(Art)versations - Hosted by Bri Clarke

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Madison is a writer/blogger and founder of S(p)eaking Truth Company. We talk about remaining grateful and patient during COVID-19, the negative experience she had with the Ryerson Dance program, and how her company has given her a creative outlet to open up.

Follow her Instagram: @madisonleonardo_

Check out her company website: www.speakingtruthcompany.com

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Claire is a singer/songwriter and creator, currently studying Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan. We talk about the changes she made in her life after being on “The Voice”, the process of creating her upcoming single and music video, her experience of singing with a huge orchestra, the Spotify covers that she is loving right now, and why she enjoys making art with her friends on her own timeline.

Follow Claire on all her social medias: @clairedejean

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Laith is an actor and writer, currently in his last year of Ryerson’s BFA Performance Acting program. We talk about his perspective on the downfall of the performance industry, how he explored his sexuality and sense of humour during the Young Ruffians Apprenticeship Program, breaking the writer stereotype, and what he is learning from teaching ESL.

Follow his Instagram: @laithkinani

Check out “Love and Information” premiering online: https://www.ryerson.ca/performance/2020-21-season/fall-2020/love-and-information/

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Michael is a choreographer, visual artist, and dancer with Compagnie Marie Chouinard, based in Montreal. We talk about the changes in his rehearsal schedule due to COVID-19, why his movement practice starts with groove and music, the quick process of choreographing over Zoom for “Dusk Dances”, and how he takes care of his biscuits (his feet).

Follow his personal Instagram: @michaeljaredb

Check out his Facebook: Michael Baboolal

Check out dance film “(A)PART” by Hit and Run Productions: https://vimeo.com/460316671

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Aaliyah is an emerging costume and fashion designer, who recently graduated from Ryerson University’s BFA Performance Production and Design program. We talk about the pros and cons of social media for the creative industry, how she influenced her teacher to start up fashion courses at her high school, designing upside-down pants for “Everything is Different in This Moment”, and why she believes you should never skip the mockup.

Follow Aaliyah on Instagram: @aaliyahsundar

Check out the New Voices website: https://www.performancecapstone.ca/nv-2020

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Ricardo is a director and theatrical performer currently based in Houston, Texas. We talk about how he came to the difficult decision to take a year off of school, his early life living on Saint Croix island without internet, our first time working together at The Performing Arts Project, and his next project of directing “Schoolhouse Rock!” at a community theatre.

Follow Ricardo on Instagram: @ricardo.lopez.montilla

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

Alessia is an emerging designer and artist who recently graduated from Ryerson University’s BFA Performance Production and Design program. We talk about our mutual longing for being in a room with other creatives, why oil painting portraits of her family members keeps her calm, and how she maintained some level of sustainability when designing for “To Be Determined”, and the childhood memory that reminds her to dress performers in a way that they always feel comfortable.

Follow Alessia on Instagram: @alessiaurbani

Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic

The Playground Project is an emerging dance company, co-founded by Maria Riano & Dominique Tersigni. We talk about the limitations that are keeping artists from creating, why Maria decided she needed to be her own boss, their use of musical landscaping for their work “Habitual”, the time Dominique had to explain contemporary dance to her Uber driver, and what’s coming up next for their company.

Follow The Playground Project:

Follow Maria’s Instagram: @maria.riano

Donation links for #blacklivesmatter:

Kelly is a Toronto-based dancer, teacher, and fitness instructor. We talk about the performance of social media, why the soundtrack to “A Star is Born” prepped her backstage before a performance with ProArte Danza, how she is finding ways to remove the lid on her voice, and what she found about herself during a trip to Australia (before quarantine).

Follow Kelly on Instagram: @k22shaw

Donation links for #blacklivesmatter:

Kate is a Mad (Bipolar Disorder 1) queer actor, creator and producer who earned her BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor. We talk about her crazy trip to New Jersey that was cut short before she could see her first Broadway show, how she and her co-founding members of Skipping Stones Theatre worked through the complexities of Sarah Kane’s final play “4.48 Psychosis”, her connection to the character of Hamlet from an early age, and why she tries to find balance within her life outside of acting.

Follow Kate on Instagram: @old.lady.kate

Check out Skipping Stones Theatre: https://www.skippingstonestheatre.com/

Check out Mindful Movement Centre’s online classes: http://www.mindfulmovementcentre.com/