For Emily, the creation of Black Box is the perfect combination of her loves and talents. She was honored to continue her work with young people and upon returning to the community has directed a countless array of programs and productions over the last 15 years.Ĭurrently, Emily teaches Language Arts, Fine Arts, and Journalism for the Lebanon Community School Corporation while also serving as Black Box’s Artistic Director.
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Emily is happy her path has turned full circle and is able to pay forward the love of dance and acting to the community that gave her her start. She now is back in Indiana, raising her children with her husband Andy. In August of 1999, she turned her focus toward full-time teaching and happily landed in Arizona where she shared her knowledge and passion for the Arts, including dance, drama, comedy, cheer, basic music, and winter guard. During that time she acted in and choreographed for shows in the improv circuit as well as the schools. Teacher by day and actor by night, she lived her dreams in Chicago for four years. After a stint with ComedySportz Indianapolis, she continued her pursuit of the Arts by enrolling in The Second City’s 2-year Conservatory program for Improvisational Comedy. Transferring to Indiana University gave her the opportunity to be classically trained as an actor and receive a degree in Education, with masters courses in English Lit, Journalism, and Shakespeare. She followed her dream to be in show business by attending UC Santa Barbara as a film major. She cannot wait to see more!Įmily grew up in Lebanon, IN. Watching what the students come up with when they are given the confidence they need and room to grow is its own special kind of magic. Black Box is unlike any educational theatre she has ever known. Without the amazing staff and students at Black Box, she might not have fallen in love with teaching and child education, which has led her to discover her life path. The LARPing class has found a special place in her heart too!īlack Box means the world to Alexa. Alexa continues to work with the Spring Show each year and also assists with the Conservatory shows. and is still loving her time teaching at Black Box. When that show was completed she was asked to join the team for Beauty and the Beast Jr. In her sophomore year of high school, she played Woody at Black Box. She is currently a student at Ball State University studying Elementary Education, with a concentration in Psychology and Counseling, as well as a minor in Theatre.Īlexa has been performing since she was 11. If I had to describe Black Box in one word, it would be “welcoming.” I say that because Black Box is a very inclusive, supportive, and safe place for all kids and adults who are interested in developing and refining their craft.Īlexa grew up in Pittsboro, Indiana.
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Seeing students progress over the months and years has been quite an amazing experience!īlack Box has taught me/reminded me of the value of introducing the performing arts to kids at a young age and creating a sense of community that fosters individuality and free expression! If I had to narrow it to one, I would say that my favorite thing is that Black Box gives many opportunities throughout the year for students to be engaged with the community, to have time on stage, and to have frequent interaction with a live audience. It is challenging to pick only ONE favorite thing about Black Box because there are so many things that I love. Being on stage is a very vulnerable experience for anyone, and feeling “exposed” can be quite a deterrent to participation in any theatrical capacity…BUT Black Box creates an environment where that energy is channeled! Black Box staff as a whole really value, encourage, and foster that vulnerability, so that students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them! The teachers are very intentional in meeting the students at their skill level and helping them to stretch and grow. I’m amazed by the variety of courses offered and the level of instruction that is provided. I’m SO thankful to have found Black Box for my family because it is truly a one-of-a-kind program.