JENNIFER RODGERS BEACH
holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Theater from
Ithaca College and a Master's Degree in Opera Theater from the
Maryland Opera Studio of the University of Maryland. While performing
in the classical arena (including the Washington Opera and Ithaca
Opera), Jennifer continued to pursue her love of different musical
styles by singing in jazz combos, musical theater productions
and piano bars. In time, she found the best fit was in the combination
and, more importantly, in the communication of the music she
sings.
Now, Jennifer focuses
on her performance work as a cabaret artist. Her original cabaret show,
“…one little did…,” was well received during its tour of the
Mid-Atlantic region and her work with higher education institutions
and community service organizations using that show formed the
basis for Plunge!. She also has a private voice studio and a
CD recording entitled “What She Wants.”
Jennifer has worked in leadership and human development in
the arts and higher education for over twelve years. As a trained
process consultant, she served with a team of internal organizational
development consultants for the University of Maryland where
she also taught an honors-level leadership development class.
In music and theater, Jennifer has designed, directed, and conducted
productions in many styles and venues over the last fifteen
years. In 2003, Jennifer began building the Plunge! Cabaret
concept and also founded Icarus
Evolving, an independent consulting firm that is now a part
of the Plunge! infrastructure.
Jennifer is a skilled and dynamic performer and facilitator.
She brings her experience and expertise in effective communication,
leadership development, education, and drama to every performance,
workshop, and presentation. She is a certified
administrator of the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator
(MBTI), and a member of the Association of Performing
Arts Presenters and the American Choral Directors Association.
TIMOTHY COLES
is a classically trained pianist and vocalist. He holds a Bachelor's
Degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca
College. His career as a choral music director, conductor, and
accompanist has been enhanced by his roles as actor, producer
and director of many theatrical productions ranging from volunteer
community productions to professional shows. Tim has performed
in hundreds of recitals, shows, and concerts, and continually
pursues a mix of styles throughout the music and theater genres.
His skill and experience as a collaborative pianist has created
a high demand for his services as an empathetic accompanist.
Tim collaborated
with Jen on "...one little did..." starting in the Fall of 2002,
and went on to co-found Plunge! in the years following.
Tim is a music educator with a strong background in teaching
voice and piano. His broad range of work with middle and high
school students has given him leadership experience with a wide
variety of ability levels, socio-economic classes, and learning
styles. Tim is accomplished at using music and theatre as a
meditative process for both physical and emotional healing.
Working in Plunge! only strengthens his
belief that music can and should be more than simply entertainment.
Tim uses his musical skills to broaden his
outreach to his community. He finds great satisfaction in working
with professionals, volunteers and amateurs alike. The result
is a strong, vibrant, music program with a spirit of community
wherever he is working. Tim is a member of the Association of
Performing Arts Presenters and the American Choral Directors of Association.
