MARCH 6, 8, AND 9
Welcome to Baltimore School for the Arts
We are one of the top public performing arts high schools in the country, and we combine a rigorous college prep program with pre-professional training in the arts. We offer programs in dance, film, music, stage design and production, acting, and the visual arts.
Our students spend four periods a day in art classes, taught by working professionals, and four periods a day in academics. Sure, they’re becoming excellent artists, but they’re also building skills such as collaboration, time management, discipline, and grit. The result? Our high school graduation rate is often close to 100 percent, and our six-year college graduation rate is 81 percent, well above the national average.
Our alumni can be seen on Broadway and television, in films, in major galleries, and dance companies. Others can be found analyzing stocks on Wall Street, working in well-respected hospitals and law-firms, and running their own start-ups.
EXPRESSIONS LEADERSHIP
Rosiland Cauthen
Executive Producer
Stephanie A. Moore
Event Producer
Pat Galluzzo
Producer
Julianne Franz
Production Manager
Norah Worthington
Resident Costumer
ARTS DEPARTMENT
HEADS
Iris Andersen ’96
Dance
Beatriz Bufrahi
Film & Visual Storytelling
Candace Dickens ’06
TWIGS
Dr. Mellasenah Edwards ’85
Music
Becky Mossing ’88
Theatre
Archie Veale ’85
Visual Arts
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Tom Askey
About the BSA Foundation
The Baltimore School for the Arts Foundation is pivotal to the success of the young artists and scholars of the BSA and TWIGS (To Work in Gaining Skills).
Annually, the Foundation contributes approximately 40 percent of the school’s operating budget and 80 percent of the TWIGS operating budget through its endowment, annual fundraising initiatives, and Expressions. Your generosity in supporting the Foundation helps turn dreams into reality.
Thank you for making a difference!
EXPRESSIONS ’25
To transform is to embrace change, to evolve, to grow—and for 45 years, BSA has been a place where transformation happens every day. Thousands of students have walked through these halls, honing their craft, discovering their voices, and moving on to incredible futures. We celebrate the success of our alumni because you are the living proof of BSA’s impact.
Each week, we hear exciting news: Brandon Woody releasing an album on Blue Note Records, Samantha Pollino singing the National Anthem at the Ravens vs Steelers game this year, Tiffany Boone traveling the world on Mufasa: The Lion King movie international press tour. From the stage to the screen, the studio to the boardroom, our alumni continue to inspire.
But tonight, we also celebrate the transformation happening right now—the talent, discipline, and passion of our current students and staff. Every day, our young artists and scholars push themselves, stretching their creativity, deepening their understanding, and redefining their potential. The journey from ninth to twelfth grade is one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation.
So tonight, we invite you to celebrate with us. BSA’s accomplishments are your accomplishments—because none of this would be possible without your support. And let’s be honest, we could all use a reason to sing, dance, clap, and celebrate—now more than ever.
With love and appreciation,
Rosiland M. Cauthen Executive Director
In the Spring of 1987, as a sophomore theatre major operating the follow spot from the ballroom balcony, I watched in thrall as my fellow BSA students performed in Expressions. It was my first Expressions, and I was very proud to play a small part in making it a success. I feel that same thrill of excitement 38 years later serving as Chair for Expressions ’25. What an opportunity to give back to the school that gave me so much and continues to do so for generations of students.
So here’s to this year’s celebration of the power of ’transformation’ through education and the arts. It’s clearer than ever for me how the education I received during my BSA years transformed my talents and my self-confidence, prepared me to attend a top university and equipped me to dedicate myself to careers both in the arts and in the corporate world. It helped me be not only a better performer, but a better member of my community. How fantastic that BSA continues to give those gifts to students each and every year. And how lucky we are that we can play a role in continuing to make that happen.
Enjoy Expressions ’25!
Bart St Clair ’89 Expressions ’25 Chair
BY THE NUMBERS CLASS OF 2024
100% graduation rate
48% were TWIGS students
26% received FULL RIDE/TUITION college scholarships
60% received college scholarships from the BSA Foundation
52% took Advanced Placement Courses
33% members of the National Honors Society
BALTIMORE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
Toni Wells ’25 Film & Visual Storytelling
The first time I heard about BSA, I was in seventh grade, right before COVID. My teacher suggested I go to the open house, but I was dead set on going to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. I didn’t really want to do the arts, but I went anyway—and only to the film department’s open house. I remember we were talking about Hansel and Gretel and different ways we could turn it into a film, and something about it just felt really creative. I decided to audition, even though I wrote my story in like 12 hours. Somehow, I got in.
Even after that, I was sure I wasn’t staying. I was dead set on transferring after my first year. I told the film department head, and she encouraged me to reconsider, but in my head, I wanted to go into engineering—what was I doing in a film program? Then, sophomore year, I worked as an assistant director on our class film, and something clicked. The teamwork, time management, project planning—these were all the same skills I’d need for engineering. Film taught me how to lead, collaborate, and advocate for others. I even ran for and won the role of film representative, which proved to me that this was exactly where I was supposed to be.
BSA isn’t easy, but it shapes you in ways you don’t even realize at first. My advice to new students? Tough it out. It’s worth it!
WHERE THE ARTS CHANGE KIDS’ LIVES
Simon Bye ’25 Stage Design & Production
Moving to Baltimore from South Dakota was a huge change. I arrived just six months before COVID hit and, like everyone else, spent over a year isolated. My mom convinced me to apply to BSA since it was the top high school in the city. Once I was accepted into the Stage Design & Production (SDP) program, I quickly saw the benefits of that decision.
From day one, I loved the hands-on approach—getting familiar with hand tools, saws, lighting, and sound systems. There was nothing stopping students from diving in, building sets, and setting up lights, and seeing that growth in real-time was incredibly rewarding. After years of Zoom calls, working on large-scale in-person projects felt like a breath of fresh air.
BSA thrives on collaboration, problemsolving, and teamwork, and nowhere is that more evident than in our annual Expressions show. It’s a massive production, and SDP is responsible for making it run smoothly. Stage Managers, Lighting Designers, Sound Board Operators, and the entire backstage crew work tirelessly to uphold BSA’s reputation for excellence. Last year, I was the Sound Board Operator, overseeing a small team of Audio Techs. It was a great experience working with multiple department heads and students from a wide variety of arts. Each night when the show started, I was overcome with pride for my department and my small team’s work on the show. Every minute of tech and planning was validated when the intro music of Whiteroom by Cream started to blast through the speakers.
PAGE 5
WELCOME TO THE PROGRAM
VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE
Animated and Composited by: Emma Ayala
Featuring artworks from:
Aliyah Battle, Zariah Bell, Kamden Crawford, Milo Decker, Adalie Eshleman, Aubrey Green, Christine Green-Noel, Theodore Hyleck, Laila Jones, Camille Melchior, Astrid Mendoza Coto, Estelle
O’Connor, Brooklyn Parker, Banner Paterson, Noah Royal, Sam Sizer, Marilyn Story, Miu Tran, Kaden Vargas PileRiley, Nylah Adams, Miles Brown, Etta Colantuoni, Nikiyah Edwards, Joyanne Gohl, Jaazaniah Goodridge, Emanuel
Fabian Perez, Wilson Fanning, Ethan Jusem, Clara Long, Yesenia Makalani, Caleah Martin-Palmer, Aidan Myles, Lily Napolitano, Livia Pizza, Kenya
Price, Francesca Santelises, Justyn Santos, Ethan Scott, Faerrin Spann, Rose Bernhardt, Tytionna Burton, Chloe Christian, Natalie Coats, Cooper Powell, Eliza Goodall, Maya Hughes, Dylan Keens, Lotus Lightchaser, Abigail McMaines, Miles Mongan, Chiara Monterroso, Daquan Nelson, Lotus Pryor, Cortlan
Potera-Clowney, Gillian Ryan, Sayuri Simms-Sampson, Ruby Sturm, Shekinah Turner, Phoenix Barber, Brooklyn Brown, Abbie Chadeayne, Luisa Clunas, Rodrigo Contreras, Sydney Edwards, Julia Foster, J. Hanks, Hassan Hunt, Rose Joseph, Khalil Motley, Parker Patterson, Kyndall Roots, Amber Scardina
INTRODUCTION
Board Chair: Shanae Williams McLean ’98
CELEBRACIÓN
Dance Department Head: Iris Andersen ’96*
Choreographer: Michelle Manzanales**
Costume Designer: Norah Worthington*
Assistant Costumer: Isabel Hauer
Rehearsal Assistant: Leah Allen*
Dancers: Mikayla Baldwin, London Connolly, Savannah Dugan, Assata Ebron, Valentina Flores-Briggs, Zoe Franze, Chloe Freeman, Gabrielle Gordon, Samara Gosnell, Christopher Hardy, Katie Heether, Edward Lee, III, Isabella Manalansan, Brielle Miller, Mackenzie Miller, Kal’el Presley, Chase Robinson, Jayden Roundtree, Summer Seay, Sydney Tignor
SCENE 1
Written & Directed by: Paul Reisman
Cast: Kalyani Srivastava, Cat Tien Pham, Alexis Davol, Micaiah Yarborough
SINFONIA V
Director: Dr. Mellasenah Edwards ’85*
Concertmaster: Alexander Mott
Animation: Kat Navarro**
Projection Design: Pat Galluzzo*
Ensemble: Zeke Dworak-Fisher, Michai Grunfeld, Hendrix Bell, Leonardo Schiavone, Dariyon Newton, Luu Li Pham, Sage Hunt, Aubrey Guertin, Ainsley Jones, Mallory Lerch, Amiya Sample, Owen Wampler, Aybrie
Ackwood, Rachel Eversley, Alex Bennett, Zoe Blackwell-Allen, Herbie Ojagh-Price
DEFINING SUCCESS
Producers: Tom Ventimiglia*, Pat Galluzzo*, Sam Buker ’00*
Interviewer: Toni Wells
Featuring: Tiffany Boone ’05, Dr. Thema Bryant ’91, Veronica Dunlap ’95, Dr. Mellasenah Edwards ’85, Todd Harvey ’94, Li-Wen Kang ’88, Alexander McCarroll ’00, Samantha Pollino ’12, Bart St Clair ’89, Rachael Tyler ’23
Editor: Alex Levy*
Gaffer/Grip: Wen-Shiang Schenkel
Camera Operator: Julia Pulaski
Audio: Fritz Guerinr
AN ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE
Expressions ‘25 Chair: Bart St Clair ‘89
SCENE 2
Written & Directed by: Paul Reisman
Cast: Kalyani Srivastava, Cat Tien Pham, Alexis Davol, Micaiah Yarborough
THE DANIEL RAMOS CHAPTER OF NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY
Cinematographer and Editor: Kham Owens*
Featuring: Tom Askey*, Frank Roblin*, Wen-Shiang Schenkel, Lauryn Burks, London Connolly, Isaiah Woolford
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
a scene from Godspell
Director: Becky Mossing ’88*
Musical Director/Choreographer: Quae Simpson ’95**
HIGH SCHOOL
Acting: Zemirah Blount, Darion Butts, Cristan Cooper, Dylan Eldridge, Tessa Lake-Goldstein, Zoe London, Charles McLain, Lailah Muhammad, Marshall Naylor, Nadia Petri, Jadaya Price, Nefer Purvis, Ellie Schmid-James, Luke Strand, Favian Womack
TWIGS
Stoneya Knox-Mason, Madison Morgan, Andre Walker, Bowie Walker, Priscilla Jackson, Olivia Ross, Emery Weems, Aria Carr
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Principal & Executive Director: Rosiland Cauthen
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH MASTERY
Director: Myah Stokes ’20*
Audio: Mark Navarro*
Featuring: Violet Hale, Kena James, Johanna Dudley, Hermione “Hermie” Heinritze, Kai Harris
SCENE 3
Written & Directed by: Paul Reisman
Cast: Kalyani Srivastava, Cat Tien Pham, Alexis Davol, Micaiah Yarborough
WHAT’S IT ALL FOR?
from Episode 6 of the Madison & Cathedral docuseries
Executive Producers: Mark Joseph, Patricia Joseph, Beatriz Bufrahi*, Thomas Ventimiglia*
Orchestration: Dr. Mark Hardy*
Theatre-Acting: Becky Mossing ’88*
Dance: Iris Andersen ’96*
Recording Engineers: Robert Karpay ’07*, Mark Navarro*
Drone Videography: Michael Tranchitella Director: Henry Schmid-James
Co-Director, Assistant Director: Toni Wells
Producer: Wen-Shiang Schenkel
Director of Photography: Fadzi Tran Johnson
Camera Operator: Julia Pulaski, Maya Ortiz
Grip: Fritz Guerin, George Restauro
Gaffer: Kisho Berry
Production Design/Prop:
Piper Cooke, Aliyah Mallory
Wardrobe: Jaimer Graver, Aubrey Roberts
Composer/Cast/Live On Stage: Scarlett O’Comartun
Lyricist/Cast/Live on Stage: Nefer Purvis
Choreography: Valentina Flores-Briggs
Cast/Live on Stage: Adriana Hopson, Gabby
Ojuolape, Lauryn Burks, Atarah Smith, Israel
Goodridge, Dylan Eldridge
Chorus: Olivia Carter-Bergenstein, Malachi McCray, James Davis, Britain
House, Ariel Taylor, Carlyse Blackwell, Jade Pratt, India Yates
Dancers: Edward Lee III, Kendahl Foster, Zoe Franze, Chloe Freeman, Gabrielle
Gordon, Samara Gosnell, Katie Heether, Isabella Manalansan, Savannah McDaniel, Brielle Miller, Mackenzie Miller, Taylor
Peterson, Briana Poston, Jyla Price, Chase Robinson, Summer Seay, Sydney Tignor
A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE
BSA Parent:
Jason Newton
SCENE 4 - EPILOGUE
Written & Directed by: Paul Reisman
Cast: Kalyani Srivastava, Cat Tien Pham, Alexis Davol, Micaiah Yarborough
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE
Composer: Stevie Wonder
Arranger: Dr. Mark Hardy*
String Ensemble: Alexander Mott, Zeke
Dworak-Fisher, Hendrix Bell, Leonardo Schiavone, Dariyon Newton, Sage Hunt, Aubrey Guertin, Ainsley Jones, Mallory Lerch, Amiya Sample, Owen Wampler
Trumpet: Jonas Newton, Ronan Goeke, Zoe Bassett
Saxophone: Gavin Long, Noah Wilson, Zion Fisher-Horton, Carter Griffin, Richard Ingram
Trombone: Jaden Chapman, Dashiell Bushnaq, Jabari Woodson
Guitar: Theo Anderson
Piano: Omari Whaley, Eleanor Edgar
Bass: Herbie Ojagh-Price, Makai Fisher-Horton
Drums: Daniel Fairlie, Noah Kabia
Percussion: Sam Wylie
Harp: Skye Chng-Lim
Soloist: India Yates, Scarlett O’Comartun, Adriana Hopson, Carlyse Blackwell, Malachi McCray, Lauryn Burks, Atarah Smith, Israel Goodridge, Britain House, Gabrielle Ojuolape
Chorus: Olivia Carter-Bergenstein, Janaya Palmer, Mae Guerrasio, Arshay Watford, Amaya Tillery, Ruth-Amelie Kumodzi, Sumaya Richardson, Ruby Miller, Kadian Coles, Rhyan Holley, Alyssa Clymire, Jeniya Newman, Chelsea Dixon, Dominique Brown, Leah Tyler, Jade Pratt, Esther Robfogel, Jude Senn, James Davis, Austin Buerhaus, Sasha Lindamood, Sal Doede, Elliott Bullock, Joseph Massey, Quinn Langkammerer, Micah Hawthorne
CLOSING
Expressions ’25 Chair: Bart St Clair ’89
PRODUCTION CREW
Stage Manager: Will Williams
Assistant Stage Managers: Ethan Rosenberg, Shantrice Washington
Stage Crew: Caelib Brooks, Kaeden Higgs
Lighting Designer: Natasha Tylea*
Light Board Operator: Brigid Tonnessen
Follow Spot: Rowan Schober-Levine
Sound Engineer: Andrew Gaylin*
Sound Board Operator: Ewan Lodge
Audio 2: Violet Hale, Osei Bennu
Projections: Neela Stillman
Wardrobe: Evan Applefeld, Ashley Williams
*Faculty/Staff **Visiting Artist
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
DIRECTORS
CONDUCTORS
CHOREOGRAPHERS
CINEMATOGRAPHERS
PRODUCTION MANAGERS
Valerie Chng-Lim & Tim Chng
The Rolley Family
Natalie & Dr. Marshall Sherman
CURATORS
Michael Alto
Matthew & Deborah Baum
William Chickering & Michael Ankrom
Jesse Grant-Skinner ’03
The Hilson Family
Christy & Bob Keppel
Georgia & Wayne King
Colm O’Comartun
Luz & Guzman Ortiz
Mary-Ann & Wally Pinkard
Ann Powell
Quinn Evans
Joan & Landon Royals
Ruth Shaw, Inc.
Dr. Bradley & Hristina Schlaggar
Denise Sullivan
Patrick & Tracy Sutton
Noelle Taslitz
Donald Thoms
Dominic & Ann Wiker
Shanae Williams McLean ’98
EXPRESSIONS COMMITTEE
Bart St Clair ’89, Chair
Veronica Dunlap ’95
Lauren Edwards
Anna Ellis ’02
Robyn Guerrasio
Colleen Hanley
Georgia King
Jessica McDonald
Mary Page Michel
Carla Paisley
Sam Polakoff
LeChelle Redd
Julie Rothman
David Skinner
Tiersa Sullivan
Denise Sullivan
Tracy Sutton
Linda Weinberg
Sydney Wilson Ruff
BSA FOUNDATION
Samantha Buker ’00
Alumni Liaison
Stephanie A. Moore
Foundation Director
Meredith Rosenblatt
Director of Individual Giving
Nancy Steiner
Chief Financial Officer
Imbie Tamba
Director of Marketing & Communications
Sarah Welch Development Coordinator
SPECIAL THANKS
Jason Newton
David Wiesand
FUND A NEED
$25 provides one personal art supply kit for a TWIGS Visual Arts student
$50 provides a respirator for props artisan
$100 provides one pair of pointe shoes for a high school dance student
$250 helps support updates to equipment and resources in our Stage Design & Production Department
$500 provides a new iPad for the BSA community
$1,000 supports a short-term visiting artist residency
$5,500 provides two parfocal zoom lenses for Blackmagic Design cinema camera
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our Board of Trustees provides critical strategic and fiduciary support to ensure Baltimore School for the Arts will thrive for generations to come.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024-2025
Chair
Shanae Williams McLean ’98*
Vice Chair
Samuel Polakoff
Vice Chair
Danielle Wharton
Treasurer
Harry Gruner
Assistant Treasurer
Ira Weinstein
Secretary
Linda Weinberg
Patricia “Patti” Baum
Carey Buxton
Tim Chng
Tom Dame
Ellen Dame
Leah Davidge
Veronica Dunlap ’95
Lauren Edwards
Carla Finkelstein
Morgan Gilligan
Jesse Grant-Skinner ’03
Todd Harvey ’94
Kristin Herber
(Jessica) Kippy Joseph
Patricia Joseph Chair Emeritus (ex officio)*
Li-Wen Kang ’88
Chair Emeritus (ex officio)*
Ryan Lenet
Steve McGuire
Paul McKinnell
Jason Newton
John Prugh
Julie Rothman, Chair Emeritus (ex officio)*
Suzanne Roy
Ben Schuman
Natalie Sherman, Chair Emeritus (ex officio)*
Donald Thoms
Dominic Wiker
*BSA Foundation Trustees
THURSDAY, MARCH 6 EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTIONS
KARAOKE (1ST FLOOR)
Whether you are a shower serenader, a carpool crooner, a radical rocker, a train riding troubadour, or a certified operatic enchantress, come belt out your favorite songs with our faculty and students at Expressions Karaoke!
2ND FLOOR
ROTHMAN FAMILY PRODUCTION SUITE A DAY AT BSA: 360 VIDEO EXPERIENCE
ALUMNI LOUNGE (2ND FLOOR)
This one’s for you, BSA alumni! After the show, come hang out, catch up with old friends, and meet fellow grads from across the years. Swap stories and relive the moments that made BSA feel like home.
Whether you were here five years ago or twenty, this is your space to reconnect and celebrate the community that shaped us.
1ST FLOOR
ALUMNI LOUNGE
EXPRESSIONS ’25
SATURDAY GALA, MARCH 8
EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTIONS
EXPLORE YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE (2ND FLOOR)
Join Visual Arts students to explore the activist legacy of Keith Haring’s 1980s NYC graffiti scene. We’ll be stamping on fabric, collaging, and drawing with chalk. We’ll also have a few set pieces of 1980s technology on hand to set the mood for creative fun.
A DAY AT BSA: 360 VIDEO EXPERIENCE (2ND FLOOR)
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk the halls of BSA as a student? Step into A Day at BSA, an immersive 360° video experience that puts you in the heart of the action. From rehearsals to studio sessions, see the school from a whole new perspective and witness the creativity, energy, and passion that fill every corner of BSA.
BEHIND THE CURTAINS WITH STAGE DESIGN & PRODUCTION STUDENTS (3RD FLOOR)
Step into the world of Stage Design & Production and hear directly from the students who bring the stage to life! From intricate set pieces to stunning lighting designs, learn about the creative and technical process behind their most recent most recent production, She Kills Monsters.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FILM STUDENTS (3RD FLOOR)
Meet the filmmakers shaping the next generation of visual storytelling! Join our Film students for a conversation about their latest project, Madison & Cathedral, a student-led docuseries capturing life at BSA. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how they craft their stories and bring their visions to the screen.
KARAOKE & AFTER PARTY (3RD FLOOR)
Whether you are a shower serenader, a carpool crooner, a radical rocker, a train riding troubadour, or a certified operatic enchantress, come belt out your favorite songs with our faculty and students.
1ST FLOOR
BALLROOM
BALLROOM LOBBY
2ND FLOOR
KARAOKE
STAIRS UP
CHECK IN COAT CHECK
MADISON LOBBY
SYLVAN STUDIO SEGAL GALLERY
ROTHMAN FAMILY PRODUCTION SUITE
A DAY AT BSA: 360 VIDEO EXPERIENCE
CATHEDRAL ST MADISON ST ENTRANCE
RECITAL HALL
EXPLORE YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE
Tables
Hi-top Tables Bar Food service
3RD FLOOR
LIBRARY KARAOKE & AFTER PARTY
CCAT: CONVERSATIONS WITH STUDENTS
Senior Stage Design & Production
student Violet Hale ’25 with the dragon she’s been designing since she was 7. These designs were recently brought to life as props in the Senior Fall Play, She Kills Monsters, collaboratively constructed by the entire Stage Design & Production department.
MAKE A GIFT USE THE QR CODE OR TEXT BSA TO 53-555