Stage Craft Academy Empowers the Next Generation of Virgin Islands Creators

Stage Craft Academy is a free workshop series led by Jonelle-Alexis Jackson in collaboration with ElevateWi. Open to Virgin Islands students aged 12-18 who are passionate about theater production, the program offers weekly classes on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at ElevateWi Studios.

ElevateWi is a nonprofit organization based in the U.S. Virgin Islands dedicated to fostering the creative potential of local youth. Stage Craft Academy is its latest initiative under the VI Creators Course program. Omar Ewen, founder and president of ElevateWi, emphasizes the importance of providing young Virgin Islanders with a creative space to explore the arts. “I had a vision of creating a space so many of us lacked growing up – a space to learn about the performing arts, build community, and gain support. We are thrilled to work alongside Jonelle-Alexis in curating Stage Craft Academy and look forward to future installments of this program.”

The program introduces students to various aspects of theater production, including acting, stage production, storytelling, and performing arts. In addition to technical skills, participants develop essential soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, public speaking, and time management. These skills are reinforced through team-building activities, helping students grow both creatively and personally.

Jonelle-Alexis Jackson, a Virgin Islander with an extensive background in stage production, content curation, and the performing arts, is passionate about making creative opportunities accessible to young artists. “My whole life has been dedicated to the arts and creative expression. I am a journalist, photographer, videographer, actor, scriptwriter, and content creator. I believe in the power of this work – its ability to heal, transform, and uplift our community. With arts programs disappearing from public education, it is more important than ever to create spaces where creativity can thrive.”