Up all night SCMD hosts 12-hour event for mental p3 heath awareness

The art of collaborative management Arts Management students organized a p5 successful symposium this winter the Storyteller- School of Communications, Media and Design Winter 2016 IMM students’ senior projects Interactive Media Management students p7 created interactive prototypes for apps

MIAP students to perform at Centre for the Arts p9 Music Industry Arts and Peformance program celebrates first graduating class

Story Arts Centre implements Storyworks

Students will learn to work on client projects prior to graduation

Starting this September, the Story Arts Centre richer,” says McIlroy. will be offering a new course called Storyworks in Students will either be matched with clients almost all programs. The idea behind this course is to through faculty or choose whom they would like provide students with bite-size experiences and project to work for. As long as the projects they undertake simulations of industry work. comply with the scope and criteria established by the “Students will be working with clients on small- college, they will be free to work individually, with scale versions of projects that they would typically other students from their program, or with students encounter in their industry,” explains Jennifer McIlroy, from different programs. faculty member of the Corporate Communications The Storyworks initiative will be a unique and Public Relations program. opportunity for the Story Arts Centre to reinforce Most of the workload for Storyworks will take its mandate of preparing students to tell stories about place outside of the classroom. This means that the themselves and about their clients in a rich way. It addition of this new course will not alter the length will also provide students with concrete and relevant of the programs. “Students won’t be in class longer. professional experience, which will be helpful once Storyworks will only make our curriculums deeper and they start searching for jobs after graduation.

This edition of the Storyteller made possible by Sayyeda Masood, Priyanka Mehta, Holly Penick, Isaac Thornley, Jordan Wall and Catalina Zuleta. Story Arts Centre’s welcome back pancake breakfast Batter so good that even Bautista is jealous

The Story Arts Centre students were treated to the Students clearly got the memo as 650 hungry annual Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast on January 20th to diners participated, making up nearly half of the student kick off the New Year. body. Everyone received two delectable pancakes, totalling a record-shattering 1,300 pancakes served. Dean Cowell, Coordinator and Professor for the Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Program, organized the event with the help of Operations Manager Preeti Sharma, who gathered the supplies. Other faculty members pitched in by cooking and serving up a storm with three griddles on the go, giving them the oppor- tunity to interact with students outside the classroom. Everyone enjoyed the scent of toppings like syrup and cinnamon that filled the air of the entire campus, but found the best topping of all was more pancakes.

Hamlin Grange gives talk on cultural competence and communication

Students and faculty gathered in the Story Arts said Ted Barris, explaining why he reached out to Grange to Centre library on February 24 to hear Hamlin Grange, be part of the speakers’ series. He’s “an experienced jour- journalist turned diversity consultant, give a talk titled nalist, a well-known Torontonian, and is active as a campaign- “Competence, the Key to Communication,” as part of er making sure that diversity is understood.” ’s observance of Black History Month. In addition to his public speaking activities, Hamlin More than 60 people listened as Grange shared Grange is also the president and co-founder of DiversiPro, a his experiences of encountering racism throughout his diversity and inclusion consulting company based in Toronto. time working in Canadian media and As a consultant, he works with various organizations “looking journalism. Grange emphasized that, for ways to meet the challenges and reap the rewards of a beyond awareness, Canadians require culturally diverse marketplace.” a set of skills and competencies to adequately communicate in a society so diverse and multicultural. Canadian communicators need to be able to navigate difference without relying on superficial or stereotyping language. Grange’s talk was part of a speakers’ series that journalism professor Ted Barris has organized for several years. Past speakers include Toronto Star journalist Royson James, former president of the Black History Society Rosemary Sadlier and novelist Lawrence Hill. Hamlin Grange is “campaigning to get journalists and communicators of all types to go beyond skin colour, beyond the superficial stuff and beyond the stereotyping,” Up All Night SCMD hosts 12-hour event for mental heath awareness

On March 31 the Story Arts Centre hosted “Up students developed campaigns to pitch to CivicAction. All Night,” a 12-hour event focused on mental health “Up All Night” – a campaign involving a 12- in the workplace, as part of this year’s Project Fusion hour, all-night event – was ultimately chosen because it campaign. The event and campaign were organized by allowed students the freedom to incorporate various students in the Corporate Communications - Public elements while keeping on topic. “The idea was to stay Relations (CCPR) program, but involved contributions up allnight in solidarity with people who experience from students in other programs including dance, sleep deprivation as a result of mental health issues,” music, journalism, graphic design, arts and interactive said Stephanie Murphy, CCPR student and media media management. relations lead of this year’s Project Fusion. The event was part of the fourth incarnation of The event consisted of a networking session, Project Fusion, an annual partnership between Story an expert panel discussion, a suicide-prevention Arts Centre students and CivicAction, that aims to workshop and live music and dance performances by generate conversation on urban issues and engage Story Arts Centre students. Over 40 students stayed the next generation of change agents. In addition the entire night and $3,000 was raised. All proceeds to the event, this year’s campaign also involved a are being donated to Friendship Bench, an organization survey, magazine, website and weeks of planning and that encourages students to be aware of the mental development. health concerns of their peers and confront the stigma “Project Fusion came about four or five years surrounding mental illness. The bench will be installed ago when students asked for an opportunity for more at the Story Arts Centre in the Fall and will be the first collaboration between programs,” said Donna Lindell, of its kind at the college. who serves as the faculty supervisor for Project Fusion. “When you see the bench you remember that “It is designed to be a student-led, student-driven there are people struggling. It’s a reminder to reach initiative. It’s an opportunity for students to develop out and connect with people,” said Stephanie Murphy. leadership skills in multiple capacities.” “It’s a nice idea for Project Fusion because though this Mental health in the workplace is one of year’s event is over after 12 hours, the bench allows CivicAction’s core issues of focus. Throughout the the campaign to live on.” school year, inside and outside of the classroom, CCPR 2016 CLIX photo contest celebrates Story Arts Centre talent

The Story Arts Centre’s annual CLIX photography of Communications, Media and Design faculty and staff contest was a big success thanks to the excellent work (general). submitted by students and staff. Dedicated to celebrating The submissions were evaluated by a panel of highly the best in digital imaging from students in all programs at qualified judges including Henry Wong, Creative Director the Story Arts Centre, CLIX serves to function both as a and Vice President of Tenzing; Marni Goldman, Senior TV creative outlet and an opportunity for those at the campus Producer at Shaw Media; Barbara Adhiya, Senior Editor at to connect with other creative professionals. Reuters; and John Montgomery, Art Director for Canadian This year, the CLIX contest introduced a separate Business and MoneySense magazines. category allowing entries from faculty and staff, bringing the On April 16, awards were handed out to the total number of categories to six. winners of each category in the Story Art Centre’s Between September and March, over 40 students Corridor Gallery—the campus’s exhibition space. The and staff members submitted more than 130 photos across awards ceremony was accompanied by the gallery’s opening, the following categories: portraits; sports; life, arts and news; displaying the award-winning photographs for all to enjoy. nature and landscapes; android/iPhone pics; and School Congratulations to the winners!

The CLIX annual photography awards are generously sponsored by Henry’s Camera and Video, Tricera Imaging, Pikto, CCBC, Jim Babbage / Adobe and Vistek in partnership with the Story Arts Centre and Centennial College.

Potential students get up close and personal with the Story Arts Centre at the Connect with Centennial event

Choosing a college program can be stressful, Communications – Professional Writing and Journalism. whether you’re coming from high school or another post- Panel members spoke enthusiastically about the campus, its secondary institution. That’s why on March 6, 2016, the piano, the dedicated faculty and the day-to-day at the Story Story Arts Centre opened its doors to potential students Arts Centre. to meet with faculty, grads and current students in order to In the program-specific sessions that followed the learn about the school and its programs. panel, applicants could ask more direct questions about The event included a panel comprised of current the program they were applying to. Students and faculty students and graduates hosted by Chair of the School of answered questions about workload, subject matter and Communications, Media and Design, Barry Waite. Applicants career prospects. and their parents asked questions about the campus, the The Connect with Centennial Event aimed to student experience and the programs themselves. alleviate some of that stress by reaching out to its applicants Panel attendees had their questions answered by not and assisting them in making informed decisions. The goal only the 15 students on the panel but also Nate Horowitz, was to help potential students decide whether or not the the school dean. Programs of all sizes were represented on program would be the right fit for them. the panel, including Music Industry Arts and Performance, The art of collaborative management epitomized

The Arts Management students organized a successful symposium this winter

It was Reading Week at the Story Arts Centre, As program coordinator and mentor, Crawford but the campus was abuzz with activity. It was the day was an ever-present shadow in this process. But tied of the Arts Management program’s symposium, titled to that was a challenge: “You have to respect the fact the Art of Collaborative Management, where months that their decisions may not always be what you would of preparation finally took shape on February 16. have chosen and to allow for learning through failed The symposium was the brainchild of Program attempts. I learn every year how resilient and innovative Coordinator Shelley Crawford. Having organized each new class is.” symposiums at the programs she has taught over seven Case in point, the students met Nada Ristich, years, she knew it would develop skills in event planning, Director of Corporate Donations at BMO and a networking and leadership. powerful force in the arts community, through a guided It was undoubtedly a success. The team tour of the private art collection at BMO’s head office. exceeded revenue projections and brought about 90 The programming team approached her as a keynote people to the event. For Jane Smythe, student chair of prospect, believing it to be a long shot. Surprisingly, she the symposium, the most rewarding part was working agreed. with talented colleagues. “The team was such a diverse Arts Management is a short program with a wealth of knowledge,” she says. “We had people from steep learning curve. For the field placement, students dance, visual art, theatre, music and television, many of are undertaking roles in fundraising, marketing, event whom are artists themselves.” management and communications support. They are The students were completing other courses working at mostly non-profit organizations from the alongside this event. So what was it like behind the National Ballet and the Nuit Blanche Festival, to the scenes? “Stressful, for sure, but empowering as well,” Toronto Outdoor Art Show and local arts councils. says Crawford. “We were meeting milestones, with Jane Smythe advises potential students to be mountains of work yet to undertake. However, the open to opportunities: “If someone gives you tickets to spirit of collaboration was unparalleled and the pieces something, GO! It’s at these events that you can make fell into place.” connections in the industry.”

Missed the symposium? Visit the website for a recap. And for even more information, follow the student-created body, Arts Ahead, on Twitter @CCArtsAhead. Changes are coming to Centennial’s part-time studies

Formerly run by the department of Continuing there may be some interest in. We will be able to test if Education, part-time studies at Centennial College will now certain courses are appealing to people,” explains Barry be incorporated into each of the academic schools. This is all Waite, Communications and Media Academic Chair at the part of the college’s plan to offer a wider variety of courses School of Communications, Media and Design. and certificates. Part-time learning is fundamentally targeted to Starting this summer, the Story Arts Centre will be two different audiences: those who seek to develop a new expanding its course offerings in both the Communications hobby, and those who wish to upgrade their skills without & Media and Arts & Design departments. More specifically, necessarily enrolling in a full-time program due to other the arts department will be opening courses in Design in 3D, pre-existing obligations. Fundamentals of Life Drawing and Art & Design Portfolio. “We know, for instance, there is a growing interest During the fall, the college will offer courses in in content creation and social media, so we will be offering public relations, creative writing and graphic narrative. In these courses at night. That way people who can’t take time the near future, new certificate programs will be available off from their work will be able to take our courses or including Interactive & Digital Media and Public Relations. complete one of our new certificates,” says Waite. New courses will also join the college’s existing program The new part-time studies courses and certificates roster including Digital Publishing, Recording Arts and Web will preserve Centennial College’s emphasis on industry- Development. focused education. As Waite explains, “Our focus is on Rolling part-time studies into each of the academic experiential learning and these new courses will involve schools means there will be more connection between the working on projects with real-life clients.” subject matter experts in each department, and the planning and designing of new courses and certificates. “Moving into part-time learning will be a unique Visit Centennial’s website to see the full list of courses. opportunity for us to try out new courses that we think

There’s a new Academic Chair at the Story Arts Centre Chris Jackman joins Barry Waite to bring positive change to students and faculty

As the number of programs Having two Academic Chairs them,” Jackman says, “It’s not teaching to at the Story Arts Centre continues to relieves some of the day-to-day the test or creating a standard mould for grow, so must the faculty that oversees activities, allowing both of them to every individual. Our faculty speaks to them. This year, Chris Jackman joins focus on developing relationships and the needs of the evolving industries while Barry Waite to share responsibilities as the programs themselves within each at the same time looking at the gifts and Academic Chairs of the school. Jackman department. Their ability to be responsive passions of their students and helping to will manage the Art and Design programs, and student-centered translates into make those moves.” while Waite will oversee the Media and both faculty and students having a more Their primary focus is cultivating Communication programs. fulfilling experience. that sense of community. Even though “Each program has its set “There is a sense of community there are now two Academic Chairs, of challenges and opportunities. The here. The hunger and desire from students they are actively looking to collaborate previous structure of hiring and helping and faculty are quite something. Coming on initiatives across the college. While faculty with classroom management, into a community like this is a rare the positions are divided, on the whole showing new teaching practices and opportunity. Each student comes in with it ensures the Story Arts Centre meets enhancing curriculums all used to fall their trajectory, and I find it profoundly the standards of quality and excellence underneath Barry. The man is legendary; exciting we are developing a curriculum that its glowing reputation continues to he can do a million things,” says Jackman. and improving the academic quality for receive. IMM students deliver hard-hitting senior projects

Senior projects of the Interactive Media For their second semester major project, Management (IMM) students culminated into beautifully the students had to turn a concept for an app into a designed experiences by the end of April. The students prototype. Here are some of their projects: created interactive prototypes for apps, offering Create Access by Megan Palmateer: a handy services they were passionate about. guide for viewing plain-language versions of the The projects focused on topics as diverse Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, featuring as accessibility, cooking, ridesharing and learning examples, informational videos and infographics. disabilities. Some of them were chosen to be exhibited Helper+ by Jon Liu: a location-based app to at Digifest and Girl Geeks Toronto. connect people who need tasks done (like home repairs Program coordinator Pamela Kostur stresses or moving) with people who can do them. (View the on the importance of user experience. “Our students prototype.) don’t need to be from tech backgrounds,” says Kostur. HitchUp by Alejandro Anaya: an app that “What user experience design does require is empathy. connects passengers with drivers who want to carpool. You aren’t just creating an app or a blog or a website— Holo Me by Aline Conde: a chat app that makes you’re designing an experience.” use of hologram capabilities to maintain a conversation. The program’s focus on user experience teaches (View a demo.) students to determine the audiences for their content, Indients by Pooja Patel: a location-based app and their goals and motivations. Following that, they to search for fresh Indian ingredients, view the nearest create content strategies and interactive storytelling locations and book the products. (View a demo.) methods. Throughout the three-semester program, Magic Toolbox by Odelia Schmidt: an students learn how to make the user experience interactive app for students with learning disabilities, accessible and usable. building subject skills through adventure game activities IMM students have a 9-week placement and coping strategies. towards the end of the third semester. Some of the #NBAVirtual1On1 with Michael Jordan confirmed organizations are the Canadian Olympic by Ben Lam: a virtual, holographic NBA one-on-one Committee, Everyone Games and the Ontario College experience with the basketball legend. (View a demo.) of Pharmacists. Platemail by Sasha Lu: a cooking app with “I’m excited about the placements,” says a standout feature of recipe suggestions based on Kostur. “I’m glad that my students will be placed at ingredients in your pantry, along with live-timed organizations whose work they are passionate about.” instructions.

Fascinated by the IMM students’ work? Stay updated by following them on Twitter @IMMCentennial. On the Danforth magazine The newest issues of On the Danforth hit stands in March and May

was to ensure that the editorial team and the design team were on the same page, so I usually worked with the editor-in-chief, and the whole design team, giving feedback on design and what not. Me and the other production manager also were in charge with getting in contact with potential printers for OTD.” Working this way gives students the creative On the Danforth (OTD) is a biannual and business skills they’ll need as the next generation publication produced by the students of the Publishing entering the publishing industry. To see how their hard - Book, Magazine and Electronic program. The award- work has paid off, stop by the Story Arts Centre and winning magazine covers everything from local events grab a copy of the Spring issue. to lifestyle and fashion. The latest Spring issue launched March 11 and gave the students on staff first-hand experience in publishing for both online and print. “I learned a lot about time management and deadlines,” says Deanna Norlock, Online Managing Editor, “There is so much going on at the magazine at all times, and even if it isn’t in your department, delays still effect you. There were moments where I couldn’t work until other due dates were met. It puts a lot of pressure on you to make sure you hit your own deadlines so you don’t let anyone else down.” The students were involved at all levels of the production process, including writing, designing and printing. Students tended to wear many hats, despite having an assigned role. Designer Tiina Vilu not only designed for the Summer issue but also wrote articles Already read it? Grab the latest Summer issue that hit for print and web. stands May 9. Also be sure to check out their website Catherine Belvedere also discussed her many for more great student-generated content. responsibilities as a Production Manager, “My role Celebrating Story Arts Centre students and their achievements at the 2016 Dean’s Awards On April 21, School of Communications, Media and Design faculty and staff welcomed a group of remarkable students and their loved ones for the 2016 Dean’s Awards. The night, which included a performance by Music Industry Arts and Performance student Adekunle Olorundare, was hosted by Z103.5’s Amanda Logan. She presented the winning students with their awards, all of whom should be very proud of their outstanding achievements. Music Industry Arts and Peformance program celebrates its first graduating class and student performances this spring

This year will mark the first time students graduate program is so broad, there are multiple internship options. from the Music Industry Arts and Performance program Students can, for example, complete their internships at (MIAP) at the Story Arts Centre. Launched in the fall of live sound venues and recording studios, or they can intern 2013, this innovative program is led by Jesse Feyen, a 15-year with music managers or arts rights organizations if they are veteran of the Canadian music scene. interested in the business side of the industry. There are The three-year advanced diploma program seeks to also students who pursue opportunities interning at music develop students’ artistic skills to the point where they are education institutes or music therapy organizations. able to sing and/or play instruments at a professional level. But perhaps one of the most attractive components For this reason, candidates are required to have experience of the program is its one-of-a-kind partnership with as instrumentalists or vocalists before applying for the the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Many of the students’ program. To be considered for program entry, students rehearsals and private lessons take place at the Centre and need to audition. “We hold auditions every year and receive each student is guaranteed to perform there at some point around 250 applications, but we only have 65 spots per year. during the program. It’s a highly competitive program with very talented people,” In addition to the weekly half hour one-on-one says Feyen. sessions with their instructors, the program also has a highly What makes MIAP unique is the way in which it collaborative component. Students come together according raises students’ awareness of a variety of music cultures. to their artistic backgrounds to form musical ensembles of Typically, music programs in other colleges and universities 10 or fewer, and are taught how to work as a team in a band. are solely focused on classical and jazz music. At Centennial At the end of each semester, the student ensembles College, the spectrum is wider and students have the perform either at the Toronto Centre for the Arts or at opportunity to explore pop, world and indigenous music. other venues of their choice. Last April, students from the The program is decidedly career focused. “The first and second year of the program had their vocal exams whole point is to prepare students for sustainable, full-time as public performances at The Central. careers in the music industry,” explains Feyen. Consequently, the program offers students a range of learning environments from academic, lecture-based courses in business and music history, to workshops teaching them how to make music Follow the Music Industry Arts and Performance using specific software. Facebook page to find out more about upcoming At the end of the final semester, students are events and exciting student performances. required to complete a six-week internship. Because the Students show off on the silver screen at the 2016 Donny Awards

to one special attendee, Don Gray, for whom the awards are named. “I’m so glad Don could be here this evening,” he said. “I hope we can meet just a quarter of his expectations. We all know he’s a tough man to impress.” Transience took home the award for best final drama film. “This film started with the statistic that more than 50 per cent of trans youth will attempt suicide at least once before their 20th birthday,” said Julia Frankling, the film’s writer. “We wanted to do something to bring awareness and love to the trans community.” Transience tells the story of a young trans woman trying to get her life on track after being kicked out by her unsupportive parents. The 20 minute short film was shown during the gala following the award show. Other gala highlights include A Basketball Story, directed by Michael Wilson. This short documentary film profiles a young man with cerebral palsy who is honing his wheelchair basketball skills to become a member of Canada’s national team. On May 17, students from the film, broadcast Most of all, the night was an opportunity to and animation programs had a chance to celebrate their congratulate and say thank you for all of the work work at the Royal Cinema before friends, family and carried out by students and faculty across the various faculty. The Donny Awards, named in honour of former programs housed at the Story Arts Centre. When faculty member and event founder Don Gray, consisted presenting the award for best crew, Malcolm Byard of an awards ceremony followed by a screening gala. explained the meaning of the unorthodox trophy, a The night began by presenting awards for 14 quarter apple box, one of the most common pieces of different categories, including best director, best final set equipment in film production. documentary and best black and white archival short. The award was meant to bring attention to all The categories reflected assignments that students of the behind-the-scenes work that makes film and completed throughout the 2015-2016 school year. broadcasting production possible. Just like the crew, Submissions were open to any student who completed “Nobody thinks about [these boxes] because they’re a film or video project as an assignment throughout always there,” said Byard. After the winning crew the year. was presented with their award, Byard grinned as he During the ceremony, film instructor and event explained that the boxes now needed to be returned organizer Malcolm Byard drew the audience’s attention to the equipment room at the Story Arts Centre. Dance students perform year end show

This April, the dynamic students of Centennial performance, we talked about performance skills. College’s Dance – Performance program concluded the Things like spacing and where they stand on the stage, first year of their program with a show at the Toronto and things about the choreography and executing Centre for the Arts. Joined by “The Absolutes,” an the moves well.” Ultimately, the pre-performance acoustic ensemble from the Music Industry and Arts conversation was “to motivate the students,” says Performance (MIAP) program, the students performed Celestine. “The performance is a celebration of all the Chapter 2: The Collaboration. work they’ve done, a chance to represent the best “This was the first time the program was version of themselves.” done with both music and singing accompanying their And representing the best versions of dancing,” says Celestine Eagle, Program Coordinator themselves is exactly what the students did on stage. The for the Dance – Performance program. “That’s where group’s performance was invigorating, their motivation the name of the show came from – the nature of was evident throughout the program. “When you’re the collaboration with MIAP.” The performance was energized, it energizes the audience,” Celestine says. preceded by Chapter 1: The Intro in December of To aspiring students of the Dance – Performance 2015, which concluded the students’ first semester of program, Celestine says, “Work hard! Work hard on the two-year program. your technical skills, and work hard on developing all According to Celestine, the students rehearsed styles of dance – because the program focuses on all of for eight weeks before taking the stage for Chapter 2. the styles. “They spent 3 hours per week, per course, rehearsing. Celestine looks forward to her students The performance consisted of many different types of developing their skills, technique, and performance dance—there was a ballet performance that was fun ability throughout the next year. “The next performance and edgy, with a kind of modern flare.” The students will be at the end of their next semester in December, also took courses in jazz, contemporary dance and and we look forward to another great performance.” partner work: “There’s an entire course dedicated to partnering, on the ‘pas de deux,’ so that was included in Celestine Eagle and the students of Dance – the choreography as well.” Performance would like to thank Centennial College After eight weeks of rehearsing, Celestine’s for their continued support in making Chapter 2: The students were ready for the stage. “Before the Collaboration a success. This edition of the Storyteller written and produced by Sayyeda Masood Priyanka Mehta Holly Penick Isaac Thornley Jordan Wall Catalina Zuleta

In collaboration with Scott Hosmer