91AV

The School of Arts and Humanities at the 91AV launched its Nor’easter Production Studio on Tuesday, Sept. 24, by welcoming award-winning media executive Stacia Deshishku for a discussion with current students about her storied career in television as a leading producer for some of the nation’s most-watched broadcast news programs.

The sit-down with Deshishku, executive editor and executive vice president of ABC News, was an opportunity for students in 91AV’s Communications and Media Arts degree program to immerse themselves in the new, state-of-the-art facility and insights into the journalism industry. 

The new production studio, located on the lower level of Decary Hall on 91AV’s Biddeford Campus, is a hallmark component of the revised major and allows students to cultivate their professional skills in digital video production, photography, sound and lighting design, and other digital media to prepare them for modern careers in communications, journalism, and public relations. 

The facility is equipped with cameras from Blackmagic Design and Canon U.S.A., LED lighting units from Aputure, a complete array of grip equipment, and a full range of audio options from Zoom, Rode, and Sennheiser for narrative and commercial use.

The studio space’s design supports classroom instruction and learning and small student productions. It will serve and support the campus professional community in its media, marketing, and visual communications efforts, said Assistant Professor Matthew Siegel, M.F.A.

“We launched the studio in remarkable fashion,” Siegel said of Deshishku’s visit. “The launch represented a successful production and educational integration of the professional ranks with our students in the Communications and Media Arts degree program."

Students handled every aspect of the professional-level production, Siegel said, acting as floor director, chief interviewer, script writers, camera operators, a sound recordist, lighting technicians, and as a behind-the-scenes still photographer.

“The studio will serve as a dynamic, creative space and an incubator for future media productions at 91AV,” he said.

Deshishku has over 30 years of experience in strategy, decision-making, and profit and loss management, and her deep knowledge of the media landscape and ability to innovate have helped her drive impactful change and transform corporate culture.

Students interviewed Deshishku about her life’s work and learn from her perspectives as a woman in mass media while using the new equipment for the first time.

“One of the most significant pieces of advice I took away from my discussion with Stacia is that we don't always realize the amount of power we have,” said Emily Hedegard (English and Communications and Media Arts, ’25), who has already established herself professionally as a 91AV Community News Fellow and intern for both the Portland Press Herald and The Maine Monitor. 

"It was so exciting to work hands-on in the studio for the first time, and seeing all of the incredible opportunities opening up for students in the Arts and Humanities makes me so happy," Hedegard added. "I absolutely learned things that will help guide my studies and my future career.”

Grace Sprague (Communications and Media Arts, ’25) said she learned similar lessons, like that a career path doesn’t have to be linear and that it’s OK to take chances.

“My key takeaways were to never say no to career opportunities and to stand up for yourself in the workplace,”  Sprague said. “Stacia was extremely inspiring to hear, especially as a woman, regarding the way she carries herself and stands up for herself. I will remember her success and  nonlinear career path as I move into postgraduate life. "