Letter from the Editor

Hello everyone!

My name is Jackie DiFerdinando, and I will be the Artsline editor for the next three issues.  This quarter has flown by so fast, and it is crazy to think that the winter break is almost upon us!

A little background about me:  I was born and raised just outside Philadelphia in Cheltenham, PA, and have grown up in the thriving Philadelphia arts scene.  My mother is a huge theatre buff and performed in local community productions before I was born so my parents introduced my brother and me to live theatre starting at a very young age.  I have been a regular Philadelphia and New York theatre patron since the age of three.   

I stayed local for college and graduated from Temple University in 2014 with a major in Theatre (acting concentration) and a minor in Business.  My plan had always been to immediately attend graduate school for Arts Administration after receiving my B.S.  However, since I ended up doing more acting during my undergraduate program than expected, I did not pursue a graduate degree right away. 

Since graduating from Temple University, I have performed in numerous theatrical productions and film projects but also had apprenticeships/internships at the Bucks County Playhouse and Theatre Horizon.  I even stage managed at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, New Jersey.   I have been a principal cast member at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire for the past five years where I put my stage combat skills to good use.  On top of all this, I have worked 2-5 days a week for the past six years as a Standardized Patient at the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

Now I am finally returning to my original plan which has thankfully brought me to the wonderful program and people in the Arts Administration program here at Drexel University.  Ultimately, I want to be gainfully employed in the administration of a theatre company and believe Drexel University is the best place to get the knowledge and skills for that path.  I am so excited to be starting this new chapter of my life at Drexel University.  I cannot wait to see what the future has in store.


Jackie DiFerdinando
ArtsLine editor 2019-2020
jad548@drexel.edu

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