With Special Guest (WSG)

While his peers at Interlochen Arts Camp excelled in one particular arts area, Jesse Green (IAC 67-74) dabbled in everything Interlochen had to offer. Years later, Green uses every facet of his Interlochen education in his work as the Co-Chief Theater Critic for the New York Times. Tommy caught up with Green for a discussion on artistic generalism and the transformational power of Interlochen. The episode concludes with a performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis,” performed by the 1989 Arts Academy String Orchestra.   More: https://www.nytimes.com/by/jesse-green 

In this episode, you’ll hear five readings recorded at Interlochen Center for the Arts. The first two feature guest authors Danez Smith and Alexandra Kleeman. The final three readings come from current Interlochen Arts Academy creative writing majors.   “Dinosaurs in the Hood” by Danez Smith Excerpt from “You Too Can Have A Body Like Mine” by Alexandra Kleeman “Jackie Wilson: Funny” by Darius Atefat-Peckham Excerpt from "Thin Skin: An Index" by Yanna Cassell"Paler" by Sylvanna Vitali

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Nick Westrate, an actor on the AMC series Turn: Washington’s Spies and an actors’ equity advocate. Join Tommy and Nick for a discussion of avant-garde theatre, actors’ equity and bringing to life one of history’s most mysterious characters. The second half of the program features the world-premiere performance of “Beauty Ancient and New” by the 2016-17 Arts Academy Band and Sareem Poems. The piece, written by Arts Academy Instructor of Music Theory Tom Childs, commemorates the life and works of St. Augustine of Hippo.   Westrate’s platform on artists’ equity: http://www.fairwageoncouncil.org/portfolio/nick-westrate/ The Actors’ Equity Association website: http://www.actorsequity.org/ Composition program notes: http://juxtacomposed.com/music/beauty/ 

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Interlochen alumni Dane Laffrey and Michael Arden following the Oct. 25 preview event for the duo’s latest production, "Once on this Island." Once roommates at Interlochen, Michael, the director, and Dane, the scenic designer, are frequent collaborators on stages both on and off Broadway. Their interpretation of Ahrens and Flaherty’s musical "Once on this Island" opens at Circle in the Square Theatre on Dec. 3. Join Tommy, Michael and Dane for a discussion on working in the round, diversity in theatre and how Interlochen shaped their careers. The second half of the episode features newly released historical audio from composer Aaron Copland’s 1967 visit to Interlochen. Hear more from Copland's visit: https://soundcloud.com/interlochen_arts/sets/aaron-copland-at-interlochen

In this episode, indie composer and Son Lux founder Ryan Lott joins Tommy in the studio during his visit to Interlochen Arts Academy. Tommy and Ryan discuss his collaboration with the Interlochen Arts Academy comparative arts students, making a record in only 28 days, and his passion for composing for dancers. The episode concludes with the piece Lott composed for Interlochen. The official “Patterns Change” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGquIDI1ycc Son Lux songs on So You Think You Can Dance: “Tear, Part 1”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_3f588Qiyk “Breathe”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Ws51PoK_U “Change is Everything”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0NhLbbEZhQ

Jonnah Speidel (IAA 94-96), better known by her stage name, Our Lady J, is a writer and musician best known for her role as the only transgender writer on the Amazon original series, Transparent. In this episode, Jonnah joins host Tommy Valdez to discuss her rural roots, being an artist and the importance of representation in Hollywood. The episode concludes with a performance of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky” by Interlochen Arts Academy student Cookie Dutch. "Transparent" audio provided by Topple, Picrow and Amazon Studios. Editors note: The episode contains mild language. Jonnah’s website: http://www.ourladyj.com Jonnah’s tree, featuring Interlochen ornaments: https://www.instagram.com/p/BONtIqBhYrI/?taken-by=ourladyj http://interlochen.org/wsg