Mr. Cimino-Johnson - Education Director |
Miss Hess - Artistic Director |
Arts Administration Certificate from UConn
M.A. in Drama Therapy from New York University B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Interactive Theatre and a minor in Psychology from McDaniel College MSDE Certified in Drama and Psychology VADE Certified in Theatre Arts Mr. Cimino-Johnson received his Master of Arts from New York University in Drama Therapy and his Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Arts with a minor in Psychology from McDaniel College. Over the past seven years, Mr. Cimino-Johnson has utilized theatre as a vehicle for self-expression, while creating a safe space for a diverse group of students within the academic venue. Mr. CJ founded Rock Ridge Performing Arts at Rock Ridge High School. Over 20% of the school is engaged in the theatre program. Additionally, in 2015, his production of "Ernest and the Pale Moon" won the Virginia Theatre Association State Festival and the South Eastern Theatre Conference in 2016. In 2016, Mr. CJ received International Inspirational Theatre Educator of the Year for 2016, and Virginia's Theatre Teacher of the Year from the Educational Theatre Association in 2017. |
M.A. in Theatre from Regent University (progress)
M.A in Secondary English Education from The College of William and Mary B.A. in English Literature from Lee University Shenandoah Valley Writing Project Teacher Consultant through Shenandoah University Miss Hess joined Rock Ridge Performing Arts for its inaugural season as a member of the audition panel for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She continued her involvement with Rock Ridge as a choreographer and member of the directing team for Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid and as a member of the audition panel for the main stage productions. In the fall of 2016 Miss Hess joined the Fine Arts department as a full-time theater teacher, teaching both acting and technical theater classes. She oversees the costume, hair, make-up, and props design teams. Miss Hess is excited to Direct "The Wizard of Oz" with the students here at RRPA |
Mr. Jordan Markwood - Music Director |
Mrs. Cvach - Vocal Director |
Jordan Markwood has been the choral director and fine arts department chair at Rock Ridge High School since its opening in 2014. Under his direction, the choral program at Rock Ridge has grown to be the largest in Loudoun County, and the choirs have been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center and Department of Education. Rock Ridge had the most students of any choral program in Loudoun County accepted into the National and Regional ACDA Honor Choirs, VMEA Senior Honor Choir, All-Virginia Honor Choirs, All-District Choirs, and All County Chorus in the past year. In addition to his school responsibilities, Mr. Markwood is currently the Director of Music at Galilee United Methodist Church in Sterling, VA. Jordan is thrilled to have the opportunity again this year to provide vocal coaching to these amazing students as part of the Rock Ridge Performing Arts directing team.
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Ms. Cvach is thrilled to be back for the second time with Rock Ridge Performing Arts, having previously been the vocal director for Broadway Bound's production of Annie Jr. Mrs. Cvach graduated from University of Delaware with a Bachelors in Music Education with a concentration in voice and euphonium. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Music Education with the University of Florida and teaches orchestra to a wonderful group of students at Edgewood Middle School in Maryland. Mrs. Cvach has been the musical director for numerous productions with Tidewater Players and Phoenix Festival Theater in Harford County, Maryland and plays piano frequently in the pit orchestra at middle schools, high schools, and community theaters. She is also a member of the board of directors for Tidewater Players. Mrs. Cvach is thankful to the cast and crew for their amazing talents!
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Mr. Peter Johnson - Technical Director |
Ms. Katie Rivers - Administrative Assistant |
Mr. Johnson originally hales from Minnesota, but lived in Florida, for the last 15 years. In Florida he built and designed furniture. Then, he opened a custom furniture and design company in 2006. In 2013, he transferred careers and began teaching technology, engineering, and design in Orange County, Florida. This will be his second year as the Technical Director.
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Katie Rivers is a Mom who joined RRPA last year with her daughter, Kaylie. Katie participated in drama when she was in high school and loves the theatre. Currently she is a social worker who specializes in behavior management and modification.
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Ms. Ann Devine - Co-Choreographer
Ms. Devine is a senior in college at CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory getting a BFA with musical theatre. She is currently living in Manhattan New York. She has been involved with theatre since she was 6 years old and has now been teaching theatre and dance to kids for 6 years. She has worked with Mr. CJ at both Liberty High School and TACTICC. She has choreographed and directed shows such as "The Little Mermaid", "Peter Pan", and "Into the Woods". Some of her favorite roles include Fontine in "Les Mis", Princess Fiona in "Shrek", Gertrude McFuzz in "Seussical", and Paulette in "Legally Blonde".
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Mr. Kevin Lacey - Co-Choreographer
Mr. Lacey is a rising freshman at Elon University and will be pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. He is ecstatic to be a Choreographer and teacher for "Wizard of Oz" after performing on RRHS' stage for 3 years. Kevin's performance credits include Sebastian in the award-winning productions of "The Little Mermaid" and Mr. Net in "Edward Blank". He would like to thank his talented co-choreographer, Ms. Devine, in addition to Miss Hess, Mr. CJ, and the rest of the production team for their unrelenting support.
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Mr. Jacob Fischer - Teaching Artist
Mr. Fischer is a sophomore at CAP21 Conservatory in New York City receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre. He has been a part of theatre for 8 years. Some of his favorite roles include Gomez in "The Addams Family" (Baltimore Cappies for Best Male Dancer) and Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors". He has previously taught theatre at Carroll County's All-County production of "My Son Pinocchio". After working under the direction of Mr. CJ at Liberty High School and TACTICC, he was thrilled to take this journey down the yellow brick road with him again.
