Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

Visual Artist Sarah Hardesty appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast to talk about her work, how she became an artist, how the pandemic and shutdown might impact her future pieces and more. Also learn how what most impacts the type of art she exhibits at different openings, her ideal exhibition, and how she knows when a piece of art is "done." Very interesting look inside the head of a creative visual artist.

The Founder of the organization "Encore Creativity for Older Adults" Jeanne Kelly enlightens us in this podcast about her entity, the benefits of music (bot listening to and singing) for older adults, upcoming fall programs being offered and her views on when live chorale performances will happen. Also find out the results of a NEA-commissioned study on the effects on older adults when given the opportunity to perform choral activity under a professional conductor. So many benefits identified!

The Co-Founder of the organization Sound Impact Danielle Cho talked to Embracing Arlington Arts about the wonderful work her organization is doing to use music as a platform for social change and how they are bringing music to marginalized communities here in the US and in several Latin American countries. Find out how they are helping lower income students as well as incarcerated youth by exposing them to music and classes, as well as the instruments themselves. Also hear about their 10-part education series "Time Travel Through Music" being offered for free this fall to all students.

The Artistic Director of Prologue Theatre Jason Tamborini talked about a unique project his organization will be presenting - a  reading of the play "Bike America" but with added programs. Originally intended as a live performance, the theater had to transition to an online production after reviewing the possibilities of being one of the first theaters to put on a live performance. Find out the questions they asked themselves when making their decision, the "virtual mile challenge" being organized in conjunction with the reading, and his ideas for possible enhanced online productions in the fall. Definitely a group that is looking outside the box.

Scenic and costume designer Deb Sivigny appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast to talk about her industry. She walks us through the process for designing both a set and costume, as well as offers hints about devising each to perfection. Hear her views on projections as part of a set and how hierarchies of characters impact her designs. Deb also discusses the very personal play she wrote "Hello My Name Is..." which she specifically structured as design-centric or having the setting do the heavy lifting vs. the verbal. Truly an immersive theater experience!

Despite the pandemic and shutdown, Arena Stage has not stopped entertaining us. From facebook interviews with arts leaders and thinkers to movies to an artists' marketplace to camps, Artistic Director Molly Smith gives us all the details in this podcast. Also learn how she thinks theater will be different after the pandemic, her initial thoughts on reopening the Arena theaters, her message to patrons and artists, and what she sees as a silver lining to the pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests we are seeing. Very insightful discussion with one of DC's leading Artistic Directors.

The Managing Director of Monumental Theatre Company Beth Amann appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast to discuss her organization's transition to online offerings during the pandemic shutdown. Learn about their upcoming reading of an original musical "Desiderium" (featuring music by the Oh Hellos), their unique "sing thru" program of musical messages, and what they are considering producing in the fall. Also get her views on how theater might be permanently changed after the country opens back up.

Amelia Nickles - Actor and Founder of the pre-professional theater training program "Acting with Amelia" - joined Embracing Arlington Arts for an interesting chat about her classes, how the company adapted to the shutdown, how she prepares for a role, and much more. Also get some insight into what she advises students preparing for college auditions, as well as her "bucket list" role.

The  Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Company Stan Kang appeared on the Embracing Arlington Arts Talks podcast for a wide-ranging interview on the theater industry in today's times. Hear his views on permanent changes we will see in the industry after the nation reopens, will the protests lead to major diversity changes in performing arts, and his hope that theater continues to be an in-person communal experience. Also find out how ETC virtual summer camps will be run.

The Executive Director of Encore Stage & Studio Sara Duke talked with Embracing Arlington Arts about how this shutdown has directly impacted young students who normally would be active in a theater productions. She described their sense of loss about not being with their peers in person and having the outlet of performing to deal with this crisis. Sara also expresses her beliefs about how theater will be permanently altered after the pandemic has subsided, as well as offers advice to venue managers. Also find out about their virtual summer camp programming.