Elon Los Angeles | Today at Elon | �þ��

The Groundlings award-winning improv training comes to �þ�� Los Angeles

Brad Lemack — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:48:18 +0000

Summer students at �þ�� Los Angeles, joined by a group of students from other summer LA study away programs, had the opportunity to participate in a new and innovative workshop that teaches students how to think on their feet in a variety of situations. From an internship interview, to a job interview, to social and classroom situations, “thinking on your feet” training can benefit them in myriad of ways.

�þ�� Los Angeles Director Brad Lemack moderated a conversation about the history and styles of improv with The Groundlings improv coach Andres Parada.

The “Never Be at a Loss for Words” workshop idea was created through a partnership between �þ�� and The Groundlings, an industry improv training leader in Los Angeles. The workshop was led by actor, improv performer and The Groundlings improv coach Andres Parada. Parada has spent many years �þ�� actors critical communication skills that prepare them for anything that comes up in an audition, in a live performance or on a film set. Actors Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph and Lisa Kudrow are among the many well-known alumni of The Groundlings.

Now, Elon LA students have learned how to apply those techniques to benefit them along both their career and personal journeys ahead.

�þ�� Los Angeles, offered by Elon’s ��Ի��National �þ�� Programs, offers spring and summer immersive experiences for students that feature academic courses taught by instructors who are working professionals in their fields and on-site experiential learning at internship sites across the city. The Elon LA experience also includes alumni engagement, community service and unique professional development opportunities.

Based in historic Hollywood, applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

Improv coach Andres Parada brought “think on your feet” improv exercises to �þ�� Los Angeles.

Laughter and skill building were the orders of a night of improv training for non-actors at �þ�� Los Angeles.

Elon Los Angeles summer students learned how to “Never Be at a Loss for Words” at a fun, new, innovative improv workshop.

U.S. Soccer comes to �þ�� Los Angeles

Brad Lemack — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:20:31 +0000

Atlanta-based Elon alumna Abbie Skladan ‘23, who is the manager of sporting and specialty retail development at U.S. Soccer, reunited with her �þ�� Los Angeles roots during a visit with summer Elon Loss and local alumni to discuss Angeles student U.S. Soccer’s initiatives in retail partnerships and community engagement. Skladan spent a semester at Elon Los Angeles during her academic career at Elon.

Abbie Skladan ’23 serves as manager of sporting and specialty retail development at U.S. Soccer.

Los Angeles has been serving as one of the key U.S. locations for the FIFA World Cup 2026; Skladan’s work responsibilities have brought her to LA for the duration of the games this summer.

�þ�� and alumni guests had the opportunity to learn about her impressive career in sports so far and her journeyposition to her current . “It is wonderful to be back at Elon LA’s home base at The Preserve, in the same space where my classes were held and from where I began the journey to launch my post-graduation professional career,” Skladan told the gathered group.

Each semester, �þ�� Los Angeles brings together alumni and students for conversations that benefit emerging young professionals in a wide variety of career fields. The program offers an exciting, immersive and robust spring semester and summer program experience in the heart of historic Hollywood through Elon’s ��Ի� National �þ�� Programs. Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

Abbie Skladan ’23 chats about her work with U.S. Soccer with a group of summer �þ�� Los Angeles students.

Behind the scenes of a successful entertainment career with Jenny Austin ’12

Lauren H. Shoffner — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:43:00 +0000

From interviews with big-name celebrities like Will Ferrell to assisting with casting for hit television shows like “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Jenny Austin ’12 is living out her dreams.

Although she was initially drawn to acting, she came to understand that a fulfilling career doesn’t have to follow a single path.

“I intentionally explored different paths to discover where my skills could have the greatest impact. My journey has included talent management, radio, entertainment journalism, event production, casting and acting,” said Austin.

Jenny Austin ’12 at Elon’s Commencement.

In a way, Elon found her. Alumnus Royall Spence ’42 (for whom Spence Pavilion is named) was a beloved member of Austin’s extended family and is the real reason she looked into the school.

“He always spoke so fondly of his experience at Elon and that was why it was one of the first schools I seriously considered,” she said.

The Raleigh native pictured herself at a smaller university where she could get to know her classmates and feel connected. She explained. “When I visited Elon, it just felt right. It had the close-knit community I was looking for, along with strong academics and opportunities to get involved from day one.”

She was torn between two passions, communications and theatre, but Elon had strong programs for both. After touring the facilities and speaking with faculty, she knew Elon was the place for her.

As a student, Austin majored in media arts and entertainment with a focus on broadcast journalism, and she minored in theatre arts. Outside of the classroom, she hosted a radio show on WSOE 89.3, Elon’s student-run radio station. She also hosted two television shows and participated in Elon in LA, studied abroad in London and immersed herself in other opportunities that allowed her to tell stories and connect with people.

“One of my favorite parts of WSOE was finding and booking guests to interview. I’d track people down on Facebook and through other creative channels, and more often than not, they were happy to help a student journalist,” she said.

One opportunity at Elon that greatly impacted Austin’s career was her experience with Elon in LA. She credits this program with introducing her to new places, perspectives, and for giving her the confidence to pursue an entertainment career.

“During the program, I interned with a talent management company representing film and television actors. Through that experience, I visited production sets, attended industry meetings and got a firsthand look at how Hollywood operates. For someone who had dreamed about working in entertainment since childhood, it was eye-opening,” said Austin.

Austin interviewing actor Kate Hudson for the movie “Mother’s Day”.

Following graduation, she moved to Los Angeles almost immediately to build her career.

“Like many young people pursuing creative industries, I took a variety of jobs while figuring out where I fit best. Each experience taught me something valuable and ultimately helped shape the career I’ve built,” she explained.

She started her career working behind the scenes at press junkets for major studio films and eventually transitioned from helping reporters to becoming one herself. Later, she joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Oscars. There she worked on screenings, events and public programming, and she attended Academy Award ceremonies.

Austin (bottom row, second from left) and her colleagues at the Oscars.

In 2020, she returned to the Southeast to be closer to family and to pursue opportunities in the region’s rapidly growing entertainment industry.

“I joined Fincannon & Associates Casting, where I worked on projects including ‘Outer Banks’, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, ‘The Righteous Gemstones’, ‘The Walking Dead’ and other major productions filming throughout the Southeast,” said Austin.

One of her favorite memories from her work was her first major press junket interview with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

“During the introduction, the production assistant announced me as ‘Jenny Austin from CBS Sacramento,’ and Will Ferrell immediately joked, ‘Jenny Sacramento from Austin.’ It instantly broke the ice and put my nerves at ease. Moments like that reminded me that even some of the biggest stars in the world are often just people having fun,” Austin said.

Austin poses with the cast of “Stranger Things”.

She’s also interviewed other big-name celebrities, like Zoe Saldana, Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Chris Evans and Shay Mitchell.

Most recently, she took on a new endeavor, launching an interview platform highlighting entertainment professionals in the Southeast alongside her friend and former Fincannon & Associates colleague, Kimberly Wistedt. They’ve titled the platform . While it’s still a new project and they’ve already landed some big interviews with celebrities, such as rapper T.I., they are hopeful for what the future holds.

Austin speaks fondly of the variety of work she’s been able to do, but she says that the most rewarding part of her journey has been the relationships she has made. Some of her closest friends today are people she met at Elon, and professionally, relationships have been equally important to her growth.

“Nearly every major opportunity I’ve had, from entertainment reporting and casting to launching The Peach Tea, has come through connections, mentorships and friendships developed over time,” she explained.

Austin interviews T.I. for her interview platform, The Peach Tea.

She credits Elon’s experiential learning opportunities for giving her the practical experience, confidence and willingness to take risks and build these relationships.

“Elon in LA was the first time I realized that all of these jobs I’d dreamed about were held by real people, and that maybe one day I could be one of them,” she said.

It also gave her the confidence she needed to go after her dreams. The challenge, she said, was “realizing that I didn’t have to fit into one neat box. I could be an actress, a reporter, a casting professional, a filmmaker and an entrepreneur all at the same time. Once I stopped trying to force myself into a single lane, my career started making a lot more sense. Sometimes your path only makes sense when you look back and connect the dots.”

Austin encourages Elon students to find what makes them happy and pursue it wholeheartedly, and to pay attention to the people who light up when good things happen for you, saying that these are the relationships that are most special.

“That’s what I love most about Elon. It encourages students to explore broadly, take chances and embrace experiences that may not seem connected at the time,” she said. “Looking back, those experiences ended up creating my story. My career hasn’t followed a straight line, but every experience has led to the next, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Behind the scenes of Austin being filmed on the set of “Or Die Trying”.

Mentoring sets the tone for �þ�� Los Angeles summer ‘Alumni Wisdom’ event

Brad Lemack — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:10:29 +0000

Elon alumni Landon Kestlinger ’19, Dezirae Zaman ‘24, Frankie Campisano ‘16 and Cierra Seawright ’18 returned to Elon Los Angeles with a wide variety of personal experiences to share with students during a panel in June.

Elon alumnus Frankie Campisano ’16 talks with Elon Los Angeles summer student Hammond Sherouse.

From production, post-production, content creation, producing, writing, directing and performing, the panel offered a wide range of information to students of diverse majors who are in Los Angeles this summer for a unique core capstone course, experiential learning, alumni engagement and community service.

Zaman, who works at the post-production house Picture Shop, shared the excitement of being in the middle of the artistry of post-production. Among Picture Shop’s most recent projects was providing color correction work on Steven Spielberg’s current film “Disclosure Day.” She is also a first-time site supervisor, mentoring summer student Hammond Sherouse at a first-time Elon Los Angeles Picture Shop internship.

Campisano, who served as a selection committee member for the first �þ�� Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition last fall, spoke about the wide range of professional creative opportunities that await students who return to Los Angeles after graduation. Campisano is an award-winning filmmaker who often turns to the Elon Los Angeles alumni community when staffing and casting projects.

Kestlinger is a Physical Production Manager for television and feature films at SK Global Entertainment. Seawright, an actor, model, and entertainment and brand marketing specialist, currently performs at Disneyland Resort.

�þ�� Los Angeles offers an exciting, immersive spring semester and summer program experience in the heart of historic Hollywood through Elon’s and National �þ�� Programs. Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

Elon alumna Dezirae Zaman ’24 with Elon Los Angeles summer faculty-in-residence Doug Kass.

Elon alumnus Landon Kestlinger ’19 talks with students following the Alumni Wisdom Panel session discussion at the �þ�� Los Angeles home base, the historic property The Preserve, in Hollywood.

Elon Los Angeles area alumnae to premiere award-winning short films at inaugural Elon Los Angeles film festival July 22

Brad Lemack — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:57:15 +0000

Elon alumna Bex Evans, Julia Boyd and Mirai will have the world premieres of their Elon Los Angeles grant-funded short films at the first �þ�� Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Festival.

Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural �þ�� Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Festival on Wednesday evening, July 22, at 6:30 p.m., at the historic Sony Pictures Studios lot, in Culver City, California.

The festival will feature the world premieres of short films from three Elon Los Angeles area alumna who were recipients of last fall’s �þ�� Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition funds.

Julia Boyd ’15, Bex Evans ’16 and Mirai ‘07 each received grants of $3,000 for the production of their original short films. Their projects were selected for funding from among numerous submissions received. A selection committee comprised of industry professionals and Elon alumni reviewed, ranked and voted on all of the submissions received; Boyd, Evans and Mirai’s projects were the three top selections from this process.

The short film festival will also feature a conversation with Elon alumni Lindsey Emerson, vice president of streaming, global strategy & operations at Paramount Skydance and Alex Stevenson, account lead at Creative Artists Agency, about the current state of the entertainment industry and the impact these shifts are having on students transitioning from college to the professional world, as well as how current working professionals might navigate the new landscape for new opportunities.

A reception will follow the festival presentation with the opportunity for current Elon Los Angeles summer students to connect with Elon alumni and other industry professionals.

Limited availability tickets for the film festival are $25 each, with 100% of all ticket revenue designated to support next year’s grant competition.

For information and ticket purchases, and for contributions to the grant competition fund, please visit the .

Grant recipients near completion of films in �þ�� Los Angeles Short Film Grant Competition

Brad Lemack — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:01:12 +0000

Production is well underway and nearing completion by all three of the �þ�� Los Angeles-area alumna who were recipients of the 2025-26 �þ�� Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition. Filmmakers Julia Boyd ‘15, Bex Evans ‘16 and Mirai ‘07 are all expected to wrap their productions by the end of the month.

For Mirai, her short film shoot was an opportunity to both produce her original script and bring together several Elon alumni for a Hollywood reunion. Serving in various production capacities on her “#StopAsianKate” were Lauren Gadd ’06, who worked camera, Katie Laurence ’24, who worked as assistant camera, Alicia Reynolds ’07, who acted in the film, Stevie Kloeber ’07, who traveled to Los Angeles from Minnesota to serve as script supervisor, and Dean Karasinski ’06, who worked in production design, art department, craft services and as producer.

All three short films, Boyd’s “The Life and Time of …,” Evans’s “Shadow Dusk” and Mirai’s “#StopAsianKate,” will have their world premieres at the first �þ�� Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Festival, in late July.

�þ�� students explore Los Angeles through art, architecture and civic space

Macy Mills — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:14:26 +0000

This semester, students in the Study USA Los Angeles program taking the LA Issues and Art History course stepped beyond the classroom and into the city itself, engaging directly with some of Los Angeles’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks.

Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park
Perched atop Olive Hill, the Hollyhock House stands as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most significant West Coast works and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 1920s for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, the home represents Wright’s experimentation with blending architecture and environment, what he called “organic architecture.”

�þ�� explored the house’s Mayan Revival influences, geometric motifs and the iconic hollyhock flower design woven throughout the structure. The site offered a powerful introduction to how Los Angeles became a testing ground for architectural innovation, especially during a time when the city was rapidly expanding and redefining itself culturally.

Downtown Los Angeles: Layers of History and Movement
Traveling via the Los Angeles Metro, students experienced the city as Angelenos do, through its evolving public transit system, before diving into the heart of downtown.

�þ�� Los Angeles Spring 2026 students in front of the historical Bradbury Building in downtown.

Union Station – Opened in 1939, Union Station is often called the “Last of the Great Railway Stations.” Its architecture blends Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, and Art Deco styles, reflecting Los Angeles’s layered cultural identity. Inside, students observed the grandeur of its waiting rooms, tiled floors, and wooden beam ceilings, symbols of a bygone era when rail travel defined urban movement.

�þ�� Los Angeles Spring 2026 students, Angels Flight is a historic 2 ft 6 in narrow-gauge funicular railway in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles

Angels Flight – Just a short walk away, Angels Flight, the world’s shortest railway, offered insight into the city’s early 20th-century infrastructure. Originally built in 1901, the funicular once transported residents up Bunker Hill, a neighborhood that has since undergone dramatic redevelopment. Its preservation speaks to ongoing efforts to maintain pieces of Los Angeles’ historic fabric amid modernization.

Los Angeles City Hall & Chinatown
At City Hall, students discussed civic architecture and governance, noting the building’s Art Deco style and symbolic prominence in the LA skyline. Nearby Chinatown provided a contrasting cultural lens, highlighting immigrant histories, urban displacement and the evolution of ethnic enclaves in Los Angeles.

�þ�� Los Angeles Spring 2026 students at Olvera Street, commonly known by its Spanish name Calle Olvera, is a historic pedestrian street in El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, the historic center of Los Angeles.

Olvera Street
Often referred to as the birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street immerses visitors in Mexican-American heritage. �þ�� explored its marketplace, murals and historic buildings while discussing the complexities of cultural preservation versus commercialization. The site reflects both celebration and simplification of heritage, an important conversation in art and public history.

Inside the Bradbury building, the five-story office building is best known for its skylit atrium with access walkways, stairs, and elevators, and its ornate ironwork.

Angelus Temple & Echo Park
In Echo Park, students visited Angelus Temple, a striking example of early 20th-century religious architecture and a cornerstone of the Foursquare Church movement founded by evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. Built in 1923, the temple reflects a blend of revivalist architecture and emerging media-savvy religious practices, as McPherson was one of the first to use radio to reach a national audience.

The surrounding Echo Park neighborhood added another layer to the visit, offering insight into how communities evolve over time. Once a streetcar suburb, Echo Park has transformed into a culturally vibrant area shaped by waves of immigration, artistic communities, and, more recently, gentrification. Together, the site and neighborhood sparked discussion on the intersection of faith, media and urban change.

The Gamble House
In Pasadena, students visited the Gamble House, a masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts movement designed by architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene in 1908. Commissioned by the Procter & Gamble family, the home emphasizes craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmony with its surroundings.

�þ�� examined intricate woodwork, custom furnishings, and the intentional use of light and space—hallmarks of the Arts and Crafts philosophy, which emerged as a reaction against industrialization. The visit provided a striking contrast to Wright’s modernism, allowing students to compare different architectural responses to similar cultural shifts.

Looking ahead: Final excursions
As the semester continues, students will expand their exploration of the city’s artistic and architectural landscape with one final site visit.
The course will conclude with a visit to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Celebrated for its sweeping stainless-steel forms and innovative acoustics, the building stands as a defining example of contemporary architecture in Los Angeles. Here, students will consider how modern design continues to push artistic and structural boundaries while shaping the city’s global cultural identity.

These excursions bring course themes to life, allowing students to critically engage with Los Angeles as a living museum. From early 20th-century architectural movements to the layered cultural histories embedded in downtown neighborhoods and beyond, each site offers a unique perspective on how art and environment shape one another.

By navigating the city firsthand, students not only deepen their understanding of art history but also develop a stronger connection to LA itself—its stories, its communities and its ever-evolving identity.

The immersive Study USA Los Angeles semester and summer experiences offer students opportunities for alumni engagement, community service, unique academic classes with industry professionals and site-based experiential learning. .

Jordan Young ’22 recognized for leadership on high-profile Apple projects

Tommy Kopetskie — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:17:16 +0000

The praise rained down as Brent Anderson, global chief creative officer for TBWA\Media Arts Lab, delivered glowing testimonials from colleagues of Elon alumna .

Jordan Young, who graduated from �þ�� in 2022, has already made a name for herself as an assistant producer at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, the global network of agencies responsible for one of the world’s most iconic brands, Apple.

In December, as Anderson presented the agency’s Gold Bear Award – a peer-driven recognition celebrating employees who best represent the company’s culture and values – he lauded Young’s willingness to take on “massive responsibilities,” commending her ability to “effortlessly power through high-pressure projects.”

“She’s the person everyone turns to for answers and support, uplifting every team she touches and quietly cleaning up problems that aren’t even hers to solve,” Anderson told audience members.

As he concluded and Young’s name flashed across the massive screen behind him, the room erupted in applause – a moment captured in a video Young shared on her LinkedIn page.

The award capped off a standout year for Young, who serves as an assistant producer at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, the global network of agencies responsible for one of the world’s most iconic brands, Apple. Her year included work on major Apple-related projects such as the Mac for �þ�� campaign, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Dua Lipa’s “Shot on iPhone” tour and Apple TV rebranding efforts.

Reflecting on that work, Young said the experience has been both challenging and rewarding.

“I am so incredibly grateful for these experiences and the amazing, incredibly talented teams behind them,” she said, noting how meaningful it was to be part of such high-profile, creatively ambitious work.

Colleagues celebrated Young’s contributions to several high-profile campaigns, reflecting her creativity and strong work ethic.

Young’s path to TBWA\Media Arts Lab began at Elon, where a DEI in Hollywood class helped shape her professional direction. Encouraged by former Elon faculty members J. McMerty and Rachel Ramist, she applied for and landed an internship with the Television Academy. That experience, along with her participation in the Elon in LA program, led her to move to Los Angeles after graduation. Once on the West Coast, she first worked as a personal assistant, then as a production coordinator at a social media marketing company.

As Young began thinking about her next step, a recruiter from TBWA\Media Arts Lab contacted her about a production coordinator role in the agency’s broadcast production department. During interviews, she learned that her internships – especially with the Television Academy and RadicalMedia – helped her stand out. She was offered the position and later moved into her current role, where she supports lead producers to ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish.

As part of her work, Young organizes security plans, tracks creative assets, coordinates meetings with production companies, and supports communication among producers in editorial, finishing and mix. Her goal, she said, is to make sure every project has what it needs to succeed.

Young smiles as Professor Naeemah Clark presents her with the Outstanding Senior Award in Cinema and Television Arts during the School of Communications’ awards ceremony in April 2022.

Working at a global creative agency has reshaped how Young views storytelling. She said she was surprised by how much care goes into even the shortest pieces of content. Creative teams analyze work frame by frame, fixing even the smallest details before releasing it into the world. Seeing that process firsthand has made her more aware of the thought, precision and responsibility behind creative work.

When she learned she had received the Gold Bear Award, Young said she felt grateful more than anything else. “I consider myself lucky to work with the teams I have,” she said. “The whole production team is a bunch of rockstars, not to mention our creative department and account teams. To be recognized by them makes me feel like I am doing something right.”

As she reflects on her journey from Elon to one of the world’s most influential creative agencies, Young emphasizes the importance of attitude, effort and openness to opportunity. Her advice to current Elon students is simple: say yes often and show that you are willing to work. Some of the best projects, she said, come from teams who are fully committed to making something great – and who bring a positive attitude, even when things get stressful.

“What I’ve found in internships and entry-level roles is that folks who show that they are passionate and team-oriented seem to do well,” Young said. “When I first started at MAL, the people who stood out to me, who had clearly left their mark on the agency, were those who were team players, focused on supporting others and achieving the best final result.”

�þ�� Los Angeles students spend an evening ‘Inside the Writer’s Room’

Brad Lemack — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:53:22 +0000

A group of �þ�� Los Angeles spring students spent March 18 “Inside the Writer’s Room” in a unique, creative learning experience led by television and film writer Matthew Antonelli.

This new, customized workshop also presented an opportunity for Elon LA students to learn from and share the creative process with a group of students from other study-away LA colleges and universities, who, along with �þ�� Los Angeles, are members of a coalition of nearly 20 schools that offer semester-in-LA programs. Each semester, Elon LA and these other schools share professional development opportunities for students, allowing them to mix, mingle, network and learn together.

Television and film writer Matthew Antonelli introduced �þ�� Los Angeles students to the life of a working writer in a special professional development workshop opportunity.

Each semester, Elon students explore and discover Los Angeles and the diversity of professional career opportunities that await them through academic classes with professors who work in the industries that align with their courses, immersive, site-based experiential learning, alumni engagement and community service.

Applications for the Study USA Los Angeles spring 2027 Creative Industries & Community Experience open on April 1. �þ�� can visit the to learn more and to begin the application process.

�þ�� launches new Study USA Los Angeles theme: The Creative Industries and Community Experience

Ronice Johnson-Guy — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:30:08 +0000

�þ�� Study USA Los Angeles (LA) program will launch a new theme for Spring 2027: The Creative Industries and Community Experience.

Associate Dean of Global Education, Jessica Gisclair, said Study USA focuses on experiences that connect students to place.

“The LA theme explores a dynamic city and the vibrant creative industries that shape community,” said Gisclair.

The theme is especially relevant as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“�þ�� will have professional opportunities and build an understanding of the LA community and its preparation leading up to the Olympics,” Gisclair added.

The aim is to help students see how storytelling, media, and the arts influence industries, environments, and culture in one of the world’s top media and entertainment centers, especially in the context of a global event like the Summer Olympics.

The LA program will offer a range of location-based courses taught by industry professionals in Los Angeles that reflect the theme, including COM 4000: Media Law and Ethics, CTA 3670: Master Class in Directing, ARH 3000: Los Angeles Art History, and COM 3350: Sport and Media, a course introduced in connection with the upcoming Olympic Games.

Study USA is a signature domestic away program that provides immersive academic experiences in cities across the United States. The program enables students to explore various industries, cultures, and communities while interning and earning academic credit. Its strength lies in students living and learning together while taking location-based courses and engaging with professionals, alums, and organizations connected to �þ��.

The Study USA team will be on campus to share information, assist with the application process, and help students determine if the LA experience aligns with their academic and career goals. Study USA team members are also available to visit classes and introduce Study USA LA: The Creative Industries and Community Experience. �þ�� interested in pursuing careers in the creative economy will find a new opportunity in LA.

Applications for �þ��’s Study USA LA Spring 2027 program open on April 1. Visit the website to learn more and begin your application.

Elon Los Angeles | Today at Elon | �þ���

The Groundlings award-winning improv training comes to �þ��� Los Angeles

U.S. Soccer comes to �þ��� Los Angeles

Behind the scenes of a successful entertainment career with Jenny Austin ’12

Mentoring sets the tone for �þ��� Los Angeles summer ‘Alumni Wisdom’ event

Elon Los Angeles area alumnae to premiere award-winning short films at inaugural Elon Los Angeles film festival July 22

Grant recipients near completion of films in �þ��� Los Angeles Short Film Grant Competition

�þ��� students explore Los Angeles through art, architecture and civic space