Date: February 20, 2026

An Interactive Journey with John Rollison

Recommended ages: Middle & High School Students

Experience a compelling conversation with John Rollison—an 18th-century man of color of mixed heritage—brought to life by historical interpreter James Cameron. historian and interpreter, and an interaction with today’s students. Students will be encouraged to ask Mr. Rollison any questions that they wish may pertain to 18th century Virginia.

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A Pre-morning show Educational Experience

Recommended for: Grades 5–8

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026

Step into a world where creativity takes center stage!

Artrageous is an interactive, high-energy performance that blends visual art, music, theater, and dance into one unforgettable experience. Students will watch as artists create giant masterpieces live on stage—painting famous icons and pop culture figures at lightning speed—accompanied by music, choreography, and storytelling that celebrates the power of imagination and teamwork.

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An Interdisciplinary Music Education Program for Middle and High School Band & Orchestra

Program Overview

Blues in the Schools is a dynamic, multidisciplinary educational program designed to introduce students to the rich cultural and musical legacy of the Blues — America’s foundational music genre. This program connects students to history, culture, musical expression, and composition, while also fostering appreciation for the evolution of modern music.

Tailored for band and orchestra students, this curriculum aligns with educational standards in music, history, and the arts, and encourages both academic and artistic development.

Bobby “BlackHat” Walters is Virginia’s Blues Ambassador — a recording artist, singer, songwriter, and harmonica master who brings passion, humor, and authenticity to every performance. A U.S. Coast Guard Commander (ret.), Bobby has traded his uniform for a fedora, fusing Chicago, Memphis, and Delta blues with a dash of gospel soul to create his signature toe-tappin’, heart-stirrin’ sound.

A two-time VEER Award winner and Blewzzy “Song of the Year” honoree, Bobby has opened for legends such as B.B. King and Taj Mahal and was a finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Through his “Blues in the Schools” outreach, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians — proving that with Bobby BlackHat, you never know what’s gonna happen next.

Program Objectives

• Deepen students’ understanding of the Blues as a musical form and cultural movement
• Strengthen listening, playing, and improvisation skills within the Blues idiom
• Explore how the Blues influenced Rock, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, and modern composition
• Connect American history and social movements with musical expression
• Provide opportunities for composition, performance, and creative exploration

Curriculum Components

What Is the Blues?

• Origin, structure, and form (12-bar blues, call and response)

• Key artists: Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, etc.

• Listening sessions with live or recorded examples

History of the Blues

• Roots in African American spirituals, work songs, and folk traditions

• The Blues as storytelling during the Jim Crow era and Great Migration

• Regional development: Delta, Chicago, Texas, Piedmont styles

The Blues in America

• The socio-political impact of the Blues on American identity

• The Blues as a form of protest, healing, and resilience

• Civil Rights connections through lyrics and narratives

Blues Instruments & Improvisation

• Traditional and modern instrumentation (guitar, piano, harmonica, horns)

• Role of the rhythm section and melodic instruments

• Improvisation techniques adapted for band and orchestra students

Business of the Blues

• Introduction to music industry roles: producers, agents, engineers

• Royalties, copyright, and the economics of recorded/live performance

• Case studies of Blues artists and their legacies

Blues Influence on Other Genres

• Rock and Roll (Chuck Berry, Elvis, The Rolling Stones)

• Jazz (Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Nina Simone)

• R&B and Soul (Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin)

• Hip Hop (sampling, lyrical storytelling, rhythm patterns)

Composition Lab: Writing the Blues

• Students compose original lyrics or instrumental Blues works

• Group collaboration and performance of student compositions

• Optional integration with school performances or community events

Program Structure & Flexibility

• Delivery options: In-school residency, workshop series, or digital modules
• Timeframe: 1-week residency, 4–6 session workshop series, or semester unit
• Grade levels: 6th–12th grade (adaptable by age group and skill level)
• Assessment: Reflection journal, listening quizzes, group performance

Partnership Opportunities

• Collaboration with local Blues artists and organizations
• Guest artists for masterclasses or performance demonstrations
• Opportunities for public school ensembles to perform Blues compositions

Educational Standards Alignment

• National Core Arts Standards (Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting)
• Virginia Standards of Learning (or your local state equivalent)
• Cross-curricular ties to Social Studies, Language Arts, and Cultural Studies

For Question or more information contact:

Hampton Arts Education: ronald.boucher@hampton.gov

Classroom Visits and Guest Artist Talks Available

Sponsored by Hampton Arts Education

The American Theatre and the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center are excited to offer in-class guest artist presentations designed to inspire and engage your students in the performing and visual arts.

From the stage to the studio, our guest speakers bring real-world experience, creativity, and passion directly to your classroom.

Ron Boucher – Educational Manager for the American Theatre

Ron Boucher has performed with the New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and internationally in both musical theatre and classical repertoire. He has just released his memoire “Prelude” the first installment of a trilogy. He currently serves as the Arts Education Manager for Hampton Arts. Ron offers students a professional perspective and insights of his life onstage and provides insight to students who are exploring the stage as a career choice. Ron Boucher has performed with the New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and internationally in both musical theatre and classical repertoire. He has just released his memoire “Prelude” the first installment of a trilogy. He currently serves as the Arts Education Manager for Hampton Arts.

Jody Madaras – Artistic Director for the American Theatre

Producer, Director, Choreographer, Playwright Award-winning producer, actor, director, choreographer, educator and playwright; Jody has a passion for producing innovative performances and managing large-scale productions. Skilled in collaborating with diverse, inclusive teams to create unique and engaging theatrical experiences for audiences.
 

Ohio Native. 35 years professional singer/actor/dancer. 30 years professional director/choreographer. 15 years executive producer. Credits:  Broadway, Off-Broadway, Daytime Television, Regional Theatre, European Theatre, Cruise Ship, Educational Theatre. Highlight Credits: 1st National Broadway "The Drowsy Chaperone," 1st European "Crazy For You," "1st National Tour "I Love Lucy Live Onstage,” Broadway Concert version of “Finian’s Rainbow” with Lauren Bacall, creator & star of ALL HANDS ON DECK! Show, CBS-TV "As The World Turns. Awards: 2023 Bob Bender Leadership Excellence Award, 2007 ariZoni Award - Outstanding Actor in a Musical, 2017 Branson Terry Music Show Award Winner, 1983 State Of Ohio Civic Oration Speech Contest Winner.

Topics Include:
- Life Upon The Broadway Stage
- The Fundamentals of Tap Dancing
- The Arts: Is it a Career or a Job?
- How to Produce Your Own Show

Cody Latpakdy – Assistant Visual Arts Manager Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center

Cody Latpakdy is a professional visual artist with a BFA in Drawing & Design from Old Dominion University. His interactive talks and workshops guide students through the creative process—from concept and design to exhibition and community engagement.

Topics include:

• Exploring the creative process: From idea to exhibition
• Drawing and design fundamentals
• Art as communication: How images tell stories
• Careers in the visual arts

Why Invite Us?

Our classroom sessions:
• Align with Virginia Standards of Learning (Visual & Performing Arts)
• Offer real-world perspectives on artistic careers
• Encourage creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression
• Can be tailored for elementary, middle, or high school levels

Program Details

• Format: 45–60 minute lectures or 90-minute interactive workshops
• Cost: Complimentary for participating schools (limited availability)
• Availability: Spring 2026

Book a Visit or Learn More

To schedule a school visit or request more information:

Ron Boucher
Arts Education Manager | The American Theatre / Hampton Arts Education

Ronald.boucher@hampton.gov | 757-728-3098

Let’s inspire your students to see the world through the eyes of an artist—on stage and on canvas.

Fridays (Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12) 2025

7pm - 10pm

Contra Dance at The American Theatre: Community, Connection, and Joy in Motion

Step into a lively tradition of rhythm, movement, and community! Contra Dance at The American Theatre—a welcoming evening of social dancing inspired by American folk traditions. Held monthly, these events blend the spirit of a dance party with the ease of a beginner-friendly class, guided by a professional caller and accompanied by live music. Participants of all ages and experience levels will learn simple, energetic patterns in lines and circles, fostering connection, coordination, and joy. With soft-soled shoes and a willingness to move, dancers are invited to celebrate culture and camaraderie in a dynamic, inclusive environment where everyone can join the fun.

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Dates: January 21 & 28, 2026; February 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2026

The Actor’s Edge: Classic & Contemporary Theatre is a six-week intensive for adults (18+) who already have some stage or acting experience and want to sharpen their craft. Participants will dive into the great dramatic texts of past and present—from Shakespeare and Chekhov to Mamet, Marber, and McDonagh—while exploring cutting-edge performance techniques.

Through guided script analysis, rehearsed readings, ensemble exercises, and scene work, actors will develop a deeper understanding of text, character, and the physical life of performance. The program culminates in a final open studio presentation of selected scenes for invited guests.

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Dates: January 11; February 1; April 5; May 31 (with performance)

A Showcase for Young Performing Artists

Your Moment. Your Stage. Your Future.

Are you a talented young singer, instrumentalist, or dancer between the ages of 12 and 21? This is your chance to shine under the lights!

Spotlight: Rising Stars showcases exceptional young performers through three public performances at The American Theatre. Selected through audition, participants receive professional coaching in technique, stage presence, and artistic interpretation—gaining real-world experience in a professional setting.

Each performance is a new opportunity to grow, refine your artistry, and captivate an audience. Step onto the stage where passion meets purpose and talent takes flight.

Audition. Perform. Inspire.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Hampton Roads’ most exciting youth performance opportunity!

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Dates: January 17, 24, & 31 (with performance)

Dive into the fun and discovery!

This two-fold, hands-on workshop brings Galapagos George to life, and participants are recommended to attend both parts for the full experience.

Blending creativity with science, these workshops spark imagination, encourage self-expression, and build awareness of our oceans and the creatures that call them home. And to complete the experience, every participant receives a free ticket to the performance on the January 31^st at 3 p.m.!

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Dates: Saturday & Sunday, April 18–19, 2026

Experience a rare fusion of classical discipline and contemporary innovation led by two master teachers of international acclaim. Former principal ballerina Sandra Balestracci brings the grace, precision, and artistry of grand classical ballet, while Jenny

Where heritage meets evolution—this is ballet reimagined.

Teller, of Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Steps on Broadway, ignites creativity through contemporary movement and musicality.

Designed for intermediate to advanced dancers, this weekend intensive blends tradition and transformation—challenging students to refine their technique, expand their artistry, and rediscover the expressive power of dance.

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