"The Artist Series is a brand new speaker series introduced to OSA! In this series, speakers from different creative professions have a chance to speak to the student body of OSA." --Hazel Phillips, 8th grade
The Artist Series is a brand new speaker series introduced to OSA! In this series, speakers from different creative professions have a chance to speak to the student body of OSA.
To learn more about the behind the scenes of this project, I interviewed Dr. Delores Thompson, Broadcasting Instructor and the organizer of the Artist Series. What I wanted to know was the process of how she finds people to come speak.
The first question I asked was about the process of getting speakers to participate in the OSA Speakers Series. “That's a great question, having worked (still working) in the entertainment industry since age 19,” she replied. “I've been everything from artist management, PR, producer, to talent which has afforded me an opportunity to build relationships on many levels across the arts—which is why I stress the importance of creating good relationships to my Broadcast students.”
Moving on to the scheduling process, I asked her how she was able to fit people in at just the right times and make it work for everybody involved. “Scheduling thankfully has been a breeze, I started out by planning out how long the series will last, and decided to spread it out over a span of eight months which allowed for cancellations which, by the way, I have only had one, however, I had a replacement the same day of the cancellation. Again it's all about good relationships. I always have two people for the same month. Whoever replies first I go with, and if the other person replies I add them to the date,” Thomson said.
Wanting to know more about who makes the cut, I asked her what she's looking for, especially when it comes to speaking to OSA students. Thompson was eager to respond, saying that, “when it comes to who I invite to speak, my goal is to ask guests whose profession aligns with a sub-pathway. For example, our last guest Emilio Castillo is a musician, his career aligns with our Instrumental sub-pathway, which is also why students from the aligning sub-pathway are the moderators of each event. They have been doing a great job. I am so proud of each and every one of them.”
Because the school is currently trying to figure out how and when we will be going back to in-class learning, I was excited to ask how she's going to plan on the series continuing once we return to in-school instruction. “Great question! One of the main reasons I started the series by inviting folks who aren't in Oakland is because I know that we wouldn't have the same access for in-person learning,” she replied. “However when we do return to in-person learning I will be able to call on bay area artists to come in person, of course, we may not be able to have the entire school attend these events. However, the method to my madness is to create smaller group opportunities which can turn into mentorships and internships for high school students which has been my long term goal all along.”
Finally, I asked Dr. Thompson about some of the highlights and favorite moments from the series so far.“That's a hard question, because there have been so many ‘ah-ha’ moments, for instance, the head of programming for Fox Soul, James DeBose, said, ’I want to talk to you about the business of being you,’ he also said ‘Never let your talent take you where your integrity can't keep’ these are seriously great words of wisdom,” Thompson reflected.
“I also loved it when award-winning actress/talks show host/radio personality Tammi Mac put her email in the chat and told the students to reach out to her if they needed help—that's big because I know that it was her personal email and that she would be willing to actually help if someone asked,” she continued.
Personally, I thought it was really thoughtful that Mac put their email in, as well.
And with that, my Artist Series interview was over. I feel like I personally learned more about the inner workings of OSA during this article. It was really fascinating to hear about what happens behind the scenes, since we only really see the finished product.
To learn more about the behind the scenes of this project, I interviewed Dr. Delores Thompson, Broadcasting Instructor and the organizer of the Artist Series. What I wanted to know was the process of how she finds people to come speak.
The first question I asked was about the process of getting speakers to participate in the OSA Speakers Series. “That's a great question, having worked (still working) in the entertainment industry since age 19,” she replied. “I've been everything from artist management, PR, producer, to talent which has afforded me an opportunity to build relationships on many levels across the arts—which is why I stress the importance of creating good relationships to my Broadcast students.”
Moving on to the scheduling process, I asked her how she was able to fit people in at just the right times and make it work for everybody involved. “Scheduling thankfully has been a breeze, I started out by planning out how long the series will last, and decided to spread it out over a span of eight months which allowed for cancellations which, by the way, I have only had one, however, I had a replacement the same day of the cancellation. Again it's all about good relationships. I always have two people for the same month. Whoever replies first I go with, and if the other person replies I add them to the date,” Thomson said.
Wanting to know more about who makes the cut, I asked her what she's looking for, especially when it comes to speaking to OSA students. Thompson was eager to respond, saying that, “when it comes to who I invite to speak, my goal is to ask guests whose profession aligns with a sub-pathway. For example, our last guest Emilio Castillo is a musician, his career aligns with our Instrumental sub-pathway, which is also why students from the aligning sub-pathway are the moderators of each event. They have been doing a great job. I am so proud of each and every one of them.”
Because the school is currently trying to figure out how and when we will be going back to in-class learning, I was excited to ask how she's going to plan on the series continuing once we return to in-school instruction. “Great question! One of the main reasons I started the series by inviting folks who aren't in Oakland is because I know that we wouldn't have the same access for in-person learning,” she replied. “However when we do return to in-person learning I will be able to call on bay area artists to come in person, of course, we may not be able to have the entire school attend these events. However, the method to my madness is to create smaller group opportunities which can turn into mentorships and internships for high school students which has been my long term goal all along.”
Finally, I asked Dr. Thompson about some of the highlights and favorite moments from the series so far.“That's a hard question, because there have been so many ‘ah-ha’ moments, for instance, the head of programming for Fox Soul, James DeBose, said, ’I want to talk to you about the business of being you,’ he also said ‘Never let your talent take you where your integrity can't keep’ these are seriously great words of wisdom,” Thompson reflected.
“I also loved it when award-winning actress/talks show host/radio personality Tammi Mac put her email in the chat and told the students to reach out to her if they needed help—that's big because I know that it was her personal email and that she would be willing to actually help if someone asked,” she continued.
Personally, I thought it was really thoughtful that Mac put their email in, as well.
And with that, my Artist Series interview was over. I feel like I personally learned more about the inner workings of OSA during this article. It was really fascinating to hear about what happens behind the scenes, since we only really see the finished product.
