Muse Stories

Tracee Duerson
  • 3.0 (2)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

Join me as I pull back the curtain on performing arts careers, creative career pathways, and the real-world value of arts degrees. In each episode, performing artists and creative professionals share their journey, professional evolution, transferable skills, and the many paths their careers have taken inside and outside the arts industry. Muse Stories highlights how creative careers are real careers, showcasing the talent, gumption, and passion of people building meaningful, sustainable lives through the creative arts.

Episodes

  1. An Actor's Life for Me: Jazzy Rush

    5D AGO

    An Actor's Life for Me: Jazzy Rush

    Jazzy Rush, a successful Chicago-based actor, knew that she wanted to earn a BFA in Acting at a top program, and she accomplished that dream. Her story unveils the challenges of the audition process and importance of self-care in a demanding profession. Jazzy serves as a role-model for embracing this career without compromise.  Learn more: Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    36 min
  2. Light Takes Up Space: Karen Wallace

    FEB 6

    Light Takes Up Space: Karen Wallace

    Karen Wallace earned her BFA in Lighting Design and is now a successful lighting designer and youth educator in Chicago. This illuminating conversation highlights how she turned her passion and talent into a thriving career in the arts. It also shines light on the importance of mentorship, networking and collaboration and how they all contribute to building a successful career as a designer and technician.  Learn more: Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    36 min
  3. Twists and Turns to the Top: Amanda Pulcini

    FEB 5

    Twists and Turns to the Top: Amanda Pulcini

    Amanda Pulcini is an accomplished actor and certified intimacy coordinator who earned her BFA in Musical Theatre and an MFA in Acting. While Amanda knew from a very young age she was destined for the performing arts, her story highlights the various twists, turns and professional experiences that landed her on the big screen. Amanda serves as shining example of the importance of being persistent in your passion and elevates the importance your community has in this space. Learn more: Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    40 min

  4. FEB 4

    A Director's Tale on the Power of Mentoring: Melanie Queponds

    Melanie Queponds, a successful director, dramaturg, and educator, shares her journey as a first generation college student who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in the performing arts. Her story highlights the impact of her mentors and showcases the beautiful community of people who work in performing arts careers and spaces. Learn more: Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    35 min
  5. Discovering the World as a Digital Nomad: Courtney Tucker

    FEB 3

    Discovering the World as a Digital Nomad: Courtney Tucker

    Courtney Tucker earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in performing arts, and now she is discovering the world as a digital nomad.  Come along on this adventure and learn how pursuing a performing arts degree can lead to unexpected opportunities when you follow your heart. Check out Wandering Romance  Learn more about Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    59 min
  6. Pathway from Theatre Management to Law School: Elise

    JAN 29

    Pathway from Theatre Management to Law School: Elise

    Elise shares her journey earning a BFA Theatre Management degree and how her training launched her career in New York City, working with Broadway and the Met. These early professional experiences paved her pathway to law school. Her stories will awe you as she highlights how impactful her degree was and the doors it opened for her in and beyond the arts. Learn more: Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    27 min
  7. Journey to Hollywood: Kayla Raelle and Jamar Gilbert

    JAN 28

    Journey to Hollywood: Kayla Raelle and Jamar Gilbert

    Kayla Raelle and Jamar Gilbert share their journey from earning a BFA Acting degree to Hollywood film sets and beyond. These two will delight you as they share how a performing arts degree is a fantastic return on investment and absolutely worth the time and hard work that goes into this career path. Learn more about Muse College Consulting Check out the episode on YouTube Follow Us: @musecollegeconsulting LinkedIn

    30 min

  8. JAN 27

    Muse Stories: Trailer

    Welcome to Muse Stories! Check out the trailer to learn more, and don't forget to subscribe.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join me as I pull back the curtain on performing arts careers, creative career pathways, and the real-world value of arts degrees. In each episode, performing artists and creative professionals share their journey, professional evolution, transferable skills, and the many paths their careers have taken inside and outside the arts industry. Muse Stories highlights how creative careers are real careers, showcasing the talent, gumption, and passion of people building meaningful, sustainable lives through the creative arts.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracee Duerson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tracee Duerson
  • Show Website
    Muse Stories