Michael Jones

MICHAEL JONES

Executive Director and Co-Founder 2008-Present (Incorporated in 2011)
Professional Theatre and Dance Youth Academy, Chicago IL

• Vision: Co-founded a performing arts non-profit organization to provide quality arts programming
  for underserved youth in Chicago.
• Finance: Manage organizational budget for multiple school sites and general operations
• Fundraising: Oversee fundraising initiatives including silent auctions, presentations for donors,
  development of the ongoing case for support, soliciting major gifts, and grants.
• Programming: Provided artistic direction, instruction, staffing for multiple school sites including
  UChicago Charter School, Wadsworth, Urban Prep Academy, and Ralph Ellison

All-City Performing Arts Dance Director 2017-2020
Chicago Public Schools

• Choreographed and directed top dance students from throughout the city of Chicago.

Choreographer Summers 2009-2010
Long Lake Camp for the Arts

• Choreographer for advanced musical theatre camp intensive for students from all over the world.

Theatre and Dance Director and Instructor 2006-2008
University of Chicago Charter School, Chicago IL

• Built arts department and managed budget for UChicago Charter School Woodlawn Campus
• Developed arts curriculum for grades 6-12, evaluated student progress through written work and
  performance opportunities, planned enrichment field trips
• Developed partnerships on behalf of the charter school with Chicago arts institutions

Director of After School Arts Programming 2005-2007
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago IL

• Directed student after school performing arts programs at Tilton Elementary, Persian West,
  Ames Elementary, and Emmett Till Math and Science Academy
• Choreographed diverse urban and musical theatre pieces for community performances

Co-Director and Choreographer 2003-2008
BRAVO! Performing Arts Academy, Oak Park, IL

• Co-wrote and choreographed productions for the school year and summer season
• Managed 150-student program, grades 4-8, multi-run shows, sold-out audiences

• Arts Education Advisory Council, Americans for the Arts, 2020-Present
• Board Member, Madison Street Theater, 2020-Present
• Life Changers Award, Chicago Music Awards, 2015
• Associate Director, The Young Americans, 2010-2015
• Outstanding Choreography, Disney’s Junior Theatre Festival, 2009
• Outstanding High School Teaching Practices Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2008
• Board of Directors, Black Theatre Alliance Awards, 2008-2009
• Nominee Best Actor in a Musical, Black Theatre Alliance Awards, Chicago, IL, 2008.

PERFORMANCE

STAGE

DINNER THEATER

TOURING

CRUISE SHIPS

HOST

TELEVISION