It's a week long showcase of some of the most talented theatre arts students in the country. This year, the Jemicy School has been selected to headline the big stage. This morning, Director Sean Elias, joins us in the Fox45 Studio with the details on their upcoming performance.

Thousands of middle and high school groups apply to perform at The Educational Theatre Association’s International Thespian Festival each year, but only a handful are chosen. This year, Owings Mills’ Jemicy School is one of those groups. Thousands of middle and high school groups apply to perform at The Educational Theatre Association’s International Thespian Festival each year, but only a handful are chosen. This year, Under the direction of Sean Elias, The Jemicy School is one of those groups. The troupe’s hard work and passion earned them the coveted main stage invitation.

Before any blueprints are drawn, renderings are developed, or ribbons are cut, all big ideas start with a vision. Whether it is the proverbial light-bulb moment or an idea that builds gradually, nagging away at us until it fully takes shape, change starts internally. And Baltimore is a city primed and ready for that sort of change. The following 30 people represent the impetus for this kind of revolution, putting their noses to the grindstone every day without much fanfare or limelight. In a time when the news is dominated by the negative, this group of change-makers, ages 16 to 66, is reinforcing the power of the positive. From developing virtual-reality programs and building accessible public transportation to educating kids through the arts and working to eradicate food deserts, these local luminaries are shaping the future of Baltimore—one big idea at a time.

This summer, the Iron Crow Theatre was recognized by Baltimore magazine as “Breakout Theatre Company” in their annual “Best of Baltimore” issue. Much of Iron Crow’s recent success is owed to Artistic Director Sean Elias. Along with his successful collaborative team, the humble Elias has helped Iron Crow Theatre re-establish itself as a creative force in Baltimore’s Arts District. Under his leadership, Elias’s first year with Iron Crow broke every record possible.

I first met Sean Elias as an actor for a show I costumed for Baltimore Shakespeare Factory. He was friendly, funny and fun and I liked him right away. I was so happy when I found out he was the new Artistic Director and CEO of Iron Crow Theatre, I know Iron Crow is in very good hands.