A native Baltimorean, Virginia Crawford has been writing poetry since the age of 11. She has shared her love of words with students of all ages across the state. Her recent full-length collection of poetry, questions for water, was published in April 2021. Previously she had also published a chapbook, Touch. Ms. Crawford earned her degrees in creative writing from Emerson College, Boston, and the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
Mary Ann Jung of HISTORY ALIVE! is an award-winning actress and Smithsonian Scholar with 12 different fun and inspiring shows about Amazing Women in History. She has appeared on CNN and Good Morning America and in newspapers around the country. She has been a lead actress and Director of History and Shakespearean Language at the Maryland Renaissance Festival for 40 years. She was also Director of Family Performances and Street Theater at ArtScape for 10 years. Ms. Jung performs in the authentic costumes, accents and attitudes for her heroines of history.
Jennifer Ridgway is a Theatre Teaching Artist who facilitates and consults on creative, arts-making, and -learning experiences, specializing in bringing artistry to life, amplifying everyday stories, promoting empathy, creating positive change, and fostering community joy.
FutureMakers brings hands-on remote and in-person STEAM workshops and packaged hands-on STEAM learning materials to classrooms and out-of-school time programs across Maryland. Learn more about how you can integrate maker education and student innovation outcomes for students and families at www.kidsmakethingsbetter.com.
Carla Perlo, Founding Director Emerita of Dance Place served as the driving force of the organization from September 1, 1980 to August 31, 2017. She has had an active career choreographing, teaching and performing across the US, London, Paris, Italy, Austria, Israel, Mexico and Brazil. Carla was named Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian Magazine in 1997 and received the Pola Nirenska Life Time Achievement award in 2017. Many students credit her for their strong foundation and have gone on to lead very successful careers dancing with companies such as Kansas City Ballet, Martha Graham,
Single Carrot Theatre creates socially relevant theatre as a form of civic engagement in Baltimore by producing vibrant, experiential performances in traditional and non-traditional theatre venues; building cross-sector partnerships; and facilitating empowering educational programs.
Our professional company aims to inspire our audience through the transforming power of American dance. Energy, athleticism, dynamism and passion are classic American dance ideals that move our dancers to achieve higher levels of artistry and skill, whether through the drama of contemporary pieces or by making classic ballet storytelling come to life.
Peter is an exceptionally rare kind of artist—a true polymath—whose work seamlessly blends music, visual art, cultural heritage, history, and cutting-edge digital media. Building on the legacy of his grandfather, the legendary entertainer Cab Calloway, and great-grandfather Andrew Reid, a prominent Baltimore activist in the post–Civil War era, Peter brings forward a tradition of social justice, community engagement, and creative innovation.
Janice Curtis Greene is an award-winning Author, Master Storyteller and Historical Interpreter, an American Griot. She has been telling African, African American, and Multicultural stories for over 30 years. She is Past President of the Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc. and Immediate Past President of the National Association of Black Storytellers. Mrs. Greene, also, serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture.
Story Tapestries: Arianna Ross and The Ensemble executes performances and residencies that use the arts as a means to bridge barriers and help individuals foster a deeper connection to what they are learning and teaching. Story Tapestries creates international, dynamic programs that weave the power of dance, music, theatre, hip hop, rap, written word, visual art, and spoken word with any school subject. The artists are known for their ability to teach and perform for all ages with equal success because they custom design the programs to fit the needs of students and the subject.