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We’re diving deep into the transformative world of performing arts education. Twice a month, we chat with industry experts — from seasoned educators to acclaimed artists — who are passionate about nurturing responsible young leaders through the power of performing arts training.
Twice a month we share a ‘What’s Happening At EMC’ segment so that you can hear all the amazingness going on as well as stay in the loop..
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or aspiring artist, you’ll discover actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight how the arts can shape character, boost confidence, and cultivate leadership skills.
Together, we’ll explore innovative techniques, share valuable resources, and celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in developing the leaders of tomorrow.
Get ready to shine a light on the incredible journey of raising leaders in the performing arts!
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
What do haunted houses, rock and roll, and creative leadership have in common?
Everything — if you’re talking about Field of Screams.
This week on In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, I sat down with Jim Schopf, founder of America’s #1 haunted attraction. But this isn’t just about thrills and chills—it’s about a powerful community of young people finding purpose and identity through performance.
We talk:
🩸 Scare School and theatrical training
🎭 Volunteer culture and creative expression
🔥 The leadership lessons hidden behind the masks
If you care about helping kids grow through the arts, you don’t want to miss this one.
About Jim:
Jim Schopf is the co-founder and driving force behind Field of Screams, one of the most acclaimed haunted attractions in the country, located in Mountville, Pennsylvania. With a passion for horror, theatrical production, and immersive storytelling, Jim has spent over three decades transforming a family farm into a Halloween destination that draws thrill-seekers from across the nation. Alongside his brother Gene, Jim launched Field of Screams in 1993, blending professional-grade sets, special effects, and live actors to create a terrifyingly fun experience.
A hands-on leader, Jim is often found working on new haunt designs, brainstorming with his team, or interacting with guests to ensure every experience is unforgettable. His dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement has cemented his legacy as a pioneer in experiential entertainment and agritourism. Jim continues to inspire future generations through hard work, passion, and a love for all things spooky.
Contact Info:
Facebook - Field of Screams | Mountville PA
Instagram - @fieldofscreams
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:
- Free Form Fridays and their themes/dates
- Fall Tour with a Discovery Gym Demo announcement
- Explore EMC Week & Spirit Week
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Listen in as a long-time EMC mom talks about her journey as a performing arts parent… from choosing an activity for her little ones to how her dancing daughter is thriving as a teen in the studio setting.
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:
-
Disney recap
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Camp recap
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Video Premiere
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Dance Intensive recap
-
New season registration open
-
New classes to be excited about
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Listen in as 5 Dance Studio Owners chat about the emotional rollercoaster that is studio ownership. We update our DSO Connect listeners with the latest in our lives, and also give performing arts parents a peek behind the curtain.
What's Happening At EMC Notes:
Our What's Happening at EMC segment finishes at 32:29 and the episode will begin then.
We talk about Rollover Registration (what it is & how it works), Specialty Classes, our new Dress Code Shop, joining EMC as a new student this coming season, bringing back Freeform Friday, and the vibe in both our SYB and Musical Experience program.
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where Robin and Santina pull back the curtain on the incredible teaching team that makes it all happen.
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Listen in as Tanya and Robin discuss the differences between the life of a company dancer vs. that of a freelance artist, healthy ways for dancers to interact with food, developing resilience in your performing arts journey and so much more.
What's Happening At EMC Notes:
Our What's Happening at EMC segment finishes at 16:08 and the episode with Robin and Tanya will begin then.
We talk about the baseline programs at EMC and what to add if you want MORE!
About Tanya:
Originally from Michigan, Tanya holds a B.A. from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She danced with
several professional companies across the country before settling in New York City to work as a
freelance artist where she has performed principal roles in Swan Lake, Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella,
Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and many more classical ballets & original contemporary works.
Tanya has experience as the Creative Director and Co-Founder/Producer of a touring company that performed in Denver & Vail, Colorado, and premiered its first full-length performance in NYC in June of 2024.
She is also the founder and creator of the patented Bulletproof Ballerina cross-training system. Through fitness, nutrition, & lifestyle coaching, she works with dancers to help them reach their true potential as artists. She loves traveling to teach master classes and was an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University – Peabody Institute for a body conditioning course for the BFA Dance program.
More information at http://BulletproofBallerina.com .
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:
- How the Spring Concert went
- Takeaways from the Spring Concert
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Celebrations and achievements from the Spring Concert
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:
- Rising Leaders Training And How it Connects to EMC
- Mini Intensive; Who Should Be Participating And Why
- Disney Primer Teaser
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
In this episode, Robin and Lisa talk about the cooperative relationship that should exist between studio owners, teachers and performers, in order to help get the best results for the student. We also discuss the importance of a cohesive curriculum in studio programs, and how to know when the time is right to go “all in” on a particular activity to the exclusion of others.
What's Happening At EMC Notes:
Our What's Happening at EMC segment finishes at 11:50 and the episode with Robin and Lisa will begin then.
We talk about summer study and why it’s in your performers best interest to keep training year round!
About Lisa:
After spending her childhood training in her hometown of Toledo Ohio, Lisa continued her studies at Eastern Michigan University (ballet focus) and The Ohio State University (modern performance and choreography).
As a touring instructor and a freelance choreographer for over a decade, she has worked with dancers in over 30 cities across the United States. She has performed with Windfall Dance Company and New Vision Dance Company, and occasionally serves as a dance competition judge and adjudicator. Lisa is the founder and Director of Diversion Dance Collective in Columbus, Ohio and has several former students performing in professional settings and pursuing dance beyond high school.
Injury prevention for dancers has become a main focus in Lisa's teaching. She is a Balanced Body certified Pilates instructor, and is in constant pursuit of knowledge in the fields of anatomy and kinesiology. Her main focus is to teach proper movement techniques and activate the correct muscles--all of which will help prevent injuries in her students and promote longevity in their dance careers. Lisa is also a certified Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor.
Lisa Keller, Artistic Director
Diversion Dance Collective
651 Lakeview Plaza Blvd Suite D
Worthington, OH 43085
614-407-4670
DiversionDanceCollective@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Diversiondance/
Let’s Connect on Socials:
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook
EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram