Managing talent
It’s been an interesting couple of years and a lot of hard work for Vox Management Agency Inc. Founder & Agent, Stephanie Purcell.
Since graduating with her Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, the Newfoundland-born entrepreneur has won three Music Nova Scotia Awards — one as Industry Professional of the Year and two as Booking Agent of the Year. She represents globally-recognized names like Tareq Hadhad, Joel Plaskett and Steve Patterson, founded her own talent management agency, and became Chair of the Board of Directors for the Halifax Pop Explosion.
“Vox works with clients internationally,” says Stephanie. “Simply said: we put good people on stages. They deliver their craft to audiences and we guide them through the whole process from beginning to end.”
For over a decade, the Ivany Campus grad has been an instrumental force at the center of the Nova Scotia arts and entertainment scene. Using her skills as an agent, keen-eyed scout and events professional, Stephanie has built an impressive reputation for her ability to bring local talents to global audiences and entice global talents to perform locally.
I love coming back to the College as a mentor. This is how you help the next generation in the industry understand the business, develop their skills and build a network.
Authentic acts
Regardless of what side of the mic they’re on — performer or patron — Stephanie says her goal is to create life-long client relationships. “What we do in this business is pretty unique. People rely on the experience of our team to get it right — when we do, it’s simply the best.”
Stephanie says she’s inspired by the authenticity her roster of musical, comedic and motivational acts brings to the stage. “They're good people and we love their work. When you’re given the chance to watch them deliver a performance and see the audience reaction — it’s what makes this business awesome.”
Luring big names like Tony Bennett, The Tenors and KD Lang to Canada’s east coast, Stephanie says, “There’s lots of options for people to choose from today — but I’ve found that when they get a call to come to Nova Scotia, they’re coming.”
She adds, “It’s the same when we bring local talent like The Mellotones to international audiences, like in the Cayman Islands. There’s an East Coast energy that they bring that reverberates off the stage. Audiences across Canada and around the world love it and want to be around it.”
Giving back
Today, Stephanie remains connected to NSCC, serving as a mentor for students in the Public Relations, Music Business and Music Arts programs. “The College led me to where I am today. I’m meant to do this. It’s my passion and purpose and I’m happy to have the opportunity to give back.”
She adds, “As a professional in the field, I like giving students the same opportunity I had: to connect with people in the industry. I love telling stories and answering their questions.”
Today, many of the connections she made during her time as a student — through mentoring, events and industry-focused projects — remain part of her circle.
“I met mentors through NSCC, who are still my mentors today; classmates who are my industry colleagues, clients and friends; a student in Music Business who I mentored has become like a little brother to me. We're chosen-family now, and that's because of the College.”
Fast Fact
Public Relations is an intensive, one-year, full-time Advanced Diploma program. Like Stephanie, applicants must possess a College diploma or undergraduate degree from a related area or have an equivalent combination of education and work experience.