Observer Department: Arts and Entertainment
NECC Theater earns top honors
In January, as much of the region was digging out from the biggest snowstorm in years, a group of Northern Essex Community College’s finest thespians and stage crew was loading up their recent production of “The Vagina Monologues.” On Jan. 27, they traveled to Albany, New York, for the Region…
AI in the film industry raises concerns
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…
Drag in our community
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…
Tarot Talk Part 1: Spring awakening – new seeds, new tools and following your North Star
As the frost still clings to the windows of Bentley Library, the quiet of the winter break has officially been replaced by the fresh hum and noises of a brand new semester.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”…
Tarot Talk Part 4: The Finale – Completion, Reflection, and the Road Ahead
The final exam period has concluded and the last paper was submitted. The silence on the Northern Essex Community College (NECC) campus is palpable. After weeks of driving willpower and pushing boundaries, this is officially the time to transition from high-gear academic action to low-gear reflection and celebration. For this…
NECC’s comedy connections
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…
Robert Irwin wins mirrorball trophy on ‘DWTS’
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.…
Tarot Talk Part 3: Getting over the hump and preparing for the wind down of the semester
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…
NECC vs. the world of object shows
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…
Students say modern music has become cliche
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…
