To say EALS is a team effort would be something of an understatement. While Dave, Aja, Emily (Hirsh...we have another Emily H now...), and I have been hard at work over the summer to get EALS 2017 off to a strong start, we are THRILLED to welcome our new committee members into the fold. They come from a variety of artistic backgrounds and work experiences, and we are very excited to have their energy and expertise! They have already hit the ground running, with the Fundraiser only three weeks away (get your tickets!).
Without further ado, I'd like you to meet:
Xavier Boudreaux
Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Xavier began his studies in music at the age of 12 with lessons in trumpet, eventually finding his own way to the flute, which he decided to make his primary instrument. He studied at Michigan State University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Music. Upon graduation, Xavier then went on to Syracuse University to study at the Setnor School of Music and earned his Master’s degree in Flute Performance. Eventually making his way back to the DMV area, he is thrilled to be in Washington, DC at American University in the Arts Management Master’s program. He is honored to be the recipient of the Arts Management Fellowship in Education at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Xavier continues his passion of performance by maintaining a practice schedule and taking advantage of any performance opportunity in the DMV area, as well as any private teaching opportunities.
Lonnell Butler
Lonnell Butler Jr. is a first year Arts Management graduate student at American University. He is originally from our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Lonnell has a professional background in both stage management and acting. He graduated from North Carolina A&T State University. He inspires to nurture and mentor the youth and their talents that they have to offer to the world of "The Arts." Lonnell not only dedicated his life to the arts, but to his community, throughout his many organizations and activities that he has participated in. Not only did Lonnell succeed in graduating with Honors with a BFA in Acting, he managed to work as a stage manager in both Washington, DC and Greensboro, North Carolina, while also crossing an elite Fraternity, Nu Phi Zeta Fraternity Inc., and an honor society, Alpha Psi Omega National Theater Honor Society. He continues to thrive in his quest to educate, manage and create art, whether it be performing, visual or digital.
Emily Hunt
After spending several years in Athens, Georgia, Emily Hunt has made the adventure up to DC to earn a MA in Arts Management from American University. While formerly a professional graphic designer, Emily’s past in dance performance and communications has led her to discover her true passion of becoming an arts manager. Emily is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned a BA in Journalism/Public Relations with a minor in Dance and a certificate in New Media. Previously, Emily has worked in marketing with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the Surflight Theatre, and the University of Georgia’s Admissions Office. While always striving to become a great arts communicator, when not working, Emily spends her time exploring new places, finding the perfect cup of hot chocolate, dancing, and visiting anywhere near an ocean.
Brooke Lamell
Brooke Lamell is a first-year graduate student in the American University Arts Management program, originally from sunny Santa Monica, California. She came to AU straight from her undergraduate career at Yale University, where she majored in Astrophysics while working as the Manager of the Yale Glee Club, the Managing Director of the Opera Theatre of Yale College, and a House Manager for student productions throughout campus, among a handful of other roles. She now works as the AU Symphony Orchestra Manager and is a proud second soprano in the AU Chamber Singers. Her specific arts management interests lie in personnel management and the development of organizational health. She’s a choral girl at heart – never one for the spotlight and always on the lookout for ways to lend a helping hand and figure out ways for groups of people to work more harmoniously together. In her spare time, Brooke loves playing cards with friends, eating dessert, playing ping pong, and watching movies. If she were an animal, she’d be a dolphin.
Marjon "MJ" Wolfe
Marjon Wolfe is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and is very excited to be back In Washington, DC to pursue her MA in Arts Management at American University. She has spent most of her career working in theatre marketing and stage management. Currently, she is the Box Office and Marketing Manager for the Rockville Civic Center Park. She previously worked as the Patron Services Manager at the Tony–Award winning, Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Marjon received her BFA in Theatre Arts Administration from Howard University. When she's not studying, Marjon enjoys traveling, exploring DC, and discovering new herbal teas.