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How Recent Graduates Got On Broadway
In today’s very special roundtable episode, Uchenna spoke with 3 recent graduates, Nia Abdullah, Michele Cohen, and Devi Peot, about their experiences transitioning from college to full-time positions working on and off-Broadway. This conversation was deeply insightful into a process that is rarely talked about with such tact, humility, and guidance. The discussion ranged from imposter syndrome when entering a new space to the politics involved in the creation of a Broadway show. With every topic, each one of our guests gave a unique perspective that any 20-something pursuing a career in the arts can find useful.
Nia, Michele, and Devi entered into full-time positions pretty quickly after graduating; Nia is the Executive Assistant and Board Liaison at Playwrights Horizons, Michele is the Assistant House Manager at the Westside Theatre, and Devi is a Casting Assistant at Casting by ARC and the founder of South Asians on Broadway. As a recent graduate myself, it was comforting to know that we are not alone during a time when our experiences might feel so singular. Our guests’ passion for what they do shone through this conversation, and I can’t wait to see where their journeys lead them in the next steps of their careers.
What We Learned (Or Were Reminded Of)
⭐️ Transparency is a gift.
⭐️ Be a sponge!
⭐️ Broadway is magic...but also a business.
⭐️ Your work matters, no matter how small it might seem.
What stuck with me after this roundtable was how much the age diversity conversation resonated with me. Transitioning from college, where everyone is around your age, to an office where you have to advocate for your ideas to be taken seriously is a change that no one prepares you for. Each of them had their way of dealing with it, and it felt good to know that this adjustment happens for everyone. It reminded me that our age is not a disadvantage, but a strength to be cherished.
“All the small things you do are making a big difference.”
— Nia Abdullah
“Knowing that I was seemingly making a difference in helping form the success of a current running piece of commercial theatre…that was the most exciting thing in the world.”
— Michele Cohen
“I like to remember who I am and what I bring to the table…and then be able to share that with the rest of the world.”
— Devi Peot
Check out this week’s episode to hear all about How Nia Abdullah, Michele Cohen, and Devi Peot Got On Broadway.
— rachel bland 🌱
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