Arts

Newark Arts High School Pathway to Theater Productions Resumes After 18 Month COVID-19 Pandemic ‘Intermission’

Newark Arts High School Pathway to Theater Productions Resumes After 18 Month COVID-19 Pandemic ‘Intermission’

Mar 28, 2022

Principal Devonne Gorman and Arts High School Drama Instructor Ms. Elena Dones welcomed the community back to in-person theater productions with its first drama production since the COVID-19 pandemic not only shut down the first school of the visual and performing arts in the nation but all schools, in New Jersey, back in March 2020.

The government-ordered school shutdown aimed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

All Newark Public Schools resumed in-person instruction last fall 2021, but in early January 2022, Superintendent Roger Leon ordered district schools to switch back to online learning for a while because of an upsurge in COVID infections in Newark.

Read more at RLS Media: https://www.rlsmedia.com/article/curtains-newark-arts-high-school-pathway-theater-productions-resumes-after-18-month-covid

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Arts High Alum Mj Rodriguez becomes first out trans woman nominated for lead actress Emmy

Arts High Alum Mj Rodriguez becomes first out trans woman nominated for lead actress Emmy

Welcome to the history books, Mj Rodriguez.

The “Pose” star on Tuesday made Emmy history, becoming the first out trans woman to be nominated in the outstanding lead actress category for her role in the FX drama, GLAAD, a leading LGBTQ advocacy organization, told CNN. She is also the first out trans performer nominated in any lead acting category, according to the organization.

“For me being recognized by my peers and by my colleagues, it just means the world for me,” Rodriguez told Entertainment Tonight.

She added: “I’m a human at the end of the day. All I wanted was the world to see me, I wanted them to see that I had something to offer.”

Rodriguez, who plays Blanca on the series, accounted for one of nine nominations earned by “Pose” this year.

Billy Porter, who won his first Emmy in 2019, was nominated in the lead actor category, and “Pose” received a nomination for best drama.

“Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez’s Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series is a breakthrough for transgender women in Hollywood, and a long-overdue recognition for her groundbreaking performance over the past three seasons of POSE,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “Additionally, the show’s nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, as well as Billy Porter’s third nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, mark a historic show that undoubtedly raised the bar for trans representation on television and changed the way viewers around the world understand the trans community.”

Last month, GLAAD rallied over 40 organizations for an open letter that encouraged Emmy voters to support the groundbreaking series in its final season, calling it a show that “transformed the landscape of transgender representation in Hollywood and educated the world on who transgender people are.”

This is not the first time “Pose” has made history. In 2019, Porter became the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy in the lead actor category.

“I am honored and humbled to have my work once again be recognized by the academy,” Porter said of his nomination this year. “I stand at the intersection of art and activism, and I am forever grateful for the healing journey that POSE has been for myself, my colleagues and the world!”

Rodriguez’s nomination is a milestone in a long fight for transgender performers, who’ve too often gone unrecognized for their work while many cisgender actors have been recognized for playing trans characters.

In recent years, progress has been seen.

In 2014, Laverne Cox became the first transgender person to be nominated in an acting category in Primetime Emmy history, thanks to her role on Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black.” She would go on to be nominated three more times in the outstanding guest actress category and win a Daytime Emmy in 2015.

And in 2020, Rain Valdez was nominated for outstanding actress in a short form comedy or drama series for her role in “Razor Tongue.”

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/13/entertainment/mj-rodriguez/index.html

Arts High’s Ingrid Cristofoletti Will Travel to Washington, D.C. for Prestigious Journalism Conference

Arts High’s Ingrid Cristofoletti Will Travel to Washington, D.C. for Prestigious Journalism Conference

FAIRFAX, VA (Wed Jul 07 00:00:00 GMT 2021)--

Ingrid Cristofoletti, a student at Arts High School (Newark, NJ, US), has been selected to represent Newark, NJ as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2021 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.

Cristofoletti joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Cristofoletti was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field. Past speakers have included Hoda Kotb from NBC, Brian Lamb from C-SPAN, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Carol Guzy, and Susan Goldberg from National Geographic.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week long program, held at George Mason University’s state-of-the-art campus, will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference will be held July 18 to 23, 2021.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is setting the gold standard for the modern, public university. Its dynamic culture and innovative academic programs prepare Mason’s hard-working students for 21st century careers. Its commitment to teaching excellence combines with cutting-edge research that enriches the academic experience and is changing the world. Mason is affordable, yet offers high value. Ideally located in the National Capital region, students enjoy terrific cultural experiences and access to the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.

About the 2021 Washington Journalism and Media Conference

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the changing face of media in the 21st century. The Advisory Board includes CEOs of media outlets, distinguished journalists and renowned authors and university faculty. For more information visit us online at wjmc.gmu.edu.