Maggie Spanuello
Maggie Spanuello
Class Year
’07
Current home
Chicago, Illinois
Major(s)
Music and Political Science
Current Position
Agent Assistant at Gray Talent Group
Maggie Spanuello ’07 is an agent assistant at Gray Talent Group, where she works with the Chicago on-camera and voiceover team recruiting new talent and organizing workshops for clients. Before working at Gray Talent Group, Ms. Spanuello directed off-Broadway shows at the McKittrick Hotel, A.C.T. in San Francisco, and Hope Summer Repertory.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I have always loved collaborating with actors as a director, associate director, and adjunct assistant professor in Carthage’s Music Department. During the pandemic, I came to realize that I would derive more joy in a career in which I didn’t center myself but still had a significant impact in my industry. Working at Gray Talent Group, I get to celebrate the accomplishments of our actors every single day while working hard to get them as much work as possible. I love seeing our clients in commercials the most. It’s a blast.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“There is no shortage of ways to get involved at Carthage or opportunities that will have a significant impact on the cohorts that come after you. Where else can you be an assistant hall director, be a founder of a national sorority, star in a musical, direct a musical on the mainstage, travel abroad, and go on tour with the choir all in one year?”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because I could double major in music and political science and live near the lake. My dorm room all four years had a lake view!”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I never would have taught for nine years if I wasn’t invited back by my professors to teach at Carthage, and teaching has become a large part of who I am. I am definitely a ‘forever-student,’ and I love inspiring others to be one, too. Those who continue to be curious and learn are some of the best at what they do, as well as being good citizens.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“He probably has no memory of this, but Professor Jerry Mast is the reason I pursued the arts after graduation. I got into several law schools my senior year of college, and I was trying to pick which one to go to. I had a meeting with him in his office to go over my acceptances, and he told me that I could go to law school whenever I wanted to, but if I wanted to do theatre, I should go do it now. So I did. And I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without Professor Corinne Ness. I can trace nearly every single success I have had back to her. She is a life-changer.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“I loved going on tour with the Carthage Choir, led by Professor Michael Burkhardt, but my favorite part was always our home concert at the end of tour. Our program of music grew so much as we traveled across Europe or the Southwest or the Midwest, and when we gave our home concerts we were *really* on our game. The music those nights was always the best.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“College is amazing, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture as you near graduation. Do not wait for the moment to be perfect to do what you want to do. All you have to know is that you are set on making it happen and everything else you can figure out along the way.”