Even though we are apart, our shared community binds us together. Head of School Jill Muti shares her thoughts about why the special connections of Ashley Hall have never been more important. Click on the button below to watch the video. 

From the Head of School Jill Muti

In response to the disruptions and challenges associated with COVID-19, Ashley Hall’s Departments of Counseling and Student Life offer the following guidance and resources to help families better understand, respond to, and cope with the complexities of the situation.

We are living amidst a situation most of us have never seen before. There is a great deal of uncertainty, and as a result, you and your families may be experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, and lack of control. When talking to our students about stress and anxiety, we frequently tell them to focus on the things they can control. We hope the information below helps alleviate some common worries and concerns.  

As the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to rapidly evolve, practicing “social distancing” is an essential piece we can each control. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, public health officials are urging Americans to reduce close contact between people and avoid large gatherings. We all must practice social distancing not only for our own health but also for the health of others. It is a true act of compassion with the sole motivation to benefit others. But what exactly does that mean and how do we do it most effectively?  

There are myriad articles, guidelines, and statements making their way across the airwaves. We have compiled some of the most helpful tips and resources to guide you in keeping your families and our communities healthy.

Please be mindful that social distancing is not the same as a “snow day” or “hurrication.” Social distancing means “keeping a safe distance (approximately 6 feet) from others and avoiding gathering spaces such as schools, churches, concert halls and public transportation.” This is a proven way to slow the spread of infection. Everyone—not just those who are sick—has been asked to do this as a demonstration of our care and concern for other people. This means avoiding nonurgent errands, playdates, slumber parties, and other social gatherings (even in smaller numbers). The goal is to physically separate, especially in enclosed spaces. For staying physically safe, we strongly recommend following updates here from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and SCDHEC.

Though we need to physically distance ourselves, social interactions are still critically important for you and your families. Technology offers a variety of options from Facetime and video conferencing tools to social media.  We urge you to help your children use this responsibly, at all times, but perhaps now more than ever. It is critical at this time to be mindful of the amount of media your family is consuming, the reliability of the sources, and what is being shared and even believed. Remember the cardinal rules on posting: T.H.I.N.K.  Is it True? Helpful? Inspirational? Necessary? Kind?

The American Psychological Society has several recommendations for families during the next few weeks to help address potential feelings of isolation or boredom. They offer sound advice on how to cope, including managing news consumption, creating a daily routine, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Striking a balance between virtual connection and family time is especially critical. Dust off the old board games, read a novel together as a family, do a craft project, virtually visit a museum or two. These “sacred” times can be device-free. You know your families best; please know when it is time to unplug.

Finally, your children will remember your family’s home environment during this time more than anything specific about the virus. Our children are watching us and learning from us. Let us all model what we want them to learn and arm them with resilience in the face of uncertainty, panic, and fear.

While there is no template for these unprecedented events, we know our students are fully prepared to embrace new territory and exhibit their many outstanding qualities. Please let us know if we may be of help to you and your family in any way.

Ashley Hall’s upcoming production of Annie JR. performed by students in sixth through twelfth grades is sure to be a fun-filled experience for students and families. Performing Arts faculty members Kirk Sprinkles Pfeiffer and Scott Pfeiffer, who are the founders of the Cultural Arts Center Charleston, have given students an amazing experience preparing for this classic musical. They recently shared their passion for teaching, inspirations for their productions, and what they enjoy most about working at Ashley Hall.

What Ashley Hall classes and special projects are each of you involved with, and what has been most exciting so far?

KIRK: We, Cultural Arts Center Charleston (CACC), were first brought on board to direct and produce Annie JR. for the Upper School. At the start of 2020 we were offered faculty positions to teach grades 2-8 in drama and choir. Every project is different. For me personally, teaching is my passion, so I’d have to say the teaching element.

SCOTT: I love that moment when I’m teaching or discussing a complex process, and I see the light bulb turn on for a student. Those “ah-ha” moments have been abundant as we’ve been rehearsing. The most exciting part has been seeing students’ confidence grow—whether or not they want to perform. They take on the challenges of singing, dancing, and acting, all in one class.

What have you enjoyed most about campus?

SCOTT: The atmosphere is invigorating. The McBee House, the live oaks, the welcoming and supportive faculty, and the way the students approach learning and supporting each other make every day an exceptional experience. Each day is made more special when walking on campus, students run to give a hug or shout “Hi Mr. Pfeiffer” and ask me to watch them on the monkey bars.

KIRK: The positive and supportive environment. We experienced this first from the faculty with their sincere support to help us find our way. But when we observed how supportive the students are with one another, we were mesmerized by this beautiful and admirable quality that is rarely experienced these days.

For each of you, what are you most passionate about? Why are you drawn to arts education and children’s programming?

KIRK: As a former Broadway performer, I know firsthand that there is a true urgency in preserving the art disciplines: respect and work ethic from the artists, the appreciation and etiquette from the audiences, and increased advocacy and promotion to the public. I believe that the appreciation and value of the arts begins in early education. It’s my responsibility as an artist-educator to inspire our youth to think creatively, feel passionately, connect with others and the world around us.

SCOTT: I am most passionate about creating an environment where every student can be free to express themselves creatively without fear of judgement by her peers or herself. The drama room is a place to explore, to “try things on,” and to take risks. The social pressures that students feel—especially due to social media—can hinder their ability to explore their creativity in a group setting. I enjoy helping a student break down those barriers (both internal and external) to become a more intuitive, compassionate, connected citizen of the world.

How are the Annie JR. rehearsals progressing? How are you helping the girls feel confident and prepared?

SCOTT: My job as a director is to ensure that everyone is in touch with her character and the story. With each scene, I share details of the time period to help them understand the context of their character and the story they are telling.

I don’t “dumb-down” my directorial approach or my expectations. I hold all cast members to a high standard and help them reach levels they never thought they were capable of reaching. The students have come with a lot of confidence, which makes my job that much easier. But, when that confidence wavers, I remind them that the theater is where they are free to try new approaches and encourage them to take risks. It’s a learned skill, so these students will become even better performers as we head into next year.

Preparation lies on the shoulders of the performers. The director and choreographer provide information, structure, guidance, support, and direction. Each student must independently learn her lines, practice her choreography, and know lyrics and notes. Hopefully, my directorial style has encouraged them to approach this production with a level of passion and detail that matches that of the professionals I work with and direct.

KIRK: I serve as the choreographer/co-music director/costume designer. The girls have been a delight to work with from day one! Most people do not realize that Annie JR. is a massive musical to produce. It requires a large cast, large movable sets, a great deal of costuming, not to mention complex vocals and choreography.

When most think of Annie, they think of a handful of orphans, Ms. Hannigan, and Daddy Warbucks. It is actually written for a cast of 30. We have a cast of 20 in our production. No, we haven’t eliminated roles. Instead we’ve doubled and tripled the parts for 17 of our cast members. This means playing multiple characters with quick costume changes!

We are not only preparing the cast by giving them their blocking, choreography, and notes but also helping them develop their characters, understand key historical elements, and teaching them various techniques such as vocal placement, breath support, dance technique, and even makeup and wig technique.

About the Cultural Arts Center Charleston (CACC)

SCOTT: Cultural Arts Center Charleston (CACC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the cultural arts through an ongoing series of family performances, educational programs, and community events that celebrate our diverse and multicultural community.

We have produced over 35 productions in 6 seasons since we established the organization. We create original dance musicals and music reviews and also produce full-book musicals. Last year, we even produced a musical, “My Princess Diana,” in New York City. Our Youth Theatre program provides arts education and performing opportunities for students ages 7 ½ to 18. Our “Broadway Theatre Workshops” focus on building skills in dance, voice, and acting. This summer CACC will participate in Ashley Hall’s Summer Program offerings. That camp will end with a performance held at CACC. We also have a summer immersive experience where we take young performers to New York City for an intensive training experience.

This February, thirteen students in sixth and seventh grades embarked on an amazing adventure: a Spanish Immersion trip to Costa Rica! With the goals of expanding language fluency and introducing authentic cultural touchstones as well as arts awareness, naturalist studies, and sustainability practices, the trip has been a life-changing experience for the girls, who were led by Campus Communications Manager Betsy Sidebottom and Visual Arts faculty member Tina Hirsig. A highlight was the group’s visit to an indigenous Bribri community in the mountains. The following is an excerpt from a journal Sidebottom kept along with students:

“The girls were exhausted from a full day, so they actually slept well at the Bribri community—even with all of the excitement from the night before and the many noises of the ‘jungle.’ We certainly didn’t need a noise maker because we had a forest full of crickets, dogs howling, and other noises to put us to sleep. None of us know exactly what we heard around 4 a.m.—perhaps a crew of howling monkeys!

Following breakfast, we learned how to use a bow and arrow. Whoever hit the target won a piece of chocolate. Unfortunately, none of us were skilled enough to hit the target, but we all had fun trying! Next, we were given a full lesson on how chocolate is made. We tasted it directly from the fruit, helped mash the beans, and cranked the beans into a smooth chocolate. As a reward, we enjoyed bananas with fresh-made chocolate. What a treat to follow the entire process!

Our final excursion in the Bribri community was a walk through a winding, muddy path and occasional trails and mounds of ants. It rained very hard in the middle of the night! With muddy feet we arrived at a creek with a swimming spot, which was a great way to end our time in the area. Several of the girls even braved the chilly waters!

Soon it was time to pick up the bags and make the trek down to the river. We enjoyed Costa Rica on our left and Panama on our right. Several of us touched plants on the right so I suppose we can say we went to Panama, right?

What a memorable stay on the Bribri land!”

Friday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)

Tickets: $8

New performance space: Cultural Arts Center Charleston in West Ashley*

The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved, award-winning musicals!

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

*Please note that ALL performances will be held at the Cultural Arts Center Charleston (CACC) located at 2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Suite A-112 Charleston, South Carolina 29407. Please park near Planet Fitness and enter the mall through the Southeast Entrance. CACC will be located straight ahead. 

Today, February 5, marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day which celebrates and  inspires girls and women to play sports, be active, and realize their full power. We thought it was the perfect occasion to announce the 2020 Ashley Hall Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, student-athletes and notable supporters who have made significant contributions to the Ashley Hall Athletics program. 

Congratulations to the following alumnae:

Betsy Cheek Howland ’74, Equestrian

Coleman Short Hawkins ’06, Volleyball

Kathryn Widman Hatcher ’06, Track & Field + Volleyball

Hayley C. Harrell ’08, Volleyball + Track & Field

Sydney E. Howe ’09, Track & Field + Basketball

Jamie Harrell Rowell ’10, Tennis + Basketball

The upcoming 2020 Alumnae Weekend will kick off with a special Induction Ceremony and reception on Thursday, April 16. Registration will open soon.