PlayMakers "Wilder & Wilder" offers free performance at JM

SILER CITY, N.C. — PlayMakers Repertory Company offers a free performance of “Wilder & Wilder,” a medley of Thornton Wilder short plays, on October 17 at Jordan-Matthews High School.

The production is part of PlayMakers’ annual mobile tour designed to make outstanding theater accessible to communities throughout central North Carolina. This year’s three-week tour also includes stops in Fayetteville, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro and Fuquay-Varina.

The event begins with coffee and cookies at 3:30 p.m. and continues with the performance at 4 p.m. “Wilder & Wilder” runs about 90 minutes, with a 70-minute performance and 10 minutes of audience activities before and after the play.

Earlier in the day, PlayMakers actors will lead a closed workshop for JM actors that includes exercises focusing on physical movement, dramatic interpretation and scene performances.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for our students and for the entire community,” said Rose Pate, president of JMArts, which works with English teacher Ting Lam to bring the annual event to Siler City. “We appreciate the relationship we have developed with PlayMakers."

This is the fourth season PlayMakers has offered a free performance at the high school. Last fall, the professional theater company based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill captivated the audience with an innovative performance of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth."

More information about JMArts, including a schedule of arts events this season and how to become a member, is available online at JMArts.org.

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Actor Adam Poole, right, interacts with audience members during last fall’s performance of “Macbeth” in the Jordan-Matthews High School Media Center. PlayMakers Repertory Company returns on October 17 for a free performance of “Wilder & Wilder.” (Photo by Chip Pate)

Top Student Artists Receive Honors at 2019 JM Awards Night

SILER CITY — Six artists received music, theater and visual arts awards on May 23 at JM Awards Night, an annual presentation highlighting top students across all disciplines at Jordan-Matthews High School.

Corrine Collison, a senior, received the 2019 Outstanding Graduate in Theater Award. A three-time JMArts Scholar and winner of the James Award as the top cast contributor to the musical last fall, she capped off her JM theater career with an unforgettable performance as Ursula in “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” and received a superior rating at Musical Performance Adjudication assessments this spring. Corrine will attend East Carolina University this fall to study music education.

Jocelyn Lopez Mejia, a freshman, received the 2019 Underclassman Student Artist of the Year Award. A student in the AVID college preparation curriculum, her intuitive use of advanced techniques and willingness to experiment artistically are evidence of her natural talent. Jocelyn will return to JM this fall.

Oliver Mitchum, a senior, received the 2019 Outstanding Jazz Award. A four-year band veteran, his outstanding musicianship is evident not only with his saxophone, but piano as well; he performed his own arrangements for the processional and recessional at this year’s JM Baccalaureate service. Oliver will attend North Carolina State University this fall. 

Aaron Partin, a senior, received the 2019 Outstanding Musician Award for instrumentalists. A JMArts Scholar, his four-year leadership and dedication in the marching, concert and jazz bands have prepared him well for a future as a school band director. Aaron will continue that preparation this fall as a music education major at Greensboro College.

Joseph Richardson, a senior, received the 2019 Student Artist of the Year Award. His portfolio is ready to fill a gallery for a solo show, and his identity studies have received compliments from viewers on social media in the United States, Australia and Dubai. Joseph plans to continue his studies at Central Carolina Community College and transfer to the UNC School of the Arts to pursue a major in visual arts.

Samatha Zarate, a senior, received the 2019 Outstanding Graduate in Vocal Music Award. A two-time JMArts Scholar, her stellar vocal performances in three musicals, soulful solos at concerts and events, and superior rating at Musical Performance Adjudication assessments are highlights in her record of excellence. Samantha, who received a Best Actress nomination in the 2018 Triangle Rising Stars musical theater competition for her performance as Nina in “In the Heights,” will study music next fall at Guilford Technical Community College.

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Top JM artists in music, theater and visual arts received honors in May at 2019 JM Awards Night.

Designer Heath Smith named to JMArts Board of Directors

SILER CITY — Designer and teacher Heath Smith has been named to the JMArts Board of Directors, the first former Jordan-Matthews High School arts student to help lead the nonprofit educational foundation.

Smith works as a designer at Hollyfield Design, a floral and furniture specialist in Southern Pines, and is Adjunct Instructor for Interior Design at Randolph Community College. He also operates his own small business, H.F. Smith Interior and Floral Design, and recently published a children’s book titled “Mr. Gilmore’s Glasses."

While at JM, Smith studied visual art and music, also appearing in musicals as Mr. Lundie in “Brigadoon” and Daddy Warbucks in “Annie.” His performance in “Annie” earned him a spot on the Durham Performing Arts Center stage as a finalist in the 2014 Triangle Rising Stars musical theater competition. 

The JMArts board includes President Rose Pate, Vice President Matthew Fry, Secretary Rahma Mateen-Mason, Treasurer Denise Partin, Angie Brady-Andrew, Greg Burriss, Justin Harper and Smith.

JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization that raises money and provides expertise to help students excel.

Major projects include JMArts Scholars for returning students to study over the summer at university-sponsored residential workshops, the New York Arts Adventure for students to experience world-class arts and interact with renowned professionals in the city, and assistance to produce the school musical each fall.

Assistance also is provided to help produce student concerts and art shows, provide arts-related activities in the school and offer other events for the community.

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Heath Smith appeared at Jordan-Matthews High School recently as pianist for Jennifer Trejo Benitez in her performance of “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” at the annual Music in May concert.