Laura Shaunette Email & Phone Number

I have emceed film programs, moderated onstage panels and interviews, and hosted events for a variety of festivals and live programs including Mountainfilm, SXSW, EarthX Film Festival, Telluride Gay Ski Week, Telluride Theater, SLOMotion Film and the Original Thinkers Festival.

Since 2014, I've hosted and curated a beloved local storytelling event in Telluride. I usually announce a theme and take submissions from interested participants. Once storytellers have been selected for the program, I workshop with them one-on-one to get their pieces ready for the stage. I work with them to make their stories entertaining and relatable, without compromising the integrity of the content or experience.

Telluride, Colorado, United States

Event production company focusing on customized spaces and entertainment. Our portfolio includes a series of successful parties and events for Telluride Gay Ski Week from 2017 to 2019, as well as managing all events and parties for the Original Thinkers Festival. We have also delivered tailored events for esteemed clients such as Telluride Theatre, Telluride Arts, and Deep Creek Experimental, among others. We are versed in budget management and all levels of production details. From drag shows to storytelling events, brand activations to engagement parties, our specialty lies in crafting environments that encourage authenticity and self-expression.

Hosted, edited and produced The Downlow podcast from 2018-2020. This series showcased excerpts from the live storytelling event, The Downlow, as well as stories recorded in-studio.Directed, edited, produced and filled in as host of OT: Presents, the Original Thinkers video podcast from 2020-2021. This series featured interviews with guests of the Original Thinkers Festival, as well as those adjacent to the films and subjects we featured. Many interviews were conducted over Zoom, and others were recorded in person.

As the Program Director, I worked closely with the Festival Director to assemble a diverse and inclusive programming team, contributing to the development of a impactful festival program. I travelled to Dallas frequently to identify and build relationships with community partners and venues that resonated with our mission. I conceptualized and implemented creative, multimedia experiences aimed at sparking discussions on environmental issues among our audience. The Festival Director and I worked closely to develop and comprehensive annual budget for the production and programming components of our events, and I worked to ensure my team stayed within or under those parameters throughout the year.While leading weekly programming meetings, I facilitated the refinement of our initiatives. Additionally, I spearheaded the expansion of year-round programming efforts and cultivated a nationwide festival network. Throughout the year, I also represented the organization by emceeing and moderating programs and panels at our events, and at other festivals.

Worked closely with the programming team and local partners to curate panel discussions, program flow and guest Q&A segments. Assisted emcees and guests with speaking preparation.

Since its inception in 2018, I collaborated closely with the Festival Director to curate a distinctive and thoughtful experience for our attendees. Many of our endeavors were site-specific, ranging from mountaintops to abandoned mines to forest clearings, demanding meticulous and imaginative attention to ensure accessibility and impact. In our inaugural year, I also undertook the role of theater designer when a contract fell through.Throughout the COVID pandemic, we shifted to maintain engagement with our audience by launching a video podcast, which I filmed, edited and occasionally hosted. I played a significant role in producing our virtual festivals for 2020 and 2021, adapting to the digital landscape. Additionally, in 2020 we organized a small outdoor gathering featuring film screenings, music performances, and panel discussions, which I helped to program, coordinate and emcee. I also worked with festival speakers to prepare them for their on-stage presentations. When not moderating a program or immersed in operations, I would ensure that the festival guests and film subjects felt hosted and cared for.

Assisted with event planning and execution, resulting in successful and well-attended eventsCoordinated with event staff and volunteers to ensure smooth operations and a high-quality event experience

Telluride, Colorado, United States

During their first year of operation, the OT team recognized the necessity for a theater designer. Leveraging my expertise in crafting and design, I partnered with the Festival Producer to actualize their vision for the main theater space, as well as all off-site event venues.

Telluride, Colorado, United States

Telluride, Co

Oversaw the statewide wholesale of the Alpine Infusions edible product line, as well as cannabis flower to over 100 dispensaries across Colorado. Developed and maintained relationships with all of our customers - shop managers and buyers. Ensured sales, packaging and distribution were in compliance with all laws and policies. Assisted in development and/or created marketing materials for products.

Worked with local partners to foster community education around the Colorado cannabis industry.

Telluride, Co

Telluride, Co

Nashville, Tn

Creator/Manager of e-commerce platform via etsy. We sell locally handmade goods both over the internet, as well as in person at various locations.

Nashville, Tn

Nashville, Tn

Managed artist websites/fanclubs, offered a medium for fan communication, organized tour dates/ticket availability.

Nashville, Tn

Handled data entry for the independent music portion of the magazine, promoted the magazine online, dealt with general reader inquiries. Contributing writer January 2008.

Nashville, Tn

Performed tape copy services for the department, ran errands, handled unsolicited artist packages/demos.