After an extensive search, I’m very pleased to announce that Amy Brentano (from Richmond, MA) has accepted our offer to join the Arts Department and become the new Theater and Film Director next year. Amy received a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is an experienced and talented actor, playwright, director, and teacher. Having worked with students of all ages, her energy and vision is impressive. In addition to leading our Upper School program, and overseeing our Middle School program, we are excited about the prospect of Amy developing a theater program in Lower School next year. I am confident that she will be an inspiring teacher and artistic force in our school and community.
For the past two years, Rachel Siegel has done such an outstanding job– teaching English, Latin, Preschool French, and Theater. With a young child, Rachel Siegel has decided not to return to BCD in a part-time capacity next year. Her energy, commitment to the students, and concern for excellence in her programs and work has been stellar. We are hopeful that Rachel will consider rejoining the faculty in the future.
Upper School science teacher Sue Benner will oversee and direct our athletic program next year. An experienced coach, Sue offers a great deal as we work to strengthen our program, increase participation, and develop the culture of community around our teams. Sue has already begun planning and meeting with coaches about all of that, and the fall schedule is almost complete. She will continue to teach as a member of our Science Department, and this role will bring her to full-time next year.
I am extremely grateful for the hard work and leadership that Paul Frantz has provided as the director of our athletic program during the past year and half. It has been a positive year with Paul overseeing the program, and I am appreciative of his dedication, passion for the programs, and interest in the positive experiences of every student. Paul plans to stay connected to the program as a coach next year. Thank you, Paul, for stepping in when BCD really needed you (again)!
My boys and I saw Amy Brentano’s production of Around the World in Eighty Days at the Berkshire Theater Festival. It stands out as one of the best shows we’ve seen since coming to the Berkshires. I’m so excited to have her joining the BCD community!
Kudos for finding and hiring Amy Brentano. I am very familiar with her work in the Richmond School system and she will be a great asset. Thank you Mr. Franz for your great leadership as director of athletics this past year.