For the first time in 19 years, the Cleveland Indians are playing in the World Series. Lillianne Peters, a digital media production major in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), is playing an essential role for this historic championship run behind the scenes.
The Kent State junior works as a graphics operator for the Indians’ scoreboard production crew. She controls the live graphics of the scoreboard and interacts with the crowd through elements like stat pillars, line scores, player headshots and crowd prompts.
“A big part of my position is to control the energy of the crowd through crowd prompts and graphics that correspond with the plays that happen on the field,” Peters said. “Helping engage a World Series crowd was surreal because the crowd's energy was so high and was impactful in critical moments of the game.”
Prior to working with the Indians, Peters worked for the Akron RubberDucks and Kent State’s TeleProductions. She attributes her achievements to her professors and their investment in her education.
“My professors really helped prepare me for what a big production would be like,” Peters said. “My professors have all worked in the industry and were able to teach from their own personal experiences.”
Now, Peters can also relate her experiences to the classroom and says her job with the Indians has made it easier for her to grasp concepts she learns in class.
“Balancing a busy postseason and full-time class schedule can be difficult at times, but I've found that as long as I plan ahead I can find time to keep up with my classwork,” Peters said. “In the future, I’d like to continue working in live experience. I enjoy having a job that I can have so much fun with!”