Students

Turning Ambition Into Action With Hands-On Experience

Mason Bray

Class of 2028

Currently Studying: BBA in Marketing, Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications; Arts & Entertainment Management minor

Member of: Student Government Association, The Industry Network

Pronouns: he/him

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

Lubin was my first choice because of its proximity to career opportunities in nearly every industry and the professional advantage of being a Setter. I toured campus in September 2023, along with a few other schools in New York City, and nothing compared to the sense of genuine ambition I saw—I submitted my application that weekend.

Tell us about your podcast. What was the experience like, and how did you get opportunities like joining the Broadway Podcast Network?

To really understand my podcast and why I started it, I have to give a little backstory. I’ve been a proud theatre nerd for as long as I can remember. Ever since middle school, I was involved in every show I could—whether I was onstage or working behind the scenes. So when the pandemic hit and everything shut down, I was devastated. That’s when I had an idea: if I couldn’t be part of theatre in person, I’d find another way to stay connected.

I launched my podcast as a way to talk to the people I admired on Broadway and learn more about the industry. Over the next four years, I produced more than 70 interviews with professionals across the theatre world—actors, producers, directors, designers, creatives, stage managers, and casting directors. One of my biggest moments was in 2021 when Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport came on the show. After our conversation, he introduced me to the Broadway Podcast Network. I pitched my show, and to my surprise, I got in! At the time, I was their youngest podcaster. It was surreal to have the opportunity to grow my network alongside so many incredible podcasters who welcomed me so graciously. Through this experience, I’ve found some of my closest friends.

Of course, part of it was me totally fangirling over people I’d admired for years (I won’t lie—there was a lot of that). But more than that, these conversations opened my eyes—and my audience’s—to jobs in theatre we don’t always hear about. My chat with DJ Martin, a Broadway marketing manager and founding partner at BOND Theatrical Group, was a game-changer for me. It actually led me to choose my major and land an internship in my first semester! I hope my audience found value in these interviews as well—it was an incredible experience.

As Lubin senator in the Student Government Association (SGA), what initiatives or projects have you been most passionate about, and what impact have they had on the student body?

As senator, I am extremely passionate about strengthening the professional advantage that made Lubin so attractive to me. My main goals include maintaining the professional edge of being a Lubin student, advocating for professional mental health and accessibility, and increasing student opportunities across campus.

I have had the opportunity to connect with Dean Singleton, President Krislov, and several other administrators beyond Lubin, and I’m excited to continue working with them to advance these goals in every initiative. Additionally, I will be sitting on the Socially Responsible Endowment Task Force, collaborating with upper administration to ensure that Pace University has a net positive social impact.

More events and opportunities to get involved are in the works and will come to fruition in the second half of the semester.

How has your experience in SGA helped shape your leadership skills, and what have you learned about advocating for students?

The Student Government Association has become one of my favorite parts of the week, teaching me valuable skills in communication, adaptability, and solution-based thinking. I’ve found mentors in the SGA who I regularly check in with to learn from, and our general meetings provide a space for discussion on campus matters with my peers.

Overall, SGA has shown me that advocacy isn’t just about raising concerns—it’s about following through, working together, and actually making things happen to improve campus life.

As a quick plug, join us for Student Government Association meetings on Tuesdays from 3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. in 1 Pace Plaza, W509! We’d love to have you.

You mentioned an internship with BOND Theatrical Group. Tell us about that experience.

BOND Theatrical is a marketing and booking agency for Broadway national tours, and through my podcast interview with DJ Martin, I was able to join them this past semester as an intern. I got a hands-on look at advertising budgets, venue contracts, press communications, brand management, content capture (including working with Whoopi Goldberg), and many other opportunities I’m incredibly grateful for.

I learned to absorb every piece of insight and information thrown my way. It was a hectic semester, but it was so worth it. As a lifelong theatre nerd, it was amazing to see the industry through a new lens and apply concepts I was learning in the classroom to real-world work.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunity at Pace has been the access to so many clubs and events, no matter what your major or interests are. Not only have I been involved with Student Government, but I’ve also met people and had so many great experiences at meetings and events hosted by different organizations on campus—The Industry Network, the Undergraduate Finance Club, The Lubin Society, Fusion Magazine, the Residence Hall Association, P.A.C.E Board—the list goes on.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

Show up! There are so many opportunities to meet new people, hear fresh ideas, and find career opportunities. You can’t stand out if you don’t step up and get involved.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means being part of a community fueled by ambition and supported by opportunity, allowing us to become the best versions of ourselves.

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