Our speakers:

Dr. Margaret Carlson

Producing Artistic Director of Verb Ballets, Dr. Carlson has been with the organization for over 15 years leading the company to national prominence. Having completed a successful tour of Taiwan in 2017, the company embarked on two tours to Cuba. The company has been recognized as one of 25 dance companies to watch in America. Dr. Carlson had a long career as a performer, working as a principal ballet dancer and performer in numerous musical theatre tours across America. Later, as a university professor, and was Dean of Dance at the Hong Kong Academy. She is currently working on a film about the life of Ian Horvath, founder of The Cleveland Ballet and AIDs activist, called, No Dominion. Her doctorate is from Durham University, UK. She serves on numerous boards.

Jen Garlando

Jen Garlando is the Director of Marketing & PR with Verb Ballets and is a passionate arts administrator. Over the last ten years, she has seen Verb Ballets through successful milestones including the company’s 30th anniversary season, three international tours and the opening of a new home facility. She also works as a marketing consultant for regional small to mid-size organizations. Jen is a lifelong student of dance and has performed as a freelance artist in addition to teaching. She has also participated in community performances including Larry Keigwin's "Bolero Akron" and Nick Cave's "HEARD AKRON". Active in her local community in promoting dance as an art form, she currently serves on Firestone CLC’s Kent State University Academy of Performing Arts Advisory Board.

*This FREE event is open to OAPN members and non-members, too.