FSU Performing and Fine Arts to Produce Groundbreaking Multidisciplinary Arts Project with Support from Arts Council Grant

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Performing and Fine Arts Department at Fayetteville State University (FSU) proudly announces "The Sound That Jazz Makes" (SJM) Project, which gained support from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County with a generous $12,000 grant.

The SJM project is an innovative initiative inspired by Carole Boston Weatherford's celebrated children's book of the same name. The project devises a multidisciplinary event that seamlessly integrates literature, music, dance, theater, African American folklore and pop culture into a dynamic and experimental creation, which aligns with the department’s mission.

"This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the arts,” said Avis Hatcher-Puzzo, associate professor of dance and theater at FSU and driving force behind the project. “We are honored to receive this grant and look forward to creating a production that will inspire and engage our community,” she added.

The SJM Project will unfold over the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative will involve staged readings, choreography, rehearsals, and experiential participation, culminating in a production that leans into the educational voice Weatherford's unique narrative into a theatrical masterpiece.

More than an artistic endeavor, the SJM project is a community-centric project designed to foster cultural exchange and deepen appreciation for the arts. By bringing together students, FSU theatre alumni, and community members, the project aims to create an inclusive space for creative expression and learning.

Production ramps up in September, with the opening scene setting the fantastical tone with characters and symbolic historical icon Harriet Tubman jumping double-dutch with Ella Fitzgerald and Mae Jemison. FSU theater dance alum and theater instructor at Jack Britt, Alease Timbers will serve as director. A study guide and educational resources will also be made available for educators, enabling teachers to develop arts education curriculum and discussions that distinguish fact from fiction for their students. Our hope is to infuse an interest in research of southern black folklore, history and performing arts icons.

FSU’s Performing and Fine Arts Department has a history of delivering impactful productions that resonate with the community. Last year, the department’s production of “The Business of Blackness” during Black History Month celebrated the achievements of Black individuals and their impact on the world. A high school student involved in the production shared, "Being a part of this production has been a life-changing experience. It not only deepened my understanding of history but also inspired me to pursue a career in the arts."

For more information about "The Sound That Jazz Makes,” contact Avis Hatcher-Puzzo at ahatche1@uncfsu.edu.