Baltimore School for the Arts

==Baltimore School for the Arts== ===About the Executive Director=== The Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) appointed Rosiland Cauthen as its Executive Director in July 2021. Prior to her current role, Cauthen joined BSA in 2016 as the head of the Theatre Department. She is a passionate advocate for equity and access in education and has been instrumental in leading the school's equity initiatives during the 2020-21 school year. Her commitment is evident in the development of an Equity Action Plan aimed at implementing equity measures within the institution. Cauthen's vision for BSA includes innovative programming, academic excellence, and fostering a healing and restorative environment in the classrooms, studios, and on stage. Her previous experience includes serving as the Director of Community Programs at Center Stage. Cauthen is also an alumna of Towson University's M.F.A. in theatre program, where she has contributed as an adjunct faculty member and directed mainstage productions. ===History of the Baltimore School for the Arts=== The Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) was conceived in the mid-1970s by Baltimore City school board officials who recognized the need for a dedicated institution to train students aspiring to careers in the arts. After a collaborative task-force study with the city's mayor and arts leaders, in 1979, the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) board approved the establishment of BSA, guided by a visionary document known as the School Board Resolutions. BSA was created as a city-wide school within the BCPSS, but with distinct differences from other high schools in Baltimore. It was designed to be a pre-professional arts high school with a specialized mission to nurture students with potential for careers in the performing and visual arts. The School Board Resolutions provided BSA with a unique structure and policies, including the formation of a Board of Trustees, the establishment of an independent 501(c)(3) Foundation, the appointment of a director with an arts background, an arts faculty comprised of professional artists, and special student admission and retention policies. Since its inception, BSA has benefited from a significant public/private partnership, granting the school the autonomy and resources necessary to distinguish itself both as an academic institution and as a center for artistic excellence. This partnership continues to support BSA's mission and contributes to its reputation as a leading educational establishment in the arts. ===Programs and Offerings=== BSA offers a comprehensive arts program that includes Dance, Music, Acting, Stage Design & Production, Visual Arts, and Film & Visual Storytelling. The academic program is equally robust, providing student support and college counseling to ensure that students are prepared for both artistic and academic success. The school also runs a program called TWIGS (To Work In Gaining Skills), which provides arts education and outreach to younger students through auditions and various initiatives. ===Community Engagement=== The school maintains an active presence in the community and encourages engagement through its foundation, which includes initiatives such as Expressions and various ways for individuals to get involved and support the school. BSA also offers a range of resources for parents, alumni, and the broader community, including a dedicated BSA Store and opportunities to join the school's email list for updates. ===Contact and Social Media=== BSA actively engages with its audience through social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, allowing the school to connect with a wider audience and keep stakeholders informed about news, events, and developments. ==External Links== * [https://www.bsfa.org/ Official website] * [https://www.facebook.com/BaltSchoolForArts Facebook] * [https://www.instagram.com/baltschoolforarts/ Instagram] * [https://twitter.com/BaltSchoolArts Twitter] * [https://www.linkedin.com/school/baltimore-school-for-the-arts/ LinkedIn]