Point Park graduates discuss their career paths, what it was like returning to campus and offer career advice to aspiring dancers.

"Point Park quickly gave me the chance to collaborate and create. In my second semester, I was given hands-on opportunities to make short films."

"Point Park University has so much to offer. The facilities are amazing and the dance program prepares you for your career."

"The world is still discovering who Point Park is and what Point Park is, and they don't know the beauty and excellence that is in this university. I hope you leave here today and you are loud and proud that you went to Point Park University."

"The objective of the fellowship is to build networks with industry professionals, attend workshops to extend knowledge within the animation industry and gain mentorship from individuals who work at DreamWorks."

"Point Park was the perfect place for me to grow as a person and an artist."

"Point Park truly changed my life and that’s why I’m one of their biggest advocates. I was taught technique not just properly, but explained why it was to be a certain way. They also introduced us to guest artists and contacts to have after graduation."

"I chose the B.A. cinema arts program because cinema students are on set their first semester. This hands-on experience helps you discover so much about your future career path."

"One of the reasons I chose Point Park is because of the George Rowland White Performance Center. It's a dream to train in the beautiful dance studios during my college career."

"I am so lucky to have had the foundation of Point Park's dance training. It has allowed me to thrive in so many areas of the arts industry as a performer from state to screen — and now on the other side of the table."

"If you dream of being a screenwriter, it's imperative that you surround yourself with like-minded creatives. I was able to watch, learn and be involved in the work of my talented classmates, and that is something that can't be experienced writing in a room by yourself."

"Having four regional Emmy’s under my belt after my first year working for PBS is humbling. It inspires me to continue to share stories that make a difference in our communities and eventually around the world."

"I had the best time auditioning for SIX. As an alternate, I cover three of the six queens and use so many skills I developed in college. This show was beautifully written, composed and choreographed, and as an actor, it is my job to portray that the best I can."

"Point Park provided the space for me to grow on a technical level, and I also honed my artistic expression in dance. I came out of the program with an understanding of different styles of movement and the way to put myself into them."

"The greatest experience I've had at Point Park is meeting so many people dedicated to the craft. It's one thing to know how to write a script, but it's another to have people to fall back on for input and support."

"Your career is purely dependent on your attitude, outlook on life and experiences learned; so soak up as much as you can at Point Park. The program offers you an extremely wide variety of opportunities that prepare you for anything."

"The faculty prepared us for the professional world through mock auditions, having talk-backs with artists and learning/being evaluated by current choreographers in the industry. I began auditioning in New York my senior year and was so surprised by how prepared I felt in the room."

"For a working professional who doesn’t want to uproot their entire life/family, this program is a great fit ... The educators are here to help you succeed when experiencing new mediums or tackling a different format."

"Teachers like Zeva Barzell, Robin Walsh, and so many others I was fortunate to work with, knew how to shape young actors who had a passion for their craft. Point Park taught me how to do the hard work and I was blessed to have professors who shaped the actor I am today."

"The faculty recognized my potential and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. I felt nurtured and cared for — both as an artist and a human being."

"To be a dance major at Point Park means that you will work harder than you ever have before, but you will also be rewarded with incredible memories and friends that will be so unique to your experience. The dance program pushes your limits and sets you up for a successful career."

Drawing from years of experience in Los Angeles's entertainment hub, Bautista has worked on projects with Disney, Pepsi, the Billboard Music Awards, Lip Sync Battle, iHeart Radio and Good Morning America, to name a few. She is a proud Monsters Dance alumni.

"All that we teach, the training we give, the projects we assign, have the end goal of engaging students in the experiential process of making work. This is what best prepares students to succeed in the industry."

"Students are unique individuals, the vessel through which the characters they play comes through. It's important they understand they're enough, and feel empowered to tell stories and look backward for perspective and forward to expanding the possibilities of storytelling."

Born in Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, and raised in Los Angeles, California, Norbert De La Cruz III is a collaborative artist with roots in classical and contemporary dance.

"The most important message I would tell my students is to work hard, never give up and believe in yourself. If you can do that, you will be successful."

"The cinema arts program offers hands-on filmmaking experience. You will have opportunities to direct, write, produce, shoot, edit and sound design a film. The courses will help you find your talent and foster the skills to succeed in the real world."

“To quote Danielle Brooks: 'Don’t compare your career to anyone else’s. It’s tough when you’re in a business that’s competitive. I was having a difficult time with that in college. Now, I’m having to learn to be patient and be where I am.'"

"Our program and the writers who teach in it aren't in individual silos — we work together to help all the students find what they're looking for as artists and writers."

"I love to teach and think about when and where and how one's creative potential manifests. It's a magical process."

"Be persistent and consistent in everything you do. Stay true to who you are and consistently be persistent."

"Our professors are working artists who continue to work in the field while teaching. We use this experience and knowledge to direct changes to the curriculum and ensure that our students are fully prepared to work in the field upon graduating."

"The professors teaching our students are not retired actors or professionals that used to be designers. They are professionals auditioning for roles, showing their portfolio and trying to get a job to further their career."

"Keep dreaming big and setting new goals for yourself every day. Never doubt yourself of your abilities. Always be present, focused and work hard. Let your passion lead and guide you."

"I value the idea that the key job of teaching is giving students new things to love. I enjoy sharing my passion for the art of dance with the next generation of artists."