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Tell us about yourself.

Natalie Gelbvaks is a graduate student at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, pursuing her master’s degree in Arts Management. Born in Beer-Sheva, Israel she relocated to Brazil at 6 years old where she was raised and obtained her high school diploma at A.Liessin Scholem Aleichem and Bachelor’s degree in Social Communications at Pontifical Catholic Ä¢¹½AV of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio).

Why did you choose Arts Management at Mason?

I have always been passionate about the Arts, specifically the performing arts, and I had opportunities back in Brazil to perform with choirs, Musical Theatre and solo. However, I also have always enjoyed the behind the scenes of the arts, making me want to study Arts Management to gain more knowledge about the field. The reason I have chosen Mason was because when I came to visit the Ä¢¹½AV I could see myself here. Also, I was amazed by all the art in D.C and thought it would be great to learn about Arts Management in this location. 

What makes you passionate about the arts?

I believe the arts have many "powers". To heal, to engage, to give some piece to people. For me, personally, that's what singing is. It helps me to breathe better, have a better posture and feel happy! I love going to a concert and see the audience singing along to the singers, for example. I believe this is the power arts have, it just makes us feel better.

What area of arts management are you interested in and why? 

I really enjoy marketing for the arts, producing and event planning. I believe those roles require good communication skills, being outgoing, being proactive, having a good time management and I believe I could be good at it. It would be fun to use creativity on a daily-basis.

What is your favorite art activity in the area and why?

Singing and seeing other people sing. I have been studying singing for 10 years and I absolutely love it! I have always loved musicals and that's the reason I decided to study singing, because I wanted to sing like the Disney princesses. Overall, it really makes me happy. I used to love doing my classes first thing in the morning because I knew the rest of my day would be awesome because my energy was so high!.

What was a favorite project or class you had and why?

A favorite project was a Marketing assignment. I had to do a Marketing plan for the musical "The Band's visit". It was really special because first of all, it's a musical and I love it. Second of all, the story is set in Israel, where I was born and they even speak and sing in Hebrew a little bit. The ironic part is that I chose it randomly, out of a basket, and I got this one. It was perfect for me.