*‡ Arianna Ross

Storyteller

Arianna Ross creates entertaining, international, dynamic programs that weave the power of dance, theatre, music, and storytelling together. For over 12 years, she has performed in the US, India, Vietnam, Brazil and Canada on stage, television, and radio, in schools, colleges, and concert halls. She has taught for critically acclaimed organizations such as the Smithsonian and Towson University. Recently, she was one of the featured performers at The Faberge Egg Festival in Washington DC, The Just Stories Festival in Chicago, and at the Vancouver, BC International Storytelling Festival.

JP Somersaulter

Filmmaker

J.P. Somersaulter is a Chicago filmmaker whose animated films for children and adults have won more than 40 National and International Film Festival Awards, and have been screened at museums, festivals, schools and libraries, and on television around the world. Invitational screenings include The Lincoln Center, The Museum of Modern Art, the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, BBC Television London, and film festivals in Bombay, Edinburgh, London, and New York.

*Jon Spelman

Storyteller

Jon Spelman is regarded as one of America’s leading storytellers. As a performer, he has developed more than 26 hours of narrative material, all of which he continues to perform throughout the United States and Europe. He has received a Children’s Radio Award, an Achievement in Children’s Television Award, and two Emmys for “Three Stories Tall,” which he hosted for six years on NBC-4 in Washington, D.C.

‡Ssuuna

African Dancer & Drummer

A dancer, drummer, singer, songwriter, storyteller, and reggae artist, Ssuuna is an energetic performer from Uganda. In addition to having delighted and educated school audiences about life in East Africa, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Ssuuna has performed at The World Bank, The Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, and on numerous college campuses around the country.

*Synetic Theater

Pantomime

Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili has created one of the only professional Pantomime Theatre repertories for youth in the U.S. He uses Georgian (former Republic of the Soviet Union) pantomime traditions combined with dance, clowning, and music to create a professional pantomime repertoire for all ages. Tsikurishvili and Resident Choreographer, Irina Tsikurishvili, have been nominated twelve times for the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards in Washington, D.C. Irina has won four times for Choreography, and Paata has won Best Director and Best Resident Play.

Taikoza

Japanese Music and Dance

Touring Artist/Limited Availability

This Japanese taiko drum group has dazzled audiences worldwide with its electrifying performances since 1995. The ensemble draws from Japan’s rich tradition of music and performance, and is inspired by the many festivals and rhythms of Japan. “Beginnings,” Taikoza’s first album, was nominated for a 2004 Just Plain Folks Music Award. Taikoza has appeared on ESPN at the Sumo Tournament held at Madison Square Garden. You can also hear Taikoza in the Nintendo game “Red Steel.”

*‡NEW! Sue Trainor

Performing Songwriter

Sue Trainor is a performing songwriter with a gift for stirring up other folks’ creativity. Her energy and enthusiasm capture students’ attention, and her sense of humor and downto- earth approach keep it. In 1999 Sue was named ‘Best New Artist for Young Children’ in the Children’s Music Web Awards. Her 1999 debut recording for kids, “Under Tables, Out Back Doors,” earned Parents’ Choice “Recommended” honors, a 2001 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal, and it won the 1999 Wammie Award for Best Children’s Album from the Washington Area Music Association. She is a Master Wolf Trap artist. Since 2008 she has served as a TAI instructor.

Tony Tsendeas

Actor/Director/Writer

Tony Tsendeas’ work as an actor, director, and writer has received critical acclaim both in the United States and Europe. Tony also teaches acting at the Baltimore School for the Arts. His arts-in-education experiences include authoring the Baltimore City Middle School Theatre Curriculum. Acting credits include Gary Swirn in “Homicide: Life on the Streets,” voiceover work for The Discovery Channel, training and independent films, and a large number of stage performances. Directing credits include more than 25 professional productions of original material and works.

Urgeworks

Urban/Street Dance

Touring Artist/Limited Availability

Urgeworks is made up of Houston residents that grew up in tough inner-city neighborhoods where they encountered drug and gang activity. Instead of taking part in that, they decided to dance and write raps as a way to escape. For ten years they have dedicated themselves to promoting awareness and positive solutions to issues that plague society using street dance, urban drama, and hip-hop music as the vehicle to captivate the attention of youth. Urgeworks has taken their message all over the world including France, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Russia, and Denmark.

*‡NEW! Tamara Wellons Washington

Performing Artist

A singer/songwriter of R&B, jazz, and soul music, Tamara Wellons Washington’s voice has taken her many places, including public school where she taught reading and math for seven years. She combined her passion for singing and teaching to enhance student learning through arts integration. She knows first hand what a remarkable difference art programs make in student achievement. Tamara received the 2006 Individual Artist Award for vocal performance from the Maryland State Arts Council.

‡Laura Zam

Actress/Playwright

Laura Zam is an award-winning actor and performer, specializing in solo performances. She has worked off-Broadway, all over the U.S. and internationally. In addition to performing her original plays, Laura has been involved in arts education for many years. She was the Director of Education at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and currently works at George Mason University in the graduate school of education, where her specialty is arts integration. Laura has an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Brown University. She teaches workshops all over the world, and regularly tours her original productions.

KEY

*: Artists with this symbol are MSAC approved! MSAC funding may be available!

‡: Artists with this symbol have arts integration training through YA’s Teaching Artist Institute!