Elena Velasco, Convergence Theater, "Talks" Cultural Equity
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Release Date: 06/09/2020
Fight Director Casey Kaleba "Talks" Choreography
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Fight Director Casey Kaleba came on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about his unique craft within the theater industry. From his very interesting story about he ended up as a fight director to what show he has worked on over 50 times to his process of developing the fight choreogrpaphy for a show, listeners will develop a new understanding of this important behind-the-scenes role. Also learn about some of his more interesting projects as well as his most challenging first direction scene. And what exactly happened to his staging of the "best sword fight ever" that...
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Music Director Manny Arciniega "Talks" Percussions
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Music Director and Percussionist Manny Arciniega appeared as a guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about his work as a percussionist in the DMV theater and music world. Learn about his circuitous route to the percussion genre, how his mother seriously impacted his life, some of his more memorable music experiences in the theater and learn about several very unique "instruments" he uses. Also hear how his Helen Hayes nomination for Music Director impacted him, as well as get details about his important movement workshops for those suffering from dementia.
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Director Elena Velasco "Talks" About "In the Heights"
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Elena Velasco is directing the upcoming production of "In the Heights" being presented by NextStop Theatre. Find out her views on how the show embraces cultural pride and what home means. Also get a teaser about how the audience will be on the "street," and how she directs a show that has been presented a lot. Wearing her choreographer hat, Elena tells us about how movement and choreography have changed due to the pandemic and the role of yoga in her practice. Finally, we learn what's next for Elena?
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Alex Levy from 1st Stage "Talks" New Productions and Solo Shows
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
The Artistic Director of 1st Stage Alex Levy returned to the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about the upcoming regional premiere production of "Mojada" - a modern day adaptation of Medea centered on an immigrant family trying to assimilate. Also hear about the final show of the season - "The Last Match" - which gets into the heads of two tennis players, as well as the exciting Logan Festival of solo shows being presented in July. And why does Alex love sports so much and what are his patrons saying about being back in the theater?
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Shanara Gabrielle and Christopher Michael Richardson "Talk" Awards Show
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Shanara Gabrielle, new member of the Theatre Washington Board, and Christopher Michael Richardson, Actor and Theatre Washington Creative Team member talked to us about the upcoming Helen Hayes Awards ceremony being held on May 22, 2023 after a three-year hiatus of an in-person gathering. Hear about the new evening format for the show that really honors the nominees and allow the theater community members to get together and spend more quality time with each other. Also learn about the hosts for the evening, some of the performers and sponsorship opportunities. And what is Theater Week?
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Dominion Stage Principals "Talk" About "Hedwig and the Angry Inch"
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Dominion Stage's Director Dani Guy and Actor Cam Shegogue appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us the details about the upcoming production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Hear how Cam got started in the theater industry at a very early age to why this show is so important to him. Dani teases us with some hints about the set and what shows are on her bucket list to direct. Also get the scoop on Dominion's upcoming season.
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Ballet Nova Artistic Diretor Matthew Powell "Talks" About "Coppelia"
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
The Artistic Director of Ballet Nova Matthew Powell returned to the show to talk about their upcoming production of the hilarious farce and first comedic ballet ever created "Coppelia" whose main character just happens to be a mechanical doll. Being performed at the beautiful Capital One theater this will be a treat for all ages. In conjunction with the main stage production, condensed "petite performances" will be offered for younger audiences who will participate by helping bring Coppelia to life. Also hear about Matthew's exciting announcement about his own professional achievement...
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John Good "Talks" Pro Bono Legal Services for Creatives
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
The Executive Director of Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) John Good appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about the wonderful pro bono services they provide for professionals and organizations in the "creatives" industry. From Education/Workshops on such topics as Intellectual Property, Business Licenses and Contract Provisions to Walk-In Clinics to Referral Services to specific lawyers who can help with the case to advocacy, WALA is providing a multitude of critical expertise and advice to those in the arts industry. We also learned about the founders of...
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Musician and Producer Ron Newmyer "Talks" Tribute Concerts
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Musician, Producer and Concert organizer Ron Newmyer is a big proponent of promoting local musicians. Under the auspices of Bandhouse Gigs, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2024, Ron and others organize two tribute concerts a year that promote area musicians by putting on multi-artist events honoring an artist we all love. From Nils Lofgren to Bob Dylan to Woodstock, to this year's concerts focused on Fountains of Wayne and Tom Petty. Ron also founded Newmyer Flyer which on a smaller scale hosts local performers doing different types of tributes which will include the Beatles, LA...
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Raymond Caldwell "Talks" Three Shows at Three Theater in Three Months
Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
The Producing Artistic Director of Theater Alliance Raymond Caldwell returned to the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about Theater Alliance's production of "This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing," as well as the rest of the reason and a very cool theatrical project they did in India. Raymond also gave us details about his directing of "Passing Strange" at Signature Theatre - an edgy, punk rock musical. Finally, he will be directing "One in Two" at Mosaic Theater Company. Also learn what two unexpected productions are on his director bucket list.
info_outlineElena Velasco, the Co-Founder of Convergence Theater and passionate advocate for cultural equity and diversity in the performing arts arena explained how today's dual challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown, coupled with national protests in support of Black Lives Matter are impacting theaters, and why she considers this a moment of reckoning. Also learn more about how Convergence is dealing with the shutdown, as well as the developments at the American Alliance of Theatre and Education (AATE) on whose board she sits. Definitely lots of important issues to think about and discuss in this interview.