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Category: Student Profiles

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

Sabrina Wang’s Dream Job Combines Museums and Marketing

By Jacob Nelson Sabrina Wang has a very specific goal while enrolled as a student in the MSLCE program: she wants to bring her love of museums and marketing together for her dream job. While studying communications and east Asian studies at the University of Southern California, Wang interned at both the campus’ Fisher Museum

Melanie Lunardi Wants To Lead Music Programs

By Miya Williams Melanie Lunardi moved from Oklahoma City to Chicago with the intention of becoming a professional vocal performer, but she soon learned that was not the best career path for her. Now, she plans to attain an executive leadership position in an educational or community program at a major symphony or opera. “I