Cassie Hasaj, a student at Pace University and member of the Class of 2026, has been selected as a general production intern for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for the 2025-2026 academic year. Hasaj is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media.
Hasaj credits her Honors advisor with introducing her to the major. “My Honors advisor introduced me to the Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media major and encouraged me to register for the course, DEI in American Entertainment. When I enrolled, I was skeptical, as I was joining a smaller, more intimate cohort that had already gotten to know each other. After a few classes, however, I found myself laughing at the possibility of being afraid to sit in a room with some of the most creative, emotionally intelligent individuals I have ever met. I never felt safer to voice my thoughts and contribute to such meaningful discussions. A spark went off and I knew which route to choose—where I truly belonged.”
Originally from Michigan and a first-generation college student, Hasaj chose Pace University because she sought new experiences aligned with her interest in film. “A first-generation college student originally from Michigan, I was seeking a new experience but also one suited to my passion for film. I heard about Pace’s Film and Screen Studies program and its alumni who are talented artists, so I was initially drawn by that. When I was accepted to Pace, I received a scholarship from the Honors College, and it came down to where I felt I could best adjust, grow, and build my future—and needless to say, there’s no place like New York.”
Discussing her experiences within her program at Pace University, Hasaj highlighted its professionalism and empathy. “I think what truly defines this program is the level of professionalism and empathy within it. Professor S. Brian Jones, MFA, has put so much effort into carefully building this program and preparing students for the best pathway to success.”
She described an impactful moment involving Professor Jones: “I often return to one moment that speaks volumes on the kind of artist Professor Jones has inspired students to become. For my final project in his course, DEI in American Entertainment, I presented a case study on Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins… As I left class one day, Professor Jones pulled me aside to share that he’d spoken about me at a national conference… Hearing that affirmed for me the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of using my voice to honor those narratives.”
Hasaj explained how she secured her internship at The Tonight Show after interning at BBC StoryWorks over the summer: “I began the process of applying for this role while I was working as a summer intern at BBC StoryWorks… After three rounds of interviews over the course of three months, I was hired as a general production intern at The Tonight Show. My role will involve assisting producers with everyday operations of the show… Receiving this opportunity has been a great achievement and a testament to my passion, merit, and support systems.”
In addition to coursework activities such as workshops led by professionals like playwright Rebekah Greer Melocik and director Ariel Reich from How to Dance in Ohio or attending live theater performances both on Broadway or off-Broadway venues—which provide valuable learning opportunities—Hasaj emphasized how witnessing peer-created narratives helped shape her professional development.
Looking ahead after graduation from Pace University Hasaj intends on applying for NBC’s Page Program aiming toward furthering professional development within film/television industries out West while aspiring ultimately towards becoming writer/producer leading own writer’s room.
For current students she advised: “Take life day by day. Set those goals and celebrate small wins but remember that life is those moments in between so enjoy it also—be your truest self.”
