THE ARTS
Ministries
a note from the territorial ArtsMinistriesDirector
Can you believe it’s been twenty-five years?
I can’t count the number of times this question echoed in my conversations these past twelve months. Throughout 2025, we experienced a Territory-wide acknowledgement of all that has been growing in the arts since we were first planted twenty-five years ago. What started as a small seed has surely grown into a diverse garden of color, depth, and soaring heights. Only the Lord himself could have foreseen all the goodness that was to bloom from one obedient servant’s faithfulness.
And now, I can’t help but look forward to the next twenty-five years, and wonder what’s next? Where do we grow from here? What a great comfort it is to rest securely in the knowledge that He can see it all and knows just where to plant. All we need to do is listen.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Page 2
A Note from the Territorial Arts Ministries Director
Page 4
Our Partners
Page 5-6
Acknowledgements
Page 7-8
Year At-A-Glance
Page 9
Workshops 24-25
Page 10-11
Our Mission Our Vision
Page 12
Supporting the Field Social Media Impact
Page 13
Creative Arts Directors Gathering
Page 14-15
Evergreen
Page 16-17
Jesus Theatre
Page 18-21
Old Orchard Beach
Pier Festival
Page 22-25
TAM Conservatory
Page 26-27
CAST
Page 28-29
Joy
Page 30-31
MOVE Dance Company
Page 32-33
Replay: A Playback Theatre Company
Page 34-35
Skeleton Army
Page 36
Carol Jaudes Award
Page 37
The Major Hollie Ruthberg Scholarship
38-57
Throughout
Territory Page 58-59 Support the Arts
MOTIVATED BY THE GOSPEL, THE ARTS
MINISTRIES BUREAU UTILIZES THE ARTS TO CULTIVATE SPIRITUAL, PERSONAL, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PROGRAMMING, THE PRODUCTION OF RESOURCES, AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES.
WE ENVISION A TERRITORY WITH CORPS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS THAT HAVE THRIVING, SUSTAINABLE, AND DIVERSE PROGRAMS UNIQUE TO THE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITY.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Kathryn Higgins
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Resa Berry
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Kathryn Higgins
Resa Berry
Natalia Cruz
Samuel Laro
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lu Lu Rivera
Kevin Diaz
Ryan Love
Justina Stickland
useartsministriesdirector@use.salvationarmy.org
ourPartners
Leadership
Territorial Leaders USA East
Commissioners Ralph & Susan Bukiewicz
Chief Secretary
Colonel Ivan Rock
Secretary for Business
Lt. Colonel Debra Ashcraft
Secretary for Personnel
Lt. Colonel Kevin Stoops
Secretary for Program
Lt. Colonel Margaret Davis
Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries
Colonel Christine Rock
Arts Ministries Bureau
Arts Ministries Director
Kathryn Higgins
Arts Ministries Specialist
Resa Berry
Dance Ministries Specialist/ Kroc Center Arts Liasion
Natalia Cruz
Production Administrator Samuel Laro
Arts Ministries
Summer Assistant
Jerica Knickerbocker
Divisional Music and Creative Arts Directors
Nya Speller, EMP
Erik Jones, EMP
Julia Swires, EPA
Edward Mylechreest, EPA
Debora Baptista, CFOT
Andrew Boynton, GNY
Jessica Pineda, GNY
Tatiana Saintilus, GNY
Liana Padillo, GNY
Lily Finikin, GNY
Briana Romulus, GNY
Matt Luhn, MAS
Christopher Molinaro, MAS
Divisional Music and Creative Arts Directors (cont.)
Chaya Jugenheimer, NEO
Jelani Weekes, NEO
Olivia Renkel, NJ
Nathan Power, NJ
Edgar George III, NNE
Serenity Valdes, PR
Jose Tavarez, PR
Deborah Bowin, SNE
Amy Wray, SWO
Kelley Bowin, SWO
Denise Allen, WPA
Alexis Dill, WPA
Partners
USA East Special Events
USA East Communications
USA East Candidates
USA East Spiritual Life
Development
Crestview Conference Center
USA East Youth
USA East Music
USA East College for
Officer Training
USA East Women’s Ministries
USA East Heritage Museum
USA East Community Relations
Times Square Corps
ARC Command
THQ Facilities
LS Audio
Felipe Audio Engineer
Power Wire
KSPS
New York Presbyterian Morgan
Stanley Children’s Hospital
Pearl Essence
Special Thanks
Abby DeVault
Abryel Martinez
Alex Darcy
Alex Kozhekin
Alondra Berberena
Lieutenant Alvaro Velasquez
Amber Hood
Amy Wray
Captain Angelica Spence
Annabel Do Santos
Antone Gonzalez
Major Antonio Rosamilia
Ashley Brown
Becki Phillips
Bethany Farrell
Bethany Starkey
Bianca Berberena
Blake Lanier
Bob Venables
Major Brett DeMichael
Major Bill Dunigan
Cesia Baptista
Chaya Jugenheimer
Christopher Monroe
Chris Severn
Captain Clifford Douglas
Colonel Janet Munn
Crystal Mark-Webster
Captain Daniel Gonzalez
Major Daniel Alverio
Daniela Di Caterina
Captain Danielle Hall
David Hulteen
Lieutenant David LaBossiere
Deborah Joyce
Deborah Murphy
Derek Lance
Doug Berry
Captain Dustin Fitch
Eli Morgan
Elaine Castro-Delaluz
Elizabeth Higgins
Emmanuel Miller
Envoy Emily Betts
Emily Lopez-Pastin
Erica Weiss
Erin Morgan
Evelyn Stickland Monroe
Felipe Concha
Freya Baldock
Gabriella Cardenas
Gavin Whitehouse
Geoff Cox
Captain Gilberto Rivera
Gina Paccione
Hart Weaver
Heather Ballantine
Heather Green
Hyeokjun Kang
Isabella Wiand
Israel Doria
Major Jackie Blanchard
Jacob Douglass
Major Jae Im
Captain James Bang
Lieutenant Colonel James
Labossiere
Colonel Janet Munn
Janette Rangel
Captain Jeffrey Brunelle
Crestview Conference Center
Special Thanks (cont.)
Major Jennifer Rosamilia
Jerica Knickerbocker
Jerome Wray
Jerry Fairman
Joanna Polarek
Jocelyn Neidballa
Joe Caddy
John Copeland
John Ross
Johnny Shyr
Jon Knaggs
Jonathon Shaffstall
Joseph Pritchard
Jose Tavarez
Josh Cowing
Julie Bacon
Justina Stickland
Justine Mills
Major Karen Alverio
Karen Krinjak
Karimarielie Irizarry
Major Kathleen Avery
Kathleen Veltsos
Kelly Mackneer
Kelly Ross
Captain Kendacy Barnes
Keniel Gonzalez
Kevin Diaz
Kevin Snyder
Kristen Finnie
Krystal Morales
Kyle Higgins
Laurie Pastin
Laura Baptista
Liana Padillo
Captain Laura Gonzalez
Major Lauren Hodgson
Len Ballantine
Lindsey Ross
Lindsey Spencer
Liz Manning
Louie DiLapi
Lieutenant Luie Colon
Lulu Rivera
Luz Fletchas
Lydmarie Rivera
Nealson Munn
Nya Speller
Maddy Martinez
Maya Jackson
Major Marisa Satterlee
Martin Hunt
Martin Rosamilia
Matt Spencer
Matthew Rosamilia
Captain Meghan Brunelle
Megan Odland
Meghan Pastin
Micaela Tabing
Michael Buzzard
Michael DeVault
Major Michael Laro
Mike Pettiford
Pete Vaughan
Prissila Bachez
Major Philip Ferreira
Major Philip Wittenberg
Ralph Robinson
Raelys Rodriguez Soto
Rhonda Venables
Ricardo Nicolas Gil
Rick Starkey
Rihanna McBean
Rob Jeffery
Major Rohan Gage
Major Sheila Gage
Samuel Baptista
Col. Sandra Jackson
Sarah Peabody
Captain Sarai Olmedo
Captain Shakai Drigo
Shaione Swanson
Shayann Oxley
Serenity Valdes
Lieutenant Shirley Figueroa
Simon Morton
Major Soo J. Kim
Stacy Davis
Major Sue Dunigan
Major Susan Wittenberg
Captain Tabitha Swires
Tatiana Saintilus
Tony Gonzalez
Captain Tracy Knappins
Victor Morales
Victoria Leach
Walter Zhune
Captain Willow Houseton
at-a-glance Year
October 2024
GNY Divisional Dance/Christmas Production
MOVE Dance Company at the Candidates Seminar
Replay at the Divisional Youth Leaders Gathering
Replay at the DHQ GNY Officers Retreat, Star Lake Camp, NJ
Replay at the Paterson ARC
Divisional Creative Arts Directors Gathering at the Times Square Corps, NYC
Joy at the New-York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Worship Leading at DYL
November 2024
GNY Divisional Dance/Christmas Production
Kids 5 Lent/Easter Filming
Creative Culture Change Conference
December 2024
GNY Divisional Dance/Christmas Production
Skeleton Army at the THQ Christmas Gathering West Nyack, NY
Replay at the NJ DHQ Christmas Party
TAM Conservatory 25th Anniversary Alumni
Interview Video Shoot
January 2025
Territorial Music Council, Renewing Vision and Creativity in Arts Ministry Leadership
Skeleton Army at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY
Replay at the Manhattan ARC
Worship Leaders Conference Workshops
Worship Leading at the NJ Officer’s Retreat
February 2025
Skeleton Army at the GNY Officer’s Retreat at Star Lake Camp, NJ
CFOT Gospel Arts Elective Class
MOVE Again Dance Video Filming at THQ West Nyack, NY
March 2025
CFOT Gospel Arts Elective Class
Jesus Theatre Pre-Cast at THQ West Nyack, NY
MOVE Rehearsal Weekend at THQ West Nyack, NY
April 2025
Skeleton Army at NEO Women’s Retreat, OH
Divisional Star Search Adjudication, PRVI
Divisional Star Search Adjudication, NEO
Divisional Star Search Adjudication, WPA
at-a-glance cont’d.Year
May 2025
Divisional Star Search Adjudication, MAS
Divisional Star Search Adjudication, EMP
Divisional Star Search Adjudication, EPA
Jesus Theatre Training at Long Point Camp
MOVE at the NNE Youth Councils at Camp Sebago
GNY Donor Appreciation Engagement
Technical Assistance at the Service of Appointments Program
June
2025
Replay at the Hands On Orientation at THQ, West Nyack, NY
Replay at Camp Connri Staff Orientation
CAST Rehearsals & Orientation at THQ, West Nyack, NY
Kids 5 Advent Filming
Commissioning Tech Crew in Hershey, PA
Production Assistant at Commissioning in Hershey, PA
MOVE at Commissioning in Hershey, PA
Territorial Star Search Adjudication in Hershey, PA
Evergreen Booth in Hershey, PA
NJ Music & Arts Camp at Camp Tecumseh
July 2025
NEO Music & Arts Camp at Camp NEOSA, OH
Replay Hands On Debrief in OOB, ME
Old Orchard Beach Pier Festival & Camp Meetings
Arts Ministries, MOVE, CAST, Joy
August 2025
TAM Conservatory
September 2025
GNY Music & Arts Leadership Training Night
MOVE at the Territorial Young Adult Retreat
Worship Isn’t Just Music Workshop at the Territorial Young Adult Retreat
Skeleton Army at the 730 Event in the Southern Territory, Atlanta, GA
Skeleton Army at the National Advisory Board in Pittsburgh, PA
October-December 2024
GNY Divisional Dance
Leading into their Christmas production, Arts Ministries supported the Greater New York Divisional Dance Teams through weekly teaching and rehearsals.
February-March 2025
CFOT Gospel Arts Elective
The College for Officer Training’s Dance Elective was supported by a series of visitations from Arts Ministries.
workshops
24-25
January 2025
Southern Territory TMC
Renewing Vision and Creativity in Arts Ministry Leadership
Inspiring arts leaders to stay innovative, motivated, and effective in their roles through interactive activities, goal-setting exercises, and practical strategies for building corps-level leadership. Creative Arts Directors from the Southern Territory explored ways to rejuvenate their creativity, cultivate volunteers, and foster environments that encourage growth and collaboration.
September 2025
Territorial Young Adult Retreat
Worship Isn’t Just Mine
Diving into the heart of worship as a lifestyle, beyond music. Through personal stories, Scripture and creative reflection, young adults were encouraged to see their work, relationships, rest, and even struggles as acts of worship.
September
2025
GNY Music & Arts Leadership Training Night
Setting new arts programs up for success, the Greater New York Division came together to learn more about Evergreen and how to start a corps theatre program.
supporting the field
2
social mediaimpact
creative arts directors
In October, the Divisional Creative Arts Directors gathered at Times Square Corps for a time of learning, support, and fellowship. They began their morning with Joanna Polarek from the Spiritual Life Development Department in one-on-one spiritual guidance sessions before diving into their workshop with special guest, S. Blake Lanier (the Lanier Practice.) Under Blake’s leadership, the team explored a variety of different disciplines for sparking creativity and practicality for vision, mission, and program goals, while also learning how to combat creative burnout in the process. With budget constraints, future in-person gatherings have been postponed. However, Arts Ministries will still be gathering virtually! They are planning to launch an online platform featuring a series of Masterclasses. This will also allow other local arts leaders to participate as well. Keep an eye on our social media for updates!
“I didn’t realize how much I needed to converse with like-minded individuals and open up about my work experiences. I found everything to be extremely helpful because we’re all pretty much going through the same things.” - Anonymous DCAD
what’s next?
Arts Ministries is currently writing two new series to be released in 2026!
Lt. Tamara
McWhorter
“I genuinely mean it when I say, ‘I love Evergreen!’ It has made leading my drama class so much easier and more organized. I
especially appreciate that it includes devotionals. Having a busy schedule [makes it hard to plan ahead.] It’s a huge relief knowing the kids are receiving a well-rounded class without the added stress of planning everything myself.”
Produced by the Arts Ministries Bureau, Evergreen is a compilation of series designed for specific age groups, each with a unique biblical and arts focus. Developed to equip and empower officers/volunteers to produce quality arts programming at their Corps, Evergreen instructors require no special training and minimal preparation time. Lessons range from 45min-1hr each and are free to use throughout the territory. Arts Ministries hopes that Evergreen will create a positive crossover between Corps Sunday attendance and after-school programs, and prepare young artists for divisional dance/drama teams, Star Search and beyond! With a new series added every year, Evergreen will grow and branch out to reflect the needs and interests of budding creatives throughout the territory.
SERIES CATEGORIES
SERIES RESOURCES
The Starter Pack on our website contains everything you may need to get an Evergreen class started at your Corps, complete with attendance sheets and progress reports for every age group!
clocks
Each year, Arts Ministries partners with the Territorial Youth Department to develop and distribute a new Jesus Theatre. With this partnership, two events are held annually. The first event take place in March and is the Jesus Theatre PreCast where a new production is developed, and supporting materials are produced. Second, in May, we support the Territorial Youth Department as they host an Eastern Territory Jesus Theatre Training, which is designed for directors who will roll out Jesus Theatre with their own cast. This ministry has seen 5,321 commitments made to the Lord this year.
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes
This year’s Jesus Theatre production was titled “Clocks”. In this story, God is represented as the Clockmaker – the Master of Time. This imagery of God winding up the first big clock to set Creation in motion shows how He is in control of the marching of time. When creation steps out of time, Jesus, the Timekeeper, rescues them and restores the broken clocks at just the right time.
pre-cast attendees
Amy Wray - SWO
Victoria Leach - SWO
Serenity Valdes - PRVI
Chaya Jugenheimer - NEO
Nya Speller - EMP
Major Jennifer Rosamilia - THQ
Samuel Laro - THQ
Kyle Higgins - Co-Writer & Co-Director
Natalia Cruz - Co-Writer & Co-Director
Digging into the theme of Love Beyond for a second year in a row, the Old Orchard Beach Peir Festival was a true success through and through. A partnership between Arts Ministries, the Spiritual Life Development Department, Music Department, and the Youth Department, this three-hour variety show proclaimed the good news through creative expression and storytelling.
stage acts
Move Dance Company
CAST – Jesus Theatre
Joy
Unbound
Samuel Baptista – M.C.
Chris Noble
street ministry
Prayer Tent/Prayer Request Box
Face Painting
Giveaways
Children’s Stamp Activity
Children’s Experiment
Photo Opportunities
stats
12 Hours of Stage Time
7,000-8,000 Audience Members Reached
4 Shows
77 Scriptures Featured on Screen
8 Anonymous Prayer Requests Submitted
the Show
Starting with a family-focus, the program opened with sing and dance-along acts featuring character meet-and-greets and children’s music. As the night crept in, the performance content became more mature, featuring Jesus Theatre and more popular music.
This year, TAM Conservatory celebrated its 25th Anniversary! The theme of the week was Legacy. TAMC delegates and staff had the incredible honor of diving deeply into 2 Timothy 1:13-14 with guest speaker, (and original TAMC dance instructor from 2001-2007) Colonel Janet Munn.
80 Delegates
52 Staff (Chaperones & Program Staff)
7 Major Tracks
7 Electives
5 Soul Care Intensives
0 Behavior Issues
11 USE Commands
2 Out-of-Territory Delegates
18 Small Groups
“This year has been the best TAMC I’ve attended so far!”
- Anonymous Delegate
“TAMC25 was one of the best experiences of my life.”
- Anonymous Delegate
“I got an experience like no other.”
- Anonymous Delegate
awards
special guests
All eleven divisions were in attendance this year, including one international delegate and one delegate from the southern territory. TAM Conservatory expanded its programming to offer additional major tracks, soul care, and elective classes for delegates. The highlight of the week was Aladdin on Broadway, which was followed by a private talk-back with the cast! At the end of the week, TAM Conservatory hosted two live Finale performances. To commemorate the 25th anniversary, TAM Conservatory premiered its three-part Alumni Interview video special in partnership with the East Communications team, and hosted an Alumni Gathering for all TAM Conservatory delegates and instructors from 2000-present day.
80% of Delegates rated their Major Tracks a 5/5 experience
green family Foundation
This year, TAMC received its very first grant. With the support of the Green Family Foundation, every 2025 TAM Conservatory delegate received a half scholarship to attend, easing the financial burden on corps in the territory. Additionally, seven delegates from corps with greater need were granted a full scholarship.
The Arts Ministries Bureau is hard at work conceptualizing a new theme for next year! Applications and auditions for TAMC26 are expected to go live January 2026. Scan the QR code for more info.
Carol Jaudes Award 2025, Kyle Solano, MAS
Major Hollie Ruthberg Scholarship 2025, Araya Ward, EMP
Colonel Janet Munn, Devotions Ricardo Gil, Contemporary Worship
major
tracks
Dance - 26 Delegates
Theatre - 15 Delegates
Visual Arts - 7 Delegates
Live Audio Production - 7 Delegates
Contemporary Music - 17 Delegates
Stage Management - 3 Delegates
Arts Leadership - 5 Delegates
“[My major tracks was] a beautiful place to grow.” - Anonymous Delegate
evening programs
Saturday- Welcome Meeting
Sunday - Eli Morgan Show
Monday - Doug Berky
Tuesday - Worship
Wednesday - Broadway
Thursday - Variety Show
Friday - TAMC25 Finale
late night programs
Saturday - TAMC Bingo/Sideline Dodgeball
Sunday - Zumba/Auditions for Variety Show & Coffeehouse
Monday - Game Night
Tuesday - Coffeehouse
Thursday - Being a Christian Artist in a
Secular Setting, Costume Design
Friday - TAMC25 After-Party, Alumni Gathering
soul care
From Grace to Gratitude
Prayer Journaling
Stretching Your Faith
Movement & Prayer
Worship Jam
electives
Sewing 101
Creative Writing
Improv
Jazz Dance Jam Sesh
Afro Beats A Capella
“This week strengthened my faith in God.”
Delegate
Shayann Oxley, NEO (team leader)
Shaione Swanson, SWO
Ashley Brown, GNY
Rihanna McBean, GNY
Karimarielie Irizarry, PRV
Keniel Gonzalez, PRV stats
6 CAST Performers
23 Performances
5 weeks traveling
4 Divisions represented
579 Prayers of salvation/ reconciliation
In continued partnership with HandsOn ministry, this year our CAST25 team was sent to the PRVI Division. CAST introduced Jesus Theatre – Clocks to Puerto Rico, where they performed it 18 times around the whole island. They left a positive impact on those who received the story of Jesus in a new and innovative way, and after each performance many audience members made commitments to the Lord through prayer. After 5 meaningful weeks in the PRVI Division, they closed out their summer performing at OOB Camp Meetings and Pier Festival where they ministered to hundreds of children and their families.
“Serving on the Hands On CAST 2025 team was far more than leading a group of young adults or performing the Jesus Theater in different communities. It was a summer of deep transformation for me. The piece began to connect with my life, revealing both Gods goodness as well as the areas in my life that I need to trust him more.”
what’s next?
Hands On CAST 2026 applications are open until December 31, 2025. Scan the QR code to apply for a life-changing summer!
Shayann Oxley
Scan the QR code to visit the CAST webpage. Questions about this ministry? Contact natalia.cruz@use.salvationarmy.org
learn more
Scan the QR code to read the June 2025 issue of SAconnects featuring Joy at the New-York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.
“The Salvation Army’s Joy Performance at NY-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital has truly been a gift — a source of joy, hope, and inspiration for our deserving children and their families. In what can often be a difficult and uncertain time, the performance show creates moments of light and happiness, filling the hospital with joy that brightens the hearts of those who need it most. It offers more than just entertainment; it offers emotional relief, comfort, and a sense of connection. For our families, it’s a reminder that even in the midst of challenges, joy can still be found through entertainment. And for our staff, it brings a sense of unity, strengthening the bond between us all and reminding us of the healing power of compassion.”
Micaela Tabing
team
Resa Berry, Director
Cesia Rosamilia, Asst. Director
Kyle Higgins, Writer
Natalia Cruz, Choreographer
Doug Berry, Performer
Daniela Di Caterina, Performer
Martin Rosamilia, Performer
Luz Flechas, Performer
Laura Baptista, Performer
Matthew Rosamilia, Performer
Serenity Valdes, Performer
Jose Tavarez, Performer
Lydmarie Rivera, Performer
Elizabeth Higgins, Character
Nya Speller, Character
Karimarielie Irizarry, Character
get connected
Find more info about this ministry and ways to donate. Questions? Contact resa.berry@use.salvationarmy.org
joy
at the oob
Pier Festival
dancers
Natalia Cruz, Director
Chaya Jugenheimer, NEO
Captain Clifford Douglas, GNY
Captain Sarai Olmedo, GNY
Liana Padillo, GNY
Alondra Berberena, GNY
Nya Speller, EMP
Maddy Martinez, NJ
Maya Jackson, NJ
Raelys Rodríguez, PRVI
Serenity Valdés, PRVI
Meghan Pastin, EPA
2025 bookings
March 28-30
Rehearsal Weekend
May 30-June 1
NNE Youth Councils
June 6-8
Commissioning Weekend
July 24-27
OOB Camp Meetings & Pier Festival
September 12-14
Territorial Young Adult Retreat
2023-2024 choreographers
Natalia Cruz
Chaya Jugenheimer
Liana Padillo
Serenity Valdes
Maddy Martinez (soloist)
featured dancers in the Again music video
Colonel Janet Munn
Major Soo J. Kim
Captain Tabitha Swires
Kathryn Higgins
Erin Morgan
Scan the QR code for more information. Questions? Contact natalia.cruz@use.salvationarmy. org what’s next?
“Being part of MOVE this 2025 season was truly a healing experience. In a time when life felt heavy, God reminded me to seek Him through the best way I know how — through dance. Worshiping through movement restored my spirit and reminded me to be patient and trust that He will make a way because He always comes through. ‘I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.’ Jeremiah 29:11”
Maddy Martinez
Performing at a wide range of engagements, RePlay has transformed personal stories into moving art all over the Territory. From an Adult Rehab Center Retreat in Pennsylvania to the Divisional Youth Leaders Gathering, playback theatre has asked the question, “Where did you see the Lord move?” We’ve been blown away by the responses.
“That was exactly how it felt.”
impact on Adult Rehabilitation Centers
RePlay has a particularly profound effect on individuals in recovery centers, where participants are often processing significant emotional and psychological challenges. Those in recovery often have hit a self-proclaimed rock bottom, have limited resources, and often have lost contact with their support system. RePlay has been proven to be so effective in aiding those in recovery, that ARCs invite the team to come back over and over. Administrators have commented on the impact of the experience, noting many individuals who really committed to recovery only after experiencing RePlay.
why is it so impactful?
team
Kathryn Higgins, Director Jonathon Shaffstall, Co-Director
Samuel Laro, Production Administrator
Karen Krinjak & Major Phil Ferreira, Musicians
Players: Natalia Cruz, Liana Padillo, Kyle Higgins, Colonel Christine Rock, Evelyn Stickland, Christopher Monroe.
tour
Oct. 6, 2024 DYL
Oct. 15, 2024 GNY DHQ Officers Retreat, Star Lake
Oct. 30, 2024 Paterson ARC
Dec. 12, 2025 NJ DHQ Christmas Party
Jan. 24, 2025 Manhattan ARC
Jun. 09, 2025 HandsOn Orientation
Jun. 14, 2025 Camp Connri Staff Orientation
Jul. 2025 HandsOn Debrief
what’s next?
Fosters Emotional Healing: Seeing personal stories performed helps participants feel seen, heard, and understood. This validation can break down emotional barriers and foster a sense of connection.
Encourages Vulnerability: Many participants open up about deeply personal experiences for the first time, finding a therapeutic release through the shared act of storytelling and performance.
Builds Community: Replay sessions create a communal atmosphere where participants feel less isolated in their struggles. Watching others’ stories unfold helps foster empathy and solidarity.
Promotes Self-Reflection: The dramatization of personal stories often offers participants new perspectives on their experiences, aiding in emotional growth and recovery.
Replay is always looking to expand their roster of musicians and players. Scan the QR code to learn more about this ministry. Interested in booking Replay? Contact samuel.laro@use.salvationarmy.org
This original two-person musical, produced by The Salvation Army Eastern Territory, has been running since it opened off-Broadway in 2018. In January, they performed a three-show run at Asbury University, where the original creative team was brought in, including writer John Copeland, composer Len Ballantine, and director Brad Cain. Collectively, they spoke with the students and engaged in a lively talkback after a sold-out show. This was a highlight of the year.
“Charlie was me.”
8 Shows
6 Commands
1050 Est. Audience Members
what’s next?
Scan the QR code to learn more about Skeleton Army. Interested in booking this production? Contact samuel. laro@use.salvationarmy.org with your request.
“I don’t normally get emotional during stuff like this. But this was different.”
Anonymous Officer
tour
Dec. 13, 2024 THQ Christmas Gathering West Nyack, New York
Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2025 Asbury University, Wilmore, Kentucky
Feb. 15, 2025 GNY Officers Retreat, Star Lake Camp, NJ
Apr. 5, 2025 NEOSA Women’s Retreat, Ohio
Sept. 6, 2025 Southern Territory 730 Weekend Atlanta, Georgia
Sept. 25, 2025 National Advisory Board, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania stats
In honor of Carol’s legacy and her tireless dedication to cultivating arts ministry, the Carol Jaudes Award was instituted in 2024. This year’s TAM Conservatory scholarship in her name was awarded to Kyle Solano, an Arts Leadership delegate from the Massachusetts division, who demonstrated the highest level of excellence. Always prompt, present, and prepared, Kyle embodied the spirit of TAM Conservatory, echoing the memory of who Carol was.
Scholarship the major hollie ruthberg
Scan the QR code to contribute to the CJ Award, an annual scholarship for a delegate in the Eastern Territory to attend TAM Conservatory.
Major Hollie’s first love was the Lord and then with that, ministry through the arts. She had a talent of seeing a need and filling it, and she applied that passion through costume design and creation at TAM Conservatory. Her sensitivity to individual needs, attention to detail and dedication to the Lord was unmatched. She elevated the art and through that elevated people. The Major Hollie Ruthberg Scholarship awards a costume design or dance major delegate with automatic placement and full scholarship to the Territorial Arts Ministries Conservatory the following year. The very first recipient of this award in her name was presented to Araya Ward, a Dance major delegate from the Empire Division.
Scan the QR code to contribute to the Hollie Ruthberg Scholarship, an annual scholarship for a delegate in the Eastern Territory to attend TAM Conservatory.
Territory arts throughout the empire
Creative Arts in the Empire Division continues to flourish and grow! From the start of dance programs to a brand new Divisional Drama Group called Empire Drama, there’s an excitement and yearning for more creative learning. The Lord is revealing himself through every dance troupe, theater, and acting class. His faithfulness is evident!
“I am always amazed and blown away by how dance continues to grow more each year! When I first began in 2024, Music Camp had only 2 dance groups, Beginner and Intermediate, with around 15 -17 dancers in each. This past summer of 2025, I added an additional dance group, which consisted of 16 dancers, the intermediate group grew to 21 dancers, and the advanced group had 13 dancers. My only thought was “WOW GOD!” In anticipation of further growth, next year, my aim is to have four dance classes for Music Camp: Pre-Beginner Dance, Beginner Dance, Intermediate Dance, and Advanced Dance!”
“Dance has
made a great difference in my life because it’s a way for me to worship God, and it is even more meaningful to know that I can praise the Lord in that way with others that feel the same way too.”
RileyHudson
eastern pennsylvania & delaware
EPA has seen continued growth in their arts ministries, both on the corps and divisional levels. They are delighted to welcome Julia Swyers as their new Assistant Divisional Creative Arts Director and look forward to seeing her impact in the division. Star Search 2025 saw an increase from last year in participants in every arts category, most pleasing being the Drama monologues which increased by 150%. They introduced art as a new major at Ladore Music & Arts Camp this year to great success with 17 art students. Their other arts majors at camp saw dramatic increase in students, with 36 for Drama, 18 for Dance, 10 for Step, and 5 for Timbrels. For our 2025-2026 season, in addition to our Prep Academy Dance & Prep Academy Drama programs, they are implementing two levels of Youth Dance and Youth Drama due to demand. They also hope to implement a Senior Drama group that will regularly meet throughout the year.
“After nearly six years without children’s programs, we relaunched Youth
Music
and Arts with a fresh,
simple,
and engaging
ap-
proach—and
the response
has
been incredible. Not only are the kids eager to learn and grow, but their excitement, spiritual growth, and boosted confidence have been truly inspiring. Their enthusiasm after participating in Start Search for the first time shows just how impactful these programs have been, and they’re already looking forward to what’s next.”
Captain Neil Childs
greater new york
The GNY Division is blessed to have a thriving arts ministry at the Corps and Divisional levels. They had the privilege of joining together with the Territorial Youth Department to have their Junior Music & Creative Arts Conservatory students record audio and video of new songs about the eleven Doctrines of The Salvation Army. They performed their pieces with creative & fun choreography, as well as solo and group dance elements. These videos will be shared with thousands of young people around the world and will have a huge ministry impact thanks to the inclusion of the arts.
northeast ohio
NEOSA welcomed Chaya Jugenheimer as their new Creative Arts Director this year, and she is bringing a new energy to the arts to the division! This summer, they held their first arts conservatory since COVID-19, welcoming 13 young artists representing 18 corps. At Music and Arts Camp, a total of 45 campers signed up for dance!
“Chaya’s passion for the arts has transformed the children in the Neosa Division…Through her leadership, the children have become more involved, finding confidence and joy in their artistic abilities. The arts have opened their eyes to new possibilities, helping them grow in ways that words alone cannot. As Psalm 33:3 says, ‘Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.’ Chaya’s work is helping our children do just that—find their voice and joy through art.”
Maya Jackson
northern new england
The 2024-2025 program season was a fantastic year in Northern New England. Over the past few years they have been focusing on revamping their DYMA (Divisional Youth Music and Arts) program, which has been well-supported and well-attended across the division. This year their main focus was to launch adult-focused, higher-level Divisional ensembles, which included: NNE Dance Class, NNE Drama Class, NNE Timbrels, NNE Songsters, as well as the NNE Divisional Band (which started the year prior.) Seventeen out of twenty corps in the Division were represented.
“As
an adult who still has a desire to participate in Arts ministries and has children doing the same, I appreciate the way Northern New England has, in the DYMA program, seamlessly married those two programs while addressing the constant struggle of Corps being physically far away from each other. This fosters a beautiful comradery and fellowship of Artists as well as Divisional unity.”
Krista Zeh
new jersey
This past year, the New Jersey Divisional Dance Team had the opportunity to partner with choreographer, Erin Morgan, to present an original, 40-minute dance piece called, The Story of Jesus. Like the name suggests, the piece shared the life, ministry, and victory of Jesus Christ. It challenged believers to dig deep and question if they truly believe in the miraculous story of our Savior. The dance team had the privilege to take The Story of Jesus on the road and present it to several divisional and corps events in 2025.
The piece challenged and inspired not only the hearts of those who watched it, but also the dancers. Now, they have the opportunity to share the piece with other divisions in the territory.
puerto rico & virgin islands
This year, for the first time, PRVI brought Fortissimo dancers on their Christmas Concert tour through malls around the island. Previously, only the band participated. This Christmas, they plan to bring the drama team to perform a fourty-minute special, “Que Quieres Para La Navidad”. For the first time, this will showcase all of PRVI’s divisional groups. They will be performing an original, comedic, and meaningful show in about eight locations around the island.
PRVI also started hosting Fortissimo Dance/Drama in 4 new corps this year. In addition, they had 40 participants registered in arts majors during music and arts camp, with choreodrama opening as a new major!
“Over the past year, I have witnessed incredible growth in the arts, both at the Corps level and across the PRVI division. I have personally seen people discover talents they never knew they had, and how this discovery has strengthened other areas of their lives. The power of the arts to inspire and change lives has never been more evident.”
Captain Melanie Ortiz
“The growth of the divisional groups is evident—congratulations. The dance performed by the divisional group is one of the best we’ve had in several years.”
- Anonymous PRVI Arts Enthusiast
“We are seeing how the Lord is bringing people together to form and experience meaningful pieces of art like “Todo El Que Cree” or “Que Quieres Para La Navidad?! During rehearsals, our artists have been diving deep into devotionals and testimonials to truly understand the meaning of our art. We produced this new version of “Todo El Que Cree” through a week long intensive with an entirely new cast. [They were] completely immersed into scripture and praised every night as we would gather to sing and share testimonies. This truly helped our cast bond and also tell the story of Jesus with real and raw emotions.”
Serenity Valdes
star searchgrowth
southwest ohio & northeast kentucky
“It has been a joy to watch the expressions of worship in the lives of the children, youth, and adults around the Swoneky Division! One way we saw this growth was the addition of a Youth Drama group in Swoneky and also a Dance Collective of adults. Our worship bands are also thriving. We have been intentional about setting up a framework that offers opportunities at all learning stages. For example, our Junior SWAT (Swoneky Worship Arts Training) offers ukulele instruction, Youth SWAT offers a guitar class, and they can also audition to be part of a Youth Band that we call the Spark Band. It’s been cool to see this Spark Band lead worship at events like Youth Councils and Family Camp!”
AmyWray
western pennsylvania
Creative Arts in WPA had a strong presence in local Corps as well as the Greater Pittsburgh Music School and our Westmoreland County JAM nights (Jesus Arts Music). The latter two programs allow multiple corps to come together, offering free music, dance and drama experiences for community children. From there, children become eligible to attend their monthly Divisional Music and Arts days and are encouraged to participate in Star Search. At WPAs Music and Arts Camp, they provided multiple dance, drama and choreodrama classes to meet the high demand. For the first time, they offered a two-week Creative Arts Conservatory where fourteen delegates performed a production of The Lion King Kids. During rehearsals, they developed their dance and drama technique, attended professional theatre, and most importantly, focused on discipleship; using the arts for evangelism and worship. This year, WPA has seen a boom in the number of participants in drama and will be opening up a Senior and Junior Drama track for future Divisional Music and Arts days.
For many years in a row, the same boy has attended WPA’s Music and Arts Camp and always chosen to participate in the drama track. Unfortunately, beyond camp, he never connected with his local corps and or attended any other events or programs. This year, after performing in the Advanced Drama class at Music Camp, WPA’s Creative Arts Director Denise Allen, was able to sign him up for Creative Arts Conservatory the following week, where they would be performing the Lion King. The boy ended up cast in a lead role and loved his two weeks at Conservatory. Since then, he has been attending his local corps every Sunday and even bringing his dad along. Recently, he participated in the service by reading scripture. He now also plans to attend WPAs monthly Divisional Music and Arts Days with his corps.
Statisticsdivisional
Although arts participation suffered a near-total collapse in 2021 because of pandemic restrictions, the eastern territory is beginning to see promising growth. According to recent statistics, most divisions in the eastern territory are now exceeding pre-pandemic levels in at least one major art form from 2022-2025.
eastern Stateempire
The Empire division experienced the highest overall increase in visual arts in comparison to all other divisions for the 2024-2025 program year. EMP more than tripled their attendance numbers to 881 with multiple increases in other areas.
From 2021-2025, the Empire division had the highest overall post-pandemic growth statistics with balanced and rapid expansion in all areas.
Eastern Pennsylvania experienced the fourth highest theatre participation in the territory during the 2024-2025 program year with 1,345 attendees.
From 2021-2025, the EPA division saw a strong and steady increase in all metrics with theatre partipation doubling.
During the 2024-2025 program year, the Greater New York division had the highest visual arts attendance in the Eastern territory with 963 participants. They also experienced the second highest in theatre attendance in the territory with 3,173 participants, and second highest in dance attendance with 5,734 participants.
From 2021-2025, the GNY division maintained the highest total volume of arts participants across the eastern territory surpassing all other divisions.
NY greater northeast Englandnorthern new
massachusetts
During the 2024-2025 program year, theatre participation in the MAS division nearly doubled with 1,108 attendees.
Since 2021, the MAS division experienced the greatest surge in theatre with a +906% growth.
Ohio
During the 2024-2025 program year, the Northeast Ohio division experienced the highest theatre engagement in the eastern territory with 5,356 attendees.
Between the years of 2021-2025, the NEO division experienced a dramatic post-pandemic rebound with +702% theatre meetings and +634% in dance attendance.
The 2024-2025 program year showed great interest in theatre participation for the Northern New England division. Dance statistics also indicate notable post-pandemic growth that will continue to surpass previous years.
Jerseynew
The New Jersey division continues to see growth in all areas of arts attendance. During the 2024-2025 program year, the NJ division was one of the top three divisions for dance with 3,231 participants, and theatre participation with 1,539 attendees.
Since 2021, strong interdisciplinary post-pandemic growth with visual arts is emerging as a new strength.
puerto rico & virgin
During the 2024-2025 program year, the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands division reached top overall growth in all arts categories. In comparison to other divisions in the territory, PRV had the highest recorded dance attendance with 6,448 dancers.
Islands
Since 2021, PRV is the leading division in rebuilding growth after the pandemic. In addition to the 578% increase in dance attendance, PRV also saw similar leaps in participation in both theatre and visual arts.
Kentuckysouthwest ohio &
The Southwest Ohio & Kentucky division saw consistent increases in theatre participation during the 2024-2025 program year.
Since 2021, the SWO division has seen steady and promising growth in dance and visual arts.
western
Pennsylvania
The WPA division experienced a strong upward trend in both theatre and dance for the 20242025 program year.
Overall, there has been a notable multi-year rise in dance meetings and attendance with +421% since 2021.
Statisticstheater Statisticsdance
Statisticsvisual arts
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USA Eastern Territory
Commissioners Ralph E. & Susan L. Bukiewicz
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