Alabama School of Fine Arts

09/08/2026

For the fifth year, ASFA Theatre Arts was proud to partner with Broadway Dreams, bringing professional teaching artists to our students and the Birmingham community.

This year, Broadway Dreams teaching artist Maxx Reed spent three days at ASFA working with 10th–12th grade Theatre Arts students and leading a masterclass for 7th–10th grade ASFA Dance students. Maxx’s career spans Broadway, film, television, and choreography, with credits including Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Michael Jackson’s This Is It, Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls),” and work with Mariah Carey.

Students also worked with New York–based director and writer Sarah Hartmann, whose musical theatre, opera, and symphonic work has been seen throughout the U.S. and internationally. Her recent credits include productions of Anastasia in Australia and Japan, as well as the Broadway production and U.S. National Tours.

We were especially excited to extend the experience beyond ASFA, welcoming 12 students from Red Mountain Theatre Academy and Homewood High School to participate in the weekend workshop free of charge.

Thank you to Broadway Dreams, Maxx, and Sarah for an inspiring weekend of learning, collaboration, and artistry!

Broadway Dreams @ ASFA is a collaboration between ASFA Theatre Arts Chair John Manzelli and Annetee Tanner, Founder and President of Broadway Dreams

08/31/2026

Tuscaloosa! We're coming to you with a Future Student Information Session on
Tues., Sept. 8 at 6:30 PM. ASFA is a free, 7th-12th grade public school providing an intensive academic and specialty education in creative writing, dance, math-science, music, theatre arts, or visual arts. Boarding is available for grades 9-12.

The meeting is at the U. of Alabama South Engineering Research Center, Room 3437
255 7th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Come meet our Outreach and Admissions Officer and learn all about ASFA and the application process.

Home - Alabama School of Fine Arts a public school for 7th-12th graders specializing in creative writing, dance, theater, visual arts, music or math-science

08/28/2026

Happy Sidewalk! Alabama School of Fine Arts’ connection to Sidewalk Film Festival runs deep through our incredible faculty, alumni, community, and as a screening location!

Erika Wade (Film Faculty) is serving as a festival Juror.

Corey Craft (Creative Writing Faculty) serves as Sidewalk’s Cinema Programming Director.

The film "Show Me the Line", directed by alum Kelsey Ianuzzi '11 (Visual Arts), features contributions from an incredible team of ASFA alumni:

Elliot Cleverdon '10 (Music)
Omari Jazz '13 (Visual Arts)
Rachel Hendrix '10 (Visual Arts)
Ahree Siegel '12 (Visual Arts)
Lisa Cordes '02 (Visual Arts)

Be sure to check out the festival lineup and support ASFA talent! 🎬✨

08/28/2026

BUILDING STRONGER PATHWAYS TOGETHER!

It was a privilege for the Alabama School of Fine Arts to host the inaugural meeting of the Consortium of Alabama Specialty Schools on our Birmingham campus yesterday!

The Consortium, established by the Alabama Legislature last session, builds on years of partnership among the state's public, tuition-free specialty schools. The first annual meeting expanded that foundation by bringing teams from across each institution into the conversation to collaborate, share expertise, and tour our facilities.

Together, our schools provide specialized education across the state:

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (Mobile)
Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (Huntsville)
Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (Demopolis)
Alabama School of Fine Arts (Birmingham)

By sharing our best practices and unique approaches, we strengthen education, college, career, and workforce preparation for students from every corner of Alabama.

Thank you to our colleagues from ASCTE, ASMS, and ASHS for joining us to launch this next chapter of collaboration. The real impact of this partnership will be seen in what our students gain: new opportunities, stronger programs, and an even brighter future!

08/27/2026

Our amazing film instructor (and ASFA alum) Erika Wade was named one of the Five Filmmakers to Watch! Check it out in this article by another ASFA alum Monique Jones in the Birmingham Times whose Executive Editor Javacia Harris-Bowser is ALSO an ASFA alum and former ASFA teacher!

By Monique Jones | For the Birmingham Times Birmingham’s film scene is growing exponentially. Over the past 30 years, Birmingham and the greater Jefferson County area have been home to several prod…

08/25/2026

Some of our Visual Arts students are featured in this article about the Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark!

Students spent their summer learning to create sculptures under guidance from resident artists at Sloss Furnaces.

08/18/2026

🎻 First Note Strings is enrolling now for the fall semester! 🎻

Give your young musician (grades 2nd-6th) the perfect start with Alabama School of Fine Arts' violin and viola classes designed just for elementary students. Led by expert instructors, First Note Strings builds strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong love of music—all in a fun, supportive environment.

First Note Strings - Alabama School of Fine Arts a public school for 7th-12th graders specializing in creative writing, dance, theater, visual arts, music or math-science

08/13/2026

Congratulations to new ASFA theatre arts faculty member Rachel Burttram on the launch of her new book, Diary of a Professional Actor: A Career in Regional Theatre! Ms. Burttram has over 25 years of experience on stages and film across the country. The book shares invaluable insight into what it means to build a thriving life in American theatre.

Rachel Burttram's memoir on her 25-year career in American regional theatre opens for pre-order, with ebook and paperback editions set to launch together.

08/11/2026

Hi! We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow!

05/27/2026

We're so proud of the Class of 2026! The 71 graduates earned college scholarships totaling over $24 million, with 91% of the scholarships being renewable. Plus, merit scholarships were offered to 80% of seniors. Students were accepted to 177 art schools, colleges, conservatories, and universities throughout the United States and abroad!