Let's Get Real Creative

Theatre writers, Women and Theatre Cofounders, intersectional feminists.

To say that gender, race, and identity are touchy subjects in today's world is a vast understatement - so much so that many of us just avoid them altogether. How can we put our work into the world if it's not really representative of us or of others, or if we're afraid to talk about it?

That's why it was such a breath of fresh air to do this episode with Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews, the cofounders of Women and Theatre, writers and creators in theatrical spaces, explorers and champions of intersectional feminism, and two very good role models for having a constructive conversation. I asked them both some tough questions that many of us are wondering about, like how to authentically write, cast, and portray characters like ourselves and like those of marginalized groups in the theatre industry.

This was a hugely important conversation for anyone in the theatre world, but particularly those in community theatre. Buckle up, because you might just learn something.

R&B music artist, singer, songwriter, Season 9 American Idol contestant

Staying true to yourself is the journey we're all on, especially singer and music artist Jay-EL. He got started gracing the stages of the Apollo Theatre and American Idol, but that's only a little piece of his journey to finding out what he really wants to sing and write music about.

I hope this episode helps you remember that even if you feel like you haven't made it yet, or haven't got everything planned, you're on the right track.

Where to find Jason:

• Website - Jasonshorter.com and Jay-El.com
• IG - Jasonlshorter

A cappella arrangers, musicians, members of the BC Acoustics

A.J. Singh and Jason Xue are members of the BC Acoustics, a co-ed a cappella group at Boston College that's earned a reputation for bringing powerful, dynamic song arrangements and performances to life year after year. I witnessed this myself, when I was a member of the Sharps, BC's female a cappella group, and was always in awe of the way their songs and arrangements were not just technically solid - they made me feel something.

So I was really excited to chat with A.J. and Jason about genre-bending arrangements, creating great music on their own terms, and finding a safe home base and lifelong relationships in a cappella.

Where to find them:

• Instagram and TikTok - @bcacoustics
• Spotify and YouTube - Boston College Acoustics
• Website - thebostoncollegeacoustics.com

Asian American pom pom jewelry artist and business owner

Visiting Justine Pon's Etsy store or Instagram channel instantly brings a smile. Her pom pom jewelry and accessories inspired by Asian American food and culture are so cute and colorful that they make embracing culture a true joy. We talked about how her culture plays a role in her business, helping others connect with their loved ones, creating a support system, and making things up as you go. Justine and I are both graduates of the Selfmade entrepreneurship program for women, so I was thrilled to see how her business has grown and evolved so much.

Where to find Justine:

IG - @theponnery to find out what's coming up with her shop

Etsy - her shop is called The Ponnery.

Musical theatre writer, composer, lyricist, vocal coach, and workshop / community leader

I had so many things I wanted to ask today's guest Michael Radi that this interview feels to me like I was skipping and hopping all over the place with my enthusiasm for everything we covered in under 60 minutes. Michael (he/they) is a jack-of-all-trades in the musical theatre world, but some of the roles they play each day are writer, composer, lyricist, vocal coach, educator, and workshop / community leader.

We talked about broadening our experiences, creating fully dimensional characters, and we also talked about the the feedback and rewriting process of bringing a show to life - how to carve away to get to your real story, and how to give and accept feedback in a positive way. This conversation made me want to dive right in and start writing something of my own, so I hope it will do the same for you!

Where to find MIchael:

Website - michaelradi.com, which has links to everything else. The Musical Theatre Writing Collective is open if you want a "nerdy and welcoming bunch" to uplift and support you in your musical theatre writing journey.

Youtube - musicaltheatrewriterguy

IG - @mtwriterguy and @writingmichael

I first came across Jessica on Instagram, where she was flinging paint on a rug in her studio because lots of people had just told her to be careful of the rug. And I thought, wow, I really need to talk to her about how she came to this point in her life where she can let everyone else's expectations go to the wayside and do what's right for her in the moment.

We also talk about using the process of creating something to figure out what it is you're trying to say, which I think is really powerful in a world that's really focused on success and the end result. We also talk about using art as a "dictionary of your language" to express yourself when words don't really cut it, and how to use that to process things that are going on in your mind.

You'll find some real gems of wisdom in here no matter what kind of thing you make or perform, and I couldn't have asked for a better conversation to kickstart Season 2.

Where to find Jessica:

IG - @jessicayoungart

Tiktok - @jessicayoungart

Website - jessicayoungartist.com to sign up for her collector's club, get early announcements, and find information about her combined art and mental health mentoring, retreats, and upcoming book!

If you're a performing or visual artist or creator of some kind, then you know the struggle of wondering whether the things you're putting into the world are any good. We're at the mercy of others, who decide whether we're deemed worthy enough for a job, a role, a gig. What if we could give ourselves the validation and the opportunities we need to keep going, keep growing, to reach our full potential

I'm so excited to announce Season 2 of the Let's Get Real Creative podcast, which dives into exactly that. It's full of super honest conversations with other performers, artists, and creative people who have already taken a chance on themselves and figured this stuff out. And I want their secrets!

I met Jennifer Witt Love while she was playing the role of the devil in a community theatre show, but I later found out she was not only a performer, but a painter, cartoonist, and radio play actress! She has also served as both President and Vice President of Hull Performing Arts. In this episode, we touched on the origins and the evolution of all of those interests, and why she loves creating things for other people.

Here's what we talked about:

• Her initial belief that she wasn't a "real artist," and how long it took to overcome that
• Finding validation from her mother, her peers, and Gary Larson
• Her love for custom artwork and meaningful gifts
• The joy and confidence she's gained from acting in radio plays
• How imagination and creativity takes away drudgery
• How anyone can draw, if they start with the basics

Danielle Larsen has done something many of us marvel at - she wrote and self-published her own memoir, "From Voiceless to Vocal," about her years with an abusive ex-husband.

Now, Danielle lives in Washington Heights and is an author, blogger, photographer, and member of the hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme's Academy. I'm proud to share this interview about her radical transformation and newly positive outlook.

Here's what we talked about:

• How the best content comes when you're vulnerable and open
• How she gained confidence to start and finish the project from her blog readers and the Twitter community
• The biggest hurdle - just getting started!
• Waiting for inspiration
• The freedom and release of publishing and putting something into the world
• How the world gave her permission to make a radical life change

Kristy Errera-Solomon is one of the most well-liked vocal instructors in my area, so I was thrilled to be able to take a deep dive into her career history, the beginnings of her music and theatre school, and how she manages a demanding teaching career with family (spoiler alert - it's a work in progress). Kristy shows us all how to let go, take things as they come, and live season to season.

Here's what we talked about:

• Why she transitioned from an opera career to a teaching career
• Her initial self-doubt, then eventual confidence, in teaching new styles
• The key to being a great performer (hint: it's not technique!)
• Connecting to your body and your soul while singing
• Why teaching is like being a mom
• How everyone's version of success is different
• The shifting seasons of life