Calling all Baltimore-area adolescent film aficionados: The Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) just announced plans to establish a film and visual storytelling program—the first-ever for a Baltimore high school—beginning in September 2017.
Founded in 1979, the BSA today is considered one of the top five arts high schools in the nation. To prepare for its newest program, the BSA has been researching and observing best practices in existing lead high school and college film programs across the country, and has sought input from leading practitioners and educators in the film industry. In addition, the BSA looked to the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation for guidance as it piloted a video program this past summer.
According to a press release from the BSA: “Fifteen students will be selected to join the film’s inaugural program next September, with 15 additional students each year thereafter. Students will experience a balance between creative storytelling and technological expertise. Like BSA’s current students, the film class will spend four periods a day in artistic study and four periods in academic study.”
The forthcoming film and digital program is made possible by a generous $3 million lead gift to the school by Patricia and Mark Joseph. Mr. Joseph is a founder of the BSA; he and his wife have been long-term supporters of the school in a variety of capacities. The program will be named in memory of Charles C. Baum, a business man, lawyer, and film aficionado. His wife, Patti, serves on the BSA’s board.
The BSA will hold auditions for its new film program on February 11, 2017. Good luck, students!
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore School for the Arts website.