Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to find your true passion. University of Cincinnati alumni Deja Shanks took a second swing at her path and found a professional home near the footlights and greasepaint at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Shanks originally received her associate degree in communications at UC Blue Ash in 2015. After pursuing a few passionless career paths, she decided to go back to school, graduating with her bachelor's degree in film and media studies through UC's College of Arts and Sciences.
"Because of that course, one of my primary jobs at the Playhouse is editing production trailers and b-roll footage for the organization-something I wouldn't have had any clue on how to do if it wasn't for me taking the course," she says.
Students who pursue film and media studies through A&S are required to take a Film and Media Studies Internship course to prepare them for careers. Shanks landed an internship with Cindependent Film Festival, a hub for independent filmmakers to pursue their ambitions with film, using the resources Cindependent provides for them.
"A benefit that was extremely helpful to me was my internship with Cindependent Film Festival," says Shanks. "Having that hands-on experience with coordinating virtual screenplay readings and helping set up neighborhood film screenings was just what I needed for someone like me who had zero experience with the field. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to work for the Playhouse and am excited for where it takes me next."
Featured image at top: Lights shine on a theater stage. Credit: Bigter Choi for Pixabay.
