September 2023 Artist-in-Residence
Charter Arts alum, Anelise Diaz Rodriguez (Class of 2014, Theatre) will be the first alumni to participate in the Charter Arts Theatre Department’s Artist-in-Residence Program this school year.
Anelise is currently serving as the Education Director at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and has just completed her fifth season with the Festival. In this position, she oversees accessibility, Prologues, PSF’s fall WillPower Tour, community engagement, and PSF’s annual spring Shakespeare Competition. She has worked as a theatre artist with both PSF and Touchstone Theatre in various roles over the past decade. She received a BA in Theatre from DeSales University as well as a PA teaching certificate to teach English (7-12) and will receive her M.Ed in TESOL by the end of the year.
On September 27th, Anelise will be speaking to students about Arts Administration with a focus on education, accessibility and DEI. Anelise is also coordinating and hosting The Hispanic Heritage Celebration taking place at Charter Arts on Saturday, September 30th.
October 2023 Artist-in-Residence
Britton Hubbard is thrilled to be returning to his alma mater for the first show of its 20th season. It’s been exactly 10 years since he last appeared on Charter Arts’ main stage. Since graduating in 2013 and opting out of the college experience, he’s traveled all over the United States, starting at 19 years old with a 5-month long coast to coast hitchhiking journey. Those incredible days on the road instilled in him a deep appreciation for life. Savoring delicious moments, being present in the now, and connecting with humans and nature alike were fundamental in developing the mosaic of who Britton is today. His identity is rooted in truth and kindness, in gratitude for the life he has and the life he shares with others on this earth.
While it would have been a joy to fund his needs and adventures through acting and creating art, that’s not how it’s played out so far. He’s worked a wide variety of jobs, from server and bartender, to fence installer, tire technician and elevator repair apprentice. Currently, he is passionately engaged in the art of gourmet mushroom cultivation. Driven by the desire to grow his own food and pursue skills necessary for self-sufficiency, he has been working for several years to create that reality.
Britton continues to pursue acting professionally, while also forging a way of life that nourishes and heals the earth and all those who call it home. He is so blessed and thankful for the life he’s been given, and wants to do all he can to share the joy and beauty this world offers. We only have one home, and we must take care of it. We are not separate from nature, we are nature, and just like our art, it must be nurtured and protected so that many more generations can experience the wonders of human creativity and expression.
Britton will be presenting workshops throughout the month of October on self worth and identity; focusing on creating a positive self-identity while seeking connection, community, and understanding that we are connected to all life. He will have students focus on who they are and how they see the world and themselves in it.
February 2024 Artist-in-Residence
Gabe Moses (he/him) is an actor, director, and proud alum of Charter Arts. After attending Charter Arts, Gabe went on to further his theatre education at DeSales University. During his time there, he was able to do several acting internships at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. His credits at PSF include Ragtime, Crazy For You, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more. Gabe fell in love with directing in 2020 and has since directed several virtual play readings, worked with professional equity actors, and was able to assistant direct under Steve H Broadnax III for his new play, Bayard Rustin: Inside Ashland at People’s Light.
