East Haven Television (ETV) continues to grow with new and constant opportunities for its members, staff, and all those who are interested in seeing their visual and audio dreams fully realized. One thing which is necessary for those dreams to become three-dimensional is a good support team at the station to help further its growth and the advantages for local filmmakers, podcasters, and performers. This type of effort can all start through Noelle Veillette, the community coordinator at ETV.

“We’re dreaming up futures for this place,” Noelle says. “The sky’s the limit, and it just takes a little bit of imagination and no fear for that three-dimensional aspect.”

Noelle came to ETV after being informed about the open position for community coordinator by Connor Thornberg, her friend and the station’s studio manager. The job description spelled out a multifaceted role which was a good fit for Noelle.

“My history has been a bit of everything,” she says. “I've done a lot of different types of things in my life so far. I’ve been an EMT, music director, a reporter. I’ve worked to support a historic building. I’ve done every smattering of anything you’ve ever heard of, and that was the job description.”

Noelle says she was also attracted to the active “community-facing” aspect of being the community coordinator for the station.

“I really like working with other people and being on my feet and supporting a location in a very three-dimensional way, rather than have it just be a computer job,” Noelle says.

Noelle says that the various types of equipment available at ETV have allowed for people to “stretch the limits of their own imagination.” Rentals for use of the studio and its gear are available to those who want to “make their media dreams come true and make media that matters to them,” whether that be podcasts, short films, music videos, or meetings for boards and commissions.

In-studio productions occurring on ETV’s stage are made even more exciting by way of its new public address system which was garnered through community support. This was demonstrated when ETV presented the Harvest Moon Songwriter Showcase in September. Noelle feels optimistic about the opportunities which will be created as a result of having that new system in place.

“I think having a PA system really opens the doors for ETV as a venue, rather than everyone working on their things by themselves,” Noelle says.

Noelle says the system can be used to “curate an experience for everyone” in the community, whether that be a televised musical performance or a lecture. Coupled with LED lights and a talented crew of staff assuming audio and camera responsibilities, Noelle says that “we can really capture the spirit” of a performance of any kind which, from a technological standpoint, could not be captured as lively through a phone.

During her time at ETV, Noelle has grown more capable of the “technical side” of producing, such as use of cameras, audio equipment, and the station’s podcasting corner.

“Those are skills I never thought I would acquire ever because I've always struggled with the technical side of things when it comes to tactile things,” she says.

Fortunately, the ETV staff is willing to educate the public about learning new technical skills. Noelle wants the station to do everything it can to help people realize their media dreams.

“I want to let our members know that as many times as it takes for you to come in here and learn how to use a camera, we'll take that time with you,” she says.

Even if new members have not previously done anything with cameras or microphones, Noelle says that, “if you have a purpose to use it, you can learn it” from the ETV staff. Noelle also feels that it’s important to share that experience with others.

“I think that we underestimate how important it is to have good people around you while you're doing that and share what you're trying to do and and recruit your friends,” says Noelle. “That’s what we’re here for.”

Outside of ETV, Noelle pursues her own artistic endeavors. Noelle is the lyricist for a band which is inspired by riot grrrl punk and indie music, and she started a podcast with her roommate. It does not stop there for a “chronic dabbler” like Noelle.

“I like to do so many things, so I'll start on a little project by myself. I like to draw. I would really love to make a fiction podcast one day,” Noelle says. “I want to be involved in everything. That’s why I ended up here. I'm attracted to a lifestyle that allows me to do everything and try everything, and this job offered me that.”