Aurora Connects

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by a talented group of Bay Area Native and Indigenous theatre artists: director/"artivist" Shannon Davis, multidisciplinary artist Steven Flores, and rapper, beatboxer, actor Carlos Aguirre aka Infinite, who appeared in Aurora's Tell Tale Hearts hip hop theatre cabarets. We'll play the music video "Indigenous Excellence" that our guests recently collaborated on, and discuss how the video came about and what the reaction to it has been. We'll also hear from our guests about some of the challenges and opportunities for indigenous artists, historically and right now, and about their various upcoming projects.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn will be discussing our upcoming production of Toni Morrison's THE BLUEST EYE, which Dawn directed. Josh and Dawn will discuss the novel and the adaptation, we'll play some promo video clips with the actors, as well as some audio teasers of production. We'll also play a few select clips from Sunday's Center Stage Salon with the cast.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by  Director Community Partnerships and Casting Director at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Jeffrey Lo; Chicago-based theatre director and adapter, Lavina Jadhwani; and Bay Area casting director, director, and instructor, Dena Martinez. We'll get to know our guests and learn about their experience as casting directors in the local and national theatre scene. We'll discuss some pitfalls and best practices of casting, and also examine casting through a racial justice lens.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by director Barbara Damashek and actor Ed Gonzalez Moreno for a friendly discussion about the merits (or lack thereof) of musical theatre. After we get to know our guests, we'll discuss the origin of musical theatre and its evolution over time, and what we love or hate about musical theatre. We'll explore why musical theatre is so divisive, what makes some people love it and some people hate it, and we'll discuss why Aurora has generally avoided musicals

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Ely Sonny Orquiza, Director of New Works and Development at Gritty City Repertory and creator of the BIPOC Living Doc; Z Space Patron & Community Engagement Manager Jordan Battle; and Rose Oser, Associate AD at Z Space. We'll learn more about the BIPOC Living Doc from Ely, including what made him create the document and what has happened with the document since then. We'll also discuss what is happening with CDO work in the Bay Area theatre community, individually and at institutions, what folks want to see, and what lessons are being taught and learned.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Chance Theater Artistic Director Oanh Nguyen, actor Trieu Tran, and equity, diversity, and inclusion professional Linda Do Nguyen. Oanh to tell us a little about COLONIALISM IS TERRIBLE, BUT PHO IS DELICIOUS, a reading he will be directing that is a co-production between Aurora and Chance Theater later this month. We'll explore themes from PHO while getting to know our guests and learning about their varied experiences growing up as Vietnamese Americans.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Aurora's Technical Director since 2013, scuba diver, pizza chef, and man who can build ANYTHING, Cameron Swartzell. We'll learn about how Cam found his way to theatre and technical direction, about the duties of a TD, and we'll discuss some of his favorite sets that he's built. Cam will also take us on an exclusive backstage tour at our theatre.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by costume designers Ulises Alcala (Bull in a China Shop, Actually), Amy Bobeda (Wigs: The Importance of Being Earnest), and Callie Floor (Everything Is Illuminated, Widowers' Houses, The Heir Apparent). We'll learn how our designers found their way to theatre and to costume/wig design, and we'll have them take us through the process of designing a show. We'll also discuss the designers' favorite Aurora shows they've worked on and how they're keeping busy during the theatre shutdown.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area theatre and hip-hop artists Carlos Aguirre, Alicia Piemme Nelson, Dan Wolf, and Phil Wong, in advance of the final iteration of TELL TALE HEARTS: An Evening of Hip Hop Theatre coming to Aurora on November 28. We'll learn about the Bay Area Theatre Cypher and how it got started, and learn more about "8 Bars For The Reckoning" and other BATC projects. We'll talk about how hip hop and theatre inform each other, about what we can learn from hip hop, and we'll discuss TELL TALE HEARTS from start to finis

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by sound designer for THE FLATS, Elton Bradman. We'll learn more about Elton, his background, how he got started in music, and what continues to inspire him. We'll discuss some of his favorite shows he's worked on, and learn how the pandemic has affected his work.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Melissa Hillman of arts and culture blog Bitter Gertrude. She is also a former Artistic Director of Impact Theatre, which Josh founded in the 1990s. We'll discuss Josh, Dawn, and Melissa's history at Impact Theatre and learn more about what made that company so special. We'll also learn more about Melissa's blog Bitter Gertrude and more about her work as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant.

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by magician Christian Cagigal. He is a magician at Speakeasy Magick at the McKittrick Hotel in NYC, Co-Producer for Odd Salon NYC, Owner of the San Francisco Ghost Hunt, and Co-Founder of Fog City Magic Fest. He's also a five-time winner of the Best Magician of the Bay Award by the San Francisco Bay Guardian. We'll learn more about Christian, his background, how he got started in magic, and what continues to inspire him. We'll also learn how the pandemic has affected his work, and more about a show he'll be doing at Aurora in the near future.

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, we will be celebrating the opening of our World Premiere Audio Drama THE FLATS! We'll play highlights from the Three Playwrights episode which featured Lauren Gunderson (THE BOOK OF WILL, THE WICKHAMS), Cleavon Smith (THE LAST SERMON OF SISTER IMANI), and Jonathan Spector (EUREKA DAY), as well as audio trailers from THE FLATS with a discussion about each. We'll end the episode with a toast. It's sure to be an exciting kickoff to the release of Aurora's first audio drama.

This week on Aurora Connects Josh and Dawn are joined by bay area father and son theatre critics Rob Hurwuit and Sam Hurwuit.

Rulan Tangen's work explores movement as an evolving language of global Indigenous relation building, rooted in inclusion of diverse cosmologies from her own experience and those of the artists with whom she creates. Her contemporary dance practice strives to serve as functional ritual for transformation and healing, animating of decolonizing process, integrating concurrent universes of ancient futurities in the moment of now, expressing energetic connection with all relations – human and beyond.As Founding Artistic Director/Choreographer of DANCING EARTH, she has passionately cultivated successive generations of Indigenous contemporary performing artists as cultural ambassadors and conduits for social change.As we approach Indigenous Peoples Day, as a woman of Kampampangan/Norweigian and mixed heritage, she considers how to be a helpful ally to local Native land stewards. Thus, she will be donating her honoraria for this event to Sogorea Te' Land Trust - an urban Indigenous women-led land trust that facilitates the return of Indigenous land to Indigenous people by requesting an optional land tax of Bay Area residents. www.sogoreate-landtrust.orgFor more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnects

Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area actor Michael J. Asberry (Exit Strategy, Satellites). We'll get to know Michael, a little about his background and how he became an actor, and talk about the Aurora shows he's been in. Since Michael is our most frequent commenter on Aurora Connects episodes, we'll learn what engages him so much about the show, and discuss what he's doing and how he's making art during the pandemic.For more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.org

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Berkeley Artistic Directors Khalia Davis of Bay Area Children's Theatre, Patrick Dooley of Shotgun Players, and Johanna Pfaelzer of Berkeley Repertory Theatre. We'll get to know the ADs, their backgrounds, and more about their jobs, including how they select projects, how they spend their days, and how they balance their artistic vision with hard realities. We'll also learn what each company is doing to dismantle racism and systems of oppression, and how each is handling the pandemic.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Brad Erickson, Executive Director of Theatre Bay Area (TBA), one of the nation’s largest regional performing arts service organizations. We'll learn more about TBA, the services it offers and who it serves, and how the organization has been helping the theatre community through the pandemic. We'll also learn more about Brad, what brought him to TBA, and what kept him busy during the pandemic.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Courtney Flores (The Royale, Detroit '67), Craig (The Shape of Things, Fifth of July) and Jeanette Marker, Marissa Keltie Muterspaugh (Everything Is Illuminated), and Jasmine Milan Williams (Bull In A China Shop), all of whom are Bay Area artists and veterans of the theatre program at Cal State East Bay. Some of them are all also -- along with Dawn -- alumni of Impact Theatre, which Josh co-founded in 1996. We'll talk about their time at Cal State Hayward/East Bay, how they've kept in touch since then, the school's theatre department, and what makes it so strong. We'll also discuss our guests' favorite projects they've done together at and since school, as well as some of their favorite Aurora shows.For more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgFor more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area actor Michael Torres (The Importance of Being Earnest) and students Alejandro Navarro, and Storm White from the Fusion Theatre Project (FTP) at Laney College. We'll catch up with Michael and his students, learn more about Laney's theatre program, and how the FTP brings to the stage the history and story of Oakland and its people.To Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Rafael Jesus Gonzalez, Aurora Advisory Council member. The City of Berkeley honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, and he was named the City of Berkeley's first Poet Laureate in 2017. We'll learn more about Gonzalez, his background as a creative writing & literature professor, and his life's work as writer and poet. We'll learn about what brought Gonzalez to the Bay Area, how he founded the Mexican and Latin American Studies Department at Laney College, and about his time as the Poet in Residence at the Oakland Museum of California and the Oakland Public Library.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area actor James Carpenter and Bay Area costume designer Cassandra Carpenter. We'll get to know the Carpenters professionally: We'll discuss how each started working in theatre, what they enjoy most about working in theatre, and we'll talk about some of their favorite shows. We'll also get to know the couple: We'll talk about how they met, learn more about their family, and reminisce about their favorite Aurora memories.For more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.org

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn will be interviewing each other! We'll discuss their directing styles, what types of plays excite them most, and dive deep into some of their favorite shows they've directed. We'll find out why Josh chose Dawn as his Associate, and why Dawn accepted. We'll also discuss Aurora's new membership program and our upcoming season.https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Susanne Simpson of Masterpiece Theatre.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsThis week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area designer and Stephanie Anne Johnson, Maggie Whitaker, Cliff Caruthers, and Richard Olmstead. To Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area actors and directors Joy and Nancy Carlin. We'll ask Nancy what it was like growing up with such a celebrated actor and director for a mother, and we'll ask Joy about when she knew Nancy would follow her into a career in theatre. We'll learn more about the Carlins' family, talk about some favorite shows the mother/daughter duo has worked on together, and reminisce about their most favorite Aurora memories.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by Aurora Board Member and Bay Area actor Lance Gardner (Safe House). We'll get to know Lance and his work with Aurora and other theatre companies, and we'll learn the story of how he became a board member. This episode will also serve as the kickoff to our yearly fundraising soiree, Supernova, newly renamed SUPERNOVA Goes Virtual!Advocacy Spotlights: BlackFuturesLab.org and https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-b...For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area Artistic Directors Pam MacKinnon of A.C.T., Mina Morita of Crowded Fire, and Eric Ting of Cal Shakes. We'll learn about how each of our guests became artistic directors, and we'll take a look at each company's mission to discuss how it informs each AD's work. We'll check in with the ADs about what work their companies are doing to dismantle systemic racism and other systems of oppression, how their companies are handling the pandemic, and how theatres can work together at times like this to support the artistic community as a whole.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by the Mayor of Berkeley, Jesse Arreguin. We'll get to know the Mayor, his background, how he became interested in politics, and how he became mayor of Berkeley. What's Mayor Arreguin's overall vision for Berkeley? How do the arts fit into his vision for the community? What are the next steps for fighting COVID-19, and is there a timeline for reopening? We'll discuss these questions, as well as those about the local Black Lives Matter movement and policing in BerkeleyFor more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area playwrights Lauren Gunderson, Cleavon Smith, and Jonathan Spector (EUREKA DAY). We'll check in with the playwrights and discuss their new project, a brand new Aurora commission with a story set in Berkeley and a theme that addresses this new world we’re building moving forward. We'll also discuss Aurora's new plan for the 2020/20201 season as the Bay Area's stay-at-home orders are slowly lifted.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly ConwaySHOW LESS

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area actor Aldo Billingslea (DRY POWDER, COLLAPSE) and playwright Vincent Terrell Durham. We'll open the episode with a timely discussion about the many protests against racial injustice and police brutality that have been happening since last week and continue today. We'll also catch up with Aldo and Vincent, and chat about POLAR BEARS, BLACK BOYS & PRAIRIE FRINGED ORCHIDS, Vincent's play about gentrification, white fragility, the Black Lives Matter movement, and police violence against black men.For information on Playground's reading: https://playground-sf.org/the-juneteenth-theatre-justice-project/For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly ConwaySHOW LESS

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn are joined by Bay Area and Aurora favorites Stacy Ross (Bull In A China Shop, Year of Magical Thinking) and Martha Brigham (The How and The Why). Stacy and Martha shared the stage in Aurora's 2017 production of Leni, directed by Jon Tracy. We'll chat with Stacy and Martha about their memorable Aurora moments, learn about what life is like as an actor in the Bay Area, and what it's like to be an actor during a stay-at-home order.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn dive deep into the mind of a theatre critic with guest Lily Janiak, theatre critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. What is the role of a critic? Who writes headlines for her reviews? Does she choose the Little Man, and if so, how does she choose him? What does she think about rating systems in general? What's her take on the strengths and character of the Bay Area theatre community?For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn are joined by Margo Hall and Brit Frazier, playwrights for LAVEAU, an Aurora Originate + Generate commission. In addition to learning more about Margo and Brit as artists, we'll discuss the genesis of the project, learn more about Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen of New Orleans, and hear about Brit's recent trip to New Orleans earlier this year.Books mentioned by Brit:Sisters of the Yam by Bell HooksJambalaya by Luisah TeishWorking the Roots by Michele E LeeRitual by Malidoma Patrice Some’Sassafras, Cypress and Indigo by Ntozake ShangeVoodoo Queen by Martha WardVoodoo Dreams by Jewel Parker RhodesGumbo Yaya by Lyle Saxon, Edward Dreyer and Robert TallantYellow Moon by Jewel Parker Rhodes The video reference “ The Divine Horseman” by Maya Deren“Daughters of the Dust” directed by Julie DashFor more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn will be joined by Bay Area artists, performers, educators, and activists Claudia Alick and Leigh Rondon-Davis. You might remember Claudia and Leigh from Aurora's March 2nd town hall, Welcome To Our Space? A Town Hall on Audience Interactions, where panelists and audience members discussed how theaters and theatergoers can create a more welcoming and inclusive theatre-going culture in the Bay Area. We'll recap the event and learn more about Claudia's and Leigh's inspiring work at the intersection of art and activism.For more information on artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCo... or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson, Molly Conway

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn will be joined by African American Studies & English teacher Alan Miller, drama teacher Jordan Winer, and Berkeley High student and actor Dwayne Clay, to chat about Aurora's Community Partners Program. Berkeley High was the Aurora's first community partner, paired with our Fall 2019 production of Exit Strategy. We'll learn more about the Community Partners Program and discuss how the Bay Area's stay-at-home order is affecting Berkeley schools, students, and faculty. For more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCompany or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgHosts- Dawn Monique Williams Josh CostelloGuests- Alan Miller Jordan Winer Dwayne ClayProducers Dayna Kalakau, Dawn Monique Williams, Amanda MasonGraphic Designer Karen LoccisanoPodcast Engineer Cameron SwartzellOpening Music Cliff CaruthersBroadcasting support James ArdAurora Theatre Company Staff: Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn chat with Barbara Damashek, Darryl V. Jones, and Jennifer King, the directors of some of Aurora's most memorable productions. Take a deep dive into the process of putting together a show at Aurora. Get to know our directors more intimately as they take you through the entire process, from preparation and design, to rehearsals and then tech, previews, and opening. FEATURED GUESTSBarbara Damashek (The Children, Creditors, A Number)Darryl V. Jones (Detroit '67, The Royale)Jennifer King (Dry Powder)For more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCompany or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.orgHosts-Dawn Monique WilliamsJosh CostelloGuests- Darryl V. JonesJennifer KingBarbara DamashekExecutive Producer- Amanda MasonArt Director- Karen LoccisanoPodcast Engineer- Cameron SwartzellOpening Music- Cliff CaruthersAurora Theatre Company Staff- Josh Costello, Julie Saltzman Kellner, Dawn Monique Williams, Dayna Kalakau, Cameron Swartzell, Amanda Mason, Betsy Ruck, Dave Shultz, Katherine Sanderlin, Kendra Johnson

This week on AURORA CONNECTS, Josh and Dawn chat with Liz Lada, the artist behind our iconic poster art. Formerly Aurora's graphic designer, Liz is an award-winning artist and was featured in The New York Times’ “Behind the Poster,” for the artwork of Aurora’s 2016 production of LITTLE ERIK. Together with Josh and Dawn, we'll highlight some of the standout posters from past seasons, delve into Liz's background, and reveal the beautiful poster art for the upcoming 2020/2021 season.**Preshow Music by Cliff Caruthers**For more information: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please go to https://bit.ly/SupportAuroraTheatreCompany or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.org

This week on Aurora Connects, Josh and Dawn chat with some favorite Aurora artists about how they're managing during the COVID-19 shutdown, and about the cool, exciting projects they're working on and sharing with you in the meantime. Featuring Elizabeth Carter, Katie Rubin, Dan Wolf, Carlos Aguirre, Laura Jane Bailey, Kevin Kemp, James Ard, Phil Wong!For more information on these artists: https://auroratheatre.org/auroraconnectsTo Donate please visit https://tickets.auroratheatre.org/TheatreManager/1/login?donation=0Or email Development Coordinator Kendra Johnson, kjohnson@auroratheatre.orgFor Technical Support please email techsupport@auroratheatre.orgSend us questions to answer or topics to discuss in future episodes, or ideas for what we can do. connects@auroratheatre.org

Kait Kerrigan, M. Graham Smith, Molly Smith Metzler, and Molly Aaronson-Gelb join Josh and Dawn to discuss the plays in our upcoming 2020/21 season. Theatre is all about connection. While the measures we're all taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary to save lives, they're also leaving us isolated at a time when we need human connection more than ever. At Aurora, there's not much we can do to directly address the pandemic, but even with our stage dark it remains our role to make connections between artists and audiences.AURORA CONNECTS is our new weekly live broadcast, an online salon and virtual happy hour. We'll stream AURORA CONNECTS live on our YouTube channel, allowing you to react, comment, ask questions, and engage in real time.We'll share updates about Aurora's upcoming shows and season, interviews and Q&As with actors and designers, roundtable discussions with directors, and more. Have suggestions for AURORA CONNECTS? Let us know what you want to see. Watch last week's inaugural episode, and join us this and every Friday at 4 p.m. for #AURORACONNECTS.

Danny Scheie, Dean Linnard, and Susan Lynskey join Josh, Dawn, and Amanda to discuss our recently suspended production of Loot by Joe Orton. Theatre is all about connection. While the measures we're all taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary to save lives, they're also leaving us isolated at a time when we need human connection more than ever. At Aurora, there's not much we can do to directly address the pandemic, but even with our stage dark it remains our role to make connections between artists and audiences.AURORA CONNECTS is our new weekly live broadcast, an online salon and virtual happy hour. We'll stream AURORA CONNECTS live on our YouTube channel, allowing you to react, comment, ask questions, and engage in real time.We'll share updates about Aurora's upcoming shows and season, interviews and Q&As with actors and designers, roundtable discussions with directors, and more. Have suggestions for AURORA CONNECTS? Let us know what you want to see. Watch last week's inaugural episode, and join us this and every Friday at 4 p.m. for #AURORACONNECTS.

Welcome, this episode is an introduction to what we are planning to do with our weekly Live discussion, Aurora Connects.Theatre is all about connection. While the measures we're all taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary to save lives, they're also leaving us isolated at a time when we need human connection more than ever. At Aurora, there's not much we can do to directly address the pandemic, but even with our stage dark it remains our role to make connections between artists and audiences.AURORA CONNECTS is our new weekly live broadcast, an online salon and virtual happy hour. We'll stream AURORA CONNECTS live on our YouTube channel, allowing you to react, comment, ask questions, and engage in real time.We'll share updates about Aurora's upcoming shows and season, interviews and Q&As with actors and designers, roundtable discussions with directors, and more. Have suggestions for AURORA CONNECTS? Let us know what you want to see. Watch last week's inaugural episode, and join us this and every Friday at 4 p.m. for #AURORACONNECTS.Watch this Episode on YouTube;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K2GfarKKd0&list=PLchwIuJ5ttnd2Z7315ldY16HlbCPKm9dz&index=4&t=0s