Our panelists will be dissecting the theme of “An Artist’s Responsibility”.
These thoughtful discussions will feature the insight of creative and leaders from various industries, ranging from education, dance, theater, poetry, songwriting and more. They will be responding to different questions that analyze the complex call of artistry and its implied responsibility.
Alisha Clark is an accomplished choreographer, dancer and actress, with an extensive background in leading Masterclasses in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, even as far as the Philippines. Alisha is also the founder of the Lynchburg Dance Connection, a database where dancers can find auditions, open classes, masterclasses, workshops, and other opportunities in the area.
Brian Matthews is a theatre artist, educator, and art historian. His passion includes interdisciplinary projects with a socio-political bent. In 2017, Brian was selected as a fellow of ASTEP’s Artist As Citizen Conference at the Juilliard School. He is also growing into his role as a vocal advocate for those, including himself, who are living and creating while diagnosed with PTSD.
Chris Badgett holds his Master’s Degree in Music Education and serves the community as the Choral Music Director for Amherst Middle School. With a background that boasts of extensive musical knowledge and exploration, Chris is also a member of the Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity.
Deidre Sears advocates the importance of the performing arts in helping youth with self-esteem, self-image and self-discipline. As Artistic Director and Founder of Elevé Dance Theater, loves to share her passion and talent in the arts with the youth. She founded Elevé Dance Theater out of the pursuit to allow the arts to empower people and communities.
Geoffrey Kershner works as the Executive Director of the Academy Center of the Arts, Central Virginia’s hub of arts and culture located in Lynchburg, VA. In addition to a background in theater and directing, Geoffrey is also on the Emerging Leaders Council through Americans for the Arts.
Jaylin Randolph, also known as Jiggy M, is a multi talented rapper, entertainer, and entrepreneur from Central VA. Known for his innovative leadership in the community he has branded himself as a content creator for unity and positivity. He has created campaigns for local organizations that highlight healthy living, positive decision making, and college preparation. Not only entertaining us with his musical and comedic talents but using them to help us grow and heal as individuals.
Jessica Jemmott, MA is the Founding Executive Director of The Lamp. With this organization, Jessica aspires to merge every facet of The Lamp together through the bonding over food, expressive arts, therapies, and transformational ministry.
Melissa Noel is an award-winning, multimedia journalist, television host and media entrepreneur. Melissa is an internationally recognized Caribbean diaspora leader with proven impact at the intersections of media, sustainable travel and social justice. She is known for her dynamic content that consistently highlights underreported stories for outlets including Huffpost.com, Essence.com, ABC News and much more. Melissa’s stories on culture, race, travel, immigration, climate change and mental health, actively inform and expand the ways in which we see, discuss and cover the experiences of the African Diaspora.
Tremayne works as the Director of Community Engagement for the Academy Center of the Arts In Lynchburg, VA. Tremayne Is passionate about supporting the community, providing opportunity and resources to marginalized communities, and using his skills to build relationships with communities, organizations and people.
Known for delivering innovative thought provoking content conveying creative educational concepts in cross-cultural mediums, Shekhinah is a passionate advocate for the arts in the areas of creative activism, and more. Shekhinah is the current Creative Cultural Producer of The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to educating, uniting, and empowering women through the use of accessible programs and activities.
