Roanoke, VA – Mill Mountain Theatre (MMT) is pleased to announce a new trio joining Mill Mountain Theatre’s Conservatory team as the organization expands its education and outreach programming. The new team will consist of Jay Briggs serving as the director of education and community engagement, Travis Kendrick assuming the position of education associate and Jillian Hannah joining the Conservatory as a teaching artist. “This is a dream team with an incredible skill set. Our new talent will showcase their expertise in directing, choreography, music direction and teaching multiple disciplines. All three hold degrees in their fields, including two masters’ degrees. They are performers themselves with expansive credentials from across the country,” according to Ginger Poole, producing artistic director. “We could not be more excited about this accomplished group joining us,” Poole said.
Jay Briggs, a native of Hendersonville, North Carolina, recently relocated to Roanoke from Greenville, South Carolina, where he was employed as a teaching artist, director and consultant with several organizations. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of Mill Mountain Theatre’s education department. As the professional regional theatre is experiencing growth, the infrastructure is in place to diversify the offerings within the Conservatory and expand the reach within the Roanoke Valley, “ Briggs exclaimed.
Travis Kendrick is returning to his home state of Virginia after working and pursing an advanced degree from the University of California – Irvine (UCI). He developed his love for the theatre during his childhood years in Hopewell, south of Richmond. “It is such a joy to return to my theatrical roots and have the opportunity to work with young people who are perhaps in the midst of this same discovery and enchantment with theatre,” he said. The public is encouraged to participate in a fun social media (MMT Facebook and Instagram) campaign called “Tracking Travis from California to Mill Mountain Theatre.”
As a recent graduate of Elon University where she music directed numerous productions, Jillian Hannah had her first experience with Mill Mountain Theatre as a member of the summer apprentice company. Her new role will be an extension of her experiences where she has focused on public performance, collaboration, continuing education and service to the community through teaching and outreach.
As Mill Mountain Theatre continues to grow as a strong company producing top-notch regional programming throughout the area, more than 476 students were served in-house last year with successful opportunities for the community extending far beyond the theatre walls. The fall Conservatory schedule, featuring the new team, and show tickets are available at millmountain.org. For more information, contact Ginger Poole at (540) 342-5749 or via e-mail atginger@nullmillmountain.org.
