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CAC Board Member Profile: Jude Schanzer
CAC Board Co-Chair Jude Schanzer currently serves as Director of Public Relations and Programming at the East Meadow Public Library, is a member of the Board of Trustees for Long Island Traditions, and a Grants Panelist for the State & Local Partnerships (SLP) program of NYSCA administered by the Huntington Arts Council. With an extensive background in theater, as a theater director, as a teaching artist, and professor, Jude was a recipient of the Long Island Arts Council’s Arty Award in 2017, among many other honors for her work in the arts and as an arts advocate on Long Island.
Cinema Arts Centre: How long have you been attending programs at the Cinema Arts Centre?
Jude Schanzer: I have been attending Cinema programs for many, many years. Long before I became a Board member or even was acquainted with [CAC Co-Director] Dylan Skolnick. Admittedly, I have always been drawn to special programs featuring topics and presenters in whom I have a keen interest.
CAC: What is one of your favorite memories at the Cinema Arts Centre?
JS: I have so many good memories created at the Cinema. I did love the Drag Queen Story Hour. I found the opportunity to promote inclusivity and to work with children and families in a nurturing space rewarding.
CAC: What made you decide to contribute your time and resources to the Cinema through Board service?
JS: I believe that we all must know that what we do is important, that service to others might be the most important task one can undertake. I am never going to change the world, but I can make a difference in my community. The arts, education, and inclusiveness have always been my passions.
The Cinema Arts Center is an integral part on not only Huntington and Suffolk, but all of Long Island. The Cinema is expert at curating diverse films and for the sharing of ideas easily accessible to everyone by creating an atmosphere of comfort and belonging, both essential for effective communication.
I feel that I want to be a part of this mission, and that I have something to add to the purpose and mission of the Cinema Arts Centre.
CAC: Tell us about your work as Director of Public Relations and Programming at East Meadow Public Library and how that informs your work with the Cinema Arts Centre.
JS: Yes, I have been the Director of Public Relations and Programming at the East Meadow Public Library for over 19 years. (Started when I was 12.) My background is in the arts as a theatre director, professor of theatre and a teaching artist. As I grew older and reinvented myself (more times than one should) and I have found that developing educational, cultural, and arts programming to be immensely rewarding and satisfying.
Through programming, I have been able to promote inclusiveness, bring subjects to the patrons which are not always readily available, encourage imaginations, and create valuable partnerships. My position has taken me on journeys I never thought I would make and to develop relationships I never thought possible. I have partnered with the Space Science Institute and NASA on STEAM/STEM projects, brought independent film to our patrons in collaboration with Dylan Skolnick and Cinema Arts, hosted programs on race, religion, current events, and the Constitution with extremely qualified experts, and have run the gamut on hosting artists just starting out and those who are award-winning accomplished creators. Yet, most importantly, I have brought these opportunities to the community. Hopefully, I am able to do the same with my experience and knowledge to the Cinema Arts Centre.
CAC: You recently took on important new roles with the Board, as our new Co-Chair, and the Chair of the Development Committee. As a leader on our Board, how would you describe our most important priorities for the future?
JS: My goals are to promote and further diversity and inclusivity at the Cinema. Though we are a very welcoming organization, we need to reach out to a larger and more diverse audience. We must identify how this can happen. Again, starting with community and what is vital here and for us to grow. The larger picture is always important, but it must start with where we live. We are a microcosm in terms of national and international situations, but that does not mean that we are not an vital part of the entire picture. Communities are the brush strokes that create the picture. We must pay attention to the brush strokes.
CAC: You recently brought a great connection to the Cinema Arts Centre and are working with us to plan an exciting event for December. Can you talk a little about that?
JS: I have been so fortunate to meet so many truly exceptional people. One of these is Gerald Dickens. Because his tour is so popular, it took me years to book, but last year I was able to host Gerald Dickens performing A Christmas Carol. His performance was extraordinary. He created a one-man show out of his Great-Great Grandfather’s iconic story. On Monday, December 5, he will perform it at The Cinema for us. This is really not to be missed. A wonderful experience for all and a way to say “Happy Holidays” to the Cinema.
CAC: What would you say to a CAC member who was interested in learning more about Board service?
JS: Anyone who is thinking of becoming a CAC Board member is welcome to speak with me. You would be joining a committed group of people interested in serving the community, film and the arts in general. Becoming a Board member is rewarding experience and an rare opportunity to serve your community and the art of film.
All of us at the Cinema Arts Centre are so grateful for the meaningful service of Jude Schanzer, and all of members of our Board of Directors.
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