Facts about Arts Education

Did you know?

Young people who participate in the arts are:

• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
• read for pleasure nearly twice as often

In addition, involvement in the arts develops the following workplace skills:

• strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• develops a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal-setting
• creates a climate of high expectation, discipline, and academic rigor

York Little Theatre's Education Staff

ERIC BRADLEY LONG, Artistic Director and Director Of Education Programs

Eric was born in raised in York, PA, graduating from Central York High School in 1995, where he began his passion for the theatre under the tutelage of teacher Mark Zortman and an all-star production staff including Kathy Bateman, Sherry Clements and Ray Olewiler. He graduated Cum Laude with a Distinction in English from Connecticut College in 1999. Eric then spent the following four years in the New London, CT area as a high school English teacher and Drama Program director. When he had spare time from teaching and directing, he would pursue further theatrical endeavors in a variety of genres, including opera workshop and performance, acapella singing, script writing and always any involvement he could offer with local community theatres. Community theatre has always been his love, and Eric was thrilled to return to York Little Theatre, where he had performed as a teenager, to accept leadership as Artistic Director and Director of Education. Eric is the "IMPROV II" Instructor for the Spring Session

Tina Keeler, Education Coordinator

Tina is YLT's newest staff member, taking on the role of developing and growing the Theatre Arts Education Program. Having attended York College and The University of Hawaii, and worked in elementary eduction for ten years, she brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the program. Tina has lived all over the country but has called York her home for 20 years with her husband and teenage son.

Jillian Hand

Jillian attended Harrisburg Area Community College majoring in Theatre. She hopes to go back to school to further pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She has been teaching for HACC's Theatre for Young People program for two years, and is very excited to join the education team at York Little Theatre! She has performed in many plays and musicals throughout the Central PA area, as well as performing in shows, parades, and meet & greets at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! She hopes to one day open her own performing arts education center for children and adults. Jillian wants to share her passion and commitment for arts education with kids of all ages! For the Spring Session Jillian teaches "JUMP IN" and "MOVE IT, MOVE IT"

Shane Rohrbaugh

Shane, the youngest member of our faculity, is a York College secondary education student, and long time supporter of YLT. Shane has been an instructor in our program since graduating high school, specializing in stage combat and improvisational techniques. He also has appeared on the YLT Stage in "Romeo and Juliet, "Much Ado About Nothing" and "The Stinky Cheese Man" just to name a few. Shane Will Be teaching "HOGWARTS ADVENTURES-YEAR ONE!" for the Spring session.

Bryan R. Caine

Bryan, one of the newest members of our faculity, is a York College student, majoring in History, Theatre, and Education. Some of his acting credits include "A Christmas Carol" "West Side Story", "The Fantasticks", "The Merchant of Venice" and many more. Bryan is no stranger to back stage either having served as Director, Stage Manager, Set Designer and Light Designer. Bryan is currently serving as the Artistic Director of Galloping Abby Productions. In his spare time between school, theatre, teaching and film Bryan plays lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, golf, basketball, and hockey. Bryan is teaching "TIME TWISTER" for our Spring Session.


Rachel Blauberg