Preparation for the opening of the four Schools – Visual Arts, Dance, Drama and Music – began in 1975 when designated lecturers from the above schools, got together to develop and structure a Curriculum for the teaching of these four Art forms. Led by such highly esteemed educational Luminaries as The Hon. Prof. Rex Nettleford, Dr. Gwen Gbedemah, Mrs. Kay Anderson and supported by Directors of the four schools – Gerry Craig, Pamela O’Gorman, Sheila Barnett and Dennis Scot – together with senior tutors, tutors and other support staff, the Cultural Training Centre was opened to students in 1976. The first group of students, although small, brought a strong sense of purpose and an innate understanding of the subjects taught. Over the following years, along with the regular enrollment process, the College was fortunate to receive students through an association with the University of the West Indies. I take the opportunity here to congratulate the diverse body of students that have passed through this College as they have gone on to develop fame and fortune and raised the flag of their Alumni to soaring heights.

Important milestones that formed part of the development process included an association with the Organization of American States (OAS) who in 1983 designated the Cultural Training Centre (CTC) as Headquarters for the CARICULT project. Through this association, students from a number of Caribbean islands received scholarships to attend the College. This sharing of culture provided new experiences for our local students. One of the highlights of the relationship was the hosting of an Educational Workshop in 1986 entitled “The Potential of the Arts in Caribbean Education”, and attended by selected Caribbean educators. The workshop, presented by lecturers from the CTC, was highly acclaimed as “unique” and considered “a revelation for the visiting participants”. Another important milestone was the association with Suny College at Brockport, New York, started by the School of Dance. Here an agreement was set up to allow graduates of the school to continue study for a Degree in Education or Performance; in addition, Brockport students were accepted to study at EMCVPA for one semester. This association proved highly successful and filled the gap until the College developed programmes of its own at degree level.

The EMCVPA, through the work of a cadre of brilliant leaders, lecturers and support staff has rightfully earned the title as the major ‘Centre for Arts in Education in the English speaking Caribbean’.

I wish for the College continued success as you forge ahead and look forward to participating in the 40th Anniversary celebratory activities that begin on October 9, 2016.

________________________

Barbara C. Requa

Former Director of the School of Dance

Dean of the Schools of the Performing Arts

Acting Principal of the EMCVPA

1978 I entered the gates of the Jamaica School of Drama as as part time student. I was so shy, not knowing what to expect of the Kingston lights. The school of Drama saw something in me. I entered full time in 1979 and now I can say. I am bold, creative, fierce and tslented. Talented. I have used so many of the lessons learnt to create Ms Letna and to share this with the world. Thank you JSDrama.

Letna Allen-Rowe 78-83 Toronto Canada

My art found surface and my life acquired purpose at EMC. School of Drama evolved a pool of dreams for me; from its nurturing aquifer. And I think it grew into a still swelling river. Intellectually and creatively, the ocean is now rather empty without me.

Owen Blakka Ellis -Director Communications, PR and Research. Toronto Canada, Kingston Jamaica

I exited the “doors” of the Jamaica School of Drama in 1986. Thirty years after I am still learning and developing my craft as a playwright and cultural activist. JSD has definitely given me a solid foundation for which I am forever grateful.

Francis Urias Peters – Grenada

Drama School pushed me to express myself and be me instead of hiding my individuality from others. It further opened up the doors to my creativity and helped me explore areas of talent that I was unfamiliar with. Friendship is a never ending bond at School of Drama, the people you meet along your journey there stay with you for life, that is the impact this school had on me.

Sandra Myers USA

Having spent over 20 years in Customer Service, the world of Theatre continued to revolve around me and still impacted life! Drama School has prepared me perfectly and I have used my talent to add humour to difficult situations and diffuse potentially horrific moments; teaching students in the prep and high school level there by allowing them to understand and enjoy particular lessons and finally increasing my self confidence.

Yolande Bramwell – Jamaica

My school of drama experience taught me how to analyze and conceptual ideas in a very graphic and realistic way. I became a very detailed storyteller, regardless of how complex a story may me. It also forced me to complete projects and never to leave things hanging or mid stream. The years at JSD took me to the root of black history and helped to shape my understanding and appreciation of who I am. These made a major difference in my professional life in academia and journalism. I am forever grateful for this grounding.

Jenni Campbell Former Editor

The School of Drama’s courses helped me to develop my mental, physical and emotional facilities to the point where I felt like nothing was impossible. Voice and Speech and acting courses, in particular, has helped me to better communicate and empathize whenever I am conducting my business .

School of Drama Graduate 2005, Donavan JR Watkis

I credit School of Drama for honing and supporting my creative achievements; the realisation of ME. For being the bedrock that anchors and secures me throughout my life’s journey

For this I owe a debt of gratitude I could never repay.

Ericka Dougal England

I remember one of the very first classes I had at Drama School; (with Eugene? not sure) we were given the task of getting someone, from within the class to do something for us, something that the individual would not normally do or give up. Each of us had a turn and for the most part we were able to get the other person to comply. It stood out for me to this day as I was able to get the other person in the class to comply and, I still use that tactic to this very day. Especially when stopped by the police and I don’t want to get a ticket. (It works every time)It has taught me that I can do anything I want, and that I can get anyone to comply with my wishes, I just need to be sincere, confident and patient.A lot of my skills in dealing with people today come from the many near impossible tasks given to us at Drama School.

Irene Brown, Voice over artist – New York