Embracing Arlington Arts Talks
Each Tuesday afternoon Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts will publish a 30-minute podcast featuring an arts organization representative, visual artist, arts expert, reviewer and many others to talk about upcoming productions, openings, the benefits of the arts, economic impact of arts and culture, new studies and much more to help listeners gain more and deeper insight into the world of arts and culture. Guests will also include dignitaries nationwide that value and advocate for the arts.
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Eric Rubio "Talks" The Washington Chorus and Arts Advocacy
07/16/2024
Eric Rubio "Talks" The Washington Chorus and Arts Advocacy
Eric Rubio, the Director of Finance and Administration for The Washington Chorus was our latest guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast. He gave us the scoop on what Arts Management professionals do and how the industry has changed after COVID, as well as details about The Washington Chorus, its mission, upcoming season, importance and who to become a singing member. He also briefed us on his fellowship at the Sphinx Organization and its emphasis on arts advocacy, and explained why he wanted to join the Embracing Arlington Arts Board of Directors (which he did!).
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Tessa Klein "Talks" Creative Age Program for Seniors
07/09/2024
Tessa Klein "Talks" Creative Age Program for Seniors
Tessa Klein, who manages the "Creative Age" program at Educational Theatre Company (ETC) appeared as a guest on the podcast to talk about this very unique and wonderful program that greatly benefits seniors. The program has students telling their own stories and putting these stories into an original play, as well as them reading and acting out already published plays. Also hear why and how this program provides health benefits for older adults and hear one pretty insightful story from one participant. And we hear about Tessa's acting career and types of roles she tends to gravitate towards.
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Monumental Theatre Actors "Talk" Production of "American Psycho"
06/25/2024
Monumental Theatre Actors "Talk" Production of "American Psycho"
Actors Jordyn Taylor and Kaeli Patchen joined us on the podcast to talk about the upcoming production of "American Psycho" being presented by Monumental Theatre Company. Get all the details about the show, including some pretty special seats you can reserve, what the show is about, and what they both particularly like about the show (it might surprise you!). Also find out how they both got into the theater industry, characters they like to play (and want to play), how they prepare for the roles, and whoat realy unique "day job" Kaeli has.
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Visual Artist Brian Luzader "Talks" Unique Style of Painting
06/18/2024
Visual Artist Brian Luzader "Talks" Unique Style of Painting
Asheville Visual Artist Brian Luzader appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to tell us about his very unique style of painting that he calls "Flow Paintings". Find out how he became an abstract professional visual artist, details about his style of pouring paint onto a canvas and leaving it overnight to create beautiful colorful art pieces, what interesting kitchen gadget he uses to avoid "over-working" a painting, and how painting became a type of therapy for him. Also hear his insightful words of advice and wisdom for folks who want to start painting. Then visit his studio in the River Arts District!
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Actor Thomas Walter Booker "Talks" New Movie
06/11/2024
Actor Thomas Walter Booker "Talks" New Movie
Actor Thomas Walter Booker appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about his exciting new project - a movie called "Absent" about a young boy in DC learning to forgive his father and move on with his life that he wrote, is producing and will appear in. Find out what spurred him to write the film, why it is so important for folks to see, what is the timeline until release and how listeners can help support the project. Also learn how he ended up in the theater industry at a VERY young age and his serendipitous journey toward landing a role in "Fat Ham" at the Studio Theatre.
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Director Jason Damaso and Actor Zach Kessel "Talk" Production of "Rent"
06/04/2024
Director Jason Damaso and Actor Zach Kessel "Talk" Production of "Rent"
Dominion Stage's Director Jason Damaso and Actor Zach Kessel joined us on the show to talk about the company's upcoming production of "Rent." Get details about how the show will be presented, why they feel this show still resonates today, and some examples of unique ways this production has been presented in the past. Also find out how each of them got into the theater industry and roles/plays on their bucket lists.
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Artistic Director Peggy McKowen "Talks" CATF
05/28/2024
Artistic Director Peggy McKowen "Talks" CATF
We were so happy to invite the Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) Peggy McKowen back to the show to talk about the 2024 festival which includes three plays and an offering in two parts. From the supernatural to autism to HIV to the Holocaust, this year's experiences cover many tough topics and yet most will leave audiences uplifted as Peggy gravitated towards choosing ones that would powerfully touch people. Also hear about some unique collaborations with other organizations that she pursued this year, as well as information about the playwrights, themes, special events, talkbacks, ticket packages and much more. Wonderful destination vacation opportunity this July.
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Casey Watkins "Talks" Costume Design
05/21/2024
Casey Watkins "Talks" Costume Design
Another episode in our "Behind the Curtain" series on the professionals working backstage to make theater happen has aired. This one features Costume Designer Casey Watkins. Learn what she is responsible for in a production, what is her process for designing costumes, how does she research period pieces and some interesting tricks about costume designs that directly influence an audience member's experience and feelings toward the characters. Also hear about her wonderful experience of bringing a show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
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Bailey Gafeney "Talks" Sound Design
05/14/2024
Bailey Gafeney "Talks" Sound Design
Continuing our "behind the curtain" chats with those theatrical professionals who make theater happen backstage, we welcome to the show Sound Designer Bailey Gafeney. Find out what exactly a sounder designer is responsible for, the tricks and insight into "underscoring" a production, what is her process for designing sound and some of the more challenging projects she has worked on. Also learn about some positive changes she has seen in the industry so far in her career.
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Actor John Hall "Talks" About New Role(s) at Black Mountain Center for the Arts
05/07/2024
Actor John Hall "Talks" About New Role(s) at Black Mountain Center for the Arts
Actor and Chair of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts John Hall joined us on the show to talk about his unique journey into the theater world, the mission, background and upcoming events at the Center, and details about his role(s) in the regional premiere of "Popcorn Falls" (2 actors playing about 20 characters). Also get all the details about a truly immersive event coming in June at the Center - "Art in Bloom" - that melds art, floral arrangements and nature and includes garden tours of local houses, visual artists creating artwork at each house, gallery exhibitions and the opportunity to purchase the paintings made during the event. A true destination event!
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Technical Theater Professional Sylvia J. Pierce "Talks" Props and More
04/30/2024
Technical Theater Professional Sylvia J. Pierce "Talks" Props and More
Technical Theater professional Sylvia J. Pierce appeared as a guest on the podcast as part of our series on the "behind the curtain" magic that happens to make a theatrical production happen. She enlightens about what exactly a technical theater professional is responsible for, with particular insight into a props manager, how she got into the industry, what dramatic changes she has seen in the technical field over the last 46 years, and how she preparing props for the upcoming production of "Thurgood" at NC Stage. Also hear some very entertaining stories about her experiences working with CNN, Eurovision and SNL, as well as her next project - "Hilloween" - a truly immersive and scary experience coming this October to Spruce Pine, NC.
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Designer CJ Barnwell "Talks" Lighting and VIsual Media
04/23/2024
Designer CJ Barnwell "Talks" Lighting and VIsual Media
This is another episode featuring the "behind-the-scenes" theater professionals who are critical to bringing a production to the stage. This week we get the inside scoop on lighting and visual media design from CJ Barnwell. Find out how he ended up in this field, his process for designing, what exactly a lighting/visual media designer does and some challenges he has faced in the past. Also find out how the profession has evolved and changed over the years, as well as why the relatively new visual media component has become so important. Finally get all the details and particular challenges of lighting for the production he is working on now - a one-person show at NC Stage - "Thurgood."
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Actor Solomon Parker III "Talks" About Importance of "Hair"
04/16/2024
Actor Solomon Parker III "Talks" About Importance of "Hair"
What an insightful and interesting interview we had with Actor Solomon Parker III who is appearing in Signature Theatre's upcoming production of "Hair." Why does he think this show is so important and relevant in 2024? Why does he believe the 1960's were so critical? How did he prepare for his role as the "President of the United States of Love" and how it contrasted to his previous role when he appeared in the production in Oregon? Answers to these questions as well as how he got into the theater industry and roles on his bucket list are some of the wide-ranging topics we discussed. And what does Solomon think would make this world a much better place?
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Scenic Designer Julie K. Ross "Talks" About the Art of Sets
04/09/2024
Scenic Designer Julie K. Ross "Talks" About the Art of Sets
Scenic Designer and Visual Artist Julie K. Ross appeared on the podcast as part of our educational shows about the professionals not on stage that are critical to bringing a show to the stage. Hear what a Scenic Designer does, how she ended up in this career, how the profession has changed (and where projections fit in), and a prop that many times ends up on her sets as an inside joke. Also hear about her work as a visual artist and where in Dollywood one can see her very large and unique murals. Finally get the scoop on "Thurgood" opening soon at NC Stage Company and some teasers about that set.
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Encore Stage and Studio's Sara Duke "Talks" Exciting Projects
04/02/2024
Encore Stage and Studio's Sara Duke "Talks" Exciting Projects
The Executive Director of Encore Stage and Studio Sara Duke returned to the show to talk about the exciting developments with their "Flip the Script" series. Hear how the students prepare and draft the play, background on the two previous productions (one focused on Arlington's first middle school integration and Green Valley) and the current one that will be all about the diversity of Arlington and its food trucks. Also hear what surprised the students in their research about Green Valley and some iconic sights in the neighborhood that are recreated on stage. Finally get all the details about the final two productions in this current season and the many different options for summer camps being offered this year.
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Actor Jessica Phillips "Talks" Playing Penelope in One-Person Show
03/26/2024
Actor Jessica Phillips "Talks" Playing Penelope in One-Person Show
Actor Jessica Phillips took time off the stage to join us on the podcast to talk about her new show "Penelope" being presented at Signature Theatre. How did she prepare for a one-person show and portraying Penelope - Odysseus' wife in the Odyssey? Get all the details about the show and why she thinks all audience members will be able to relate so well to her character. Also learn about how she ended up in the theater industry, what are some of the big differences and adjustments actors need to make when moving from television to the stage, and what her unique answer was to roles on her bucket list.
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Toni Andrews "Talks" George Mason University Arts and Published Book
03/19/2024
Toni Andrews "Talks" George Mason University Arts and Published Book
Toni Andrews, Senior Program Director at George Mason University updated us on the new construction building at George Mason University and its inclusion of the arts including digital arts and a podcast studio, as well as other arts projects the university is working on. Also get all the details about her historical fiction book "The Road to Second Chance" that she just published, what the impetus was behind her writing of it, how writing helped her mentally and emotionally, and her words of wisdom and lessons learned about how to get a book published.
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Actor Philip Kershaw "Talks" Acting in Asheville
03/12/2024
Actor Philip Kershaw "Talks" Acting in Asheville
Actor Philip Kershaw was a guest on the podcast to talk about his travels to the artsy city of Asheville to perform in NC Stage Company's production of "Witch," Find out how he ended up in the theater industry and what led him to Asheville to appear in this production and direct their next play entitled "Thurgood." Also learn how he prepares for new roles, what is on his "bucket list," and his journey to becoming an equity actor. And what really surprising thing did he do his first week in Asheville?
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West Hyler and Shelley Butler "Talk" Broadway and South Carolina New Play Festival
03/05/2024
West Hyler and Shelley Butler "Talk" Broadway and South Carolina New Play Festival
Broadway Directors West Hyler and Shelley Butler appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast to talk about the new works festival they founded in Greenville, SC - the South Carolina New Play Festival - after leaving New York City's Broadway during the COVID shutdown. Find out how they both ended up in the theater industry, why they both believe presenting new works is so important to both the theater personnel and audiences, their international work in both Bulgaria and Japan, among many other interesting topics. Also get all the details about the festival, how it is unique (one way is through the combination of using local talent and directors/actors straight from Broadway), the associated "Broadway Cabaret" on the closing night, and the great variety of productions that are offered, including a childrens' play, musical and drama, among others. Also as very established theatrical professionals, hear their thoughts on how the theater industry is doing in this post-COVID world and how patrons can help this still struggling industry.
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Actor Sebastian Newman "Talks" Teen Acting Programs
02/27/2024
Actor Sebastian Newman "Talks" Teen Acting Programs
Actor Sebastian Newman offered us some insight into being a teen involved in theater, as well as told us how he became interested in theater and why he thinks it is important to have theater in our lives. He also embellishes on why theater training helps teenagers so much in terms of leadership, personality and during times of stress (like the COVID shutdown). Also hear details about two teen programs he is participating in - Synetic Theater's Teen Program which teaches students a very unique approach to acting on stage (i.e., movement theater) and Signature Theatre's Conservatory Program which teaches more traditional acting training based specifically on what the students say they need to learn. And get all the details about Synetic's upcoming production of "Romeo & Juliet."
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Music Director Chris Zimmerman "Talks" Fairfax Symphony
02/20/2024
Music Director Chris Zimmerman "Talks" Fairfax Symphony
Music Director and Conductor Chris Zimmerman was a guest on the show to talk about the Fairfax Symphony and give us all the details about their upcoming concerts. Also find out how to audition for the Symphony, how he chooses which pieces will be performed each season and the many diversity programs they have initiated. Plus hear about their exciting recent concert featuring the renowned soprano Renee Fleming and some interesting factoids about how China is voraciously embracing Western classical music.
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Visual Artist Brenda Goerzen "Talks" VERY Unique Style of Painting
02/13/2024
Visual Artist Brenda Goerzen "Talks" VERY Unique Style of Painting
Visual Artist Brenda Goerzen joined us to talk about the health benefits of painting for her during the COVID shutdown which impacted her mentally. Also learn about the unique materials she uses for her pieces, her #1 inspiration for creating art, and how she describes her particular type of art work. And then hear what very interesting fact she dropped on us halfway through the interview about how she exactly paints and how this technique would be such an entertaining show and explains why she does not teach!
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Architect Paola Amodeo "Talks" New Jewelry Design
02/06/2024
Architect Paola Amodeo "Talks" New Jewelry Design
The award-winning architect Paola Amodeo returned to the show to talk about her latest and very exciting side business - jewelry design. Find out how she got into this line of work from an incident that happened 40 years ago, how her jewelry is so unique, how "adjacencies" and shapes appear to her when designing jewelry and her other services of repair and repurposing pieces and heirloom gems for customers. Also learn why she thinks architecture design so closely mirrors jewelry-making with one major difference which made it a perfect fit for her keen eye for design. Finally, hear first-hand why jewelry-making helps her de-stress and calm herself.
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Jake Loewenthal "Talks" World Premiere of "Private Jones" at Signature
01/30/2024
Jake Loewenthal "Talks" World Premiere of "Private Jones" at Signature
Actor Jake Loewenthal took time out of his crazy schedule to chat with us about the upcoming world premiere of "Private Jones" at Signature Theatre about a a WWI deaf soldier and the unique device of "sound" in the production. Also hear about how he prepares for new roles, his bucket list of productions, his particular technique when sending in taped auditions, and what exactly he does when he is not on stage (hint: it is not reading a book!). And he does have one COVID silver lining that positively impacted his acting career.
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Stacey Schwartz "Talks" Free Little Art Gallery
01/23/2024
Stacey Schwartz "Talks" Free Little Art Gallery
"Community Builder for the Arts" Stacey Schwartz shared with our listeners a wonderful new initiative being offered in communities throughout the US - Free Little Art Galleries. Find out what it is all about, how they help the community residents interact with the arts, how they uplift residents and how they help artists market their work. Also find out the process and how folks can take or give art. She also updated us on how the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University is changing its marketing strategies for ticket sales in this post-COVID world, and what is happening at the Educational Theatre Company with her newly installed as the Board Chair.
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Avant Bard's Sara Barker "Talks" 2024 Season
01/16/2024
Avant Bard's Sara Barker "Talks" 2024 Season
One of the Artistic Producing Partners of Avant Bard Theatre returned to the show to give us all the details about their exciting 2024 season. Starting off the year they will be holding their annual "Scripts in Play Festival" that features staged readings of 3 original plays, along iwth talk backs and the ability of audience members to influence the final play. Subjects this year include a serial murderer, a queer Puerto Rican and a fictional Shakespeare. Also hear about their 2 main stage productions - "Coriolanus" with video games and an updated "Cherry Orchard" for today's world. Finally we get her insight into the state of the theater industry in the DMV in a post-COVID world.
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Director Mario Font and Actor Gary Bernard DiNardo "Talk" Dominion's "Torch Song"
01/09/2024
Director Mario Font and Actor Gary Bernard DiNardo "Talk" Dominion's "Torch Song"
Dominion Stage's Director Mario Font and Actor Gary Bernard DiNardo came on the podcast to give us all the details about the organization's upcoming prodution of "Torch Song." Also find out how Gary prepared for his role as "Arnold" and how the character's personality resonated with him, some things you will see in the show from the director's standpoint and how the show captures family conflict. Also find out which roles and plays are on each guest's bucket list and what is coming next in the Dominion season, as well as what exactly is a "busy signal?"
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Visual Artist Judy Southerland "Talks" New Exhibition
12/19/2023
Visual Artist Judy Southerland "Talks" New Exhibition
The Visual Artist Judy Southerland joined us to talk about her new exhibition at the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art opening January 6th with an opening reception, an artist talk on February 4 and a closing reception on February 24. Hear about how she became a visual artist despite no art classes being offered when she was ins school, how Carl Sagan influenced her interest in art, and how her work in this latest exhibition features a unique glazing technique and hidden text within each work. Also find out how it actually IS her life.
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A'nnah Howard "Talks" 2024 Fred Schnider Gallery Exhibitions
12/12/2023
A'nnah Howard "Talks" 2024 Fred Schnider Gallery Exhibitions
The newly hired Gallery Assistant at the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art A'nnah Howard came on the show to give us all the details about the gallery's exciting 2024 Exhibitions schedule - from gothic surrealism to psychology to human grief and anxiety. Also find out her aspirations for a career in the art world, the type of art she creates and why she loves the Fred Schnider Gallery whose mission is to showcase local artists.
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Jorge Acevedo "Talks" Casting Process at Signature Theatre
12/05/2023
Jorge Acevedo "Talks" Casting Process at Signature Theatre
Continuing our goal of interviewing "behind the scenes" theatrical professionals, we welcomed back to the show Jorge Acevedo who is the Casting Director at Signature Theatre. Find out exactly what a casting director does and how they go about finding the right actors for each role. Also learn the audition process followed at Signature, how Jorge strives to bring diversity and "outside the box" thinking to casting actors, how far in advance actors in DC are called up for auditions and how does he keep track of everyone's talents and gifts? Also get all the details about the current hit at Signature "Ragtime" and the upcoming world premiere of "Private Jones." And at the end hear Jorge's words of wisdom to all administrative theater professionals starting out in their careers.
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