Where are they now...

Foreword:

Theatre and Film students from the University of Toledo have proven to be assets in their fields, whether their talents are discovered as they pursue their education or after graduation. The Independent Collegian conducted interviews with current and recently graduated students, documenting how their education has affected their professional endeavors. This issue is dedicated to those students who have demonstrated passion, drive and commitment to their work. Although not every achiever could fit into this issue, the ones who are not forth mentioned are still greatly appreciated and recognized for their accomplishments and efforts.

Graduated Students

Andrew Makadsi

Major: Double majored in Communication (TV Broadcasting) and Film/Video

Andrew is currently working in New York for a company called Industrial Color as a film editor.

He is also the director of photography for a documentary called "Make it in Manhattan."

For his third season he will be shooting New York Fashion Week.

He has edited commercials and editorials for clients such as Thierry Mugler, Theory Clothing, BHLDN, "Love Sex Dance Magazine" and Acne, a clothing line featured on the UK "Vogue" website.

His latest project is a music video for the group Theophilus London. He worked on the visual effects for a video that will air on MTV next week.

He is still managing to direct his own short films and participate in screenings and festivals.  Makadsi's latest short can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/23715618. 

"I was lucky enough to be surrounded by great teachers, especially Holly Hey, and creative, hard working students that kept pushing me. The certificate itself did not matter though."

Links to more of Makadsi's work:

http://www.vogue.co.uk/video?category=catwalk-shows&id=10461

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4R4dyYERB4&feature=youtu.be

http://lovesexdancemagazine.com/#1771325/Everything-must-Survive

http://www.bhldn.com/

Katie Rediger

Major: Theatre

Katie is currently packing her bags en route to California. She was recently accepted into the California Institute for the Arts graduate acting program.

"It's an amazing program that is very similar to the training I received from my acting and voice and movement professors at UT and it will open many doors of opportunity for me in the near future! So stay tuned."

"Professors such as Cornel Gabara, Irene Alby and Edmund Lingan were probably the most important reason I am headed for success. I was able to develop my own talent and then really figure out where I needed to be going and get the courage to take those steps."

Meg Sciarini

Major: BA in Studio Art with concentration in New Media and BA in Film/Video

Meg is currently working as a projection technician for the Cirque du Soleil production of "Viva Elvis" at the Aria Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas.

"My future plans are to hopefully go on a touring show and continue to help push forward the field of multimedia video integrated with live performance, keep my mind open and to continue to exhaust myself in the glorious pursuit of life."

"While my UT education exposed me to many useful skills, the most important thing I learned is how to teach myself. My professors provided me with excellent guidelines and opportunities, but what they really taught me is that I must continue the seeking of knowledge myself. Outside of college I must find motivation and learn how to give myself the deadline, to create work that I am proud of and to open my mind up to the ever evolving field of art."

"Barb Minor once told me that she tried not to teach art but to teach us how to experience and to think about the world differently, to get us unstuck from the prescribed usual and to seek the unusual."