Teresa Calves graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts from Drew University. She also has studied theatre at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. Since graduating, she has worked as an arts administrator for numerous theatre organizations, including Rising Sun Performance Company, Lark Play Development Center, George Street Playhouse, and Sundance Productions. Her passion is to make theatre arts accessible to children in underserved communities. Teresa discovered this passion while working as the Business Manager for Front and Center for Performing Arts, a performing arts school that trained children in acting, singing, and dancing. She will continue to help create access to the arts, especially for the benefit of children.

What attracted you to the Arts Administration Program at Teachers College, Columbia University?

I was looking at a lot of different arts management schools and what drew me to the Teachers College Arts Administration program was the NYC location and the way the program is designed. When I saw the ArAd program’s classes, it was exactly what I needed. In this program I am receiving law, accounting, marketing, development, and management classes, and in addition to the core curriculum you’re allowed to pick electives that suit your needs. Furthermore, while some schools just focus on one discipline, this program integrates all arts fields. I really like the fact that our cohort is a combination of visual arts, cultural policy, and performance arts backgrounds. Finally, being a student at Columbia gives me amazing access to other Columbia schools and departments, and it is a wonderful opportunity.

On a personal note, I ended up officially accepting my offer from TC after visiting on Admitted Students Day 2014 and meeting my future professors and cohort. Being able to speak with everyone and see how smart, funny, and welcoming they were made my decision very easy. I could picture myself here and saw the program as a great fit.

How are your studies helping to advance your career goals?

My studies are helping me in two key areas that I need experience in: Development and Marketing. Not only are there core classes in these fields, but I can pick electives that go further into these topics. I plan on taking as many business classes as I can. I was a business manager for a performing arts school for two years before coming to this program and I have already learned so much that I could have used in my previous role. I know that after TC, I will have the experience, knowledge, and confidence that are crucial for this field.

I also love that our professors are not only teaching us these skills, but challenge us to innovate and change the industry. They want us to become arts leaders and solve the big problems. Challenge accepted.