Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performers

Ever wondered what it takes to become a sound designer? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Tony Award-winning sound designer Jessica Paz to demystify the path into sound design and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what the job entails. From breaking down the different jobs within the world of sound to discussing the gear that is helpful to know, Jessica shares the nitty-gritty of how she got started, what tools she uses, and how to approach learning for this part of the industry. Together they talk about advocating for yourself in a male-dominated space and how collaboration is at the heart of good design. They share advice on how to build relationships with other creatives, tips for working in various houses, and why staying curious and asking questions is essential. Whether you’re an aspiring sound designer, or simply fascinated by how theater comes to life through audio, this episode offers actionable tools, insider knowledge, and empowering insights to help you step into—and thrive in—the dynamic world of sound design.

About Jessica: Jessica Paz is a multi award winning Sound Designer. She has collaborated on the Broadway productions of HADESTOWN (TONY and Drama Desk Award, Best Sound Design of a Musical); A BEAUTIFUL NOISE; DEAR EVAN HANSEN; BANDSTAND; DISASTER! THE MUSICAL; THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES; and FELA! (TONY award, Best Sound Design of a Musical)

Off Broadway/Regional Sound Designs include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Westside Theater). TWELFTH NIGHT, OTHELLO; MISS YOU LIKE HELL; JULIUS CAESAR; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, and AS YOU LIKE IT (The Public Theater); UGLY LIES THE BONE (Roundabout); A SUCKER EMCEE, and THE MUSCLES IN OUR TOES (LAByrinth); THE KING’S WHORE (Starcatcher Productions); BECOMING DR. RUTH (Westside Theater); LOOKING FOR THE PONY (Vital Theater Co.); WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN (Red Bull Theater); STRETCH – A FANTASIA (New Georges). Regional credits include WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (Alliance Theater; SUZI Award); KISS MY AZTEC (Berkeley Rep, CT Critics Circle Award); BURN ALL NIGHT (A.R.T Oberon Stage); WELCOME TO FEAR CITY (KC Rep); SCOTT & HEM IN THE GARDEN OF ALLAH; and SEE HOW THEY RUN (Barrington Stage); LEGALLY BLONDE, and 9 TO 5 (North Shore Music Theater); ROMEO & JULIET, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, OTHELLO, and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Shakespeare on the Sound); SCKBSTD (Virginia Stage Co) ; VOLCANOES BIRTHRIGHT (Organic Magnetics); TEMP ODYSSEY, HER HAIR WENT WITH HER, BOOKENDS, and MINSTREL SHOW (NJ Rep). A proud member of IATSE Local 829; and  Co-Chair of the board of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA).

Jessica IG: @jesstothepaz

Jessica's Website: jessicapazdesigns.com/

Jessica's Facebook: @JtothePAZ



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What does it mean to be an Artistic Director, especially in today’s ever-evolving theater landscape? In this kickoff episode of our Artistic Director Mini-Series, Jennifer sits down with Lisa McNulty, Producing Artistic Director of WP Theater—the oldest and largest theater in the country dedicated to work by women+ artists. Lisa shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned from working at top institutions, and the complexities of running a mission-driven organization in these challenging times. Together they discuss WP’s various programs and she offers invaluable insights on building meaningful relationships with institutions, getting your work seen as an emerging artist. ways to break down barriers to access, and a rallying call to artists: don’t wait for permission—create the work that matters to you. WFrom strategic career moves to the power of artistic inquiry, Lisa’s insights will leave you inspired to take action, trust your voice, and create work that truly matters.

About Lisa: Lisa McNulty (she/her/hers) is an award-winning Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theater producer who recently celebrated ten years as the Producing Artistic Director of WP Theater. Under Lisa’s leadership, WP has been awarded Drama Desk, Lortel, and OBIE Awards for institutional excellence, and has proudly provided an Off-Broadway home to hundreds of extraordinary Women+ artists. Lisa comes to WP from Manhattan Theatre Club, where she served as Artistic Line Producer for eight seasons, working on more than 30 productions both on and off Broadway, including plays by Lynn Nottage, Sarah Treem, Harvey Fierstein, and Tarell Alvin McCraney, among many, many others. Lisa has a long history with WP Theater. She was originally hired by the company’s founder, Julia Miles, as the Literary Manager from 1997-2000, where she dramaturged work by María Irene Fornés, Julie Hébert, and Karen Hartman, among others, and in 2004, she returned to WP as its Associate Artistic Director, working on projects with artists including Diane Paulus and Dierdre Murray, Rinne Groff, and Lisa D’Amour. From 2000-2004 she was McCarter Theater’s Producing Associate, and her independent producing career includes projects with Sarah Ruhl, Todd Almond, Lucy Thurber and Lear Debessonet. Lisa’s leadership is underwritten by the BOLD Theater Women’s Leadership Circle, an initiative to support and promote women’s theater leadership funded by Helen Gurley Brown Foundation.

Lisa's IG:@lisamcnulty

WP Theater's IG: @wptheater

WP Theater's Website: wptheater.org

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What does it take to build a successful directing career? In this kickoff episode of our Director Mini-Series, Jennifer chats with artist, theater worker, and director Whitney White who shares her journey from music and acting to directing, emphasizing the power of staying open, trusting your instincts, and pushing past limitations. She breaks down her approach to directing—starting with an emotional response to a script, translating it into a world, and adapting her process to fit each project’s needs. Whitney highlights the importance of collaboration, documenting your artistic journey, and stresses that great work takes time with the best results coming from allowing the process to unfold naturally. Together, they share actionable advice, including applying for fellowships, creating work in community spaces, and building connections with fellow creatives who bring joy and rigor to their craft. She also reflects on directing The Last Five Years, a personal and full-circle moment in her career. Whether you're an emerging director or an artist expanding your craft, this episode is packed with insights, resources, and inspiration to help you take your next steps. 

About Whitney: Whitney White is an Obie and Lily Award winning, as well as a Tony Award nominated director, writer and musician originally from Chicago, based in New York. She was a staff writer on Boots Riley’s I’M A VIRGO and is a believer of multi-disciplinary work and collaborative processes. Recent directing: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Broadway), Jordans (The Public Theatre), The Secret Life of Bees (The Almeida, UK), Soft (New York Times Critic’s Pick, MCC), On Sugarland (New York Theatre Workshop), Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (New York Times Critic’s Pick), What to Send Up When it Goes Down (New York Times Critic’s Pick), The Amen Corner (Shakespeare Theatre DC), An Iliad (Long Wharf), Canyon (LA Times Critic’s Choice, IAMA), Jump (National New Play Network Rolling World Premier, PlayMakers Rep). The Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (Steppenwolf Theatre). Original works include: Semblance (NYTW), Definition (Bushwick Starr), and Macbeth in Stride for which she won an Eliot Norton Award for Best Musical Performance (American Repertory Theatre, Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theatre).Whitney has developed work with: Sundance, The Roundabout, New York Theatre Workshop, The Vineyard, The New Group, Page 73, Playwrights Realm, Juilliard, Trinity Rep, NYU TISCH, Luna Stage, SUNY Purchase, Princeton University, Atlantic Theater Company Acting School, The Drama League, South Oxford, Jack, The Tank, New York Musical Festival, The Lark, and others. Whitney is a part of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, is a recent recipient of the Susan Stroman Directing Award, Herb Alpert Award and the Jerome Fellowship. She is an Artistic Associate at The Roundabout and an associate Artistic Director at Shakespeare DC. Past residencies and fellowships: Colt Coeur, The Drama League, the Roundabout and the 2050 Fellowship at the New York Theatre Workshop. MFA Acting: Brown University/Trinity Rep, BA: Northwestern University.

Whitney’s Website: whitney-white.com/

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What does it take to turn your creative ideas into finished projects? In this episode, Jennifer talks to Sujata Day —actor, writer, director, and producer— who shares her journey as a multihyphanate artist. She discusses how taking pressure off herself has led to new creative inspiration, the importance of deep outlining before scriptwriting, and how networking through genuine relationships opened doors in her career.  Together they talk about the importance of allowing ideas to flow, the realities of pitching, funding, and producing projects, and the importance of starting small, assembling the right team, and treating every opportunity as a stepping stone. Whether you’re an emerging creator or an established artist, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you confidently take your next step.

About Sujata: Pittsburgh native Sujata Day is a 2023 NAACP Image Award-nominated director for her debut feature film, Definition Please, which she also wrote, produced, and stars in. Boasting a 95% fresh Rotten Tomatoes score and multiple film festival awards, Sujata’s heartwarming hometown dramedy was acquired by Ava DuVernay's ARRAY and Netflix. Sujata is best known for her starring role as CeCe in Issa Rae’s The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. She's recurred for four seasons on HBO's Insecure. Sujata’s other credits include I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She honed her improv comedy skills at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and regularly performs in UCB's hit Asian AF show. On the unscripted side, Sujata hosts the Dungeons & Dragons culinary Amazon series Heroes’ Feast. Sujata developed and wrote a new installment of Universal's popular comedy film franchise, American Pie, based on her original pitch. She has also created projects with WBD, 20th Television, UCP, Lionsgate, eOne, MACRO, Hoorae, Get Lifted, and JuVee. She’s a Sundance Lab fellow, HBO Visionaries Ambassador, and Ryan Murphy Half Initiative alum. Next up for Sujata is horror anthology feature film Deepest Darkest, for which she’s writing and directing, in addition to starring alongside Rosario Dawson and Ernie Hudson.

Sujata's IG: @sujataday

Sujata's Website: www.sujataday.com/

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How do you turn a personal mission into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates real industry change? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Elsa Ward, Founder and Executive Director of the Open Stage Project, who shares her experience creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap behind the scenes in theater, TV, and film. Elsa breaks down the essential steps of forming a nonprofit, from defining a mission rooted in personal passion to securing board members and fundraising through individual donors, grants, and strategic partnerships. They discuss the power of clarity in knowing your "why,” the significance of mentorship, community building, and educating young artists about alternative career pathways. Whether you’re an artist looking to launch your own initiative or simply curious about nonprofit leadership, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insights to help you make an impact.

About Elsa: Elsa Ward is a visionary in the social entrepreneurship sector dedicated to closing the gender gap behind-the-scenes in theater, TV and film. In 2018, she founded the non-profit Open Stage Project with the support of The Entertainment Fund’s Creative Entrepreneurship program, aiming to address the pressing need to close the gender gap in professional behind-the-scenes roles. With her non-profit work, Elsa actively collaborates with the Career and Technical Education schools of the NYC Department of Education in Open Stage Project’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower high school girls, and non-binary students interested in pursuing careers behind the scenes. With over twenty years of experience in costume design for theater, television and film. She has made significant contributions during her tenure as a costume designer at prestigious institutions such as the Manhattan Theater Club, the Public Theater, Second Stage, Playwrights Horizons, ABC, and CBS Studios.

Elsa earned her MFA from Rutgers University, specializing in theatrical design, and is a member of IATSE Local 829. Her inspiring journey reflects her unwavering dedication to fostering diversity and innovation in the entertainment industry and her commitment to making a profound impact through advocacy and creative leadership.

Open Stage Project IG: @openstageproject

Open Stage Project Website: openstageproject.org

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How do you embrace your full identity and use social media as a tool for connection? In this episode, Jennifer talks to Alexi Melvin who opens up about her journey as a queer artist, from building an online presence in the queer space to advocating for authentic representation in theater and beyond. As a producer, Alexi sheds light on the Broadway landscape, the need for more inclusive and innovative storytelling, and how advocating for oneself and others can change the industry from the inside out. She offers insights on showing up as your whole self, staying open to new creative paths, and using humor as a bridge for connection and understanding. Together, they reflect on the generational shifts in embracing queerness, the importance of finding spaces where you feel truly seen, and how relationships -- whether online or in person -- built with kindness and curiosity, can shape opportunities in the industry. Plus, they talk about the responsibility of lifting up others, and the power of showing up—messy, imperfect, and fully yourself. 

About Alexi: Alexi Melvin is a Tony-nominated producer, as well as an actor, writer and lgbtqia creator with upwards of 200K followers on social media. A graduate of the Lee Strasberg Institute and The New School, Alexi’s career spans multiple disciplines, blending her love for performance with producing and content creation. Her producing team credits on Broadway include Illinoise, Here Lies Love, and The Notebook. On the West End, she has co-produced Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed Shakespeare productions, The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing. Alexi is also an investor in the Broadway productions of Sunset Boulevard and The Outsiders. Alexi’s goal is to continue to make an impact in the world of the arts as well as the lgbtqia space, elevating diverse voices and pushing artistic boundaries.

Alexi’s IG:@thealeximelvin

Alexi’s TikTok:@thealeximelvin

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What goes into lighting a show, and how does a lighting designer shape an audience’s experience without them even realizing it? In this episode, Amanda Zieve shares her journey from high school stage manager to Broadway lighting designer, working alongside legendary mentors like Hal Binkley. She provides insights into breaking into the field, the importance of observation and self-education, and how trust and collaboration are key to building a team. Amanda discusses the technical and artistic aspects of lighting design—how angles, colors, and cue structures impact storytelling—while also breaking down the many career paths within theatrical lighting. She reflects on her Broadway debut with The Who’s Tommy, the emotional highs and lows of the industry, and the balance between preparation and adaptability. Whether you're an aspiring lighting designer or just curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of theater, this episode sheds light (literally!) on an essential but often overlooked art form.

About Amanda: Amanda Zieve (Lighting Designer) is happy to live in San Diego doing what she loves around the country. Recent Designs include: Tommy (Broadway & Goodman) Cabaret (Goodspeed) Into The Woods, Billy Elliot and Titanic (Signature Theatre) American Jade (Buck’s County Playhouse) I Hate Hamlet (Maltz Jupiter) Sweeney Todd and Roof of the World (KC Rep) Approval Junkie (Off Broadway, Alliance Theatre). Her San Diego credits include: Velour: A Drag Spectacular, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Put Your House In Order (La Jolla Playhouse) English, Crime and Punishment, A Comedy, Dial M, Hair, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, Native Gardens, The Wonderers, Rich Girl (The Old Globe) Evita, Cabaret, Rock of Ages (Cygnet) Opening of the Rady Shell (San Diego Symphony). Associate credits include: Escape to Margaritaville, Bright Star, Allegiance (Broadway). She has had the privilege of working on 19 Broadway Productions. One of her most rewarding experiences has been assisting on Hamilton. She received her B.A. in Theatre from California State University Northridge. Amanda is very thankful for her supportive family and friends that enable her to be a working mom. Amanda is the proud co-founder of the Howell Binkley Fellowship Program. Created in partnership with the Hemsley Lighting Programs, the Fellowship honors Howell Binkley's legacy of mentorship by providing the extra ‘push’ and assistance in fostering the next generation of theatrical lighting designers as they begin their careers. For more information, to donate, or apply, please visit the link in the shownotes. She holds the Jeff Award for The Who's Tommy (2023) - Goodman Theatre, is a 2024 Women to Watch on Broadway (Broadway Women’s Fund) and has the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Nomination (The Who’s Tommy).

Amanda’s IG: @amandajzieve

Amanda’s Website: www.amandazieve.com

Howell Binkley Mentorship: www.hemsleylightingprograms.com/howell-binkley-fellowship

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How can artists cultivate a multi-faceted career while staying true to their vision and values, specifically in producing? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with multi-hyphenate Marjuan Canady—writer, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and educator— shedding light on the power of independent artistry and the evolving role of producers in the entertainment industry. From independently producing her own work to stepping into the commercial producing world, Marjuan explains how producing is more than just securing funding: it’s about leadership, vision, and fostering storytelling from inception to execution with creative development to financial strategy, contracts, and team building. She emphasizes the need for artists to take ownership of their careers, find their unique voice, and expand beyond traditional industry models. Together, they also touch on the realities of balancing multiple passions, the importance of community in fostering artistic growth, and practical tips for balancing creativity with the logistical demands of producing. Whether you’re an artist looking to produce your own work, an emerging producer seeking guidance, or curious about what it means to create opportunities for yourself, this episode is for you! 

About Marjuan: Named as a 2023, Woman to Watch on Broadway, Marjuan Canady is a Tony® Nominated Broadway Producer and award-winning Caribbean-American artist, entrepreneur, educator, and literacy advocate. A DC native, her work spans theater, film, television, children’s media and literature. Marjuan is the 2023 DC Mayor’s Arts LARRY NEAL Writer’s Awardee. She is currently a Co-Producer on the National Tour / Broadway revival production of The WIZ and the Broadway production of Alicia Key’s Hell’s Kitchen. Canady made her Broadway Producing debut on the 2022 production of  Death of a Salesman. She was the 2021-2022 inaugural Front Row Productions Fellow / Adjunct Research Scholar at Columbia University MFA Theatre Management and Producing Program. Her original work has been seen on Hoorae Media, Sensical TV, Sesame Street, at The John F. Kennedy Center,  The Smithsonian, The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, The National Theatre, Miami Book Fair, Ryan Seacrest Foundation and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. She is the CEO/ Author and Creative Director of the children's media brand, Callaloo Kids. Marjuan has held fellowships at The Kennedy Center, The Schomburg Center, , the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Lincoln Center, Harlem Stage, and the Anacostia Arts Center. She is a 13 time DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Artist Fellow. She is the Founder of her production company Sepia Works and non-profit, Canady Foundation for the Arts. Canady is a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Fordham University and NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Actors Equity Association, Dramatist Guild, and the Parent Artist Advocacy League. She is the proud mom of her four year old daughter.

Marjuan's IG: @marjuancanady

Marjuan's Website: www.marjuancanady.com/

Canady Foundation: www.canadyfoundationarts.org/

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How can singers, performers, or professional voice users take charge of their vocal health, prevent injury, and build a strong support team? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with licensed speech pathologist and singing teacher, Sarah K Brown, to discuss the intersection of vocal health, rehabilitation, and performance. Sarah shares her unique career journey from opera training to speech pathology and, unexpectedly, into private singing coaching—highlighting how her clinical skillset allows her to approach vocal training with both rehabilitative and preventative expertise. They dive into the stigma surrounding vocal injuries, the emotional toll of vocal setbacks, and how common irregularities actually are among professional singers. Sarah breaks down common vocal injuries, the difference between an ENT, laryngologist, speech pathologist, and voice teacher, and how to find a team that supports your individual needs. They also dispel common vocal health myths and share practical vocal health tips, from muscle tension release exercises to must-have items in a vocal health kit. Whether you’re an early-career performer looking to build your voice care team or a seasoned singer navigating vocal demands, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways on maintaining vocal longevity and finding the right teachers and medical professionals for your needs. Tune in for an empowering conversation that will help you feel more informed, confident, and in control of your vocal well-being.

About Sarah: Sarah K. Brown is a singing teacher and licensed speech pathologist based in NYC. Before launching her own voice studio and going into full-time private work, Sarah maintained a clinical caseload at the Voice Center of Mount Sinai for 5 years, as well as an adjunct faculty position at Pace University. Her research has covered a wide variety of topics in voice, and she has presented nationally at the Fall Voice Conference. Sarah also regularly teaches singing masterclasses, most recently with Yale University School of Drama. Her specialized combination of singing background, performance experience, and clinical expertise have enabled her to serve Broadway performers, Metropolitan Opera singers, and TV/film actors. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Chapman University and an MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University.

Sarah’s IG: @vocalhealthskb

Sarah’s Website: www.sarahkbrownvoice.com

Voice Team Locator: https://voice-academy.uiowa.edu/voice-team-locator

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How does the creative process mirror the journey of motherhood? In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Daniella Rabbani – actress, singer, podcast host, activist, and mother – about the profound parallels between artistry and motherhood. Daniella shares how becoming a mother transformed her artistic identity, shifting her understanding of creativity, presence, and ambition. With prompts of “What moves me?” and “Who am I in this moment?” as a means for deepening one’s inner knowing, they explore the art of being present, the challenges of motherhood as an artist, and the importance of making small, intentional decisions to overcome life’s inevitable stuck moments. Plus, they discuss the intersections of artistry and motherhood that both require trusting one’s intuition, the challenges and rewards of balancing creativity with the financial realities of raising a child, and the profound importance of community and support. That creation—whether of a performance, a career, or a family—demands trust in the unknown and it is all with the desire to create a meaningful life, whether that includes motherhood or not. This conversation offers a raw and honest look at the often unspoken truths that shape the lives of artist-mothers, offering a candid and inspiring reflection on what it means to create life and art simultaneously.

About Daniella: Daniella has been hailed as “sympathetic and utterly alive” (New York Observer), “hilarious” (Wall Street Journal) and “will leave you twirling in the streets” (New York Times). TV credits: Amazon’s The Better Sister, HBO’s Scenes from a Marriage, CBS’ God Friended Me, FX’s The Americans, Fox’s Laughs. Films: Oceans 8, Appropriate Behavior and her award winning directorial debut OMA (Available on Amazon Prime Video) and more. Select Concerts: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall NYC, Summerstage in Central Park NYC, The State Jewish Theater in Warsaw Poland, The State Jewish Theater in Bucharest, Romania and more. Off Broadway: Drama Desk Winning Amid Falling Walls, Drama Desk Nominated The Golden Land, Hershele Ostropolye and Gimpel Tam (all with The National Yiddish Theater), Nina (Primary Stages). A award winning filmmaker, Daniella’s directorial debut OMA is available on Prime Video and her feature length documentary, Klezmerette, is underway. She is the host of The Mom Curious Podcast produced by Hoff Studios and advocates for a more inclusive world on instagram @daniellarabbani

Daniella’s IG: @daniellarabbani

Daniella’s Website: www.daniellarabbani.com

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