By Miya Williams
Kelsey Wright is eager to go to school in her own backyard and then remain in Chicago after graduation from the MSCLE program. The Windy City native dreams of teaching art classes and hopes Northwestern will give her the tools necessary to “put [her] dream into action.” (more…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
By Miya Williams
Alexander Fah Sang dreams of working for a Hollywood studio or heading his own. The Northwestern alum studied history and business institutions as an undergrad but has always had a love for film. “I loved seeing movies when I was younger,” he said. “Film is my favorite art form.” (more…)
By Joe Giovannetti
“How do people learn?”
Michael Horn, Associate Professor of Learning Sciences and Computer Science at Northwestern University, posed this question when he spoke with the MSLCE cohort last week about Green Home Games: a company that aims to raise awareness about environmental sustainability through gaming. (more…)
By Miya Williams
Reavens Lee’s dream job is to own a design and media company that focuses on culinary art. “Food has always been my core spirit,” she said. “I want to work with it creatively and make it my career.”
Lee’s first love was art. In junior high she enjoyed anime, and began drawing and taking photographs. She went on to major in graphic design at Columbia College Chicago and later worked as a freelance graphic designer and as the art director for Athena Design Group. Through these experiences she did design work for local and international restaurants and designed a cookbook. Now, she states, she has “formed an unbreakable bond with food.” (more…)
By Jacob Nelson
Brigette Whisnant got into marketing to help people connect with brands. After two decades, the approach may look a little different, but the goal is exactly the same.
“For me it was just about, ‘How do you make people engage with brands?’” Whisnant said about what first appealed to her about marketing. She says she still asks herself, “Why is it that I love certain brands and am devoted to them?” (more…)
By John Hounihan
As the signs of fall hit Chicagoland, MSLCE students trekked into the heart of downtown to explore the inner workings of Chicago’s premiere dance company, The Joffrey Ballet. (more…)
