PMA Class 2023 Graduate Spotlight

Area of Study/Research
Theatre Arts / Feminist/Collaborative Directing Methodologies

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
My highlights are: organizing the Feminist Directions Symposium with Kelly Richmond and Sara Warner (and meeting my theater idols at the event!); being involved in the Phoenix Player Theatre Group (PPTG); being a writing tutor; FGSS (on the whole!); the Women's Performance Workshop; everything involving Sue Perlgut; directing Mr. Burns, a post-apocalyptic play; every 10-minute play festival; and overall, the camaraderie and support of my fellow grads and committee members!

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
My favorite memories are of learning lighting design with Ed Intemann. For our last class, I bought him a clock with his face on it...yes, I am hilarious. I also had the pleasure of drinking whiskey late into the evening with lesbian-feminist theater legends, Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver. I will always remember bringing my dog, Fighty, to tech for Mr. Burns and when the "lightning" sound cue happened she ran up onstage with the other actors to protect them. 

If you could talk to your first-year grad self now, what would you say?
I would say, "Enjoy this time! You get paid to read books and write things! Also, use that platinum insurance and get a therapist, like right now."

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank...everyone!

Anything else you'd like to include?
PMA, you truly changed my life! Thank you!!!!!
 

Area of Study/Research
Trans Studies, Disability Studies, science fiction film and television

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Staging Two Truths and Allie, a play I wrote between 2009-2012 while studying under Erin Courtney, Guggenheim Fellow and member of the Obie Award-winning playwright collective 13P. In 2017, in the Black Box, the play saw the scale I’d always hoped for, and it had a fully sold-out run. People came from all over Central NY to see it. I also ended up publishing about the play twice before I moved to pursuing cinema.
Getting to play The Ingenue/Avram [Sholem Asch 1906/1923 scenes & John Rosen] in the concert reading of Paula Vogel’s Indecent just before its Broadway opening.
And, of course, my NINE first-year writing seminars.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Doing a 3-part episode for the PMA Podcast with Chris Christensen as part of the marketing for Two Truths and Allie.
Playing the young Sholem Asch in Indecent with Paula Vogel sitting in the front row.

If you could talk to your first-year grad self now, what would you say?
When they tell trans people we can’t, we will show them we can.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
My dissertation field committee member, Andrew Campana, a late replacement but very enthusiastic member of my committee whose supervision redesigned my view of the academy and how I see myself as a scholar.

Area of Study/Research
Cinema and Media Studies; Women in comedy with an emphasis on standup performance

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts, Spanish

Minor(s)
Education

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Some highlights of my involvement include festival 24, directing and producing my own production, and all of the amazing classmates, friends, and collaborators that I have met and had the opportunity to work with along the way.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
One of my favorite memories in PMA was being a part of the 10 minute play fest as a freshman. I played a carton of Edy's ice cream and I had a really great time getting to know everyone and everything in the department. I was also really excited to be involved in a production with people who were just as serious and excited about theater as I am.

Another favorite memory was putting on my thesis production and watching so many families and children come to see the show. I really loved to watch how the show made people laugh, smile and dance. I also loved bringing the joy of live theater back after a long, isolated lockdown.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
After graduation, I am moving to LA to pursue acting and directing. I already have some theater companies that I plan to work with when I get there and I hope to work on lots of different sets and meet a lot of different people. And of course, enjoy the beautiful weather!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would tell my freshman self to always get involved with the things you want, and don't be worried to do something just because of fear of rejection. I would also tell myself to get involved with the surrounding Ithaca community more and all of the arts that exist there. I feel like the pandemic really showed me that opportunities can go away in a heartbeat, especially in live theater and film, and that you should take every one that you can and don't wait.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank? 
I would like to thank my family for all of their support of my dreams and goals. I also would like to thank my advisor, Ellen Gainor, my thesis advisors, Panagiotis Angelopoulos and Juan Manuel Aldape Muñoz, and all of the rest of the PMA department that supported me for the past four years and especially with my thesis project!

Anything else you'd like to include?
I would like the incoming or current PMA students to know that I will always be a resource for any questions at all, and I hope that we continue to build our alumni network and be there for each other even after graduation.
 

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I learned to become a cinematographer and love every moment being one.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Walking through snow to reach Schwartz :)
As well as being part of the Delta Kappa Alpha Professional Cinematic Society where I met amazing, supportive people who shared similar passions I held.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
There are lots to look forward in the future!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank? 
Family and friends. Professor Jeffrey Palmer and Waylon Wilson for launching me into my filmic endeavors through Cornell and in Prague. My advisor, Professor Warren Cross.
 

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
During my senior year I became very involved with making and producing student films --a few highlights include writing and directing my first short film last fall, and producing two films this semester. One of the films I produced this semester shot in Chinatown in NYC which was a really awesome experience.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
After graduation, I am looking forward to further exploring my interest in filmmaking and my interesting in writing --both creatively and academically.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I'd like to thank my family --my mom, my dad and my brother, Brian-- and Jake for believing in me even when I really didn't believe in myself. I would also like to give thanks to not only all the students and staff at PMA but also specifically to Professor Nick Salvato for being so supportive and insightful throughout my thesis process.

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Minor(s)
Fashion Studies

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
The brilliant professors that I got to learn from.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Anything that made me feel like a part of the Big Red community— shows, sports games, events.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Auditioning and becoming an actor.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Stick it out through the pandemic, it gets really good after that.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
My family for always supporting me, my friends for sticking by me through thick and thin, and my professors who helped me and let me be my creative self.

Major(s)
College Scholar

Minor(s)
Theatre, Comp Lit, English and European Studies Minors

Major(s)
Computer Science

Minor(s)
Theatre

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I've been in the 10 minute play festival, acted in the SLTC, participated in the abridged/adapted production of Machinal, and acted in the HumaNatures production.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
I really enjoyed being in the HumaNatures show and getting to be part of a largescale production with costumes and elaborate sets and lighting. I remember between two of the shows some of the cast and crew were eating together and we all started doing lines as other people's characters. Another time, I was in a class that was cancelled, but we all showed up anyway to just talk about the class and Shakespeare and acting anyway because we really got close being in a small class and performing together.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would tell them to not be so worried about messing up. It's easy to get self conscious or fear failing an audition, but not getting a role doesn't mean failure and working in theater really means needing to make bold choices, even if that might mean occasionally boldly making a terrible choice.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank Professor Theo Black for really helping me develop frameworks for how to think about acting and performance.

Major(s)
Architecture

Minor(s)
Film

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Seeing my final project for Documentary Production Fundamentals on the big screen in Kiplinger at the end of the semester screening. The feeling of sharing such a personal piece of me with an audience was so surreal.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Some of my most precious memories are the late nights I have spent in SB20 with my classmates. The time was filled with laughter and tears, and somewhere in the process of overcoming similar creative obstacles, we were able to create wonderful memories and become friends.

I remember being charmed by the first screening for Global Cinema I during the hybrid Fall semester of 2020. It was of Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché (Pamela B. Green, 2018). Being able to experience silent films in a theater during that time alongside like-minded, inquisitive individuals was truly an unforgettable experience.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Rabei, don't ever doubt yourself and your abilities to overcome anything. Don't be afraid of the unknown, experiment more, and learn as much as you can in this institution that can equip you with so many skills.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank Sabine Haenni for being a huge part of my journey at Cornell. Thank you so much for your guidance, encouragement, patience, and feedback. I hope I can make you proud as I move forward in life.

Anything else you'd like to include?
I am glad that I am leaving Cornell with a minor in film. It was difficult to wrap it up during my last and thesis semester, but I am grateful to have made it happen. To anyone who is looking for a sign to finish that minor- THIS IS IT. It will be fulfilling and meaningful. The skills you will learn, the people you will meet, and the experience of it all will be invaluable.

Major(s)
Architecture

Minor(s)
Film

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I loved taking film production I and creating my first short film. I also loved being the set designer for Anna Evtushenko's play "Mine"

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
I enjoy going to the student screenings at the end of every semester and seeing my peers work!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Take as many PMA classes as you can, especially the new ones. They are so different and fun, and you will meet so many new creatives.

Major(s)
Computer Science

Minor(s)
Film and Creative Writing

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Working with my talented classmates on short films.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Seeing my friends on stage and in films.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Nothing.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Everyone. Especially my classmates in Film 1 and 2

Major(s)
Psychology

Minor(s)
Theatre, Biology, and European Studies

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I loved being a part of HumanNatures during my last semester. Beyond the amazing friendships I made with the people in the cast, Theo was able to push my acting technique in a way that I hadn't experienced before -- which, I think, resulted in some of the better performances of my theatrical career.

And I also loved my Intro to Acting class with Carolyn my freshman year! As a class, we came from all different parts of campus; yet, we became so close and had so much fun together as an ensemble.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Try not to stress too much -- as long as you focus on what really matters in life, everything is going to turn out just fine.

Oh -- and expect the unexpected... eventually you'll know what I'm talking about XD

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I'd like to thank all of the friends, family, and faculty members who've supported me along my Cornell journey. Through my highs and lows, you all have stuck by my side and it's meant the world to me.

And also a big thank you to David Feldshuh. Beyond being an amazing directing professor (even in moments of tough critique), you have been such an inspiration to me, as a future physician. I always considered theatre to be my form of creative expression and a moment to escape the stressful parts of being a student. But you showed me how I can harness my theatrical skills -- in any sphere and at any point in my lifetime. So, for that, I can't say thank you enough.

Major(s)
History of Art and Fine Art

Minor(s)
Media Studies

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
The Making Media and Thinking Media course I took was so influential in my understanding of visual media and my own artistic practice. Seeing the creative potential of a diverse range of mediums and getting a chance to collaborate and learn from folks outside of my major was so rewarding and inspiring.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
The first play I ever saw at the Schwartz was during my freshman spring and it was Tartuffe by Molière. I got to see my best friend perform in the show, and I was so enamored by the theater that I kept going back over the next four years to see more!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Experiment more and think big!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
My family! My family of friends at cornell! And of course the prospect of whitby <3

Major(s)
Mechanical Engineering

Minor(s)
Business, Film

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I enjoyed the hands-on experience provided by the program. Through courses in film production, I gained practical experience working with lighting, sound equipment, and cameras to plan and shoot film projects. Being able to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world projects was incredibly helpful and allowed me to develop my skills as a filmmaker.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
My favorite memories of PMA were made working in teams to complete projects for several courses - I believe it really prepares me for the collaborative nature of the film industry and is applicable to whatever industry I find myself in. Being able to problem solve and bounce ideas off peers in creating a film from start to finish was a truly valuable experience.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Trust the process, trust yourself. Your journey is unique and the obstacles you face will make you stronger

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Professor Jason Simms and Professor Jeffrey Palmer for their continuous guidance and support, as well as their belief in me and my abilities.

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts, Fine Arts

Minor(s)
Music

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
In addition to designing the sets for "Asiamnesia," "Baby Rock," and "Reach for the Sky," my friends Sara Pistono, Duoer Jia, Taylor Bazos, and Cole Romero's thesis productions, I have been encouraged to complete large personal projects every year. In Spring 2021, I installed "After Nature Had Drawn a Few Breaths," a projection and light illumination transforming the exterior of the Schwartz Center with color (thanks to Steven Blasberg). In Spring 2022, I designed the projections for “The Pleasures of the Quarrel” in Bailey Hall, an opera with professional singers, the New York Baroque Dance Company, the Cornell Chamber Orchestra, and student dancers. In Spring 2023, I cared for “Nature’s Play,” a year-long experiment in stewardship, regenerative land art, and environmental performance. All six of these projects were guided by Professor Jason Simms: I’m endlessly grateful for the resources and approaches with which he has empowered me.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Bleary early-morning film shoots on the sets of Sydney Relihan's "Sex Shop" and Adam Bruynestein's "Feedback." Blissfully rolling down hills, running through the woods, skiing where I shouldn't, wandering through windy beaches in Italy and around the windier Mount Pleasant observatory, and so many other unforgettable feelings that wouldn’t have been without the support and circumstances generated by this institution.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I’m planning on traveling through France and Japan where I have family, applying to lots of artist residencies and contract jobs, and finding strong artistic communities. I have never had the chance to prioritize my own art without constraint, and I’m going to find spaces to support this attitude. Then I’ll have a better answer to this question.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Only overcommit if you have outlets to be happy; you'll learn to settle and find connection wherever you are; take advantage of the physical resources and toys while you can!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank? 
Theo Black, my first and last professor in PMA, from Acting I to Eco-Performance to Directing II, and many lovely circumstances between. My parents Dan and Kaori for taking me to see Kabuki, play in Shakespeare, and perform in their concerts. Tim, Savannah, Fritz, Steven, Lisa. There's not a PMA class I took that I didn't enjoy, so thanks to every professor who has accommodated my impudence.

Anything else you'd like to include?
Though I entered Cornell as a Fine Arts major in AAP, my PMA productions have had the most fulfilling artistic rewards. Thank you. (and please check out adamshulman.art to see what I made!)
 

Major(s)
Communication

Minor(s)
Leadership, Media Studies and Education

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I loved making my news feature for COMM 3010: Writing and Producing the Narrative for Digital Media for my Making Media course!

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Seeing everyone's culminating projects during the making media colloquium!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would tell myself to put myself out there more, embrace spontaneity, and explore all the opportunities you can get because you never know where doors will open up!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Professor Lee Humphreys for teaching Media Communication!