Detroit Country Day School Appoints New Executive Director

Detroit Country Day School (DCDS), an independent, non-denominational, college preparatory school, announced today they have appointed longtime DCDS faculty member James Davis to the role of Executive Director of the Visual, Performing and Communication Arts. DCDS Headmaster Glen Shilling made the announcement.

“James has long been a vibrant part of our theatre program at DCDS and we are absolutely thrilled to see his artistic vision take root in his new role,” Shilling said. “Through a passion for performance, art, and education, James has delivered truly amazing work on and off the stage on behalf of DCDS and countless other organizations. His guidance will continue to elevate our remarkable programs and inspire talented students in the creative arts.”

As Executive Director of Visual, Performing and Communication Arts, Davis coordinates school and rental events, manages student crew operating lighting and sound equipment, and serves as technical director for theatre performances. In addition to his elevated role in the performing arts department, Davis retains his position as a full-time faculty member, teaching courses in basic stagecraft and the art of theatrical scenic, lighting and sound design.

Davis has 26 years of experience in the local professional theatre scene and has spent the last 18 years as an educator and theatre instructor for the DCDS community. Over the course of his career at the school, Davis has served in multiple roles for upwards of 37 DCDS theatrical performances. His specialties include sound design, lighting design, scenic design, technical direction, and stage management. Davis has traveled with the DCDS theatre troupe to perform two plays including “Comedy of Errors” in New York City, and “Sweeney Todd” in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is a current board member of the Michigan Educational Theatre Association, and a member of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology and the USITT Education Commission.

Davis has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Wayne State and a Master of Science degree from Full Sail University.