The newest graduates from the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) are poised to take centre stage as they pursue their next challenges.

After graduating on Friday, June 16 during Brock’s 113th Convocation, Dramatic Arts (DART) alumni Alyssa Campbell, Ava Robitaille, Thea Van Loon and Claire Stoll will get straight to work this summer on a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, put on by Tottering Biped Theatre (TBT), a Hamilton-based social justice inspired theatre company. 

Having worked with TBT as Brock students, Campbell and Robitaille are thrilled to be with a professional theatre company again.

Campbell said she is grateful to have made valuable connections during her time in DART that have turned into work opportunities.

“I’m very excited to return to work with Tottering Biped with familiar and new faces post-graduation,” she said. “Outdoor theatre is a unique challenge that will be great revisit.”

Mari Brint, who graduated with a double major in Visual Arts (Studio Art) and History of Art and Visual Culture, and a minor in English Language and Literature, fused their artistic practice with a passion for libraries which has shaped their future professional path.

Working at the James A. Gibson Library, Brint enjoyed connecting with students and assisting library users with their requests. They also curated collaborative exhibitions on display for library users, further sparking their interest in curation.

Currently working at the main circulation desk at St. Catharines Public Library, Brint hopes to pursue a master’s degree in library science or art history.

“I love the community connection in libraries, and I am lucky to work with diverse populations,” Brint said. “Brock set me on the path for my future work and studies, and I look forward to giving back to the community.”

Similarly to Brint, Music student Chloe Racho was committed to the Brock community and participated in many student activities in and around the MIWSFPA.

In addition to her studies and composing instrumental music for ensembles, Racho worked as Stage Manager for Department of Music concerts at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and led tours of the downtown arts campus as part of Brock’s Smart Start team.

An aspiring educator, Racho will begin working toward a Bachelor of Education with a teachable in vocal music at Brock in the fall.

“The music program has equipped me with transferable skills that I will use in future music endeavours and other aspects of my life,” she said.

Sarah Fisher, who earned an Honours degree in Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC), with a concentration in Cultural Management and minor in Tourism Studies, said the STAC program’s interdisciplinary nature allowed her to explore a wide range of subjects and pursue her passions while acquiring additional certifications throughout her degree program.

“My four years at Brock University have been an incredible journey filled with academic achievements, unforgettable experiences and personal growth,” Fisher said. “As a graduate of the STAC program, I am happy to reflect on my time at Brock and eagerly look forward to what the future holds.”

Having learned about her passion for building relations in the world of arts and culture, Fisher looks forward to continuing her studies in public relations.

“I am always so heartened by the graduating students at the MIWSFPA, who seem to flow seamlessly into opportunities of employment, internship and advanced study,” said Linda Carreiro, Visual Arts Professor and Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts. “They relish each new learning moment, which equips them with an openness to challenges and an impressive layering of skills.”