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Ari Kantor, AS22

Ari Kantor, AS22: From Improv to TV Investigations

For Ari Kantor, AS22, who is a production assistant for Inside Edition, the University of Delaware wasn’t just where he studied—it was where he found a community that shaped his passions and future.

As a member of the Rubber Chickens Improv Troupe, Kantor experienced camaraderie, humor and traditions that have kept him connected to UD long after graduation. When he received a call from an alumna as he first joined the troupe, he remembers feeling like she was an extended relative he hadn’t met yet, and that he was suddenly part of a deep history of UD tradition.

Alumni continued to be a key part of Kantor’s student experience. He performed with the “Chickens” on stage with fellow troupe alumnus Matt Roarty, AS15, at an acclaimed improv theater in Chicago. Later, he leaned on Ben Warheit, AS09—who is a staff writer at Late Night with Seth Meyers—for insights about his experience in production and moving to New York City.

As a student, Kantor was a multimedia assistant in UD’s Athletics Department, a podcast production intern for Philadelphia FringeArts and a post-production assistant for LoveWorld Media, an organization in which he would grow and continue working with post-graduation.

 


“My first job was in the archival department for season 7 of Showtime’s The Circus, where I got to be a part of the most well-oiled, enriching, and healthy production I could imagine, which will continue to inspire how I approach teamwork and storytelling for the rest of my career.”

 

After earning his degree in 2022, Kantor started his career in the archival department for Showtime’s The Circus, a fast-paced documentary series where he learned the value of teamwork and creative problem-solving. He carried those lessons into his current role at Inside Edition, where he’s gone from running errands to conducting interviews, creating graphics, monitoring trials and even participating in investigative stings. In only a few years at Inside Edition, he has worked on hundreds of stories, though not all of them make it to air.

For one 2022 story, when New York City was experiencing a high volume of pickpockets, Kantor stood at Rockefeller Center with a wallet protruding from his bag to see how long it would take before someone stole it.

“As most investigative pieces go, there were hours of preparation and patience before something camera-worthy happened,” Kantor said. “On an uplifting note, at least five people warned me about my open backpack pockets and unsecured shopping bags before anyone tried to pickpocket me.”

While he does experience a heart-racing rush at the height of an investigative sting, Kantor says that he tends to “lock in” on his role instead of focusing on the high pressure of the job until it’s over.

Beyond his daily work, Kantor contributes to impactful projects, such as serving as an associate producer for the Yazidi genocide documentary Mediha—directed and produced by Hasan Oswald of LoveWorld Media and also produced by Emma Thompson—which has received over 13 grand jury awards and is now in theatrical release.

“It’s inspiring to see how stories can spark understanding and action,” he says.

Kantor credits much of his success to skills he developed at UD, both in production and in philosophy. “Studying philosophy taught me foundational skills for compiling good research, conducting interviews and, on a personal note, understanding my own core values.

Looking ahead, Kantor has a flexible vision for his future. While he’d love to take on a larger role in investigative reporting, he’s also drawn to mission-driven work. For now, he’s focused on continuing to grow—both as a storyteller and as someone who makes an impact.

 

 

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