University News

Just Hired: Izzy Maxwell

January 23, 2025


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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series features students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Meet Izzy Maxwell, a graduate of Western Illinois University's Musical Theatre program who was recently hired by VStar Entertainment, a professional touring production company.

Maxwell works as an actor with VStar Entertainment, which specializes in children's shows and has partnered with Nickelodeon to produce productions of "Paw Patrol Live" nationally and internationally. She said the audition process was extensive.

"I auditioned at a ‘cattle call' audition called UPTAs," Maxwell said. "From my initial audition package I was asked to attend an informational session and submit my performance and dance reels to them to serve as a callback. After they reviewed my materials, they sent me audition sides of the show and I had to send those back via video. I heard about a month or two later that I booked the job."

Throughout the process, Maxwell leaned on everything she learned from WIU, from communication skills to knowing how to put together a portfolio that displayed her best attributes.

"I learned how to best market myself towards companies as well as great leadership skills and communication skills," Maxwell said. "My major helped prepare me by knowing what attributes of mine can be shown and utilized when marketing myself as an actor to companies and productions around the world. It also helped me prepare by being able to work in professional productions as an actress in the summers between the academic school year."

Becoming a professional actor was a dream come true for Maxwell.

"Being a full time actor without a survival job was a big goal of mine and I am happy to have achieved that right out of school," she said.

Maxwell plans to stay involved with the many groups she was a part of at WIU, and wants to share advice and her experiences with current and prospective students.

"I try and stay involved with the groups I was president of by supporting their social media and interacting with members," Maxwell said. "I hope to visit campus again to also watch my friends in shows.

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit forms.gle/him2LFf9eyCb5yKk9.

To learn more about the WIU Theatre program, visit wiu.edu/theatre

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing