Henderson Hopkins School Proposal

Cover Letter

Craig Phillips
Baltimore, MD
Phone: (443) 600-8281
Email: craig@bmoreproductions.com
July 18, 2024

Principal Peter Kannam
Henderson Hopkins School
2100 Ashland Ave
Baltimore, MD 21205

Dear Principal Kannam,

I am excited to explore opportunities at Henderson Hopkins School where I can contribute my expertise in performing arts and educational content production. With my current role in the Simulations Department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and extensive experience in multimedia production, I am eager to bring a unique blend of creative teaching and digital media innovation to your institution.

I am enthusiastic about introducing the idea of educational content production to Henderson Hopkins School. By integrating multimedia production into the curriculum, students can develop valuable skills in digital storytelling, video editing, and creative expression. This approach can enhance their learning experience across various subjects, not just in performing arts, and prepare them for the digital landscape of the future. I am keen to discuss how we can implement such a program and explore its potential benefits for your students and community.

I bring a wealth of experience as a stage and screen actor, which I believe can significantly enrich the educational experience at Henderson Hopkins School. My practical knowledge of the industry can provide students with unique insights into the world of performing arts and beyond. This hands-on approach to teaching can inspire and motivate students, giving them a real-world perspective on the skills and dedication required to succeed in the creative arts.

Additionally, if there is a need for a dedicated drama teacher, I am confident that my background and expertise make me an ideal candidate to step into that role seamlessly. My passion for theater and commitment to education align perfectly with the values and goals of Henderson Hopkins School.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your school. Please feel free to contact me at (443) 600-8281 or via email at craig@bmoreproductions.com to schedule a meeting.

Sincerely,

Craig Phillips

---

Resume

Craig Phillips

Baltimore, MD
Phone: (443) 600-8281
Email: craig@bmoreproductions.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kamary-craig-phillips

Professional Summary

Creative and results-driven Multimedia Producer with extensive experience in educational content production, stage and screen acting, and multimedia management. Adept at creating engaging and accurate educational resources and performing arts programs. Committed to fostering a creative and inclusive learning environment.

Professional Experience

Simulation Content Producer
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Nursing Department
Ongoing, as needed

•   Developed and produced health-related educational scenarios for nursing students.
•   Conducted thorough research, wrote scripts, and directed simulations to create realistic learning experiences.
•   Managed the entire production process, ensuring high-quality cinematography and sound design.
•   Collaborated with educators and healthcare professionals to align content with educational standards and learning goals.

Freelance Content Producer
B’more Productions, Baltimore, MD
January 2021 – Ongoing

•   Produced educational media, including videos, interactive content, and animations.
•   Managed the entire production process, ensuring high-quality cinematography and sound design.
•   Collaborated with educators and subject matter experts to align content with educational standards.

Stage and Screen Actor
Various Productions
Ongoing

•   Performed in numerous stage productions and films, bringing characters to life through compelling performances.
•   Collaborated with directors, producers, and fellow actors to create engaging and memorable performances.
•   Conducted workshops and training sessions to share acting techniques and industry knowledge with aspiring actors.

Anchor and Content Producer
News 2day, Washington, DC
February 2023 – January 2024

•   Anchored daily news segments, including educational content on current events and social studies.
•   Produced and edited video content for broadcast and digital platforms.
•   Coordinated with reporters and photographers to gather and verify educational news stories.

Morning Anchor
Charm City Beat, Baltimore, MD
January 2021 – 2023

•   Anchored morning news segments, delivering educational content on local events, politics, and community issues.
•   Managed social media presence for the morning news show, increasing audience engagement and viewership.

Audiobook Producer
Audible Publishers
Ongoing

•   Produced audiobooks, managing all aspects of audio editing, voice direction, and production.
•   Ensured high-quality sound and engaging delivery to maintain listener interest.

Music Producer
PMG Music and B’more Music Company
Ongoing

•   Produced music tracks and albums across various genres.
•   Managed all aspects of music production, from composition to recording and mixing.

Screenwriter
Tall Tales
Ongoing

•   Wrote and developed screenplays for various media, including film and television.
•   Conducted research and created compelling narratives that engage and entertain audiences.

Skills

•   Video Production (Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production)
•   Educational Content Development
•   Script Writing and Editing
•   Stage and Screen Acting
•   Cinematography and Sound Design
•   Interactive and Animated Content Creation
•   Strong Written and Verbal Communication
•   Audio Editing and Voice Direction
•   Music Production and Composition
•   Screenwriting and Narrative Development
•   Collaboration with Educators and Subject Matter Experts

Education

Associates in Early Childhood Education
Wheelock College, Brookline MA
Graduated: September 1988

Associates in Business Administration
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Graduated: May 1986

Certifications

•   Adobe Certified Expert (Premiere Pro)
•   Content Marketing Certification - HubSpot Academy

---

Now, I would like to share some potential ideas and sample lesson plans that I believe could significantly enhance the educational experience for your students.

Digital Media Classes

Proposal Ideas:

1. Introduction to Digital Storytelling:

• Teach students how to create short films, documentaries, or video blogs.
• Cover scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing basics.
• Emphasize personal storytelling and diverse perspectives.

2. Integration of Performing Arts and Multimedia:

• Combine traditional theater with digital media using video projections, sound effects, and live streaming.
• Encourage exploration of various roles such as actors, directors, scriptwriters, and technical crew.

3. Interactive Historical Dramatizations:

• Develop projects where students create dramatizations of historical events.
• Use multimedia tools to enhance presentations with visuals and sound.

4. Community Stories Project:

• Engage students in interviewing local community members and creating video profiles.
• Foster community connections while teaching valuable media production skills.

Sample Lesson Plan: “Our Voices, Our Stories”

Grade Level: 6-8
Duration: 4 weeks
Objective: Students will learn the basics of digital storytelling and create a short video telling a personal or community story.

Week 1: Introduction to Digital Storytelling

• Day 1: Introduction to storytelling and the power of personal narratives.
• Day 2: Basics of scriptwriting and storyboarding.
• Day 3: Brainstorming session for story ideas.
• Day 4: Finalizing scripts and storyboards.

Week 2: Filming Techniques

• Day 1: Introduction to filming equipment.
• Day 2: Basics of camera angles, lighting, and shot composition.
• Day 3: Filming practice session.
• Day 4: Review and feedback on practice footage.

Week 3: Editing and Post-Production

• Day 1: Introduction to video editing software.
• Day 2: Basics of cutting, transitions, and adding audio.
• Day 3: Editing practice session.
• Day 4: Review and feedback on edited practice videos.

Week 4: Final Project and Presentation

• Day 1: Students film their final projects.
• Day 2: Editing final projects.
• Day 3: Peer review and feedback session.
• Day 4: Presentation of final projects to the class and community members.

---

Yearly Digital Media Lesson Plan Breakdown

To provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students, I propose a structured approach to the school year, divided into several key phases:

1. Foundational Lessons (8-10 lessons):

• Basics of digital storytelling, scriptwriting, and filming techniques.
• Introduction to the essential tools and software.

2. Intermediate Lessons (10-12 lessons):

• Advanced filming and editing techniques.
• Incorporating multimedia elements like sound, music, and graphics.

3. Project-Based Lessons (10-12 lessons):

• Community stories and historical dramatizations.
• Developing and executing final projects, including short films and documentaries.

4. Special Projects and Review (2-3 lessons):

• Guest speakers from the industry and field trips to local media outlets.
• An end-of-year showcase event where students present their work to peers, parents, and the community.

This flexible structure ensures that students not only learn the technical skills but also apply them creatively in meaningful projects. By integrating these phases, I aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of digital storytelling and multimedia production.

---

Theatre Arts Classes

Sample Lesson Plan for Drama Class

Grade Level: 6-8
Duration: 6 weeks
Objective: Students will learn the fundamentals of theater, including acting, scriptwriting, and set design, culminating in a final performance.

Week 1: Introduction to Theater

• Day 1: Overview of theater history and its significance.
• Day 2: Introduction to basic acting techniques and warm-up exercises.
• Day 3: Script reading and analysis.
• Day 4: Improvisation exercises to build confidence and creativity.

Week 2: Character Development

• Day 1: Understanding character motivation and background.
• Day 2: Acting exercises focused on physicality and voice.
• Day 3: Creating character profiles.
• Day 4: Monologue practice.

Week 3: Scriptwriting and Storytelling

• Day 1: Basics of scriptwriting and story structure.
• Day 2: Group brainstorming for a class play.
• Day 3: Writing scenes in groups.
• Day 4: Sharing and critiquing each group’s scenes.

Week 4: Set Design and Costumes

• Day 1: Introduction to set design principles and materials.
• Day 2: Creating simple set pieces and props.
• Day 3: Basics of costume design.
• Day 4: Designing costumes for characters.

Week 5: Rehearsals

• Day 1: Blocking and staging the play.
• Day 2: Rehearsing scenes with focus on timing and interaction.
• Day 3: Incorporating set and costumes into rehearsals.
• Day 4: Run-through of the entire play.

Week 6: Final Performance and Reflection

• Day 1: Dress rehearsal with full set, costumes, and props.
• Day 2: Final adjustments and feedback session.
• Day 3: Final performance for classmates, teachers, and parents.
• Day 4: Reflection on the process, discussion of what was learned, and individual feedback.

This lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach to teaching drama, combining acting, scriptwriting, and technical aspects of theater production. It aims to engage students creatively and collaboratively, culminating in a performance that showcases their work.

Yearly Drama Class Plan

Quarter 1: Introduction to Theater

• Weeks 1-3: Theater History and Basics
• Overview of theater history, key figures, and genres.
• Basic acting techniques, improvisation, and theater games.
• Weeks 4-6: Script Reading and Analysis
• Reading and analyzing classic and contemporary scripts.
• Character study and scene work.
• Weeks 7-9: Voice and Movement
• Vocal exercises, diction, and projection.
• Movement exercises, stage presence, and blocking.
• Weeks 10-12: Mini-Performances
• Students perform monologues and short scenes.
• Peer feedback and reflection.

Quarter 2: Character Development and Scriptwriting

• Weeks 1-3: Character Development
• Creating character profiles and backstories.
• Deepening emotional and psychological understanding of characters.
• Weeks 4-6: Scriptwriting Basics
• Structure of a script, dialogue writing, and plot development.
• Group brainstorming sessions for original plays.
• Weeks 7-9: Writing and Revising Scripts
• Writing scenes in groups, peer reviews, and revisions.
• Guest speaker: Local playwright or screenwriter.
• Weeks 10-12: Table Reads and Workshops
• Reading and workshopping student-written scripts.
• Incorporating feedback and finalizing scripts.

Quarter 3: Production Design and Rehearsals

• Weeks 1-3: Set and Costume Design
• Basics of set design, creating scale models, and prop making.
• Costume design principles and creating simple costumes.
• Weeks 4-6: Technical Theater
• Lighting, sound design, and stage management.
• Students learn to operate basic theater equipment.
• Weeks 7-9: Blocking and Staging
• Blocking scenes, understanding stage directions, and rehearsals.
• Integrating set, costumes, and technical elements.
• Weeks 10-12: Intensive Rehearsals
• Full rehearsals with all production elements.
• Peer feedback and final adjustments.

Quarter 4: Final Production and Reflection

• Weeks 1-3: Dress Rehearsals
• Dress rehearsals with full costumes, sets, and technical elements.
• Guest speaker: Local theater director or actor.
• Weeks 4-6: Final Performances
• Students perform their original plays for the school and community.
• Recording performances for reflection and critique.
• Weeks 7-9: Reflection and Evaluation
• Reflecting on the production process and individual growth.
• Written evaluations and group discussions.
• Weeks 10-12: Theater Appreciation
• Studying notable plays and performances.
• Field trip to a local theater production.

This yearly plan provides a comprehensive approach to theater education, combining practical skills with creative exploration, and culminating in a final performance that showcases student work.

In the case that there’s interest to combine both the Digital Media and Theatre Arts aspects, then I would propose the following, incorporating Audio Production;

Proposed Multimedia Arts Program

Program Overview:

• Objective: To offer students a well-rounded education in theater, digital media, and music production, fostering creativity, technical skills, and collaborative projects.
• Components:
• Theater Arts: Acting, scriptwriting, set design, and performance.
• Digital Media: Video production, editing, digital storytelling, and multimedia projects.
• Music Production: Songwriting, recording, audio engineering, and music video creation.

Sample Lesson Plan for Multimedia Arts Program

Grade Level: 6-8
Duration: 6 weeks
Objective: Students will learn the fundamentals of music production, video production, and digital storytelling, culminating in a collaborative multimedia project.

Week 1: Introduction to Music Production

• Day 1: Overview of music production tools and software.
• Day 2: Basics of songwriting and recording techniques.
• Day 3: Introduction to audio editing with Adobe Audition.
• Day 4: Hands-on session: Recording a short music track.

Week 2: Video Production Basics

• Day 1: Introduction to video production equipment and techniques.
• Day 2: Basics of video shooting and camera operation.
• Day 3: Introduction to video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Day 4: Hands-on session: Shooting and editing a short video.

Week 3: Digital Storytelling

• Day 1: Understanding the elements of digital storytelling.
• Day 2: Writing a storyboard and script for a multimedia project.
• Day 3: Combining audio and video for storytelling.
• Day 4: Hands-on session: Creating a digital story with music and video.

Week 4: Collaborative Project Development

• Day 1: Group brainstorming for a multimedia project.
• Day 2: Assigning roles and responsibilities within groups.
• Day 3: Developing project timelines and milestones.
• Day 4: Initial project development and feedback session.

Week 5: Project Production and Refinement

• Day 1: Continued project development with teacher guidance.
• Day 2: Mid-project review and feedback from peers and teachers.
• Day 3: Refining audio, video, and storytelling elements.
• Day 4: Finalizing project components and rehearsals.

Week 6: Final Project Presentation and Reflection

• Day 1: Dress rehearsal with full project elements.
• Day 2: Final project presentations to the class and invited guests.
• Day 3: Reflection on the project process and individual learning.
• Day 4: Group discussion on strengths, challenges, and future improvements.

This detailed lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching multimedia arts, combining music production, video production, and digital storytelling. It emphasizes collaboration, technical skills, and creativity, culminating in a final project that showcases the students’ work.

---

Yearly Multimedia Arts Program Plan

Quarter 1: Introduction to Arts

• Basics of theater, digital media, and music production.
• Exploration of how these disciplines intersect.

Quarter 2: Skill Development

• Focused lessons on acting, video editing, and music recording.
• Collaborative projects combining all three disciplines.
• Detailed Lesson Plan:
• Introduction to Music Production (Weeks 1-2)
• Video Production Basics (Weeks 3-4)
• Digital Storytelling (Weeks 5-6)

Quarter 3: Advanced Techniques

• In-depth training in scriptwriting, multimedia production, and audio engineering.
• Development of individual and group projects.

Quarter 4: Final Production and Showcase

• Rehearsals and production of a multimedia showcase combining theater, digital media, and music.
• Public performance and presentation of student projects.

Tentative Equipment List for Multimedia Arts Program

1. Video Production Equipment:

• Cameras:
• 4-6 DSLR or mirrorless cameras with video capabilities (e.g., Canon EOS Rebel, Sony Alpha series)
• 2-3 Camcorders (e.g., Canon Vixia, Panasonic HC-VX1)
• Lenses:
• Standard zoom lenses (18-55mm, 24-70mm)
• Prime lenses (50mm, 85mm)
• Tripods:
• 4-6 sturdy tripods with adjustable heads
• Lighting:
• 3-4 LED light panels with adjustable brightness and color temperature
• Softboxes and light stands
• Microphones:
• 4-6 Lavalier microphones (wireless if possible)
• 2-3 Shotgun microphones with boom poles
• 2-3 Handheld microphones

2. Audio Production Equipment:

• Recording Equipment:
• 4-6 Audio interfaces (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett series)
• 2-3 Digital audio recorders (e.g., Zoom H4n Pro)
• Microphones:
• 4-6 Condenser microphones for recording vocals
• Pop filters and microphone stands
• Headphones:
• 6-8 pairs of high-quality studio headphones (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M50x)

3. Computers and Software:

• Computers:
• 6-8 High-performance desktop or laptop computers (e.g., Apple iMac, MacBook Pro, or high-end Windows PCs)
• Software:
• Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (includes Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, etc.)
• Final Cut Pro X
• Music production software (e.g., Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Ableton Live)
• Screenwriting software (e.g., Final Draft, Celtx)

4. Set Design and Props:

• Set Design Materials:
• Various backdrops and green screens
• Basic set construction materials (wood, fabric, paint)
• Props:
• Assorted props for different scenes and productions
• Costumes and accessories for performances

5. Miscellaneous:

• Storage:
• Secure storage cabinets for equipment
• External hard drives for file storage and backups
• Furniture:
• Desks and chairs for computer workstations
• Comfortable seating for video viewing and critiques
• Other Accessories:
• SD cards, external batteries, and chargers
• Gaffer tape, extension cords, and power strips