From Another Zero

What is an Arts Critic? and why do we need more BIPOC Arts Critics?

In this wonderful conversation with New York-based Arts Critic Jose Solís, we dive into the performing arts world and discuss how theatre, theater, and marketing look versus how it should look. If a review should just be written and how we should get with the times. 

Jose Solís began his career as a culture critic when he was 16 and launched a film review website while living in Honduras, where he was born and raised. He began writing about theatre while attending college in Costa Rica, and upon moving to NYC in 2012 focused entirely on the stage. His work appears in The New York Times, American Theatre, TDF Stages, Backstage, 3 Views, and America Magazine. He is also the co-creator and co-host of the Token Theatre Friends podcast/web series.

Follow Jose on Twitter: https://twitter.com/josesolismayen

The Token Theatre Friends podcast: https://tokentheatrefriends.com/ 

Mom and pop shop he recommends: La Sirena Mexican Folk Art: https://www.facebook.com/LaSirenaMexicanFolkArt 

La Sirena also has a GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-la-sirena-mexican-folk-art?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet 

The Cause we should learn about: Raíces https://actionnetwork.org/groups/raices-refugee-and-immigrant-center-for-education-and-legal-services 

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromanother0/ 

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FromAnother0/

Check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrf612wzztLih5EntaTeX2g?view_as=subscriber

Listen to our main ego in Español Desde Otro Cero!: https://bit.ly/DesdeOtroCero

Thank you for listening!

Leave a voice message below!

Love always,

Alejandra

WE HIT 100,000 VIEWS ON OUR BLOG! http://www.fromanother0.com/ thank you! Please follow us if you don't already :)

In this episode, we talk to marketing expert extraordinaire Tony Uribe from the Rosarito-San Diego region.

We talk about his different business ventures and living in a region that overlooks two countries: the good, the bad, and the ugly lol.

Here is a brief bio for Tony in his own words:

The fastest way to stalk me is on my About.me page which links to all my public social accounts. 

Born and raised in the Southbay, National City kid at heart. Proud POCHO Socialite (de aquí y de allá) currently living allá, hustling hard-ish. Quit corporate America to live the American dream from a beach town in Mexico.

I consider myself a branding/marketing consultant or coach who always advocates for our Raza, minority-owned small businesses, and organizations that do good for our neighborhood.

I’m an artist and creator, dancer, and educator #HumbleBrag; I don’t really identify as Chicano even though I'm all for el movimiento and though I'm a part of the LGBT+ community don't really call myself gay but I am pretty self-aware (both who I am and what I stand for).

Tony's Social Media and links:

Cause discussed in the episode: https://www.wesupportu.org/about2

Thank you for joining and listening!

Do not be shy and leave a voice message below!

Much love,

Alejandra

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A lovely conversation with Artistic Director Phil Johnson, a proud founding partner in The Roustabouts Theatre Co. As an actor/writer, his solo show, A Jewish Joke (co-written with Marni Freedman, directed by David Ellenstein) had an Off-Broadway run at Theatre Row in NYC in March 2019, after a successful San Diego run for The Roustabouts, as well as touring regionally: Chicago's Victory Gardens, New Haven, and St. Louis. (AJewishJoke.com). Other original shows: Withering Heights, written and performed with Omri Schein and directed by Ellenstein, for TRTC; She-Rantulas from Outer Space in 3D!, co-written with Ruff Yeager, for Diversionary Theatre and the NY Fringe Festival; and The Hound of the Baskervilles, as a San Diego Foundation Creative Catalyst Grantee, at North Coast Rep in 2012. Phil played in Les Misérables on Broadway and on tour; the Canadian production of Sunset Boulevard; and the 1st National Co. of Miss Saigon. He is a two-time winner of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Award for acting, for Midsummer Night's Dream at Intrepid Theatre Company, and The Man Who Came to Dinner. So. California theatres include North Coast Rep (Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Spelling Bee), Old Globe (How the Grinch...), and Cygnet Theatre (Mistakes Were Made, Pageant). Local directing credits include SD Playwrights Project and Scripps Ranch Theatre. He teaches and produces a Solo Show Workshop for writer/performers that is part of The Roustabouts season. The company encourages new local writers from Southern California. Phil's newest one-man show, Roosevelt: Charge the Bear, co-written with Marni Freedman, is currently being workshopped and will be produced in San Diego in 2020.  PhilJohnson.net

Links to what we talked about:

Local business and cause to support:

Give us the love,

Leave a voicemail below!

Love always,

Alejandra

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What is the difference between arts engagement and community outreach? How should accountability look like in this new normal for theatres?

We talk about this and many more interesting topics with Freedome Bradley-Ballentine, Arts Engagement Director of the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, and newly appointed Associate Artistic Director.

Freedome has been in San Diego for four years, but his impact on the community has been unforgettable. His work forges significant bonds, building positive social connections with economically, geographically, and culturally diverse communities throughout San Diego. He has developed a host of new programs and re-imagined legacy programming facilitating the Globe’s commitment of making theater matter to more people.

Local business and non-profit organization:

Announcements at the Zero:

Thank you for joining us!

With love, 

Alejandra

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Opening song: Grains of Sand. Closing song: Worth It. Both written and performed by Miki Vale. 

Miki Vale has performed at landmark venues and festivals in the US and internationally, from Hollywood and D.C. to Mumbai and Cairo.  Dedicated to her cause as she is to her craft. Using art as education, Miki explores the impact of hip-hop culture on race, class, and gender.  Her experiences range from teaching in classroom settings, performing at social justice events, and, in 2017 she served as a cultural diplomat for Next Level Egypt (funded by the U.S. State Department).  

Where to follow Miki: https://mikivalethemc.com/about

Links to the coffee shop, lounge, and cause discussed during the episode: 

Please follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromanother0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/From-Another-Zero-100273658441880/

Blog: http://www.fromanother0.com/

We would love to hear from you! leave a voicemail!

 With love, Alejandra

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The FIRST episode of the alter ego in English!!!! with my very special guests and "padrinos" of the podcast, artists, Broadway performers, and now Mindfulness in the arts coaches: Ben Cook and Dan DeLuca. 

Ben Cook: Most recently played Riff in the Broadway revival of West Side Story. He has been a part of 5 Broadway shows, 2 Broadway national tours and has made many appearances in the film/television world. Still a working actor, he is now studying at the School of Positive Transformation to become a certified Positive Psychologist Practitioner and also devotes a large portion of his time to teaching the important work of mindfulness and its specific connection to the performing arts alongside his incredible team. 

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bentylercook/

Dan DeLuca: Is a theater and television actor, best known for originating the role of Jack Kelly on the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies. He has starred in dozens of shows across North America, and has helped develop new musicals alongside the greatest theater composers of our time including Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken and Martin Charnin. Dan is currently enrolled at Quantum University specializing in emotional intelligence/mindfulness and is writing, directing and starring in his own web series based on the science of self-development entitled “The Invisible Things”. 

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DDeLuca15/

Links related to what we talked about: 

Their course Mindfulness in the Arts. Find out more here: https://www.mindfulnessinthearts.com/

The upcoming dance masterclass with Ahmad Simmons on July 10! https://www.mindfulnessinthearts.com/upcoming

Dan's YouTube Series The Invisible Things: https://www.mindfulnessinthearts.com/theinvisiblethings

Local Mop and Pop shop to support 

in NYC: Cafe Amrita: https://www.facebook.com/Cafe-Amrita-129177810480487/

Charities and Causes to learn about:  

Thank you for listening! Please follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/fromanother0/

and follow our blog: http://www.fromanother0.com/

With love, Alejandra

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This is not the first episode. It is the episode zero to put a little bit of context. I did not know if I should "debut" at this time. I did not want to seem insensitive to all that is happening. After giving it a lot of thought, I think it is the best time to go out and add another voice and express my solidarity. I see you, I hear you, I stand by you. Here are some suggested links on how we can know more and support: 

The bail project Official 

George Floyd Memorial Fund

Justice For Tony McDade

 I run with Maud 

Justice for Breonna Taylor

 Anti-racism resources

I look forward to hosting the first episode of this podcast and listening to each other soon. 

Stay safe,

Alejandra