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I personally love interviewing artists who have been in the game a while, because they're not afraid to say what needs to be said!! Be sure to keep an eye out and follow along Blackman Productions because BIG THINGS are coming in 2026!

In this wonderful episode, Jewelle Blackman shares their journey from aspiring performer to Broadway star (originally was going to be an entertainment lawyer!), emphasizing the power of manifestation and the importance of representation in the arts. Jewelle also discusses the challenges of balancing a creative career with family life, the NEED for change in the Canadian theatre scene, and their passion for creating original works that tell diverse stories. 

Chapters

00:00 Manifesting Dreams and Career Beginnings
03:00 The Journey to Broadway and Personal Growth
05:43 Navigating the Entertainment Industry
09:02 The Importance of Representation and Change
11:47 Creating Original Works and Personal Stories
14:50 The Process of Writing and Producing Shows
17:59 Balancing Career and Family Life
20:57 The Challenges of the Canadian Theatre Scene
23:51 Reflections on Performance and Artistic Growth
26:44 Advice for Aspiring Artists
29:30 Future Aspirations and Projects
32:38 Closing Thoughts and Life Lessons

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I was so honoured to speak with Watson Rose, actor, writer, audition & dialect coach and stylistic editor. In this interview, we delve into the complexities of the film and theatre industry, discuss personal journeys, the impact of theatre school, and the differences in training between Canada and the UK. 

We explore the challenges of acting in film versus theatre, the importance of authenticity, and the role of dialects in character development. We also touch  on the state of the Canadian film industry, the future of storytelling, and the significance of script editing in fostering creativity and originality in writing. 

Not only are there hot tips for writers working on their script, producers, directors and other creatives get some hot tips as we explore various aspects of filmmaking, including creative funding strategies, the importance of patience in the industry, and the challenges of self-validation as an artist. 

An actor with an upcoming reocurring role? We obviously had to talk about her role in 'The Way Home,' sharing insights into the collaborative environment on set and the complexities of portraying nuanced characters. When you're getting scripts an episode at a time, we talk about trusting yourself and trusting the writers! 

You'll want to keep watching her career grow, there's a lot of exciting things coming in 2026!  You can do that by following her on Instagram [at]mydearwatsonr and through her website www.watsonrose.ca 

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:45 The Journey to Acting: Finding One's Place
06:05 The Impact of Theatre School on Identity
09:00 Comparing Training Styles: UK vs. Canada
12:12 The Challenges of Film vs. Theatre
15:01 The Importance of Authenticity in Acting
17:56 The Role of Dialects in Character Development
20:51 The State of the Canadian Film Industry
24:07 The Future of Storytelling in Film
26:53 The Role of Editors in Script Development
29:55 Trends and Authenticity in Writing
44:12 Funding Your Film: Creative Strategies
47:31 The Long Game: Patience in Filmmaking
50:22 Navigating the Industry: Success and Self-Validation
53:47 The Way Home: Behind the Scenes
01:08:37 Lessons from The Way Home: Embracing Uncertainty
01:23:52 Advice to My Younger Self: Authenticity Over Validation

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In this episode Georgia Findlay shares her experiences as a producer and performer in the theater world, discussing the success of her recent show 'Milk, Milk Lemonade' and the upcoming performance of 'The 39 Steps'. She delves into the challenges and joys of producing, marketing, and the importance of collaboration in the arts. Georgia also reflects on her journey through theater school, the impact of typecasting, and the significance of embracing creativity in all its forms. With insights on fundraising and audience engagement, this discussion highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of the theater community.

To get your tickets for The 39 Steps: https://www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca/season

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Success: Awards and Recognition
04:46 The Art of Producing: Insights and Experiences
09:24 Upcoming Performances: The 39 Steps
16:18 Rehearsal Dynamics: The Creative Process
28:00 Fringe Festival Reflections: The Joy of Theater
33:37 Navigating Artistic Expectations and Hype
36:33 The Value of Originality in Performance
39:25 Body Image and Typecasting in Theatre
43:23 Finding Empowerment in Creative Roles
51:26 Lessons from Theatre School and Industry Realities

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Today I interview Sara Masciotra-Milstein, the playwright and director of 'Me, You and the Highland Coo.' We discuss the themes of the play, which include friendship, hope, and the challenges of living abroad. Sara shares her creative process, the importance of collaboration, and the marketing challenges faced by emerging artists. The conversation also touches on personal experiences that shape storytelling and the significance of community support in the arts. 

GET YOUR FRINGE TICKETS AT FRINGE.COM 

On July 2-13th 

Follow [at]happyasaclamproductions on IG or 
[at]happy.as.a.clam.p on Tiktok 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Its Themes
03:15 Exploring the Journey of the Characters
06:26 Sara's Experience with Disney and Writing
10:02 Navigating the Fringe Festival Experience
12:33 The Balance of Art and Personal Well-being
13:48 Messages of Hope in Writing
15:57 Collaboration and Creative Processes
19:23 The Role of Directing and Input from Others
20:25 Exploring the World of Musical Theatre
21:17 The Power of Connection and Hope
23:14 Coping with Loss and Finding Joy
25:08 Shedding Ego and Embracing Collaboration
27:14 The Importance of Taking Action
27:59 Navigating the Creative Process
29:49 The Role of Mentorship in Writing
32:47 Finding Your Writing Rhythm
34:42 Building a New Theatre Company
37:00 Preparing for the Fringe Festival
40:12 The Road Trip Narrative

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In this episode I speak with Sanskruti Marathe about her upcoming shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival, particularly focusing on 'At the End of Kaliyuga.' Sanskriti shares her journey as a performer and producer, blending Indian classical dance with clowning to explore deep themes of humanity and resilience. They discuss the importance of humor in addressing dark topics, the challenges of balancing TWO Toronto Fringe shows,  and the significance of community support in the arts. Sanskruti reflects on her experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe and the lessons learned through her artistic journey, emphasizing the need for a symbiotic relationship between seasoned and emerging artists in the Canadian theatre scene & so much more! 

GET YOUR TICKETS at torontofringe.com 

#Torontofringe #multidisciplinaryartist #torontoartist #southasianartist 

Chapters

00:00 The Genesis of a Unique Show
02:51 The Journey of Dance and Training
05:51 The Rigors of Classical Dance Education
08:48 Target Audience and Themes of the Shows
11:54 Balancing Multiple Productions
14:57 The Art of Clowning and Humor
17:51 Community and Collaborative Storytelling
21:36 The Journey of Collaboration in Entertainment
24:05 Experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
26:59 The Value of Fringe Festivals and Ticket Pricing
30:02 The Importance of Artistic Integrity
33:09 Finding Joy in Performance
36:00 The Role of Humor in Difficult Times
39:04 Bridging Generations in the Theater Community

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In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Kennedy and Laura Paddock, the powerhouse duo behind Toronto Fringe! We chat about their journeys to leadership, what’s new for this year’s festival, and why audience engagement and open-mindedness matter more than ever.

They break down what makes Fringe such a special space for bold, diverse voices, the importance of community involvement, and why volunteers are truly the heart of the festival.

We also dive into how ticket sales directly support artists, how the festival stays accessible for everyone, and what makes their uncensored programming so important. Plus they clear up a few common misconceptions and share a new ticketing model designed to make it easier for folks to experience more shows.

Be sure to go to fringetoronto.com for tickets, schedules, shows and all the information you'll need to get the most out of Fringe this year.

Let me know in the comments which shows you're excited to see this year!!!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Toronto Fringe and Its Leaders
03:07 Journey to Co-Leadership: Rachel and Laura's Stories
06:01 The Exciting Changes for Fringe 2025
08:52 Audience Engagement: What Makes a Good Audience Member?
11:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Fringe Experiences
14:58 Navigating the Fringe: Tips for Artists and Audiences
18:09 Creating Space for Diverse Voices in Theatre
21:07 Volunteering and Community Involvement at Fringe
27:15 The Value of Time and Volunteerism
29:07 Ticket Sales and Artist Support
31:28 Fringe Festival Principles and Community
32:28 Censorship and Content Accessibility
34:00 Accessibility Measures in Performances
39:05 Essential Items for Fringe Attendees
44:18 Common Misconceptions about Fringe Festivals
52:44 Innovative Ticketing Models and Audience Engagement

Episode shot by  @ChantaleVShots ​

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In this conversation, Alison Mullings hosts Megan Phillips and Peter Cavell, who share the story of their collaboration that began over 10 years ago. They discuss the inception of their musical 'People Suck: A Musical Airing of Grievances', the challenges they faced in bringing it to the Fringe Festival, the unexpected setbacks they encountered, and the resilience that kept their project alive through the pandemic. Their journey highlights the importance of collaboration, creativity, and the unpredictable nature of the artistic process. In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of their musical, reflecting on its journey, the creative challenges they faced, and the personal growth they experienced throughout the process. 

TICKETS FOR THE FRINGE SHOW: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/people-suck-musical-airing-grievances 

THEIR WEBSITE: https://www.peoplesuckmusical.com/

You can also follow them on IG: [at]peoplesuckmusical

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of Collaboration
03:00 The Birth of 'People Suck'
05:59 The Journey to the Fringe Festival
09:03 The Aftermath of Success
12:07 The Unexpected Setbacks
14:54 The Resilience of 'People Suck'
18:12 The Impact of 2020 on the Show
20:58 The Journey to Toronto Fringe
24:50 The Evolution of 'People Suck'
31:06 Creative Challenges and Growth
37:40 The Personal Impact of Collaboration
39:43 Takeaways from a Decade of Work
41:39 The Challenge of Creative Vulnerability
44:12 The Joy of Collaboration
46:46 Advice to Younger Selves
49:07 The Hero's Journey
54:03 Aspirations for the Future

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SEW IS ON FROM JUNE 11-14TH!!!!!!!! TICKETS BELOW

In this conversation, Damon discusses the journey of creating a play based on Joy Simanski's life experiences "Sew" and his upcoming Fringe show "Who Drinks Mocktails on the Beach". We also discuss the importance of collaboration in theatre and the challenges of making theatre accessible to diverse audiences. He reflects on his move from Vancouver to Toronto for greater opportunities, shares insights from his time at the Stratford Conservatory, and emphasizes the need for more funding and support for the arts in Canada. Damon also offers personal reflections on perseverance in the creative industry and expresses his aspirations for future collaborations.

You can follow Damon on Instagram [at]damonbjang 
TICKETS FOR "SEW" HERE: https://ca.patronbase.com/_TheatrePasseMuraille/Productions/SEW/Performances
TICKETS FOR "WHO DRINKS MOCKTAILS ON THE BEACH" HERE: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/who-drinks-mocktails-beach 

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a Play: Joy Simanski's Journey
03:07 Collaboration in Theatre: The Creative Process
05:58 Community Engagement: Making Theatre Accessible
08:53 The Importance of Canadian Stories in Theatre
11:50 The Move to Toronto: Opportunities in Theatre
15:01 Insights from the Stratford Conservatory Experience
17:55 Fostering Diversity in Canadian Theatre
21:00 The Future of Canadian Theatre: Challenges and Opportunities
23:59 Funding the Arts: A Call for More Support
26:59 Personal Reflections: Advice for Aspiring Creatives
30:01 Dream Collaborations: Influences and Aspirations

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GET TICKETS TO TRUE WEST HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/true-west-east-end-arts-tickets-1295198657049?keep_tld=1

In this episode, Jack Davidson, the director of the play True West, discusses his creative process, the challenges of indie theater production, and the importance of audience engagement. He shares insights into the target audience for the play, his personal background in performance, and his directorial style. Davidson also touches on the relationship between dance and theater, his pet peeves in theater, and his favorite Canadian directors, concluding with information about ticketing for the show.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Collaboration
02:43 The Journey of Directing True West
05:59 Target Audience and Themes of the Play
08:51 The Directing Process and Rehearsal Insights
11:42 Challenges in Indie Theatre Production
14:54 The Importance of Audience Engagement
17:42 Personal Background and Artistic Journey
20:51 The Relationship Between Dance and Theatre
24:56 Pet Peeves in Theatre and Directing Style
30:45 Favorite Canadian Directors and Closing Thoughts
35:17 Challenges in Indie Theater Production and Personal Insights

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This conversation explores the journey of fellow creative Pezo the Poet. We delve into the importance of encouragement in the arts, the evolution of poetry, and the impact of social media on creativity. Pezo shares personal experiences from childhood, the significance of theater, and the challenges faced in the Toronto poetry scene. He also highlights the role of traditional tools like typewriters in fostering creativity and the process of writing and publishing a book. We also explore the evolution of creativity in the modern world, emphasizing the importance of nurturing artistic expression from childhood, discuss the concept of 'Rebirth Day' (January 8th) as a personal transformation tool, the value of art in society, and the significance of family photography. There is so much wisdom and optimism in this episode, comment below your favourite takeaway!!

Follow Pezo on IG [at]pezothepoet

AND GRAB HIS BOOK: https://a.co/d/23oKJ9O

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Encouragement in Creativity
02:47 The Journey of a Creative Kid
05:53 Navigating the Arts and Education
09:03 The Evolution of Poetry and Self-Expression
11:58 Understanding the Toronto Poetry Scene
15:11 The Role of Social Media in Artistic Expression
17:59 The Typewriter: A Tool for Focused Creativity
21:07 Unlocking Your Artistry: The Book Journey
24:06 The Ironies of Publishing and Creativity
28:47 The Evolution of Creativity
31:54 Rebirth Day: A Personal Transformation
34:44 Artistic Value and the $10 Million Photograph
40:54 The Importance of Creativity in Humanity
42:33 Family Photography: Capturing Moments
46:17 The Vision Makers Photo Experience
48:47 Parenthood and Artistic Identity
54:38 Lessons in Presence and Listening


Episode shot by  @abhishekraina_dp edited by Alison Mullings