Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center Announces New Director of Education

Downtown York's historic Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce Cassie Rush as their new Director of Education. Rush will oversee all the education programs at the Strand, including the newly-announced partnership with the York City School District, Stage the Page and Day at the Strand.

"Arts education is one of the main components of the Strand's mission and very near and dear to the hearts of every person at the Strand. We are very excited to bring someone of Cassie's caliber to York to serve our young people and the whole community," said Ken Wesler, President and CEO of the Strand-Capitol.

Rush holds a Master's Degree in Educational Theatre from New York University and a BA in Theatre and Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University. While in New York, she worked as a Teaching Artist in the New York City Public Schools, incarceration programs and community centers. She concentrated on arts integration, a technique where dance, music and drama are used to promote learning in other subjects. Rush has directed and choreographed countless productions for schools, youth theatres and camps. In the past few years, the bulk of her work has been centered on helping students write and produce their own plays. She is the Artistic Director of Encore Youth Theatre, a musical theatre conservatory for children and teens.

In her spare time, Rush is a playwright. She was a finalist in the prestigious Theodore Ward Prize for African American Playwrights. Her work has been presented at Classical Theatre Company, Subjective Theatre Company and The Spork Festival.

Rush believes the arts are a powerful tool to promote self-expression and foster artistic talents. She has personally experienced their ability to enrich and enlighten the lives of children.

The Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center is Central Pennsylvania's premier venue for dynamic live entertainment, presenting an array of Broadway productions, comedy performances, live music, and family shows. Located in downtown York, the historic Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center is committed to serving as the cultural center of the community, offering a diverse number of arts and education programs to enrich the quality of life for all area residents. Annual Sponsors include Glatfelter Insurance Group; M&T Bank; The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania; Perform Group, LLC.; New Standard Corporation; Moxie; Wells Fargo; Kinsley Construction; PeoplesBank; the Vigilant Social Club; the 12th Ward Independent Democratic Club; and GGS Information Services.

For more information about the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, visit www.StrandCapitol.org, Facebook.com/StrandCapitol or on Twitter @StrandCapitol.