Hylton Center

Mason Artists-in-Residence

Community Engagement

The Hylton Center Announces Engagement Activities with Acclaimed Dance Company PHILADANCO!

Zoe Harr — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:28:42 +0000

The Hylton Center Announces Engagement Activities with Acclaimed Dance Company PHILADANCO! Zoe Harr Wed, 02/28/2024 - 14:28

PHILADANCO! dancer

The Philadelphia Dance Company, better known as PHILADANCO!, is widely recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances. On March 15, PHILADANCO! will perform a dynamic program at the Hylton Center and, as a Hylton Center Artist-in-Residence.

Formed in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, a barrier-breaking African American ballet dancer, PHILADANCO! launched to provide artistic opportunities for Black dancers who were denied membership in local dance schools. In the company’s Hylton Center debut, PHILADANCO!’s “impressively skilled dancers” (New York Times) will present Francisco Gella’s Seasons, set to Max Richter’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons;" Ephrat Asherie’s out-side-in, an exuberant, theatrical version of breaking and house dancing; Ray Mercer’s This Place, a festive and technically challenging work set to Bongi Duma’s music; and Anthony Burrell’s Conglomerate, which he calls “a rich history of Black Dance in Philadelphia.”

PHILADANCO!’s Artistic Director, Kim Y. Bears-Bailey, expands upon the company’s excitement to be a 2023–24 Artist-in-Residence. She notes, “PHILADANCO! is thrilled to have an opportunity to connect with the Hylton and ��ӽ紫ý communities of all ages through the Art of Dance & Conversations. These interactions will have a long-lasting effect on all. PHILADANCO!’s performance will indeed be an exciting culmination of this amazing interactive week."

“PHILADANCO! is a legendary dance company with a strong and longstanding commitment to education. We are looking forward to the company sharing their expertise and artistic vision with our community members.”
-Hylton Center Education Coordinator, Marit Majeske

As an Artist-in-Residence, the artists will work with the community through classes and workshops surrounding their Hylton Center performance, which includes the following engagement highlights:

Lifelong Learning Institute of Manassas (LLI) Lecture Demonstration

Company members will lead a class about the history of the company, along with a discussion of the repertoire that will be part of their Hylton Presents performance on March 15. This class will also include gentle movement for those who wish to participate.

Masterclass with ��ӽ紫ý School of Dance

Dance majors from Mason School of Dance will participate in masterclasses with members of the company.

Visit to Hunters Woods Elementary School

First grade students from Hunters Woods Elementary School in Reston will participate in an interactive movement session and watch a short demonstration from members of the company. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions from the artists.

Colgan High School Dance Masterclass

Dance students from Colgan High School’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts program will participate in a masterclass with members of the company.

Masterclass at the Dance Institute of Washington

The Hylton Center and Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) will collaborate to offer a masterclass with members of the company for Intermediate to Advanced D.C. dancers as part of DIW's Community on 14th programming—an initiative that provides networking and training opportunities through dance classes, seminars, workshops, talkbacks, and discussions that facilitates creative careers in dance and the arts for D.C. talent.

Conversation with the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce

PHILADANCO! founder and Artistic Advisor Joan Myers Brown will participate in a moderated conversation with members of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.

Get your tickets today for PHILADANCO!’s electrifying Hylton Center performance on March 15, plus enjoy watching their talented group of dancers below:

A pre-performance discussion with PHILADANCO! Artistic Director Kim Y. Bears-Bailey and Rehearsal Director Tracy Vogt, moderated by Mason School of Dance Professor Lawrence M. Jackson, will take place one hour prior to the performance.

Learn more about the Hylton Center's Artist-in Residence program and how these residencies create spaces for transformational experiences to happen.

In This Story

Marit Majeske

Buy Tickets

Learn More About Artist-in-Residence Program

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Artist in Residence

Koko H. Beetle Honors the Hylton Center’s Community Contributions

Zoe Harr — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:26:00 +0000

Koko H. Beetle Honors the Hylton Center’s Community Contributions Zoe Harr Wed, 02/07/2024 - 12:26

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/��ӽ紫ý.

Audiences at the Hylton Center will soon see a unique name adorning the halls of the Education and Rehearsal Wing. An anonymous donor has recently included the Hylton Center in their estate plans, and as such, the Hylton Center has recognized their outstanding generosity by naming the first of two classrooms in the Education and Rehearsal Wing the “Koko H. Beetle Classroom.”

But who is Koko H. Beetle? “It’s three names, really,” shared the anonymous benefactor. “'Koko’ is a cat—an adopted stray named for the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. ‘H’ stands for Hobie, another adopted stray cat and short for Rehoboth, Delaware, a favorite place to visit. And ‘Beetle’ is one of my child’s nicknames since they were little.”

When asked what inspired them to remember the Hylton Center in their estate plans, the longtime donor and patron responded, “You can’t take it with you… we are really happy with what we have… and someone else can have the rest.”

Having grown up in a city surrounded by world-class arts, they recognized the Hylton Center as a true asset to the people in the City of Manassas, Prince William County, and its surrounding community. This donor hopes that their gift will help the Hylton Center continue its mission to stimulate and transform the cultural and economic vitality of the region after their lifetime. Inviting others, especially children who may not otherwise attend, honors their own experience growing up and extends their lifelong tradition of volunteerism and helping others.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/��ӽ紫ý.

They shared that their own child (that same “Beetle!”) practically grew up at the Hylton Center, attending performances and even performing on stage. That early introduction to the arts sparked a passion that is still alight today, manifested through continued participation as a performer and frequent audience member.

The parent-child duo worked side by side in making decisions about how they would plan for the future. “We live in a modest house, we live below our means… we decided that we would leave the bulk of our estate to be put to good use in the community.” They noted being inspired by others who have lived quietly and donated the majority of their wealth. Between a scholarship at “Beetle’s” alma mater—and now this outstanding support of the Hylton Center—the Hylton Center team very much looks forward to honoring these donors and making good on their desire to “put it to good use.”

��ӽ紫ý’s Office of Planned Giving is here to answer any questions you may have about how you can make an impact on the Hylton Center through an estate gift—no matter the size.

Learn more about Planned Giving

For any additional questions about planned giving at the Hylton Center, contact our team at mylegacy@gmu.edu.

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philanthropy

Hylton Center raises more than $200,000 at 13th Anniversary Gala

Colleen Rich — Wed, 03 May 2023 17:57:53 +0000

Hylton Center raises more than $200,000 at 13th Anniversary Gala Colleen Rich Wed, 05/03/2023 - 13:57

The Hylton Performing Arts Center on ��ӽ紫ý's Science and Technology Campus welcomed more than 250 to its 13th Anniversary Gala on April 28.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center celebrated its 13th anniversary with a gala on April 28. Photo by Melisa Pasero Photography

In addition to honoring Carlos Castro and the Jacquemin Family Foundation, the event raised more than $200,000, which will support performances and programs at the Hylton Center, including the Education Initiative and Veterans and the Arts Initiative. Ten percent of the net proceeds will also fund the Hylton Center’s Endowment, ensuring excellence now and in the years to come.

“We have been so proud to have another banner year of performances—our first fully back in person season since the onset of the pandemic," said Hylton Center Executive Director Rick Davis, dean of Mason's College of Visual and Performing Arts. "[This season included] an outstanding variety of works from our local arts partners, meaningful workshops and programs from our Veterans and the Arts Initiative and Education Initiative, student performances by Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, and so much more.”

He continued, “And tonight, we gather in the place where so many of these wonderful experiences happened—the creative space that is a direct result of your dedication, your generosity, your love for this community. I am grateful to be in the company of those who understand the importance of the arts in shaping future generations."

Hylton Executive Board Chair Sheyna Burt and Rick Davis, executive director of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Photo by Melisa Pasero Photography

In addition to an elegant cocktail reception in the Didlake Grand Foyer and a special dinner on the Merchant Hall stage, the 13th Anniversary Gala included an honoree tribute, Raise Your Paddle fundraiser, and a live auction featuring a chance to win The Green Machine Experience package. The evening also featured performances by The Green Machine’s own Dirty Gold Brass Band and Green and Gold Soul, as well as a special performance by vocalist and Mason’s Director of Jazz Studies Darden Purcell, accompanied by her faculty colleague, pianist Wade Beach.

The gala was supported by many regional businesses and individual donors, including Presenting Sponsor Compton & Duling, L.C. Catering was provided by Susan Gage Caterers, with signature cocktails by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits.

Dedicated to bringing a world-class performing arts venue to the Prince William region, the Hylton Performing Arts Center was born out of a partnership among Mason, Prince William County, the City of Manassas, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and individuals and businesses in the private sector. The only building of its kind in the area, the Hylton Center has quickly become the cultural hub of Prince William County and the surrounding communities and is a shining example of civic collaboration and commitment to the arts.

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Human Resources and Payroll

Jacqueline Connor is the February Employee of the Month

Emma Michels — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:03:38 +0000

Jacqueline Connor is the February Employee of the Month Emma Michels Wed, 02/01/2023 - 12:03

Jacqueline Connor exemplifies what it means to be a strong leader.

President Washington with February Employee of the Month Jacqueline Connor. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Connor is the corporate relations officer and development manager for the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Science and Technology Campus. In this role, she not only manages relationships and corporate partnerships, she also represents the Hylton Center and the Science and Technology Campus by creating network opportunities and building participation through marketing and communications. Colleagues say her positive attitude, determination, and strong work ethic is what makes her an important member of the Mason community.

Connor was also commended for her work on SciTech’s 50th anniversary celebration held at the Hylton Center last fall. For going above and beyond and being a well-rounded team player, Connor has been recognized as February Employee of the Month.

“Jacque serves both the Hylton Center and the SciTech Campus by consistently developing strong relationships with the community and companies based in Prince William County on behalf of Mason,” said Mercedes Price, director of corporate and foundation relations in Mason’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “She is a delight to work with and is passionate about making a name for Mason in the region, and helping make Prince William County a better place to live, work, and play.”

“Jacque has continually looked for ways to expand her responsibilities and contribute more to the overall SciTech Campus’s mission success.” said Ronald Carmichael, director of administration and operations for the Science and Technology Campus. “She truly understands the importance of excellent corporate relations and demonstrates this quality at every opportunity.”

“Jacque has been the model of good preparation, effective execution, and thorough follow-up.” said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “She does it all with a forward-looking, positive, can-do attitude that is so much a part of the Mason spirit.”

How you got to Mason:

I was looking for a part-time position when my children were in elementary school, so I would have more flexibility to attend school events and was hired by the Hylton Center as a development assistant. While I’ve been primarily with the Hylton Center since I began, in 2019, my role was expanded to support the entire SciTech Campus.

Best day on the Job:

Any time I can help give tours of the SciTech Campus! I love when people see the Hylton Center for the first time and get to stand on the stage. I also enjoy letting people know all great things we have to offer—on ALL Mason’s campuses!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The pride I get representing the largest, most diverse university in the commonwealth, that really makes a difference in people’s lives. I truly enjoy sharing the Mason story with the community and corporate partners. I even managed to embarrass my daughter when we were on a tour of the State Capitol and the docent mentioned that ��ӽ紫ý was the 2nd largest university in the commonwealth. Of course, I had to correct her!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I spend most of my time cheering on my kids in track and volleyball. When we don’t have a meet or tournament, we like to travel, camp, hike, canoe, and generally spend time outside. My husband and I look forward to rediscovering other interests when our youngest heads to college in 2024!

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Employee of the Month

Faculty and Staff News

Spotlight on Artist-in-Residence Terrance Simien

Tionge Johnson — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:28:26 +0000

Spotlight on Artist-in-Residence Terrance Simien Tionge Johnson Fri, 01/06/2023 - 16:28

Artist-in-Residence Terrance Simien

For nearly 40 years, two-time GRAMMY Award-winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien, who will perform on the Hylton’s American Roots Series on February 25, has been shattering myths about what indigenous Zydeco music is—and is not. It most certainly is American roots music, born of the Black and mixed race French-speaking Creoles of South Louisiana. It’s exhilarating and complex and diverse. It’s inclusive.

“If you’re French, you’re part of it. If you’re African, you’re part of it, Native American, Spanish, German, you’re a part of it,” Simien said in an interview with Connect Savannah. “I think people subliminally, when they hear the music, if they’re from any of these cultures they connect with it. It’s an Old World sound, and people can identify with that immediately. Something about the medicine in the music that people can feel, you know?”

Born in 1965 in Mallet, Louisiana, into the hippie folk and soul music era that still intrigues him to this day, Simien’s interest in Zydeco roots music was piqued at age 13 after sneaking into music clubs to listen to local bands where he fell in love with the music’s danceability, broadly accepting ethos, and laid-back vibe. He learned to play the accordion and started assembling a band, followed by touring professionally at 18, and by 20, he was already sharing the stage with Fats Domino and Sarah Vaughn at the Bern Jazz Festival. After that, his career exploded.

In the decades since, Simien and his band have made music with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Los Lobos, Dr. John, Marcia Ball, and Dave Matthews Band, to name just a few. Their music has been featured in TV commercials and a dozen or more films, including the blockbuster The Big Easy. Simien has won two GRAMMY Awards, played on more than 20 albums, and appeared in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog as a guest singer on the Zydeco-inflected track “Gonna Take You There.” Simien also created Creole for Kidz, a multicultural performing arts program that has reached more than half a million students around the world.

Not only is Terrance Simien a renowned musician and performer, he’s a natural teacher, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Hylton Center as both a world-class artist and an Artist-in-Residence, where he and his band will work with students in the community through interactive classes and workshops that share the Creole culture of South Louisiana and Zydeco culture.

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Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)

AWS Girls’ Tech Day Virginia at Hylton Center inspires nearly 400 girls and young women to pursue STEAM

Colleen Rich — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:53:36 +0000

AWS Girls’ Tech Day Virginia at Hylton Center inspires nearly 400 girls and young women to pursue STEAM Colleen Rich Mon, 11/14/2022 - 09:53

The Hylton Performing Arts Center at ��ӽ紫ý’s Science and Technology Campus is normally bustling with performances from local, national, and international artists. On October 1, the venue was filled with a different kind of energy.

Nearly 400 girls and women interested in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) gathered to participate in Girls’ Tech Day Virginia, hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The initiative, in partnership with the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation (SPARK), as well as other local organizations, aims to inspire school-aged girls and young women to pursue careers in STEAM.

Girls' Tech Day attendees got to work a mock crime scene. Photo by AWS

The event offered panels and workshops with Mason faculty and STEAM professionals. Workshops included “Who’s the Artist? Engineer or Machine” and “The Real CSI,” the latter offering a dive into what it is like to be a forensic scientist turning the Merchant Hall stage into a mock crime scene.

The event also gave attendees opportunities to build coding experience and included professional development with resume building and complimentary headshots.

“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with the talented young ladies who participated in the AWS Girls’ Tech Day,” said Kelly Knight, associate professor of forensic science at Mason and facilitator of “The Real CSI” workshop. “As I looked out into the audience and saw the excitement in their eyes, I couldn't help but think about how meaningful an event like this would have been to me as a young girl.”

Since 2018, Girls’ Tech Day has reached nearly 7,000 girls and young women ages 8-24 to motivate, excite, and inspire them to pursue careers in STEAM. A free program, the first Girls’ Tech Day took place at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in partnership with AWS, who also supports the Hylton Center’s Education Initiative and other programs. Ongoing support from AWS helps make arts accessible to local students and schools at the Hylton Center and throughout local communities.

“We were excited to host this event in collaboration with the Hylton Center to support students in Prince William County, building on our ongoing efforts to bring STEAM education opportunities to young learners,” said Cornelia Robinson, global lead of inclusion and outreach for AWS. “Women represent a quarter or less of workers in computing and engineering, and we want to do our part to inspire and support students and young women in the communities we call home.”

Nearly 400 girls and women interested in STEAM gathered to participate in Girls’ Tech Day Virginia. Photo by AWS

Girls’ Tech Day is just one part of a collection of initiatives AWS is leading to promote STEAM education in Virginia. In 2019, Prince William County opened the first AWS Think Big Space to further promote and cultivate an interest in STEAM disciplines through hands-on learning. Since then, AWS has funded 38 spaces globally and is looking to establish even more in Northern Virginia.

“The Hylton Center Education Initiative is 100% supported by philanthropy,” said Hylton Center Education Coordinator Marit Majeske. “The lead sponsorship of AWS enables the Hylton Center to reach students from early elementary to lifelong learners with in-person field trips, virtual field trips, master classes, lecture demonstrations, and residencies. We are grateful for their support of our goal to bring the arts to students in our community.”

Connecting with students at an early age is especially meaningful for Knight.

“When I was their age, there weren't many events that were not only created for girls but that were also free, and I think that's an important point,” she said. “It’s wonderful to have STEAM outreach programs, but if they aren't accessible, we are missing the point. Programs such as this allow girls to not only see the possibilities but to also remind them that they belong in STEAM regardless of their background.”

Learn more about AWS Girls’ Tech Day.

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Amazon

Amazon Web Services

TTIP

Tech Talent Investment Program

STEAM

Forensic Sciences Program

Introducing a New Look for Mason Arts at Home!

Kirstin Franko — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:40:47 +0000

Introducing a New Look for Mason Arts at Home! Kirstin Franko Wed, 11/09/2022 - 14:40

In This Story

Adrienne Bryant Godwin

Create Free Mason Arts at Home Account

More Information and FAQs

Mason Arts at Home is an online platform and “digital venue” featuring curated arts experiences, including livestreamed concerts, releases of previously recorded content, behind-the-scenes talks with artists, and more. It features both free and pay-to-view options from professional touring artists from the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center, as well as faculty, students, and alumni from ��ӽ紫ý’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

“Over the past few years, artists and audiences learned that we didn’t need a theater to be able to engage with inspiring artistic works,” shared Director of Audience Programming Adrienne Bryant Godwin. “After launching Mason Arts at Home in April 2020, we quickly learned the incalculable benefits of providing access to high quality arts programming on a digital platform. As we have returned to in-person performances, we are committed to continuing offer opportunities for professional artists and our students and faculty to share their work with audiences across the globe on this digital platform, furthering the College’s mission to advance the study, creation, performance, and exhibition of the arts.”

Mason Arts at Home is a constantly evolving digital resource to experience the arts at Mason. Create a free account and explore the current archival offerings in addition to two upcoming performances which offer a pay-to-view limited release: Mason School of Theater’s upcoming performance of Sutta and the Hylton Center’s A Celtic Christmas with Seán Heely.

For more information, including frequently asked questions about the new platform, visit the Center for the Arts' Mason Arts at Home website.

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Mason Arts at Home

Center for the Arts

Director's Corner

Tionge Johnson — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 19:48:10 +0000

Director's Corner Tionge Johnson Thu, 11/03/2022 - 15:48

Rick Davis, Dean and Executive Director.

Thankfully Yours

When the calendar tips over into November (and the Hallowe’en candy is either eaten or put into the freezer to be forgotten), we inevitably begin to think about the Next Big Holiday, Thanksgiving. Food, family, football, and festivities abound, and for those of us fortunate enough to be able to indulge in our choice of abundance, it is truly a special time.

It’s also good to remember those for whom “abundance” is not a regular visitor. We have a long tradition at the Hylton Center of partnering with local service organizations and charities to collect needed items during the holiday season, and we will be continuing that this year. As the Big Days approach, look for a Big Box in the Didlake Grand Foyer and, on your next visit, drop off whatever our partner charity identifies as its area of greatest need. Sometimes it’s food, sometimes household necessities, sometimes warm coats and scarves and stocking caps.

Speaking of warmth, there is so much heat coming to our stages over the next few weeks. My favorite concert anywhere – and I mean anywhere – is Chanticleer at the Hylton Center – a perfect match of exquisite singing and pristine acoustics that has become a beloved holiday tradition for both the artists and our audience. If you’ve never experienced “the world’s reigning male chorus” (according to the New York Times) in Merchant Hall, please treat yourself to a post-Thanksgiving musical repast. You’ll see why this group is often called “an orchestra of voices.”

I’m also thrilled – and grateful – to report that your most humble servant/Executive Director will be back on stage with the American Festival Pops Orchestra narrating “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to that soaring, cinematic Randol Bass score, under the debut baton of Maestro Peter Wilson. I can’t wait!

And there’s a lot more besides, from jazz and gospel to dance, drama, and opera, coming soon to a warm and friendly theater near you. I urge you to savor the contents of this newsletter like a holiday buffet (overindulgence is encouraged!), and get your calendar ready to ink in some great performances and special events.

Finally, and most importantly, please know how grateful we are that you have chosen to be part of the Hylton Center community. The presence of the arts in all of our lives is indeed something to inspire gratitude – and your presence in our artistic lives makes our work possible, meaningful, and, yes, thankful.

See you in the theater, with a spare stocking cap!

Rick Davis
Dean and Executive Director

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It’s Never Too Late to Make A Difference

Tionge Johnson — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 01:59:50 +0000

It’s Never Too Late to Make A Difference Tionge Johnson Tue, 11/01/2022 - 21:59

Norm Lewis works with Myles Lanier from Manassas Park High School during a masterclass. Photo by Wilfredo Martinez.

2022 has been an eventful and fulfilling year at the Hylton Center with exciting activities, including virtual and in-person field trips from our Education Initiatives program; guitar and sneaker sculpture workshops from our Veterans and the Arts Initiative; and performances by Broadway icons Leslie Odom, Jr. and Norm Lewis – just to name a few highlights. We also opened our doors again to an in-person season and witnessed incredible performances by members of the Hylton Center’s Arts Alliance. All this and much more were made possible because of generous support from our community.

As the holiday season approaches, please consider supporting the Hylton Center with an end-of-year gift. These gifts help further our commitment to being the creative commons of this dynamic community. Your support helps keep the arts accessible and affordable to all, while fortifying the Hylton Center as the cultural crossroads of this region.

We can’t do it without you – consider giving today!

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