For the students of Emerson College, it is more of what you learn outside of the classroom than in it. Don’t get me wrong, Emerson’s academic programs are the key for success in the arts and communication industry, but it’s important for students to practice what they’ve learned outside of the classroom.
With so many students returning to organizations each semester, freshmen need to outshine the upperclassmen who are already experienced. What sounds like an impossible task is actually pretty simple.
Many freshmen have decided to audition for on air-talent with little broadcasting experience on the Emerson Channel and/or Emerson Independent Video (EIV).
Freshmen Kelsey Barrett and Sarah Bogden are just two of many freshmen who have landed on air spots at Emerson in just their first semester.
Barrett is currently an anchor for EIV news at 6. With her only experience being her high school television club, she managed to beat out fellow freshmen and upperclassmen for the position. With four shows under her belt, Barrett has been told by the producer that her reading reminds him of an upperclassman and that you would never know she was a freshman.
Bogden, on the other hand, works for the Emerson Channel’s show, Common Agenda. Emerson Channel is more of a soft news television station, whereas EIV is hard news. The channel is very competitive with more than 100 freshman signed up to audition. Bogden received a callback and then a few days later found out she got the part of being a reporter for the show.
Her Campus Emerson asked Bogden about getting involved in Emerson Channel as a freshman.
What made you want to get involved with Emerson Channel?
I’m a BFA Acting major but hope to someday end up in film. I hoped that Emerson Channel would be my way to get hands-on experience in studio, whether it was familiarizing myself with the behind the camera action, or on screen. I had never been on screen before, performing only in theater during high school so I was anxious to started on camera. Not to mention how impressed I was that Emerson Channel was completely student run. The shows were intriguing and the hosts charismatic, I so badly wanted to join the “Emerson Channel Mafia”.
Do you think freshman should get involved their first year?
Yes, of course! Because I got involved with Emerson Channel I have already met so many great, talented people, and have learned a lot about myself, so much that I’m considering switching majors. Being involved has made me feel apart of campus, and Emerson Channel is a great entity to be apart of.
What was your reaction when you got the position? I was ecstatic, I called my mom right away! I really was not expecting any sort of position as a freshman. I honestly auditioned just for the experience. I also had never had any sort of experience with broadcast, so I was pretty blind going into the audition and callback. My callback was the first time I had ever read off of a prompter! Needless to say I felt blessed, and it secured my doubts of whether or not I fit into Emerson. As you can see, being a freshman does not matter. Go out there and audition! You never know what might happen.
Here are eight ways you can impress the producers and land your dream on-air position at Emerson:
- I know you’re scared, Emerson students are intimidating but don’t be. You have just as much of a chance as any other student.
- After you’ve relaxed yourself, DRESS TO IMPRESS (shouldn’t be a problem with Emerson students).
- When you go to the interview, don’t make it seem like you’re the cute inexperienced freshman. Sound professional and act like you’re ready to host the EVVYS.
- Answer questions with a smile and know what you’re talking about. Don’t audition for a show just to audition.
- Sound personable and don’t let it show that you’re scared.
- Shake the producer’s hand! It’s always a good touch without seeming like you’re sucking up.
- Make them ask you, you’re only a freshman? (Good sign!)
- If you don’t get a part, that’s okay! There’s always next semester and at least you tried and know what to expect next time.