Page 39 - From the Outhouse 4 -21

39 | P A T R I C I A R A E M E R R I T T W H A T L E Y

PROLOGUE

I

was delighted to receive these commentaries from persons close to the Tajiri Arts story. Such accounts warm my heart and give
me a deep personal satisfaction in knowing that God used me to be a blessing to others through the public education system and

the performing arts.
Hi, Mrs. Whatley:

Guess who came to see our Matinee Show of The First Noel, a True Colors Theatre Company Production in Atlanta,

Georgia? The one and only, Mrs. Patricia Whatley. This queen was my very first acting coach and drama instructor.
It was at her school, Tajiri School of Performing Arts and Academics, where I was bit by the acting bug at 4 years old.

This woman made sure a solid foundation was laid for me as a performer and person. Thank you for helping to mold
me into the performer that I am today!!! I still hear in my head when I’m on stage: “People are always watching whether

you are in the front or the back.” Thank you, Mrs. Whatley, I love and appreciate you so much!

Jasmyne George Hinson (Former Tajiri Arts Student)

Atlanta, Georgia ‒ July 2018

Notes:

• Jasmyne played Shug Avery in The Color Purple at Actors Express Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Jasmyne was nominated for the 2017-2018 Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor/Female –

Musical (for The Color Purple at Actor's Express).

Appreciation, Patricia: