Alumni interviews: Ninos Chamoun

In connection with SKH's tenth anniversary, we wanted to ask some alumni how they experienced their time at the university. Those we have interviewed studied at the time when we still used the names University College of Opera (OHS), Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts (SADA) and DOCH School of Dance and Circus alongside SKH. Now we have asked questions to Ninos Chamoun, who studied the Bachelor's Programme in Radio at SADA from 2012–2015.

Firstly, I would like to ask: why did you choose SADA?

– It was a coincidence. My colleague at my workplace at the time advised me to apply. I didn't know much about the school, but I was attracted to studying radio production. I quickly realised that the school had a good reputation and thought I had nothing to lose by applying. At the time, I was working at Radio P4 Sjuhärad and living at home with my parents. My father loved music and sports, especially American wrestling, which is a combination of sports and theatre. I was tired of Gothenburg and wanted to leave – studying was a good reason.

How did you experience your time at the university?

– It was overwhelming. I had never hung out with people who took themselves seriously. At school it was the opposite. In retrospect, it was useful for me.

Did you students notice the merger of the three schools – if so, in what way?

– No, I can't say that I did. If I remember correctly, we were guinea pigs for the merger.

What did you do right after graduation and what are you doing today?

– Right after graduation, I partied hard. When that was over, I started looking for a job. I worked for Tendens in Radio P1 and freelanced for Filt, a production company. Today I am a permanent employee at Filt. Something I'm very happy with and have a lot to thank SADA for.

Was it beneficial for your future professional network to attend a school with many different artistic specialisations? Do you have people you work with today that you met during your education?

– Absolutely, yes. I had never thought about radio from an artistic perspective. Today I do. On a daily basis. Bengt Bok and Lotta Erikson, my teachers, are two people who made me think again. About my profession and myself. I still have contact with people from school. Some are close friends, others are acquaintances.

How do you see SKH today?

– It's hard to say. What I can say is that when I meet trainees who are studying radio production at the school, I am happy. I know they will deliver good content because they come from a solid course.