA candidates, Chen Bi, Mackenzie Hoffman, Liz Kartchner, Steven Luu and Traci Reynolds will participate in a pop-up exhibition on February 24th from noon to 2pm at Off 70 Studio, 39 West Main St., Hancock, Maryland.

Janet Dandridge (faculty), group exhibition Labor of Fire at the DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan, NW DC, February 16th- March 17th

Paloma Vianey (faculty)

Paloma Vianey: Juárez Lindo Y Querido from February 20 – April 6, 2024 Buchanan Partners Gallery @ Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, VA Curated by Jeffrey Kenney.

Jessica Kallista (faculty) and Kristin Johnsen-Neshati are co-presenting at the Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence National Conference 2024 held at Mason, March 18-19, 2024. The conference theme is Action through Research and Practice. Registration deadline is Friday, March 8, 2024.

Chawky Frenn (faculty) will present “20th Century Artists Defying War.” During this year’s Peace Week theme, “Transforming Conflict, Enhancing Social Impact,” March 25 from 12-1:30 pm at the Carter School of Peace and Conflict Resolution

Justin Plakas (faculty), in collaboration with Professor Ted Prawat (Computer Game Design) and under the guidance of Professor Daigo Shishika (Mechanical Engineering), Justin will be part of an interdisciplinary group consisting of faculty, PhD candidates and undergraduate students. will showcase the exciting BLIMP research on March 27 at Horizon Hall, organized by the Mason Innovation Exchange

Chen Bi, MFA Thesis Show, April 15-26

Thomas Stanley (faculty) and Brian Davis (faculty), with Maria Gaspar and an artist name Stephanie Mercedes on sound art and sculpture projects, which will be showcased in an event on April 24

BEYOND MASON

Alumna Katana Lippart, exhibition TRANSFORMER'S 8TH ANNUAL HEARTBREAKERS BALL, Washington, DC, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Jessica Kallista (faculty) is performing and has video work in the exhibition FUN at Otis Street Arts Project in Mt. Ranier. The opening reception is February 17, from 5-8pm. The exhibition runs February 17- March 23, 2024.

Bobby Yi, Asst. Director SOA, Curated and juried for the Arlington Artist Alliance: Gallery Underground national juried show, Our American Soul, Dates: February 27 - March 29, 2024

Andy Yoder (faculty), exhibiting new work in a 2-person exhibition in Baltimore, at Mono Practice, Baltimore, MD from April 6 to May 18th.

Daniel Barney (faculty) presenting CAA in Chicago on February 14 (Hilton, 3rd floor, Waldorf room) and at NAEA and will be given on April 5th

ARTS MANAGEMENT

Students:

  • Spring ‘24 New Student Cohort: The Arts Management Program (AMGT) welcomed 7 new MA and 4 accelerated BA-MA students who started their coursework this semester (Spring 2024).
  • Current Student Highlight: MA student, Abby Rasheed, and her band, Flowerbomb, launched a new EP, Gloom Scroll, Vol. 1. Abby said this about the program: "AMGT has helped me build skills I can use to do this and grow my management confidence. AMGT also inspired me to volunteer with music nonprofits like Girls Rock DC and This Could Go Boom. I love the missions of both of these organizations and hope to continue to work with them after I graduate!" Listen now!
  • Spring ‘24 Internship Placements: 8 students are completing their internships; plus 2 more students who are spanning semesters while working with This Could Go Boom and Sound Impact!
    • Sites: Mason Exhibitions, CVPA Marketing, CVPA Programming, Mason Community Arts Academy, CVPA: Strategic Planning internship, Wolf Trap, Signature Theatre, Crescendo Studios
    • Highlight: MA student Regina Sim received an Unpaid Internship Scholarship from Mason's Career Services for her internship with the CVPA Marketing Department. Regina is the first AMGT student to receive this award—hopefully the first of many more!
  • Fall ‘23 Graduating Class: 5 students completed their Capstone Portfolio with Vicki Salmon, the first class to pursue this option which confirms a student’s competencies in the field.

Alumni:

  • Stacey Schwartz ('23) was featured on Embracing Arlington Art podcast with Janet Kopenhaver about her support arts organizations and Free Little Art Galleries, inspired by her AMGT Capstone project! (Stacy is the newly appointed chair of Educational Theatre Company). Listen now!
  • Ian Patrick (‘17) joins the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University, UK as Education

Faculty:

  • Director Karalee Dawn MacKay was awarded a Purks Faculty Enrichment Award for research in Ireland Summer She will pursue research and collaborative opportunities with Údarás na Gaeltachtaand the Irish Traditional Music Archives organizations from July 10 - 30, 2024. Research will be utilized for the development of future classes, panels, conference papers and presentations that will be submitted to the annual American Folklore Society Conference, among others.

Events:

  • (Upcoming!) A Conversation and Q&A with Fundraising Expert and Author of "The Ask," Laura Fredricks moderated by AMGT Adjunct Professor, Eileen Kennedy. March 18, 6:30-8:00pm at the Center for the Arts, Monson Grand Tier and Zoom. Learn about contemporary issues in fundraising. Co-sponsored by Central Advancement and CVPA. Register now!
  • (Upcoming!) February 12 from 5:30-7:00pm via Zoom - Spring Internship and Career Panel led by AMGT Internship Coordinator Jennifer Students will learn about internships and arts careers from hiring and internship managers, alumni, and interns.
  • (ICYMI!) AMGT Assistant Director and alumna Setarra Kennedy organized and moderated Working in the Arts: Dance Management panel discussion. She was joined by arts leaders Zenetta Drew - Executive Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Julie Nakagawa - Dance Works Chicago's Co- founder and Artistic Director, and Shawn Short - Dancer, Entrepreneur and Founding Director of Ngoma Center for Dance and Dissonance Dance The

If you know an arts manager looking for their next career move, share our upcoming graduate information sessions on Zoom!

SCHOOL OF DANCE

The Spring 2024 semester is off to an exciting start in the School of Dance. Our majors are thrilled to be back and hit the ground running! Dancers returned on January 2nd (2 weeks before the start of the semester), for Martha Graham and Kyle Abraham artist residencies. In addition to the usual whirlwind start to classes, auditions and rehearsals, our majors have also enjoyed master classes, performances, and discussions with DanceWorks Chicago. Also in January, some of our majors traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. Senior dance major Brianna Dawkins’ choreography was performed to a standing ovation!

We are nearing the crowning event of our season, the 2024 Mason Dance Company Gala Concert and Fête. Please SAVE the DATE! This year’s performance includes works by Kyle Abraham, Rena Butler, Martha Graham and our own Susan Shields. The Fête is an elegant evening of mingling, hors d’oeuvres, and a behind-the-scenes look into the Gala works. This event raises vital scholarship funding for our talented majors. Learn more about the Dance Fête 

COMPUTER GAME DESIGN

The Computer Game Design Program continues to seek opportunities to bring more international projects to the program. Profs. Nam and Casey met with the leaders of Chosun

University, Korea, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, Viet Nam, to discuss potential collaborations while attending G-Star 2023 in Korea last November. Also, they met with the director of the Ajou University Medical Center Hospice Center to discuss a potential project on the pain management system through gamification and serious games for late-stage cancer patients. Furthermore, Profs. Nam and Casey visited Seoul Digitech High School to give special lectures and discuss a collaborative project - Prof. Nam secured a small grant from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to give workshops to Seoul Digitech High School students during the Summer of 2024. They also gave a special lecture to graduate students at Sogang University, Korea.

For the MA degree requirement, Ollie Page had a public presentation entitled "Flexible Avatar Development Systems and the Facilitation of Gender Euphoria in Games," and Austin Burch did his presentation, "Alternate Reality Games: A Cultural and Gaming Phenomenon" last semester.

Both shared interesting insights on gaming culture, and we are happy to report that both students successfully depended on their thesis and concluded their study.

Program Highlights:

  • The Computer Game Design Program continues to support GAMEMason this year. For the Education Session, Prof. Greg Grimsby will discuss Developing Board Games and Prof. Nathan Hahn will discuss Getting a job in the Game
  • The program continues to support local high schools. Prof. Nam visited Freedom High School, Woodbridge, VA, on December 13, 2023, and gave special lectures. He shared his insights on game design/development as a future career path and had a Q&A session for those who want to major in STEM programs in
  • GAME Faculty (Profs. Sang Nam, James Casey, Eric Piccione, Boris Willis) visited Dubai, UAE early January to collaborate with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). They discussed a new program for high school students with the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi as a main Sponsor. Also, they discussed a possible student exchange program between George Mason University and Higher Colleges of Technology. Furthermore, they delivered special lectures in HCT's Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses.
  • Two GAME alumni shared their insights at MAGFest 2024. Kayla P. Harris (Senior Systems Game Designer at Play Station) and Danielle Wallace (3D Environment Artist II at Heart Machine) shared their experiences as a game designer/developer at this year's MAGFest. Also, at the same venue, Prof. Robbie Dieterich presented her retro games - she showcased her new NES Zapper Game, Gunhawk, at MAGFest Indie Videogame Showcase and her NEX homebrew game, Fire and Rescue, at Indie Retro Showcase.
  • Nathan Hahn along with Ollie Page and Austin Burch organized Global Game Jam at Geroge Mason University from January 22 to 28, 2024. 
  • Nam and Casey were invited to participate in reviewing and revising the high school curriculum on "Digital Visualization" at the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult

Education, Virginia Department of Education, on January 26, 2024. They worked with high school teachers and faculty members of Old Dominion University to update the curriculum so it could reflect more recent technologies.

  • Casey has been selected as a Canvas Mentor for the Spring 2024
  • John David McGrew (Mason Korea) and Prof. Eric Piccione secured this year's Inclusive Excellence in Teaching Mini-Grant. Their project aims to create assets and video tutorials that provide faculty and students with the resources in helping to build customizable 3D characters for video games and animation that more accurately depict the level of diversity in the real world.

DEWBERRY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

A Tribute to Professor Anthony Maiello Mason Symphony Orchestra Wednesday, February 21 at 8 pm Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Mason Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Soo Han, is comprised of outstanding string, wind, and percussion players from throughout the School of Music.

Join us on Wednesday, February 21, 8 pm, as we celebrate Distinguished University Professor Anthony Maiello's retirement from George Mason University after 38 years of outstanding teaching, inspiring artistry, and dedicated service.

Maestro Maiello will lead the Mason Symphony Orchestra in this special performance which will also feature guest conductor and director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Lt. Col. Ryan

  1. Nowlin. Guest soloists include Director of the Dewberry School of Music, Dr. Linda Apple Monson (piano), as well as Professor of Jazz Studies, Jim Carroll (saxophone). This celebration of Professor Maiello’s upcoming retirement will include a reception following the performance in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.

$15 General Public, $10 Seniors, $5 Students

 

FILM AND VIDEO STUDIES

Faculty

Professor G. Chesler and their collaborator, director Aubree Bernier-Clarke, have been awarded a fellowship with Peace is Loud and rePro Film for a special edition program of Collective Lens: A Community Impact Space, “empowering filmmakers dedicated to reproductive health and justice.” Over the next six months, Professor Chesler will be engaged in impact development work for Intersex Justice, a documentary feature about intersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis and the globally connected community of activists and allies fighting for bodily autonomy for intersex people. Follow the work of the film.

Professor Justin Plakas is a faculty researcher in the BLIMP Workshop at the Mason Innovation Exchange this semester. In collaboration with Professor Ted Prawat (Computer Game Design) and under

the guidance of Professor Daigo Shishika (Mechanical Engineering), Justin is part of an interdisciplinary group consisting of faculty, PhD candidates, and undergraduate students. Their collective aim is to engage in research, design, and fabrication of floating BLIMP vehicles utilizing microcontrollers and computer vision technology. This program, organized by the Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX), will showcase the exciting BLIMP research on March 27 at Horizon Hall.

Adjunct professor and staff member Anjuli Singh gave a talk on the “Evolving Depictions of Black Characters in Hollywood” at Cascades Library in recognition of Black History Month. She examined how pioneering filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux and Spike Lee have challenged stereotypes and how major films and film movements, such as Get Out and Blaxploitation films, have introduced new aesthetics and awareness to Hollywood filmmaking.

Alumni

MAIS alumna Francis Cordero (’09) won a 2023 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Educational and Informational Program and the 2023 Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Award

for the PBS series, Italy Made with Love. The series shows various Italian artisans practicing their individual trades and the artistry, time, and skill that goes into their work.

Film alumni Sumona Banerji and Alicia Rodriguez worked with Arts at Mason Board member Willy Meaux (Producer and Writer) on the documentary series, Bridge to Italy. The series follows a group of Americans who take a 15-day journey, traveling only by Vespa, through Italy, experiencing each city’s local cuisine, art, and culture. Bridge to Italy is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Film alumna Jada Salter recently screened her feature documentary, Just the Two of Us, as part of the Young Alumni Commissioning Project on February 3rd. She was accompanied by fellow alumni Taylor Spears and Alexander Hammett. The documentary follows her grandfather, legendary musician, singer, songwriter, and Grammy winner William “Bill” Salter.

Students

Roberto Ferreira De Araujo hosted the second Here and Queer Film Festival in the Johnson Center Cinema on November 14th, 2023. Roberto debuted the in 2022 as a project in FAVS 399 Curating and Programming for the Moving Image taught by Professor KJ Mohr. The Here and Queer Festival honors the vibrant voices and stories within the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a safe space where queer individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and gender identities come together to celebrate the richness and diversity of queer experiences, including artists at Mason and from across the globe. The 2023 Festival featured a screening of Mighty Real, a short film by CVPA’s Theater Director, Djola Branner. See Mason News story.

Innovative Staffing

Business major and film enthusiast, Alexander Walker, started working with Film at Mason this semester as an Alumni Engagement and Data Management Intern. He has been working on creating alumni engagement surveys and building an alumni network for our Film community. His internship is funded through the University Career Services On-Campus Internship Program.

Mason Film Festival, April 22-24, and April 27

Mason Film Festival Poster Design Contest: This year’s winning poster design is by Emily Rehr, a senior who will graduate this Spring with a BFA in Graphic Design. She currently works as a photographer and

graphic design assistant with the New Student and Family Programs office and as an assistant trip leader for Outdoor Adventures. Emily has a background in design and photography and hopes to combine her strengths with her interests in environmentalism and wildlife.

Visiting Filmmakers Series Spring 2024 includes the following events:

Saturday, February 3, 2024 CVPA Young Alumni Commissioning Project Screening: Just the Two of Us with Jada Salter, 7pm, Johnson Center Cinema. Just the Two of Us tells the story of filmmaker Jada Salter's grandfather, William ("Salty Bill") Salter, three-time Grammy Award winner, composer, musician, and writer of the song, "Just the Two of Us."

Monday, February 26, 2024 College of Science and Visiting Filmmakers Series: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, followed by panel discussion, 5:30pm, Johnson Center Cinema. The film tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa. Told primarily through the eyes of Lacks’ daughter Deborah (Oprah Winfrey) and journalist Rebecca Skloot (Rose Byrne), the film investigates how the unauthorized harvesting of Lacks’ cancerous cells in 1951 led to unprecedented medical breakthroughs.

March 13, 2024 Visiting Filmmakers Series: Nanny, with Nikyatu Jusu, 5pm, Johnson Center Cinema. A spellbinding blend of social observation and artful shocks, the debut feature from Nikyatu Jusu plunges into the increasingly fractured consciousness of Aisha (Anna Diop), a Senegalese immigrant who takes a job as a nanny for a wealthy white family in New York City.

Thursday, March 21, 2024 Visiting Filmmakers Series: Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn with Tim Harris, 5:00pm, Johnson Center Cinema. The documentary tells the story of Malcolm Kenyatta, a self- described "poor, gay, black man from North Philly," during his historic run for the United States Senate. This race is about taking on an entire system.

Monday, April 8, 2024 Visiting Filmmakers Series:Confessions of a Good Samaritan with Penny Lane, 5:00pm, Johnson Center Cinema. Director Penny Lane’s decision to become a “Good Samaritan” by giving one of her kidneys to a stranger launches her on an unexpectedly funny, intimate, and provocative quest to understand why everyone seems to think she’s crazy. The film considers ethics and hope in multiple contexts.

SCHOOL OF THEATER

First of all, congratulations to our talented faculty and students nominated for Helen Hayes Awards! These include Ahmad Maaty (choreography, Spring Awakening), Deb Sivigny (costume design, A Year with the Frog & Toad), and Rex Daugherty (choreography, The Honey Trap.

Next up is Twelve Ophelias, a play that playwright Caridad Svich describes as “a (story) with broken songs in which Shakespeare’s Ophelia rises out of the water dreaming of reclaiming her life. She finds herself in the neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet is a Rude Boy and nothing is what it seems.” Twleve Ophelias is directed by Brett Womack, and runs February 22-26 in TheaterSpace. We will co-host a community toast with our student group The Mason Players on Opening Night, February 22nd, directly following the show.

Our mainstage offering, Antigone, presented by the girls of Saint Catherine’s, is written by Madhur Shekar, and will be directed by Professor Deb Sivigny. It runs March 21-24 in Harris Theatre. It promises

to bring the eye as an accomplished designer into play as she weaves the story of a Catholic school staging a classic Greek myth. Antigone... coincides with the School of Theater’s annual Open House and Reception on Friday, March 22 to honor our Friends of Theater.

1,001 Plays, the virtual exchange of new student plays from around the world, is co-directed by Nicholas Kfoury Horner and Kirsten Johnsen-Neshati. 1,000 Plays, which now boasts seven global partners, goes up April 5. This year’s theme is “Home”.

We round out a season devoted to women-centered narratives with Thrive, Or What You Will by LM Feldman. This play, directed by Erin Birchfield, is based on the life of a “gender-nonconforming 18th- century woman who sets out on an 11-year voyage across land and sea.”. It runs April 11-14 in TheaterSpace.

For more information and tickets please go to: School of Theater calendar

I hope to see you at one of our shows! Best,

Djola Branner

Director | School of Theater

GREEN MACHINE ENSEMBLES

The Green Machine Pep Band and Emerald Desire Dance Team have had a busy semester supporting both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at every home game at EagleBank Arena. Both teams have had historic seasons so far, and the women are on track to have their best season in their 50 year history! Come support these teams as they finish the season. Game dates and times can be found on the Go Mason site.

The Green Machine Ensembles have started a Parade Band and it is being co-directed by Jeremy Freer and Chris Troiano. The Parade Band will make their debut performance at the 97th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade on May 4th! The Green Machine Ensembles will also have their first appearance at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington DC on April 13th with the participation of the Spirit Drumline and 8th Green Machine Regiment Band.

GMU Winter Guard and GMU Indoor Drumline have begun their competitive seasons. Indoor Drumline’s 2023-2024 show is titled “The Devil You Know,” a show inspired by the rhythmic inferno of New Orleans jazz. Director Travis Peterman says of the show, “Think three movements, three shades of devilry. First, we dance with the iconic fiends of history and myth. Then, we peer into the shadows behind familiar faces, seeking the devils that lurk in others. Finally, we look inward, confronting the personal demons we keep hidden within.” The Winter Guard’s 2023-2024 show is titled “Forever” and performed to “Who Wants to Live Forever” by Queen. Check out both groups upcoming competitions.

The Patriots Fife and Drum Corps and the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band hosted their annual Historical Showcase on December 9th and can be viewed here. Both groups have multiple performances coming up this semester, so be sure to follow them on social media to stay up to date. And save the

date, the 3rd annual Fairfax Muster will be held at 1pm on Sunday April 28th at the Veterans Amphitheater next to Fairfax City Hall.

Be sure to follow Doc Nix and the Green Machine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to be kept up to date with all the ensembles’ performances! See a full list of upcoming performances.

HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The 14th Anniversary Hylton Center Gala is right around the corner with individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities still available! This year we are honoring Dr. Sam and Mrs. Lillian Hill and The Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation for their marvelous support of the arts in our community. Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, April 27th, 2024 to join us at this exciting celebration that supports the Hylton Center’s many artistic programs including the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, educational outreach and the Hylton Center’s endowment.

This spring at the Hylton Center, come experience a groundbreaking Irish chamber orchestra, innovative dance, and a farcical comedy group. Camerata Ireland will fill Merchant Hall on March 3rd with mesmerizing and soulful chamber music that blends classical and Irish folklore traditions. On March 15th, PHILADANCO! will present a dynamic program of fresh and fervent stories through modern dance, breaking, and house dance. Closing out our Hylton Presents season, the “wildly funny” (Los Angeles Times) Reduced Shakespeare Company tackles high-brow and low-brow in The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) on April 13th. There’s so much to experience at the Hylton Center this season, so be sure to join us!

MARKETING

Performing Arts Center Marketing Highlights:

The Centers have benefitted greatly from switching to a new digital communications agency ASYMM Digital for strategic paid marketing campaigns. The combined venues’ fall campaigns resulted in 142% increase in ROA (return on ad spend/acquisition), a 49% decrease in CPA (cost per ad), and 125% increase earned ticked revenue compared to last fall 2022 efforts. A case study of our success is available from ASYMM on their website.

Sales Insights (as of 2/12/24): At the Center for the Arts, the Great Performances at Mason and Family Series combined sales are at about 94% of the total tickets sold goal for the entire season and 86% of the $1.38M revenue goal. This puts the Center for the Arts only 5% away from 19-20/pre-pandemic season sales and up 43% compared to last season (22-23).

The Hylton Center’s just surpassed its goal for tickets sold for the current Hylton-presented 23-24 season, and is at 95% of the $554K revenue goal. It is also pacing about 5% below the 19-20/pre- pandemic totals, and is up 21% compared to last season (22-23).

MASON COMMUNITY ARTS ACADEMY

MCAA’s Spring session is underway. Enrollment is strong, with 403 students in our group classes and 343 (and counting!) private music lesson students.

Summer program registration opened on January 16, 2024, and we currently have over 800 registrants for our 75+ programs. Offerings in Acting, Music, Film & Video, Visual Art, and Professional Development will be held on campus and at our Chain Bridge Road facility between June 17 – August 2, 2024.

We will collaborate with the Veterans & the Arts Initiative on another session of Songwriting for Military Kids beginning on February 25, taught by School of Music alums.

Our Instruments in the Attic program continues to make an impact, with recent donations that include the Sandals Foundation in Jamaica. Fairfax County teacher Annie Ray, a recipient of several instruments from the IiA program, was recently recognized as the GRAMMY Music Educator of the year.

Visit Mason Academy's website.

PROGRAMMING

A selection of upcoming programmatic highlights from the two Performing Arts Centers

Center for the Arts

Black-led contemporary dance company from MacArthur Genius Award-winning choreographer Kyle Abraham.

Renowned Austrian brass septet makes their Mason debut, and is selling out fast!

A moving concert experience featuring indigenous artists from the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Hylton Performing Arts Center

Newgrass sensation led by Banjo virtuoso, two-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Award winner, and 2019 Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year, Tray Wellington.

Legendary dance company formed in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, a barrier-breaking African American ballet dancer.

co-sponsored by the Veterans and the Arts Initiative

A star-spangled concert of iconic works by some of America’s greatest composers.

Digital

Mason Arts Amplified is vibrant and chock full of incredible content from our students and also professional artists.

Some events of note from our academic units:

Co-sponsored by Visiting Filmmakers Series and ARCAM.

And from our performing arts centers:

• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra feat. Isata Kanneh-Mason

Audiences raved about this performance on Jan. 28, 2024 in the Concert Hall, with the piano phenom Isata Kanneh-Mason. A digital recording will be available to watch from Feb. 22 – March 21, 2024. Order your pre-sale now!

• Eileen Ivers: Raw Roots Tour LIVE!

A Mason favorite makes her Hylton debut on St. Patrick’s Day! Catch the livestream, which will also be available to view on demand through March 29.

• Silkroad and the American Railroad on Roundtable by the 92nd Street Y

Through a new partnership with the esteemed 92nd Street Y in New York, you can catch Dean Davis in an engaging 3 part course which explores the cultures and histories, music and narratives of the Transcontinental Railroad. This is part of Mason’s 3 year partnership with Mason Artist-in-Residence Silkroad Ensemble.

Young Alumni Commissioning Project

The winners of the 2024 Young Alumni Commissioning Project have been announced. 

Recipients include:

  • Jumana Al Refai (BFA Dance ’17): $5,000 in commissioning support for Tashkeel, a short film featuring four dancers from Kuwait and abroad as well as Al Refai as dancer and choreographer.
  • Rebecca Wahls (BFA Theater ’15): $3,000 in commissioning support of Him, a feature-length ensemble comedy

On Sat, Feb. 24 at 6pm, join us for an EP Release Concert with Carlehr Swanson (BFA Music ’19), who won the 2023 Young Alumni Creative Development Award.

VETERANS AND THE ARTS INITIATIVE

The Veterans and the Arts Initiative is presenting several workshop series during the upcoming months, including our ever-popular Songwriting Series for Military Kids, Introduction to Smartphone Photography, and a special new offering on Preserving Military Stories. See more information about each workshop series and registration links – please join us and/or share with a military-connected community member who might be interested! Also, join us at the Hylton Center on Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. for an American Festival Pops Orchestra concert:American Icons. Veterans and the Arts Initiative is proud to sponsor tickets for Veterans and Servicemembers for this concert.

VIRGINIA SERIOUS GAME INSTITUTE

At the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), we just opened our Spring and Summer Mason Game and Technology Academy registrations. Along with our own programs, we continue to host premiere programs with Envision / Worldstrides in the summer. As part of the commitment to outreach, we’ve been doing outreach to local programs, working with CGD and the VA DoE on CTE classes, and working with potential sponsors on scholarship programs for local schools.

On the research side of things, we’ve been having a lot of success. Our partnership with the Forensic faculty has produced some great prototype and we’ve produced a small video to show it off for seeking additional funding. (You can view the current video here: Virtual Crime Scene Demo - 02-01-2024.mp4) Out work with the Kinesiology department has also been producing some great strides and

we have a small testbed now in the VSGI proper. Work on several 4-VA related projects in collaboration with professors here at GMU are coming along nicely as well. We are working with our resident companies, network, and CGD on a number of potential future grants as well. If you are interested in learning more about the projects or have ideas for future collaborations, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Finally, our resident companies are continuing to provide value. The Historical Movement Archive has engaged several interns form our program to help them polish their materials as they seek funding.

Scrypted has been traveling and showing off their technology and will be joining a crypto accelerator and is in final talks to secure funding. Finally, our latest company in our incubator called Great Victory Legends is investigating new ways to use their VR skills and techs for research and grant seeking.

Along with the CGD department, we represented the university at the premiere Game conference in Korea late last year and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with our partners at the US Embassy and Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE.

We will be having our quarterly advisory board meeting on the 20th of this month and plan to be sending out information about our new initiatives in Mason Korea and about our 10th anniversary celebration soon. If you want to be included in our correspondence, please reach out and we will add you to the mailing list(s).

All in all, the core tenets of the VSGI are being represented well and we look forward to continued success in this new year.