Marie Raymond ’22 chose to attend Shenandoah because of its inclusion, collaboration and diversity between the different majors. “Shenandoah is a small school with a big heart,” said Raymond.
Raymond majored in music production and recording technology (MPRT), which provided plentiful opportunities and resources that helped her prepare for her future career. Her experience at Shenandoah included useful courses as well as fond memories of making friendships that’ll last a lifetime.
Raymond now works as an entertainment stage technician for the Walt Disney World Resort. She works with the lighting, pyrotechnics, props, audio, video, automation and rigging for live shows throughout the parks and resorts. Raymond’s first focus show was “Beauty and the Beast Live”. It brings Raymond joy seeing children interacting with the shows she has been involved in creating, reflecting the hard work she’s done. It’s rewarding to know she helps provide that magical experience for them and their families.
Raymond’s Shenandoah education taught her the basics of live sound and theater. Prior to her role at Walt Disney World Resort, she served as the sound intern for the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. “Learning how to work in both of those settings is what helped me prepare to mix in front of thousands of people a day and prepare for the professional world of audio,” said Raymond.
“Shenandoah supports students and wants them to succeed in their lives,” said Raymond She is grateful to everyone in the MPRT department for helping her succeed and pushing her to be the best she can be.
Raymond’s advice for current and future students is: “Take advantage of those opportunities: to go out and “DO IT!” I wanted to work at Disney, become an entertainment tech and run audio for the parks, and I did it!”