Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts

Christen Heilman

Christen Heilman

Christen Heilman, a graduate of the Performing Arts School of Metropolitan Toledo, is a costume designer and performer originally from Northwest Ohio. Her expansive career includes a Bachelor’s in Musical theater and nearly 30 years of performing and 15 years of costume design. You may have seen her work in the 2022 season of GSFTA, at Nashville Ballet, and/or on the stage with Actor’s Bridge Ensemble. Classically trained in ballet at Ballet Hispanico, Christen has gone on to dance with The Metropolitan Repertory Ballet (NYC), North American Ballet, and the Toledo Ballet. Currently, you can find her working with the young artists at Centennial Youth Ballet training the next generation of performers with dignity and joy.

Alumni News


About the School

GPS Address:

624 Old Main Circle Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Google map link here


Mailing Address:

Governor’s School for the Arts 1301 E. Main St. Box 38 Murfreesboro, TN 37132


Our Mission

The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts exists to provide high quality arts education for gifted and talented high school students in the state of Tennessee. The pre-professional summer curriculum includes individual and group instruction designed to help each student explore and develop his or her talents in music, ballet, theatre, filmmaking, and visual art. About four hours a day, six days a week are spent working in the major area of concentration.  If you are a former student, visit the Governor's School Alumni Center.


The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts is a three week summer program for rising 11th and 12th grade students in Tennessee. Administered by the State Department of Education, we offer study programs in art, dance, filmmaking, theatre, and music. Students are selected in competitive auditions during the months of January or February. Those eligible are Tennessee residents who attend public, private and home schools within the state. Questions? - Contact Us.