Ozzie Jones is a renowned writer, director, composer, and performer who brings decades of artistic and educational experience to YSC Academy. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Rhythm One Company and the Artistic Director and Co-founder of The Well Productions. Since 1992, Ozzie has worked throughout the United States and Europe, earning recognition as one of America’s top emerging stage directors through the prestigious Lincoln Center Theater Director’s Lab. He also co-wrote and performed in the Bessie Award-winning, Olivier Award-nominated Rome and Jewels for Rennie Harris Pure Movement.

At YSC Academy, Ozzie co-teaches a film and literature course and will lead Creative Voice & Performance: Literature, Public Speaking, and Improvisation—a dynamic class designed to help student-athletes build confidence, develop their unique voices, and enhance their communication skills through storytelling, performance, and critical analysis. In this course, students explore literature and public speaking through monologues, scene work, and improvisation. They engage in text analysis, perform cold readings of historical speeches, and participate in creative exercises that strengthen their ability to think on their feet, express ideas clearly, and connect with an audience. Rooted in YSC Academy’s mission to cultivate leadership on and off the field, Ozzie’s work helps students grow as expressive, thoughtful, and collaborative individuals prepared to lead in sports and in life.

What makes YSC Academy special?