Jack Zerbe
Jack Zerbe is an actor and a professor of theatre performance. In addition to working in American colleges and universities, he spent 13 summers teaching in Spoleto, Italy, where he met fellow trip leader, Karey Walter. Together, they have explored Umbria, Tuscany, Sud Tyrol, and the Veneto.
While on a sabbatical from college teaching, he studied the Italian language at La Scuola Leonardo da Vinci in Siena, where he received certification as an intermediate advanced speaker. While there, he researched the city’s semi-annual civic celebration, The Palio, as a model of environmental theatre. During this same period, he explored many of the small towns and villages that are now the center of this tour.
All of this led him to serve for several years as a Director of Study Abroad. During that time, he created and led several study-away experiences (one in Siena!) and became passionate about intercultural learning. He has visited 24 different countries, but his favorite is Italy, especially the sights, sounds, and smells of Tuscany.
Karey Walter
Karey Walter is a passionate working photographer and dedicated educator with a deep love for Italy. With over two decades of experience, she has been capturing the country's timeless beauty through her lens, immersing herself in its rich culture and captivating landscapes.
Throughout her career, Karey has journeyed extensively across Italy, but it is in the region of Tuscany where she finds her greatest inspiration. Drawn to its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming medieval towns, she has dedicated countless hours to exploring and documenting the region's enchanting beauty.
Karey is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences alongside her photography work. As an educator, she guides individuals to develop their technical skills and artistic vision, encouraging them to explore their unique perspectives. Through workshops and mentorship programs, Karey aims to inspire her students to see the world creatively and create meaningful images that tell compelling stories.