(Art)versations - Hosted by Bri Clarke
By Bri Clarke
Each episode, a featured artist will join host Bri Clarke to bridge the gap between the process, the final product, and its infinite transformation. Artists. Conversations. (Art)versations.
Cover by Jan Marquez.
(Art)versations - Hosted by Bri ClarkeDec 07, 2020
98. Meaningful Movement
Meaningful Movement is an arts organization, founded by Abbey Richens and Zuri Skeete, dedicated to nurturing community and opportunities for artists of all mediums. We talk about how they united as a collective during the pandemic, what they currently find meaningful, facilitating events like “Gathering” and “@profile”, and providing third spaces for artists of all kinds.
Connect with Meaningful Movement:
Email: themeaningfullmovement@gmail.com
References to check out:
97. John Kameel Farah
John is a Palestinian-Canadian composer, pianist and electronic musician based between Toronto and Berlin, who creates what he calls "Baroque-Middle-Eastern-Cyberpunk". We talk about the process behind his commission for the National Arts Centre orchestra, why he feels more free in his visual arts practice, how he uses his concerts to address what is happening in Palestine, the various complexities of Palestinian identity, and nocturnally creating his album “Time Sketches” in three weeks.
Connect with John:
References to check out:
96. Jeyolyn Christi
Jeyolyn is a Tamil-Canadian multidisciplinary artist who explores the intersection of photography and storytelling. We talk about combining photography and writing, facilitating workshops in Amsterdam for BIPOC artists, being in-residence with FACES Collective TO, the longevity of her art, and writing her book “I Crossed the Ocean” to enact social change.
Connect with Jeyolyn: Instagram: @jeyolyn Website: www.jeyolynchristi.com
Artists/Communities mentioned: Yalini Dream: @yalinidream
FACES Collective TO: @facescollectiveto
95. Directions for Dance at The Art Shelter
(Art)versations is back in conversation with Frog in Hand! The Art Shelter is a new home for Mississauga-based dance theatre company Frog In Hand. In this roundtable episode, we join Artistic Director Colleen Snell, The Fifth Dance co-founder Sarahí Cárdenas, and artists involved in Directions for Dance: Candace Kumar, Clarke Blair, and Abby Silvera. We share findings from our week of classes, how communities can be connected and visible to one another, where dance is heading, and Frog in Hand's future plans for The Art Shelter.
Connect with Frog in Hand: https://linktr.ee/froginhand
Visit The Art Shelter at 887 Hydro Road in Mississauga
Connect with Mandy MacLean (Arts Activation Coordinator): @mandyemaclean
Connect with The Fifth Dance: @thefifthdance
Connect with Candace: @candacekmr
Connect with Clarke: @clarrrke
Connect with Abby: @abby.silvera
Connect with The Eagle Spirits: @eaglespiritsgreatwaters
The Eagle Spirits are a not-for-profit group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people celebrating, and creating space for Indigenous art and culture along the north shores of Lake Ontario.
Connect with Callahan: @elixirtheft
94. Unfurl (Toronto Fringe)
The cast and choreographer of Unfurl enter a roundtable conversation with Bri to dig deeper into the artistic process and themes of the show. The new work will be premiering at the upcoming Toronto Fringe Festival show. Performances run July 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, and 16th at the Alumnae Theatre.
Buy tickets to Unfurl- linktr.ee/unfurl2023
Connect with Alli- linktr.ee/allicarry
Connect with Marina on Instagram- @marinaaelyse
Connect with Mio- linktr.ee/Mio_Sakamoto
Connect with Reece:
Instagram- @reececcaldwell
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/reece.caldwell.9
Connect with Simon:
Instagram- @simonmazziotti
93. Dedra McDermott
Dedra is a new-generation Black artist-researcher, emerging curator, and movement dramaturg based in Tkaronto. We talk about the practice of dramaturgy, why she was drawn to it, the people who inspire her to continue, and how to invite skepticism when an artist’s confidence aims too high.
This collaboration between Dedra and Bri was made possible by Jaberi Dance Theatre, through their 2023 Mentorship Program. Thank you to Roshanak, Adina and Jessica for providing time and space to research, share and explore. Funded by the Government of Canada, The Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund.
Follow Dedra on Instagram: @dancingdramaturg
For contact: dedramcdermott.artist@gmail.com
92. The Performing Arts Project
Calling all artists 25 & under! The Performing Arts Project (TPAP) is a nonprofit organization formed by a group of respected educators and entertainment industry professionals to help prepare the next generation of performers. TPAP Artistic Director Jonathan Bernstein Zooms in to reveal the mission behind TPAP, the programs and opportunities offered, and discuss how trusting our community can help artists fail forward in their creative processes.
Check out the website for information on how to audition!
Instagram/Facebook/TikTok/YouTube: @perfartsproj
91. Alvin Collantes
Alvin is a Berlin-based dance artist, drag performer, and teacher, with certifications in Gaga and Jungian Life Coaching. We talk about how 3 years of “Dose of Pleasure” sessions came to be, why their drag is a love letter to those who came before, permitting radical self-acceptance into his work, how their queer artistry spills into his growth as a performer, and their advice for dancers who dream of travel.
Connect with Alvin: https://linktr.ee/alvincollantes
Follow their Instagram: www.instagram.com/alvincollantesdance
Check out more of his offerings: www.alvincollantes.com
90. Oversize Load
Oversize Load is a queer-led community art project serving artists and art lovers, situated in Tkaronto. In this round table episode, Arin, Morgyn and Kaelin talk about the mission behind "Blank Space", discuss technique’s role in class, why they aim to continuously expand their outreach, and they reveal the facilitators for upcoming sessions.
Join Bri on Feb 28th: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blank-space-this-february-tickets-528577087297
Apply to facilitate: https://linktr.ee/oversize.load
Instagram: @oversize.load
More from Arin: @aronaronhell
More from Morgyn: @m0rg_y_n
More from Kaelin: @kaelinbaby
89. Kevin Lau
Kevin is a LA-bound dancer, choreographer and movement teacher. We talk about his connection to musicality and percussion, why he is embracing a mix of film and concert work, how working with Anne Plamondon challenged his process, making the hypothetical jump to work in the US, and his upcoming commission at Cawthra Park Secondary School.
Stay connected with Kevin: https://linktr.ee/kmlau
Follow his Instagram: @___kevinmatthewlau
Contact: kevinmlau0@gmail.com
Best Of 2022
BONUS: Take a trip down memory lane with host Bri to hear from artists about their 2022 creative endeavours.
(Art)versations is a meditative conversation about the artistic process.
Guest artists featured:
Zachary Bastille @zacharybastille
Audrianna Martin Del Campo @audriannamartindelcampo
Luke Kimball @lukekimballacting
Tavia Christina @nearfarprojects
Charlene Dinger @charlenedinger
Katie Adams-Gossage @katieadamsgossage
Ace Kazkayasi @acekazkayasi
Frances Lorraine Samson @frances_samson
Sarahí Cárdenas @sarahicardenas
Jillian Robinson @jillian.robinson96
Chantelle Good @chantelle_good
Follow the podcast on IG for more content: @artversationspod
Chantelle Good
Chantelle is a New York City-based performer, choreographer, and teaching artist. We talk about the divine timing of her newest project, her work as Programs Director of Share the Movement, choreographing “tethered to your palms” for ProArte Danza, acting as Artistic Associate with TOES FOR DANCE, and why she is prioritizing joy.
Follow Chantelle on Instagram: @chantelle_good
Donate to Share the Movement: https://linktr.ee/ShareTheMovement
Donate to TOES FOR DANCE’s “BrighTEN”: https://www.toesfordance.ca/donate
Jillian Robinson
Jillian is a Toronto-based actor, singer, and the associate producer for Cup of Hemlock Theatre. We talk about self-care as an essential part of working in an ensemble, how dramaturgy initiates her process as an actor, keeping Cup of Hemlock Theatre alive, and covering the role of Buttons for TYT Theatre’s “Cinderella Panto”.
Follow Jillian on Instagram: @jillian.robinson96
Get tickets to “Cinderella Panto”: https://tickets.ticketwise.com/event/cinderella-musical-panto
Follow Cup of Hemlock on Instagram: @cohtheatre
Check out “The Cup” episode Bri guested on: https://youtu.be/Tarcr5zBVf4
Sarahí Cárdenas (The Fifth)
Sarahí is a dance educator, graphic designer, and the founder of The Fifth Dance. We talk about her early training in Monterrey, dealing with intense pressures from a company director, fostering a community for creation at The Fifth, how she advocates for healthier movement practices, and where classical ballet stands now.
Follow Sarahí on Instagram: @sarahicardenas
Sign up for Bri’s Halloween class at The Fifth: https://www.thefifthdance.com/schedule
Follow The Fifth on Instagram: @thefifthdance
View more classes and content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwh3jpsPZKfEEcd5fhJ_MLQ
Donate to The Fifth’s Community Support Fund: https://www.thefifthdance.com/community-support-fund
Frances Lorraine Samson
Frances is a New York-based artist, a dance educator, and a soloist of the world-renowned Limón Dance Company. We talk about her journey to becoming an immigrant artist in the US, why teaching internationally gave her purpose during the pandemic, the communal and collaborative energy of the Límon Company rehearsal room, her focus on communication when teaching, and working as the director of CCDT’s Young Apprentice Program in 2021.
Follow Frances on Instagram: @frances_samson
Contact Frances: fsamson@limon.nyc
Check out the Límon Instagram for their offerings: @limondance
Ace Kazkayasi
Ace is a director, 1st assistant director, and producer, currently based in Toronto. We talk about how she defines her power as a female filmmaker, the expanding process of her short film “Breath”, why she put in hours of research to carefully create “Pretty Drawings”, leading a safe space while on set, and how the 1st assistant director keeps the project running smoothly.
Follow Ace on Instagram: @acekazkayasi
Check out her website: https://directedbyace.com
Check out her iMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13550295/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Tune into “Film Academy Podcast”: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fAoA9vfoWKKPjtwzg0esN?si=78282d8156854f12
Katie Adams-Gossage
Katie is a dance artist, currently based in Toronto and Montreal. We talk about her experience as a member of Frog in Hand’s summer company, the cast’s favourite moment from “War of the Worlds Reimagined”, how Clown training allowed her to be vulnerable, her SummerWorks Lab double bill with Frédérique Perron, and stepping away from pre-determined dance rules while in creation.
Follow Katie on Instagram: @katieadamsgossage
Check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdqbkJF52P5FgZZ8Lv83rg
Stay connected with Frog In Hand: https://linktr.ee/froginhand
Charlene Dinger
Charlene is a multi-faceted movement facilitator and the host/creator of “Compassionate Creative Podcast”. We talk about the external systems that hold artists back, her yoga practice, how she implements inclusivity and accessibility as an instructor of spaces, teaching through an anti-oppression lens, and the changes in this past year’s dance season.
Check out Charlene’s many offerings: www.charlenedinger.com
Follow Charlene on Instagram: @charlenedinger
Join her 21-Day Yoga Journey “HOME”: https://youtu.be/diaH3tM1V5s
Phantasmagoria (Toronto Fringe)
Bri and NEAR&FAR Projects’ Tavia Christina talk about the process of co-producing and creating their contemporary dance show “Phantasmagoria”, premiering at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Performances run July 7th, 9th, 11th and 12th at the Al Green Theatre.
Buy tickets starting at $12: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/phantasmagoria
Follow NEAR&FAR Projects: @nearfarprojects
Follow Tavia: @tavschristina
Phantasmagorical Research:
https://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2018/06/04/the-psychedelic-phantasmagoria-shows-of-the-18th-century/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/373514.The_Basic_Problems_of_Phenomenology
Phantasmagorical Mood Boards:
https://www.pinterest.ca/taviachristina/costumemakeup-for-show/
https://www.pinterest.ca/taviachristina/_/
Phantasmagorical Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sG1Dlh56JztLiftF5m6YF?si=f1059c87e9f54132
Thank you to our sponsors:
https://www.heliconianclub.org/
https://communityone.ca/
BIG thank you to all our donors to the GoFundMe and to the Improv Jam Sessions!!
Donate to Moose Hide Campaign: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/
Luke Kimball (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
Luke is an actor and director, currently playing Albus Potter in the Toronto production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”. We talk about what his Hogwarts house means to him, playing the son of a legendary wizard, the good and evil qualities within human beings, and working closely with co-stars Trevor White and Trish Lindstrom.
Buy tickets to “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child
Follow Luke on Instagram: @lukekimballacting
The Globe and Mail article that Luke mentioned: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article-how-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-childs-arrival-in-toronto-will/
Audrianna Martin Del Campo
Audrianna is a dance artist and photographer, currently based in Tkarón:to. We talk about contemplating an artistic identity during quarantine, how they are balancing rest and the return to live theatre, creating a short film on a sheep farm with Annie Lujan, and spontaneity within their photographic process.
Contact Audrianna for inquiries on Instagram: @audriannamartindelcampo
The Batsheva Dance Company piece that Audri mentioned: https://youtu.be/7v6tY_u-Mls
Zachary Bastille
Zachary is a dance artist and choreographer, based in Toronto. His piece “Estranged Poets” will be featured in the Terra Firma Festival on May 19-21, 2022. We talk about returning to performance for his final chapter of university, exploring the cross path of relationships through movement, and his process of creating “Mr. Sartre & I (An Introduction)” for Collections.
Buy tickets to see “Estranged Poets”: https://terrafirmafestival.ca/tickets
Follow Zachary on Instagram: @zacharybastille
Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKJOgp2sx7HP1o_Dy6XMavg
Check out his website: https://zacharybastille.wixsite.com/performance
S4 Trailer
BONUS: Best of Season 4
(Art)versations Podcast is a meditative conversation about the artistic process.
Tune into all of Season 4 available now!
Guest Artists featured in this episode:
STEVEN (郝邦宇) HAO @steven_haoby
HANNAH SOMERS @hansom_ers
KRISTEN-INNES STAMBOLIC @kristenstambolic
RENEE SMITH @reneejsmith_
HALF LIGHT DANCE PROJECT @halflightdance
JULIA D’ANGELO @juliadangelo
ANKITA ALEMONA @ankita.alemona
KEVIN HOWE @kevinhowe_
JAVAUN RYAL BUTLER Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/txst.bobcat.75
SARAH GERVAIS @sarah_shoshana
LUKE KIMBALL @lukekimballacting
IZZI NAGEL @izzinagel
FOLLOW THE POD: @artversationspod
FOLLOW HOST BRI: @brianna_clarkee
10. Sarah Gervais, Luke Kimball & Izzi Nagel
Sarah is an actor, playwright and director, who recently produced Theatre44’s “Pandemic Play”. Luke is an actor and director, with a recent credit of playing Bennett on “Workin’ Moms”. Izzi is an actor, writer and director, with an upcoming role in the film “The Swearing Jar”.
We talk about what tools they each use to stay creatively inspired, Sarah’s writing process for “Pandemic Play”, what Izzi has discovered about working on sets, what we are observing about the return to live theatre in other cities, the fateful day Luke was cast in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, dealing with rejection after an audition, the process of A Front Company’s “Zoo Story”, and what’s coming up next for these artists.
See more from Sarah:
Instagram: @sarah_shoshana
Theatre44 on Instagram: @theatre44
Check out “No Solicitors” at the New Voices Festival: https://www.performancecapstone.ca/nv-2020/no-solicitors
See more from Luke:
Instagram: @lukekimballacting
See more from Izzi:
Instagram: @izzinagel
The Meisner class that Luke and Izzi mentioned:
Instagram: @shaunmbenson
Facebook: Benson Meisner
9. JaVaun Ryal Butler
JaVaun is an actor and writer, currently in his last year at Texas State University’s acting program. We talk about moving on from an audition that tainted his interest in musical theatre, why he connects with breath before a performance, digging deeper into the contextual dirt while working on “Hair”, his perspective on the racism and bigotry that shows up in older works of art, and the scary process of beginning his thesis project.
Follow him on Instagram: @javaunrbutler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/txst.bobcat.75
8. Kevin Howe
Kevin is a stage & screen dancer, choreographer and dance teacher, currently based in London, England. We talk about his move to London after twelve years in Toronto, working in a Disney-built village for the filming of “Disenchanted”, the importance of dancers to complete a scene, and sipping fake champagne as a background actor on the “The Crown”.
Follow Kevin’s Instagram: @kevinhowe_
Take Kevin’s drop-in class: https://www.thehubstudioslondon.com/timetable.html
7. Ankita Alemona
Ankita is a Kalaripayattu, dance and theatre artist, and the founder of Nautanki Creations. We talk about discovering her passion for Kalaripayattu during a painful period in her life, how her relationship with nature has shifted while in rehearsals with Frog in Hand, responding to the space as a performer in “Stories in the Woods”, why she refrains from describing artists as talented, and choreographing for the Bollywood Monster Mashup.
Follow Ankita on Instagram: @ankita.alemona
Follow Nautanki Creations: @nautanki.creations
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nautanki.creations
Website: www.nautankicreations.com
Follow Frog in Hand on Instagram: @froginhand
Check out the company’s website: https://www.froginhand.com/
Listen to “War of the Worlds Reimagined”: https://ko-fi.com/s/3598b448e8
Ankita’s blog about her time as a company member: https://www.froginhand.com/post/staying-in-process-slowing-down-acknowledging-the-land
6. Julia D'Angelo
Julia is a dancer, actor, and singer/songwriter, currently based in New York. We talk about why she chose to focus on film during her last year at The New School, working through doubt for The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues, her debut EP “Night Before”, and going under the name “Giulia.” for her music.
Follow her Instagram: @juliadangelo
Check out “Giulia.” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7k0HpVFheAj2rimeWyiD11?si=0I5IJMBvQT2llL0Z6MwmMg&dl_branch=1
Check out Julia’s performance in “Maya’s Nostrils”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjeBCv-O1ys&ab_channel=The24HourPlays
5. Half Light Dance Project
Lilly Giroux and Emily Rapley are the co-founders of Half Light Dance Project. We talk about why their film “September” almost had a different title, teaching at KRISP Collective’s Summer Series, relearning how to partner with each other, Lilly’s upcoming project with TOES FOR DANCE, and Emily’s mission as a certified Thai Massage Therapist.
Follow their Instagram: @halflightdance
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvd_yVFoCOb2gRQ7rL0sZpA
Contact: halflightdanceproject@gmail.com
Follow Lilly: @girouxlil
Follow Emily: @emrapley.moves
4. Renee Smith
Renee is a dancer, teacher and choreographer, currently based in Toronto & the GTA. We talk about her memorable first year of teaching at Take 5 Dance Studio, being up in the clouds while working with Alysa Pires & Echo Chamber Toronto, why she leaves space for open communication when collaborating, and creating “Bitter” for the Young Creator’s Challenge after heading about her friend’s hospitalization.
Follow Renee on Instagram: @reneejsmith_
Contact: reneejsmith.dance@gmail.com
Check out Renee’s performance at the Toronto Summer Music Festival: https://vimeo.com/578482644/a22f05432b
3. Kristen-Innes Stambolic
Kristen is a multi-media artist, who works with film, animation and dance. We talk about the intersection of dance and animation, working with Rua Carlota and Susannah Haight, selling her first NFT, and collaborating with musicians on upcoming projects.
Follow her on Instagram: @kristenstambolic and check out her filters
Follow her on Tiktok: @tinylines
Purple Glow Mag article Bri mentioned: https://purpleglowmag.com/all-posts/2021/4/11/kristen-innes-stambolic
2. Hannah Somers
Hannah is a multi-media artist, currently showing her exhibition “I Found A Place” until September 16, 2021. We talk about why stepping away from photography helped her stay artistic, how she depicts her evolving identity in her works, producing a raw quality with her family for “Side by Side” [REDACTED], and we have an honest discussion about the changing name of X University.
Follow Hannah on Instagram: @hansom_ers
Her website: hannah-somers.format.com
Visit “I Found A Place” through the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival: https://scotiabankcontactphoto.com/2021/exhibition/hannah-somers-i-found-a-place/
Buy Filling Station Issue 76: https://fillingstation.myshopify.com/products/filling-station-issue-76
1. Steven (郝邦宇) Hao
Steven is a Toronto-based actor, singer/songwriter and writer, currently enrolled in X University’s Performance Acting program. We talk about why watching filmed live performance feels strange, how a couple Zoom readings turned into Precipice Productions’ New Play Lab, the quiet moment that brought him to create “Colour, Silence”, nostalgic stress during tech day of “Another Birthday at The Buffet”, and how the community around him helps him to continue creating.
Follow Steven on Instagram: @steven_haoby
Check out Precipice Productions’ website: https://www.theatreprecipice.com/
Follow Precipice Productions’ Instagram: @precipiceproductions
Donate to Breakup Time Machine's Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/breakup-time-machine#/
16. Ellen Winter
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Ellen is a singer/songwriter/composer, currently based in New York City. We talk about the ways they collaborated on the album “Every Feeling I’ve Ever Felt”, making work that is in conversation with other artists, why they realized that wearing many hats is not sustainable, how the album speaks to today’s lonely youth, the inevitability of change during the pandemic, and why play is so important.
Ellen’s website: https://ellenwinter.com/
Buy “Every Feeling I’ve Ever Felt” on Bandcamp: https://ellenwinter.bandcamp.com/
Twitter / Instagram: @itsellenwinter
Facebook: EllenWinterMusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EllenWinter
15. Colleen Snell
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Colleen is the artistic director and co-founder of Frog in Hand, a dance-theatre company based in Mississauga, Canada. We talk about how her summer projects brought motivation along with fear, why she is interested in providing public service in public spaces, the inspiration behind her upcoming radio play, a moment of panic she had during “Distance Dances”, and why she believes the arts are within our most humble selves.
Follow Frog in Hand on Instagram: @froginhand
Check out Frog in Hand’s website: https://www.froginhand.com/
Frog in Hand’s free audio content: https://www.froginhand.com/audio-projects
Frog in Hand’s upcoming virtual classes/workshops: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/frog-in-hand-17860509485
14. Wesley Tang
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Wesley is a dancewear and dance costume designer, and the founder of Wesley Tang Designs. We talk about his new warehouse space, how he has been able to continue designing during the pandemic, why he disregards the notion that there is one perfect body type, how travelling has broadened his creative process, and the secret to his signature strapless bodysuit.
Follow his Instagram: @westangs
Follow his company Instagram: @wesleytangdesigns
Check out his company website: www.wesleytang.com
13. Melanie Elysse Old
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Melanie is a dancer and choreographer, currently based in Regensburg, Germany. We talk about how she is adjusting to the German lifestyle as a Canadian artist, why she believes the artist’s role in society is even MORE vital, what she discovered about the Toronto dance community after hosting a Works-in-Progress showing in February, and the sad truth that being an artist is a lonely task.
Follow her Instagram: @melanie_old
12. Rohan Dhupar
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Rohan is a theatrical performer and choreographer, and the co-founder of Theatre Oculus. We talk about how he is finding ways to “let the paint dry”, why he is looking to reimagine art through a cross-disciplinary lens, how he is adapting to digital theatre, the many collaborations of the film “Venus and Adonis”, and his upcoming mentorship program “Amplified”.
Follow his Instagram: @rohandhupar
Follow Theatre Oculus on Instagram: @theatre0culus
Check out Theatre Oculus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatreoculus
11. Sierra Holder
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Sierra is a stage and screen performer, and the co-host of “Chunky Coyote: A Couples Podcast (But Not)”. We talk about her experience of choosing to leave Ottawa, how she finds ways to learn after her traditional education, the strange but true origin of the name of her podcast, why she believes platonic relationships are crucial to survival, and her work as a creative associate and educator with “Diva Day”.
Follow her Instagram: @sierraholderr
Check out Chunky Coyote Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PC18mtxZRZUEGpZHSrAEm
Follow the podcast Instagram: @chunkycoyotepod
Check out Diva Day’s website: https://ddivaday.org/ and Instagram: @ddivaday
10. Sadie Segriff
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Sadie is an artist currently based in Whitehorse, Yukon, who identifies as a white queer cis woman and a post-colonial Canadian settler. We talk about how she feels creatively settled in Whitehorse, the process of creating her solo “Frame of Reference” for the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival, how her final year at Ryerson has brought new challenges, and why her work is influenced by her northern upbringing, environmentalism and advocating for human rights.
Follow her Instagram: @badiegriff
Check out her website: https://www.sadiesegriff.com/
Check out “Frame of Reference”: https://yraf.ca/2020-festival/sadie-segriff/
9. Samuel Davilmar
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Samuel is a dancer, actor, teacher and creator of “The Movement”. We talk about how the murder of George Floyd brought him the desire to talk with others, a special reveal of his upcoming guests for “The Movement”, why he links finding joy with showing respect, and his top three choreographers to work with in Toronto.
Follow his Instagram and check out his IGTV for “The Movement”: @samdarius
Check out his website: http://samueldavilmar.com/
8. Madison Leonardo
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Madison is a writer/blogger and founder of S(p)eaking Truth Company. We talk about remaining grateful and patient during COVID-19, the negative experience she had with the Ryerson Dance program, and how her company has given her a creative outlet to open up.
Follow her Instagram: @madisonleonardo_
Follow her company Instagram: @speakingtruthcompany
Check out her company website: www.speakingtruthcompany.com
7. Claire DeJean
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Claire is a singer/songwriter and creator, currently studying Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan. We talk about the changes she made in her life after being on “The Voice”, the process of creating her upcoming single and music video, her experience of singing with a huge orchestra, the Spotify covers that she is loving right now, and why she enjoys making art with her friends on her own timeline.
Follow Claire on all her social medias: @clairedejean
Check out her SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/claire-dejean
6. Laith Al-Kinani
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Laith is an actor and writer, currently in his last year of Ryerson’s BFA Performance Acting program. We talk about his perspective on the downfall of the performance industry, how he explored his sexuality and sense of humour during the Young Ruffians Apprenticeship Program, breaking the writer stereotype, and what he is learning from teaching ESL.
Follow his Instagram: @laithkinani
Follow his TikTok: @laithlikes2eat
Check out “Love and Information” premiering online: https://www.ryerson.ca/performance/2020-21-season/fall-2020/love-and-information/
5. Michael Baboolal
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Michael is a choreographer, visual artist, and dancer with Compagnie Marie Chouinard, based in Montreal. We talk about the changes in his rehearsal schedule due to COVID-19, why his movement practice starts with groove and music, the quick process of choreographing over Zoom for “Dusk Dances”, and how he takes care of his biscuits (his feet).
Follow his personal Instagram: @michaeljaredb
Follow his visual arts account: @mjb.misha
Check out his Facebook: Michael Baboolal
Check out dance film “(A)PART” by Hit and Run Productions: https://vimeo.com/460316671
4. Aaliyah Sundar
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Aaliyah is an emerging costume and fashion designer, who recently graduated from Ryerson University’s BFA Performance Production and Design program. We talk about the pros and cons of social media for the creative industry, how she influenced her teacher to start up fashion courses at her high school, designing upside-down pants for “Everything is Different in This Moment”, and why she believes you should never skip the mockup.
Follow Aaliyah on Instagram: @aaliyahsundar
Check out the New Voices website: https://www.performancecapstone.ca/nv-2020
3. Ricardo Lopez
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Ricardo is a director and theatrical performer currently based in Houston, Texas. We talk about how he came to the difficult decision to take a year off of school, his early life living on Saint Croix island without internet, our first time working together at The Performing Arts Project, and his next project of directing “Schoolhouse Rock!” at a community theatre.
Follow Ricardo on Instagram: @ricardo.lopez.montilla
2. Alessia Urbani
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
Alessia is an emerging designer and artist who recently graduated from Ryerson University’s BFA Performance Production and Design program. We talk about our mutual longing for being in a room with other creatives, why oil painting portraits of her family members keeps her calm, and how she maintained some level of sustainability when designing for “To Be Determined”, and the childhood memory that reminds her to dress performers in a way that they always feel comfortable.
Follow Alessia on Instagram: @alessiaurbani
Check out her website: https://www.alessiaurbani.com/
Check out the Create Showcase website: https://www.performancecapstone.ca/create-2020
1. The Playground Project
Anti-Racism Resources provided by Chantelle Good: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1maa3qLiPscjjKpnFxBceTvp9WiG1j-C-e2zZcxTAxpE/mobilebasic
The Playground Project is an emerging dance company, co-founded by Maria Riano & Dominique Tersigni. We talk about the limitations that are keeping artists from creating, why Maria decided she needed to be her own boss, their use of musical landscaping for their work “Habitual”, the time Dominique had to explain contemporary dance to her Uber driver, and what’s coming up next for their company.
Follow The Playground Project:
Instagram: @theplaygroundproject
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/theplaygroundproject
Follow Maria’s Instagram: @maria.riano
Follow Dominique’s Instagram: @dominique.tersigni