Samantha Westlake
B.M., Composition, Theatre Minor, Wayne State University
M.F.A., Screenwriting, DePaul University
Area(s) of Interest
Music, TV/Film, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Theatre, Video/Digital Media, Nonprofit Work, Entrepreneurship
What are 1-2 of your most significant academic/extracurricular/work experiences?
I wrote and directed three plays that were performed in Fringe Theatre Festivals while I was in high school and college. I also completed an internship at the Cannes Film Festival during my MFA.
What is your ideal job/role in about 10 years?
Artistic and/or Educational Director of a nonprofit film and theatre production company
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern?
I’m working with a friend to start a film education and production company and we realized how perfect this program is to help us grow our business from the ground up.
Favorite (song/movie/podcast/show/festival/exhibition…)
Favorite film: Midnight in Paris, favorite TV show: Parks and Recreation
What aspect of the MSLCE program are you most excited to experience? (i.e. specific class, site visit, IDEA fund, internship, etc.)
I’m looking forward to Economics of Creative Enterprises and taking advantage of the IDEA fund
If you could have lunch with one person (living or dead), who would it be? And why?
I’d love to meet with Tina Fey and talk about her career and her writing process
What award would you most like to win?
I’d love to win a Tony Award for best Book of a Musical
If you could donate one million dollars, which cause/organization would you choose to support?
World Wildlife Fund
Which leader or influential figure inspires you the most and why?
Malala Yousafzai – her unwavering dedication to making the world better for young women and her resilience