By Steve Ifantis
TAMPA, Fla. — In a dazzling display of entertainment and industry insight, The University of Tampa’s Student Productions (SP) recently hosted The Sit and Chat podcast, featuring Disney Channel alumni Bradley Steven Perry and Jake Short.
Held in the elegant Fletcher Lounge, the live event provided UTampa students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with Hollywood talent, gain behind-the-scenes insights, and explore the realities of a career in entertainment.
This year, SP expanded its offerings by introducing The Sit and Chat podcast — a new initiative aimed at fostering authentic, in-depth conversations between students and entertainment professionals.
The episode featuring Perry and Short was particularly memorable. Perry, widely recognized for his role as Gabe Duncan on Good Luck Charlie, and Short, celebrated for portraying Fletcher Quimby on A.N.T. Farm, captivated the audience with stories from their early careers and their current project Make It. The new series focuses on themes of ambition, creativity, and perseverance, striking a chord with students aspiring to carve out their own paths in film, media, and the arts.
The atmosphere in the Fletcher Lounge was electric. As the audience filled every available seat, the stage buzzed with anticipation. Instead of a rigid, formal interview, the evening unfolded as an informal and friendly chat.
Perry and Short shared candid anecdotes from their journeys in the entertainment industry, recounting humorous on-set pranks, nerve-wracking auditions, and the occasional behind-the-scenes mishap from their Disney Channel days.
Throughout the discussion, the actors emphasized that success in Hollywood is rarely a straight path. They discussed the importance of persistence, hard work, and building resilience — a message that resonated strongly with the student audience.
The interactive format of the event allowed students to ask questions, creating a dynamic dialogue between the guest speakers and the audience. Topics ranged from industry trends and career advice to personal anecdotes that highlighted the dedication necessary to thrive in a creative environment.
Beyond the captivating conversation, The Sit and Chat podcast event served as a valuable networking opportunity. Students left with not only memories of a star-studded evening but also actionable advice on how to navigate the challenging landscape of the entertainment industry.
Perry and Short encouraged students to actively seek mentorships, continuously develop their skills, and always be open to learning from every experience — whether on set or off.
SP has built a reputation for delivering innovative and engaging events that bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. From intimate celebrity panels and comedy nights to magic shows and live concerts, SP is committed to enhancing campus life with experiences that educate as well as entertain.
“Student Productions is important because we want students to get entertained on campus outside of the classroom,” said Lucia Sacerdoti, president of SP. “We love to host Spartan Showcases that give students the chance to meet celebrities and enjoy diverse forms of live entertainment.”
The success of this event underscores the vital role that SP plays in enriching campus life at UTampa. By continually introducing innovative programming that connects students with industry professionals, SP helps foster a vibrant community where academic and creative pursuits go hand in hand.
As the semester progresses, students can look forward to more exciting events — from engaging podcasts and comedy nights to exclusive celebrity panels — each designed to inspire and empower.
For more information on Student Production’s Instagram, students can follow along on social media or join the InvolveUT.
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Photo by Mariam Bernardini-Herrera