CINEMACTIVIST

In Part One, musician Tony Grey shares his journey from a strict piano upbringing to becoming a successful bassist and educator. The discussion covers Tony's early experiences with music, his struggles with identity, and his eventual rise in the music industry, including boy band Bliss and his collaboration with renowned pianist Hiromi. The conversation delves into Tony Grey's extensive career as a musician, focusing on his experiences touring with Hiromi and his journey towards establishing his own music school. It highlights the challenges and rewards of a musician's lifestyle, the importance of self-identity as a composer, and the evolution of his teaching philosophy.

Takeaways

• Musical journey shaped by experiences
• Importance of mentorship in music Musician lifestyle can be challenging
• Importance of nurturing in teaching Diverse teaching experiences

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:04 Early Musical Influences
• 05:59 Transition to Bass and Recovery
• 12:06 Journey to Berklee and Early Challenges
• 17:58 The Boy Band Experience
• 23:57 Collaboration with Hiromi
• 25:04 Journey with Hiromi: Touring Life
• 27:58 Embracing Composition: Finding My Voice
• 33:57 Transitioning to Teaching: Building a School
• 40:54 Philosophy of Music Education: Nurturing Talent

Published on October 15, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, John interviews Benjamin S. Sheeler about his journey in the arts, particularly focusing on his experiences in acting, music, and the immersive theater process. They discuss Sheeler's background, his transition from sports to the arts, and his recent role in Tethered's immersive theater production, "The Lever".

Takeaways

• Journey from sports to arts
• Insights on immersive theater

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 10:01 The Transition to Acting
• 12:57 Immersive Theater Experience
• 19:24 Opening Weekend Reflections

Published on October 8, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode I talk to sisters, Tanya and Natasha Bravo, from Juggerknot Theatre Company in Miami, Florida -- two of the minds behind the Miami Immersive Intensive -- which I attended this summer. We discuss their artistic journeys, the origins of Juggerknot, and their immersive theater work, particularly the Miami Motel Stories and Miami Bus Stop Stories. We also get into the impact of immersive theater on community engagement and education and the importance of training and collaboration in the immersive arts.

Takeaways

• Immersive theater fosters community engagement
• Artistic journeys shape creative expression Immersive theater enhances education
• Community engagement fosters civic pride

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Juggerknot Theatre Company
• 02:57 Artistic Journeys and Early Influences
• 05:53 The Birth of Miami Motel Stories
• 11:56 Community Engagement Through Immersive Theater
• 18:00 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
• 24:06 Reflections and Future Directions
• 27:13 The Power of Immersive Storytelling
• 28:10 Innovative Educational Programs
• 30:29 Connecting History and Community
• 32:45 Building Infrastructure for the Arts
• 34:57 Training the Next Generation of Artists
• 39:08 Defining Immersive Experiences
• 41:39 Creating a Hub for Immersive Arts
• 45:29 Expanding the Reach of Immersive Training
• 50:33 Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives

Published on October 1, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, my guest is dancer, actor, bartender, entrepreneur -- Taylor Lorraine. We talk about Taylor's journey from early involvement in the arts to her current engagement with Seiche Dance Collective and Tethered. We also delve into her experience with color guard, the launch of her bartending business, Taylor & Tonic, and her passion for ballet. As a performer in all 3 flagship Tethered productions, Taylor breaks down the challenges faced during rehearsals and performances, the evolution of Tethered shows, and the impact of the new show's storyline and character development.

Takeaways

• Early involvement in the arts shapes long-term passion.
• Balancing multiple priorities requires strategic scheduling and organization. Evolution of Tethered shows over the years
• Challenges and impact of immersive storytelling

Chapters

• 00:00 Introductions and Early Connections
• 01:22 Early Involvement in the Arts
• 03:06 Transition to Adult Dance and Acting Experience
• 05:09 Balancing Priorities and Scheduling
• 07:06 Organizing Priorities and Interests
• 09:08 Involvement in Color Guard and Bartending Business
• 16:20 Passion for Ballet and Seiche Dance Collective
• 19:08 Narrative Ballet and Outreach Plans
• 20:59 Transition to Tethered
• 21:03 The Beginning of Tethered
• 22:23 Rehearsal and Performance Challenges
• 23:06 Year One of Tethered
• 24:20 Exhausting Performances
• 25:42 Involvement in Seiche and Tethered Collaboration
• 26:18 Preparation for Tethered and Brain Performance
• 27:29 Tethered 2025 and Memory Theme
• 28:49 Acting and Workshop-Style Auditions
• 30:45 Evolution of Tethered Shows
• 31:16 New Approach to Immersive Storytelling
• 32:25 Character Development and Performance Impact
• 36:14 Diversity and Inclusivity in the Cast
• 38:05 Character Taylor and the Storyline
• 42:43 Upcoming Projects and Events

Published on September 24, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

The Lever, our new immersive theater show, has been officially announced its fantastic cast. The show features branched endings, open auditions, and a diverse cast. Rehearsals, logistics, and audience feedback have been crucial in the preparation for the show.

Chapters

• 00:00 Announcement of The Lever
• 03:20 Cast Announcements and Rehearsals
• 10:11 Logistics and Audience Feedback
• 14:03 Promotion and Merchandise

Published on September 17, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

John Lyons provides a quick news update for the month of September, including the announcement of ticket sales for The Lever immersive theater experience and weekly film screenings at the 10|20 Collective.

Takeaways

• Immersive theater experience 'The Lever' tickets are on sale
• Encouragement for filmmakers to participate in the open screen happy hour event on September 9th.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Immersive Theater Experience Announcement
• 02:37 Film Screenings and Events
• 03:02 Open Screen Happy Hour Event for Filmmakers

Published on September 3, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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In this episode, we delve into Danielle Kaiser's lifelong passion for dance, the formation of Seiche Dance Collective, and the importance of creating a space for adult dancers to continue their dance journey. We collaborated with Seiche on a short dance film, WAR, which will celebrate its festival debut this September in Beverly Hills at the Lady Filmmakers Festival. With WAR we dive into choreographing for water and adaptability, the filmmaking process.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey to Dance
• 01:36 Early Dance Experience
• 03:02 Professional Dance Career
• 04:12 Life on a Cruise Ship
• 14:06 Injury and Recovery
• 16:44 Formation of Seiche Dance Collective
• 22:46 Adult Dance and Community
• 26:05 Dance Class Offerings and Rehearsals
• 28:18 The Origin of the Name Seiche
• 29:46 Upcoming Season and Fundraising Events
• 32:27 Creating a Short Film: 'Funeral'
• 35:32 Choreographing for Water and Adaptability
• 38:06 Filming 'War' and the Filmmaking Process
• 46:26 Collaboration and Future Projects

Published on August 27, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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In this episode, two members from the cast of Tethered's new immersive experience, The Lever, join us: Dr. Paul Lukach and Frederick Williams. They share their their backgrounds in acting and their audition experiences, character insights, and the dynamics of the cast in our upcoming production.

Takeaways

• Immersive theater challenges actors in new and exciting ways
• Auditioning for immersive theater involves unique and extensive processes

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Rehearsals
• 01:27 Background in Acting and Theater
• 03:23 Character Insights and Audition Experiences
• 13:17 The Dynamics of the Cast and Rehearsal Process

Published on August 20, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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The conversation covers the inspiration and creation process of horror film, Photo Negative, with writer/director Jacob Perrett and stars Karlee Mayfield and Taylor Rhoades.

It also delves into the challenges of small film production and the vulnerability of actors in intimate settings. The conversation delves into the actor's portrayal of a character, the challenges faced during filming, and the process of location scouting and selection. It provides insights into the actor's approach to portraying a complex character, the technical challenges encountered during filming, and the importance of finding suitable locations for the film.

Takeaways

• Horror genre inspiration
• Transition from music to film
• Small film production challenges Character portrayal
• Challenges of filming
• Location scouting

Chapters

• 00:00 Inspiration and Creation
• 03:35 Transition to Film
• 06:08 Acting and Artistic Journey
• 13:27 Horror Genre and Film Collective
• 18:54 Film Plot and Characters
• 21:16 Character Portrayal and Performance
• 22:49 Filming Challenges and Solutions
• 32:00 Location Scouting and Selection

Published on August 13, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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The episode provides updates on Tethered's new immersive experience, 'The Lever,' casting and rehearsals, the introduction of new co-directors, collaboration with other theater groups, and the progress of rehearsals and production.

Takeaways

• Tethered's new immersive experience, 'The Lever,' is a significant development for the theater company.
• The addition of new co-directors and collaborations with other theater groups indicate growth and expansion for Tethered.

Chapters

• 00:00 Tethered's New Experience: The Lever
• 03:04 Casting and Rehearsals
• 07:01 New Co-Directors and Collaborations
• 10:01 Introduction of Brooke Echnat
• 11:55 Rehearsals and Production Progress

Published on August 6, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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