Infinity Visual And Performing Arts Welcomes New Instructors, Hosts New Classes in 2022 | News, Sports, Jobs

The Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Center has added new classes for January 2022 as well as two new instructors.

In partnership with Generator Z and Lakeshore Connections, Infinity was awarded grant funding in 2021 to create and develop a new series of teen-designed and teen-focused classes at the Infinity Center. In addition to their continued roster of classes for students of all ages, Infinity will be offering unique classes, workshops, events, field-trips, and more for students ages 13-18 in the remainder of their 2021-22 program year.

“The Generator Z Grant was one of our favorite grant proposals to write, because it was so in-line with Infinity’s mission of providing our students with a voice in the direction of our programming,” said Shane Hawkins, Infinity executive director. “We’ve always relied heavily on student feedback and input to design our classes and programs, and with funding available from Generator Z we are able to bring even more of our students’ ideas to life. We’re excited about the possibilities, including field-trips, finished products (such as student recorded albums, framed art, photography portfolios, and more), increased performance opportunities, and giving our teens more creative flexibility and ownership in their learning path at Infinity.”

Infinity’s team began working with teens in July to bring this project to life, and will continue into 2022 by adding more classes. Additionally, Jamie Lee, Infinity artistic director, is expanding performance and talent showcasing opportunities for Infinity students.

Teen-focused classes offered in January include: acting, Advanced Art and Portfolio Development, sculpting, songwriting, Focused and Fun Leadership Class, photography, theater class and performance class. Additional classes and learning opportunities are also offered for students ages 12 and under. A list of all offerings can be found on Infinity’s website calendar.

Infinity has been adding to their roster of instructor mentors, with its most recent additions being Davis Niles and Julia Burrows.

Niles, a theater instructor, is originally from the Jamestown area and has attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City after high school. He then spent the next couple of decades performing all over the U.S. in various productions and tours, while also staying active in the commercial market.

Niles is a member of the Actors Equity Association.

Burrows, also a theater instructor, recently moved to Jamestown from New York City. After 18 years of professional experience acting and singing all over the United States, she is looking forward to sharing her love of performing with young minds.

She studied acting in New York City at The Barrow Group Theater Company, joined the Actor’s Union and then went on to play some of her dream roles in theater. Some favorite theater credits include “Sibella” in A Gentlemen’s Guide To Love and Murder at 3D Theatricals in LA, “Amalia” in She Loves Me and “Mother” in A Christmas Story at Capital Repertory Theater; “Nellie” in South Pacific at Gateway Playhouse; “Magnolia” in Show Boat at Central City Opera Company at The Denver Center; “Marian” in The Music Man opposite Peter Scolari at Ogunquit Playhouse; “Lori-Beth” in Garry Marshall’s Happy Days at Goodspeed Opera House and Papermill Playhouse (Original Cast Recording); “Cornelia” in Pirates! at Papermill Playhouse; Off-Broadway’s Greed at New World Stages; and Bernstein’s Mass with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Recent TV/Film credits: “Sarah” in the film Buttons: A Christmas Tale, an original movie musical recently released by Paramount Pictures on Amazon co-starring Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury.

Burrows also makes an appearance in the final season of Madam Secretary. Visit www.JuliaBurrows.com for more information.

Burrows and Niles will be offering a new Theater Class to students in seventh through 12th grades in January called Acting 14701: #Possibilities.

For more information about Infinity, or to register for lessons and classes with any of the instructor mentors at Infinity, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org/register.