Alum Connection with Theo Poling: How Experiences in Film, Publishing, and Activism Led to Pivotal Career Moments

Theo Poling (they/them or he/him) amassed success in high school by self-publishing and selling their writing on Amazon long before it was popular on TikTok. When it came time to choose a college, the Ann Arbor-raised Theo opted to go out-of-state and study playwriting and screenwriting at the University of Southern California where they published Black Knuckle and Deputy Maltese and Into the Intersticks. As they advanced deeper into the film industry, however, they also began to notice the inequities in the industry, and knew that they could be doing more. This ushered in a defining career moment for Theo which brought them back to U-M as a transfer student. At U-M, Theo continued to excel in writing and publishing, but also developed a new passion too: higher education and mentorship. Theo now returns to LSA to answer questions about how they got started in different industries, when they knew it was time to change course, and how they continue to navigate career growth as a young professional.

About Theo:
Theo Poling graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in Creative Writing & Literature and Arts & Ideas in the Humanities. While at the university, Theo founded the Trans and Gender Nonconforming Arts Review. They are passionate about institutional equity and making sure all students feel seen and heard. In their free time, Theo loves to hike, foster cats, and is hard at work writing novels and television screenplays for production.


You should attend this session if you are:
- Interested in building a career in Creative Arts, DEI, Education, or Film & Media Studies.
- Curious about writing, publishing, querying or pitching for TV
- Thinking about grad school after your undergrad degree

What you’ll gain by attending:
- Ideas for how to go about finding your first job after graduation
- Perspectives on juggling rejection in the writing and creative industries
- Answers to questions on how to get your writing published.

RSVP NOW to be part of the conversation.

The Opportunity Hub aims to deliver inclusive and accessible experiences and welcomes all LSA students to participate. This event is on the first floor of a wheelchair accessible building which includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the first, a gender-inclusive and accessible restroom on the [first floor], places to sit or stand during the event, and accessible parking options nearby. To request other accommodations please contact LSA Hub Events at lsa.hubevents@umich.edu or 734-763-4674 so we can make arrangements.