Living in the Arts

Localizing has Longevity with Songwriter/Teaching Artist Audra Kubat

Today’s interview is with Audra Kubat (she/her) teaching artist, musician, and educator.
Today, we’re going to learn about teaching yourself, breaking bread with your neighbors, and helping others find their own voice. 
 
One takeaway I can offer you already? When you’re vulnerable, you may be your truest self.
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Inside Out Literacy
Build a Musical Toolkit (AKA THE BOX) At Home! 
 
If you enjoyed this interview, find Audra online at https://audrakubat.com/home. 
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
 
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit.

Good Things Are Coming with Composer/Musician Jason Deran

Need a little bit of light in your life today?? This interview is with Jason Deran (he/him) composer, musician, and audio engineer! In today’s episode, we’re going to learn about conquering the post-undergrad slump, balancing a full time design role with freelancing, and the differences in artistic process when it's for you or someone else. 
One takeaway I can offer you already? Never be afraid to look for collaborators. If you enjoyed this interview, find Jason online at https://jderanmusic.com/ 
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
The King of Mars 
Billie Eilish & FINNEAS 
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
 
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

Multiple Ways to Eat with Writer/Comedian Kanisha Williams

Today’s interview is with Kanisha Williams (she/they) writer, comedian, and lovergirl. They have a demonstrated history in writers rooms, film review, newsletters, personal narrative, and artistic project facilitation. In today’s episode, we’re going to learn about the Writers’ Guild Access Support Staff Training Program, what makes a good Log Line, and the value of journaling and community. One takeaway I can offer you already? You can only live your dreams if you’re there to live them. 
 
Also, welcome to new Co-Host, Producer Claire! 
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Kanisha’s Writers Guild Foundation Interview
Writers Guild Foundation Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program
A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO Show)
 
If you enjoyed this interview, find Kanisha on Instagram @kanishawilliams. 
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
 
Episode Transcript Available Here! 
 
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

Bonus: New Co-Host! Producer Claire

In this episode, we turn the tables on producer Claire as she’s inducted as a new co-host for season two of Living in the Arts! We’re going to learn about production management, anxiety, and being a multi-tool. One takeaway I can offer you already? Spite’s a great instigator, and a terrible sustainer. 
 
** KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ** SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER  22 ** 
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
Fireside Theater Wisconsin
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Chicago Humanities Festival
Milwaukee Repirtroary Theater
Dorset Theater Festival
Living Arts Detroit
Definition Theater
Dropout.tv
Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu (MINOR SPOILERS FOR THIS BOOK at minute 55-58)
 
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 
 
Transcript Available Here!

Bonus: Meet Your Host! Laura Scales (Pt. 2)

In this episode, we’ll continue learning about our host, Laura Scales! In part two, we’re going to learn about mid-career shifts, the pros and pitfalls of an entrepreneurial spirit, and just how far a passion for people can take you.
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
 
**SEASON TWO OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON OCTOBER 22!!**
For more on who to expect this season, be sure to keep an eye on Living Arts' social media! 
 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
Organization Living Arts Detroit
Author Jen Sincero
American Dance Theater Alvin Alley
Singer-Songwriter Philip Michael Scales
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
 
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 
 
Transcript Available Here!

Bonus: Meet Your Host! Laura Scales (Pt. 1)

** KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ** SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER  22!! ** 
 
At long last, we’ll get to know our host, Laura Scales, as interviewed by Producer Claire. Before Living Arts, Laura stage and production managed in the theater industry for nearly two decades. Laura developed her love of academia, serving as the Production Manager at the University of Chicago (where we met!) and then at Michigan State University before joining Living Arts as CEO. 
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
Living Arts Detroit
9 ½ Couples by Wendell Scales
Roeper School
Stage Managers Association
Melanie George
Narda Alcorn
Nan Zabriskie
 
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 
 
Transcript Available Here!
 
PS: I’m sorry for how many times I use the phrase “She-E-O”

Theatrical Technical Direction and the Merits of Education with Danny Halminiak

SEASON ONE FINALE?!? Living in the Arts will be back soon with bonus episodes, live episodes, meeting the team deep dives, and a lively second season on the way!! 
Today’s interview is with Danny Halminiak, a professional theatrical technical director who has worked everywhere from multi-million dollar theaters to where he now resides helping youth ignite their passion for theater in high school. 
We’re going to learn about doing as many shows as you can, the pros and cons of investing in a theater degree, and how it feels to find the exact right thing.
One takeaway I can offer you already? It is worth developing confidence in yourself.
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí
 
Transcript Available Here! 
 
Keep making cool art! <3 
 

Be Fearless and Work with Kathryn Vandervalk

Today’s interview is with fiction writer Katie Vandervalk, the VP of content strategy,  entertainment and beauty & style groups at Dotdash Meredith, novelist, and screenwriter. Her driven, get it done attitude pairs with her sense of humor and vulnerability to have me constantly learning each time we speak. We’re going to learn about her path into creative writing, content strategy, and her relationship to the writing process. 
One takeaway I can offer you already? Simply “hide, and let it breathe.” 
 
Content Warning: mentions of cannibalism at 39:44 - 42:17
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí!
 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
Dotdash Meredith (Digital & Print Publisher)
How to do a VLOOKUP
The Novel Generator Lynn Steger Strong Class 
Melissa Febos (American Writer)
Joanne Beard (Contemporary Writer)
Mary Gaitskill (Contemporary Writer)
Susan Choi (Contemporary Writer)
Melissa Febos (Writer)
Linda Berry (Writer)
Joshua Sonny Harris (Screen Writer)
Phantom of the Opera (Musical)
Michaela Cole (British Actress and Filmmaker) 
Yellow Jackets (TV Show)
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea Summers (Book)
Tender is the Flesh (Book)
Bottoms (Film)
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas (Book)

Being Intentional with Videographer Lowell Thomas

Today’s interview is with Lowell Thomas, a videographer, photographer, and  . As a freelancer, he has been featured in The Root, American Theatre Magazine, Teen Vogue, Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Reader, and more. We’re going to learn a bit about making movies, how to choose who you work with, and that caring for your mind is caring for your process. One takeaway I can offer you already? Think about the type of work you want to make, but also the type of life you want to live. 
 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
Talk to Me (a Horror Movie)
DaVinci Resolve (Video Editing Software)
Adobe Premiere Pro (Video Editing Software)
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí!
 
Transcript Available Here!

Follow the Passion with Resident Teaching Artist Karilú Alarcón Forshee

Today’s interview is with Karilú Alarcón Forshee, a performer and dancer from Juárez, Mexico. She currently serves as Living Arts’ resident Teaching Artist, and has been teaching in each of our programs for well over a decade. 
We’re going to learn about the experience of being seen, making life a little better, and paying attention to what’s beyond the wanting. One takeaway I can offer you already? You Have A Lot Of Light (But You Have To Believe That). 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, find Karilu online at https://www.karilumx.com/ 
 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
Chavela Vargas (Costa Rican-Mexican singer)
La Carpa Theatre Company (a theatre company started by Karilú Alarcón Forshee)
Carpas (Mobile outdoor theaters)
 
Submit your own community questions for our guests here!
¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí!
Transcript Available Here!