Where Are They Now: Gracin’s Journey from theYouth Arts Ed Council to Arts Advocacy

Photos:  Gracin receiving student voted awards for “Best ASM of a Mainstage” and “Best Costume Design of a Lab Show”, United States Institute of Theatre Technology Conference in Long Beach California

Gracin’s journey with arts advocacy began during a pivotal moment of uncertainty. As a senior in high school, Gracin joined the inaugural cohort of the ArtsEdNJ Council in Spring 2024, unsure of exactly where her passion for the arts would lead her. Now a rising junior at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, studying Theatre Arts with a concentration in Design and Technology alongside a major in Leadership and Social Innovation, Gracin has spent the years since building on that early spark in ways they couldn’t have predicted. We caught up with Gracin to talk about how that first experience shaped their path, what’s stuck with them along the way, and where their headed next.

What have you been up to since participating in the youth arts ed council?

I am now a Junior in college. I have not only been studying my craft, but exploring internship and other hands on experiences. I am a member of the New Jersey Thespian Festival Adult Board as a Volunteer Coordinator. I am also currently an Intern for EgoPo Classic Theatre in Philadelphia. I have also previously interned with amazing artist Debbie Shapiro through the Marie Rader Presenting Series through Rowan University, which works to bring culturally diverse music, theatre, and dance to the South Jersey community at reduced prices.

How did the Youth Arts Ed Council impact you personally or professionally?

When I was in high school, particularly my senior year, I struggled a lot with what I truly wanted to do within the arts and theatre. I felt a lot of pressure from people to do one thing or the other. I struggled either way figuring out what my passion specifically was, but the Arts Ed NJ Youth Arts Ed council was my first experience with hands on administrative and advocacy work for the arts. In a time of my life filled with confusion and disappointment, it offered a lot of clarity.

What skills or techniques have stayed with you?

Mostly advocacy. While I had small experiences with arts advocacy prior, the most helpful parts were those conversations with peers and professionals outside of my artistic discipline. I was able to look at the whole picture and have a better way to explain in words why the work I do is important. I use these conversations to this day.

Did the experience help you step outside your comfort zone?

Absolutely. Working in theatre forms a tight knit group, and I often didn’t get to work with other disciplines in high school. Not only did I get to work with peers from other disciplines, but also students from other schools with different arts programs. Despite never meeting many of these students in class, we all felt comfortable sharing ideas and updates with each other.

What advice would you give future participants?

It’s always worth it. This is an awesome start for high school students to experience working with new people. It’s comparable to an internship, but it’s completely remote. It is accessible and gives students the opportunity to try something new at such a young age. I recommend doing it and giving it your all. Not only is it important to make those connections, but it contributes to who you are as an artist.

What’s next for you?

Next, I have three years left at Rowan, including my undergraduate and one year to finished my M.A. in Arts Administration. I’d also like to get a Ph.D in Educational Leadership. As for the near future, I am continuing to work for Rowan University in the box office, as well as an admissions ambassador. I am privileged to be in an amazing program with people that I love. I am also the technical director for Rowan Lab Theatre, our student run theatre company. As well as the vice president for Rowan’s chapter of USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology).

With your chosen art form, where do you see these skills playing a role in your future?

My end goal is to be either a director of admissions or a dean for a performing arts school. I prefer higher education, but am willing to work for non-profits as well. I will always fight for accessible and proper arts education, whether that be in secondary or higher education. I believe that all students deserve a well rounded education, and that includes the Arts. I will forever thank Arts Ed NJ for giving me the inkling to continue into arts advocacy, leadership, and administration.

Gracin is a rising junior at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, studying Theatre Arts with a concentration in Design and Technology, alongside a major in Leadership and Social Innovation. Gracin is also part of Rowan’s Accelerated Dual Degree (4+1) program in Arts Administration. Gracin was a member of the inaugural cohort of the ArtsEdNJ Council during their senior year of high school (Spring 2024).