Biography
Jayme Howard is a professional in the performing arts world. She is an expert artist that loves to dance, sing, and act while enjoying the love of teaching dance to students. She wants to continue performing in the arts but also wanted to learn more about becoming an arts manager in the wonderful field of the performing arts sector. Jayme is now currently enrolled in the Arts Management Master's program at George Mason University (GMU). She wants to use this opportunity within her program to continue to prepare more to be an informed leader as an arts manager, pursue her dreams as a professional dancer, and train young pre-professional dancers in the future.
Q: What is your hometown?
A: I am from Prince George’s County, MD, in the DMV area. After receiving my bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Dance from Towson University, I now live in Fairfax, VA, to pursue my master's.
Q: Why did you choose Mason's Arts Management program for your graduate studies?
A: I chose to pursue my graduate studies at Mason because I love the staff’s and student’s willingness to do whatever it takes to create lifelong careers in the arts. While researching this program, I noticed that the classes and the program’s goals aligned with my curiosity, and I wanted to gain more knowledge from each professor and staff I encountered. The professors and staff display a huge amount of passion and support for students who want to perfect their craft while developing the skills needed to become managers and leaders of organizations. The program connects professionals and students, educates you on all fields of the arts, and is not afraid to push you into the right rooms to help you land that dream job. That is why choosing this university was a no-brainer.
Q: What has been your favorite class or project so far in the Arts Management Program?
A: As I started the semester, I realized I love all my classes. I am enjoying my time in these rooms because each subject has taught me important gems I will need to remember and actively use once I enter a career in Arts Management. For example, the seminar class allowed me to create my non-profit, which was an invaluable experience. In the fundraising class, I learned how to secure donations for a future organization, and in the finance class, we gained insight into the life of an accountant. All these elements are incredibly important to understand and learning all these things provides a foundation for what I would need to know to be an arts manager.
Q: What is your favorite arts activity?
A: My favorite art activity is attending musical theater shows on and off Broadway. I am a professional dancer, and I love to sing and act. When I go to watch a show, I find a sense of self-fulfillment and happiness in watching actors sing and tell stories in the theater. It creates a feeling that is magical to witness.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would share with future arts managers?
A: A piece of advice I would share would be to have confidence in everything you do and never give up on yourself and your goals. You can be anything you put your mind to.
Q: Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon you can share?
A: While pursuing my degree, I will be auditioning for more musicals and continue to attend dance classes to keep training. I’ve also started my own business, Jay’s Artistry House, where I provide 1-on-1 dance private classes to encourage dancers to continue training. In the future, I plan to secure a full-time career in the performing arts field and will be opening my dance studio to continue to give back to young artists by helping them build character, confidence, and heart. If you are interested in learning more about Jayme Howard, book dance private lessons, or need a dancer for performing arts events.