Breaking the Class Ceiling, a College of Fine Arts and Communications interdisciplinary project, has continued on its award-winning run by receiving a gold recognition in the 45th Creativity Student Media & Interactive Design Awards. Across the world, economic and social disadvantages continue to hinder the advancement of hard-working men and women, a concept known as a “glass ceiling,” or the “class ceiling.” A group of BYU students would argue that for Chile, one of the biggest obstacles is free, quality public education. Motivated by personal connections to the people and a sense for the gravity of the situation, an interdisciplinary team of students and faculty from BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications, in conjunction with the Laycock Center for Creative Collaboration in the Arts, traveled to the country for two weeks and gathered information about the reform of higher education from students at Universidad Mayor, a Chilean private university. “Being from Chile, this was a great opportunity for me to cover something that I have personally been involved in,” said Ricardo Quintana, one of the students who participated in the project. “This is an important issue and society should be involved in its improvement.” Since compiling and presenting the gathered information, the project has won numerous awards and highlights the learning opportunities available to students at BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications. Quintana added, “Our work is significant because it shows how coveted education is outside the U.S., where it typically is not nearly as accessible. Kids and young adults are raising their voices against the government through different forms of protest because they feel they have a right to free education.” This project explicitly asks: should a college education be an implicit right for everyone? No doubt due in part for the hard questions that it asks, Breaking the Class Ceiling has recently been announced as a national finalist of The Society of Professional Journalists 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards and a gold winner in the 45th Creativity Student Media & Interactive Design Awards. “It is great to see that our work is being recognized,” said Shelbi Anderson, another student participant. “I was gratified to hear these stories firsthand, but getting recognized a year after we actually went to Chile makes it feel like we have had an impact after the fact.” These awards were given based on excellence in challenging criteria. For the Creativity International Award alone, entries came from 16 countries, 2 Canadian Provinces and 20 U.S. States. Student participants included: Shelbi Anderson (Journalist) Ricardo Quintana (Cinemaphotographer) Jared Jakins (Cinemaphotographer) Jeff Wade (Graphic Designer/Web Support/AV Support) Faculty advisors included: Brent Barson Jeff Sheets Ed Carter

The Brigham Young University Department of Theatre and Media Arts presents the world premiere of Princess Academy, a new play adapted from The New York Times bestseller Shannon Hale. Princess Academy tells the story of a young girl taken from her home to attend royal finishing school and faces a harsh schoolmistress, fierce storms and bandits. She soon discovers the power of friendship and a loving heart. The performance runs on select dates from May 30 to June 13, at 7 p.m., in the Pardoe Theatre. Matinee performances will occur on May 30, June 4, 6, 12 and 13, starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, with $3 off for students and $2 off for alumni and seniors, and can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone 801.422.2981 or online at byuarts.com. Children ages 4 and older are eligible for student ticket prices. Director Megan Sanborn Jones teamed up with playwright Lisa Hall Hagen and dramaturg Janine Sobeck more than a year ago to begin the process of adapting Shannon Hale’s story for the stage. This group effort was in part inspired by the story in Princess Academy where the academy girls must work together and answer questions as a group to complete their final exam. “In the process of creating this new adaption of the novel for the BYU stage, we found inspiration and truth in this lesson,” said Jones. “This is the true magic of collaboration – the work each person does to fully understand, respect and nurture the vision of the other creators. This inspired us to be better individually, to learn from one another and to love our work.” More Ways to Enjoy Princess Academy arts.byu.edu for a free 'Lunch and Learn' workshop offered at 12:30 p.m. in the north lobby of the Pardoe Theatre prior to the June 4, 6, 12 and 13, matinee performances of Princess Academy. The activity will be an opportunity for all playgoers ages 8 and older to participate in learning activities inspired by the production. BYU student “teaching artists” will lead 60-minute workshops and then provide a space for participants to enjoy lunch before the performance begins. One free meal will be provided by BYU for each registered participant. Parents/guardians are not to leave children unattended during the workshop and are encouraged to register and participate along with their children. Donate a Book, Support Provo Schools: As part of a community outreach drive for the Provo School district, audience members who bring a new or gently used children’s book to the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center ticket office will receive an additional $2 off one child’s ticket. This offer is valid for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evening performances only. Excluding previous purchases. The Princess Academy cast features Aubrey Bench as Miri, Claire Eyestone as Britta, Meagan Flinders as Katar, Sherry Henry as Liana, Leah Hodson as Frid, Tearza Foyston as Gerti, Rachel Heath as Esa, Heather Jones as Olana, Abram Yarbro as Peder, Rachel Pullan as Doter, Jennifer Bozeman as Marda, Jared Cahoon as Pa, Clayton Cranford as Seffan, Logan Ruesch as Dan, Robert Fuller as Chief Delegate and Ryan Moss as Dogface. The production crew includes hair and makeup co-designer Valeri Day, assistant director and composer Haley Flanders, props designer Scott Jackson, dramaturg Heather Oberlander, lighting designer Marianne Ohran, makeup co-designer Celena Kurogi Peterson, scenic designer Rory Scanlon, dramaturg Janine Sobeck, assistant lighting designer Sarah Beth Stewart and costume designer Mary Jane Wadley. Tickets and Show Details Dates: May 29-30, June 4-6, 10-13 Times: 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on May 30, June 4, 6, 12 and 13 Location: Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $12 (discounts available for students, alumni and seniors) Tickets: Available at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone 801.422.2981 or visit byuarts.com

BYU Arts Creative brought home one of the most sought after awards in the design community Saturday night for their work on the BYU Arts 2014-2015 season brochure. The coveted award, known as the Copper Ingot, was presented to BYU Arts Creative by the Salt Lake City chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). AIGA is the professional associate for design and annual host of the AIGA 100 Show Gala & Benefit, Salt Lake City’s most prestigious juried competition, which honors and showcases the year’s best designs. “This is big for BYU Arts and the College,” said Nick Mendoza, the Creative Services Manager for BYU Arts. “The out of state judges had great things to say about the brochure and were amazed that we were able to put all the event information in the limited space.” Of the 100 pieces selected for presentation at this years Show, only 10 are awarded the Copper Ingot; seven for designers in the professional category and three for designers in the student category. Randall Boothe, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, praised the work of Mendoza and his student team. “What a wonderful recognition of the amazing work you and your students have put into not only our season brochure, but dozens of additional creative projects throughout this year.” Mendoza was quick to point out that their office would not function and enjoy the same degree of success without the direction of Ken Crossley, BYU Arts Production Marketing Manager, and their student employees: Jeffrey Whitaker, office assistant (BS Exercise Science) Dallin Mansfield, office assistant (Pre-Animation) Nicolina Brown, graphic designer (BFA Graphic Design) Sam Reed, graphic designer (BFA Graphic Design) Brian Collier, graphic designer (BFA Graphic Design) Andrew Galloway, graphic designer (BFA Graphic Design) Hillary Tait, graphic designer (BFA Graphic Design) Stephanie Ottehenning, graphic designer (BA Graphic Design) Ashley Holmes, office assistant (Graduate) To view BYU Arts 2014-2015 award winning season brochure, click here.

According to filmmaker J. Christian Jensen, the same emotional forces that propel us forward in a good film can motivate us to do remarkable things in our lives. On April 9, crowds pack into the Provo Covey Center for TEDxBYU. Hosted by Brigham Young University’s Ballard Center, the conference gave hundreds the opportunity to hear presenters from a variety of backgrounds “spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.” Jensen, a graduate form BYU, was one of the featured speakers at this year’s event. Illustrating his lecture with scenes from his Oscar-nominated documentary, “White Earth,” Jensen explained how people can fulfill their life’s mission by constructing their own personal narratives. “When you discover your personal narrative, it will not only guide you to find your life’s mission, but it will also serve as a lifelong source of strength and motivation to help you accomplish that mission,” said Jensen. Jensen offered three tips in finding this lifelong strength: (1) find your marks and own them, (2) tell personal and family stories, and (3) find your mentors. In speaking of his own marks, Jensen said, “Marks can be very personal. I’m obsessed with trying to build bridges between ideologies. I can trace this to my religious upbringing.” Just as important as owning one’s marks is telling personal and family stories. “The stories that we tell about ourselves help to create our identity. They are a part of our personal narrative,” said Jensen. The power of such personal narratives, Jensen shared, has a scientific basis. He cited the work of psychologist Marshall Duke, who found that children who knew more stories about their history and childhood showed levels of higher self-esteem and self-control. These outcomes ultimately led to greater happiness. Jensen concluded by explaining the influence of mentors using an example from his own life. Many of his greatest mentors, he related, came into his life while a student of BYU’s Media Arts Studies program. “Before going to BYU, I came from a fairly sheltered background where I was given every opportunity to learn and explore my passions, but I was not exposed to a diverse set of films and things to study,” he said. “Many of the professors and the program helped completely shift and transform the pursuits that I am now carrying out in my life.” Jensen began in journalism before moving to film. While a BYU student, he worked on productions for National Geographic and on PBS’s FRONTLINE and American Experience. After graduating from BYU, he completed an MFA at Stanford. Jensen’s recent work has screened at major festivals around the world. “I’m ever grateful for BYU and the role that the CFAC played in pushing me along this path that I have followed. I have been very blessed and I hope that I can keep doing things that are of value to me and to others,” Jensen said. To view Jensen’s TEDxBYU presentation, click here.

The Brigham Young University Department of Theatre and Media Arts presents the world premiere of “Princess Academy,” a new play adapted from New York Times bestseller Shannon Hale on select dates from May 30 to June 13 at 7 p.m. in the Pardoe Theatre.

BYU School of Communications Director Ed Adams was announced as the incoming dean of BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications on Monday, May 11.

In conjunction with the 10th International Art Competition hosted by the LDS Church History Museum, the BYU Museum of Art will host a panel of the jurists who selected the artworks that were submitted by artists from across the world.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children, and E.B. White's Charlotte's Web anchor a season of dramas, comedies and musical theatre at BYU.

The School of Communications welcomes Dr. Ed Carter as its new director. Carter replaces Dr. Ed Adams, who served as director for the last three years. Carter’s three-year term begins on June 1, 2015. Before accepting this position, Carter worked as an associate professor and an associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from BYU and earned a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Carter attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU, and served as a law clerk for Judge Ruggero J. Aldisert. Later, he became a full-time faculty member of BYU’s Communication Department. During Adams' time as director, the Department of Communication became the School of Communications. In 2005, the Adlab was created and in 2008, the Bradley Lab went from a student run agency to a fully integrated public relations firm. Carter comes highly recommended by both his colleagues and the faculty. “Many names were submitted and considered for this position,” said Dean Stephen Jones. “The name that was most often mentioned was Dr. Ed Carter’s and over time it became clear that he was the right choice for this position. We appreciate Dr. Carter’s willingness to accept the position as Director of the School of Communications and wish him and his colleagues every success moving forward.” For Carter, this is a thrilling opportunity to serve both the students and the faculty of the School of Communications and he feels that there are many amazing possibilities on the horizon. “I look forward to the future and I know that there are challenges ahead but I choose to focus on the opportunities and the great things we can and will do together,” said Carter.

The College of Fine Arts and Communications’ Department of Art and Department of Design held a joint convocation on Friday, April 26 in recognition of the 196 graduates who have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate programs. The ceremony, which began at 8:00 a.m., was held in the de Jong Concert Hall and keynoted by Mark Graham, Professor of Art and Area Head, Art Education. Two graduates, alumnus Scott Eckern, Academic Vice President Brent Webb and Dean Stephen Jones, all made additional remarks. “Was the climb worth the walk?” Graham asked the graduates present at the ceremony. “The walk was worth the walk. A person who does not have anything to believe in is without energy. When you have the energy of faith in you, your steps become firmer and your look becomes brighter. You are ready to love, to understand, to help and to work. “ Graham encouraged the graduates to cherish the efforts they have made and will continue to make, as they continue to make their dreams become a reality. Likewise, Samuel Carpenter, a BFA Studio Arts graduate, acknowledged the role that his BYU education has played in making his dreams a reality. “I have a gift stirring inside of me. I felt that those stirrings towards art meant that there was something inside transforming my life. I wanted more than just stirrings though, and I knew that I needed help in releasing my gift. My journey here in the Department of Art has been the vehicle for releasing this gift.” Scott Eckern, the college alumni representative, reminded the graduates of the values they have gained through their studies. “This is the beginning of the next chapter of your story,” he said. “How will the spirit of the Y stay with you?” In offering at least a partial answer to his own questions, Eckern suggested that it is a BYU graduates’ responsibility to find a way to stay connected and give back. To conclude the ceremony, Dean Jones expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the teachers, parents, mentors, and students for making the College of Fine Arts and Communications what it is–an institution of learning in preparation for professional contributions and a lifetime of service to humankind.

Theatre-makers, dancers and musicians from across the globe will come to Brigham Young University next season as the BRAVO! series launches a new lineup featuring a dynamic roster of celebrated guest artists including Renée Fleming, The Kings Singers, Chris Thile and the National Dance Company of Siberia, showcasing an eclectic mix of work from across the world. From Broadway to Vienna, the 2015-16 season welcomes to campus one of the most exciting groups of dancers, theatre performers and musicians in recent history. Jeffrey Martin, BRAVO! series producer, looks forward welcoming the guest artists to campus. “We work to present a diverse lineup of performances not only to enhance our own lives but also to expose our students and community to those artists currently functioning at the very highest levels of the performing arts today,” said Martin. “We are geographically isolated from some of the nation’s cultural centers, but we make it a priority for our patrons to be able to experience world-class performances right here at home.” Most performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets will be available in person at the BYU Ticket Office (Harris Fine Arts Center and Marriot Center) by calling 801.422.4322 or online at byuarts.com/tickets. Season ticket packages will be available for purchase beginning May 11 for renewals and June 1 for new orders. View the 2015-16 Schedule For more information, contact Jeff Martin, 801.422.6340 or visit byuarts.com.

Director of 'Frozen' mentors, Disney/Pixar president praises 'Ram’s Horn' The tradition continued for BYU Center for Animation students, who won their 17th award in 12 years from the College Television Awards, commonly called the “Student Emmys.” This year’s animated short was Ram’s Horn, a comedic piece documenting the ascent of an oblivious, cocky mountaineer on a quest to the peak of a daunting mountain. He faces a few obstacles along the way against an unexpected rival, but in the end meets his goal while learning an important lesson about getting his priorities straight. only called the “Student Emmys.”