Join me as I pull back the curtain on performing arts careers, creative career pathways, and the real-world value of arts degrees. In each episode, performing artists and creative professionals share their journey, professional evolution, transferable skills, and the many paths their careers have taken inside and outside the arts industry. Muse Stories highlights how creative careers are real careers, showcasing the talent, gumption, and passion of people building meaningful, sustainable lives through the creative arts.
Gilda Mercado earned her undergraduate degree in communications, but knew even then her destiny was leading her to be an actor. Her dreams took her from her home in Mexico to pursue graduate work in America and Scotland. She has performed all over the world and graced iconic stages. Tune in to this inspiring story and hear how In the face of any challenge, Gilda never stops advocating for and believing in herself.
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Check out the episode on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5hGgzt6tk4)
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22 Apr 2026
The Power and Reach of Storytelling: Mishari Zambrano
Mishari Zambrano earned a BFA in Theatre Management, a MA in Public Relations and Advertising, and is now an Account Executive for Allied Global Marketing. Mishari reveals the foundation an arts education builds, including creative problem-solving, storytelling, and adaptability. Tune in to hear how Mishari utilized the power of internships, her professional network, and commitment to continuous growth to access opportunities and advance on her professional journey.
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23 Mar 2026
A Stage Manager Pivots to Corporate Branding: Gaby Suarez
Gaby Suarez earned a BFA in Stage Management and used that foundation as a launch point to become a corporate branding account specialist. Gaby shares her journey as a first-generation college student, pros/cons of being in college during the pandemic, and the invaluable skills that transcend managing and calling shows. Tune in to hear Gaby attribute her professional success and robust community to her niche degree.
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6 Mar 2026
Do it for the Plot Twist: Maricruz Menchero
Maricruz Menchero (https://maricruzmenchero.com/) started as an architect and pivoted to pursue an MFA in Acting. She is now combining her experiences and working as an actor and launching professional coaching circles. Her incredible story emphasizes the value of following one’s curiosity and investing in your dreams. Tune in to hear about the joy felt when you do it for the plot twist.
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19 Feb 2026
A Chance Encounter Leads to Life as an Actor: Luis Mora
Luis Mora (https://www.instagram.com/realluismora/?hl=en)shares his unique path into acting after a chance encounter at a Chicago theatre. His tale about earning a BFA in Acting and transitioning into becoming a professional actor highlights the work, commitment and passion that is required to be successful in this profession. This story showcases how one experience can open doors to possibilities you never imagined before.
Learn more: Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
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9 Feb 2026
An Actor's Life for Me: Jazzy Rush
Jazzy Rush (https://www.instagram.com/jazzycheri/), a successful Chicago-based actor, knew that she wanted to earn a BFA in Acting at a top program, and she accomplished that dream. Her story unveils the challenges of the audition process and importance of self-care in a demanding profession. Jazzy serves as a role-model for embracing this career without compromise.
Learn more: Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
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6 Feb 2026
Light Takes Up Space: Karen Wallace
Karen Wallace (https://www.karenwallaceld.com/) earned her BFA in Lighting Design and is now a successful lighting designer and youth educator in Chicago. This illuminating conversation highlights how she turned her passion and talent into a thriving career in the arts. It also shines light on the importance of mentorship, networking and collaboration and how they all contribute to building a successful career as a designer and technician.
Learn more: Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
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5 Feb 2026
Twists and Turns to the Top: Amanda Pulcini
Amanda Pulcini (https://www.instagram.com/apulcini/)is an accomplished actor and certified intimacy coordinator who earned her BFA in Musical Theatre and an MFA in Acting. While Amanda knew from a very young age she was destined for the performing arts, her story highlights the various twists, turns and professional experiences that landed her on the big screen. Amanda serves as shining example of the importance of being persistent in your passion and elevates the importance your community has in this space.
Learn more: Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
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4 Feb 2026
A Director's Tale on the Power of Mentoring: Melanie Queponds
Melanie Queponds (https://www.melanieclaireq.com/), a successful director, dramaturg, and educator, shares her journey as a first generation college student who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in the performing arts. Her story highlights the impact of her mentors and showcases the beautiful community of people who work in performing arts careers and spaces.
Learn more: Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
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3 Feb 2026
Discovering the World as a Digital Nomad: Courtney Tucker
Courtney Tucker (instagram.com/thewanderingromance) earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in performing arts, and now she is discovering the world as a digital nomad. Come along on this adventure and learn how pursuing a performing arts degree can lead to unexpected opportunities when you follow your heart.
Check out Wandering Romance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_4r0Ez0oBB1DK77-CgTlg)
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29 Jan 2026
Pathway from Theatre Management to Law School: Elise
Elise shares her journey earning a BFA Theatre Management degree and how her training launched her career in New York City, working with Broadway and the Met. These early professional experiences paved her pathway to law school. Her stories will awe you as she highlights how impactful her degree was and the doors it opened for her in and beyond the arts.
Learn more: Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
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28 Jan 2026
Journey to Hollywood: Kayla Raelle and Jamar Gilbert
Kayla Raelle (https://www.kaylaraelleholder.com)and Jamar Gilbert (https://www.instagram.com/jamargofficial/?hl=en) share their journey from earning a BFA Acting degree to Hollywood film sets and beyond.
These two will delight you as they share how a performing arts degree is a fantastic return on investment and absolutely worth the time and hard work that goes into this career path.
Learn more about Muse College Consulting (https://www.museconsultingllc.com/)
Check out the episode on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@MuseCollegeConsulting)
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27 Jan 2026
Muse Stories: Trailer
Welcome to Muse Stories! Check out the trailer to learn more, and don't forget to subscribe.
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