HB Insight Series HB Studio

Connecting with Amanda McDowall and Jacqueline Raymond Wegman co-founders of the International Girls Ensemble! Listen to their approach on creating a lasting community and uplifting young women through the lens of theatre. The International Girls Ensemble was chosen for HB’s residency in 2020 and finally they are back in 2024 with 12 young girls eager to tell their inspiring stories and share their artistry with the community. Amanda and Jacqueline guide us through their artistic development towards creating theatre that liberates young women. Their enlightened experience during their first volunteer trip to Thailand led the ladies to apply for their 501(c)3 and embark on the beautiful journey that is the International Girls Ensemble! Join us as we explore how theatre can uplift and support women all over the world.

Exploring the artistic journey of Melody Erfani, founder of Lower Eastside Shakespeare Company, Resident HB Artist developing,The Words Will Come, a play about dyslexia. Join us as Melody shares her upbringing as an Iranian-American living in Texas, falling in love with theatre, traveling the world, her love of classical theatre and the power of artistic collaboration. We reflect on the conception of Melody’s 2017 HB residency Bee, a story inspired about her Iranian grandmother's arranged marriage. Melody transparently shares works from her own lived experience and through her honesty we are opened to how theatre has the capability to inspire the creation of marginalized stories. Listen as we unpack the ways our own lived experiences are the heart of powerful theatre.

Explore the artistic journey of Nehassaiu deGannes, actor, poet, maker, educator, storyteller and so much more… Experience with us as Nehassaiu shares her unique path to the development of her artistry. We explore her relationship to language, her ethos as an artist and educator, her Caribbean background, her diverse educational journey, some of her favorite roles and mentors that guided her along the way.Nehassaiu graciously shares personal stories and challenges us to advocate for our creativity and how we can find our alchemy as artists. Nehessaiu comes to HB with degree’s in English Literature, African American Studies, Poetry and trained at Trinity Repertory Conservatory. Listen as we dive into the intersectional ways theatre can be a vehicle for our unique creativity.

Exploring the artistic journey of multi-hyphenate creator Jermaine Rowe as he reflects and shares his journey towards becoming an artist through cultural exploration, self acceptance, growth, and spirituality. We talk about his upbringing in Spanish Town Jamaica, being an F1 student new to NYC with a scholarship to Alvin Ailey, touring with The Lion King and Fela!, his transition into becoming an educator, and his inventive new works under his genre Afro Caribbean magical realism. Fresh off of working alongside Bill T. Jones as his associate director for Watch Night at the Perelman Performing Arts Center Jermaine is diving into every part of his artistry. Listen as Jermaine genuinely offers us insight on the conception of his artistry.

Exploring the artistic journey of Recovery, a devised theatre experience produced and directed by 2023 HB resident artists Ashley Olive Teague and Jayne McLendon. Ashley and Jayne share their community based approach to theatre as they guide us through the conception of their healing presentation. As leaders of their own theatre spaces the ladies give us advice on the collaborative process and how to create stories around difficult topics. Listen as Ashley and Jayne dive into how they create theatre that touches audiences, creates ensemble and inspires further communal conversations.

Exploring the artistic journey of Kate Fuglei, actress, writer, and author. We talked about growing up artistic, trauma, and retelling those human experiences to find healing and human experience, which lead Kate to write In The Blink Of An Eye.