Cornish College of the Arts is thrilled to welcome award-winning filmmaker, director, and screenwriter Jeffrey David Schick to the Dance Department faculty. Schick will lead Digital Dance: Directed Studies, guiding students through the art of screendance—a powerful medium that merges movement and film for fresh storytelling possibilities. His work has been featured at international film festivals, on major streaming platforms, and in acclaimed creative venues, giving students the unique chance to learn from a highly experienced, industry-renowned artist.

An Industry Innovator and Creative Visionary

With over two decades of experience, Schick has mastered the art of visual storytelling across multiple formats. As the founder and executive producer of AV Room Productions, an independent production company, Schick has worked on projects ranging from award-winning films and television to experimental dance films. His films—including HATCH (2019) and THE CALLING (2022)—have garnered international acclaim, earning awards and often featuring the talents of Cornish alumni. These films emphasize Schick’s gift for seamlessly merging choreography with cinematography, transforming movement into compelling narratives.

His experience in both the artistic and technical sides of filmmaking positions him as an ideal mentor for students eager to explore new ways of expressing their creativity. Students in his class will benefit from his insider knowledge of production workflows, distribution strategies, and artistic collaboration.

What Makes Digital Dance: Directed Studies a Must-Take Class?

In the dynamic realm of dance, Screendance stands out as a genre that merges choreography with film, using the camera not just to capture movement but to enhance and transform it. Digital Dance: Directed Studies offers students an immersive experience in this innovative field. Under Schick’s guidance, the course goes beyond merely recording performances, allowing the camera to become a creative partner in storytelling.

Students will learn to develop their ideas from concept to screen, gaining hands-on experience with every step of production, including:

• Ideation, mood boarding and storyboardings
• Choreography for the camera
• Filming techniques and equipment use
• Editing, post-production, and distribution strategies

Designed to equip students with both creative and technical skills, this class prepares them to produce movement-based films that resonate on a cinematic level. “This course helps students see themselves as more than dancers—they become storytellers, filmmakers, and creative collaborators,” Schick explains.

Schick’s Teaching Philosophy: Empowering Creativity through Storytelling

Schick’s teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to take creative risks and providing them with the tools they need to express their unique artistic voices. “The key is to make students comfortable not only performing in front of the camera but behind it—as writers, directors, and editors. Once they understand how to shape their ideas into narratives, their confidence grows, and their work flourishes,” he shares.

Schick’s favorite part of teaching this course is watching students discover the possibilities of Screendance, blending choreography with film techniques to create something entirely new. His teaching style emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring students leave the class prepared for careers that span both the dance and film industries.

Integrating Professional Work with the Classroom

Schick brings his ongoing professional projects directly into his teaching, offering students a real-world lens into the industry. His films and collaborations with Cornish alumni serve as case studies, giving students first hand insight into what it takes to create meaningful, movement-based films. Schick also invites guest speakers such as Dayna Hanson from the industry and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, aligning with Cornish’s mission of fostering creative connections across fields.

“Students will not only learn technical skills but also how to think like producers—finding locations, managing equipment, and marketing their work. These are skills they’ll use whether they continue making films or pursue other artistic ventures,” says Schick.

Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom

In addition to his teaching, Schick is eager to engage with the broader Cornish community through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaborations, and campus events. He views Cornish as more than just a school—it’s a creative hub where students and faculty inspire each other. “Being part of a community where alumni stay connected and continue to grow is one of the reasons I’m excited to join Cornish,” Schick reflects.

Alia Swersky, Chair of Dance, shares her thoughts on Schick’s influence: “Jeff offers students a comprehensive education that takes them from pre-production through post-production, giving them real-world experience in taking their work out into the world. His unique blend of corporate production expertise and the DIY artistic approach helps students bridge the gap between creative filmmaking and the practical, entrepreneurial side of production. Through his course, students gain essential tools for storytelling, from storyboarding and shot lists to producing and navigating the behind-the-scenes intricacies of screen dance.”

Schick’s commitment to students extends beyond academics. He believes in mentoring young artists and helping them build lifelong skills that will serve them in the evolving arts industry.

A Semester to Remember: New Moves Premiere on December 6-7

The New Moves showcase promises to be an immersive celebration of dance, film, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond the films produced in Jeff Schick’s class, audiences will experience live dance performances from other talented instructors and classes within the Cornish Dance Department. This diverse mix of media and movement will highlight the breadth of artistic expression fostered at Cornish.

Don’t miss this dynamic event! Secure your tickets now for New Moves on December 6-7, and consider a Dance Season Pass to experience the full range of Cornish’s dance performances this season.

Written by Marvin Henderson