ANTHONY and SELENTIA Q. MOORE
Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
OUR MISSION
...is to strengthen and empower children, youth, and families worldwide through the performing arts and "edutainment."
Anthony & Selentia Q. Moore are originally from Washington D.C. They attended Woodson Senior High School together and met as friends in the 10th grade, while in the band. After high school graduation, they went their separate ways and they truly believe it was God who brought them together while in the 20's. Both were reared mostly by single-parent mothers who were very strict and supportive of their education and extra-curricular activities. As a result of their mother’s encouragement, faith in God, and a few amazing teachers, both overcame a very challenging life growing up in the inner city of Washington, D.C.
As Mrs. Moore matured, she realized that the absence of her biological father had a great impact on her self-esteem and confidence. Mrs. Moore confirmed that many of her choices in life were based on how she felt about herself as a result. Mr. Moore's parents' divorce also greatly impacted his life at a young age. To overcome many obstacles, both agreed that they would depend on their faith in God and, the commitment of mentors, who always encouraged them to use her extraordinary gifts and talents that were so evident to many.
Both Mr. & Mrs. Moore have the gift of teaching and connecting generously with others, especially children and youth, through the performing arts.
At the age of 23, under the guidance and financial support of her mentor, Mrs. Grace Bradford, Mrs. Moore was accepted to the prestigious Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. In 1991, Mrs. Moore graduated with Honors in Theater Arts and received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts. She was the only African American Theater Arts graduate from Brandeis that year. After college, Mrs. Moore was hired as a Values Education Trainer for the DC Public Schools Values Education Department under another great mentor, Dr. Thomsina Portis. Her highest honor was to instruct her former teachers based on a compelling workshop she created: “REAL LIFE” Through the Dramatic Arts. Veteran teachers were required to take Mrs.Moore’s classes for teacher recertification. Her former teachers were captivated and deeply touched to see their former students enthusiastically and skillfully teaching them. She was also responsible for designing and implementing theater classes that enabled and motivated DC Public School students to look beyond their circumstances and environment to become productive citizens in a global society.
Mrs. Moore is known for having great compassion for others and excellent management skills. Her ability to discern what others are “going through” and see the potential gifts/talents in others has enhanced the lives of many youths and adults across the world. With her own dynamic and unique way of connecting to large crowds and individuals, she is devoted to helping others seek out their passions and talents as a source of confidence and empowerment. Her unique way of using performance and visual arts as a “therapeutic” means of healing and helping others to reach higher levels of academic and life skill achievement, has been recognized for exemplary evaluations as a Teacher, Producer, and Director.
Mr. Moore graduated high school and attended Florida A&M University, where he marched with the Marching 100. He excelled and graduated with a degree in Music Education from The University of The District of Columbia and a master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida A&M. After graduation from college, he was immediately hired as the first assistant band director of his award-winning alma mater high school in DC, teaching alongside his mentor and high school band director, Mr. Charles E. Hankerson. After a year or 2 of teaching at Woodson High, he proposed to Mrs. Moore, they got married and he was promoted to head band director upon Mr. Hankerson's retirement.
Mr. Moore has taught in public and private schools and is awarded for his ability to teach instrumental music on levels of understanding that have catapulted his students into great and acclaimed musicians! Mr. Moore is the current, concert and stage band director, music composer, and arranger.
Mr. Moore is an accomplished vocalist who also plays the baritone horn in the Cobb Wind Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Alfred Watkins.
One month after Mrs. Moore graduated from Brandeis, Anthony & Selentia Moore were married in D.C. The Moores have 5 children. In 1993, their eldest was born. He is a graduate of the prestigious Harvard University, class of 2015. Their next son matriculated as a dance major at Adelphi University. He is an accomplished dancer/choreographer. Their first daughter is a notable scholar, model, actress, and talented performing artist who successfully matriculated in New York at New York University's Tish School of the Performing Arts. The youngest 2 Moore children are scholars at Dillard University and Dekalb School of the Arts.
In 2003, The Moores founded Moore Arts Movement Theater Company, Inc., also known as MAM, and later added THE BIG DREAMS PROJECT.
Mrs. Moore writes, directs, and serves as an acting coach for her original plays which usually have an emphasis on real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Mr. Moore supports her vision and they consult on almost every aspect of their nonprofit arts organization, WISDOM ARTS COMPANY INC. He also acts and sings in most of the productions as well as co-directs. Many MAM youth have grown up in MAM and have excelled in areas of leadership outside of the arts.
While teaching drama and instrumental music at the same high school in Baltimore County, Maryland. the Moores were nominated by their students and awarded, “Teachers Who Make A Difference” Their performing arts organization has served, mentored, and instructed thousands of youth, families, and other organizations from Washington, D.C. to Georgia, including northern states, toured and performed in the state of Georgia and beyond, including London and the Caribbean. Together the Moore's have also served parenting and marriage empowerment advisors.
Moore Arts Movement Theater Company was recognized with a Vision Award as the most outstanding youth performing arts ensemble in the state of Georgia. The Moores were presented with a TORCH AWARD for their performing arts work with youth in the communities.
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF Mrs. Moore, THE BIG DREAMS PROJECT has been featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, GOOD DAY ATLANTA, ATLANTA LIVE CHANNEL 57, highly acclaimed at various prestigious events, including being acknowledged after an amazing performance as official DISNEY WORLD and successfully staged live productions.