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Category: Student Profiles

Michelle Gatesy Aspires to Build a Career While Expanding Opera’s Audience

By Jacob Nelson For Michelle Gatesy, opera runs in the family. The San Jose native and new MSLCE student grew up with a father who was passionate about opera, and who would take Gatesy to see performances from the time she was 10 years old. “Opera is a genetic thing,” Gatesy said during a recent

Oluwamuyiwa Oyatogun Wants to Use Theatre to Bring Together Different Cultures

By Jacob Nelson Oluwamuyiwa Oyatogun loves theatre. Specifically, he loves the way that a theatrical production can bring a story to life, and the impact that process can have on the audience. “I’ve always loved being on stage doing,” the new MSLCE student said during a recent interview, “I love the ability for someone to

Megan Cherry Picked Up the Violin in 1st Grade. She’s Still Playing 16 Years Later

By Jacob Nelson When Megan Cherry was in first grade, she told her parents she wanted to play the violin. A month later, she nagged them about it. Finally, they signed her up for lessons. “They thought I’d only play for a year and I’d quit,” Cherry said during a recent interview. Sixteen years later,

After Benefitting from an Arts Education, Kayla DeSouza Hopes to Spread It to Others

By Jacob Nelson Kayla DeSouza’s professional path was set in motion when she interned at a public arts performance high school in Chicago. The program offered free arts education to students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get it, and the experience working there inspired DeSouza to pursue a career in arts nonprofit organizations. “I

After Catching the Theatre Bug, Chad Hewitt Aspires to Manage a Theatre Company

By Jacob Nelson Chad Hewitt is drawn to theatre more than other art forms for one simple reason: it’s one of the few remaining forms of creative expression that can only be enjoyed in person. “Theatre is the last artistic platform where you can’t use your phone or computer to experience it. You have to

Dominique Warren Aspires To Be Both Actress And Entrepreneur

By Jacob Nelson Dominique Warren originally hoped to work in theatre, but now is pursuing a career in film. The reason? Close-ups. “Theatre is different each night, but in film they capture that moment up close,” the new MSLCE student said during a recent interview. “Film is more intimate because the audience is the camera.

Kathleen Hudson Aspires to Bring Opera Back to Cultural Spotlight

By Miya Williams Kathleen Hudson originally wanted to be the star of an opera, but over the years her interest turned toward running the show. “I believe deeply in this particular art form,” she said. “I want to be on the ground floor of influencing the landscape of opera in America as it struggles to

Zoe Skehan Wants to Create Something That Lasts

By Miya Williams MSLCE student Zoe Skehan doesn’t want to be limited to one thing. The University of Redlands grad majored in art history and media studies and still maintains an interest in both fields. While her exact job title may still be unknown, she is certain of her end goal. “I hope to be