Allison Babka

Because I can't write a damn thing without incorporating song lyrics, I contribute items to the music section of the print and online editions of "The Riverfront Times." Sure, I write concert recaps, show previews, blog posts full of lists and general lyrical tomfoolery, but I've really staked my reputation on interviewing rock stars about their craft, their costumes and their shenanigans. The publication also is crazy enough to christen me its karaoke expert, giving me a weekly advice column, "Ask a Karaoke Host."

Recently, I've also been contributing to the RFT's news blog, Daily RFT. So far, my niche seems to be "weird stuff," and I'm perfectly ok with that.

After serving as an in-house, client-side producer during previous positions, I've made the switch to business-side producer to shape and share brand stories. With Spot Creative Media, Steward Media, Tomko Bomb Co., Parabolic Media and more, I assist with pre-production (story goals and scope, location scouting, logistics, client discussions, story scripts), production (interviews, set styling, directing) and post-production (video brand management, video logging, footage scripts, b-roll scripts, client relations) on a freelance/contract basis.

No matter if you need a full-service producer or someone to lead just one aspect (Ask me to interview your talent or round up an excellent video crew. Seriously.), I make good video happen.

Atomicdust, Spot Creative, Stealth Creative and more hire me to tell stories creatively, concisely and charismatically. Need marketing copy for print or digital pursuits? I'm all over it. What about soundbyte gold? I'm your nosy interviewer. Video and audio scripts? You betcha. Nerdy blog posts? Now you're just making me swoon.

Best part? My extensive marketing background gives me the big-picture vision to glue all of this stuff together into a lovely integrated communications ball that also includes branding consultations, social media planning and event planning/hosting services. Ask me to create an editorial/communications calendar, and I'll do the work while high-fiving *and* singing. That's your bonus for hiring a karaoke host.

Music. Playlists. Crowd involvement. Party planning. Communications strategy. Happy people.

These are a few of my favorite things, and I combine them into my position as an energetic karaoke duchess. I'm the house karaoke DJ at Frailey's Southtown on Friday nights (and have helped increase the bar's attendance and revenue), and I regularly host karaoke at other bars, events and parties throughout the St. Louis area. When appropriate, I offer event planning and communications consultations, and my marketing background and social media expertise help increase event awareness, interest and attendance. My karaoke success even has led to writing a weekly karaoke advice column in RFT Music, music blog of the "Riverfront Times."

Stealing from Joan Jett, "I love rock and roll," so it was a no-brainer to offer to attend shows and swoon over my favorite bands for ReviewSTL.com, one of St. Louis' most trafficked websites. I write show previews and reviews and occasionally conduct interviews, compose "how-to" posts and report on random nerd news. In addition, I review films and "films" (the latter of which I prefer) and help raise ReviewSTL's local profile via social networking. I also represent the site at community events - sometimes in a superhero costume.

*Oversee SLU’s BeABilliken sub-brand, ensuring that all messaging is consistent with strategy and goals to attract target audience of college-bound 15- to 17-year-olds

*Write and edit copy for all major undergraduate recruitment materials, including signature pieces, microsite and advertising

*Serve as project manager for BeABilliken.com, maintaining an editorial calendar, assigning tasks, coordinating art and consulting on web development

*Oversee strategic recruitment video production, including selecting external production companies, writing scripts, coordinating cast, scouting locations, directing shoots and assisting with production in the studio

*Coordinate logistics for photo shoots for recruitment materials, including casting, scheduling, location scouting and talent handling

*Coordinate logistics for radio and movie theatre commercials, including scripting, casting, scheduling and talent handling

*Research, develop and execute plans for integrating social media into the university’s overall marketing strategy

*Lead high school focus groups, develop discussion guide and use results for targeted recruitment strategies

*Approve and edit copy for other materials, including brochures, campus tour scripts, electronic newsletters, admission website copy, financial aid documents and letters to prospective students from university officials

As the only girl on a testosterone-filled staff, I compose weekly lists focusing on topics of interest to the target audience of men ages 15 to 40. I also research and write general blog posts about news from the video game, comic book and pop culture worlds. In addition, I edit other bloggers' posts and provide style and voice guidelines.

*Oversee faculty/staff web news source and daily email alert, including writing, editing, distribution and policies

*Direct production of bimonthly faculty/staff newspaper, including writing, assigning stories, copy editing, photography, layout and distribution

*Write, edit and photograph feature stories and other content for general website, publication and media consumption

*Coordinate maintenance for online university style guide, department website and publication websites

*Manage the university’s annual telephone directory project, including approving vendor contracts, coordinating tasks with other departments, updating information pages, approving advertising, proofreading and distribution

B.A. in Communications

Personal Website, Portfolio

- TAM Gold 2012: Identity package. - Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), multiple years: Multiple awards, including "Excellence in Advertising," "Excellence in Multimedia" and "Publications Improvement."