ÎÞÂëרÇø

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Cassie Hasaj

Class of 2026
BA in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media

How did you become interested in pursuing a BA in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media?

My Honors advisor introduced me to the Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media major and encouraged me to register for the course, DEI in American Entertainment. When I enrolled, I was skeptical, as I was joining a smaller, more intimate cohort that had already gotten to know each other. After a few classes, however, I found myself laughing at the possibility of being afraid to sit in a room with some of the most creative, emotionally intelligent individuals I have ever met. I never felt safer to voice my thoughts and contribute to such meaningful discussions. A spark went off and I knew which route to choose—where I truly belonged.

Why did you choose to attend ÎÞÂëרÇø?

A first-generation college student originally from Michigan, I was seeking a new experience but also one suited to my passion for film. I heard about ÎÞÂëרÇø’s Film and Screen Studies program and its alumni who are talented artists, so I was initially drawn by that. When I was accepted to ÎÞÂëרÇø, I received a scholarship from the Honors College, and it came down to where I felt I could best adjust, grow, and build my future—and needless to say, there’s no place like New York.

What have your experiences been like in this program?

I think what truly defines this program is the level of professionalism and empathy within it. Professor S. Brian Jones, MFA, has put so much effort into carefully building this program and preparing students for the best pathway to success.

As I witness the narratives my peers create come to life, I realize how important every meeting, workshop, and show has been to us as developing professionals.

I often return to one moment that speaks volumes on the kind of artist Professor Jones has inspired students to become. For my final project in his course, DEI in American Entertainment, I presented a case study on Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins, examining the film’s representation on and off screen. As I left class one day, Professor Jones pulled me aside to share that he’d spoken about me at a national conference, describing how the beauty and sincerity with which I spoke about the love story in Moonlight had moved not only him but an entire room. Hearing that affirmed for me the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of using my voice to honor those narratives.

In September, you will join the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as a general production intern for the 2025-2026 academic year. Tell us more about this exciting opportunity.

I began the process of applying for this role while I was working as a summer intern at BBC StoryWorks, assisting senior content strategists in the development and presentation of new content ideas and program architecture. After three rounds of interviews over the course of three months, I was hired as a general production intern at The Tonight Show. My role will involve assisting producers with everyday operations of the show, including acting as a runner, working on research projects for various departments, and standing in during show rehearsal. Receiving this opportunity has been a great achievement and a testament to my passion, merit, and support systems.

What kind of activities have you been engaged in as part of this program and how have they been meaningful to you?

Several opportunities were available to me as a student, including artistic workshops, live theater on and off Broadway, and connecting with the ÎÞÂëרÇø community at large. One of the more recent workshops I participated in was led by playwright Rebekah Greer Melocik and Director Ariel Reich of How to Dance in Ohio. This and other workshops, led by talented professionals, are meaningful as they offer both knowledge and guidance to young artists defining their voices. Also, when we see live theater, we’re not merely watching but critically thinking through the lenses we’ve acquired. Another key activity has been witnessing the narratives my peers create come to life. This has made me realize how important every meeting, workshop, and show has been to us as developing professionals.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

Upon graduation, I will be applying to the NBC Page Program in hopes of taking my professional development in film and television to the West Coast. As an aspiring writer/producer, I also hope to have my own writer’s room one day, developing stories for television.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

Take life day by day. Set those goals and celebrate small wins, but remember that life is those moments in between, so enjoy it. Also—be your truest self.