Living in the Arts

Today’s interview is with Jason Boulware (he/him). Jason is a filmmaker and educator based in Chicago. His diverse portfolio encompasses commercial projects, web series, radio, and academic productions. Jason has produced and directed both short and feature-length films, with a recent focus on documentary work. We’re going to learn about Historically Black Colleges & Universities, ethical storytelling, and the blending of data and art. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? Follow your passion in a visible way. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

White Lotus Rising

If you enjoyed this interview, find Jason on instagram @j_boulware

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit.

Today’s interview is with Audra Kubat (she/her) teaching artist, musician, and educator.

Today, we’re going to learn about teaching yourself, breaking bread with your neighbors, and helping others find their own voice. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? When you’re vulnerable, you may be your truest self.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Inside Out Literacy

Build a Musical Toolkit (AKA THE BOX) At Home! 

If you enjoyed this interview, find Audra online at https://audrakubat.com/home. 

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit.

Need a little bit of light in your life today?? This interview is with Jason Deran (he/him) composer, musician, and audio engineer! In today’s episode, we’re going to learn about conquering the post-undergrad slump, balancing a full time design role with freelancing, and the differences in artistic process when it's for you or someone else. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? Never be afraid to look for collaborators. If you enjoyed this interview, find Jason online at https://jderanmusic.com/ 

Mentioned in this Episode:

The King of Mars 

Billie Eilish & FINNEAS 

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

Today’s interview is with Kanisha Williams (she/they) writer, comedian, and lovergirl. They have a demonstrated history in writers rooms, film review, newsletters, personal narrative, and artistic project facilitation. In today’s episode, we’re going to learn about the Writers’ Guild Access Support Staff Training Program, what makes a good Log Line, and the value of journaling and community. One takeaway I can offer you already? You can only live your dreams if you’re there to live them. 

Also, welcome to new Co-Host, Producer Claire! 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Kanisha’s Writers Guild Foundation Interview

Writers Guild Foundation Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program

A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO Show)

If you enjoyed this interview, find Kanisha on Instagram @kanishawilliams. 

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

Episode Transcript Available Here! 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

In this episode, we turn the tables on producer Claire as she’s inducted as a new co-host for season two of Living in the Arts! We’re going to learn about production management, anxiety, and being a multi-tool. One takeaway I can offer you already? Spite’s a great instigator, and a terrible sustainer. 

** KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ** SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER  22 ** 

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Fireside Theater Wisconsin

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Chicago Humanities Festival

Milwaukee Repirtroary Theater

Dorset Theater Festival

Living Arts Detroit

Definition Theater

Dropout.tv

Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu (MINOR SPOILERS FOR THIS BOOK at minute 55-58)

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

Transcript Available Here!

In this episode, we’ll continue learning about our host, Laura Scales! In part two, we’re going to learn about mid-career shifts, the pros and pitfalls of an entrepreneurial spirit, and just how far a passion for people can take you.

**SEASON TWO OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON OCTOBER 22!!**

For more on who to expect this season, be sure to keep an eye on Living Arts' social media! 

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Organization Living Arts Detroit

Author Jen Sincero

American Dance Theater Alvin Alley

Singer-Songwriter Philip Michael Scales

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

Transcript Available Here!

** KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ** SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER  22!! ** 

At long last, we’ll get to know our host, Laura Scales, as interviewed by Producer Claire. Before Living Arts, Laura stage and production managed in the theater industry for nearly two decades. Laura developed her love of academia, serving as the Production Manager at the University of Chicago (where we met!) and then at Michigan State University before joining Living Arts as CEO. 

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Living Arts Detroit

9 ½ Couples by Wendell Scales

Roeper School

Stage Managers Association

Melanie George

Narda Alcorn

Nan Zabriskie

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Living Arts Detroit. 

Transcript Available Here!

PS: I’m sorry for how many times I use the phrase “She-E-O”

SEASON ONE FINALE?!? Living in the Arts will be back soon with bonus episodes, live episodes, meeting the team deep dives, and a lively second season on the way!! 

Today’s interview is with Danny Halminiak, a professional theatrical technical director who has worked everywhere from multi-million dollar theaters to where he now resides helping youth ignite their passion for theater in high school. 

We’re going to learn about doing as many shows as you can, the pros and cons of investing in a theater degree, and how it feels to find the exact right thing.

One takeaway I can offer you already? It is worth developing confidence in yourself.

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí

Transcript Available Here! 

Keep making cool art! <3 

Today’s interview is with fiction writer Katie Vandervalk, the VP of content strategy,  entertainment and beauty & style groups at Dotdash Meredith, novelist, and screenwriter. Her driven, get it done attitude pairs with her sense of humor and vulnerability to have me constantly learning each time we speak. We’re going to learn about her path into creative writing, content strategy, and her relationship to the writing process. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? Simply “hide, and let it breathe.” 

Content Warning: mentions of cannibalism at 39:44 - 42:17

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí!

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Dotdash Meredith (Digital & Print Publisher)

How to do a VLOOKUP

The Novel Generator Lynn Steger Strong Class 

Melissa Febos (American Writer)

Joanne Beard (Contemporary Writer)

Mary Gaitskill (Contemporary Writer)

Susan Choi (Contemporary Writer)

Melissa Febos (Writer)

Linda Berry (Writer)

Joshua Sonny Harris (Screen Writer)

Phantom of the Opera (Musical)

Michaela Cole (British Actress and Filmmaker) 

Yellow Jackets (TV Show)

A Certain Hunger by Chelsea Summers (Book)

Tender is the Flesh (Book)

Bottoms (Film)

Vladimir by Julia May Jonas (Book)

Today’s interview is with Lowell Thomas, a videographer, photographer, and  . As a freelancer, he has been featured in The Root, American Theatre Magazine, Teen Vogue, Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Reader, and more. We’re going to learn a bit about making movies, how to choose who you work with, and that caring for your mind is caring for your process. One takeaway I can offer you already? Think about the type of work you want to make, but also the type of life you want to live. 

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Talk to Me (a Horror Movie)

DaVinci Resolve (Video Editing Software)

Adobe Premiere Pro (Video Editing Software)

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

¡Envíe sus propias preguntas comunitarias para nuestros invitados aquí!

Transcript Available Here!