Growing up in the rural outskirts of Warrenton, Virginia, this AMGT Student Sara Boyce was drawn to George Mason University’s program not only for its strong reputation but also from personal experience with Mason’s high-quality arts education. Read more about her journey with George Mason and her work within the arts sector.
Q: What is your hometown?
A: I grew up outside of Warrenton Virginia. Which while only about an hour from DC, is a far more rural area.
Q: Why did you choose Mason's Arts Management program for your graduate studies?
A: In addition to George Mason’s excellent reputation, I had firsthand experience of Mason’s high-quality education when taking my Orff Schulwerk Levels through the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Q: What has been your favorite class or project so far in the Arts Management Program?
A: So far, the most eye-opening class has been Seminar to Arts Management. It gave me a broader understanding of the field of Arts Management as well as an appreciation for the number of nonprofit arts organizations in the Washington D.C. area.
Q: What is your favorite arts activity?
A: I am a classically trained violist and enjoy playing folk music with my husband and friends. I love live music, my favorite venue being the 930 club. I also love musicals and am always happy to see what Broadway show is coming to the area!
Q: What is a piece of advice you would share with future arts managers?
A: I would recommend utilizing all of the resources available to you. If you are a student at Mason, check out all of the incredible services that are offered to students. Also, generally arts managers are warm and open people so don’t be afraid of networking. These two things are what landed me my job at the Kennedy Center!
Q: Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon you can share?
A: A: Right now, I am the most excited about the work that I am doing through the Changing Education Through the Arts program at the Kennedy Center. One upcoming event we have is CETA at KC. This is an in-person learning day for local K-5 teachers at the REACH. Teachers participate in an arts experience and choose from various concurrent arts integration workshops. The goal of this event is to provide lessons and ideas on how educators can bring the arts into their classrooms to support their curriculum and engage students. As a former teacher, I am committed to curating meaningful events for educators that celebrate their craft and support their professional growth.