Meet the Caravan
John Croke
Artistic Director
John has written, directed and performed in numerous play at University of Southern Mississippi, The Kings Head Theater in London and Shadowbox Cabaret. He currently works as a pre-school teacher.
John Croke
Artistic Director
John is the Artistic Director of Cooking Caravan. His talents on and off the stage combined with his commitment to education help put the finishing touches on all Cooking Caravan’s projects. He has written, directed, and acted for The University of Southern Mississippi, Actors Anonymous, Shadowbox Cabaret, 2Co’s Cabaret, BGAN Films, and Foolish Bison Theater. In addition to being an internationally accomplished poet, John has had two plays produced at The Kings Head Theater in London’s Off West End. He has taught songwriting and performance seminars with Sound Experience Workshops on projects in Ohio and Mississippi and currently teaches cooking classes for pre-schoolers.
Chuck Johnson
Musical Director
Chuck teaches music and music therapy classes to children ranging from 3 weeks to 10 years old. He has created and recorded music with children for Sound Experience Workshops and has also produced albums for several local folk and hip hop artists.
John Croke
Musical Director
Chuck is the Musical Director of Cooking Caravan and an accomplished musician. His devotion to education and musical production skills are the primary force behind Cooking Caravan’s music workshop programs. With thirteen years experience as an educator, Chuck provides music classes to children ranging from 3 weeks to 10 years old, and music therapy classes to group homes such as Avondale Youth Center. His work as a D.J. for several hip hop and jazz groups led him to create Turntable D.J. workshops for children and young adults. Chuck has created and recorded music with children for Sound Experience Workshops and has also produced albums for several local folk and hip hop artists.
John Skaggs
Head Chef
John is the co-owner of Heirloom Cafe in Columbus, OH. He supports the growth of local farming through cooking demonstrations held at Farmers’ Markets and by using as much local produce as possible in his own restauraunt.
John Skaggs
Head Chef
John is Head Chef of Cooking Caravan. His kitchen expertise and sincere desire to create happiness through his food make him an invaluable asset to Cooking Caravan’s food-based projects. He has served as Executive Chef of several restauraunts over the past two decades, and is the owner of Heirloom Cafe in Columbus, OH. John regularly supports the growth of local farming through cooking demonstrations held at Farmers’ Markets and by using as much local produce as possible in his own restauraunt.
Mark Stursa
Graphic Designer
Mark has written and directed short films and has worked with BGAN Films and Foolish Bison Theater. His paintings and stone sculptures have been showcased at galleries in Columbus. He is currently studying sculpture at The Ohio State University.
Mark Stursa
Graphic Designer
Mark is in charge of Cooking Caravan’s graphics design. His passion for art and his knowledge of production and design are what bring the Caravan to life visually. Mark has written and directed short films in Columbus, Ohio for the past eight years and has worked with BGAN Films and Foolish Bison Theater. His paintings and stone sculptures have been showcased at many local galleries. Mark has combined his skills as a freelance artist with his life-long occupation as a professional cook to create the Caravan’s cooking themed coloring pages, activity sheets, and promotional brochures.