Meet Jonea Patton | Performing Arts Teacher/ Owner of Center Stage Performing Arts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonea Patton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonea, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The main purpose of Center Stage Performing Arts, is to expose youth to the vast yet amazing world of the arts and to instill a passion within them to share their gifts with humanity. Center Stage has the awesome opportunity to introduce music and drama to students in schools where there is no program in their curriculum.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over the past three decades, my journey through the realms of music and performance has been both profound and exhilarating. With a foundation built on performing in singing groups, churches, and public venues, my career has been a testament to the power of vocal expression and its impact on diverse audiences.

My expertise is not confined to the stage alone; it extends into the classroom where I have dedicated years to teaching music theory, songwriting, choir, and musical theater within the public school system. This experience has been enriched by my own vocal training, under the tutelage of some of the world’s most esteemed instructors, allowing me to delve deeply into and explore genres ranging from classical to gospel with a sense of curiosity and continuous learning.

What sets my approach to teaching apart is the emphasis on more than just vocal technique. I strive to instill a sense of confidence in my students, empowering them to find their voice not only on stage but in every aspect of their lives. This holistic method of teaching has been a cornerstone of my career, shaping countless individuals into confident performers and individuals.

The inception of Center Stage Performing Arts emerged from a humble beginning, an after-school drama program that has since blossomed into a beacon of artistic education and opportunity. There have been some closed doors, detours, roadblocks and potholes along the way. However, I believe in learning from what didn’t go as planned and using those lessons to help me improve and do better in the future. My motto is ” make adjustments, not excuses”. To those of you who are reading this, if you have a dream, vision, or idea, pursue it! It’s not too late, you are not to old, and you are not too young. You possess something unique that will be a blessing to others. They are waiting on you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the city, I would show them a good time. Well, in my opinion it would be. I would have them visit my church, The Word Church to receive and uplifting message. After service we would visit The Black Box Fix for dinner. Throughout the week we would see a couple of stellar shows at Playhouse Square. Depending on the weather, we would go to Edgewater Beach for a good walk. We could have lunch or brunch at Pinstripes. Then we could check out the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All that I am and everything that I have is because of Him. I would also like to recognize my husband Dr. Willie Patton, and thank him for his love and unwavering support. I am also grateful for my three energetic children Willie Jr., Nigel, and Zoe. Their curiosity for life keeps me motivated. My mother and grandmother deserve credit and recognition as well. Even though they no longer on this earth their words of wisdom, their valuable life lessons and encouragement replay in mind consistently. I would also want to thank Pastor Vernon and Lady Vernon for their spiritual guidance. Last, I am grateful for my family, my village , who have helped me navigate through this thing called life.

Website: www.centerstageperformingarts.com

Instagram: @csparts.5

Image Credits
Alvin Smith
New Bridge Cleveland
East Preparatory Academy