Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Arts Alumni Network Fosters Creative Connections

September 16, 2024

Shared interest group brings like-minded Brandeisians together in film, theater, television, and more

When she first started building her acting career, Michelle Miller ’11 was eager to tap the Brandeis network but wasn’t sure how best to do it. She found fellow alumni to be willing to connect and help, but it took her some time and practice to learn how to make the most of these opportunities. Looking back, she now advises aspiring actors or industry professionals to ask open-ended questions of new connections, like: What was your first job after graduation and how did it help shape your career? How did you stay motivated early in your career? Are there any resources or groups that you would recommend?

Now serving as co-chair of the Alumni Arts Network, one of 10 shared interest groups for Brandeis alumni, Miller, along with co-chair Neal Ludevig ’08, strives to foster a community that helps new grads and all alumni make the most of their connections. The group hosts events for alumni who work in—or are otherwise passionate about—the performing arts, visual arts, film, television, or entertainment. While the network has been in existence for many years, it’s gained more traction over the past four years. 

The network organizes group visits to see a show together followed by a talkback–a moderated discussion with a fellow alum from the cast or crew gives exclusive insight into the production. For example, the network got together to see The Wiz (co-sponsored by the Alumni of Color Network) and Lempicka (co-sponsored by the Women’s Network).

Networking and mentoring mixers are often coupled with big events in the entertainment industry. This year alone, the network held receptions at the Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest, and the Tribeca Film Festival. And then there’s Showbiz@Deis, a series of panel discussions that brings big names in the arts together to share expertise and advice. Topics range from how to break into the film industry to comics and graphic novels. 

A panel discussion in Los Angeles in June, “Brandeis in Hollywood: Celebrating 75 Years with Distinguished Alumni,” featured Loretta Devine, GSAS MFA’76 (actress: P-Valley, Grey’s Anatomy, Waiting to Exhale); Jason Ensler ’92 (producer/director: Will Trent; The Exorcist; Love, Victor); Marshall Herskovitz ’73 (producer/writer: The Last Samurai, Traffic, Thirtysomething); and Rosemary Rodriguez ’83 (director: The Walking Dead, Elsbeth, Silver Skies).

Events are often held in New York, with hopes to expand to other regions in partnership with regional Brandeis clubs including Florida and Washington, D.C. One annual virtual event remains a tradition: Pitch Therapy, a dynamic opportunity for alumni to make the case for their movie or show and receive feedback and constructive criticism from illustrious alumni in the film and TV industries.

Miller’s experience organizing and hosting network panels inspired her to start her own podcast, Mentors on the Mic, with some of her biggest guests coming from connections through the Alumni Arts Network, including Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman ’78, H’20 and Scandal star Tony Goldwyn ’82. 

After conducting many interviews, Miller sees how valuable the Brandeis network can be. Through the Alumni Arts Network, she aims to build on that supportive community for everyone who’s as passionate as she is about the industry she loves. “Brandeis alumni want to help each other; they want to connect,” she explains. “I’ve heard so many stories of alumni being unbelievably generous with their time—helping people find internships, reading screenplays. Life is all about finding your community and finding commonality.”

The Arts Alumni Network is one of 10 shared interest and identity groups at Brandeis: communities of alumni who share a common identity, professional interest, or student experience. From Friends of Brandeis Athletics to the Alumni of Color Network; Brandeis Women’s Network to Brandeisians of the Last Decade (BOLD), each offers opportunities to expand your network, sharpen specific professional skills, and learn from fellow alumni.