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MSLCE Student Aspires to Head a Theatre Company

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By Miya Williams

Claire Conard was hooked on theater after her first performance in the musical Annie while in middle school.

“I was always interested in being the center of attention,” she revealed.

While she has been in many shows over the years, her interests have now shifted from being on stage to being behind the scenes as she hopes to become an executive director for a theater company.

“To play such an important role in creating art would be a dream come true,” she said. (more…)

Facebook Brand Strategy Lead to Speak at Northwestern

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By Jacob Nelson

Long before Chris Meador took a job at Facebook, he thought about pursuing a career in acting.

He majored in theatre at Northwestern, but then, as he explains with a deadpan delivery, “I realized I  wanted health insurance.”

Meador, who now works as Facebook’s Brand Strategy Lead, will appear at MSLCE’s next speaker series event, on Dec. 1 at 5:15 p.m. He’ll discuss his career, which has taken him from NBC to The History Channel to Microsoft and finally to the largest social media platform in the world. It’s this last role that has made Meador aware that the professional world is in a moment of transition, and Facebook is leading the way. (more…)

Havas Chicago Executive Producer Talks Marketing at Northwestern

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By Jacob Nelson

During his introduction of Brigette Whisnant at last week’s speaker series event, Kellogg professor Rick Kolsky said, “I think my job is fun, but she gets to do some really cool stuff.”

As an executive producer at Havas Chicago, Whisnant oversees the content production work for a couple of well-known clients like AT&T and Verizon. She explained that different clients have different strategies, which means Whisnant is constantly challenged to think creatively about how to help generate “that piece of content or that idea or that experience.” (more…)

MSLCE Student Aspires to Own a Media Company

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By Miya Williams

Robin Zhou wants to be “a media guy.”

The MSLCE student dreams of being an entrepreneur and owning a media and creative company where he can combine his interests in media and public policy.

“There’s no need to only focus on one field,” he shared.

Zhou’s parents work in public policy and he has always had a passion for media. He watches a lot of television has had even shot his own films. The Fudan University alum obtained his undergraduate degree in TV broadcasting and his graduate degree from the University of Southern California in international public policy and management.

“I think if I work in these fields my life will be very interesting and full of challenges,” he said. “I am an adventure guy.” (more…)

MSLCE Students Attend Industry Days at the Chicago International Film Festival

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By Lauren Vernea

The Chicago International Film Festival took place Oct. 20-23 in Downtown Chicago. MSLCE students had the opportunity to attend the festival’s Industry Days, special events and presentations designed to highlight the inner workings of the film industry for students and guests.

The panels we attended were intimate and diverse. Two panels in particular stood out: One on the art of comedy writing and surviving in the business featuring Rachael Mason (The Second City, moderator), Jim O’Heir (Parks and Recreation), Chicago’s David Pasquesi (Curb Your Enthusiasm), and Michael McCarthy (Saturday Night Live). (more…)

Dan Heck Leads MSLCE Students in Project Management Workshop


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By Natalie Agbele

Project management is a field increasingly used in all kinds of businesses. As aspiring leaders, it is important to gain the necessary skills needed to manage projects and teams.

“Every project has to attempt a scope, schedule, and resources,” said Dan Heck, a certified Project Management Professional who led the first MSLCE project management workshop. During this workshop, we incorporated project management in building the Sydney Opera House Lego model.   (more…)

MSLCE Student With Performance and Producing Experience Aspires for New Role: CEO

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By Miya Williams

Lauren Vernea has headed her own theater and production company for three years but is now looking to increase her business acumen in order to be the CEO of her company full-time. “I want to be the best arts leader and push my organization forward,” she stated.

Vernea has performed at over seven theaters in the Chicago area including City Lit Theater, Child’s Play Touring Theater and Theater Unspeakable and is currently in a show at Quest Theater Ensemble. She has also served in administrative roles at Steppenwolf Theatre and Congo Square Theatre. But her company, Cape Coast Dream Productions, is where her heart is. Vernea co-founded the company with her college friend out of a “need to give actors and artists of color an outlet to work, get experience and do quality multifaceted work.” (more…)

MSLCE Students Learn How to Release a Film from Chicago’s Music Box Films


By Natalie Agbele

Ever heard of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Have you ever wondered who made it possible for the film to go to theater screens, as well as other foreign films like Ida, and the award-winning Monsieur Lahzhar? Music Box Films made that happen, and MSLCE students were given the opportunity to visit their workspace in Chicago on Friday, October 14th. (more…)