Belmont Students Get Behind-the-Scenes Access to MTV VMAs

Service Corps worked red carpet, press operations at New York event through alumni connection

A group of Belmont students stepped outside their Nashville classrooms for a real-world opportunity in New York City this fall, working behind the scenes at the MTV Video Music Awards through an opportunity facilitated by an alumna. 

The experience came through Shannon Leigh Keenan, a Belmont graduate who serves as senior vice president and head of Triple 7 Public Relations’ Nashville office, the agency leading event PR efforts for the VMAs. Rather than bringing in the usual group of local college students, Keenan reached out to her alma mater's Service Corps program — a student-led volunteer organization that provides hands-on entertainment industry experience. 

"This has been a dream event for many of these students," said Emmie Whorton, Belmont's student enrichment coordinator. "The students were heavily utilized for pre-show preparation and show day work, giving them a realistic view of what a job in event PR would actually look like."

The Belmont volunteers helped create documents for press and talent publicists, organized press credentials, managed press on the red carpet and escorted talent throughout the event. 

Thomas Hagan, a senior music business student and Service Corps event coordinator, had been a longtime VMAs viewer before getting to work the event. 

"As someone who grew up watching the awards consistently, this was the perfect opportunity to live one of my dreams," Hagan said.  

The behind-the-scenes work proved more complex than anticipated. Hagan was particularly struck by the extensive press organization required before the actual awards show. 

"This was one of the first times that Service Corps got that deep into the background work, and it was so much more involved than I had ever imagined," he said. 

Sophie Thorn, a junior media and entertainment industries student currently studying in New York through Belmont USA, brought prior experience from working other major events through Service Corps, including the Grammy and Tony Awards. 

"I grew up enthusiastically watching entertainment awards shows, and now, I am fortunate enough to have worked behind the scenes on some of my favorite red carpets," Thorn said. "The MTV VMAs hold a rich, vibrant music history. They are responsible for many iconic performances that have become entertainment legacy. It was such an honor to be involved." 

Thorn's most memorable moment came in the winner's press room when Sabrina Carpenter entered after receiving her third VMA of the night. 

"Having the opportunity to interact with one of my favorite artists on such a close-up and personal level was so inspiring," Thorn said.  

The experience also opened new career possibilities for Thorn, who discovered an unexpected passion for press production work. 

"I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the press production crew work environment," she said. "I had not been particularly interested in this field beforehand, but being exposed to first-hand media preparation work allowed me to learn how much I enjoy it." 

For Hagan, the experience reinforced his career aspirations in the music industry. 

"Events like this confirm to me that I have to work in the music industry," he said. "I feel such an intense joy whenever I step into a role like this, and I am so grateful that I have found and affirmed my calling to music in my time with Service Corps." 

Both students emphasized how their Belmont education and community prepared them for the high-pressure environment. Hagan credited his Service Corps colleagues and leadership, while Thorn highlighted the invaluable support from Curb College and her professors. 

Their advice to future students? Take advantage of every opportunity. 

"Say yes to as much as you can!" Hagan said. "While these events provide me valuable connections for my future career, they also provide some of my most formative memories in my college experience." 

Thorn echoed that sentiment: "Put yourself out there, make connections and do what inspires you. You never know where you might end up. I never expected to be living my dreams this young, but thanks to Belmont, I am! "