Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

The newly named Artistic Director of Signature Theatre Matthew Gardiner appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast and gave us all the details about the upcoming production of "Rent," as well as his goals for the theater. Also get details about the rest of the season, as well as his anti-racism initiatives he is implementing in the theater and goals he has as Artistic Director.

The Artistic Director of BalletNova Center for Dance Matthew Powell returned to the show to give us all the details about their upcoming in-person production of "The Nutcracker," including brand new choreography, new costumes and new sets that will surprise the audience from the moment the curtain opens. Also find out how he felt when seeing his students in person again, how they are keeping their dancers safe during classes and performances, safety protocols for patrons and where some BalletNova alum are now professionally dancing. Always fun catching up with Matthew.

The associate director of Synetic Theater's upcoming production of "The Madness of Poe" Scott Brown joined us on "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" to give us all the details about the show, some teasers about some unique props on set, how it felt being back on stage in person with cast and crew and what they have planned for a special celebration on Halloween. Also find out how he got into the theater business and his experiences going on tour with Synetic to the countries of Georgia and Mexico.

The Helen Hayes award-winning actor and director Holly Twyford appeared on "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" to give us all the details about her return to the director's chair with Theater J's "Becoming Dr. Ruth." Also hear her laudatory words for her designers, what it felt like for her to be back on stage with cast and crew in person, and her unique experience teaching 90+ year olds theater and what they taught her. And what was Holly's first theater job at Arena Stage? Such an entertaining and interesting chat we had!

Director Alden Michels and Music Director Paige Rammelkamp appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about The Arlington Players' upcoming event "Together At Last: A Musical Revue" in an outdoor venue. Learn how the numbers were chosen, how Paige adapted the songs, the three sections of the song lineup based on how people got through the pandemic, and a teaser of some of the songs that will be performed. Also learn how music and singing helped both of them during the COVID shutdown.

Daniel Manzoni, Executive Director of the Festival Argentino, updated us with all the details about this upcoming event. Forced to cancel last year's festival, this will be a live, in-person production. Find out which dancers and singers will be performing, including folk singers, tango dancers, rock and roll musicians and pop music singers. Also learn about the safety protocols that will be required for patrons, as well as some interesting insight into traveling to and from Argentina.

The Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University (GMU) Rick Davis joined us for a very interesting chat about educational programs and careers in the arts. Find out about the many diverse arts programs available to students at GMU, why their School of Arts is an amazing success story, why the arts are so important, and his insight and advice about the benefits of an arts education. Also get all the details on the upcoming productions at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the opening of a GMU gallery in the Latitudes building in Virginia Square.

"Working in DC's" Artistic Producer Shanara Gabrielle and Casting Director Jorge Acevedo joined us for a discussion about their organization which celebrates the working class and labor. They also give us all the details about their upcoming Labor Day (3-weekend) event featuring performers that are a true reflection of the community. The discussion includes their views on why theater is so important (i.e., theater teaches us but does not preach), their unique honor of being the first organization in the DMV to be Allied with Broadway for Justice, and their thoughts on whether we finally will see some pronounced change on the equity front in the theater industry.

Dr. Jatin Ambegaonkar, Associate Professor at the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University gives us the updates in the research field on the many benefits of dance and movement therapy for seniors. Overall, dance allows for healthy aging or seniors remaining active members of their community physically, mentally and spiritually. Also learn about recent studies done in the movement therapy field, work that still needs to be done and his overall advice and views with respect to dance and seniors. Very enlightening interview!

Jennifer Mulchandani, CEO and Founder, and Heather Myklegard, Director of Marketing & Communications from the marketing company Arlington Strategy discuss the many critical services they provide non-profit organizations including marketing, branding, social media and communications strategies. Also get insight and advice about marketing and communications for arts organizations as they start to reopen and relaunch after the shutdown. Most importantly, find out why you must "say what you are going to do and do what you say."