Emerson LA hosts EVVYs party

For the first time in its 34-year history, the EVVY Awards broadcast Emerson College Los Angeles students live during a viewing party May 16 at the Los Angeles center.

“Last year I watched the EVVYs on my desktop [computer],” said Lisa Laudeman-Campbell, P ’16, whose son Alexander operated one of the cameras during the ceremony. “This is more festive. It makes it more real.”

Laudeman and other guests watched the ceremony on four large monitors on ELA’s outdoor terrace while munching on snacks and enjoying music from a DJ.

During the ceremony, the EVVY Awards cut to ELA live three different times, showcasing the stunning building and the 50 or so guests in attendance at the party. Former EVVY Awards hosts Dan Perrault ’09 and Gabi Conti ’09 took on hosting duties for the West Coast.

For Janet Mari LeBlanc, P ’17, the event was an opportunity to bond with other Emerson parents as well as watch her daughter, Lea, on screen. Lea, an assistant choreographer on the show, was featured in a couple of dance numbers during the ceremony.

“I’m really, really excited,” said LeBlanc. “They’ve all worked so hard.”

Ira Goldstone ’71 attended the event because he was curious to see how the students would do and wanted to watch the show with fellow Emersonians.

“Getting experience on a live broadcast is really a great opportunity for the students,” said Goldstone. “It will be interesting to see how [ELA] is featured in the future.”