Damon J. Gillespie
Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts will host a weekend of events supporting arts in education May 5-6. Damon J. Gillespie, star of the new hit TV show Rise on NBC and CCA alum, will travel to Chattanooga to host the weekend events open to the public.
Mr. Gillespie will teach a public master dance class, meet and greet fans at a VIP breakfast, and speak at a student talent showcase at the school. Tickets to each event are on sale now at www.centerforcreativearts.net or http://bit.ly/CCA-Rise-and-Shine.
Mr. Gillespie, a 2012 CCA graduate, has been living his dream in New York City. In his most recent TV role on Rise, he plays Robbie Thorne, a high school football player cast in the drama department’s first big musical under new leadership. Rise, described by the New York Times as Friday Night Lights for theater kids, has already gained critical acclaim for its star power and timely themes.
In addition to his breakout role on television, Mr. Gillespie has a resume that includes professional work on Broadway and beyond. His credits include Newsies on Broadway, a Carnegie Hall production of West Side Story, Alladin, and The Prom (in Atlanta). While in high school at CCA, Mr. Gillespie was a musical theatre major and a Choo Choo Kid. This involved countless hours of dancing, singing and acting.
When asked about the upcoming weekend events at CCA, Mr. Gillespie said, “CCA is the reason I am where I am today. From my first visit to Broadway, to when I saw the high school students perform One from A Chorus Line, I knew I wanted to be a professional actor. CCA gave me the ability to grow as an actor, dancer, and singer. I am forever grateful to this school, its staff, and my classmates. Here, I made life long connections and cannot wait to see the talents that come from its current students. I’m excited to give back to a school that has given me so much.”
All events are open to the public. Here is the schedule:
Saturday, May 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Dance Master Class Taught by Damon J. Gillespie. No dance experience required, suggested ages 10+
Sunday, May 6, 9-10 a.m. VIP Breakfast and Meet & Greet with Damon. Participants will also receive admission and reserved seating to the Talent Showcase following the breakfast.
Sunday, May 6, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. CCA Talent Showcase featuring CCA students. Damon will speak about his journey to Rise.
All events will be held at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, 1301 Dallas Road.
Admission to the Saturday Dance Master Class is $25. Tickets to the Sunday VIP Breakfast are $50 (includes meet and greet with Damon during breakfast, a souvenir, and reserved seating, and admission to the Talent Showcase afterwards). Admission to the Sunday Talent Showcase only is $10.
Tickets for all events may be purchased online at www.centerforcreativearts.net or http://bit.ly/CCA-Rise-and-Shine Tickets may also be purchased at the door to each event if not sold out ahead of time. For more information email riseandshinecca@gmail.com