51ĀŅĀ×

Each summer, the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio echo with live music, festival energy and the hum of cameras capturing it all, many of them operated by 51ĀŅĀ× students. Through a long-standing partnership with the  (NMF), the School of Media Arts & Studies (MDIA) offers students the opportunity to step into professional roles across audio, video and multimedia production.

More than 25 students from the Scripps College of Communication worked throughout the three-day event, gaining hands-on experience in camera operation, sound mixing, editing, directing and technical directing for multicamera productions. With faculty members and WOUB Public Media staff offering guidance and mentorship, the experience put academic skills to the test in one of the most immersive ways possible.

Student teams were embedded throughout the duration of the event at the Creekside stage. Under the supervision of MDIA faculty and WOUB engineers, students handled high-stakes responsibilities, including capturing live performances for broadcast and managing real-time streaming workflows. For many, it was their first time working on a professional-grade production set outside of the classroom.

The opportunity to collaborate in real time with seasoned professionals and fellow students gave participants a holistic view of what it takes to run large-scale live productions. And with days often beginning early in the morning and ending well past midnight, students experienced the long, fast-paced hours that define careers in live media and entertainment.

What made this opportunity unique was the combination of access to advanced equipment and the level of responsibility given to students. Thanks to a continuing partnership with , students worked with more than $210,000 in professional video equipment, making the event a powerful training ground for industry-standard workflows.

Students must be attuned to timing, lighting, sound balancing and artist needs all while managing their gear in an outdoor environment. Itā€™s an exercise in adaptability, professionalism and creative vision, making it a strong foundation for future careers in film, broadcast or live event production.

The success of 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s involvement at the festival reflects the strength of its industry and community partnerships. In addition to OHD Studios,  has served as a strong collaborator for more than a decade. WOUB provides technical support, equipment and post-production resources to help elevate the studentsā€™ work to broadcast-ready quality.

The program also benefits from strong ties to Scripps College alumni and faculty, including director Josh Antonuccio and associate professor of instruction Andie Walla. Together, they create a support system that allows students to enter real-world roles with confidence and creativity.

"Every year, I'm so impressed by our students and how well they adapt to the fast-paced workplace at Nelsonville Music Festival," Walla said. "Students come prepared and ready to work and learn about what it takes to be a successful live event technician with audio and video teams.

The Nelsonville Music Festival itself is known for curating a distinctive experience rooted in Appalachian culture, artistry and collaboration. That ethos extends behind the scenes, where student teams from 51ĀŅĀ× have become an important part of the festivalā€™s identity. These students play a vital role in shaping how performances are captured and remembered by audiences far beyond the festival grounds.

As the university continues to invest in experiential learning, the NMF partnership stands as a model for how academic programs can create meaningful, skill-building opportunities outside of traditional classrooms. For students, itā€™s a chance to build portfolios, explore creative paths and take part in something that blends music, media and community in lasting ways.

"Students learn so much in a short amount of time. It's a priceless experience I'm honored to be part of," Walla said.