Explore the Arts at BISFA! Are you ready to dive into the world of arts education? Join our Arts Exploration Program or enroll in the Summer Arts Academy! Both programs give students the chance to grow creatively, build confidence, and prepare for future applications to BISFA!

All Washington County students (to include homeschool, private and parochial schools) in grades 6-8 who have demonstrated an interest in the visual and performing arts are invited to submit an application of interest to participate in our Arts Exploration.  The Arts Exploration program offers two sessions per year (Fall & Spring) for four consecutive Saturdays each at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts – 7 South Potomac Street in Downtown Hagerstown.  These exploration sessions will provides students and families a inside look at some of the the artistic disciplines that BISFA offers. Our Fall Sesion is open for interested 8th graders.  An application of interest form MUST be completed to put your student on the roster.  Arts disciplines on offer for 8th grade students this year are: 

Student applications must be submitted by October 7, 2026. There is a classroom limit of 20 students in each area of study – except instrumental music.  A lottery system will be used to select students when the applicants exceed enrollment limits.  There is no charge to participate in the Arts Exploration program.  Parents/Guardians will provide or arrange student transportation to and from the Saturday sessions.

The Arts Exploration Program is open to Washington County students in grades 6–8 who demonstrate an interest in the visual or performing arts:

• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Instrumental Music
• Theatre Arts
• Visual Arts
• Vocal Music

Apply online today! Click HERE to access the online registration form.

Student applications must be submitted by October 7, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Ally Sirbaugh
Executive Director
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
240-347-4934
allys@barbaraingramfoundation.org

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Announces New Board Members

HAGERSTOWN, Maryland, July 29, 2026—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation announces five new board members for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including Jessica Edwards, Jeff Keilholtz, Craig Kilgore, Heather McCauley-Fitz and Lorna Shaffer.

Jessica Edwards is an aftermarket product analyst at JLG Industries. She is also a stage actor and multidisciplinary theatre artist with extensive experience in performance, production and arts programming. Jessica serves as an adjunct instructor at Hagerstown Community College, teaching an introductory theatre makeup class.

Jeff Keilholtz is an Emmy-nominated producer and TEDx alumnus who has built a career in entertainment, AI and intellectual property. As a former executive at Broadway Licensing Global, he represented a catalog of over 8,000 plays and musicals, managing iconic brands and key deals, including Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and Eugene O’Neill, as well as the record-breaking Tony Award® winning plays, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Oh, Mary!

Craig Kilgore is the founder of Next Level Visions, a video production company based in Hagerstown, serving businesses throughout the region. In addition, he works as an adjunct instructor at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. Craig’s background also includes a career in network engineering and prior service in the United States Air Force as an avionics technician.

Heather McCauley-Fitz runs a family-owned mechanical HVAC contracting business, blending creativity, entrepreneurship and collaboration across multiple fields. In addition, she works as a freelance artist, having had her art exhibited all over the country as well as locally at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and Bridge Gallery in West Virginia.

Lorna Shaffer has served as owner and director of Ballet and All That Jazz since the fall of 2021 and has taught dance since 2010. She and her dance studio are actively involved in the community, participating in events or partnering with organizations such as the ARC of Washington County, HollyFest, the Miss Washington County/Miss Western Maryland Pageant and Hagerstown Community College.

Leaving the Barbara Ingram Foundation Board after several years of dedicated service are Dr. Annie Anders, Erika Bell, Steve O’Farrell and Ryan Smetzer.

Current Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Board of Directors include Katie Anderson, Kelly Batey, Laurie Bender, Anne Bertram, Mia Collins, Karri Dawson, Pam Francis, Cheyenne Herson, Al Martin, Denver Martin, Brian McLucas, Wanda Mounts, Gerry Otremba, David Richardson, Ruth Ridenour, Shelly Strong and Toby Towson. Honorary Advisory Board Members are Mary Anne Burke, Katie Groh Fitzsimmons, Steve O’Farrell, Cynthia Perini, Mrs. Theron Rinehart, Elizabeth Schulze and Cliff Springer. The Ex Officio Board Members are Linda Murray, Dr. Gary Willow, Dr. Michael Chilcutt, Mark Keefer and Torin Malott.

“I am thrilled to welcome these very talented board members to the Barbara Ingram Foundation,” said Ally Sirbaugh, executive director. “They bring to the table so many diverse skills and a true passion for BISFA students and the arts. I look forward to working with all of our board members to continue growing and showcasing the Foundation, school and our local arts community.”

About Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
Founded in 2008, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation advances exceptional arts’ education by providing resources, connections and funding that support the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts public high school in Hagerstown, Maryland. Funds are provided for programs, such as master classes, artists in residency, student field trips and state-of-the-art instructional materials and technology. To learn more or take a tour of the school, call the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation at (240) 347-4934, or visit www.barbaraingramfoundation.org.

Pictured (First Photo): Jessica Edwards, Jeff Keilholtz, Craig Kilgore, Heather McCauley-Fitz and Lorna Shaffer.

Pictured (Second Photo): Dr. Annie Anders, Erika Bell, Steve O’Farrell and Ryan Smetzer.

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The BISFA Foundation is looking for Student Interns for our 2026 Summer Arts Academy Program.

Apply today!!  Deadline is FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Student Intern Application

AUDITIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The Student Ambassador program creates more connection between BISFA and the Foundation. Student Ambassadors meet on a monthly basis for a mentoring and brainstorming sessions where we will discuss events, professionalism and ways to showcase their discipline. In addition, students will be invited to assist with and participate in various Foundation events and projects like ushering at the annual Donor Society Event, giving tours of the school, representing your discipline in community performances and much more!

This year we are looking for students in the following disciplines: CGDA, Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental, Visual Arts, and Vocal

Please use this link to access this years applicaiton:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev7awrMHTgo6BGhnjuiGcJi6naodvOIoT9kSZxvXYhkMPJcQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101971541590331905925