Just One More Thing

In this episode of Just One More Thing, I sat down with Ekene of the Wisconsin Diversity Generals for a candid and comprehensive conversation about representation, opportunity, safety, and institutional power in Wisconsin theatre.

We examine the origins of the Diversity Generals, what happens after underrepresented artists enter the audition room, and the findings of the controversial Wisconsin Theatre Diversity Study. The conversation also confronts the difficult questions: Did any theatres resist the study? Can demographic data oversimplify a complicated casting environment? How should the study’s organizers be held accountable for their own methods and potential blind spots? What responsibility do theatres have when their public commitments do not produce measurable change?

We also explore whether this work will expand beyond the Milwaukee area, what meaningful accountability should look like, and the ultimate question now that the findings are public: What is the end game?

We take a closer examination of the study, the institutions it evaluates, and what lasting change in Wisconsin theatre would actually require.

Learn more:

• Wisconsin Diversity Generals
• Wisconsin Theatre Diversity Study data and final report
• Wisconsin Diversity Generals on Facebook
• Columbus Black Theatre Coalition Open Letter

He's back! Former guest & good friend Matt Specht returned for another fun chat. In this episode, we talk about Matt's new project, a one act play he wrote called Ab$tract, which will workshop a staged reading, along with another one act called Art of the State, on Monday, August 31, 7:00 PM, at the Sugar Maple 441 E Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207. Admission to this event is free.

The Lakeside Players Production of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein! is entering its final weekend of shows! In this episode, I sat down with cast members Brian Dean, JT Walker, Chynna Chung, Kerra Allen, Alex Ebert, and Andrew Hansen, and we talked about their theatre experiences, what drew them to the production, and their favorite moments.

Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein presented by Lakeside Players, runs for one more weekend

• Friday, November 8, 2024, 7:30pm
• Saturday, November 9, 2024, 7:30pm
• Sunday, November 10, 2024 2:00pm

Tickets are available by visiting rhodecenter.org or https://rhodecenter.ludus.com/index.php?

Follow and Like Lakeside Players on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lspkenosha

Follow Lakeside Players on TikTok: @rhodecenterforthearts or https://www.tiktok.com/@rhodecenterforthearts?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

In this episode, I talk briefly about my experience with Theatre 121 and their production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I discuss the audition process, rehearsals, working with the orchestra, and all of the great people involved with this production.

For more information on Theatre 121, check out their website https://theatre121.org/

Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theatre121woodstock

In this episode, I sat down with my good friend and frequent guest Shavez, to follow up with him since having a major stroke on March 3, 2024. We recap the events of the day, discuss his road to recovery, the long term affects on his speech, and his 8 (1 1/2) hour surgery.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so I sat down with Brittani Gere (Family Advocate) of Women & Children's Horizons (WCH). WCH’s mission is to provide support, shelter, advocacy, education, training, and healing services to victims of sexual and domestic abuse, their families, their children (who are often primary or secondary victims), and the community. Their mission is achievable through survivor-centered work that includes strategic partnerships and collaboration. As advocates for social justice, they embrace the voices of diverse communities. They will consider any non-violent strategy that is consistent with their mission to prevent and eliminate domestic abuse and sexual abuse.

In this episode, we talk about WCH's history and mission, some of the statistics surrounding sexual assault, breaking the stigmas associated with sexual assault, advocacy for survivors, an educational pilot program for local schools, following up on the government funding cuts, volunteering, the Mardi Gras Benefit, upcoming fundraisers, the Nifty Thrifty Resale shop, and how you can get involved with this great organization!

Helpful Links and information:

1. For more information about WCH and the great work that they do, you can visit their website wchkenosha.org.
2. To see WCH's wishlist of items needed to help others, visit wchkenosha.org/wish-list.
3. To make a donation visit wchkenosha.org/donate
4. Check out this powerful video of a Survivor telling her story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTppxnhfZco
5. To view their calendar of upcoming events, visit https://www.wchkenosha.org/events/
6. Follow WCH on Facebook (click here)!

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, help is always available. You can contact the great folks at WCH 24/7/365 at their helpline by dialing 262-652-9900 or toll-free at 800-853-3503. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), texting START to 88788, or chatting live at thehotline.org. Remember, you are not alone.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so I sat down with Karen Fetherston (Executive Director) and Samantha Sustachek (Program Director) of BeLEAF Survivors. Who they are: BeLEAF Survivors seeks to provide a safe and compassionate environment to promote hope and healing after sexual assault by lifting, empowering, advocating, and fighting for survivors and their allies and, therefore the community as a whole. Additionally, through education, outreach, and collaboration we work to shift the culture that perpetuates sexual violence.

In this episode, we talk about the BeLEAF's history and mission, some of the statistics surrounding sexual assault, breaking the stigmas associated with sexual assault, advocacy for survivors, educating and spreading awareness, government funding cuts, the MeToo Movement, volunteering, upcoming fundraisers, and how you can get involved with this great organization!

1. For more information about BeLEAF Survivors and the great work that they do, you can visit their website beleafsurvivors.org.
2. Interested in being a volunteer? Visit https://beleafsurvivors.org/how-to-help/
3. To make a donation visit beleafsurvivors.org/donate/
4. Wanna wear some sweet BeLEAF Survivors merch? Visit www.bonfire.com/store/beleaf-survivors/
5. Follow BeLEAF Survivors on Facebook (click here)!

If you or someone you know is a victim of Sexual Assault, help is always available. You can contact the great folks at BeLEAF Survivors 24/7/365 at their helpline by dialing 262-637-7233. You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

In this episode, I sat down with my good friend and frequent guest Shavez, for what I think is going to be a light and laugh filled chat. Little did I know, Shavez would give his harrowing account of a serious and frightening ordeal that began last week Saturday morning. This topic was not planned ahead of time, nor did I have any knowledge of the situation before this episode. I heard this story for the first time as you're about to, in real time.

This episode contains strong language and content that may be upsetting to some listeners.

He's back! Former guest & good friend Matt Specht returned for another fun chat. In this episode, we talked about Avenue Q, Matt gives an in depth look at how to prepare for theatre auditions, we break out terrible impressions of Jimmy Stewart and Billy Bob Thorton (Slingblade), and we discuss his upcoming live performance on Friday, March 15th from 6PM - 9PM at Social on Sixth with Zachary Scot Johnson for an evening of acoustic entertainment! No cover, and ALL proceeds benefit Women and Children's Horizons of Kenosha.

WCH’s mission is to provide support, shelter, advocacy, education, training, and healing services to victims of sexual and domestic abuse, their families, their children (who are often primary or secondary victims), and the community. Their mission is achievable through survivor-centered work that includes strategic partnerships and collaboration. As advocates for social justice, they embrace the voices of diverse communities. They will consider any non-violent strategy that is consistent with their mission to prevent and eliminate domestic abuse and sexual abuse.In this episode, we talk about the epidemic of Domestic Violence, the sobering statistics surrounding this problem, breaking the stigmas, what we can do to help victims, volunteering, and items they are in need of.

Helpful Links and information:

1. For more information about WCH and the great work that they do, you can visit their website wchkenosha.org.
2. To see WCH's wishlist of items needed to help others, visit wchkenosha.org/wish-list.
3. To make a donation visit wchkenosha.org/donate
4. Follow WCH on Facebook (click here)!

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, help is always available. You can contact the great folks at WCH 24/7/365 at their helpline by dialing 262-652-9900 or toll-free at 800-853-3503. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), texting START to 88788, or chatting live at thehotline.org.

Back by popular demand, I sit down with my friend and previous guest, Shavez. In this episode, we talk about Halloween, Christmas starting way too early, our favorite Thanksgiving foods, TV, Movies, Sports, and people who go to concerts and weddings and record with their phones.