AAPS: Pathways students help build video production studio; create 27-minute documentary

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor

Students in Quinn Strassel’s acting and studio classes at Pathways for Success Academic Campus spent this academic year turning a little-used classroom into a recording studio.

And now the fruit of their labor is evident in their production of an impressive 27-minute documentary called “Voices from the Path” featuring the students and staff of Pathways:

Strassel says he couldn’t be more proud of the students who have been part of the new “Actors Studio at Pathways” performing arts program, where he teaches classes in theater production (which this year has been mostly video production), acting, and TV/radio production.

Assistant Dean Amina Allen adds: “The best thing about Studio is that it’s centered in youth culture; it’s centered in cultural relevance. And it allows students to gain skills that they need to be creative as artists in a way that’s centered in their own culture and world experience. And I think it embodies everything that we about Pathways and everything that we hope to become.”

English teacher Kristal Jaaskelainen said the “Voices from the Path” production fills her teacher’s soul.

“It shows off the long hours and the hard work that our students and you (Strassel) put in and it serves as a reminder that it’s just going to get better every year,” she said, before thanking the many who contributed financially to the building of the studio.