The Creative Crocketteers

This Spring semester, for the fifth year in a row, we are partnering with Crockett High School in Austin, TX to host our New Media Arts Class for high school students in Mrs. Jane Comer’s Life Skills classroom. We have 15 eager students who are learning about still photography, filmmaking, and stop motion animation. Our team of teaching artists includes Jo Ann Santangelo, who spent the first few weeks working with the students on camera skills such as portrait vs. landscape, street photography, still life photography, and studio photography. They even got a chance to get a closer look at her large format 4x5 camera.

Dominic looks through the lens of the 4x5 camera
as Jo Ann assists.

Jo Ann says, “introducing and teaching photography to the Life Skills students at Crockett High School, has been a beyond amazing experience so far. I am inspired by their energy, eagerness and curiosity to learn. I’m looking forward to working on their film and seeing the final piece at the showcase in a few months!”

Jo Ann and Chris prepare to take a still life photo.

Currently, the class is working with Stephen Sprague on their ideas for a short movie that he will help them film. So far, their ideas include a talent show, a storm, a superhero, and a thief. Sounds exciting! I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Some students are interested in behind-the-scenes work, while others are stars waiting to shine.

Connor, Genevieve, and Chloe in the portrait studio

And on Fridays, the students work on animations to include in their movie with The Edge of Imagination Station’s Johnny Villarreal. His unique stop motion animation technique has been a hit with the students. They are currently creating animated credits for the movie.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here so that you are the first to be notified when their short film becomes available for public viewing in May.