See more graduates on our Alumni Yearbook page:
Open registration for upcoming workshops on campus.
Confirm your attendance by filling out the following form:
By submitting this form, I understand that The Media Arts Center is not liable for any damages or incidents to me or my property while on campus.
I understand this is a media school and I may be photographed or filmed for school use by students or staff.
Feel right at home inside a recording booth, directing a film shoot or opening professional edition software. Practice on campus guided by professional instructors and master the skills needed to succeed in today’s media industries.
Schedule an in person tour and get a first person look at the classrooms and equipment.
The Media Arts Center is an attract school, not a pursuit school. There are no admissions advisors, enrollment counselors, or recruiters of any kind. Everyone who works here is a teacher experienced in subjects they know deeply. If you want to be chosen for one of ten seats in an upcoming class the obligation is on you to read, reach out, apply, and tour. We are not a community college and do not accept everyone in the community.
We look for initiative, communication, and preparation in all applicants prior to consideration for acceptance.
The Media Arts Center is not affiliated with the CSB Media Arts Center.
Now partnered with credit Karma to help you finance your education.
Vincent Aamodt is a film instructor for The Media Arts Center. He has a diverse and accomplished professional background in creative storytelling, production, and video content. He has over two decades of experience as a Head of Production, Video Producer, and Art Director.
Currently, Vincent serves as the Director of Social Media Content and Community at Blackhawk Content. His expertise spans art direction, film direction, and creative strategy, showcasing his ability to deliver impactful visual narrative.
Jack Anthony is a multifaceted media professional with extensive experience across radio production, broadcast engineering, and audio arts. At The Media Arts Center, he brings practical expertise from his work as an Executive Producer for SC Public Radio’s 50th Anniversary Concert and his role as Program Director at WYTX.FM and ROQCLT.
Jack’s background includes on-air presentation for Ultima Thule, a respected Australian public radio program focusing on ambient and atmospheric music that broadcasts internationally. His technical knowledge stems from his work as a Broadcast Engineer for WBSC-LPFM in Bamberg, SC.
Andy teaches Cameras + Lighting at the Media Arts Center. It is the 2nd part of the Filmmaking Program. Andy has worked as a videographer and video editor in the news and documentary business for over 18-years. His mastery of film production and post production make an in demand videographer. Recently, Andy covered the Democratic National Convention.
Cathy Beasley is a multifaceted professional based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is known for her work as an actor, writer, director, and educator. Below is an overview of her roles and accomplishments:
Acting and Filmmaking
Cathy is an actor and filmmaker who graduated from The Media Arts Center’s first film class in Charlotte. Her short film, created as a class project, earned recognition with an award for Best Woman in Film.
She teaches scriptwriting at The Media Arts Center, sharing her expertise with aspiring filmmakers.
Cathy has also directed and written films under the banner of KitCatFilms, showcasing her creative talents in the industry .
Independent Filmmaking
Cathy continues to pursue her passion for filmmaking, recently completing her second short film, “Mary’s Choice,” which has been submitted to various film festivals.
Her diverse career highlights her dedication to both creative arts and fitness, making her a notable figure in Charlotte’s cultural and entrepreneurial landscape.
John brings experience as an Emmy award-winning Miami news reporter and producer; where he’s covered major events – including the 1996 World Series of the Florida Marlins, seven major hurricanes, and the 2000 presidential debacle in Palm Beach County, Florida. John started at The Media Arts Center as a student in 1995, after dropping out of high school. He moved up from teacher’s assistant, to part-time broadcast journalism instructor, then campus director in 2006. He was promoted to Director of Operations in 2009, and became the Owner and President in 2023.
Dan teaches Video Editing at the Media Arts Center. It’s the final part of the Filmmaking and broadcasting programs. Dan is an experienced editor and has taught Filmmaking related courses since 2012. He recently covered the Debate in Atlanta for CNN between Presidential Candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Arroe Collins is a multifaceted media professional based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a career spanning over four decades. He is a broadcaster, podcast host, writer, voice-over artist, and event DJ known for his engaging and creative approach to communication.
Career Highlights
Broadcasting and Podcasting: Arroe has been active in broadcasting since 1979 and currently hosts several podcasts, including Arroe Collins: Unplugged & Totally Uncut and The Daily Mess. His shows often feature interviews with prominent figures in entertainment, music, and literature, reflecting his passion for meaningful and thought-provoking conversations.
Writing: He describes himself as a “daily writer” who captures everyday observations and insights through his work. His writing often explores themes of spirituality, self-improvement, and personal growth.
Event Services: Alongside his wife Lee, Arroe runs LA Productions, offering DJ entertainment, event coordination, and officiating services for weddings and other celebrations. Their work is highly praised for its professionalism and attention to detail.
Voice-Over Work: Arroe has also built a reputation as a skilled voice-over artist, contributing to various media projects over the years.
Philosophy and Approach
Arroe emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creating authentic connections through media. He views broadcasting as an evolving art form that requires innovation and adaptability. His dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous preparation for interviews and his commitment to fostering engaging conversations.
Recognition
Arroe’s podcasts have attracted a significant audience, with Unplugged & Totally Uncut garnering widespread acclaim for its daily updates and diverse content. His ability to blend creativity with professionalism has made him a respected figure in both local and national media circles.
In summary, Arroe Collins is a dynamic communicator whose work spans multiple platforms, from radio and podcasts to live events. His passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences continues to shape his enduring career.
Ed Gigante has served as Chairman of the TV/Radio and Film Department at Palm Beach County School District since August 1996, accumulating over 28 years of experience in educational leadership. During his tenure at Palm Beach Gardens High School, he has developed and overseen the department’s curriculum and programming.
Concurrently, Ed worked as Lead Television Instructor at Connecticut School of Broadcasting in West Palm Beach, Florida from August 1996 to June 2017, where he taught broadcasting fundamentals to aspiring media professionals for nearly 21 years.
With his extensive background in both secondary and professional education, Ed has dedicated his career to training the next generation of media and broadcasting talent.
Sarah Lundquist is an education and media specialist with extensive experience spanning both traditional and digital learning environments. At The Media Arts Center, she brings over 15 years of expertise in curriculum development, team management, and accessibility standards.
Sarah’s background includes Emmy Award recognition for her work in local news as a producer and writer. She specializes in creating comprehensive educational experiences that bridge technical requirements with engaging content delivery. Her technical proficiency includes multiple learning management systems, industry-standard production software, and virtual collaboration tools.
Students in Sarah’s programs benefit from her practical approach to media creation that emphasizes both technical excellence and compelling storytelling. Her background in grant writing and development also provides valuable insights for students pursuing funded media projects.
Valerie advises students on resumes and Demos at the Media Arts Center. Valerie has been a SAG-AFTRA member since 1992 and has been featured on-camera talent for various films, commercials, corporate videos and live stream events. Her clients include Bank of America, Discover Card, Safeway, Dick’s Sporting Goods, American Medical Association, Avon Products, Jim Shore, Real Health Superfoods, Allegacy, Ilio, Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne, MTV, PBS, and others. Valerie has been teaching at The Media Arts Center since 2016.
Michael Peacock brings extensive media production expertise to The Media Arts Center, following a unique career path that began in law enforcement and evolved into digital content creation.
In 2019, Michael’s career evolved into media production when he became CMPD’s Video-Audio/e-Learning Content Producer with training from The Media Arts Center. As a one-person production crew, he created comprehensive training content for 2,400 employees, managing projects from concept to delivery while working directly with executive leadership. His expertise spans storyboarding, scripting, voice-over work, lighting techniques, green screen implementation, sound design, and video editing.
At the Media Arts Center, Michael teaches practical media production skills, drawing from his unique background that blends law enforcement experience with digital content creation expertise.
Silke teaches Video Performance at the Media Arts Center. It’s the 3rd course Broadcasting program. Silke spent more than 20 years in the news business both producing, writing and anchoring newscasts (including here locally in Charlotte and for NBC News Channel).
With a career spanning both the film and video game industries, his portfolio includes animation and layout work on major titles such as Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and Disney’s Pinocchio. JD has collaborated on properties owned by industry giants including Disney, Mattel, Xbox, and more — bringing cinematic storytelling and dynamic visuals to life across platforms.
When he’s not animating, he’s likely following dogs on Instagram
George teaches the Audio Performance course at the Media Arts Center. It’s the 2nd part of the Broadcasting Program. George is a 2016 graduate of The Media Arts Center. He has since done voice acting for large companies, including McDonald’s, Nike, Gatorade, Time Warner Cable, Mountain Dew ICE, ROOT Sports Northwest, and Lowe’s Home Improvement. He is the app voice for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and is the voice of DC Universe Online’s Green Lantern, John Stewart.
Rachael teaches Casting + Directing at the Media Arts Center. It’s the third part of the Filmmaking Program. Rachel is an entertainer, stuntwoman, and producer. She has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, TUBI’s #shockfight, Marvel’s Black Panther, and the Emmy-nominated VR experience by Meta, Goliath: Playing With Reality. Currently, she hosts HealthLine Media’s Inside Schizophrenia podcast, which has been repeatedly ranked as one of the top podcasts in the world about schizophrenia.
Fill out this form to receive the school catalog:
Fill out this form to apply to a program.
