Beyond the Lights: A Conversation with Theater Professionals

On today's show, I speak with Tom Ontiveros, a lighting and projection designer as well as a professor and chair of the theater department at the University of Laverne. Tom has such an interesting and unexpected from starting college as a biology major, to working at the Museum of Natural History in LA, to finding himself as an emergency professor for one semester in Pennsylvania and falling in love with teaching. While I could keep going about Tom's journey, I feel it's better to let the rest of it unwind on its own in this conversation.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:04:18] Siti Company[00:07:03] Museum of Natural History [00:09:47] Intersection for the Arts[00:10:08] Yerba Buena Center for the Arts[00:10:31] Campo Santo [00:11:12] The Culture Project[00:11:24] The Exonerated [00:40:18] University of La Verne[00:47:14] Norco 80Follow TomWebsiteFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Andrea Grody is a music director and music supervisor, primarily working in new musicals. Now, if you've been listening for a while you know that one of my specialties and loves is new plays, so it was such a pleasure to discuss what that looks like from a musical director's perspective. Andrea has been on two of the bigger Broadway shows over the last few years, The Band's Visit and Tootsie—two pretty different shows. She walks me through a little of what those processes looked like and the different challenges they each presented.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:04:33] The Civilians[00:05:53] The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[00:05:57] Music Directing at Penn State[00:13:40] The Band's Visit[00:17:36] MTI[00:25:09] Tootsie[00:40:43] Maestra[00:49:02] SuffsFollow AndreaWebsiteWordWavesFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with Cate Broomhead, a wig swing on Broadway. With Halloween being yesterday it's only appropriate to release an episode with a person who does a job that we've all benefitted from at some point in our lives. I'd venture to guess MOST of us have worn a wig at least once, and many of us much more frequently than that. Cate walks me through how she got into theater and wig making in the first place, what really goes into creating and maintaining a wig, and what a day in the life of a swing in the hair department on Broadway looks like right now.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:39] Walnut Street Theater[00:04:10] Glimmerglass Opera Company[00:09:45] Gretchen Evans - Wig Maker[00:09:45] JJ Janas - Wig Maker/Designer[00:26:48] Pacific College of HealthFollow CateInstagramEtsyFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with casting director RJ Magee. RJ got his start in professional theater at a very young age, a journey that led him to the famous Interlochen School for the Arts and then eventually onwards to casting for musical theater. RJ is currently involved in a pretty unique project called Theality TV which we talk about extensively in this episode.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:05:06] Interlochen [00:07:17] The Arden [00:08:45] Jamie Baker Management[00:08:58] Breakdowns Express[00:12:07] Actors Access[00:15:52] Musical Theater Educators Alliance[00:21:54] Theality TV[00:21:58] Broadway On-Demand[00:21:59] Dekkoo[00:22:12] FearlessFollow RJFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInMore Theality TVWebsiteBroadway-on-DemandDekkooFearlessIMDBFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with Darren Lee, a director, choreographer, and performer. Darren has had quite the career, from winning the first-ever Junior Star Search, to being in the original Broadway cast of Miss Saigon, to reconnecting with Lea Salonga in 2015's Allegiance, to being on tour in the UK as the King in The King and I when covid shut the world down.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:43] Star Search[00:04:41] Kids Incorporated [00:06:06] Shogun[00:09:05] The Battle of Miss Saigon: Yellowface, Art, and Opportunity [00:24:48] Red Bucket Follies [00:24:53] Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AidsFollow DarrenWebsiteInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with music director Or Matias. Or has such an incredible resume that includes Juilliard, NYU, The Great Comet, Octet, Moby Dick, The Wave which premiered in Austria, an upcoming children's album, honestly the list goes on and on. I've had the pleasure of seeing a bit of Or's work both on and off-Broadway and I was so excited to have a chance to speak with him.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode [00:00:39] Chloe Treat[00:05:52] Ars Nova[00:06:10] Dave Malloy [00:11:05] “Time Does Not Bring Relief”[00:14:42] Adam Guettel[00:16:34] How The Great Comet Went From Cabaret to Broadway[00:20:11] Off-Broadway Cast Recording of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812[00:22:25] Original Broadway Cast Record of The Great Comet[00:26:01] Mimi Lien[00:35:55] OctetFollow OrWebsiteTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with costume designer Carolyn Mazuca. We talk about everything from our love of San Antonio and the Southwest, to imposter syndrome, to the differences between working in film and television vs. theater. I absolutely loved chatting with Carolyn and I know you'll enjoy our conversation as much as I did.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:07:55]  Old Town Albuquerque[00:08:17]  Carnegie Mellon[00:17:34]  Oregon Shakespeare Festival[00:38:34]  Cambodian Rock Band at OSF[00:40:03]  Mother RoadFollow CarolynWebsiteInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

I'm so excited for you to listen to (or revisit) my conversation with Erica Hemminger, associate set designer of Moulin Rouge. A lot has happened since we recorded this a year ago, but my fascination with the elephant continues. Please enjoy this rebroadcast of episode four of Beyond the Lights.Please note, the next new episode will premiere on Tuesday, September 7th, and then alternate Mondays moving forward.___________________________________________________________This week we have Erica Hemminger an associate set designer on Broadway.  If you've been to a Broadway show within the last 10 years you've probably seen something she's worked on, including but not limited to Anything Goes, Beautiful, American Son, and the biggest one to date Moulin Rouge.  We discuss how she got started in set design, why we should all be discussing our salaries more, and just how many elephants are on the Moulin Rouge set. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:02] Derek McLane[00:03:17] Carnegie Mellon [00:03:22] DePaul University[00:10:17] I Am My Own Wife[00:17:46] Moulin Rouge! The Musical[00:28:52] The Elephant of the Moulin Rouge[00:31:13] Catherine Martin[00:35:14] The Wiz Live[00:35:20] Hairspray Live[00:36:22] Kenny Leon[00:36:25] Harvey Fierstein[00:44:40] Anything Goes[00:45:45] Buffy the Vampire Slayer Musical EpisodeFollow Erica HemmingerInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Hi everyone! I am still on a bit of a break, but I promise, I'll be back with NEW episodes in two weeks. Until then, I am rebroadcasting my episode with Music Director Jason Loffredo. Now, Jason and I recorded this in August of 2020 so any "upcoming" projects have long since passed. Nonetheless, this episode remains one of my favorites, enjoy!______________________________________Today's guest is Jason Loffredo a music director in New York City. We discuss how an invite to play on a softball team led to becoming a substitute musician in a Broadway pit and ultimately to becoming the music director for off-Broadway's ALTAR BOYZ and Broadway's KINKY BOOTS. Jason also breaks down the ins and outs of working as a substitute musician on Broadway, what a music director actually does, and how he's kept busy while Broadway is suspended.  If you have a musician in your life, THIS is the episode to share with them.For a full transcript of today's episode please visit beyondthelightspodcast.comLinks Mentioned During this Episode[00:39:30] Finale Tutorials[00:42:12] Kate Rockwell's BACK TO MY ROOTSFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

This is week in re-broadcasts, I am proud to present the second episode I ever recorded with my friend Kat West stage manager, extraordinaire of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. Enjoy!______________________________________Today's episode features Kat West, a freelance stage manager working in New York City. We discuss her work with Prospect Theater Company, how she became involved with Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish (directed by Joel Grey), what it's like working on a show when your son is 3 months old, becoming a better advocate in the room, and what a "typical" middle-of-the-process day looks like in the life of a stage manager.  For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:02:57] Prospect Theater Company[00:10:00] Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish[00:10:07] Museum of Jewish Heritage[00:11:26] National Yiddish Theatre[00:15:33] Steven Skybell as Teyve[00:26:15] Teyve the Dairy Man[00:55:12] The FerrymanFollow Kat WestInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Hello friends! I'm coming to you in a bit of a different format today. I will be taking a break for the next weeks and instead of not showing up in your feed every Monday I've decided to re-share some earlier episodes that you may have missed if you are a new listener or perhaps you just want to revisit. This week is the VERY first episode I released with my dear friend and incredible artist Tai Verley the artistic director of Revolution Shakespeare. Enjoy! ______________________________________Today's guest is Tai Verley, a freelance actor and the Artistic Director of Revolution Shakespeare in Philadelphia, PA. We discuss how she went from Psychology major to actor, from being told she would never understand Shakespeare to running a Shakespeare Company, how she is continuing to foster artistic creation through her company during Covid-19, and so much more. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Links Mentioned During this Episode[22:30] The Shakespeare Forum[26:24] Revolution Shakespeare[42:04] At Home with the Macbeths[59:16] My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite[1:00:14] Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie[1:00:39] Artists Against Abernathy[1:07:51] Mister Rogers appears in front of CongressFollow Tai VerleyTwitterInstagramWebsiteFollow Revolution ShakespeareFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with Cándido Tirado a playwright, teacher, and chess master. Cándido and I discuss his time at the Puerto Rican Travelling Theater, why there is a rumor that he punched a critic after a bad review (spoiler, he didn't punch a critic), his status as a chess master, and how that informs his approach to theater. For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:05:12] Míriam Colón[00:05:14] Puerto Rican Traveling Theater[00:12:20] INTAR[00:13:24] Maria Irene Fornes [00:31:17] Bobby Fischer and the Game of the Century [00:36:03] Play Chess OnlineFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's episode, I speak with Dawn Chiang. Dawn is a lighting designer that has worked on Broadway, in opera, regional theater, dance, live events, I could keep going, truly.  I first met Dawn a few months ago as a part of the Actor's Fund LinkedIn Challenge, which we talk about extensively during this conversation. Dawn is the first lighting designer to come on the show and I'm so excited for you to listen.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:07:57] New York City Opera[00:16:57] Oregon Shakespeare Festival [00:28:38] Jennifer Tipton[00:34:16] The Actors Fund[00:34:36] The Career Center[00:46:49] Broadway Bound Theater Festival [00:47:15] The New School for DramaFollow DawnLinkedInFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Cara Reichel is a co-founder and artistic director of Prospect Theater Company in New York City. If you've been listening to this show from the beginning, you may know of my history with Prospect--but if not, well...you're in for a treat. I worked with Prospect back in 2008 as an Assistant Director to Cara and have been a fan ever since. We talk about everything from her early years in NYC, Prospect's origins and ultimate growth, and some of the barriers to entry for early career directors. For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:04:50] Princeton Chapel Choir[00:13:12] Drama League [00:14:18] SDC[00:33:15] 59E59 [00:35:24] Primary Stages [00:46:06] The Wolves[00:46:33] A Strange Loop [00:51:01] The Masters by Ursula K. Leguin[00:52:25] The Hello Girls Cast Recording[00:52:59] Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge Follow CaraWebsiteFollow Prospect Theater CompanyWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with Kristi Ross-Clausen, a self-proclaimed eclectic theater practitioner. Kristi has been in the industry for 30+ years and has done everything from working in a large theater in Appleton, WI where she calls home to going on tour with Broadway shows War Horse, Mamma Mia!, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:14:07] The Spotlight Operator's Handbook[00:14:38] Drama Bookshop [00:17:17] Handspring Puppet Company [00:41:43] Sing FasterFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with David R. Molina a musician, composer, and sound designer. I have a not-so-secret love of sound design, and quite frankly I can't believe it's taken me THIRTY-NINE EPISODES to have a sound designer on, but here we are.  David has so much insight to share about composing for theater, film, radio plays, podcasts, you name it. This conversation was a lot of fun for me and gave me an even deeper appreciation of just what sound designers in the theatre space accomplish.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:25:01] Play On Shakespeare and Next Chapter [00:33:32] Dallas Theater Center[00:34:07] Round House Theater[00:34:31] Emilio Delgado [00:35:55] San Francisco Arts Commission [00:44:00] It Was Always Here[00:46:34] Teatro Campesino[00:46:40] La PeñaFollow DavidWebsiteInstagramBandcampFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with Liza Luxenberg, the Senior Vice President of Aurora Productions. Aurora is a production management and technical supervision company that specializes in Broadway, Off-Broadway, and touring theater productions. Liza walks me through her journey from college stage manager, to intern, to her Senior Vice President role at Aurora. She is the first Broadway person I've interviewed since the announcement of Broadway's return and we discuss a bit about what that MAY look like. Things are moving fast toward re-opening and as you'll hear, we're very excited for that to happen.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:06:01] Bay Street Theater [00:07:11] Aurora Productions[00:16:17] Intern at Aurora Productions[00:17:24] Work at Aurora Productions[00:28:44] Michael Kors Fashion ShowFollow Aurora ProductionsWebsiteFacebookFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Arianna Gass is a theater-maker who primarily occupies the multimedia theater space. They are a worker-owner of Obvious Agency, an artist cooperative in Philadelphia known for creating interactive live performance. They are also currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago which we talk extensively about. This was an enlightening conversation for me and really exposed me to areas of theatre and performance theory that I did not know much about before today. For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.comMentioned in this Episode[00::02:20] Stella Adler Teen Conservatory [00:04:56] Vasser College Experimental Theater [00:05:55] Barnes Foundation[00:10:15] Obvious Agency and Creative Cooperative Futures[00:11:53] Applied Mechanics[00:11:54] Headlong Dance Theater[00:09:55] Ninth Planet[00:13:15] New York Theater Workshop[00:14:11] Ivo Van Hove [00:16:17] Barnes Jawnt [00:18:50] Bicycle Coalition[00:18:53] Black and Brown Workers Cooperative[00:19:11] US Federation of Worker Cooperatives[00:19:17] Girls Rock Philly[00:28:21] Hamletmachine [00:29:13] The Wooster Group[00:29:14] The Wooster Group's HamletFollow AriannaWebsiteTwitterFollow Obvious AgencyWebsiteFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show, I speak with Erica Andracchio. Erica is the Executive Director at Left Coast Theater in San Francisco. Left Coast is an independent theater that is dedicated to elevating new works by LGBTQ+ artists. We discuss her journey to becoming an Executive Director, what that looks like at a theater like Left Coast and some of the key differences and similarities between her role and that of an Artistic Director. Erica is a woman who wears many hats and we discuss a few very different ones throughout this episode.For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:29] Curran Theater [00:13:58] Just Not Sorry Browser Extension[00:14:50] Left Coast Theater Company[00:17:47] San Francisco Here I ComeFollow EricaWebsiteInstagramFollow Left Coast Theater CompanyWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show, I speak with Ryan McAlpine, a flying director with Flying by Foy. Ryan is a Flying Director on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in New York, San Francisco, and the Australia production which is currently on stage in Melbourne. Ryan is currently in Australia with the show and while we talk extensively about what it takes to fly in a production, he also gives me a good glimpse of the health and safety protocols that Australia has put into place for theater. For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:47] Flying by Foy[00:05:06] Utah Shakespeare[00:31:23]  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child [00:33:55] The Curran[00:36:56] Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ScriptFollow RyanInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's show I speak with navi, an Artistic Lead at Flying V theater in Washington DC.  We discuss their background in music and how that lead them to theater through the Capital Fringe Festival, what the DC theater scene is like, the definition of "nerdcore" in terms of music, and what it means to be the Artistic Lead of the R&D department for a theater. For a full transcript of this episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:02:53] Capital Fringe Festival[00:04:19] Pointless Theater Company[00:04:24] Flying V[00:14:34] Synetic Theater Company[00:25:02] Doom Remix[00:27:26] Nerdcore Music Competition [00:27:42] Naveed 19[00:37:38] Paperless Pulp[00:45:34] Gallaudet University Follow naviFacebookInstagramBand CampFollow Flying VWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On this episode, I speak with Keith Josef Adkins, a playwright and artistic director of The New Black Fest. Keith originally went to school for broadcast journalism with the dream of becoming a weatherman, so how exactly did he transition into playwriting and becoming an artistic director? Keith takes me through his artistic journey, how he became a playwright, and the inspiration for starting The New Black Fest.For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode [00:00:51] The New Black Fest [00:10:04] Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe[00:17:11] Maria Irene Fornes [00:21:27] Henry Dumas [00:26:38] The People Before the Park[00:26:55] Seneca Village[00:27:01] Archeological evidence from Seneca Village[00:27:17] The Demolition of Seneca Village[00:29:56] Epic Theater Ensemble [00:30:18] New York Historical Society [00:40:10] The National Black Theater [00:40:13] Jonathan McCrory[00:40:24] Apollo Theater[00:41:18] The Movement Theater Company[00:41:19] 48 hours in Harlem[00:41:21] The New Federal TheaterFollow KeithTwitterInstagramFollow The New Black FestWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show I speak with Judith Franklin, or as Matthew Neff from episode 17 calls her “Broadway’s Judith Franklin”. Judith and I discuss how she went from the Sunshine Choir at her local church, to performing in Ethiopia, to her journey to Broadway and appearing in both Donna: The Donna Summer Musical and most recently her ensemble turn in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Mentioned in this Episode[00:21:19] Atlanta Lyric Theater[00:24:31] Orbit Arts Academy[00:39:08] Broadway Inspirational Voices[01:03:49] Joy in a JarFollow JudithWebsiteInstagramCompanyFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Ngozi Anyanwu is an actor and award-winning playwright (Good Grief, Homecoming Queen).  During this conversation, we discuss her early years in theater, how she went from actor to playwright, her journey to landing an agent, what it means to make The Kilroys List (2016), and so much more.  For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:43] The Thespian Conference[00:05:33] The Public Theater[00:05:34] Rattlestick Theater[00:16:06] On Grief and Grieving by David Kessler[00:38:22] The KilroysFollow NgoziTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Sarah Enloe is the Director of Education at the American Shakespeare Center. We discuss the role an education director plays for a theater, the practical research efforts that infuse performances at the ASC, and how scholarship informs all aspects of the company. For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:36] American Shakespeare Center[00:01:58] Shakespeare Theater Association [00:03:56] #SHXCamp[00:04:20] Shakespeare and Leadership [00:09:44] Mary Baldwin University – Master of Letters/Master of Fine Arts[00:13:01] The Knight of the Burning Pestle[00:15:18] Actors’ Renaissance Season[00:18:00] Tiffany Stern [00:18:17] Shakespeare's Globe [00:18:19] Peter McCurdy[00:30:48] Stage of American Fight Directors[00:34:55] UIL One Act Play Festival[00:38:22] Anchuli Felicia King [00:38:37] Shakespeare's New Contemporaries[00:40:08] Ira Aldridge[00:44:49] Blackfriars Conference[00:47:33] Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay[00:47:34] Spanish Tragedy [00:48:03] Bonduca[00:48:09] Gallathea [00:57:41] Give Way To Night[00:57:44] From Unseen Fire[00:59:07] Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail[00:59:33] Basic City Beer[01:01:11] Baja Bean Co.Follow SarahFacebookTwitterInstagramASC Education DepartmentFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Guy Kwan is a Broadway Production Manager with Juniper Street Productions. His current shows include Come From Away, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Moulin Rouge. Guy walks me through his early start with Mirvish Productions in Canada, how he eventually made his way to Broadway, and exactly when he becomes involved with a Broadway show. I learned SO MUCH from our conversation about the role a production manager and technical director truly plays on a production.For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:00:52] Juniper Street Productions [00:04:20] Mirvish Productions [00:34:20] Come From Away Concert in NewfoundlandFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Joseph Ahmed is a Philadelphia-based theatre-maker. Joe wears many hats in the theater community which we discuss at length, including actor, director, and most recently playwright. He’s also currently working as an arts administrator for an organization that is helping to provide emergency funding to artists hurting during this current economic climate. For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:19] Boston University for Theater Arts[00:05:58] Grotowski [00:10:55] Shakespeare & Company [00:15:06] Philadelphia School of Circus Arts[00:16:20] Bad Quarto of Hamlet[00:31:14] Pig Iron Theater [00:31:24] Jacques Lecoq[00:31:44] Almanac Dance Circus Theater [00:32:15] Tribe of Fools [00:37:26] Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania [00:41:28] Obvious AgencyFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show, I speak with playwright Carmen Rivera. If you recognize Carmen’s name it’s because her play La Gringa is one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows in history. Get this, La Gringa celebrates its TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR at the Spanish Repertory Theatre this year. Carmen and I have a really insightful conversation around new play development, why she believes La Gringa continues to have such a long and successful life, and what teaching theater in the time of COVID really looks like. For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:04:01] Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre [00:13:25] The Women’s Project [00:14:28] Watch La Gringa [00:14:29] Spanish Repertory Theater [00:14:55] René Buch Follow CarmenWebsiteFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show, I speak with Buist Bickley a Broadway Props Supervisor. Buist has worked on more shows than I can actually count or keep track of, and when Broadway shut down he estimates he had about nine shows running on Broadway or on tour. Buist walks me through how he became a props supervisor, what’s considered a prop and what’s not (spoiler, Evan Hansen’s cast? Not a prop), and what exactly a props supervisor does during rehearsal. I love talking about props and I know you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:06:06] South Carolina Governor's School for Theater Arts[00:07:33] College Light Opera Company [00:08:17] Cortland Repertory Theater [00:09:01] Westport Country Playhouse [00:25:19] Basil Twist[00:43:49] SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical[00:44:02] Rube Goldberg [01:00:00] Fifth Hammer Follow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show, I speak with playwright Migdalia Cruz. You may remember Elisa Bocanegra mentioning Migdalia in episode 18 for her work on María Irene Fornés’ documentary. We discuss her experience working with María Irene Fornés, how she helped Migdalia uncover her true playwrighting voice in a way that Columbia was unable to do, as well as her current project turning her translation of Macbeth into a podcast. I loved speaking with Migdalia about all of this as well as her early life writing plays.For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:02:39] Bil Baird Marionettes[00:08:22] INTAR[00:26:41] Oregon Shakespeare Festival[00:27:08] Next Chapter Podcast[00:28:05] The Play On! Festival[00:33:26] African-American Shakespeare Company[00:33:31] Actors Shakespeare Project [00:41:00] Northern Broadsides[00:44:07] Wooster Group - HAMLETMore about Migdalia2020-21 projects: Macbeth, Summer 2021 @Theatre SpaceNE in Sunderland, England.Teaching playwriting at Princeton University and the Actors’ Center, Spring 2021Co-chair of the 2019-2021 DGF’s Playwriting Fellows with Lucy Thurber.Commission from Clubbed Thumb & NYSCA for FISHTANK.Publications: Her translations of MACBETH and RICHARD III to be published by Arizona State University and The Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in 2021; and her essay It’s Free on Wednesdays was included in “Theater Artists Making Theatre With No Theater," by Tripwire Harlot Press, eds., Spring, 2020.During the Summer & Fall of 2020, she made five pieces for the theater: Macaque Nightmares, with James Martinez, and Dreamy Fields, with Ephraim López, for HERO Theatre’s HEROVotes! project; Looking-glass for Planet Connections in the evening “Love & Kindness in The Time of Quarantine,” directed by Regina Taylor, featuring Zabryna Guevara; Meat and Other Broken Promises, with Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga, for The Homebound Project, 4th Edition, directed by Cándido Tirado; and in November 2020, she collaborated with the composer Cristian Amigo, for a live, geo-located theatre/sound piece in Battery Park, NY with INTAR Theater, Lives Of The New Kind Of Saints: a blessing/prayer for the essential workers guided by orishas, saints and angels, available on the ECHOES app.For more info on María Irene Fornés visit The Fornés Institute.Follow MigdaliaWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Joseph Corella is a dancer, choreographer, and founder of 567Broadway! Joseph takes me through how he got started in dance, his journey to the Broadway stage, and why he wanted to create 567Broadway! If you’ve never heard of 567Broadway!, I am so excited to introduce you to Joseph AND to the popular dance fitness class--and don’t worry if you have zero dance skill (like myself), the class is for all levels!For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:02:30] Spisak Dance Academy[00:05:34] Over the Moon[00:10:23] The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute[00:30:04] Broadway Dance CenterFollow 567Broadway!WebsiteFacebookInstagramTik TokFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

Chrissy Hogue Bartles is an actor, producer, and filmmaker. In addition to her acting career, she is on a mission to teach actors how to make money at their craft no matter where they live. New York, Chicago, LA get a lot of press in the acting world, but there are thousands of people all over this country trying to make a living in acting and Chrissy walks me through some of her biggest recommendations. No matter how long you’ve been at this game called entertainment there is something in this episode for everyone. And if you know an actor or someone who dreams of acting, be sure to share this with them. Sometimes the smallest suggestion can help us all think out of the box enough to begin to make huge strides.For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:7:23] Julien Dubuque International Film Festival[00:14:03] Wendy Alane Wright[00:18:12] ACX[00:18:34] Audacity[00:26:22] Upwork[00:26:54] Freelancer.com[00:26:56] Fiverr[00:28:41] Voices.com[00:40:39] The Queen’s Gambit – NY Times Article Books Recommended by Chrissy*Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business by Bonnie GillespieAudition by Michael ShurtleffRespect for Acting by Uta HagenAn Actor Prepares by Constantin StanislavskiSanford Meisner on Acting by Sanford MeisnerFollow ChrissyInstagramYouTubeFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, Chrissy will receive a small commission.

Jonathan McCrory is the Artistic Director of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre. Jonathan walks me through his serendipitous beginnings at the Duke Ellington School in Washington DC to his current position at National Black Theater. Jonathan considers himself a “creative doula” a term I had never heard until this conversation, but after “meeting” Jonathan I can think of no better description.For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:03] Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theater[00:01:55] Duke Ellington School[00:07:58] The Movement Theater Company[00:08:23] Harlem 9[00:08:27] Next Gen Network[00:08:30] Black Theater Commons[00:08:36] HowlRound[00:33:49] New Black FestFollow JonathanWebsiteFollow The National Black TheatreWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s episode, I speak with Cat Ramirez a director and producer. Cat is the current Creative Director of Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists which serves to enhance and strengthen the presence of Asian Americans in the Philadelphia theatre community. Our conversation runs the gamut from the definition of devised works, to the creation of PAPA, to their love of anime. For a full transcript of today's episode go to beyondthelightspodcast.com. Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:55] Mariadela Belle Alvarez [00:03:57] Carl(os) Roa [00:08:50] Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists [00:09:25] Makoto Hirano Open Letter [00:11:25] Asian Arts Initiative [00:11:38] Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival [00:11:50] PAPA Playwrights Project [00:11:59] Stephanie Kyung-Sun Walters[00:15:20] Bearded Ladies Cabaret [00:15:36] Obvious Agency [00:19:36] Interact Theater Company [00:25:50] Directors Gathering [00:35:40] Watch Yu Yu Hakusho [00:35:45] About Yu Yu Hakusho Follow CatWebsiteInstagramFollow Philadelphia Asian Performing ArtistsWebsiteFacebookInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show...well, we don’t have a show today. Because of the upcoming holidays, I’ve decided to take a little bit of a break. Catch up on some editing, bank some future interviews, and also just take things easy. I am so excited for what the new year will bring. I have several episodes waiting to be shared, and many more scheduled in the coming weeks. People are doing cool things out there and I feel so very lucky that so many have spent their time with me over the last five months. New episodes will begin again on Jan. 11th, so use this free time to catch-up on past ones. There are twenty, yes, TWENTY previous episodes to check out that I promise you don’t want to miss. I’ll still be on the socials during the coming weeks so be sure to like, tweet, message me, whatever, in the meantime. And with that, Happy Holidays everyone (if you celebrate) and I’ll catch ya in 2021!

On today's episode, I speak with Jason Joseph a Broadway Hair Supervisor. I fully admit I knew nothing about the world of Broadway Hair prior to our conversation, but he is so great at explaining how the hair department operates and what exactly is involved working on new and established productions. If you've been listening to the show for a bit, you know I'm a little obsessed with Broadway quick changes, which I consider to be a special brand of theatrical magic, so I was NOT disappointed to learn how hair fits into those moments.For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:08:35] Ali on the Run Show [00:09:01] University of Maine Marine Biology Program [00:14:39] Big Fish Cast Recording [00:19:55] Bullets Over Broadway Cast Recording [00:26:27] Something Rotten! Cast Recording [00:32:45] Nishida Bobby Pins [00:49:59] IATSE Local 798 [00:52:28] School of Rock Cast Recording Follow JasonInstagram Follow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today's episode, I speak with Markéta Fantová, a scenographer, and the current artistic director of the Prague Quadrennial. She gives me a great break down of what exactly a scenographer is, her experience moving from the Czech Republic and then moving and working in the US, and the ins and outs of the Prague Quadrennial.Before speaking with Brad in episode 10 I was entirely unfamiliar with PQ, but after speaking with him and now Markéta I'm ready to pack my bags for the 2023 edition and I think you will be too.For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:00:37] Brad Caleb Lee Episode [00:01:03] Prague Quadrennial [00:08:25] Undermain Theater [00:26:27] Heidelberg Project [00:35:44] PQ Studio [00:38:21] Emergence [00:49:42] Sleep No More [00:58:11] The Illustrated Man Follow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagramDisclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link which I may earn a small commission from if you make a purchase.

Elisa Bocanegra is the Producing Artistic Director of Hero Theatre in Los Angeles. Elisa began acting at the age of 17 with the famous Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Company in New York. After years of pursuing an acting career in film, tv, regional theatres, and off-Broadway productions, a backstage conversation with her mentor Olympia Dukakis led Elisa to create Hero Theatre. We talk about everything that led up to that moment, what has since followed, and why she has no desire to return to institutional theater in its current state. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:00:19] Hero Theatre [00:02:05] Theater Communications Group [00:02:10] Oregon Shakespeare Festival [00:04:01] María Irene Fornés [00:04:39] The Rest I Makeup – María Irene Fornés Documentary [00:04:52] Intar Theater [00:05:54] Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Company [00:06:30] LA Stage Alliance [00:08:46] Crossroads Theater[00:16:49] Inner-City Arts [00:20:06] Downtown Women's Center[00:20:07] East LA Women’s Shelter [00:20:09] Alexandria House [00:23:31] Troy review by Tracey Paleo Follow Hero TheatreWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show, I speak with Matthew Neff from the wardrobe department of well…15 Broadway musicals in the last FOUR years. Are you tired just thinking about it? Because I am. Before March 12th he was a stitcher on West Side Story and since the shutdown, Matthew has pivoted to form his own business that earns himself and other Broadway wardrobe professionals some income while we all endure “The Great Pause”. Be sure to check out the links below for more information! For a full transcript visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:47:05] Shop Neff NYC [00:47:50] Stud Muffin [00:48:17] Arel Studios [00:54:00] AFC Pride Mask 00:54:01] Ali Forney Center Follow MatthewWebsiteInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Teri Ball is currently the Executive Director of Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California. We discuss what it takes to become a successful executive director and how she is keeping her theater alive during the current health crisis. When we were originally connected she was described to me as “the most born-to-be-an-executive-director ever” and after you listen to our conversation, I think you will agree! If you or someone, you know, has superior administrative skills and loves theater, this is the episode for you.For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:00:53] Center Stage Theater [00:16:41] John H. Heinz School for Public Policy [00:20:31] Pittsburgh Public Theater [00:29:24] Selected Shorts [00:33:47] The Moth Follow Center Stage TheaterFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow TeriInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s show, I speak with playwright, producer, and photographer Garlia Cornelia Jones. I’ve known Garlia for about 13 years and in that time she has actively created space for Black voices in New York City. But her work in this space has roots beyond New York, going back to her time at Indiana University and continuing through today with her work at The Public Theater. Our conversation begins with her children telling us what a producer does, transitioning into the project she is currently working on, and diving into her artistic family’s influence on her life. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.comMentioned in this Episode[00:05:55] Say Their Names Project [00:23:44] Fire this Time Festival[00:23:45] Blackboard Plays [00:23:46] Harlem 9 [00:23:47] Liberation Theatre Company [00:23:50] The Movement Theatre Company [00:24:29] The Classic Theatre of Harlem [00:24:33] National Black Theatre [00:24:42] Negro Ensemble Company [00:26:57] Marian Rice Players [00:31:41] Parent Artists Advocacy League [00:40:31] School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play [00:47:51] Broadway Inspirational Voices Follow GarliaWebsitePatreonFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s episode, I speak with Sara Jean Ford, a Broadway actor most recently seen in Cats. We discuss her early life in a professional children’s chorus, her experience stepping into established roles on Broadway, and why being in the Cats revival was so. very. hard. Sara also offers some great insight into being a working actor while simultaneously being a single mom and all that that entails. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:02:20] Revival Cast Recording of The Fantasticks [00:06:18] Arts Council Center of Conejo Valley [00:06:25] Young Artists Ensemble [00:10:43] Carnegie Mellon University[00:14:00] Demetrius Grosse[00:42:27] Will Reynolds [00:42:33] Fred Ebb AwardFollow SaraInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On another very special episode of "Brenden and Brian Explain Musicals to me that I Should Know, But Don't" we dive into all things Wild Party. And not just a singular Wild Party, no, no, two different versions that just happened to premiere in New York City during the same 2000 season. Join us as they break down the differences between Andrew Lippa's Wild Party and Michael John LaChiusa's Wild Party and how exactly they came to exist at the Exact. Same. Time. For a full transcript of today's episode please visit beyondthelightspodcast.comSpecial thanks to Brandon Wei for this episode's artwork!Disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this episode are our own and do not represent the position, strategy, or brands of any theatrical organization.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:19] Wild Party by Andrew Lippa [00:01:33] Wild Party by Michael John LaChiusa [00:03:07] "Wild Party" by Joseph Moncure March [00:05:37] O’Neill Center [00:05:48] The Public Theater [00:31:21] Tony Performance of LaChiusa’s Wild Party Follow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Patrick Musni is currently the Props Master at the Curran in San Francisco. He takes us through the all-encompassing job of a house props master, his journey to becoming a union member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, what life is like as a touring stagehand, and just how long it took to build the San Francisco production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.For a full transcript of today's episode please visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:1:02] IATSE [00:01:38] The Curran [00:03:16] War Memorial Opera House [00:07:47] The National Theatre of London [00:14:14] San Francisco Opera [00:38:32] Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – San Francisco Follow the CurranFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Velina Hasu Houston is an award-winning writer of plays, opera, film, tv, novels--the list goes on and on. We talk about what it was like growing up as a mixed-race woman in Kansas and how that has informed her writing, her use of magical realism and whether or not she has a ghost in all of her plays, and the kinds of plays she thinks we will see AFTER Covid. For a full transcript of today's episode please visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:10] Matcha Book [00:15:28] Manhattan Theatre Club [00:16:10] TheatreWorks Silicon Valley [00:39:51] Hero Theatre [00:40:16] Hero Votes [00:48:35] Road Theatre Company [00:48:54] Zoom Series Follow VelinaWebsiteInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Brad Caleb Lee is a visual dramaturge working in both the US and Europe. We discuss how he went from pursuing a business degree in Alabama to becoming a sought-after theater maker in Europe, the difference between working in opera vs theater, and what exactly the term “visual dramaturge” means. Brad's resume is extensive and our conversation truly shines a light on the diversity of work a theater-maker can pursue within the industry.For a full transcript of this episode please visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:08:46] Prague Quadrennial [00:09:52] World Stage Design [00:11:20] United States Institute for Theatre Technology [00:16:56] 36Q – Prague Quadrennial 2015 [00:17:08] 36Q – Prague Quadrennial – 2019 [00:27:38] Scene Change[00:41:01] Tom Waits’ Blood Money [00:43:30] Filament Theater [00:55:15] Decameron Opera Coalition Follow BradWebsiteInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s episode, I speak with Laurel Parrish from the Wardrobe Department at Wicked. Laurel and I discuss what it’s like to be a dresser on Broadway, the ins and outs of quick changes, and costume fabric care. Our conversation is a unique look at what happens backstage at a Broadway show and she shares some great advice for anyone looking to work in a production wardrobe department. Laurel also provides a few fun Wicked wardrobe facts that you won't want to miss, so stick around until the very end. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:03:43] University of California at Santa Barbara [00:5:42] Roundabout Hidden Career Paths [00:38:23] AtmosKlear [00:41:56] LaDuca [00:43:50] Dior Dress Follow LaurelTwitterInstagram Follow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagramDisclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link which I may earn a small commission from if you make a purchase.

Jon Lawrence Rivera is the co-founder and artistic director of Playwrights' Arena in Los Angeles; a theater dedicated to "to discovering, nurturing and producing bold new works for the stage written exclusively by Los Angeles playwrights."On today's episode, Jon and I discuss his early life in the Philippines and Australia and how those experiences shaped the kinds of stories he seeks to tell. We also delve into the new play process and the journey a new play takes from page to stage. For a full transcript, please visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:00:55] Playwrights' Arena[00:04:23] Here Lies Love[00:21:16] New Pages Lab [00:46:03] LGBT Center of Los Angeles [00:47:41] About March at the LGBT Center of Los Angeles [00:49:25] Tickets to March at the LGBT Center of Los Angeles Follow Playwrights' ArenaWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

I come from the world of new plays and Shakespeare, but my musical knowledge is...lacking. Prior to joining a Broadway marketing team, I attended MAYBE a musical a year? Now, I LOVE musicals, they just were never in my theatrical world...but the longer I worked in the commercial theater industry, the more I realized I was out of my musical depth.So, I decided to enlist my friends Brenden Rogers and Brian Dumbreski to teach me the ways of all the musicals that didn't make it through my pre-2014, One-Musical-A-Year filter, and thus this special bonus episode of "Brenden and Brian explaining The Little Shop of Horrors to Me" was born.For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Special thanks to Brandon Wei for this episode's artwork!Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:47] Off-Broadway Cast Recording [00:01:49] Broadway Cast Recording [00:01:51] 1986 Film - Director's Cut[00:03:24] Maries Crisis [00:03:32] Off-Broadway Production [00:04:40] Ellen Greene [00:20:31] Desperate Housewives Episode List [00:21:10] Audrey II Puppets [00:25:21] Howard Ashman Documentary [00:33:43] Lee Wilkof and Ellen Greene – Suddenly Seymour [00:41:46] Howard Ashman Papers [00:49:03] Ellen Greene on the Standard Drama Awards Additional Recommendations from BrianLittle Shop of Horrors CartoonBroadway Cast performs at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagramDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which I may earn a small commission from if you make a purchase.

On this episode, I speak with Jenny Grace Makholm and Matthew-Lee Erlbach two of the co-founders of Be An Arts Hero. The Arts and Culture sector employs 5.1 million people and provides $877 billion value added to the economy. It adds more value than transportation, agriculture, or tourism, and is a cornerstone of the larger U.S. economy, making up 4.5% of the GDP. Be an Arts Hero is an intersectional grassroots campaign comprised of Arts & Culture workers, Unions, and institutions in the United States pushing the Senate to allocate proportionate relief to the Arts & Culture sector of the American economy. Jenny and Matthew are here to break down the numbers and discuss steps we can all take to help save this vital piece of our nation's economy.For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:6:17] National Assembly of States Arts Agencies [00:21:41] The Dawn Act [00:28:50] The Brookings Institute Study [00:34:26] Be An Arts Hero – Get Involved [0034:46] Call Your Senator Database [00:34:54] Call Your Senator Script [00:36:05] Email Your Senator [00:36:28] Social Media Graphics Follow Be An Arts HeroWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagram

On today’s episode, I speak with actor and producer Tanis Parenteau who does a little of everything in the acting world: from theater to film to audiobooks and podcasts. We discuss how she found her way to a Drama 101 class, how her training helped her sustain a lead role in a long-running play, and why Billions was her favorite tv show to film to date. Tanis is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Canada and we also talk about why representation is important in all aspects of media. For a full transcript of today's episode visit beyondthelightspodcast.com.Mentioned in this Episode[00:01:08] Métis Nation of Alberta, Canada[00:24:47] Manahatta [00:36:55] ACX [00:39:08] Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse [00:41:41] AHAB [00:44:05] The Moment with Brian Koppleman [00:46:54] Not Invisible: Native Women on the Front Lines [00:50:17] Rebecca Nagle on Pod Save America [00:52:13] This Land [00:53:15] Tara Houska [00:55:21] Red House Series on Instagram [00:55:30] Red House Series [01:02:00] Paula Vogel’s Bard at the Gate Follow TanisWebsite Facebook TwitterInstagramYouTubeFollow Red House SeriesWebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramFollow Beyond the LightsFacebookTwitterInstagramDisclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link which I may earn a small commission from if you make a purchase.