Podcasts about American Conservatory Theater

Episode 149 - Tools and Techniques for Actors In part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Matt Chastain continues his conversation with accomplished actor Todd Terry. Known for his roles in popular shows like 'Vindication,' '1923,' and 'The Chosen,' as well as many well known films, Todd discusses his career journey, the challenges of playing various roles, and his aspirations to diversify into comedy. He shares insights into the acting craft, emphasizing the importance of good writing, effective memorization techniques, and the impact of strong scene partners. The episode provides a deep dive into Todd's experiences and offers practical advice for aspiring actors.Highlights Include:Spotlight on Recent RolesComedy AspirationsBalancing Comedy and DramaScript MemorizationTools and Techniques for ActorsImportance of Scene PartnersWorking with the Vindication CastFuture Projects and AspirationsThe Resurgence of WesternsRespecting the Craft of ActingBio:Todd Terry, a native Dallasite, began his career in television, film and theater over 38 years ago. He studied theater at The National Youth Theater of Great Britain, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and Professional Actors Conservatory in Los Angeles. He has recently completed his fourth season as lead character, Gary Travis in the episodic series Vindication. Soon to be released film projects include The Senior, Hellcat and The Butcher. He will also be appearing in two comedic roles, the episodic series Fairwood and the film Empty Nets. He recently appeared in two of Taylor Sheridan's episodic Lioness and 1923. Additional film credits include Unbreakable Boy, Disciples in the Moonlight, Jesus Revolution, Five Feet Apart, Unplanned, Beyond the Farthest Star, Because of Gracia, Arlington Road and Walking Tall II. Todd has co-starred in several network television movies of the week including: The Legend of Cadillac Jack, In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy and The Year Without Santa Claus. He has recurred on such shows as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, and American Crime. Additional co-star roles include Walker, The Winchesters, Mr. Mercedes, Drop Dead Diva, Dallas, My Generation, Chase, Walker-Texas Ranger and Friday Night Lights. He has appeared in commercials for Birdseye, JSX Airlines, Home Title Lock, Leaf Guard, Texas Oncology, American Airlines, Visionworks, Cabella's, Cooper Tires, Showtime, Blockbuster, TXU, Service King, Brookshire's, Pepsi and Braum's. He served as the President of the Dallas/Ft Worth branch of the Screen Actors Guild in 2001.Todd Terry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddterryactor/Purpose Film and Media Festival: https://www.purposefest.net/FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter's Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VVIP Producers Mentorship Program

Episode 148 - Becoming Detective Travis In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, your host, Matt Chastain interviews actor Todd Terry, renowned for his role as Detective Travis in the series 'Vindication'. Todd discusses his journey into acting, which began in high school. He shares his experiences in theater, film, and working with various directors, discussing the differences between stage and film acting. He reflects on his path to faith and its influence on his career choices. The conversation covers the evolution of his character in 'Vindication', the importance of subtlety in acting, and the challenges of balancing Christian values with the demands of the film industry.Highlights Include:Welcome and IntroductionEarly Acting JourneyExperiences with TheatreActing for Theater vs. FilmSubtlety in ActingTerry's Introduction to VindicationChallenges for Faith-Based FilmsBalancing Secular and Faith-Based RolesNavigating Content BoundariesDeveloping Detective TravisWorking with Director Jarod O'FlahertyConclusion and FarewellBio:Todd Terry, a native Dallasite, began his career in television, film and theater over 38 years ago. He studied theater at The National Youth Theater of Great Britain, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and Professional Actors Conservatory in Los Angeles. He has recently completed his fourth season as lead character, Gary Travis in the episodic series Vindication. Soon to be released film projects include The Senior, Hellcat and The Butcher. He will also be appearing in two comedic roles, the episodic series Fairwood and the film Empty Nets. He recently appeared in two of Taylor Sheridan's episodic Lioness and 1923. Additional film credits include Unbreakable Boy, Disciples in the Moonlight, Jesus Revolution, Five Feet Apart, Unplanned, Beyond the Farthest Star, Because of Gracia, Arlington Road and Walking Tall II. Todd has co-starred in several network television movies of the week including: The Legend of Cadillac Jack, In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy and The Year Without Santa Claus. He has recurred on such shows as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, and American Crime. Additional co-star roles include Walker, The Winchesters, Mr. Mercedes, Drop Dead Diva, Dallas, My Generation, Chase, Walker-Texas Ranger and Friday Night Lights. He has appeared in commercials for Birdseye, JSX Airlines, Home Title Lock, Leaf Guard, Texas Oncology, American Airlines, Visionworks, Cabella's, Cooper Tires, Showtime, Blockbuster, TXU, Service King, Brookshire's, Pepsi and Braum's. He served as the President of the Dallas/Ft Worth branch of the Screen Actors Guild in 2001.Todd Terry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddterryactor/Purpose Film and Media Festival: https://www.purposefest.net/FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter's Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VVIP Producers...

We are excited to bring you this new episode in our podcast series, The Art of Collaboration with Anne Kauffman and dots. This series focuses on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators. This series explores the ins and outs of these processes, both finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into a productive collaboration on a show. In this episode you will hear an in-depth and transparent conversation with Anne and dots focused on the collaboration between directors and designers as well as navigating the industry as a collective.   Bios: dots (Scenic Designer) is a design collective creating environments for theater, film, commercials, and immersive experiences. Hailing from Colombia, South Africa, and Japan, we are Santiago Orjuela-Laverde, Andrew Moerdyk, and Kimie Nishikawa. As collaborators, we believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Recent highlights include the Broadway productions of Oh, Mary! ; Romeo + Juliet, An Enemy of the People (Tony Award Nomination for Best Scenic Design of a Play); Appropriate (Tony Award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for Outstanding Scenic Design); The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window; and The Big Gay Jamboree ; Recent awards include a 2024 Obie Award for Sustained Achievement in Design, 2023 and 2024 Henry Hewes Design Award, recipient of 2025 USA Fellowship Award . designbydots.com. Anne Kauffman (Director)'s credits include the New York Philharmonic, BAM, Ars Nova, NYTW, Roundabout Theatre Company, Encores! Off-Center, Women's Project, Playwrights Horizons, MCC, The Public, P73 Productions, New Georges, Vineyard Theatre, LCT3, Yale Rep, Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Z Space, American Conservatory Theater, and Berkeley Rep. She is a Resident Director at Roundabout Theatre, Artistic Associate and Founding Member of The Civilians, a Clubbed Thumb Affiliated Artist and co-creator of the CT Directing Fellowship, a New Georges Affiliated Artist, an SDC Executive Board Member, Vice President and Trustee of SDCF 2020-2023, and Artistic Director of City Center's Encores! Off-Center 2017-2020. Her awards include a 2024 Tony nomination for Best Director for Mary Jane, a 2023 Tony nomination for Best Revival for The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, three Obies, the Joan and Joseph Cullman Award for Exceptional Creativity from Lincoln Center, the Alan Schneider Director Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, a Drama League Award, and the Joe A. Callaway. She is co-creator of the Cast Album Project with Jeanine Tesori.   dots headshot courtesy of dots Anne Kauffman's headshot by Tess Mayer

Alan Blumenfeld, celebrated stage and screen actor with a Hollywood career spanning over 40 years, joins us! Alan tells us about his illustrious career, acting in the American Conservatory Theater to guest starring in hit series Heroes and Gilmore Girls. Plus, he answers all of our questions about working on medical shows, ER and Grey's Anatomy.

We're back! This week, we're diving into ACT's stellar production of Nobody Loves You, the sharp and hilarious musical that takes reality TV romance to the stage. We break down the show's witty book, infectious score, and standout performances that had us both laughing and fully invested. Plus, we discuss how this underrated gem brilliantly satirizes modern dating culture while delivering plenty of heart. Tune in as we share our favorite moments and why this production is a must-see!

Send us a textActress and Producer MERCEDEZ MCDOWELL speaks with WorldWide Entertainment TV Media about Season 3 of Wicked City streaming on ALLBLK.Mercedez McDowell is a SAG-AFTRA actress whose vibrant talent shines through her diverse roles on screen and stage. Represented by Eris Talent Agency (CA) and Jana VanDyke Agency (GA), Mercedez has captivated audiences in hit TV shows like Black-ish (ABC), The Resident (FOX), Heels (STARZ), and Why Women Kill (CBS). She currently stars in the fan-favorite series Wicked City on the ALLBLK network.With a rich foundation in theater from LAMDA and the American Conservatory Theater, Mercedez brings depth and passion to every role, having portrayed iconic characters in productions such as The Merchant of Venice, Antigone, and The Way of the World. Armed with an MA in Classical Text and Acting, she's also trained in stage combat and showcases a widerange of skills, from boxing and martial arts to dance and vocal performance. Support the showJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG261e_-_MmsxulLsGeakdQ/join

Actor Asher Grodman Interview | The Brett Allan Show | Playing 'Trevor' on 'Ghosts' CBS. SPOILER-FREE WATCH HERE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCKlp-qZeS4&t=182s Connect with us on our website for more amazing conversations! www.brettallanshow.com Have you got some feedback? Let us know! openmicguest@gmail.com Follow us on social media! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thebrettallanshow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brettallanshow/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrettAllanShow/videos LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-allan-009458168/ Support the show! VENMO @-Brett-Allan-7 Cash App @brettallanshow74  Asher Grodman is an actor, director, writer and producer who has worked across all mediums and currently stars as Trevor on the CBS hit comedy Ghosts. Other recent television appearances include Succession (HBO), Chicago Med (NBC), House of Cards(Netflix), Elementary (CBS) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit(NBC). He's worked extensively in independent film and theater across the country including the title role of Amadeus at South Coast Rep. Asher Grodman is also an award winning filmmaker. He wrote and directed the viral Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 Schedule Release (Webby Award for Best Scripted Video) - a mockumentary about the NFL being scripted. His short film The Train starring Academy Award Winner Eli Wallach, was featured in over 25 festivals and won numerous honors including recognitions for Best Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Sedona International Film Festival.  Asher holds a MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and a BA in Film and English from Columbia University in New York. He also teaches acting in the Hunter College Theater Department and previously to the inmates at Rikers Island.  https://www.ashergrodman.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest episode of the 2024 Full Circle Men on the Move series, I had the pleasure of hosting Conrad Crump, a passionate community activist with deep Sacramento and Oak Park family roots. Conrad's journey is nothing short of inspiring—he's a proud UC Berkeley alum, holding a bachelor's degree and going on to earn a master's degree in public policy from USC. But his story doesn't stop there; he's transitioned into acting and honed his craft at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater.   During our conversation, Conrad shared his unwavering love for the Black community, highlighting the importance of giving back and uplifting those around us. He also spoke with pride about his most cherished role—being a father to two beautiful daughters.   Don't miss this insightful discussion! Tune in to the podcast now, look for Ms. Wanda's Full Circle Radio to hear more about Conrad's journey, his dedication to community, and his reflections on fatherhood.   For sponsorship opportunities, email us at fullcircle975@gmail.com   Support our show Sponsors Urban Advocates & Achievers (UAA) https://www.theurbanadvocates.org Tapping with Dr. Gigi https://tappingwithdrgigi.com/ Serendipity Innovation serendipityinnovation.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iammswanda/support

On today's episode, we chat with Todd Terry! Todd's latest project, Disciples in the Moonlight, is out now!  Todd Terry, a native of Dallas, began his entertainment career more than 35 years ago. He studied theater at The National Youth Theater of Great Britain, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, and Professional Actors Conservatory in Los Angeles. He is currently filming his fourth season as the lead in the episodic series Vindication. He can also be seen in the upcoming films The Senior, Unbreakable Boy, and DISCIPLES IN THE MOONLIGHT. Upcoming TV projects include the comedy series “Fairwood” and the Mike Rowe's series “The Way I Heard It.” Additional film credits include Jesus Revolution, Five Feet Apart, Unplanned, Beyond The Farthest Star, Because Of Gracia, Arlington Road, and Walking Tall II. Todd has co-starred in several network television movies of the week and co-starred or recurred in numerous shows including “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “Walker: Texas Ranger” and “Friday Night Lights.”  About Disciples in the Moonlight: In the not-too-distant future, the United States has banned the Bible for its “offensiveness” and replaced it with a government-approved version. A small group of Christians are recruited to smuggle God's Word to underground churches throughout the Midwest. With a ruthless federal agent in hot pursuit, the believers must choose between following the law or honoring and trusting God. disciplesinthemoonlightmovie.com @disciplesinthemoonlight @toddterryactor christianmusicguys.com @christianmusicguys

IT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR: Deutero-Fung, a mold spore with big ideas, attempts to rally his fellow mold spores into blooming immediately and take over the apartment-verse, but Hyphae-Fung, a mold spore with even bigger ideas, warns the community that blooming early will be a mistake. Look out! Cuz it's Happening in your Refrigerator! Written by Greg Kotis Directed by Jonathan Cook Performed by Sol Baird as "Deutero-Fung"; Brad King as "Hyphae-Fung"; and the cast of Urinetown the Musical at Le Chat Noir Theatre as the mold spore community. Intro/Outro music: JK/47 About the writer: GREG KOTIS is a two time Tony™ Award winning author of many plays and musicals including Urinetown (Book/Lyrics), The End of All Flesh, I Am Nobody, The Truth About Santa, The Sting (Lyrics), Lunchtime, Give the People What They Want, Michael von Siebenburg Melts Through the Floorboards, Yeast Nation (Book/Lyrics), Pig Farm, Eat the Taste, and Jobey and Katherine. His work has been produced and developed in theaters across the country and around the world, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Conservatory Theater, American Theater Company, The Apollo (West End), The Brick, the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Conference, The Geva Center, Goodspeed, Musicals, Henry Miller's Theatre (Broadway), Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Stage and Film, New Line Theatre, The Old Globe, Perseverance Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, Soho Rep, South Coast Rep, The Saint James (Off West End), The Tank, and Village Theatre, among others. Future projects include ZM, an original musical about teenaged fast-food workers trying to survive a zombie plague. Greg co-founded Theater of The Apes with his wife Ayun Halliday (www.theater-of-the-apes.com), and is a member of the Neo-Futurists, the Cardiff Giant Theater Company, ASCAP, and the Dramatists Guild. He grew up in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, lives in New York City, and is the proud father of India and Milo. You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications) If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com) If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app! For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 36 - On the Set of Empty Nets with Todd Terry This week, host Geoffrey Whitt is on location, on the set of Empty Nets, and today's interview is with Actor Todd Terry. This is the forth interview in a series of short bonus episodes from the film set.Todd Terry, a native Dallasite, began his career in television, film and theater over 35 years ago. He studied theater at The National Youth Theater of Great Britain, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and Professional Actors Conservatory in Los Angeles. He is currently filming his fourth season as the lead, Gary Travis in the episodic series Vindication. He can also be seen in the upcoming films, The Senior with Michael Chiklis, Unbreakable Boy with Zachary Levy and Disciples in the Moonlight with Brett Varvel. Upcoming TV projects include the comedy series Fairwood and the Mike Rowe's series The Way I Heard It. Additional film credits include Jesus Revolution, Five Feet Apart, Unplanned, Beyond the Farthest Star, Because of Gracia, Arlington Road and Walking Tall II. Todd has co-starred in several network television movies of the week including: The Legend of Cadillac Jack, In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy and The Year Without Santa Claus. He has co-starred or recurred on such shows as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, Walker, The Winchesters, Mr. Mercedes, American Crime, Drop Dead Diva, Dallas, My Generation, Chase, Walker-Texas Ranger and Friday Night Lights. He has appeared in commercials for Birdseye, Home Title Lock, Leaf Guard, Texas Oncology, American Airlines, Visionworks, Cabella's, Cooper Tires, Showtime, Blockbuster, TXU, Service King, Brookshire's, Pepsi and Braum's. He served as the President of the Dallas/Ft Worth branch of the Screen Actors Guild in 2001.Todd Terry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddterryactor/The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-servicesCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Actor, producer, and director Elizabeth Banks grew up in Pittsfield, MA, as the eldest of four siblings—falling into acting (quite literally) after suffering a softball injury, and then leaning into theater due to the encouragement of high school teachers. Then came the University of Pennsylvania, where she met her husband and now producing partner, followed by the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. This launched Elizabeth's career in entertainment, acting in various memorable comedies and dramas throughout the 2000s and 2010s, before stepping behind the camera to produce and direct films ranging from the Pitch Perfect series to last year's Cocaine Bear. Elizabeth references educators Ralph Hammond and Janet Rajotte of Pittsfield High School, actress Annette Bening, and filmmakers Judd Apatow and Steven Spielberg as profound life influences.

On this day in 1973, Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather declined an Academy Award on behalf of Marlon Brando.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TESTED ACTOR GLENN RATCLIFFE STARS ALONG SIDE DIANE KEATON AND JUSTIN BIEBER IN THE MUSIC VIDEO “GHOST” RELEASED OCTOBER 2021.  THIS VIDEO HAS HAD MORE THAN 360 MILLION VIEWS SINCE!  Ghost Music Video: http://youtu.be/onuyJIYyNGM Tested Preview:http://vimeo.com/369048161/b0f634a22a and summary by Glenn http://youtu.be/J4MgTk1xOG4 Tested Movement:http://Testedthemovement.com Glenn M. Ratcliffe a former professional soccer player, is a Scottish actor with over thirty years of experience. He trained with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, American Conservatory Theater, George Shnadoff Technique as well as a number of Independent coaches. He was represented by William Morris with agent Betty Fanning. Special skills include, Improvisation, Dialects, Irish, British, Southern, Scottish and Standard American.​  He has performed in Film, Television, Theater, Commercials and Voiceovers for shows like Breaking Bad amongst others​. Glenn's contact info:http://glennratcliffe-thecompleteactor.com   COFRP was ranked 3rd (Jan 1, 2024 ) among  the  100 Best Christian Podcasts You Must Follow in 2024 and airs Challenges of Faith Radio Program | PodSearch

In this episode, Adam and Budi have a great conversation with director, public speaking coach, and podcaster Adriana BaerAdriana has directed for Alley Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland Playhouse, Profile Theatre (Artistic Director, 2012-2015), The Cutting Ball Theater (Associate Artistic Director, 2004-2007), and others. She has worked with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Opera Boston, The Public Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Circus Center/Pickle Circus, California Shakespeare Theater, and American Conservatory Theater. Among other institutions, she has taught for Portland State University, Columbia University School of the Arts, The Acting Company, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She has lectured as a guest speaker at dozens of colleges and universities nationwide. Adriana holds a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and a Masters of Fine Arts in Directing from Columbia University. She is a member of SDC, the professional union of stage directors and choreographers.She is the cohost of The Wellbeing Workshop's podcast and offers online courses and coaching through Adriana Baer Creative.Adriana lives on a two-acre farm just outside Portland, Oregon with her husband and child, and spends most of her free time digging in the dirt, practicing yoga, and reading.Special offer for Theatre of Others listeners! When you purchase Audition Master Class, you'll get free access to Get In: How to Rock Your MFA & URTA Auditions.* https://www.adrianabaercreative.com/others Support the showIf you enjoyed this week´s podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. To submit a question: Voice- http://www.speakpipe.com/theatreofothers Email- podcast@theatreofothers.com Support the Theatre of Others - Check out our Merch!Show Credits Co-Hosts: Adam Marple & Budi MillerProducer: Jack BurmeisterMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comAdditional compositions by @jack_burmeister

An award-winning theatrical costume designer who has collaborated with The American Conservatory Theater, Teatro Zinzanni, The Roundabout Theatre Company, Cabaret Zazou, California Shakespeare Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, TheatreWorks, Classic Stage Company, Northlight Theatre, The Papermill Playhouse and The Pasadena Playhouse.  She has created costumes for A Christmas Carol, Comedy of Errors, Test Match, Tales of the City, Scapin, The Government Inspector, The Merry Widow, Crowns, Blue, Everything's Ducky and The Cherry Orchard.  

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  Today we speak to Michael Gene Sullivan (he/him) (Head Writer, SFMT Collective), SF Mime Troupe about its current production, "Breakdown," July 1-Sept. 4. MGS has performed with all four of the Bay Area's Tony award-winning theaters: American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, TheatreWorks, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe (where he is also a Collective Member, director, and as Resident Playwright has written or co-written over 25 plays). He has also worked with SF Playhouse, California Shakespeare Theater, Denver Center Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Co., Aurora Theatre Co., Magic Theatre, TheatreFirst, Lorraine Hansberry Theater, African American Shakespeare Co., and the SF Shakespeare Festival. Michael is the author of the internationally produced stage adaptation of George Orwell's 1984, of the critically-acclaimed The Great Khan, and in 2022 Michael was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship as a Dramatist. www.michaelgenesullivan.com      

A lifelong arts maker, Audrey Hoo is the Director of Production of Tony-award winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley California. Originally from Singapore, Audrey ventured to the United States to seek new experiences. Most recently, she has worked at the American Conservatory Theater, La Jolla Playhouse and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She has had the pleasure of working with artists across all performing arts genres such as Tony Taccone, Chay Yew, Christopher Ashley, William Kentridge, Alex Timbers, Catherine Martin, Sam Mendes, Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson, John Turturro & Elaine Stritch. Outside of work, Audrey strives to be her best self. Always pushing to learn new skills, her main loves include martial arts, hiking, west coast swing and country two-step dances.  Audrey holds a M.F.A in Technical Direction from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.     @theatreartlife Thank you to our sponsor @clear-com The TheatreArtLife Podcast is a branch of our larger TheatreArtLife Community. Come visit us at www.theatreartlife.com

A lifelong arts maker, Audrey Hoo is the Director of Production of Tony-award winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley California. Originally from Singapore, Audrey ventured to the United States to seek new experiences. Most recently, she has worked at the American Conservatory Theater, La Jolla Playhouse and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She has had the pleasure of working with artists across all performing arts genres such as Tony Taccone, Chay Yew, Christopher Ashley, William Kentridge, Alex Timbers, Catherine Martin, Sam Mendes, Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson, John Turturro & Elaine Stritch. Outside of work, Audrey strives to be her best self. Always pushing to learn new skills, her main loves include martial arts, hiking, west coast swing and country two-step dances.  Audrey holds a M.F.A in Technical Direction from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.     “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @theatreartlife Thank you to our sponsor @clear-com The TheatreArtLife Podcast is a branch of our larger TheatreArtLife Community. Come visit us at www.theatreartlife.com

The San Francisco Mime Troupe has launched its 64th season with a satirical piece that takes place in the Tenderloin of San Francisco, called Breakdown. We are joined this morning by Michael Gene Sullivan, the head writer for the San Francisco Mime Troupe Collective where he has been involved in writing over 25 plays, and has performed with all four of the Bay Area's Tony award-winning theaters: American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Theatreworks, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe. We are also joined by Kina Kantor, an actor with the SF Mime Troupe, who has worked extensively throughout the Bay Area's theater spaces. Check out the SF Mime Troupe's website: https://www.sfmt.org/ — Subscribe to this podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1637968343?to=page Get in touch: lawanddisorder@kpfa.org Follow us on socials @LawAndDis: https://twitter.com/LawAndDis; https://www.instagram.com/lawanddis/ The post SF Mime Troupe Satirizes the City w/ Michael Gene Sullivan & Kina Kantor appeared first on KPFA.

Our resident host Grace Sanders caught up with US voice actress EMMA BERMAN to discuss her journey with Disney and Pixar's LUCA, and new role in Star Wards series Young Jedi Adventures! Set 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, the animated series follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way. Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures releases May 4, 2023 on Disney+ and Disney Junior (where available). She is also currently voicing Ginny on the Disney Jr. Series Superkitties!     Fans may recognize Emma's unique and adorable voice from the Disney and Pixar's feature film “Luca.” Emma lent her voice to one of the leads ‘Giulia,' the friend of ‘Luca,' voiced by Jacob Tremblay, and ‘Alberto,' voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer. Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water's surface.    MORE ABOUT EMMA Currently residing in San Francisco, the seventh grader is active in the professional theater scene in the Bay Area. Most recently, she has played ‘Baby June' in Bay Area Musicals' production of “Gypsy” and received rave reviews for her performance including one critic saying, “Berman shows the benefit of wide experience for such a young actress, and might well be described as a prodigy” and another stating “Emma Berman as the crackerjack younger June who might even steal this show.” She also played ‘Ivanka' in 42nd Street Moon's production of “Once,” which won Best Musical of the Year by Bay Area Theater Awards and was part of the American Conservatory Theater's production of “A Christmas Carol” for two years.   As a young performer dedicated to her craft, Emma studies on an ongoing basis with acting coach Melinda Darlington Bach and dialects coach Bettina Devin on her British and Italian accents, but the actress also speaks fluent Russian as she grew up in a bilingual household. Additionally, Emma has trained in New York with A Class Act and Broadway Artists Alliance.   Outside of acting, Emma continues to live a fast-paced life, always keeping busy. She loves to draw, bake and race go karts with her older brother and has been a regular at Sonoma Raceway last few years.  In college, Emma wants to study to become a storyboard artist and director and hopes to one day work at Pixar. She is also a huge fan of the app Calm and would love to read books on tape for them like two of her favorite actors, Mandy Moore and Kate Winslet.

In this episode, Adam and Budi are in conversation with actors Jenelle Chu and Chalia La Tour on how they are navigating the WGA and possible SAG/AFTRA strikes while creating work that matters and redefining actor training for the 21st century.Jenelle Chu is a Canon Crash Course instructor for Encompass Collective. Specializes in scene study, voice, and dialect, career, and MFA applications. Chu is an actor, singer, and aspiring educator and director. Her credits on Broadway include Junk (Lincoln Center Theater) and Bernhardt/Hamlet (Roundabout). She has been seen regionally at Shakespeare & Co, American Conservatory Theater, Papermill Playhouse, and Bucks County Playhouse. Other credits in NYC include shows at The Flea Theater and 52nd Street Project. Film/TV credits: Elementary, Instinct, Madam Secretary, New Amsterdam, Prodigal Son, and short film White Flags with AC Productions. Jenelle has studied with master acting teacher, Michael Howard and on-camera coach, Bob Krakower. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Opera Voice and an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama. Her ancestry comes from Guangdong, China, and Cholon, Saigon, Vietnam. She was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and is fluent in conversational Cantonese Chinese. Chalia La Tour was born and raised in New York City and attended the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. La Tour went on to study at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she earned a BFA in Drama. La Tour made her Broadway debut in 2018 in the Tony Award-winning play, "Slave Play." Directed by Robert O'Hara and written by Jeremy O. Harris. La Tour played the role of Alana, a white woman who is struggling to come to terms with her own racial biases and desires. In addition to her work on stage, La Tour has also made a name for herself on television and in film. She has appeared in a number of popular TV shows, including "The Good Fight," "Chicago P.D.," and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." She also had a recurring role in the critically acclaimed series "The Deuce," which aired on HBO from 2017 to 2019. La Tour's film credits include "The Climb,"  which premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. She also appeared in "The Intern," a comedy starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, and "The Last Thing He Wanted," a political thriller starring Anne Hathaway and Ben Affleck.Healthy Wealthy & Wise with Dr. William ChoctawThe Healthy Wealthy and Wise Podcast, with Dr. William Choctaw, MD is a monthly...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showIf you enjoyed this week´s podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. To submit a question: Voice- http://www.speakpipe.com/theatreofothers Email- podcast@theatreofothers.com Support the Theatre of Others - Check out our Merch!Show Credits Co-Hosts: Adam Marple & Budi MillerProducer: Jack BurmeisterMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comAdditional compositions by @jack_burmeister

Erin Michelle Washington is a Creative, Scholar, and Waymaker from Montgomery, AL. She attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and obtained her MFA in Acting from American Conservatory Theater. In 2009, Erin started Soul Productions, a company that crafts new approaches to music and theatre. Washington has participated as a Digital and Creative Producer at Arena Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Public Theater, Penumbra Theater, Howlround, and The Curran Theater. In 2016, Washington served as Interim Associate Artistic Director at American Conservatory Theatre where she was a producer and strategist for the Women's Leadership Conference and Creator and Producer of the Bayview Arts Festival. In 2018 Washington joined the faculty of Spelman College teaching in the Theater + Performance Department. She has since founded her second arts collective, SoulCenter, a content development space centering blk creatives 18-35. Washington's work continues to deepen in the South, with the co-creation of a legacy-based organization with her sister, Erica Washington, known as the Clarke Street Fund, which centers art, food sovereignty, and tech on the Westside of Montgomery, Alabama.

Summary:Music is said to calm us at times, and at other times it can make us scream along with the lyrics. How about using music to assist our emotions in coming to the surface? Could toe tapping, progress to humming, then to getting up on our feet dancing? Why not? Listen to my conversation with Greg - let me know if you think music can help in our grief.Notes:Greg Halpen is a multi-passionate creative. He's a creativity coach, singer, actor, solo show artist, food photographer, and digital content creator. Greg has an extensive background as a performing artist performing in musical productions in NYC, Upstate NY and across the United States. He studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Greg has a bachelor's degree in psychology and is currently studying for his graduate degree in mental health counseling.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Greg:Email:  vision@creativevisionary.com Website:  https://creativevisionaryincubator.com/Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod  

Delroy Lindo is a veteran actor and writer. Born in London to Jamaican parents, Delroy spent his childhood moving from place to place. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Toronto and then San Francisco, where he began studying acting at the American Conservatory Theater. He spent the next decade alternating between movie roles and Broadway stages. His versatility in Crooklyn, Get Shorty, The Cider House Rules, and more only increased his demand. Currently, Delroy is starring in the new Hulu series Unprisoned. It's about a father who reconnects with his adult daughter after serving a 17-year prison sentence. He plays Edwin, whose life changes when he moves in with his therapist daughter Paige, played by Kerry Washington. Delroy has been a public figure for a long time, and for most of that time, he didn't really talk about himself. Now? He's writing a memoir. On this episode of Bullseye, we asked him what changed.

Amy was brought up in the world of theater. She was put on stage from the time she was nine-months-old, her father was the director and her mother was the actress, they didn't want baby sitters for their children, so if she wasn't performing, she would stay in the wardrobe department or her mother used to put her in the second row center where she could watch her. And, before she was 10-years-old, she had already worked in several plays. At a young age, Amy Irving was trained at the American Conservatory Theater and Britain's London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (L.A.M.A.D.A.). She made her off-Broadway debut at the age of 17 and, from that moment to date, she received critical acclaim, appearing in such plays as: "Heartbreak House" (1983), "The Road to Mecca" (1988), "Broken Glass" (1994), "The Three Sisters" (1997), "The Guys" (2002), "Ghosts" (2002) and "Celadine" (2004), among others.In 1976, Amy made her film debut, playing "Sue Snell", one of her most unforgettable characters in Stephen King's Carrie (1976), a classic in the horror genre, taken to the big screen by director Brian De Palma. For the next few years, Irving continued working in important films, The Fury (1978), also directed by De Palma, Voices (1979) and The Competition (1980). Later, in 1983, she gave a fine performance as "Hadass", in Barbra Streisand's Yentl (1983), and won an Oscar nomination for her great work in that successful film. Two of her best opportunities arrived in the late 80s, when she played "Anna Anderson" in Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna (1986) and "Isabelle Grossman" in the romantic comedy, Crossing Delancey (1988); she received a Golden Globe nomination for each movie.  She went on to starring roles in Voices, Honeysuckle Rose, The Competition and Micki and Maude. In 2023 Amy released her album -BORN IN A TRUNK- featuring ten cover songs pulled from her life and career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ananda Bena-Weber is an interdisciplinary performing artist who has performed in a diverse array of productions and venues throughout the United States and abroad. Her touring solo work, Fancifool!, recently won ‘Best Variety Show' and was a Critic's Choice pic at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC. Roles in regional theater include: Rosalind (As You Like It), Arkadina (The Seagull), Juliet (Romeo andJuliet), Lady Anne (Richard III), Lola (Damn Yankees), Helena (A Midsummer Night's Dream), Ophelia and Horatio (Hamlet), and the title role in Medea. Ananda has performed choreographic works by: Gregory Hines, Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Fred Astaire, Hermes Pan, John Cranko, Alonzo King, Bill ‘Bo Jangles' Robinson, Jimmy Slyde, Marius Petipa, Sam Weber, Rosine Bena, Lynn Dally and others. Shehas performed as a dancer with such companies as: The Jazz Tap Ensemble, The Sierra Nevada Ballet, The Reno Ballet, Peninsula Ballet Theatre, and as an independent artist throughout the US and abroad. An accomplished teacher, Ananda teaches a variety of subjects and has taught classes and workshops throughout the US and Europe. Ms. Bena-Weber is the Associate Artistic Director of the Sierra Nevada Ballet. She was a professor of dance at Marymount Manhattan College, and teaching artist for the Dance Theater of Harlem and Mark Morris Dance Center inNew York for 16 years. She currently resides in San Francisco where she teaches for Alonzo King's Lines Ballet and California State University East Bay. Education includes: Goddard College (MFA, Interdisciplinary Arts), San Francisco State University (BA, Theatre Arts and Russian Language and Literature), Shakespeare and Co, American Conservatory Theater, Moscow Art Theater School, British American Drama Academy at Oxford University, Linklater Center of Voice and Speech, and Terry Schreiber Studio. Ananda is an official adjudicator for Regional Dance America, a board member of NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents), a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, and a member of the Actor's Equity Association.For more information:https://fancifool.comhttps://anandabenaweber.comMore about Liz-Work- https://www.lizshealingtouch.com/Radio Show- https://www.voiceofvashon.org/raise-the-vibePodcast- https://www.buzzsprout.com/958816Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/raisethevibewithlizInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/raisethevibewithliz/*** Seeking sponsorship. If interested, please email- liz@lizshealingtouch.comSupport me- https://paypal.me/LisbethPeterson?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US On Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/user?u=43081730Thank you!Support the show

A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists. Host Miko Lee talks about Theatre & Memory with Bay Area native artists: composer Byron Au Yong and playwright Lauren Yee. They provide behind the scenes news about their upcoming productions at ACT and Berkeley Rep. More info on our guests: Byron Au Yong, composer The Headlands, ACT   Lauren Yee, playwright Cambodian Rock Band, Berkeley Rep   Transcript: Theatre and Memory or Why Art Matters [00:00:00] Miko Lee: Good evening and welcome to APEX Express. I'm your host, Miko Lee, and tonight we're talking about theater and memory or why art matters. So many artists grapple with this concept of memory and how each of us has a different story to share. And tonight we get to hear from two bay area locals, a playwright, and a composer, each share a bit about their creative process and why art matters to them. I have the pleasure of speaking with composer, Byron Au Yong who had been creating music for the Headlands, which opens this weekend at act. And with playwright Lauren Yee who's musical Cambodian rock band comes back home to Berkeley rep at the end of the month. First off. Let's take a listen to one of Byron Al Yong's compositions called know your rights. This is part of the trilogy of the Activists Songbook. This multi-lingual rap, give steps to know what to do when ice officers come to your door. song That was know your rights performed by Jason Chu with lyrics by Aaron Jeffries and composed by my guest, Byron Au Yong. Welcome, Byron Au Yong to Apex Express. We're so happy to hear from you. [00:04:11] Byron Au Yong: Thanks, Miko. It's so great to be here. [00:04:13] Miko Lee: I wanna talk to you about a couple of things. First and foremost, you have the Headlands that is opening up at ACT really soon. Tell me about who your people are and where you come from. [00:04:27] Byron Au Yong: Sure. So my grandparents, both maternal and paternal, left China in the late thirties and they both immigrated to the Philippines. And so both my parents were born to Philippines in different areas. And so I come from a family of refugees who then settled into Philippines and my parents were not the first in their family. They were actually both the fourth and they left and immigrated to the United States when the United States opened up immigration in post 1965. So they were part of that wave. And then I was born in Pittsburgh. They, they were actually introduced here in Seattle. And I was born in Pittsburgh because my dad was in school there. And then they moved back to Seattle. So I'm from Seattle and in 2016 I moved to San Francisco. [00:05:17] Miko Lee: Thank you. So you are a composer. Have you always played music and have you always been attuned to audio? Tell me about how you got started as a composer. [00:05:28] Byron Au Yong: Sure. As a kid my parents divorced when I was age seven and I was an only child up until age 16. My mom worked. In the evenings. And my dad wasn't in the household and so I had a lot of time to myself and I would sing a lot to myself. And then my next door neighbor was a piano teacher, and so I started to play the piano at age nine, and then at age 11 I started to write stuff down. And yeah, so I've been doing music for a bit. [00:05:59] Miko Lee: So music has always been a part of your life, essentially. It's been your playmate since you were young. [00:06:04] Byron Au Yong: Yes, absolutely [00:06:05] Miko Lee: Love that. So tell us about the Headlands that's gonna be opening at ACT pretty soon. [00:06:11] Byron Au Yong: Yeah so The Headlands is a play by Christopher Chen, who you may know is playwright, who is born and raised and continues to live in San Francisco. And it's his love letter to San Francisco. It's a San Francisco noir play. It's a whodunit play. It's a play about a main character who's trying to figure out who he is after the death of his dad. Which causes him to wonder who he is and where he is from. I'm doing original music for the show, this is gonna be an American Conservatory Theater, and Pam McKinnon, who's the artistic director, will be stage directing this production as well. I actually met Chris Chen in 2013 when I had a show called Stuck Elevator that was at ACT. And I've been really fascinated with his work as a playwright for a while, and so I was thrilled when ACT invited me to join the creative team to work on music. Miko Lee: Oh, fun. Okay. I wanna talk to you about Stuck Elevator next, but first let's stick with the headlines.This is a play that's about memory and storytelling. I'm wondering if there is a story that has framed your creative process. Byron Au Yong: Yeah. Thinking about this show as a memory play, and, memory as something, we go back in our memories to try and figure stuff out, which is very much what this play is. And also to claim and to. figure out if something from our memory was recalled maybe in completely. And so the main character is, piecing together fragments of his memory to figure out who he is in the present. And considering this I actually went back to music. I composed when I was still a teenager. I actually dropped outta school and was working a lot. I think I realized early on that I was indeed, I wanted to dedicate myself to being an artist and was very concerned about how I would make a living as an artist in the United States. And so I thought I'll figure out how to make money away from the music. And so I had a lot of jobs and I was trying to write music, but, I was in a sad place, and so I never finished anything. I have a bunch of fragments from this time. But on Memorial Day I woke up and, it was sunny in Seattle and so I said, I'm gonna finish a piece of music today. And that became part of a project in mine where every Memorial Day I finish a piece of music and it's a solo piano piece that I finish. And so, going back in my personal history, I found one of these Memorial Day pieces and thought, oh, this actually works. Because it's a bit awkward and it doesn't resolve, and I remember who I was back then, but it's also me piecing together things and so I used that as the foundation for the music, for The Headlands, which is a different thing. If you didn't know that was my source material, that's in some ways irrelevant. But that's my personal connection in thinking about music for this. And of course I've also done a lot of research on film noir. A lot of noir films were set in San Francisco. And and the music is awesome, amazing of this genre. And, it's mysterious it is a certain urban Americana music. And so I include those elements as well. [00:09:36] Miko Lee: Thank you. That's so interesting that you have a Memorial Day ritual to create a piece of music. I'm wondering if, aside from the Headlands, have you used the Memorial Day Music in other pieces you've created? [00:09:48] Byron Au Yong: No this is the first time. [00:09:51] Miko Lee: Wow. Yeah. That's great. [00:09:53] Byron Au Yong: I think Miko is because, it's a private thing for me. I think the other thing too is as you mentioned, music was my friend growing up. The piano was. Definitely one of my best friends. And so solo piano pieces for me are, it's where you can have an audience of one. And one of the things that helped me, when I was not in school was. Playing through a lot of different other solo piano pieces. And so part of these Memorial Day pieces too are that they're meant to be simple enough that they could be sight read. And so if, if there's a musician who you know, is in a similar state of, oh, I'm not able to really do anything, but I want to be with music. I can sight read through, these different Memorial Day pieces. [00:10:38] Miko Lee: And do you have them set in a specific part of your house or where, how, where do you keep your Memorial Day projects and when do you open them up to look at them? [00:10:48] Byron Au Yong: Oh yeah. They're handwritten in a folder. None of the things so special. [00:10:54] Miko Lee: What was it that inspired you to go back and look at them for the headlands? [00:10:58] Byron Au Yong: Oh, you know what it is there are, be, because I know you, you also create stuff too in your memory of your catalog.I'm wondering if you have. If you have works that, that you remember that you made and then tho those works may remind you of a certain mood you were in or a certain room or and so I think they're musical things from certain or, things I was experimenting with for these Memorial Day. Said, I'm like, oh, I remember this. Let me go back to the folder where I collect this stuff every year and look through it. And I think that parallels actually the headlands and what the main character is doing because he recalls, and what's so cool about the production is we go into the same scene, but there's like a clue that's been revealed. And so we as an audience get to revisit the scene again. And there's a different interpretation of what was happening in the scene. And so what might have been like a scene between Henry's parents, Lena and George, which he thought, oh, this is how it was when I was a kid, when I was 10 years old. Thinking about it, remembering it, but now with this new information, this is how I'm gonna interpret the scene. And so I think similarly with, music from my past, these Memorial Day pieces, I'm like, oh, this is what I was interested in working on. But now as a older composer, I'm like, ah, and I can do this with this material. [00:12:26] Miko Lee: I love that. And I also really appreciate that this play about memory you pulled from your Memorial Day pieces, that it goes with this whole flow of just re-envisioning things with your own frame and based on where you're at in any given time. [00:12:42] Byron Au Yong: Totally. [00:12:43] Miko Lee: I know that the show was created 2020, is that right? Yes. Is that when, first? Yeah, Byron Au Yong: I think it's right before the pandemic. Miko Lee: Yeah. And you've had several different directors, and now in a way you both are coming home to San Francisco and artistic director, Pam McKinnon is directing it. I wonder if you have thoughts about some of the difference approaches that these directors have brought to the process. [00:13:06] Byron Au Yong: Oh, yeah. And, miko, this is the first time I'm working on the headlands. And so when it was at Lincoln Center, there was a different creative team. [00:13:12] Miko Lee: Oh, so the music, you're just creating the music for this version of the show. [00:13:16] Byron Au Yong: Yes, correct. Wow. And it is a new production because that Lincoln Center was in a stage called LCT 3, which is a smaller venue. Whereas this is gonna be in a Toni Rembe theater, which is, on Geary. It's a 1100 seat theater. And the set is quite fabulous and large . And what's also great is, aside from Johnny, all the cast is local. And like it will have the feel of a San Francisco production because many of us live here, have lived here and know these places that are referenced in the show. [00:13:51] Miko Lee: Thanks for that clarification. So that's really different to go from a small house at Lincoln Center to the big house at a c t Yes. With local folks with, your local music. That brings a very different approach to it. I'm excited to see it. That sounds really interesting. And now I wanna go back to talk about Stuck Elevator, which I was so delighted to learn about. Which was your first piece That was at ACT what, back in 2013? So tell our audience first about where Stuck Elevator came from and then tell what it's about. [00:14:23] Byron Au Yong: Sure. So stuck elevator. So I was living in New York in 2005 and there were some there were some images of like photos in the newspaper, initially it was local news because it was a Chinese delivery man who was missing. And most of the delivery people at the time, they carry cash, they won't go to the police. And there, there had been a string of muggings and then one was actually beaten to death. And so it was local news that this guy was missing. And then a few days later, and in New York Times, there was a big article because he was found in an elevator in the Bronx and he had been trapped in his elevator which had become stuck. And he was trapped for 81 hours, which that's like over three days. And so it made international news. And then when I read the article and learned more about him, there were many parallels like where he was from in China, which is Fujan Province, which is where my grandparents left that he was paying a debt to human smugglers to be in the United States. And different things that I thought, wow, if my grandparents hadn't left I wonder if, I would be the one who was, paying to be smuggled here rather than paying for grad school. And so I became quite fascinated with them. And then also, realized at the time, in 2005, this is like YouTube was just starting, and so all like the Asian American YouTube stars, they weren't as prominent in the news. And, BTS wasn't around then. So for me to see an Asian male. In the US media there was always this feeling of oh why is this Asian male in the news? And then realized, oh, it's actually part of a larger story about being trapped in America about family obligation, about labor, about fear of, in his specific case because he's an undocumented immigrant, fear of deportation. So there were many issues that, that I thought were broader than the specific story. And so I thought, this would be a great opera slash musical. So that's what it became at [00:16:23] Miko Lee: you, you basically read a story and said, whoa, what is this? I feel this is so wild. And then created it into an opera. Yes. Also, it just resonated with me so much as a person who has been trapped in elevators, in broken elevators six different times, . Oh my goodness. Yes. I'm like, wow. And his story, that many hours, that has to be like a record. Byron Au Yong: Right? Nobody else has been trapped that long. Yeah. It's a record. Miko Lee: So you created this piece, it premiered at ACT? Yes. Did you ever connect with the guy that was stuck in the elevator? [00:16:59] Byron Au Yong: No. So the New York Times did something which is actually not cool. They they revealed his immigration status and that at the time I'm not sure if it's still the case,but at the time, you're not allowed to reveal people's immigration status. Especially, in such a public way. And so what was cool was that the AALEDF, which is the Asian American Legal Education and Defense Fund, they the volunteer attorneys there step forward to represent Ming Kuang Chen and his case and ensure that he had legal representation so he would not be deported. The thing is, he was suffering from PTSD and there was also another case at the time it was a different un undocumented immigrant case that AALEDF was representing that had a bit more visibility and so he actually didn't want to be so much into public eye, and so he went back into hiding. And so while I didn't meet him specifically, I met his translator. I met other people at AALEDF met with other people who were related to the stories that he was a part of. So for example, used to be an organization, which I think they've changed their name, but they were the Fujanese Restaurant Workers Association. Most of the undocumented immigrants who worked in restaurants at the time are from Fujan Province. Also, Asian Pacific American Studies at New York University. Is a mix o f people who were working in restaurants as well as people, scholars who were studying this issue. [00:18:46] Miko Lee: Can you describe a little bit about Stuck Elevator for folks that haven't seen it? Sure. How did you conceive of this piece, that song? [00:18:53] Byron Au Yong: Yeah so it's a thru sung piece about a guy who's trapped in America. He's a Chinese food delivery man, and he's, delivering food in the Bronx. And what I think is You know what I didn't realize when I started it. And then I realized working on it was the thing about being stuck in the elevator is, especially for so long, is that you and I don't know if this is your case, Miko it's so fascinating to hear you've been trapped six different times. There's the initial shock and initial oh my gosh, I have to get out. And then there's this. Maybe not resignation but there's this, okay. Okay. I'm gonna be here so now what? Now what I'm going to do and the time actually, especially for someone who works so much delivering food and sending money back home to his wife and son in China and his family is that he actually is not working, right? And so he has time to consider what his life has been like in New York for the past, the two years he's been there. And to consider the choices he's made as well as to remember his family who are back in China. And part of this too is you're not awake the entire time. Sometimes you go to sleep, and so in his sleep he dreams. He has hallucinations. He has nightmares. And this is where the music theater opera really starts to confront and navigate through the various issues of being trapped in America. [00:20:22] Miko Lee: Any chance this will come into production, somewhere? [00:20:26] Byron Au Yong: Yeah, hopefully, we were just at Nashville Opera last week, two weeks ago. [00:20:30] Miko Lee: Oh, fun. [00:20:31] Byron Au Yong: so Nashville Opera. So the lead Julius Ahn who was in ACT's production is an opera singer. And and he had told the artistic director of Nashville Opera about this project years ago. And John Hoomes, who's the artistic director there had remembered it. Last year John Hoomes reached out to me and said, you know, I think it's the time for to be an operatic premiere of Stuck Elevator. And so we had an amazing run there. [00:20:58] Miko Lee: Great. Wow. I look forward to seeing that too somewhere soon. Yes. I also wanted to chat with you about this last week, a lot of things have been happening in our A P I community with these mass shootings that have been just so painful. Yes. And I know that you worked on a piece that was called The Activist Songbook. Are you, can you talk a little bit about that process and the Know Your Rights project? [00:21:23] Byron Au Yong: Yeah, absolutely. And I'm gonna back up because so Activist Song Book is actually the third in a trilogy of which Stuck Elevator is the first, and related to the recent tragedies that have happened in Half Moon Bay and also in Monterey Park. The second in the trilogy is it's called the Ones. It was originally called Trigger, and it also has the name Belonging. And I can go through why it has so many different names, but the first in the trilogy was Stuck Elevator, and it was prompted by me again, seeing an Asian male in the US media. So the second actually all three are from seeing Asian males in the US media. And the second one was an incident that happened in 2007 where a creative writing major shot 49 people killing 32, and then himself at Virginia Tech. And and when this happened I realized, oh shoot Stuck elevator's part of a trilogy. I have to figure out how to do this show called Trigger or what was called Trigger. And then realized of the different layers in a trilogy. Yes. There's this initial thing about Asian men in the US media, but then there's this other thing about ways out of oppression. And so with Stuck Elevator, the way out of oppression is through the main character's imagination, right? His dreams, his what ifs, right? The possibilities and the different choices he can make with the second one, what me and the creative team realized is that, the way out of oppression is that the creative writing major who you may remember was a Korean American he was so isolated at Virginia Tech and the tragedy of him being able to purchase firearms and then kill so many people, including himself in working on it, I was like, I need to understand, but it's not this story I necessarily want to put on stage. And so what it became is it became a story, and this is also the national conversation changed around mass violence in America. The conversation became less about the perpetrator and more about the victims. And so it became a choral work for community performers. So rather than a music theater opera, like Stuck Elevator, it's a music theater forum with local singers. And this was actually performed at Virginia Tech during the 10 year memorial of the tragedy. And this one I did eight site visits to Virginia Tech and met with people including the chief of police of Blacksburg. First responder to director of threat assessment to family members whose children were lost. A child of, teachers were also killed that day to counselors who were there to Nikki Giovanni, who was one of the faculty members. So yeah so many people. But this one, the second one, the way out of oppression is from isolation into community, into belonging. And Virginia Tech Administration said we could not call the work trigger. And so the work there was called (Be)longing with the be in parentheses. And now we've done a new revision called The Ones partially influenced by the writer, one of his teachers was June Jordan who was at UC Berkeley. And she has a phrase, we are the ones we've been waiting for. And so the ones which is a 2019 revision, the show, what it does is Act three youth takeover, right? It's about coming of age and an age of guns, and the youth have become activists because they have no choice because they are being shot in places of learning, and so Parkland in Chicago and other places have been influential in this work. And then the third in the trilogy is Activist Songbook. And for this one we went back to an earlier asian male who was in the US media, and that was Vincent Chin who you may know was murdered 40 years ago. And so activist song book is to counteract hate and energize movements. And it's a collection of different songs that is even further away from musical theater opera production in that the rally component of the songs can be taught within 10 minutes to a group of people outdoors to be used right away. And that one, the way out of repression is through organizing. [00:25:49] Miko Lee: Well, Byron Au Young, thank you so much for sharing with us about all the different projects you've been working on. We'll put a link in the show notes to the headlands that folks can see at a c t. Tell our audience how else they can find out more about you and your life as a composer and more about your work. [00:26:05] Byron Au Yong: Sure. I have a website. It's my name.com or b y r o n a u y o n g.com. [00:26:12] Miko Lee: Thank you so much for spending so much time with me. [00:26:14] Byron Au Yong: Of course. [00:26:15] Miko Lee: You are tuned into apex express on 94.1, KPFA an 89.3 K P F B in Berkeley and online@kpfa.org. We're going to hear one more piece by composer, Byron Al young called This is the Beginning, which was prompted by Lilly and Vincent chin and inspired by Helen Zia and other organizers. song That was, This is the Beginning by Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jeffrey's. Featuring Christine Toi Johnson on voice and Tobias Wong on voice and guitar. This is a beginning is prompted by organizing in response to the racially motivated murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit. This hate crime was a turning point for Asian American solidarity in the fight for federal civil rights. Lily chin Vincent's mom refused to let her son's death be invisible. Next up, I have the chance to speak with playwright Lauren Yee who's musical Cambodian rock band. Returns to Berkeley rep where it first got its workshop and it will be there from February 25th through April 2nd. And here's a teaser from Cambodian rock band by Lauren Yee. Take a listen to seek CLO. song Miko Lee: Welcome Lauren Yee to Apex express. [00:34:35] Lauren Yee: Thank you so much, Miko. [00:34:37] Miko Lee: We're so happy to have you a local Bay Area person. Award-winning playwright. Coming back to town at Berkeley Rep with your show, Cambodian Rock Band. Yay. Tell us about the show. [00:34:51] Lauren Yee: Yes so Cambodian Rock Band. Is actually a piece that has some of its like earliest development roots in the Bay Area and also like specifically at Berkeley Rep. Getting to bring the show to Berkeley rep really feels like some sort of poetic justice. In addition to the fact, that it's like my old stomping grounds. . Essentially Cambodian rock Band started in 2015, or at least the writing of it. It actually started, if I'm being honest much earlier than that. I think it was about 2010 2011. I was down in San Diego in grad school and one of my friends was just like dying to go see this band play at a music festival. She was like, I saw this band play. They're amazing. You should totally come. And I was like, sure. And I don't know if you've ever had this experience, but it's like, going somewhere, hearing a band, and even before you know anything about them or their story, you just fall in love. You fall like head over heels in love and you say, oh my God who are these people? And I wanna know everything about them. And that band was Dengue Fever. Which is amazing. You fell in love with the band first. Yep. Before the play. Yes. And it was the band Dengue Fever which is an LA band. And their front woman Choni Mall is Cambodian American and she leads this sound that I think started in covers of Cambodian oldies from that golden age of rock for them, and has over time morphed into Dengue Fever's own original sound. Like we're nowadays, they're coming out with an album soon, their own original songs. But I fell in love with Dengue Fever and I was like, oh, okay, who are these people inspired by? And I just went down that rabbit hole of learning about this whole musical history that I never knew about. My own background is Chinese American. I'm not Cambodian American. And so a lot of kids who grew up in the public school system, I did not get basically any education about Cambodian history and America's role in seeding the elements that led to the Khmer Rouge's takeover the country, and the ensuing genocide. [00:37:12] Miko Lee: So you first fell in love with the band and then you went down an artist rabbit hole. We love those artist rabbit holes. Yes. And then what was your inspiration for the play itself? The musical? [00:37:22] Lauren Yee: Yeah so I fell in love with the music and I was like, there is something here because you had all these musicians in Cambodia who like, when 1975 hit and the communists took over the country there was just a time when like the country was a hostile place for artists where artists were specifically targeted among other groups. And so much of Cambodia's musicians and its musical history, was snuffed out, and I was like, there is a story here, that I find deeply compelling. And for a long time I didn't know how to tell that story because there's just so much in it. And then came 2015 where two things happened. One was that I was commissioned by a theater in Orange County called South Coast Rep, and they invited me to come down to their theater and just do research in the community for two weeks on anything you want. So I was like, I wanna look at malls, I wanna look at the video game culture down there, all kinds of things. And one of the things that I was interested in and just bubbled to the surface was the Cambodian American community, which is not in Orange County proper, but in, situated largely in Long Beach, right next door. And it just so happened that while I was there, There were just a lot of Cambodian American music related events that were going on. So the second annual Cambodian Music Festival, the Cambodia Town Fundraiser, Dengue Fever, was playing a gig in Long Beach. Like all these things were happening, that intersected me, with the Kamai or Cambodian community in Long Beach. And the other thing that happened coming out of that trip is that I started beginning to write the seeds of the play. And I did a very early workshop of it up at Seattle Rap. And I'm the sort of playwright. probably like writes and brings in collaborators like actors and a director sooner than a lot of other people. Most people probably wait until they have a first draft that they're comfortable with, whereas I'm like, I have 20 pages and I think if I go up and get some collaborators, I think I can generate the rest of it. So I went up to Seattle with kind of my, 20 or 30 pages and we brought in some actors. And that workshop had an actor named Joe No in it, and I knew Joe from previous work I'd done in Seattle. But during our first rehearsal when we were just like chatting he said to me like, this is my story. And I was like, oh, it's a story that calls out to me too. Thank you. And he was like no. You don't understand. Like, So my parents were born in Battambang Cambodia. They were survivors of the Khmer Rouge. I feel deeply connected to this material. And that conversation sparked. a very long relationship, between me and Joe and this play. That I, I think of him as like the soul, of this play. He became just like an integral part. And in the South coast rep production and in subsequent productions he's kind of been like our lead. He is Chum, and it's a role that I think is like perfectly suited for who he is as a human being and what his like essence is. And also he plays electric guitar which I think influenced things a lot because initially it was a play about music, right? It wasn't a musical, it was just people like talking about a music scene that they loved. And as I went along and found like the perfect people for these roles it was like, Joe plays electric guitar. It would be crazy not to have him try to play a little electric guitar in the show. And that kind of began that, the evolution of this play into a piece where music is not only talked about, but is an integral part of the show. You know that it's become a show that has a live band. The actors play the instruments. They play about a dozen songs. And it's a mix of Dengue, half Dengue Fever songs, half mostly Cambodian oldies. It's kind of been an incredible journey and I could not have imagined what that journey would be, it's hard to replicate. [00:41:53] Miko Lee: I love that. So has Joe been in every production you've done of the show so far? [00:41:57] Lauren Yee: So he hasn't been able to be in everyone. There were two productions happening at the same time, and so he could only be in one place at one time. But I bet you he would've tried to be in two places at once. But he's basically been in almost every production. And the production that he's in currently running at the Alley Theater in Houston is is like the production, the original production directed by Chay Yew. [00:42:24] Miko Lee: Wow. And was it difficult to cast all actors that were also musicians? [00:42:30] Lauren Yee: In some ways there there's I think if you were starting from scratch and you like open your window and you're like, where could I find some actors? I think it would be tough. But I just kept running into kind of like crazy happenstance where I would find a person and I wasn't even thinking about them musically. And they'd be like, yeah, like I've played bass, for 15 years. and I could kind of do drums, right? That what was remarkable is that there were all these Asian American actors who were like known as actors. But then once you like, dig down into their biographies, you're like, Hey, I see like you've actually played drums for X number of years, or, Hey, I see that you play like guitar and bass. Miko Lee: Tell me more about that. Lauren Yee: So it's almost like finding all these stealth musicians and like helping them dust the instruments off and being like, Hey, come back here. Fun. And so it's just been, it's just been like a joy. [00:43:27] Miko Lee: Oh, that's so great. I know the play is about music and also about memory, and I'm wondering if there's a story that has framed your creative process that stands out to you. [00:43:39] Lauren Yee: I don't know if it's one specific memory, but I find that just a lot of my stories I think they deal with family. I think they deal with parents and their grown children trying to reconnect with each other, trying to overcome family secrets and generational struggles. I would say I have a great relationship with my father. But I think, in every parent and child relationship, one thing that I'm fascinated by are these attempts to get to know someone, like especially your own parent, even when you know them well, and especially when you know them well. That kind of is able to penetrate that barrier that sometimes you hit in generations, right? That there's a wall that your parents put up. Or that there's this impossibility of knowing who your parents were before you had them because they had a whole life. And you only know this like tiny bit of it. And I think I'm just like fascinated by that. I'm fascinated by the impact of time. I'm fascinated by extraordinary circumstances and the ordinary people who lived through those times. And I think for a large part, even though Cambodian rock band features a family whose lived experience is different from my own. I think there's a lot of my own relationship with my father that I put into that relationship. This desire to know your parent better, this desire to know them even as they're trying to protect you. So yeah. [00:45:06] Miko Lee: What do your parents think about your work? [00:45:10] Lauren Yee: I think my parents are incredibly supportive, but like different in the way that one might think because my parents aren't arts people they of course like enjoy a story or enjoy a show, but they're not people who are like, I have a subscription to this theater, or I'm gonna go to this museum opening. and so their intersection with the arts, I feel like has been out of a sense of like love for me. Their ways of supporting me early on when like I was interested in theater and trying to figure out a way to go about it, like in high school when I was trying to like, put on a show with my friends and they were like in the back folding the programs or like building, the door to the set. And hauling away, all the furniture, so we could bring it to the theater. So like my parents have been supportive, but in a very, like nuts and bolts kind of way. Miko Lee: That's so sweet and that's so important. When I was doing the theater, my mom would come to every single show. Lauren Yee: Just Oh, bless that is, bless her. [00:46:14] Miko Lee: Ridiculous commitment. Yeah. I don't that for my kids, like every show. I wanna back up a little bit cuz we're talking about family. Can you tell me who are your people and where do you come from? [00:46:27] Lauren Yee: Ooh. That's such a great question. I think there are like many ways of answering that. When I think of home, I think of San Francisco, I live in New York now. But my whole youth, I grew up in San Francisco. My parents were both born there. My grandmother was born and raised there, one of my grandfathers was, born more like up the Delta and the other side of my family, my grandparents came from Toisan China. So on one hand, my family's from like that Pearl River Delta part of China. And at various times, like made a break for the United States. I think starting in the 1870s and spanning into the early 20th century you know, so we've been here for a while. And another way of thinking about it is we're all very, I think, suffused in our family's history in San Francisco. It's hard for me to go to a Chinese restaurant with my family without somebody from our table knowing somebody else in the restaurant, like inevitable. And it's something that never happens to me. I don't think it's ever happened to me when living in New York. Yeah. And I think And that's fun. That's fun. I love that. Yeah. Yeah. And I think b eing able to be Chinese American. Growing up in San Francisco, it's different than other, Asian Americans living in other parts of the country. Like in a strange way, it allows you to like be more of whoever you wanna be, right? When you're like not the only one. That it allows you to like, potentially choose a different path and not have to worry about. I don't know, just like carrying that load. [00:48:01] Miko Lee: That is so interesting. Do you mean because there's safety, because you're around so many other Chinese Americans, Asian Americans, that you can bring forth a greater sense of your individuality? [00:48:13] Lauren Yee: Yeah, I think so, like I went to Lowell High School where, you know, two thirds of the class is Asian American. There's just such a wide range of what an Asian American student at Lowell looks like. And what we're interested in and how our weird obsessions manifest so I think I just felt more freedom in differentiating myself cuz I like theater and I like storytelling. [00:48:36] Miko Lee: That's really interesting. Thanks so much for sharing that. I'm wondering, because Cambodian rock band is partially about when the communists took over Cambodia. If, when you were growing up as a multi-generational Chinese American, did you hear very much about communism and the impact on China? [00:48:57] Lauren Yee: I did not. And possibly it was swirling around. And I was too young to really understand the impacts. But when I look back on it, a lot of my plays, Cambodian Rock Band included, have to do with the intersection of Communism and American culture. Like another play I have called The Great Leap which was at ACT in San Francisco, also dealt with American culture like basketball, intersecting in communist China in the 1970s and then the 1980s. And like, honestly, in retrospect, the effects of communism were all around me growing up in San Francisco in the nineties. That the kids that I went to school with, like in elementary school, came there in various waves, but a lot of them pushed from Asia because of the influences of communism that you had of a wave of kids who came over. In the wake of the fall of the Soviet Union, you had kids who came preempting, the Hong Kong handover back to China. You had kids, who came to San Francisco in the wake of the fall of the Vietnam War. So there were like all these, political movements the effects of war that were like shaping the people around me. And I didn't realize it until like very much later. [00:50:19] Miko Lee: Oh, that's so interesting. Thank you so much. By the way. I really loved the Great Leap. It was such an interesting thank you way of really talking about some deep issues, but through such an American sport like basketball I enjoyed that so much. So thank you so much for sharing about your San Francisco influence. I'm curious because you've been writing TV now limited series like Pachinko and also congrats on writing the musical for Wrinkle In Time. Amazing. Thank you. [00:50:49] Lauren Yee: That is a book that I loved and just shook me, I forget what grade I was in, but I was probably like, 10 or 11 or something. So I think the fact that I get to interface and get to dig into such an iconic work as Wrinkle in Time, blows my mind. [00:51:05] Miko Lee: That is going to be so exciting. I'm really looking forward to that. Yeah. Yeah. But my question was really about you working on Pachinko and these other series, how different is playwriting to screen versus TV writing? [00:51:17] Lauren Yee: Yeah. I think in a way like the work that I did on Pachinko, for instance, like I was on the writing staff, that's a role where you're like supporting the creator of the show, which in this instance is Sue Hugh, who is just an incredible mind. And she had like kind of this vision for what she wanted to do with the adaptation of Pachinko. And, you know, you, as a writer on staff you're really helping to support that. So I think your role is a little bit different when you're brought on staff for tv that you're helping to birth the thing along and contribute your part. Whereas when you're a playwright like the piece remains with you, and you just have I think a greater sense of control over what happens to it. [00:52:00] Miko Lee: What surprised you in your creative process while you were working on this play, this musical? [00:52:08] Lauren Yee: I think the thing that I realized when I was writing Cambodian Rock Band is that in order for the play to really click together is that joy has to be at the center of it. That Cambodian rock band is a piece about art and artists and family surviving really horrific events. And in order to tell that story, you need to fall in love with the music. You need to understand why these people might have risked their lives. For art, you need to understand why art matters. And I think a feature of my work is finding the light in dark places that there is a lot, in the play that is heavy. There are points where it is surprisingly and shockingly funny and that there are moments of just incredible heart in places like you probably won't be expecting. And I think that's been a big lesson of developing this piece. [00:53:14] Miko Lee: Lauren Yee thank you so much for talking with me and sharing about Cambodian Rock Band and your artistic process. I know it's gonna be running at Berkeley rep February 25th through April 2nd. Where else is it running for folks that might not live in the Bay? [00:53:30] Lauren Yee: Yeah, so if you live in the Bay Area, or if you want just see it again, which is totally fine. Lots of people see it again. This same production is going to travel to arena stage in DC over the summer in the fall it'll be at Fifth Avenue and Act Theater up in Seattle, and then at the very beginning of 2024 it will be at Center Theater Group. [00:53:54] Miko Lee: Thank you so much for chatting with me today. I really appreciate you and your work out there in the world. [00:54:00] Lauren Yee: Thank you, Miko. [00:54:02] Miko Lee: That was playwright Lauren Yee. And I'm going to play you out, hearing one song from Dengue Fever, which is in Cambodian rock band. This is Uku. song [00:56:55] Miko Lee: Thank you so much for joining us. Please check out our website, kpfa.org backslash program, backslash apex express to find out more about the show tonight and to find out how you can take direct action. We thank all of you listeners out there. Keep resisting, keep organizing, keep creating and sharing your visions with the world. Your voices are important. Apex express is produced by Miko Lee Jalena Keane-Lee and Paige Chung and special editing by Swati Rayasam. Thank you so much to the KPFA staff for their support have a great night. The post APEX Express – 2.9.23 Theatre & Memory or Why Art Matters appeared first on KPFA.

In our final episode of season one, host and EAC founder, Jennifer Apple, records her first solo episode in which she reflects on the first 41 episodes and the Empowered Artist Collective community overall. She shares overall themes from the season as well as takeaways, tools, quotes, and inspiration from the guests who have been so generous with their wisdom, time, creativity & experience. Plus, Jennifer gets open and vulnerable about the journey thus far. If you have been a consistent listener of the EAC Podcast, this episode will be a powerful reflection of all you have heard thus far. If you are new to the community - welcome! - then this episode is a perfect introduction to the topics and themes we discuss. About Jennifer: Jennifer Apple is a multi-hyphenated artist who hails from NYC. She originated the role of Anna in the 10x Tony Award Winning The Band's Visit First National Tour and has performed at regional theaters like Chautauqua Theater Company, American Conservatory Theater, Goodspeed Musicals, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. She has developed & workshopped a ton of new plays & musicals, and lent her voice to multiple original cast recordings. Jennifer has appeared on TV in Law & Order: SVU and New Amsterdam and holds an MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, CA. As an Acting Coach, she specializes in: BFA/MFA auditions; finding new monologues specifically for you; acting the song/monologue; breaking down the text, Shakespeare, and scene study. She is also the founder & executive director of the Empowered Artist Collective and hosts The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast.  Jennifer's IG: @JenniferApple_ Jennifer's Website: www.JenniferApple.net Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective  EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/ Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/ Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com

The duo recounts their very recent trip to San Francisco together as John continues to stalk Carmen while she's on the road. Carmen details a part of her act containing queefs  which is very important. Meanwhile, John remembers his time living in the Bay Area back in the 90s and his adventures at the American Conservatory Theater where he earned his Equity card that he's barely used since. Carmen then shares a tale of meeting a new four-legged friend which leads the two to discuss pets in general. PLUS: More terrible fake commercials!

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! SF Mime Troupe's "Back to the Way Things Were" up on vemeo through November 6. The shows are free. donations accepted.  https://www.sfmt.org/ (Code "Power to the People") 1. Michael Gene Sullivan (he/him) (Head Writer, SFMT Collective) has performed with all four of the Bay Area's Tony award-winning theaters: American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Theatreworks, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe (where he is also a Collective Member, director, and as Resident Playwright has written or co-written over 25 plays). He has also worked with SF Playhouse, California Shakespeare Theater, Denver Center Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Co., Aurora Theatre Co., Magic Theatre, TheatreFirst, Lorraine Hansberry Theater, African American Shakespeare Co., and the SF Shakespeare Festival. Michael is the author of the internationally produced stage adaptation of George Orwell's 1984, of the critically-acclaimed The Great Khan, and in 2022 Michael was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship as a Dramatist. www.michaelgenesullivan.com  

This week, Jessica interviews David Riemer, a Startup Storyteller & Theater Producer who reminds Ampersands that when it comes to pursuing your dreams, you need to get out there and just do it! David was Jessica's marketing mentor, and now he's graduated to being her life mentor. David's business career has taken him from being the VP of Marketing at Yahoo! in its heyday to spending the last 15 years helping hundreds of innovators use storytelling to put their products and businesses on the map. His book Get Your Startup Story Straight: The Definitive Storytelling Framework for Innovators and Entrepreneurs is an Amazon Best Seller. Besides his illustrious business career, David also produces theater and he serves as chair of the board of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and he volunteers for Destiny Arts Center, Oakland. Learn More at davidriemer.com Are you a high achiever, a leader in your workplace, a person with many interests, maybe even an Ampersand? Well, guess what? Jessica works with people just like you. Jessica can help you navigate change, stay true to your values, and thrive as a leader. Learn more at jessicawan.com. She reads every single message. Credits Produced and Hosted by Jessica Wan Co-produced, edited, and sound design by Naomi Tepper Music by Denys Kyshchuk and Stockaudios from Pixabay

July 3rd, 1985 - a day that a little time travel movie produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Robert Zemeckis called Back to the Future was released to the public. This podcast will dive into the world of BTTF, and discuss the movies, characters, and behind-the-scenes details on one of the greatest trilogies of all time. So buckle in, make sure your flux capacitor is fluxing, and enjoy the 88 mile per hour adventure of the Back to the Future trilogy. FRANCES LEE MCCAIN returned to New York where she appeared on Broadway in Woody Allen's Play it Again Sam, and off-Broadway in Lanford Wilson's Lemon Sky, creating the role of Carol. She joined the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco under William Ball and played a variety of roles in repertory. Apple's Way TV show (1974-75) and other 1970s work She began her career in film and television after appearing opposite Jon Voight and Faye Dunaway in A Streetcar Named Desire, eventually co-starring with Ronny Cox as the female lead in her own television series, CBS-TV's Apple's Way in 1974. She appeared in a variety of television series and miniseries throughout the 1970s, including the Quincy ME episode Eye Of The Needle playing a Holistic practitioner. In 1978 she played Charles Grodin's wife in Albert Brooks' debut feature film, Real Life. 1980s acting work In the 1980s, she was cast in several major films, usually always playing the mother of a main character. In 1984, she co-starred in the blockbuster film Gremlins as Lynn Peltzer, the mother of main character, Billy Peltzer (played by Zach Galligan). Also that year, she played Ethel McCormack, mother to Kevin Bacon's character, in Footloose. In 1985 she appeared in the hit film Back to the Future as Stella Baines, the mother to the character played by Lea Thompson. In 1986, she played the role of Mrs. Lachance, the mother of Gordie Lachance (played by Wil Wheaton), in the hit drama film Stand by Me. Later work McCain continued to work in television after relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1980s and also appeared in Scream (1996) as the mother of Rose McGowan's character, and Patch Adams (1998). She received a Master's Degree in Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2000, and continues to work in Theater extensively in the San Francisco Area. In 2004 McCain initiated a theater project based on oral histories of the blue collar workers responsible for the building and maintaining of the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico which received workshop readings at the Lensic Center for Performing Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, most recently at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. McCain is an Associate Artist of the ZSpace Studio in San Francisco, and is an ensemble member of the AlterTheater Ensemble in San Rafael, California. Order the "Back from the Future" paperback with expanded material! Amazon- https://bit.ly/BackFromTheFutureBook Bookshop- https://bit.ly/BackFromTheFuturebook Barnes and Noble- https://bit.ly/BackFromtheFutureBook Mango- https://bit.ly/BackfromTheFutureBook Chapters indigo- https://bit.ly/BackFromThefutureBook Buy the BACK FROM THE FUTURE Book. ORDER: BOND, James Bond now! CLICK HERE. Back to the Future: The Podcast is produced and presented by Brad Gilmore, and is not affiliated with the Back to the Future franchise. This show is meant for entertainment and documentary purposes only, and does not intend to infringe on any copyrights of Universal Pictures, Back to the Future, or any of its characters, clips or music. Brad Gilmore expresses views and statements which represent that of the hosts and the guests of the program alone. The statements made on this program are in no way intended to represent views of any other organization affiliated with the hosts or guests and in no way represent the views of the sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our pilot episode, Tim interviews his friend and former cast mate, Emily Jeanne Brown! Emily is an actor, musician and Embodied Voice coach and the founder of OnVoice Coaching & Consulting. Through breathwork, embodiment and vocal technique, she works with clients on building a resilient foundation of support within themselves, so they can release their most authentic, expressive and impactful voices into the world. Emily holds a BA in theater from Smith College and an MFA in Acting from American Conservatory Theater. She is currently working on her debut EP, ‘Nina', which will be released in 2023. Check out her music on all major streaming platforms, and follow along for coaching and creative work on IG @onvoice_ and @emilyjeannebrown. www.emilyjeannebrown.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tim-heller/support

The Movies That Made Me… Episode 3: LOVE Luke Sorba wrote and directed his first movie on Super 8 when he was 18 years old. "The Mirror Within" won in the Novice Category at Streatham and Norwood Amateur Film Club's Annual Awards. He only made one more (apart from some YouTube sketches) but he has since watched 6000 movies made by other people and owns 1600 on DVD. He spent more teenage hours at the National Film Theatre and the Electric Cinema than anywhere else, and is currently on first name terms with staff at Peckhamplex. Over two hundred books on cinema fill his shelves and he has a complete collection of Monthly Film Bulletin magazines (incorporated in Sight and Sound since 1990) going back to 1964. As an actor and writer, as well as a teacher of story telling Luke brings professional experience to his observations but it his status as a super-fan that sets him apart. He is rare among enthusiasts in that there is no period nor genre nor country whose movies he is not curious about. From Intolerance to Inception, The St Valentine's Day Massacre to The Belles of St Trinian's, Do the Right Thing to Dr Dolittle, Zombieland to Nomadland, Superfly to Superman, Tod Browning to Todd Haynes, Federico Fellini to The Fast and Furious, Monika Treut to Monica Bellucci, there is a place for everyone in The Movies That Made Me. Luke Sorba and Andrew Paine previously collaborated on the online improvised comedy show "Unmute". Together they make up Picard Productions.   Episode 3 Features... Martha Julier is a film graduate, and a Script Editor working in TV Drama. Despite this, she has somehow retained her love of Film & TV.  As a freelance script editor, Martha's worked on projects for BBC, ITV and FX/Disney+. Dan O'Connor is one of the world's foremost innovators in unscripted theatre. He is a multifaceted actor, improviser, writer, and director performing on television and stage around the world. His training includes the American Conservatory Theater and extensive work with Keith Johnstone (Author of Impro) since 1986. He is a graduate of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.  Dan is the founder of the critically acclaimed Impro Theatre and is a co-founder of BATS Improv in San Francisco and LA Theatresports. Dan has been teaching internationally for 30 years training writers, actors and directors about narrative storytelling and exploring the future of theatre. In that time he has also worked with corporate clients using improvisation as tool for adaptation and change. He has been guest performer with everyone from Second City to Groundlings. Most recently he has developed the "LIVING STORY BOARD" with Stephen Kearin an ongoing development process for animators, storyboard artists and writers at Disney and Dreamworks Animation. He co-wrote Life UnScripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life published by North Atlantic Books. You can watch Dan's TED Talk titled “Improvising a Better World” by clicking here.   Love Is In The Air... IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE 1946 (Frank Capra) Post-war America in need of healing finds family man and community leader, Jimmy Stewart on the precipice of self-destruction. Can love pull him back? The movie that most defines Capra-esque. Contrast: A Christmas Carol (1951) MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE 1985 (Stephen Frears) Race, Class, Sexuality and Toxic Masculinity all explored with candour and passion decades before “woke” meant anything more than what you did before eating breakfast. Hanif Kureishi's best screenplay, the launch of Daniel Day-Lewis as a movie star. Against a backdrop of heartless Thatcherite Britain. Contrast: Loving (2016) STRICTLY BALLROOM 1992 (Baz Luhrmann) The movie that gave the BBC the title (well, half) of its most popular TV show of the last twenty years. Outsiders from different worlds come together in the Australian auteur's first film. The sequence using Cindy Lauper's True Colours is sublime. Contrast: Romeo + Juliet (1996) LA BELLE E LA BETE 1946 (Jean Cocteau) Poet, playwright, artist, novelist, Cocteau's live action telling of the classic tale ask the eternal question: can true love redeem? Magical. Contrast: Beauty and the Beast (1991) BEFORE SUNRISE 1995 (Richard Linklater) The most romantic film inspired by a railway station since Brief Encounter. Semi-improvised dialogue between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as lovers thrown together by chance adds authenticity and intelligence to a film that launched the most unlikely movie franchise. Right person, wrong time, wrong place…. can love survive? Contrast: The Lady Vanishes (1936) CASABLANCA 1942 (Michael Curtiz) When love of justice and romantic love collide, one must be sacrificed? Bogart. Bergman. And a world of talent on and off-camera. Luke's favourite film. Film's most romantic song. Contrast: There is none. It's a non-pareil.

Nikki Crawford and Adrianna Mitchell join this week's episode on Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas! They are currently starring in the FAT HAM playing at the Public Theatre in New York City. Get your tickets Here. Nikki Crawford graduated from Carnegie Melon has been all over TV, film, and theater. She's performed live from regional houses across the country and has been on television in Criminal Minds, Pretty Little Liars, Malcom in the Middle, and let's not forget Martin, Living Single, and A Different World to name a few! Adrianna Mitchell graduated from Spellman and American Conservatory Theater. She's an actress, writer, and director. She's been on Blacklist, Bull, The Good Fight, Queens, Harlem's Kitchen, and Snowfall, and more! Follow them at @nikkicrawford917 and @adriannamitchell_. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas and www.salishathomas.com FAT HAM is a co-production between The Public and National Black Theatre, and reinvents Shakespeare's masterpiece Hamlet with a black, queer, and southern twist. It explores questions of identity, family, and trauma in a delectable comic tragedy directed by The Public's Associate Artistic Director Saheem Ali. The show stars Marcel Spears (CBS's The Neighborhood) as the show's modern day Hamlet– Juicy, a queer, Southern college student. Set at a backyard BBQ complete with Southern soul food , this is NOT your typical Hamlet retelling (it even ends in a drag performance). But it's an important, thought provoking play that I hope you'll come check out.   Nikki Crawford plays Tedra (based on Hamlet's Mother Gertrude) and Adrianna Mitchell plays Opal (based on Ophelia) and they are wonderful, fun, and integral parts of this retelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we discuss his career as an Actor, Director, Choreographer and how those different artistic expressions helped him navigate the world. We also talk in depth about what it was like to travel with a deaf theatre company without knowing any sign language goin in. Professor Stephen Buescher is an actor, director, and teaching artist who has designed and led movement training curriculum for various master's programs including Brown University/Trinity Repertory Consortium and the American Conservatory Theater. He has also taught physical theater in the master's programs at the Yale School of Drama, University of Missouri Kansas City, and the University of Connecticut. He has choreographed Hamlet, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Orphan of Zhao, Stuck Elevator, Monstress, Let There Be Love, and Underneath the Lintel at the American Conservatory Theater; The Imaginary Invalid at the Old Globe Theater (Fiasco); A Midsummer Night's Dream and Private Lives at Long Wharf Theater; A Christmas Carol at Trinity Repertory Company; Love's Labour's Lost at Shakespeare Santa Cruz; Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Lorraine Hansberry Theater; and Black Maria at The Providence Black Repertory Theater. He has directed numerous productions in the MFA Conservatory including The Bacchae Communion Rite, The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, Galileo, The House of Bernarda Alba (Moscow Art Theater), Hotel Paradiso, Black Orpheus, and Crazy for the Country. Professor Buescher has been a long time company member with Dell' Arte International where he has performed both nationally and internationally. International Festivals include the International Small Scene Theater Festival (Croatia), The Festival of New Adaptations (Hungary), and The Festival International de Teatro Caribe (Colombia). He has also performed with the National Theater of Greece, Oktana Dance, and Tanz Theater Heidelberg. Nationally he has performed with Dell' Arte International, American Conservatory Theater, Smith Wymore Disappearing Acts, Scott Wells and Dancers, Shotgun Players, and Deborah Slater Dance. He is a first round recipient of TCG's New Generations Grant, a member of SDC, and the Network of Ensemble Theaters. Professor Buescher is a graduate of the Dell' Arte International School of Physical Theater and California Institute of the Arts.EducationDell'Arte International School of Physical TheaterCalifornia Institute of the Arts

In this episode of UIndy's Potluck Podcast, where we host conversations about the arts, Barney Haney, assistant professor of English, interviews novelist Lysley Tenorio, a guest of the Kellogg Writers Series, which is a series that brings writers of distinction to the University of Indianapolis campus for classroom discussions and free public readings. Special thanks to Music Technology majors Sean Montgomery and Jackson Smith for editing this episode's audio. Lysley Tenorio is the author of the novel The Son of Good Fortune and the story collection Monstress, which was named a book of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle. He is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, a Whiting Award, a Stegner fellowship, the Edmund White Award, and the Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His stories have appeared in The Atlantic, Zoetrope: All-Story, and Ploughshares, and have been adapted for the stage by The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and the Ma-(Yee)Yi Theater in New York City. Born in the Philippines, he lives in San Francisco, and is a professor at Saint Mary's College of California. We thank you for listening to UIndy's Potluck Podcast, which is hosted by students and faculty of the University of Indianapolis. We would like to thank our guests and the Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences. To learn more about UIndy's Potluck Podcast and hear other episodes, please visit etchings.uindy.edu/the-potluck-podcast. Thank you for your support.

Subscribe to The Locher Room: https://bit.ly/TheLocherRoomEmmy Award-winning actress, author and animal advocate Carolyn Hennesy joined me in The Locher Room to reminisce about her incredible career dazzling audiences with her various daytime, primetime and film roles. On television, she played the deliciously vicious “Penelope Ellis” on ABC's critically acclaimed series Revenge. She also joined the cast for the fifth season of the sleek vampires-meet-world saga, True Blood, and fast became a fan favorite as Rosalyn, the ageless vamp with a Texas twang. Prior to Revenge and True Blood, Hennesy was best known for her memorable work as “Barb” on ABC's Cougar Town and for her (twice) Emmy nominated work as “Diane Miller” on ABC's General Hospital. She has also guest starred on a long list of prime time favorites including Champions, NCIS, The Cool Kids, The Mindy Project, MOM, and Liza on Demand. Kids across America know her as the hilariously haughty Mrs. Chesterfield on Disney Channel's Jessie. On the big screen, Hennesy's credits include Click, Legally Blonde 2, Terminator 3 as well as starring in the horror film, St. Agatha (directed by SAW's Darren Bousman,) the recently released comedy Swing of Things and the soon to be released Relentless for Lifetime…but the biggest recent large screen news is her role in J.J. Abrams Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker as fighter pilot Demine Lithe. Online, she's starred in the independent series' Take it from the Top and These People, Business Doing Pleasure for TBS, Two Sentence Horror Stories for Time/Warner, and The Bay for Amazon Prime in the role of Karen Blackwell...for which she received her Emmy Award and the 2016 Indie Series Award. Most recently, she starred as Gloria in Sean Kanen's series, Studio City for which she received Emmy nominations two consecutive years. Hennesy received her training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Her razor sharp comedic timing was honed as a member of The Groundling's Sunday Company and in ACME Theatre's main company. Hennesy has appeared in over a hundred stage productions worldwide, most recently and to great acclaim as Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's Master Class at the Garry Marshall Theatre for which she received the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for “Best Actress In A Play” for the entirety of Los Angeles, 2017-18. Among other accolades, the LA Drama Critics Circle has distinguished her with the Natalie Schafer Award and the LA Stage Alliance honored her with her first Ovation for THE FAN MAROO. For the last three years, Hennesy hosted the red carpet reception for the Daytime Emmy Awards for NATAS, FB, and nearly all social media platforms. Hennesy's creative endeavors also include a successful career as a writer; she created the wildly popular “Pandora” (Bloomsbury USA) children's book series and penned the New York Times Bestseller “The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli” (Hyperion). When not on set, Hennesy is privileged to lend her time to a number of causes but she focuses on veteran affairs and particularly animal rescue, preservation, conservation and advocacy as an ambassador for American Humane and her own Los Angeles Zoo. She hosts her advocacy podcast “Animal Magnetism” back episodes of which may be found on YouTube. On January 2nd. 2017, Hennesy crossed something off of her bucket list: she rode on a float (Lucy Pet Foundation) in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Now she simply has to go into space (difficult) and fly over Disneyland as Tinkerbell to set off the fireworks (impossible). She lives in her native Los Angeles with four dogs and one cat, rescues all, and…in what spare time is left…she flies trapeze. Seriously!Original Airdate: 8/18/2021

In this week's episode, Jennifer chats with Diana Gonzalez-Morett & Akilah ‘AK' Walker about all things making a short film – from writing and directing to producing and fundraising to casting and shooting to everything in between! They unpack resources and give insight to anyone hoping to embark on the creative undertaking and endeavor of short filmmaking. About Diana: Diana Gonzalez-Morett is a creative producer, writer, actress, and caregiver. Diana finds creative strength in her fluidity as a multi-hyphenate and is passionate about supporting creative visions. In 2020 Diana and partner Akilah ‘AK' Walker co-founded Good Mother Films a BIPOC women-led creative company that specializes in producing personal stories told with emotional depth, bold artistry and always considering its social impact. The company produced its first award-winning short film, ‘Ivar Tunnel: Shook Ones' in 2021. When she is not filmmaking Diana works as a teaching artist/director for Bergen Performing Arts Center and administratively for Lotus Arts Management, one of the country's premier dance agencies. Diana is currently based in New Jersey where she is a caregiver for her mother living with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It would be unfair to not acknowledge that she does all of this with the help of her loyal chihuahua, Lupita.   About Akilah: Akilah “AK” Walker is an actress, writer/director, and creative producer fascinated by the performative, the magical and the absurd--especially as it relates to people of the Black diaspora. Akilah is one out of the 16 actors chosen to be a part of the 2020 ABC Discovers Talent Digital Showcase. Chosen out of 25,000 submissions and 2,500 auditions! This is ABC's first-ever digital showcase! Akilah holds an MFA in acting from American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco as well as a BA in Acting from Fordham University. Akilah has previously performed with Classical Theatre of Harlem, New York Stage & Film, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre, just to name a few. On film, she can be seen in 'Under The Lantern Lit Sky' from Emmy-nominated director Jaclyn Bethany and 'Sorry To Bother You' helmed by the legendary Boots Riley. Originally from Atlanta, Akilah A. Walker is now proud to call Los Angeles home. Akilah A. Walker is also a muse, as she posed as the basis of renowned contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley's sculpture 'Bound' which opened at the Brooklyn Museum in 2015. Akilah A. Walker is what you might call "Quad-Coastal", splitting her time between Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Diana IG: @dianalaurengm Akilah IG: @akthewayy ITSO IG: @itsofilm All things “Ivar Tunnel Shook Ones”: https://linktr.ee/IvarTunnelShookOnesFilm Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective  EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/ Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/ Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com

Get Your Startup Story Straight: The Definitive Storytelling Framework for Innovators and Entrepreneurs by David Riemer About the Book: In a world that's been turned upside down by a pandemic, social upheavals, environmental disasters, and economic disruptions, the need for reinvention is paramount. While many entrepreneurs and innovators have brilliant ideas, they desperately need the skills to successfully articulate their vision to investors, prospective customers, employees, and stakeholders. In this informative and empowering book, David Riemer breaks down the storytelling clutter so you can gain the attention you need to be successful. Storytelling is foundational. If you have a groundbreaking invention in mind or have a plan to solve worldwide problems, Get Your Startup Story Straight is the tool you need to create better customer-focused solutions, motivate more backers to your project, and ultimately dominate in the market. Broken down into three acts, this book will allow you to discover the building blocks of your narrative, the storytelling techniques to convey your ideas clearly, and the archetypes for inspiration. The author's own words tell it all: “Innovators are ubiquitous nowadays, and for this community, storytelling is essential.” If you are a creator struggling to get others on board, this is the handbook to refine your story to guide your product strategy, shape your company, and ultimately improve lives. About the Author: David Riemer has worked in the center of the global hub of innovation—the San Francisco Bay Area—for most of his professional life. He has spent forty years telling stories as a marketing and advertising executive at J. Walter Thompson, Yahoo!, and several startups. Today he is an executive-in-residence at Berkeley-Haas School of Business, advising teams at Bay Area accelerators, and running storytelling training at Google, SAP, Salesforce, Netflix, Bose, Kaiser Permanente, and Abbot Labs. He holds a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Columbia University. And, interesting fact - he produces theater and serves as chair of the board of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.  Click here for this episode's website page with the links mentioned during the interview... https://www.salesartillery.com/marketing-book-podcast/get-startup-story-straight-david-riemer

Steven Sater is the author and lyricist of Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony Awards on Broadway and produced in 25 countries around the world. He has also collaborated with Duncan Sheik on Umbrage (HERE); Nero (Magic Theatre, New York Stage and Film); The Nightingale (La Jolla Playhouse and American Conservatory Theater); and the critically acclaimed album Phantom Moon (Nonesuch). Other plays include the long-running Carbondale Dreams; Perfect For You, Doll (Rosenthal Prize); Umbrage (Steppenwolf New Play Prize); A Footnote to the Iliad (New York Stage and Film); Asylum (Naked Angels); and a reconceived musical version of Shakespeare's Tempest (Lyric Hammersmith). He is currently at work with Burt Bacharach on a new musical as well. Additionally, Sater works as a pop/rock lyricist and screenwriter (the forthcoming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remake for Sony Pictures). Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score, the Drama Desk and Outer Critics' Circle awards for Best Lyrics, the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and the 2010 Olivier Award for Best New Musical for Spring Awakening. His most recent project includes  the Grammy nominated  album Some Lovers , co written with Burt Bacharach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 23 of READING MCCARTHY brings us a great discussion with actor and audiobook narrator Richard Poe.  Poe is known to McCarthy fans as the audiobook narrator of McCarthy's masterwork Blood Meridian.  Richard Poe has been a professional actor since 1970, when he left the army and was soon drafted into the chorus of William Ball's production of Oedipus Rex at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Later that year he was cast as Rosencrantz in a production of Hamlet starring the 73-year-old Dame Judith Anderson, touring all the major theaters in America, including Carnegie Hall. He then played a variety of roles in many regional theaters before coming to New York in 1985. He has since appeared in thirteen Broadway shows, including the 1988 Best Play Tony Award winning M. Butterfly, 1992 Best Play Nominee Our Country's Good, 2006 Best Musical Revival Winner The Pajama Game, and the 2007 Best Play Revival Winner Journey's End. He created the roles of Father Dan (among others) in Paul Rudnick's groundbreaking comedy Jeffrey, and Leonard in Christopher Durang's Why Torture Is Wrong…And The People Who Love Them. Recently he returned to The American Conservatory Theater, where it all started, and created the role of Edgar Halcyon in the new musical, Tales Of the City, receiving a nomination for Best Actor in a Musical from the Bay Area Critics Association.  Additionally, Richard has had featured roles in several films, including Born on the Fourth of July, Presumed Innocent, Transamerica, Speechless, Burn After Reading, and Delivery Man.  For his performance as Roy in Teresa is a Mother he was named Best Actor in the 2012 New York City Independent Film Festival. On TV he's had recurring roles on several series, including Frasier, A Whole New Ballgame and in several episodes of each of the latter-day Star Trek series.Most interesting for our audience, Richard is a prolific narrator of audiobooks, with over one hundred titles to his credit, including three novels by Cormac Mccarthy, His narration of BLOOD MERIDIAN was nominated for an “Audie” Award.  He won the award in 2004 for his narration of John Steinbeck's East of Eden. Richard is married to Claudia Howard and they live in Brooklyn.Thanks to Thomas Frye, who composed, performed, and produced the theme music and interludes for READING MCCARTHY.  To contact me, please reach out to readingmccarthy(@)gmail.com. Find us on Twitter and Facebook; the website is at readingmccarthy.buzzsprout.com, and if you'd like to support the show you can click on the little heart symbol at the top of the page to buy the show a cappuccino, or you can support us at www.patreon.com/readingmccarthy Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rdgmccarthy)

Kaliswa Brewster joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period, part of our special mini-series celebrating Black History Month. Kaliswa Brewster is an actress based in NYC and helped co-produce Seasons 1 and 2 of Love Period. Kaliswa has recurred on Showtime's BILLIONS, ABC's series TIME AFTER TIME, and RELEASE. Film credits include PATERNO for HBO Films starring Al Pacino, the feature film PAINT directed by Michael Walker, and THE BIT PLAYER for PBS. Guest star and other television credits include CBS' GOD FRIENDED ME, BLUE BLOODS, Netflix's DAREDEVIL & CBS' UNFORGETTABLE. She has worked onstage at The Signature Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Hartford Stage, The Williamstown Theater Festival, The Guthrie Theater, and others. As a voice actor Kaliswa has appeared in various commercial ads, animation series (including Marvel), and her audiobook work can be found on Audible. She holds an MFA from American Conservatory Theater and a Certificate in Classical Theater from LAMDA in London. Resources: Jacqui's new book Fierce Love can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Kaliswa Brewster: Instagram | Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Richard Poe was born in Portola, California, and later moved to his "hometown" of Pittsburg, California. He attended high school there, and then graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1967. After a stint in the army during the Vietnam War, he got his first theater job with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, appearing in productions of St Joan, Hadrian VII, Rosencrantz and Guilderstern are Dead, and Oedipus Rex. He toured the country with Dame Judith Anderson, who played Hamlet at the age of 73 to Richard's Rosencrantz. Tour stops included Carnegie Hall and all of America's major cities. He played major roles at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, at Houston's Alley Theater, Syracuse Stage, Hartford Stage Company, Center Stage Baltimore, Goodman Theatre, Long Wharf Theater, Berkshire Theatre Festival, and Huntington Theater. He played Henry Higgins in Pygmalion opposite Roma Downey as Eliza Dolittle; George Antrobus in The Skin of Our teeth opposite Marcia Gay Harden as Sabina; with John Lithgow on Broadway in M. Butterfly; and with Kevin Dobson in ART at Chicago's Royal George Theater. He has appeared in twelve Broadway productions in his twenty years in New York City. https://richardpoenyc.com/

Maggie Lou Rader join Niamh and Jeremy to discuss a Taming of the Shrew that we all... might love? Turns out the secret to a perfect Taming of the Shrew lies in the 1970s!

In today's episode, we talk with Kirk Lawrence, the bestselling author of Zero's Heroes, the 1981 true story of when personal trainer Kirk Lawrence was hired by San Francisco 49ers tight end, Charle Young. Their backgrounds were like night and day, but for six months their training became legendary in the Niners organization. Charle's results included leading a Niners team that went from “Laughable Losers to Super Bowl XVI Champions.” Fresno, CA, then gave him The Key to the City.  Kirk's own transformation fueled his fitness career success. His story takes you from when he ran away as a teenager in the dead of night to where he meets Joanie Greggains and makes an impact on morning television. Kirk continued as a consultant to San Quentin prison, coaching fitness students around the world with IDEA, leading the 10,000 person Dole Cup tournament in Japan, being hired by UCSF Medical School to lead a 2 year study on women, exercise and preventing osteoporosis, and training America's public school students with Raisin Youth Fitness, endorsed by Arnold Schwarzenegger and the then 1991 President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.  Everyone wants to feel like a hero. But grit, persistence and determination alone make the difference. No matter what the situation, Kirk went on a coaching quest to be his best. His enduring message is to stick to the fight when you're the hardest hit, it's when things seem the worst-  Rest, but Don't Quit!   ------------------ Kirk grew up, like many children today, in a family that started out like a dream and ended in a divorce. His parent's divorce took place in January of 1965. He was stuck in a toxic environment, and as he got older, the question he needed to answer was how anyone could rise above the constant, toxic, negative divorce stress. He learned from tremendous instructors in Kenpo, Yoga, Wing Chun, weight training with Vince Gironda and Frank Zane, as well from the dance, ballet, and movement instructors at the American Conservatory Theater. He was a graduate of the famous bodybuilding camp, Zane Haven, in Palm Springs, California. These coaches helped Kirk make an impact on physical education and fitness training for men, women, and children.    1975              Black Belt, Chinese Kenpo         1979              1st Personal Training Client 1980              Marine World Conditioning 1981                NFL Personal                           Trainer/Flexibility Coach 1983                Morning Stretch TV                          Show, Music Coordinator 1984                Personal Fitness                          Specialist, Cooper Institute 1984                Men's National                           Aerobics Champion (FitAerobics) 1984                Group Exercise                           Leadership, Cooper Institute 1985                California Department of Corrections                         San Quentin Prison 1986-1990      Continuing Education                           Provider, ACE 1989                Osteoporosis Exercise                           Research, Fitness Director University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)     Co-developed with     Nancy Lawrence,     Fitness Coordinator 1990-1993      Physical Education                         San Mateo/Foster City                           School District 1991-1992      “Raisin Youth Fitness”                         Endorsed by Arnold Schwarzenegger,                                          Chairman                           PCPFS, Co-developed with Nancy Lawrence   Today Kirk lives happily in Indianapolis, Indiana with Dianna, their three kids, and dog, Roscoe. Their best days lie ahead. He works as a courier for FedEx Express in Indianapolis, enjoying the teamwork and dedication to the FedEx “Purple Promise.”   You can find more about Kirk on his website at:  zeroonceheroforever.com    

I'm excited today to be able to share the third piece of our three-part series focusing on Board Development. If you've joined us for the previous episodes, you'll know that this is a special collaboration that I'm producing with Sean Kosofsky who is commonly known as “The Nonprofit Fixer.”Like last week, you're getting TWO interviews in this episode. Both organizations are clients of Sean's that have been doing some terrific work in the area of board development.First up is Adam Odsess-Rubin. Adam is the Founder and Artistic Director of National Queer Theater. Originally from Berkeley, CA, he has worked as a director, actor, and teaching artist nationally with American Conservatory Theater, The Guthrie Theater, and New York Theatre Workshop. Adam graduated from New York University with a master's degree in Educational Theatre in 2018 and started National Queer Theater to advance liberation for queer communities through the arts.Then, you'll hear from Martina Cucullu Lim.  Martina is the Executive Director of the Eviction Defense Collaborative where she leads anti-displacement and homelessness prevention initiatives in the City and County of San Francisco. In fact, EDC has served as the lead agency for the design, implementation, and oversight of San Francisco's Tenant Right to Counsel System. In her role, Martina oversees the collaboration of nine legal services organizations providing full-scope legal representation to tenants at risk of eviction. Martina also advocates for the expansion of tenant rights and the preservation of housing equity and access to justice across San Francisco.Connect with Adam:www.nationalqueertheater.orgFacebook and Instagram: @nationalqueertheaterConnect with Martina:www.evictiondefense.org****INTERESTED IN DELIVERING *MAXIMUM* VALUE FOR YOUR MEMBERS?Download a FREE Scorecard here and get ACTIONABLE insights in less than 10 minutes:  https://joyofmembership.com/scorecard****ABOUT YOUR HOSTYes, there is a “real” Joy in The Joy of Membership.Founder & CEO Joy Duling has been working with leaders of associations, trade groups and nonprofits since 2005.She has also walked the same journey, serving for nearly 10 years as the Executive Director of a membership-based nonprofit which she helped launch from scratch and led to annual revenues of more than $1M exclusively from membership contributions.Joy has been widely recognized as a speaker, an online educator and a trusted advisor, twice winning the “Unsung Hero Award” from the National Association of Women Business Owners' Central Illinois Chapter. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Social Work with Specialization in Policy, Planning and Administration. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, team facilitation, change management, and association operations.But beyond industry experience and education…Joy Duling is the calm voice you want to have in the room when you, your team, or your board is overwhelmed by ideas and options.She's a trusted resource at the other end of an email or phone call who knows the answer, or can find the answer, when it's not clear what to do next in your approach.She's a planner of systems and driver of progress that helps your organization achieve stretch goals.She's a gifted facilitator of conversation, collaboration and constructive growth. And she's approachable and results-oriented,  which makes it easy to shake loose of the old and start fresh on the new.

Greg Kotis is the author of many plays and musicals including Yeast Nation (Book/Lyrics), The Truth About Santa, Pig Farm, Eat the Taste, Urinetown (Book/Lyrics, for which he won an Obie Award and two Tony Awards), and Jobey and Katherine. His work has been produced and developed in theaters across the country and around the world, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Conservatory Theater, American Theater Company, Henry Miller's Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Stage and Film, Perseverance Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, Soho Rep, South Coast Repertory, and The Old Globe, among others. Mr. Kotis is a member of the Neo-Futurists, the Cardiff Giant Theater Company, ASCAP, and the Dramatists Guild. He grew up in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and now lives in Brooklyn with his wife Ayun Halliday, his daughter India, and his son Milo.

Ralph Clark is a technology company CEO who is equally committed to shareholder value and making a meaningful societal impact. Leading ShotSpotter since 2010, he has been dedicated to helping law enforcement agencies provide equal protection for at-risk, underserved neighborhoods, reducing gun violence and restoring police as trusted guardians of the community. Clark led the transformation of ShotSpotter to a SaaS based business model ultimately taking the company public in 2017.With more than 30 years of corporate, financial and organizational leadership, Clark was previously CEO of GuardianEdge Technologies Inc. where he drove its acquisition by Symantec. Earlier in his career he worked for IBM, Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. Clark received the 2019 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award for Northern California. He is a former board member and chair of Pacific Community Ventures, former board member and chair of the Oakland Boys and Girls Club, former trustee and Vice-Chair of the Oakland Museum of California, is a member of Harvard Business School's California Advisory Board and is a trustee of the American Conservatory Theater. He holds a B.S. in economics from the University of the Pacific and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business SchoolRalph joins me today to discuss ShotSpotter and the mission to reduce and prevent gun violence through the use of acoustic gunshot detection technology. He discusses the alignment and balance of law enforcement as the consumer, the company's interest and the investors. He shares with us the differences in using violence interruption interventions and law enforcement interventions. Ralph shares with us the metrics behind the success of ShotSpotter. He shares his story of growing up in Oakland and working for GuardianEdge which brought him to ShotSpotter. "So you had this layer cake, different series of preferred with different rights, different privileges, different investors, all with very different outcomes, depending upon, you know, what that outcome was. So you can imagine that was anything but aligned around there, the beautiful thing about going public is that, all that preferential layered cake gets smashed into one thing called common, we're all aligned together, management, every single investor, both the previous private investors, as well as the new public market investors, we're all common now. So we all have this, we all have this shared, same shared lens through which to look at, you know, success, or failure.” - Ralph ClarkToday on Startups for Good we cover:The benefits of a mission-driven company for the employeesThe friction in the relationship between communities and law enforcementUtilizing the technology to enforce poaching and blast fishing The importance of reducing blast fishing on the whole ecosystemHow to maintain power and communication to the acoustic gun detection unitsWhat net promoter score is and how valuable it is to a companyThe moment when he adjusted the business model against cultural resistanceThe decision to go public and some advice during the IPO processThe concept of Long Term GreedyConnect with Ralph on LinkedIn or Twitter or email him at rclark@shotspotter.comSubscribe, Rate & Share Your Favorite Episodes!Thanks for tuning into today's episode of Startups For Good with your host, Miles Lasater. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast listening app.Don't forget to visit our