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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

The Thursday Paper

Teddy Abrams conducts the BSO in Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story" (Courtesy Hilary Scott)

Boston Symphony Orchestra serves up Tchaikovsky, Bernstein, and Tilson Thomas

By Max Ardrey, Dept. Living Arts Editor / March 19, 2025

Let’s see if you’ve heard this one: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Leonard Bernstein all walk into a bar… The result, which...

Courtesy of Jack Karnatz

Neal Francis explores connection, adulthood, and the groove on ‘Return to Zero’

By Sam Shipman, Kasteel Well Staff Writer / March 19, 2025

The moment Neal Francis began his interview with The Beacon, he said hello before taking a moment to light incense. Dressed in a slick jumpsuit that could...

Talia Suskauer and Max Chernin in the National Tour of PARADE, photo by Joan Marcus

Review: ‘Parade’ marches into the Colonial, telling a story that is still timely today

By Hannah Hughes, Staff Writer / March 19, 2025

The Tony Award-winning revival of Jason Robert Brown’s musical “Parade” marched into Emerson’s Colonial Theater on March 11.  “Parade”...

Emerson College Walker Building in Boston on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

Letter: I have no syllabus for teaching during a fascist takeover of the country

By P Carl, Guest Author / March 19, 2025

I returned to campus yesterday to teach my first class since spring break. I rarely go anywhere over spring break, but this year, I decided I wanted to...

Shana Figueroa (left) on the set of "Forever War." (Courtesy of Shana Figueroa)

After 20 years in the Air Force, Shana Figueroa serves her creative dreams

By Ryan Yau, Living Arts Editor / March 19, 2025

What do you do when you’re stuck losing over and over again? The film “Forever War” opens with John, a veteran soldier who receives a mysterious...

People sitting at a Boston park during the COVID-19 Pandemic. (Zhihao Wu/ Beacon archives)

Zoom fatigue and dorm room hangouts: How COVID-19 shaped the Emerson experience five years ago

By Hannah Brueske, Dept. Projects Editor / March 19, 2025

As the head of the musical theater department, Amelia Broome has always considered Emerson a beautiful place to be—an environment full of “sassy,...

Mayor Michelle Wu at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of City Hall Plaza on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)

‘No one tells Boston how to take care of our own.’ Mayor Wu delivers 2025 State of the City address.

By DJ Mara, Dept. Metro Editor / March 19, 2025

Mayor Michelle Wu delivered her third State of the City address Wednesday night at MGM Music Hall in Fenway, updating key stakeholders and constituents...

Illustration by Rachel Choi

Opinion: Emerson needs to expand its sports horizons

By Iselin Bratz, Anna Knepley and Daniel O’Toole / March 19, 2025

With admissions season in full swing, many colleges across the country have begun boasting their unique academic programs, student organizations, and career...

Illustration Kellyn Taylor

Why we need more contemporary media

By Everest Leach, Beacon Contributor / March 19, 2025

“The idea of having to photograph a car makes me ill. And the idea of photographing a cellphone is just … death. So, no.” That’s what acclaimed...

Illustration by Rachel Choi

Top contenders and key storylines to watch: What to expect from women’s March Madness

By Meg Richards, Managing Editor / March 19, 2025

As March Madness kicks off, all eyes are on the court for the next two weeks—but don’t discount the ladies. These teams are stacked with strong women...

March Madness begins: The top teams and must-watch first-round games in the Men's tournament

March Madness begins: The top teams and must-watch first-round games in the Men’s tournament

By Hongyi Ji, Staff Writer / March 19, 2025

March is here. After the brackets were revealed on CBS, the wild annual spectacle is officially underway. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) clearly...

President Jay Bernhardt. (Naia Driscoll/Beacon Correspondent)

President Bernhardt unveils ‘Extraordinary Emerson 2030,’ meant to guide institution to 150th anniversary

By Adri Pray and Iselin Bratz / March 19, 2025

President Jay Bernhardt unveiled Emerson College’s strategic plan earlier this week, a list of priorities meant to serve as a “roadmap” to guide...

Cars passing in front of a Boston Architectural College building in the Back Bay neighborhood in Boston on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (Nick Peace/ Beacon Staff)

‘We just had to fend for ourselves’: BAC students describe uncertainties staying on campus for spring break with resources closed

By Madalyn Jimiera, Staff Writer / March 19, 2025

While the majority of Emerson students vacated the Little Building for spring break, one floor of the dorm building remained active, occupied with Boston...

Senior attacker Benson Offit against Wheaton on March 15, 2025 (Courtesy of Naia Driscoll).

Men’s lacrosse falls to Wheaton in NEWMAC opener

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Dept. Sports Editor / March 18, 2025

Supporters packed the stands of Rotch Field on a sunny 56-degree Saturday to watch the Emerson men’s lacrosse team face the Wheaton College Lyons in...

(Anissa Gardizy / Beacon Archives, FIle Photo)

College announces extended hours in the Lion’s Den for the rest of the semester in response to SGA initiative

By Rylie Burns, Operations Managing Editor, Layout Editor & Newsletter Editor / March 18, 2025

The Lion’s Den, one of Emerson’s busiest social spots, will now be open on the weekends and operate on extended hours, according to an email sent to...

Emerson College buildings in Downtown Boston on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

Emerson among dozens of universities under federal investigation for ‘antisemitic discrimination and harassment’

By Adri Pray, Editor-in-Chief / March 10, 2025
The Department of Education threatened to take action against the college if it does not improve its efforts to protect Jewish students on campus.
Director Wendy Sachs speaks at a panel discussion with journalism professor Tim Riley and Emerson students Lily Minkoff and Arthur Mansavage. (Yogev Toby / Beacon Staff)

Faculty host screening of ‘October 8,’ documentary following pro-Palestine encampments and antisemitism

By Yogev Toby, Projects Editor / March 6, 2025

Emerson’s Department of Journalism hosted a screening of “October 8” to an audience of 20 Emerson College community members, most of whom were members...

Rossiny Julien, Melodie Vaval, Subhan Aria, Omar Osmanzai, and Mohammad Omar Rasooli, participated in the March 5 Deliberative Dialogues panel moderated by Communication Studies Professor Niko Emack. (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)

Students from Haiti, Afghanistan headline first ‘Deliberative Dialogues’ panel

By DJ Mara, Dept. Metro Editor / March 6, 2025

The Communication Studies department hosted its first “Deliberative Dialogues” event Wednesday night, March 5, aimed at bringing diverse perspectives...

Emerson College buildings in Downtown Boston on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

Despite Emerson’s promise to provide meaningful financial support, students feel neglected and ignored

By Avary Amaral, Hannah Brueske and Sage Jezierski / March 6, 2025

In 2023, Oscar Grubelić was excited to start studying film at Emerson College, satisfied to have received what he felt was a “solid” financial...

(Hannah Hughes / Beacon Staff)

Spring is here, and Spring is Queer at Fenway’s Time Out Market

By Hannah Hughes, Staff Writer / March 6, 2025

Time Out Market in Fenway was filled with more than just delicious food on Friday. The food hall hosted a Spring is Queer event, the first in a series...