Fair Haven Teen To Represent NJ At National Arts Summit

FAIR HAVEN, NJ - This Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School student has proven to be a shining star in the classroom and on stage.

Senior Alexandra Fratto was recently selected as one of six students chosen to represent New Jersey Thespians & ArtPride New Jersey during the 2021 National Arts Action Summit.

The National Arts Action Summit is an annual event for arts educators and professional arts advocates from across the country to meet with legislators to discuss a range of arts issues, including arts education.

Fratto will be able to participate in virtual training on current issues related to the arts circulating on Capitol Hill. She will also be able to remotely meet with elected officials for two weeks in April during Arts Advocacy Week.

Fratto was selected for the honor after submitting an essay to the Educational Theatre Association’s DemocracyWorks Essay Context, reflecting on how theatre has made a difference in her life and how others can benefit from the arts:

“My story with theatre may have started with a love for Disney, but it has manifested into something far greater. Theatre needs to become more accessible, not just a creative outlet for the wealthy. I should not be the only person with a story like this, and I know with some work, more people can benefit from the beauty and challenge of the stage,” Fratto wrote.

The teen began her acting career at Knollwood Middle School in Fair Haven at 10 years old and has been a member of the Tower Players since entering Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, according to a news release from the district. The upcoming spring musical will be her eighth performance on the RFH stage and, while she has loved all of the shows, last year’s Footloose is named as one of Fratto’s favorites.

Fratto also serves as co-president of the RFH International Thespian Society and induction chair of the tech crew, as well as co-president of the Spanish Honor Society and a mock trial club officer.