In this issue:
MESSAGE FROM HARVARDWOOD
NEWS
- Seeking Homestay Hosts for Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP) Students
- Harvardwood Summer Internship Program 2023
- Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Harvardwood AAPI Artist Fellowship
- Featured Job: Assistant, Executive Vice President, Development (Anonymous Content) - CA
FEATURES
- Alumni Profile: Eric I. Lu AB'09 MD'16 (writer, producer, director)
- Industry News
- New Members' Welcome
- Exclusive Q&A with Ashley LaLonde AB '20 (actress)
- Meet the Chapter Heads: Boston/Cambridge
CALENDAR & NOTES
- Harvardwood Presents: Ethics in Storytelling: Mental Health & Disability Representation in Film & TV
- Harvardwood Presents: A Conversation with Broadway National Touring Actress Ashley LaLonde AB '20
- Harvardwood Presents: From Med School to Writing TV Drama with Eric I. Lu AB'09 MD'16
- Harvardwood Presents: Pitching 101: How to pitch your Pilot to a Major Network
Become a Harvardwood member as we further engage in socially active programming, discourse, and action to help change the entertainment industry.
Want to submit your success(es) to Harvardwood HIGHLIGHTS? Do so by posting here!
The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Harvardwood AAPI Artist Fellowship applications remain open and are due at the end of the month! Our April programming includes From Med School to Writing TV Drama with Eric I. Lu AB'09 MD'16 who will tell us about the classic Harvard Medical School to successful YouTuber to filmmaker pipeline that we hear about all the time.
As always, we want to hear from you, our members -- if you have an idea for an event or programming, please tell us about it here. If you have an announcement about your work or someone else's, please share it here (members) and it will appear in our Weekly and/or next HIGHLIGHTS issue.
Please consider donating to Harvardwood. Your donations are tax deductible!
Best wishes,
Grace Shi
Operations and Communications Associate
Harvardwood
[email protected]
Seeking Homestay Hosts for Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP) Students
Every year, our Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP) offers a few dozen Harvard College students the opportunity to pursue summer internships in the arts, media, and entertainment sectors. HSIP facilitates career-related activities throughout the summer for participating students and companies both virtually and in-person in Los Angeles and other cities with multiple students.
Harvardwood Summer Internship Program 2023
We are pleased to offer the Harvardwood Summer Internship Program (HSIP) for 2023! Now in its 20th year, HSIP provides a list of summer internship opportunities in the arts, media, and entertainment to interested Harvard students. In addition, HSIP facilitates career-related activities throughout the summer for participating students and companies virtually and/or in-person in Los Angeles and other cities with multiple students. Past program events have included film screenings, industry panels, and speaker events.
Internship opportunities are released and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Positions may also be filled on a rolling basis, so we encourage students and companies to submit their materials as early as possible.
The priority submission date for students has passed, but many positions are still open and accepting applicants.
Over 100 companies have participated in HSIP since its inception, including ABC, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, CAA, Digital Domain, Disney, Dreamworks, HBO Films, Lionsgate, Mirabai Films, Miramax, National Geographic Films, Red Wagon Productions, Skybound Entertainment, Untitled Entertainment, Valhalla Motion Pictures and many others!
Click here if you are a student seeking summer internships!
Click here if you have a company offering summer internships!
Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Harvardwood AAPI Artist Fellowship
Harvardwood is pleased to announce the inaugural Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Harvardwood AAPI Artist Fellowship for artists who are Harvard University alumni (or students expecting their degree in May 2023) and identify as Asian American Pacific Islander. The purpose of the Fellowship is to develop, elevate and amplify AAPI voices and stories. The gift, generously donated by Angela Chao (AB ‘95, MBA ‘01) in honor of her mother, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, will support one or more artists as they pursue their creative projects over the course of a year.
To apply, individuals must identify as AAPI, be Harvard University alumni or expect to receive their degree in May 2023 (i.e. in their final few months of an undergraduate or graduate program), complete the application form, provide a resume, a work sample or portfolio, an introductory video, an artist statement (in written, audio, or video format), a letter of recommendation (optional), a creative plan with an overview of envisioned projects to be completed or substantially developed during the term of the Fellowship, and a projected budget indicating how grant funds would be used for the term of the Fellowship. The finalist round may include a virtual interview. Individuals who have previously been beneficiaries of Harvardwood grants or scholarships or have participated in Harvardwood programs are eligible if they meet the other terms of eligibility.
Applications will be accepted starting on March 1, 2023 and will be due April 30, 2023, with the recipient(s) announced in May 2023. Unless Fellowship funds need to be utilized at a particular time for project-related expenses, funds will be distributed quarterly to the Chao Harvardwood Fellow(s) beginning in June 2023 and ending in May 2024. The total amount of grant funding for the year is $10,000 (more than one Fellow may be named, and individual award sizes may vary).
More info HERE.
Apply HERE.
Featured Job: Assistant, Executive Vice President, Development (Anonymous Content) - CA
Job Description:
We are looking for an experienced Assistant to support the Executive Vice President, Development overseeing scripted programming for Anonymous Content Studios. This position will be located in our Culver City office. At this time, this role is hybrid, both in office and work from home (days in-office to be determined by supervisor/department head).
Alumni Profile: Eric I. Lu AB'09 MD'16 (writer, producer, director)
Join us for a virtual conversation with Eric Tuesday, April 18th at 6pm PT. Tickets HERE!
by Laura Frustaci
Eric was born in Taiwan and raised by his grandparents. At age three, he moved to Dallas, Texas to find his parents. He went on to grow up in the South and then attend Harvard. “For most of my life growing up, I lived a sheltered life in a bubble,” recalls Eric. “At a very young age, I was thinking that I had to be a doctor, so I went into Harvard thinking that would be my path.” However, Eric found himself compelled to try something totally new once he arrived at college, where so many new doors were opened.
“When I first started at Harvard, an upperclassman concentrating in Anthropology invited me to a class, and it seemed really cool, so I went,” Eric explains. He ended up as a Social Anthropology major. “From Anthro, I fell in love with storytelling.” Eric spent a lot of his time while at Harvard in Dorchester listening to drug addicts tell their stories. “I spent a summer in Taiwan with recovering addicts, and post-grad worked in a prison for addicts in Taiwan.” After that, Eric did in fact end up attending medical school. But somewhere along the way, he fell into creating what would become a multi-million subscriber YouTube channel. “I had fallen in love with filmmaking. It became a calling for me,” Eric reflects. The shorter version of Eric’s story? “I started making films, moved to LA, and one day out of the blue, got an opportunity to write for TV, and that changed the trajectory of my entire life.”
Here’s the longer version. “When I was going to medical school, I never would have said I could write for a medical TV show. I felt like I was living in one, so I avoided medical TV shows altogether,” Eric laughs. Right before entering med school, Eric and his friends started their YouTube channel, the Jubilee Project. “I had done short videos in college with my camcorder, and found it interesting and fun,” Eric says. “One of our short films got 2 million views in the first month, and that blew us away."
This is how storytelling, TV, media, and medicine intersect for Eric. “There are many ways that you could impact medicine, not just practicing, but through storytelling.” By his second year in medical school, the Jubilee Project had blown up so much that Eric actually ended up taking time off to focus fully on YouTube. Eric says he and his friends just knew it was the right thing to do. “Now is the moment. Now is the time when we go all in. Let’s take that leap of faith,” Eric recalls. “One friend was working at Bain in NYC and one at the White House. We packed our belongings into a car and drove cross country to move in with my parents and create content full time. I fell in love with storytelling and filmmaking and it became this calling for me where it was a bigger sense of purpose. Greater than myself.”
Eric and his friends were working out of his parents’ garage: “It almost felt like a startup,” Eric remembers. “Ultimately we moved out because my parents were very against it. They didn’t support my decision, but I felt like I gained a family through the Jubilee Project team. No matter the vessel for content, the platform or how you’re consuming stories, there’s always stories. People love storytelling and respond to stories that move them. Whether TikTok or a movie theater, all of it is viable as a vehicle to become a storyteller.” Eric and his team traveled around the world and even worked with professional basketball player Jeremy Lin.
“We wanted to change the world and we were foolish enough to try. Why not us? We were young and idealistic.” However, Eric did decide to go back and finish up med school in the end. “Because of my immigrant background as an only child, I respect, honor, and love my parents for the sacrifices they made. So I went back to them and told them I would go back and finish medical school and figure out my path. I will put my heart into the doctor thing.” Eric completed med school and did rotations at MGH, but he felt as though he’d been ripped away from his passion. “I remember sitting in conference rooms at MGH, looking out the window, wishing I was sitting at coffee shops writing.” That mentality is what pushed Eric away from applying for residency. “I told my dean I wasn’t applying for residency, and she looked me dead in the eye, and said, ‘Your films heal, and if we taught you how to heal during medical school, we did our job.’ I wasn’t practicing medicine, but that doesn’t mean medical school was a waste of time.” Medical school provided Eric with the framework he needed to jump into media as a means of healing.
After graduating med school, Eric learned about and joined Harvardwood. He applied for the Harvardwood TV Writers Program (now the Jeff Sagansky TV Program). That’s how he wrote his first pilot, which landed him his first job as a writer on The Resident. A med school connection called Eric up and asked if he wanted to be involved with the show, and Eric sent over his fresh pilot. “It’s so hard to staff on a TV show. Having a medical background helped. They asked for more work, and that’s where YouTube came in. I know how to tell stories. I had been doing YouTube for ten years. So many components had to come together, and everything I had done leading up to that point did.” And that’s where he’s been writing for the past five years.
When asked what advice he had for creators, Eric responds, “You can do this. It is possible to dream bigger. The unfathomable. Even if it hasn’t even crossed your mind. You never know. Anything is possible... I’m telling you now. Your voice matters. Your stories matter.”
Laura Frustaci ('21) is an NYC-based actor and writer. She recently completed a yearlong Harvard Postgraduate Traveling fellowship in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she wrote her first full-length play. While at Harvard, Laura studied English and performed with the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the HRDC, On Thin Ice, and the American Repertory Theater.
Industry News
Harvard, Hollywood, Hitmen, and Holy Men is the viscerally-immersive memoir from independent film trailblazer and American New Wave Cinema cornerstone, director-writer Paul W. Williams (AB’65) Paul is a key figure in the 1960s-1970s counterculture that birthed a fever-pitch era of originality and innovation in American Cinema. He co-founded Pressman-Williams along with Ed Pressman, shepherding careers of and bringing to the screens the likes of Brian De Palma and Terrence Malick (AB ’65). Paul directed three films before he turned 30: cult classics capturing the voice of a generation — Out of It (1969) starring Barry Gordon, Jon Voight, and Lada Edmund Jr.; The Revolutionary (1970) starring Robert Duvall, Jon Voight, Seymour Cassell, and Jennifer Salt for United Artists; and Dealing: or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues (1972) starring Barbara Hershey, John Lithgow (AB ’67) and Robert F. Lyons for Warner Bros. Pictures. Paul’s new memoir Harvard, Hollywood, Hitmen and Holy Men is an extraordinary odyssey, a fascinating tour-de-force traversing through the highest accolades of Hollywood against an international canvas, to ultimately Paul’s examination of understanding, and if not undoing, then avoiding destruction caused by ego.
Gatsby, a musical stage adaptation of the legendary F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, will make its world premiere at the American Repertory Theater under Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus (AB ‘88) in 2024.
Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot) will star opposite Eva Longoria, George Lopez, Paulina Chávez and Rose Portillo in the Disney+ film Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The film is produced by Lisa Henson (AB ‘82).
Netflix has given a formal limited series order to Zero Day, a conspiracy thriller from Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim (AB ‘00) and Michael S. Schmidt, with Robert De Niro attached to star and executive produce in his first series regular television role.
Bebe Neuwirth is set to guest star in the Cheers revival series Frasier! She won two Emmys for her work as Lilith in the former. One episode will focus on a reunion between Lilith and Frasier at the birthday party of their son Freddy, played by Jack Cutmore-Scott (AB ‘10).
San Jose Stage Company has announced the full cast and creative team for The Stage's upcoming Regional Premiere of the 2020 Tony Award-nominated comedy, Grand Horizons by Bess Wohl (AB ‘96).
The Mosquito Bowl by Buzz Bissinger (Nieman Class of ‘86) is top of the Washington Post’s list of best books from 2022 that they read in 2023.
Okwui Okpokwasili (Agatha: Coven of Chaos) is the newest addition to the cast of Blumhouse, Morgan Creek, Universal and Peacock‘s continuation of The Exorcist, which is executive produced by Couper Samuelson (AB ‘02).
Maestra Music will present Amplify 2023, its third annual concert and community event on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 8 pm, and will feature inaugural Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellow Julia Riew (AB ‘22) among others.
The eighth annual Icon Mann Honors dinner saluted The Woman King filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, Sidney director Reginald Hudlin (AB ‘83) and Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of the Africa Center NYC and author of the NYT bestseller Beasts of No Nation.
Our very own Uzma Hasan (GSAS '03), one of our NY Chapter heads, has successfully released the feature-length dance film Creature directed by Asif Kapadia, which is being heralded as “revolutionary,” with ferocious performances and broad appeal.
Benjamin Millepied’s new film Carmen, with a score by Nicholas Britell (AB ‘03) stars Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera as an undocumented immigrant and a border patrol guard who fall in love and go on the run together.
After its premiere at SXSW, The Hollywood Reporter said that Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves from writer-directors Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (JD ‘95) “will appeal to the nostalgic side of existing fans” and entertain those who aren’t already Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts.
NPR's Michel Martin (AB ‘80), the long-time weekend host of All Things Considered and co-host of the Consider This podcast, is moving to weekday mornings to become a host of Morning Edition.
David E. Tabert is coming to town with Twas’ the Night, a musical anthology series in the works at Disney+ with Becky Hartman Edwards (AB ‘85) (Firefly Lane) executive producing.
Mike Schur (AB ‘97) is reuniting with star Ted Danson for a scripted comedy series based on the 2021 Oscar-nominated best documentary feature The Mole Agent which has landed at Netflix with an eight-episode straight-to-series order.
Despite competing with the Oscars, the viewership of the Season 1 finale of The Last of Us, executive produced by Carolyn Strauss (AB ‘85), reached a series high of 8.2 million views, which also marks a 74% increase from the series premiere in January.
Broadway Women’s Fund, Broadway’s first impact investment fund, has announced its fourth annual Women to Watch on Broadway list, spotlighting women in leadership roles in the New York theatre industry, which includes inaugural Harvardwood Artist Launch Fellow Julia Riew (AB ‘22).
Sony announced that they will release the starry Craig Gillespie film Dumb Money on the GameStop short squeeze of 2021 on October 20. The buzzy feature is based on the Ben Mezrich (AB ‘91) book ‘The Antisocial Network’.
Hotel Cocaine, a new show that is executive produced by Alfredo Barrios Jr. (AB ‘91, JD ‘94), has been ordered straight to series! It follows Roman Compte, a Cuban expatriate who fought against Fidel Castro in the Bay of Pigs invasion and re-made his life in Miami.
Barry Keoghan and Denzel Washington are both in talks to join the sequel to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, produced by Lucy Fisher (AB ‘71) and starring Paul Mescal with a script from David Scarpa.
Georgia Flood, Conor Merrigan Turner and Essie Randles have joined the cast of Peacock’s upcoming limited series Apples Never Fall, based on author Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel and executive produced by David Heyman (AB ‘83).
BroadwayWorld calls Theatre Royal Brighton’s production of Heathers, with lyrics and book by Laurence O’Keefe (AB ‘91) “a deeply disturbing and beautifully accomplished production.”
The Hollywood Reporter calls the new series American Born Chinese, with writing by Vali Chandrasekaran (AB ‘03), “wildly entertaining” with “occasionally touching results” and “a delightfully zippy update to the source material.”
Rashida Jones (AB ‘97) has joined Kate McKinnon to star in In the Blink of An Eye, a sci-fi drama that Andrew Stanton is directing for Searchlight Pictures.
IndieWire states that the new film Air, directed by Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon (AB ‘92), “shoots and scores” with a phenomenal cast and impactful story.
Theatre B presents Small Mouth Sounds by Bess Wohl (AB ‘96) from April 28-May 20! Six runaways from city life embark on a silent retreat. As these strangers confront internal demons, their vows of silence collide with the achingly human need to connect.
Former Senator Al Franken (AB ‘73) returned to his roots of late-night comedy, sitting in the host's chair for this week headlining The Daily Show as a guest host following Trevor Noah’s departure.
Night Shyamalan’s newest feature, Knock at the Cabin, executive produced by Steven Schneider (GSA ‘06, AM ‘06), has begun streaming on Peacock.
“This will be a pop art Dracula.” So says Nicolas Cage about his Andy Warhol-inspired portrayal of Dracula in the upcoming film Renfield, which also stars Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina and is produced by David Alpert (AB ‘97)! The film releases on April 14, 2023.
New Members' Welcome
Harvardwood warmly welcomes all members who joined the organization last month:
- Wendy Mages, GSE, NY
- Laan Yeung, College, NY
- Colleen Cunningham, Savannah
- Benjamin Wenzelberg, College, BOS/Campus
- Danielle Eveson, LA
- Jordan Teel, Ext., NY
- Felipe Albors, College, BOS/Campus
- Mahbuba Sumiya, College, BOS/Campus
- Margo Silliman, College, BOS/Campus
- Kian Solis, College, LA
- Cameron Clarke, College, NY
- David Perry, HMS, BOS/Campus
- Kim Storck, College, Other U.S.
- Caleb Martin, HLS, NY
- Katarina Cook, HMS, BOS/Campus
- Tracey Robertson Carter, Div., BOS/Campus
- Carmelita Swiner, HMS
- Tosca Langbert, College
- Lawrence Zhang, College, LA
- Pierce Scott, Ext., Other U.S.
- Drew Westen, College, DC
- Stephen Reynolds, Ext., BOS/Campus
- Dancy Fu, GSE, LA
- Devon Gates, College, BOS/Campus
- Treasure Brooks, College, BOS/Campus
- Osazi Khaliq, College, BOS/Campus
- Aparna Atluru, GSBA
- Elijah Aron, College, LA
- Ping Wang, HKS, LA
- Nicole Thompson, GSE, LA
- Melissa Lefkowitz, GSAS, NY
- Hayley Eaves, Graduate School of Design, BOS/Campus
- Patricia Byrnes, Ext., BOS/Campus
- Michael Sanchez, HKS, BOS/Campus
- Mitchell Gordon, GSBA, NY
Exclusive Q&A with Ashley LaLonde AB '20 (actress)
Join us for a virtual conversation with Ashley on Monday, April 17th at 5:30pm PT. Tickets HERE!
Ashley LaLonde AB'20 is a professional actor currently on tour with the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, where she covers all three Schuyler Sisters — Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria. She has performed across NYC at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sony Hall, 54 Below, and more. Recently, she also starred in the world premiere of Joe Iconis & Rob Rokicki's Punk Rock Girl, originating the lead role of Angela Quivers. Ashley graduated from Harvard in 2020 with her bachelor's in Sociology, secondary in Theater, Dance, and Media, and citation in Spanish.
Q: You’re currently on the national tour of Hamilton, covering all three Schuyler Sisters: Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria. Wow! What’s the biggest challenge of being accountable for all three roles, and what’s your favorite part about being on a touring production?
Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria are all dream roles of mine, so getting to play all three is truly an answered prayer. Swinging is definitely a challenge though! Hamilton is three hours long with fifty songs — and almost everyone is in every song. It’s a real ensemble piece, so learning several different versions of that took a lot of time, focus, and practice. Now when I go on for a certain role, I really have to compartmentalize the other roles so I don’t get the blocking or harmonies confused. I also have tracking sheets with notes on each part so I can review backstage. They’re all very different characters with varying vocal styles and personalities. So I definitely enjoy the mental challenge of it all, as well as tapping into the versatility required to play each role. Overall though, my favorite part about being on tour is the show itself! Hamilton is an artistic masterpiece, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Q: What is the tour life like for an actor, exactly? How has this experience been different from prior production experiences, where the shows stay in one venue (and perhaps you were only playing one given role!)?
The touring lifestyle is really exciting and a fun way to see the country! It’s been a blast getting to know and experience tons of new cities. Even more, it’s very special to bring such a beloved show to fresh audiences. For many people, it’s their first time seeing a Broadway show — and they’re already huge Hamilton fans. So the crowds are thrilled and super welcoming. I will say touring is also hard and can be exhausting. It’s difficult to pack up your whole life every few weeks and settle into new, unfamiliar places. Similarly, covering several principal roles is definitely harder than playing one, but it’s also very rewarding!
Q: For all our aspiring actors out there, how can they do what you do? How did you get in the door at audition rooms (like Hamilton’s)? Has COVID affected your process at all?
Getting in the room can be challenging! If you don’t have representation, the best way to be seen is to submit/go in for open casting calls. These are listed on websites like Playbill, Actors Access, Backstage, and Actors Equity. Show up prepared and ready to potentially wait. Better yet, equip yourself with at home self-tape equipment. You can buy relatively cheap ring lights and tripods online (I bought mine on Amazon). I record all my self tapes on my iPhone front facing camera to get a clear view of the frame. Additionally, invest in your training! Take classes and work with coaches if you can, especially on material that could pop up in an audition. Feel free to reach out to me for formal audition coaching as well! Remember to always bring a piece of yourself into every role you audition for — give casting a reason to choose you. Lastly, know that building your career can take many years of persistence and patience. I auditioned for Hamilton many times over the course of 6 years before getting cast!
Q: You had a long theatrical history at Harvard– from being one of the first women in the Hasty Pudding Theatricals Cast (and first ever black woman) to performing in a total of 5 different mainstage Equity shows, including two world premieres, at the American Repertory Theater. How did your time at Harvard impact where you are now? What, if anything, do you think was most instrumental in your career journey?
Harvard definitely taught me how to better understand people — which is the core of acting. That’s why I loved studying the social sciences. Practically speaking, Remo’s acting classes in the TDM department were really helpful, as well as performing in the Hasty Pudding show which operates on a nearly professional schedule. Getting as much quality artistic experience as possible is vital. Of course, working professionally at the American Repertory Theater was ultimately the most impactful as it gave me professional experience and connections for post-grad life. Consider applying for an internship there or auditioning at one of their open casting calls (that’s what I did!).
Q: How is it different being in a world premiere show versus being in a show that’s been running for many years and performed in many different iterations? Do you have a preference for which you perform in?
They’re both exciting in different ways. Being in a world premiere is such a blast because you get to create the entire show from the ground up with the creative team and other performers. There’s so much possibility and so much unknown. The show also changes every day as the team comes up with new ideas and scraps the old. I absolutely love the experience of building and crafting an original character. Being in a longer running show like Hamilton is exciting because you already know how amazing the show is (and so does the audience!). There’s already a huge fan base as well. The fun part as an actor is to figure out how to bring new life and luster to a character that’s already been played.
Q: What’s been your favorite project to work on thus far, and why? Looking towards the future, what’s your dream role (or who is your dream collaborator)?
I have so many favorites. But I’ll say the last three big projects I’ve done have taken the cake. Hamilton is a total dream show, and I’ve loved working with this insanely talented cast. Before that, I played Natalie in Next to Normal at Westport Country Playhouse. That show is stunning and so powerful, and our cast shared a special connection. It was also cast as an all BIPOC family, which struck a special nerve. Lastly, originating the role of Angela Quivers in Punk Rock Girl was such a blast. The show is a wild musical comedy and a party on stage every night. I have many dream roles and dream collaborators, and some of those projects are actually in development now. But I’d be really excited to work on something that connects deeply with my own identity and deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and love.
Q: What was a time in your career that you made a mistake, and what did you learn from it?
I’ve made tons of mistakes along the way! I’ve had big mess ups in the audition room and even some on stage. That’s what I love about art though — it’s messy and beautiful and imperfect. I once learned the wrong song for a Broadway audition and then had to sight read in the audition room. Recently, I even showed up on the wrong day for a big audition. On stage, I’ve forgotten costume pieces or props. But you live and give yourself grace, and you learn every single person messes up. It’s very human.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for young aspiring artists and performers?
Work hard, hone in your craft, and put yourself out there as much as possible. Reach out to new people and make new artistic connections, especially with potential future collaborators. At the same time, remember that what’s meant for you (artistically and otherwise) won’t pass you by and that each person’s timeline looks different. There is no one way to have a successful acting career, and there is no one way to live a happy life. Your life and career will happen in seasons, and every season has wonderful things and not so wonderful things. Be present where you are now, and stay true to the vision and values you want to bring into the world through art.
Q: And finally, what do you like to do in your free time?
On tour, my free time often looks like exploring new cities, and most importantly, trying new foods! I love to eat good food and have been very pleasantly surprised to find tons of delicious food all across America. I also love to stream new series and shows. A few current favorites are Abbott Elementary, The Last of Us, and Euphoria.
Meet the Chapter Heads: Boston/On-Campus
Harvardwood would like to welcome our new Boston Chapter Head, Tal Daysy Vaval ALM '23.
Tal Daysy Vaval ALM '23 is a purpose-driven community builder at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), with an investigative background in social media communications through Harvard Extension School. Her work on social media and cyber-psychology complicates the delicate relation within media, community, and democracy. As a community builder, Tal has coordinated events and initiatives to drive professional growth and engagement within the Master Degree Program at HGSE. As a member of the Association of Black Faculty, Administrators and Fellows, Tal has led conversations at Radcliffe Institute on the depictions and subsequent public reception of Angela Davis and other civil rights leaders. In addition to media theory and film theory, Tal's interests include gardening, salsa and bachata, and trying new foods.
Email the Boston chapter to learn more!
And, Harvardwood would like to thank outgoing Boston Chapter Head Adam Pachter for his outstanding service to the organization.
Harvardwood Presents: Ethics in Storytelling: Mental Health & Disability Representation in Film & TV
Wednesday, April 12th @ 5pm PT/8pm ET (Virtual)
All members are welcome, whether or not you're affiliated with the Harvardwood Toronto Chapter. This event is free to full members of Harvardwood, simply RSVP below. Non-members can purchase tickets at the link below.
Join us for a virtual event from Harvardwood Toronto where Skye R. Regan ALB '18 will be interviewing editor Sarah Taylor and writer/ director Heather Taylor who co-produce and co-host the podcast Braaains, a podcast exploring the inner workings of our brains and how film and television portray them. As the entertainment industry moves towards greater acceptance of mental health and disability both behind-the-camera and on-screen, it’s important to consider the greater context of representation on-screen and the stories told. In this event, Sarah and Heather will share their experience as talent and storytellers in the entertainment industry, their inspiration for launching Braaains and what it took for them to start a podcast, and strategies for overcoming barriers to entry. They’ll also discuss their own mental health and disability journeys and why it’s so important for them to feel represented in the work that they create. If you have questions to ask our speakers, please send them directly to: [email protected].
Sarah Taylor is a multi-award winning editor with over twenty years of experience. She has cut a wide
range of documentaries, television programs, shorts, and feature films. Sarah strives to help shape unique stories from unheard voices. Her work has been seen in festivals around the world including Sundance, Melbourne Queer Film Festival, and ImagiNative Film Festival. Sarah takes her passion for editing beyond the edit suite by moderating panels and mentoring new editors. She has led panels at events such as the Calgary International Film Festival, NorthWest Fest, and EditCon. Sarah is a member of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) and is the host of the CCE podcast The Editor’s Cut and Braaains Podcast.
Sarah's recent work includes the CBC original series PUSH that takes audiences into the inner world of the “Wheelie Peeps,” an unlikely group of friends and wheelchair users, bonded by their shared experience of navigating life on wheels and the feature length documentary The Lebanese Burger Mafia - the meaty saga of Burger Baron, a rogue fast-food chain with mysterious origins and a cult following - which is having its world premiere at Hot Docs in May 2023. www.suiteoneproductions.com
Heather Taylor is a writer/director of TV and films about complicated family relationships -- often told through a supernatural/ horror/ sci-fi lens. She is a Canadian/UK citizen, US Green Card holder, and splits her time between LA and Toronto.
As a writer, Heather was a story editor on season two of THE HARDY BOYS on Hulu and co-wrote two episodes, one of which was nominated for a WGC Award. She is the co-host of BRAAAINS, a podcast exploring the inner workings of our brains and how film and television portray them, and her narrative podcast, ANOMALY, was an official selection of the 2021 Tribeca Festival. Her second feature film, LETHAL LOVE, is streaming on Netflix.
Heather started her writing career as a playwright and is the author of three poetry collections. Former journalist and ad(wo)man, she is an idea machine and the Indiana Jones of research. Born with a non-visible disability, Heather strives to destigmatize mental illness, disabilities, and poverty in her work.
She graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting from City University, London, and was a 2022 RespectAbility Lab TV Writing Fellow. Heather is also an alum of the Royal Court Young Writers’ Program and the CFC Bell Media Prime Time TV program. She is a proud member of the WGC Feature Film Committee. See more at: HeatherATaylor.com
More info HERE
Harvardwood Presents: A Conversation with Broadway National Touring Actress Ashley LaLonde AB '20
Monday, April 17th at 5:30 pm PT / 8:30 pm ET (Virtual)
Join us for a conversation with Ashley LaLonde AB'20 about her journey from Harvard to being a professional actress.
Ashley LaLonde AB'20 is a professional actor currently on tour with the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, where she covers all three Schuyler Sisters — Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy/Maria. She has performed across NYC at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sony Hall, 54 Below, and more. Recently, she also starred in the world premiere of Joe Iconis & Rob Rokicki's Punk Rock Girl, originating the lead role of Angela Quivers. Ashley graduated from Harvard in 2020 with her bachelor's in Sociology, secondary in Theater, Dance, and Media, and citation in Spanish.
More info HERE
From Med School to Writing TV Drama
Tuesday, April 18th 6pm PT / 9pm ET (Virtual)
Join us for a conversation with Eric I. Lu AB'09 MD'16 about everything from going to medical school to running a viral YouTube channel to writing for a hit medical TV show drama.
Eric I. Lu AB '09 MD '16 is a Taiwanese American writer, producer and director. Recently, he developed a TV show with CBS about EMS workers in New York City. Previously, he wrote five seasons on a hit Fox medical drama called THE RESIDENT. Eric concentrated in social anthropology at Harvard College and holds a medical degree from Harvard Medical School, which is where he decided to become a full-time filmmaker after helping to start a Youtube channel called Jubilee Project that has amassed over a billion views online. After moving to LA, Eric directed a documentary called LOOKING FOR LUKE about Harvard College student Luke Tang who had died by suicide, in order to raise awareness about mental health in the Asian American community. Today, Eric is passionate about collaborating and telling meaningful stories that make an impact. Connect with him on socials @ericilu.
More info HERE
Pitching 101: How to pitch your Pilot to a Major Network
Thursday, April 27th 5pm PT / 8pm ET (Virtual)
At this virtual masterclass, attendees will learn the art of how to prepare materials and pitch an original (pilot) script. Giovanni McEastland will share insight on preparation guidelines across writer portfolio building, storytelling, and notes on transitioning from aspiring to professional writer.
Giovanni McEastland (GIO) is a writer by trade and is a father, son and problem solver by mandate. GIO began to hone his skills as a writer via Columbia College Chicago Writing for Television Intensive as well as in depth scene study/ character building within the University of Southern California (Scene Dock) school of Theater. He has gained work experience as a Writers Assistant on Network Series and has been afforded fortunate opportunities to pitch original pilots to major television studios. GIO has successfully pitched original story materials to networks i.e. Disney, CBS, and NICKELODEON. GIO not only writes for the screenplay but also music. He is accredited as a writer and composer for the film score and soundtrack for documentary ‘Basketball County: In The Water’ produced by SHOWTIME, NBA Superstar Kevin Durant and Thirty5 Ventures. GIO embraces all of life's experiences and uses them as a catalyst to create relatable content. Currently Giovanni works in Talent Development and Artist Management at Nickelodeon Animation while also remaining on roster as a freelance writer for the studio.
More info HERE
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In these unprecedented times, we are doubling down on providing impactful programming that not only helps our membership build and further entertainment careers, but create socially active habits and spheres of influence and knowledge. The entertainment industry is changing before our eyes, and our recent programming is just the tip of the iceberg. We'd love your help in furthering this mission. In various capacities, we work hard to create programming that you, the membership, would like to be engaged with. Please consider joining Harvardwood and becoming an active member of our arts, media, and entertainment community!
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