This website contains both internal coursework and externally published projects that have been developed and produced in partnership with Western University's Media Journalism and Communication program, Western's Faculty of FIMS and community partners in London, Ont. It is shared for all intents and purposes to showcase my ability to fulfill related job qualifications and requirements. If you have any questions about my services or a particular piece of work, please don't hesitate to reach out via my contact card. Thank you for visiting my work portfolio!
Making a Living with Death explores the death and bereavement industry through the perspective of the individuals that encounter death on a day-to-day basis. Western University master students Emily Fontana and Vanessa Santos interview the staff of Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London, Ont.to gain insight on their responsibilities and their own personal views of death. Through the lens of Mount Pleasant’s historian, grounds foreman, funeral director and general manager, the documentary sheds light on the taboo industry and the honest work that goes behind making a family’s most difficult circumstance into something less painful.
By Lauren daSilva, Zarif Sinha and Vanessa Santos | Feb. 28, 2026
Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion has been cast in the role of Zidler in ‘Moulin Rouge’ on Broadway for eight weeks starting in March.
The news broke 10 days after it was announced that reality-TV star Whitney Leavitt would extend her run as Roxie Hart on ‘Chicago’ for a further six weeks—neither performer has previous theatre credits. Some theatregoers have previously expressed concerns about increased celebrity or “stunt” casting on Broadway.
According to reporting by the Washington Post, celebrity-cast shows were the only ones to make a profit among shows on Broadway that opened in 2025. Meanwhile, only four original musicals that have opened since 2020 have turned a profit, according to the New York Times.
In this episode, host Lauren daSilva speaks to Greg Nobile of Seaview Productions, which has produced multiple Tony-award winning shows about what has changed on Broadway.
Producer Zarif Sinha speaks to New York Times theatre reporter Michael Paulson about how celebrity casting shouldn’t be dismissed as cash grabbing “stunts,” as they can often be a way of keeping productions afloat and reaching new audiences.
