As part of her internship with The Daily Front Row Magazine, a fashion industry publication, Taylor Cruz ’21 interviewed some of Broadway’s biggest performers as well as several renowned clothing designers.
As Taylor Cruz approached clothing designer Joseph Altuzarra, actress Indya Moore and many other celebrities on the red carpet before Sunday’s 72nd Annual Tony Awards, the Elon University sophomore was fully prepared to succeed on Broadway’s biggest night.
While Broadway’s stars walked the red carpet at Radio City Music Hall in New York City at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards, Taylor Cruz ’21 was on hand to conduct interviews for The Daily Front Row Magazine. Photo courtesy of Cruz[/caption]
The editors of The Daily Front Row Magazine, a fashion industry publication where Cruz is interning this summer, had equipped her with a series of questions to get her celebrity interviews rolling. And, more importantly, she is quite comfortable with a microphone having served as a host on ESTV’s long-running fashion show, “ETalk.”
After approaching the celebrities, Cruz drew from her set of interview questions, asking the attendees about their first Broadway show, how much they would pay for front row seats, and what their typical nights off consist of.
Cruz thanked Deputy Editor Eddie Roche for providing her the “opportunity to interview Broadway’s biggest performers at the Tonys and I could not be more grateful,” she said.
For the aspiring entertainment news host, the red-carpet responsibilities were a thrill.
Cruz explained that her most memorable experience came while talking with Altuzarra and Moore, asking the actress specifically about what makes her feel most beautiful.
“Afterward, she told me, ‘Thank you,’ and that it was the sweetest interview,” Cruz recalled. “She’s so kind and her dress by Altuzarra was to die for.”
Following the awards ceremony, Cruz returns to her normal internship tasks, supporting the magazine’s editors and staff. This includes researching, transcribing interviews, helping with office tasks, attending and covering events, writing for the website, planning events in the Hamptons and Manhattan, and interviewing clients.
The Rumson, New Jersey, native ended up in New York City this summer thanks to Maggie Mullikin, coordinator of graduate outreach and special programs for the School of Communications. While reviewing Cruz’s resume and cover letter, Mullikin learned of Cruz’s aspirations and connected her with Roche, ultimately leading to an internship interview.
While the decision to go to New York City for the summer was an easy one, Cruz is still determining her major, deciding between journalism and cinema and television arts.
“I love being in front of the camera,” said Cruz, noting her post-graduation plans now involve New York or Los Angeles. “I’ll have to see where my journey takes me.”
Cruz wasn’t the only Elon connection at the 2018 Tony Awards. Elon’s Department of Performing Arts was well-represented, with three alumni and a future student taking to the stage to wow audiences.