‘It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.’
– Albert Einstein
Ladies and gentlemen, we’re pleased to present our Height Middle School Shorts instructors for the Summer 2021 camp:
Antonio Harper, Filmmaking and Film Editing Instructor
Antonio has been making films for more than ten years. From shooting a home-movie version of 007 with his sisters when he was 13 to working with Yann Demange on the set of White Boy Rick in 2017, his skills are vast and his growth is rapid. He attended Cleveland State University from 2013 to 2017 and earned a degree in Film and Television.
Some of Antonio’s major accomplishments include two internships at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, one in his senior year of high school and the other in his senior year of college. He was offered a part-time position at GCFC upon graduation from CSU that then led to a full-time position. Since leaving GCFC in 2018, Antonio has started a production company, been featured in a variety of film festivals including the Cleveland International Film Festival, and served as a pioneer in how Cleveland filmmakers are learning to navigate the pandemic.
James Alexander Rankin, Expression and Performing Arts Instructor
James is a Northeast Ohio actor who has worked for various education programs throughout the region, including Tri-C West for their performing art summer camp, Great Lakes Theatre on their Outreach Tours for more than seven years, Cleveland Playhouse in their Outreach tour, Heights Performing Arts Camp for four years, and a few others. He has taught in multiple capacities from workshops to classroom teaching, primarily acting and theater.
James spends most of his time on stage in local theaters, some past companies include Cleveland Public Theater, Ensemble Theatre, and Great Lakes Theater, and other venues. He received his training at Cuyahoga Community College, Chicago College of the performing arts, North Shore Musical Theater, but mostly on the stage in practice or in classrooms. James is currently an Actor-Manager with Ohio Shakespeare Festival.
Cliff Sweeney, Writing and Storytelling Instructor
Cliff is a Creative Arts Teacher at Lake Erie Ink. His experience as a mentor and leadership facilitator of youth combined with a past in songwriting allow for a perfect fit for helping youth cultivate their creative talents.
Cliff believes creative writing and expression gives youth opportunity to view the world through different lenses.