Roslyn Burrough, or “Auntie Roz” as she’s known in the Downtown community, is a woman who exudes energy, a passion for teaching, and as her kids can tell you, lots of creativity.
Burrough was born in Jacksonville but splits her time between here and New York City, performing in Broadway musicals such as “The Sound of Music” and “Porgy and Bess.” Burrough also has a solo album titled “Love is Here.” She’s always been involved in the performing arts, but she’s also always had a deep love for education.
Burrough graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and went on to the University of Florida where she specialized in Early Childhood Education. She stays active in the local school systems by writing and teaching lesson plans. Burrough says she tries to set good examples for ”her kids” by staying active in the community as well. One way she does that is by holding workshops for kids of all ages. Kids ages three to 10 can attend “The Auntie Roz Peanut Show,” a workshop that teaches basics such as the alphabet and other early concepts, but in a unique and fun way. The workshop involves characters and songs that all revolve around peanuts, a creative concept she took from one of her favorite songs, “Salt Peanut” by Dizzy Gillespie.
“The kids are learning but the funny thing is, sometimes they don’t even know it,” says Burrough. “They think they’re just having fun.”
And teenagers ages 11-17 can attend Burrough’s “Looking for Soldiers” workshop that emphasizes character building and respect for others. She teaches the workshops at both MOCA and Edward Waters College. Her students have also been involved in oratory contests at The Ritz Theatre.
Burrough funds all the workshops herself and because of that, usually holds them only twice a year. But she admits she has a hard time turning kids away when they inquire about one of the workshops.
“I don’t want to turn any opportunity away,” Burrough says. “It’s hard for me to say no, so I get hooked on these things.”
Because of that, she often holds unplanned workshops, even though she may not be in a position to fund them at the time. But that’s just how “Auntie Roz” is, always putting others’ needs before her own.
“At the end of the day, I just want to see these kids succeed,” Burrough says. “That’s what’s most important.”