Aspiring Alumnae

In this digital age of storytelling, the film and television industries are constantly evolving. One thing remains constant, however. As Seawolves launch their lives after graduating Tabor, the future of their careers will always be bright.

Kate Marshall ’17

While attending Middlebury College, Kate Marshall ’17 interned for the CBS series S.W.A.T. Marshall witnessed all the teamwork, preparedness, and decision-making that are integral to creating a television show, comparing the invaluable on-set experience to magic.

“You see the story unfold on screen, but it’s amazing to be on the other side and witness the work that goes into making it happen. Everything is so thought out; there is a job for every word someone says, every costume someone wears, every prop someone uses. It was incredible that we had access to the writers’ room at such a young age. That’s what I’m trying to do today—get back into the writers’ room and back onto set,” says Marshall.

A self-employed actor and writer, Marshall goes where the work is. Now living in Los Angeles, she spends her time auditioning and workshopping an original pilot she hopes to produce. Marshall tries to create dynamic characters that bring humanity and humor to each role, with the goal of writing a part that she can ultimately play herself.

She says, “Characters are so much richer for the actors to play when they are so specific, and I hope that my writing can translate that. Writing is such an extra tool in your tool kit, especially in this industry, because there are so many people who want to be on TV.”

In addition to developing her writing skills at Tabor, Marshall became involved in sketch comedy. With the help of Mark Howland, Chair of the English department at the time, she crafted an independent study project around the comedic genre during her senior year.

“The world can be so harsh, and it can be such a reward to make people laugh. I love the idea of art serving as a relief to life. I think that’s when I realized if I could support myself doing this, then I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” says Marshall.

The lessons Marshall learned during her time at Tabor exceed the tangible. Not only did she receive a fulfilling education and passions she can continue to explore beyond the School by the Sea, but she also learned what “Once a Seawolf, always a Seawolf” means. By reviewing her writing and encouraging her endeavors, Howland continues to be a mentor for Marshall. Marshall also receives support from former classmates. In her short time in the industry, Marshall understands the importance of networking, making her even more grateful for her Tabor network.

“I always say, ‘Tabor kids are the first to help people out.’ I love talking to other Tabor alums because you already have a bond, and those relationships make for successful stories; they enrich an artist’s life because so much of the work we produce is life experience,” she adds.

Marshall admits that it can be easy to get bogged down by the competitive nature of the job. She continues to stay true to herself and her dreams, however.

“You’ll meet people in your life who will confront you and ask, ‘What’s your real job?’” She continues, “It’s so important to hold onto those things that make your heart beat a little faster. I’m still learning that; I still have so much to learn, it’s not even the tip of the iceberg, but I’m enjoying the process.”

Joslyn Jenkins ’17

“My Tabor career honestly had so much to do with where I ended up, and I am very grateful for the opportunities I had exploring the theater there,” says Joslyn Jenkins ’17.

To Jenkins, Tabor’s theater department was a “choose-your-own adventure.” She participated in every musical and took every available acting class when new opportunities presented themselves during her junior year. Drama and English Teacher Donn Tyler offered Jenkins the opportunity to teach Acting 2, and from there she went on to direct the winter drama and one acts.

Directing ultimately paved Jenkins’ path to writing. When she could not find material that she enjoyed giving to her actors, she would write it. Like her classmate Kate Marshall ’17, Mark Howland was also a big influence on Jenkins, helping her with acting, directing, and writing. For her senior project, Jenkins worked with Howland to write a comic book that, she laughs, was not very good.

“I took Creative Writing at Tabor, but it was really my experience with theater that got me into writing,” she says, “Film and television felt like a natural switch to me. I was already doing the directing, so I had the experience in it. I felt confident in myself and my abilities, and I was well-rounded by the time I left Tabor. I was able to step seamlessly from acting, to directing, to writing.”

Jenkins moved to Los Angeles in September 2022 and now works in IP, intellectual property, scouting. Her job consists of talking with literary publishing agencies and film production companies to create book-to-movie adaptations. In her free time, Jenkins is also a screenwriter. While she admits she may miss the theater, Jenkins recognizes the strengths of film and television.

“In theater you are limited to the stage; film is a lot more malleable. You can get your vision across more clearly on screen than you can with theater. It’s a relief to start writing for film and television for that reason,” she reflects.

Jenkins says one of her favorite parts about writing for film and television is how all-encompassing telling a story can be. She adds, “When I start writing, one of the first things I do is make playlists for the script, for the world, sometimes even for each character. It’s exciting to be able to use audio and visual, it’s a lot more immersive with what resources are available to you.”

“I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I heard a lot in film school at NYU is that you should write what you want to see; write the movie you want to watch in theaters. I am writing things I would love to binge on Netflix, and hopefully I will be able to one day,” says Jenkins.

Looking forward, Jenkins is excited to be a potential new voice in film and television. There is no doubt she will make her mark on the industry.