As part of the Professor for a Day event, CSUSB Alumnus Danny Bilson talks about his successes in the theater industry and his contribution to Da 5 Bloods, which will premier on Netflix on June 12. Graduating from CSUSB in 1978 with a BA in theater, Bilson co-wrote The Rocketeer with his writing partner Paul De Meo, co-produced the Sims, was Executive Creative Director for Electronic Arts (EA), and is now a professor and Interactive Media and Games Division Chair at University of Southern California (USC). As for his contributions to Da 5 Bloods, Bilson and De Meo wrote the original screenplay which was later adapted by director Spike Lee. “The story of Da 5 Bloods came from San … [Read more...] about CSUSB alumnus co-writes Netflix film
Rowing to America sets sail for opening night
America has always been seen as a country built upon the backs of immigrants. Almost everyone in this country has their own stories and experiences about immigrating to America, whether that be their own or their ancestors’. Rowing to America: The Immigrant Project, directed by Kathryn Ervin, will capture some of the diverse stories about immigrating to America. Rowing to America: The Immigrant Project is a production made up of nine one-act plays, all written by different authors, that showcase different perspectives about immigration. These one-acts vary in time period and origins of the main characters. One play is about a Japanese woman who struggles to learn English, another is … [Read more...] about Rowing to America sets sail for opening night
Learning about impostor syndrome from the summit for Social Justice
As a Cal State, not many political and social events or organizations are offered on campus, as compared to UCs. However, on Friday, February 7, students were given the opportunity to learn more about social justice at the Social Justice Summit, hosted by the Office of Student Engagement. The event started off with a light breakfast for all of the attendees. Attendees had muffins and coffee as they conversed with friends and networked with others before the event. Once it hit 10:00 a.m., attendees were invited to make their way to the Event Centers B and C for the opening speeches. The first to speak was Jacob Chacko, the Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Chacko set … [Read more...] about Learning about impostor syndrome from the summit for Social Justice
University Dance Company leapt on for “One Last Dance”
CSUSB’s University Dance Company (UDC) performed one last show with their current director, Janys Antonio who is retiring after having been UDC’s director for over 22 years. The show lasted from February 13 to 15 in the CSUSB Recital Hall. Dances ranged from solos to company numbers, and a diversity of different genres were incorporated into the show. This company consists of students, alumni, and other individuals who seek to be a part of UDC. “Tap Don’t Mean a Thing” was choreographed by Maria Lockhart and Rhonda Trask. (Karina Rodarte | Chronicle … [Read more...] about University Dance Company leapt on for “One Last Dance”
VoxPop: Remembering Kobe
"Growing up he was almost like a father figure to me. I really modeled my mentality around Kobe. He was my inspiration. In a way, he's the closest person that's passed away from me. Kobe was our childhood. Because of him, I've had a lot of opportunities and met many new people. Sometimes his passing doesn't feel real." "I've cried more in the past three days than I have in the past five years. I got the news when I was driving back from Vegas, and I was a mess the whole seven hours of driving. It doesn't feel like it's gotten better, but it's brought a lot of people together. The outreach of love is probably the biggest part that I've seen from this, and it's allowed me to feel better … [Read more...] about VoxPop: Remembering Kobe
Student director captures dark side of pageants
When it comes to controversial plays, these plays are usually censored by a university before they even have a chance to be put up on stage. However, from January 17-19, The Other Theater Project, a student-run theater company, presented their production of House of Gold in the Black Box theater, here at CSUSB. House of Gold tells the story of 6-year-old beauty pageant star JonBenet Patricia Ramsey, who was found dead in the basement of her home in December of 1996. Although the cause of Ramsey’s death is still unclear today, the theatrical production explores the themes of child beauty pageants and their over-sexualization of children’s bodies and child abuse. This show was … [Read more...] about Student director captures dark side of pageants
New opportunities from the Office of Tribal Relations
With Native American Heritage Month coming to an end, the campus’s Native American community reflects on the new programs implemented by the Office of Tribal Relations for this month and prepare for their postponed annual Pow Wow in December. On January 2019, a new initiative began on the campus which was the creation of the Office of Tribal Relations. This office allows the university to work with local tribes in the Inland Empire, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, to try and increase the number of Native American students attending the university, as well as create new programs for CSUSB. Some of these programs include the Native American Heritage Month events such as the … [Read more...] about New opportunities from the Office of Tribal Relations