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MSLCE Student Wants to Make Nonfiction Work in Different Forms

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By Jacob Nelson

Luis Perez is interested in nonfiction, but he’s open to the format.

“I really want to start a company or work for a company that focuses on nonfiction work in multiple mediums,” he said.

The MSLCE student has learned from experience that nonfiction storytelling can take many forms. He’s worked for WBEZ, Chicago’s public radio station. He’s taught workshops for how to make radio to community members. He’s acted, and he’s helped run live storytelling events. As he puts it, Perez has done “a little bit of everything.” (more…)

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MSLCE Student Plays to the Tune of Her Own Trumpet

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By Miya WIlliams

Samara Desrochers was born into a musical family.

The Canadian native has a lot of kin who play instruments, including her grandfather who played the trumpet. Desrochers started playing trumpet herself when she was only eight years old, but now she is interested in what happens off stage.

“I spent a lot of time doing concerts and recitals growing up,” she said. “As much fun as that was, I enjoy more behind-the-scenes aspects.” (more…)

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Categories: Student Profiles

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The Start of a New Year

Posted by kel643

Growth and change mark the start of the third year in the life of the MSLCE program.

The new cohort of students is the most diverse yet. They come from 8 different countries, and from 8 states within the US. Their college majors, interests, and professional trajectories could not be more diverse. We introduce you to six of them in this newsletter, and we will continue doing so in future issues during the academic year.

The new year also brings with it the addition of new faculty and staff. Agnes Horvat, a physicist who applies computational techniques to study the success of creative goods like movies and music, and Larissa Buchholz, a sociologist who specializes in the fine arts market, are new assistant professors the School of Communication who will teach in the MSLCE program. Jonah Zeiger and Mandi Glowen have joined the staff of the School and will support the MSLCE students in career development matters. (more…)

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MSLCE Student Hopes to Run a Creative Studio for Children

Posted by asb0782

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By Jacob Nelson

Ashwathi Iyer takes theatre seriously, but when it comes to her pursuit of a theatre career, she’s more than willing to let loose a joke or two.

Asked who would play her in the movie about her life, she responded, “I’d play me!” The reason? “I can tell my parents how spending 6 years of my life in theatre has finally paid off!”

What would the movie be called? “Please Don’t Sleep Through This.”

Iyer may have a self-deprecating sense of humor, but she’s also got big dreams and the ambition to accomplish them. In her brief professional career, the Bangalore native has conducted and directed a six week theatre boot camp for amateur actors that culminated in a stage performance. She has also volunteered for an NGO called Make A Difference that provides tutors for underprivileged children. (more…)

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MSLCE Student Looking to Make an Impact in TV + Film

Posted by kel643

Sprull, Quinton HeadshotBy Jacob Nelson

Quinton Sprull had a lot pulling him towards the MSLCE program.

First, there was his lifelong interest in media and entertainment. Then there was his love for all things Northwestern (he received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern and then worked for four years at Northwestern Qatar.)

Most importantly, the program was unlike anything he’d heard of before.

“I admired how the MSLCE program was thought through as a tool for aspiring creative leaders to gain an incredible foundation in leadership across various creative industries,” Sprull said.

Northwestern has already given Sprull many opportunities to pursue his passion for the arts. While studying learning and organizational change, he maintained a blog with the campus news outlet North by Northwestern, he hosted a radio show for WNUR, and he had a nightly news podcast. (more…)

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MSLCE Student Aspires to Run a Dance Studio for People with Special Needs

Posted by kel643

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By Miya Williams

Paige Lester started dancing as a toddler when her mom put her into a ballet class and hasn’t stopped since.

Now, she hopes to run a dance studio where she can pass on her love for dancing to people with special needs.

“Whether it is physically, mentally, emotionally or socially, being a teacher in the arts provides opportunity to help aid others with all types of personal development,” she said. 

While in high school, Lester was an assistant teacher at her home studio in Ridgefield Connecticut, Jean Cobelli Dance. She also volunteered at special needs day camps over the summers and had fun putting on plays at home with her older brother who has cerebral palsy.

“Growing up I saw the impact that participation and inclusion in the arts had on his peers, and I want to be able to provide that positive experience for others.” (more…)

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New MSLCE Student Makes the Jump from Finance to Art

Posted by kel643

He, Chen HeadshotBy Jacob Nelson

Kiko He majored in finance and then spent a few years working in the finance industry before she realized that she was much more interested in oil paintings and photography than she was in investment banking and public equity.

So she decided to make a change.

Now, the Shenzhen, China native is beginning a new chapter of her life by enrolling in the MSLCE program, which she hopes will equip her with the skills necessary to start her own art investment company.

It’s an unsurprising pivot considering He is someone who is drawn to the phrase, “Don’t stay in your comfort zone, do what you fear and learn from it.” (more…)

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Incoming MSLCE Student Combines Business and Theatre Knowledge

Posted by kel643

Hounihan-1By Jacob Nelson

Like many aspiring theatre professionals, John Hounihan got started in college. However, unlike others, he started by completely revamping his university’s theatre company.

While studying management at the University of Houston, Hounihan oversaw the Honors College Club Theater and directed a number of plays for the organization. In doing so, he helped grow its staff from about 15 people to 87, and helped skyrocket its audience from about 10 people to about 700.

“It is my biggest basis for my career goals and gave me valuable experience in theater administration,” Hounihan said. “It was the accomplishment that defined me as an undergrad.” (more…)

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MSLCE Students Encouraged to ‘Take Risks’ and ‘Walk Proudly’ At Convocation

Posted by kel643

By Jacob Nelson

Shortly after receiving her degree from the MSLCE program on August 25, Ali Riddle reflected on the internship she’d soon begin at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

“I used to fantasize about David Letterman interviewing me,” Riddle said. “It’s such an iconic institution, it’s overwhelming how much of a dream job it is.” (more…)

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