Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

Elena Velasco is directing the upcoming production of "In the Heights" being presented by NextStop Theatre. Find out her views on how the show embraces cultural pride and what home means. Also get a teaser about how the audience will be on the "street," and how she directs a show that has been presented a lot. Wearing her choreographer hat, Elena tells us about how movement and choreography have changed due to the pandemic and the role of yoga in her practice. Finally, we learn what's next for Elena?

The Artistic Director of 1st Stage Alex Levy returned to the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about the upcoming regional premiere production of "Mojada" - a modern day adaptation of Medea centered on an immigrant family trying to assimilate. Also hear about the final show of the season - "The Last Match" - which gets into the heads of two tennis players, as well as the exciting Logan Festival of solo shows being presented in July. And why does Alex love sports so much and what are his patrons saying about being back in the theater?

Shanara Gabrielle, new member of the Theatre Washington Board, and Christopher Michael Richardson, Actor and Theatre Washington Creative Team member talked to us about the upcoming Helen Hayes Awards ceremony being held on May 22, 2023 after a three-year hiatus of an in-person gathering. Hear about the new evening format for the show that really honors the nominees and allow the theater community members to get together and spend more quality time with each other. Also learn about the hosts for the evening, some of the performers and sponsorship opportunities. And what is Theater Week?

Dominion Stage's Director Dani Guy and Actor Cam Shegogue appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us the details about the upcoming production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Hear how Cam got started in the theater industry at a very early age to why this show is so important to him. Dani teases us with some hints about the set and what shows are on her bucket list to direct. Also get the scoop on Dominion's upcoming season.

The Artistic Director of Ballet Nova Matthew Powell returned to the show to talk about their upcoming production of the hilarious farce and first comedic ballet ever created "Coppelia" whose main character just happens to be a mechanical doll. Being performed at the beautiful Capital One theater this will be a treat for all ages. In conjunction with the main stage production, condensed "petite performances" will be offered for younger audiences who will participate by helping bring Coppelia to life. Also hear about Matthew's exciting announcement about his own professional achievement recently.

The Executive Director of Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) John Good appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about the wonderful pro bono services they provide for professionals and organizations in the "creatives" industry. From Education/Workshops on such topics as Intellectual Property, Business Licenses and Contract Provisions to Walk-In Clinics to Referral Services to specific lawyers who can help with the case to advocacy, WALA is providing a multitude of critical expertise and advice to those in the arts industry. We also learned about the founders of the organization and the impetus behind it formation.

Musician, Producer and Concert organizer Ron Newmyer is a big proponent of promoting local musicians. Under the auspices of Bandhouse Gigs, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2024, Ron and others organize two tribute concerts a year that promote area musicians by putting on multi-artist events honoring an artist we all love. From Nils Lofgren to Bob Dylan to Woodstock, to this year's concerts focused on Fountains of Wayne and Tom Petty. Ron also founded Newmyer Flyer which on a smaller scale hosts local performers doing different types of tributes which will include the Beatles, LA artists/musicians and the songs of Burt Bacharach. And how interesting to hear about his start playing with Nils Lofgren and touring all over the world with him.

The Producing Artistic Director of Theater Alliance Raymond Caldwell returned to the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to talk about Theater Alliance's production of "This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing," as well as the rest of the reason and a very cool theatrical project they did in India. Raymond also gave us details about his directing of "Passing Strange" at Signature Theatre - an edgy, punk rock musical. Finally, he will be directing "One in Two" at Mosaic Theater Company. Also learn what two unexpected productions are on his director bucket list.

Choreographer, Fight Director, Teacher, Director, Former Actor and more - are all hats worn by Stefan Sittig. Hear his career journey in our podcast interview and about his international upbringing that influences his work today and the professor that was integral to steering Stefan's career. Also get details about two upcoming productions he is working on - "Urinetown" at the Lorton Workhouse and "In the Heights at NextStop Theatre. Then learn about choreography and fight direction and his four "S's" as basics, as well as the two shows he really wants to direct and choreograph.

Visual Artist Francie Hester appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to tell our listeners about her unique art genre and work with aluminum honeycomb panels, steel, fiberglass and plexiglass. Also hear about her phenomenal project entitled "Art in Healing" that helps families cope when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. Then get all the details about her upcoming exhibition - "Confluence" - at the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art.