Photo:  PUSH Physical Theatre’s Heather Stevenson , credit Clark Conde

 

Group reaches out to area educators with website and fall showcase

Arts-in-Education programs provide proven positive results

 

Rochester, NY – (August 22, 2018) Area teaching artists who were affiliated with the now-defunct Young Audiences of Rochester (YAR) have banded together as Teaching Artists ROC (TAROC) to bring awareness to their continuing interest in working with educators and students.

“We know that area educators have had difficulties trying to reach us individually,” explains Larry Moss, artistic director of Rochester’s internationally recognized Airigami and one of TAROC’s founding members. “And we know that the need for our valuable programs is as great or greater than ever.”

Indeed, the ability of arts-in-education to improve academic achievement, attendance, and life and social skills such as decision-making, collaboration, and taking responsibility is well documented. And the demise of Young Audiences of Rochester last fall left a huge void for educators, artists, and students throughout the Greater Rochester area.

“I first became aware of the bassoon during an assembly at my elementary school, and what peaked my interest especially was a local artist who played clips from famous songs featuring the bassoon,” says Lesli C. Myers, Ed. D. Superintendent, Brockport Central School District. “Having an artist partner with a school brings the arts ‘alive’ for students, providing an enriched and meaningful experience.”

“School programs represented a significant portion of our work that all but disappeared for the past ten months,” says Richard Hughson, who – along with Ted Baumhauer and Ward Hartenstein – make up Flower City Vaudeville. “A core group of us in the same boat decided to try and do something about it several months ago, and here we are.”

“Here” is the new website: teachingartistsroc.com, plus the return of a FREE, YAR-style showcase exclusively for area educators, librarians, and school and PTA representatives. It will take place on Thursday, September 27 at 5 – 8 p.m. at School of the Arts (45 Prince Street) in two of the school’s theatres and a common space. An updated total of 23 registered TAROC artists will participate with displays and information as well as live performances.

“I think we’re all re-energized by this grass-roots initiative,” says Darren Stevenson from Rochester’s award-winning PUSH Physical Theatre, who – like many former YAR artists – was owed money by the former organization when it shut down in October of 2017. “It’s about moving forward, not looking back.”

“All of us are eager to work with educators to create unique, fun, and imaginative learning opportunities for their students,” adds Rochester singer-songwriter Vincent Nunes, an in-demand children’s performer.

The Teaching Artists ROC roster currently includes:

  • Airigami
  • Almeta Whitis
  • Annette Ramos
  • Anthony Padilla: Conga Mania, Tumbao Band
  • Ball in the House
  • Chris Pallace
  • Dave “Bippy” Boyer
  • Daystar Dance
  • DEEP Arts (formerly Rochester Children’s Theatre)
  • Doug Rougeux, BubbleMan
  • Flower City Vaudeville
  • In Jest with Nels Ross
  • Jay Stetzer Storyteller
  • Just Clowning Around! with Cindy & Jim Pelc
  • Kevin McCarthy
  • Martha Schermerhorn
  • Michelle Cardulla
  • Nancy Bryan
  • PUSH Physical Theatre
  • Susan Rozler
  • Ted Canning Steel Drums
  • Topher Holt
  • Vincent Nunes

Additionally, Monroe Country’s Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) will continue to work with participating school districts to aid in funding arts-education programs. Partial support and participation from Young Audiences of Western New York (YAWNY) may result in booking interest for TAROC artists outside of Monroe County as well.

“The arts are essential to our communities,” says Rochester visual artist Martha Schermerhorn. “I’m grateful that Teaching Artists ROC is stepping in to fill this need directly.”

Media please note: TAROC artists’ high-resolution images can be found here: https://bit.ly/2MovhxC. Photo, footage, and interview opportunities may also be arranged upon request.

###