Rikki SpelmanARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER, LIGHTING DESIGN
RIKKI is ecstatic to be part of bringing quality high school theater to Rhode Island and giving students opportunities to grow and thrive as performers and people!
While attending St. Mary Academy - Bay View (class of 2002), Rikki grew in her love of music and theater while participating in their prestigious fine arts department. She performed in their annual Manhattan-At-The-Bay six times, recorded two choral CDs, and traveled to Italy where the chamber chorus performed at the Vatican and for the mayor of Florence. |
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Attending the University of Rhode Island on an academic scholarship, Rikki studied voice under Margaret "Peggy" Frazier and Mark Conley. She was offered many performance opportunities including solos and featured performances in the URI Concert Choir, University Chorus, and Opera Workshop. Graduating Cum Laude, Rikki completed a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and was honored to sing the National Anthem at the URI 2006 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. She is currently working on her Masters of Music in Music Education through Rhode Island College.
Rikki is currently in her thirteenth year teaching for West Warwick Public Schools. She taught general music and chorus at Greenbush Elementary School for eleven years before transferring to West Warwick High School in 2017. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves on the School Improvement Team and is the GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) advisor. She is a member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), the Rhode Island Music Educators' Association (RIMEA), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and an honorary member of TRI-M Modern Music Masters Honor Society in Music. She is in the process of chartering an International Thespian Society (ITS) troupe for West Warwick High School students who have shown commitment and excellence in theater at WWHS and in their community.
Rikki has extensive dance training and has taught ballet, pointe/pre-pointe, and contemporary dance for many years. She continues to choreograph and substitute teach dance classes throughout the state. She spends significant time volunteering for Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, where she focuses on mentoring teenagers and young adults as they grow into leadership roles.
Rikki is currently in her thirteenth year teaching for West Warwick Public Schools. She taught general music and chorus at Greenbush Elementary School for eleven years before transferring to West Warwick High School in 2017. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves on the School Improvement Team and is the GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) advisor. She is a member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), the Rhode Island Music Educators' Association (RIMEA), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and an honorary member of TRI-M Modern Music Masters Honor Society in Music. She is in the process of chartering an International Thespian Society (ITS) troupe for West Warwick High School students who have shown commitment and excellence in theater at WWHS and in their community.
Rikki has extensive dance training and has taught ballet, pointe/pre-pointe, and contemporary dance for many years. She continues to choreograph and substitute teach dance classes throughout the state. She spends significant time volunteering for Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, where she focuses on mentoring teenagers and young adults as they grow into leadership roles.
