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Crafting a Career in Communication through Passion and Purpose

As a student majoring in communication at the University of Ottawa, Longhao Li ’25 quickly developed a passion for advanced film and sound techniques. As he worked closely with a professor, he learned even more about video and animation. 

One of his first film projects involved interviewing First Nations people to create a short documentary that shared their unique culture and perspective. Even though Li got to do this hands-on work, he felt disconnected from the industry.  (more…)

Using Business Tactics to Create Deep Entertainment Experiences

Graduate school was never part of the plan for Kay Cui ’24.

She did well in classes like math, history, and English, but she didn’t want to study those subjects in depth. Instead, she preferred immersing herself in the world of entertainment and spent much of her childhood playing piano, flute, oboe, and cello.

Her plan was to earn a BA in Communications from Northwestern University and then start working. (more…)

Learning to Launch and Operate a Creative Enterprise of Her Own

Elementary-school performances of established works on piano and in theater gave Samantha Westlake-Hart ’25 her first exposure to creative arts. Just a few years later, in high school, she realized she enjoyed behind-the-stage experiences just as much as being in the spotlight.   (more…)

Bringing a New Level of Representation to the Arts

Dubbed the Hollywood of the South, Atlanta has a thriving arts and music scene. As James Young ’24 grew up there, he was surrounded by opportunities to participate in theater, music, and film.  

His mentor, Cheryl Cardwell, taught him voice and piano. As she got to know his talents, she encouraged him to pursue acting, too.  (more…)

A Love of Content Leads to Working in the World of Entertainment

Though her interest in entertainment began as a young child on the amateur stages of Los Angeles, it didn’t take long for Evan Pearl ’21 to start wondering: What goes on behind the camera—and behind the curtain? 

As she prepared for college, Pearl knew she wanted to work in entertainment, but she didn’t know what that might look like, or what opportunities existed.   (more…)

Connecting the Dots Between Culture, Business, and Creativity

At the intersection of culture and creativity is where Peri Warren ’22 likes to spend most of her time.

Earning a degree in American Studies with a focus on Black Studies from Occidental College in 2019, she appreciated the interdisciplinary and intellectual experience of getting to explore topics like U.S. civilization and cultural studies all within one program. (more…)

From Performing in Musicals to Leading Her Own Company

Roberta Jafet ’23 says her enthusiasm for the arts began as a child in São Paulo, Brazil. She was involved in every arts-related activity possible, from theater to choir. When it came time for undergraduate school, she pondered a musical theater career but went a different direction, studying architecture and urban design at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado instead. (more…)

Building Leadership Skills on Land to Pursue His Passion at Sea

Jonathan Kwock ’23 grew up with some of the Midwest’s best regional musical houses in his own backyard. Surrounded by theater and the arts, he spent time at notable venues like STAGES St. Louis and The Muny, even performing with Muny Teens.  

When it was time to search for a college program, he chose Northwestern’s BS in Theatre with a Certificate in Musical Theatre. “Instead of being a conservatory, it was a well-rounded experience that lets you choose your path in terms of what you want to specialize in,” he explains. 

(more…)

A Dancer Who’s an Exhibition Curator in the Making

Jasmine Roberson ’23 grew up in the world of performing arts, dedicating 14 years to studying dance, including tap and ballet. What she enjoyed most about the experience wasn’t necessarily the performance, but the sisterhood that came along with dancing beside other girls her age and getting to learn from Black instructors. (more…)

Combining Business Skills with a Ballet Career

After landing his first real musical theater job at age 10, working with Cameron Mackintosh, a well-known Broadway producer, Daniel Roberge ’23 had just one goal in mind: He wanted to be an artist and performer. As Roberge became involved in more ballet performances, he says that many in his hometown of Newcastle called him Australia’s Billy Elliot. Six years later, a classical ballet teacher in Australia took note of Roberge’s talent and wanted to do what she could to help him succeed. (more…)