NECC Observer

Arts & Entertainment

AI in the film industry raises concerns

By Brianna Burgos, Correspondent

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in Hollywood, some NECC students are raising concerns about synthetic performers like Tilly Norwood and their impact on opportunities for human actors. Tilly Norwood is an AI-generated actress created by Eline Van der Velden, a Dutch comedian, writer, actress, producer and CEO of Particle 6, an award-winning AI-first production &he... Read More

Drag in our community

By Storm Hernandez, Correspondent

Drag in our community

Photo by Erik Magnussen

Drag has become a controversial topic.  With lawmakers seeking to criminalize certain aspects of drag, what do those that interact with drag really think about the art form?  Boston based Drag performer Just JP says, “drag is my superhero costume. In drag I am presenting in a way where I feel invincible and powerful.”  People … Continue reading Drag in our community &rar... Read More

Tarot Talk Part 1: Spring awakening – new seeds, new tools and following your North Star

By By J, T Melanson Arts and Entertainment Editor

Tarot Talk Part 1: Spring awakening – new seeds, new tools and following your North Star

Photo by J.T. Melanson

As the frost still clings to the windows of Bentley Library, the quiet of the winter break has officially been replaced by the fresh hum and noises of a brand new semester. At Northern Essex Community College (NECC), the start of the spring term signals a unique transition—shifting from “low-gear” rest of holiday break back … Continue reading Tarot Talk Part 1: Spring aw... Read More

NECC’s comedy connections

By Jack Lombardo, Correspondent

NECC’s comedy connections

David Rattigan

Like most colleges, NECC has solid ties to the creative arts. A simple look through the school’s course catalog shows that classes are offered in drama, music, graphic design and more.  What may not be as well known is that NECC has solid ties to the world of stand up comedy. At the present time, … Continue reading NECC’s comedy connections → Read More

Robert Irwin wins mirrorball trophy on ‘DWTS’

By Micaela Pena, Correspondent

On Tuesday night, November 25, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson were crowned the new champions of Dancing with the Stars season 34.  This event followed an 11-week long competition full of pressure, perseverance, and most importantly the growing emotional attachment to dance experience throughout the season. A few days prior to … Contin... Read More

Tarot Talk Part 3: Getting over the hump and preparing for the wind down of the semester

By J, T Melanson Arts and Entertainment Editor

Tarot Talk Part 3: Getting over the hump and preparing for the wind down of the semester

Photo by J.T. Melanson

As the semester transitions from the midterms into its final third, the tone on the Northern Essex Community College (NECC) campuses shifts. The chaos of the midterms has passed, but the initial burst of energy is long gone. Students are now battling fatigue, staring down finals, and wrestling with the temptation to simply coast along. … Continue reading Tarot Talk Part ... Read More

NECC vs. the world of object shows

By Micaela Pena, Correspondent

Most students and other people at Northern Essex Community College have likely never heard of a phenomenal YouTube sensation known as object shows. These types of shows, which include the series Battle for Dream Island and Inanimate Insanity, are based on anthropomorphic object characters going through Survivor-like challenges in a competition, building friendships and having &... Read More

Students say modern music has become cliche

By Brianna Burgos, Correspondent

As modern hits dominate streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and TikTok, many college students say today’s popular songs have lost their resonance and lyricism compared to the past. The algorithms on social media and streaming platforms have transformed music consumption into short, catchy clips. Several students at Northern Essex Community College have expres... Read More

Music students shine at Cabaret

By Jack Lombardo, Correspondent

Music students shine at Cabaret

Photo by Jack Lombardo

Cabaret participants on Oct. 22 in the TC Building in Haverhill.

More than 50 people assembled in the Multi-Purpose Room of the David Hartleb Technology Center, as the NECC Choral and Music Club and NECC Music presented their 29th Cabaret on Oct. 22.  Running from 7-9 p.m., 15 students performed in various musical styles, starting with a vocal performance of West Side Story’s signature song, “Maria,” … Continue reading Music students ... Read More

Faculty art show opens in gallery

By By Lirianni, German Campus Life Editor

Faculty art show opens in gallery

Photo by Lirianni German

“To honor the quotidian,” by Dianne Pappas in the faculty art show.

The faculty art show gallery opening happened on Thursday Oct. 23, 2025.  It consisted of artworks from the art teachers here at Northern Essex. At the event there were four faculty members who participated in this art gallery but one was unfortunately absent for the event.  The gallery show consisted of 19 pieces of art … Continue reading Faculty art show opens in galle... Read More