The Story Project

Jessica Altchiler
The Story Project

The Story Project is a podcast for artists to heal through conversation, cultivate community, and create change in the industry and the world at large. Our mission is to create healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for performing artists. We focus on identifying, celebrating, and paying attention to all of the elements that make a whole artist and we offer conversations, tools, and resources to help artists prioritize their well-being.  Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

  1. Sustainable Dance Careers with Dinah Hampson

    29 OCT

    Sustainable Dance Careers with Dinah Hampson

    In today’s episode, Dinah Hampson discusses: The importance of providing performers with the tools and resources to have sustainable career Challenging the narrative that dancers must suffer and have short careers Her online platform, Pivot Dancer, which offers resources and classes to help performers take care of their bodies and prevent injuries The need for empowerment and mental performance skills for dancers Abuse and unsafe practices in dance and the importance of creating a supportive community Injury prevention, the importance of sleep, and the need to normalize strength training in dance Dinah Hampson is a Physiotherapist who is passionate about enjoying life and using her knowledge to promote high performance in others. Dinah holds many certifications including the Sport Physio Diploma and International Sports Physiotherapist qualification, the Diploma of Manual & Manipulative Therapy and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. Dinah is the Founder of Pivot Sport Medicine, a multidisciplinary clinic in Toronto, Canada and Pivot Dancer, a virtual dance injury prevention platform with worldwide membership. Dinah has been on the Canadian medical team for over 15 multisport games, including the Olympics, Youth Olympics, Paralympic, Pan American, World University and Commonwealth Games. Dinah trained in classical ballet, and brings a technical eye to her treatment of dancers and artistic athletes. Dinah works regularly with professional dancers from companies such as the National Ballet of Canada, Joffrey Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Singapore Ballet and, Cirque du Solei. Dinah is active in dance science research and is a regular conference presenter. RECEIVE 15% OFF OF ALL THINGS PIVOT DANCER USING THE CODE: THESTORYPROJECT Follow along on Dinah’s journey: @dinahhampson @pivotdancer Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

    1h 16m
  2. Culture, Connection, and Creation with Jhansi

    22 OCT

    Culture, Connection, and Creation with Jhansi

    In today’s episode, Jhansi discusses:  Her recent move from India to America  The process of creating her music video “We Break Up Because of Family Reasons” The challenges she faced as a musical theater artist in India  The cultural expectations and challenges of arranged marriages  Loneliness and struggling to find connection in New York City  Setting goals and exploring many interests  Jhansi is a musical theater director, creator, performer, lyricist, and composer. She takes her audience through a range of emotions from unexpected laughter to abrupt tears. Her candid performances focus on the stirring themes of youth, marriage, women’s equality, aspirations, anxiety, desperation, and hope, something that the masses can relate to in their own lives.  Jhansi was the First Indian to be accepted into the BA in Musical Theatre performance program at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore. She was also a part of Queens of Comedy, which aired on TLC, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. She performed in one of India’s biggest Broadway shows, Aladdin, as Iago. She has directed and created multiple Original Musical Theatre shows including "Don't Eat My Face Pizza" and "Terrified of Twenty-Five”, along with countless collaborations for Broadway style music videos and massive scale festivals.  Jhansi moved to the United States to be a part of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in NYC as a lyricist and was also invited to become a permanent member of the American Comedy Group, Broad Comedy.  Follow along on Jhansi’s journey: @thejhansiway Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

    1h 8m
  3. Capturing Life with Heidi Miami Marshall

    15 OCT

    Capturing Life with Heidi Miami Marshall

    In today’s episode, Heidi Miami Marshall discusses: the importance of celebrating individuality in acting the need to remove the concept of right and wrong in artistic expression the connection between personal experiences and the interpretation of scenes  the challenges of navigating grief while immersed in professional work the spiritual nature of art and the profound impact it can have on both the artist and the audience embracing a non-linear journey and the importance of self-care the empowering experience of challenging limitations  Heidi Miami Marshall’s career has spanned over 25 years as an Acting Coach, Film and Theater Director, Casting Director, and Acting Studio Owner. Originally, Heidi was the lead Casting Director at The Telsey Office for the Broadway musical RENT, as well as for 70+ projects in theater, film, TV, commercial, and voiceover. Heidi has directed on the Broadway shows THE ADDAMS FAMILY, BAZ LUHRMANN'S LA BOHÈME, and THE COLOR PURPLE. Now the owner of a top acting studio, she’s coached countless actors into roles, and her on-camera training classes are highly regarded by reps and casting directors. She is frequently hired by directors and production studios to prep actors for auditions, screen tests and performance. Talent spans from new actors to Emmy award-winning. Notable collaborators include John Turturro, Baz Luhrmann, and Rob Marshall (no relation). Heidi's clients have graced the big and small screen, from indie to blockbuster, plus countless Broadway stages. She recently coached René Pérez (aka Residente) in Sundance Grand Jury Winner and Tribeca Spotlight Narrative film IN THE SUMMERS. Also a director, Heidi’s simultaneous filmmaker career provides a keen sensitivity to what is needed from actors. Her work includes S.P.I.C. (Vail, Soho Intl', Bowery), MORE THAN (LAByrinth Theater Co.), MUSCLE (Cinequest, Sun Valley), AMBER, A THROUGH M (Cinequest, Palm Beach), and more. Heidi is the recipient of a NY Drama League Fellowship and American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women. Follow along on Heidi’s journey: @heidimarshallstudio Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

    1h 42m
  4. Chryssie Whitehead’s Own Little Corner

    8 OCT

    Chryssie Whitehead’s Own Little Corner

    In today’s episode, Chryssie Whitehead discusses: Her 25 year career across film, television and theater Making her Broadway Debut in the 2006 Revival of A Chorus Line and being part of the accompanying documentary “Every Little Step” Navigating rejection in the entertainment industry  Discovering the acting bug and the importance of staying true to oneself  Her experiences with depression and mental health, and how she found healing through therapy and medication Creating and performing her show, 'In My Own Little Corner,' which aims to normalize conversations around mental health The unpredictable nature of an acting career, including her experience on Grey's Anatomy  Chryssie Whitehead is an artist, author, director, choreographer, educator, mentor and producer who began her career as a Rockette. She made her Broadway Debut in the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line as Kristine, which was also captured in the hit documentary, Every Little Step. She is also heard on the cast album in "Sing" with Tony nominated actor, Tony Yazbeck. She then joined the international tour of Fosse, played Kitty and understudied Velma in Broadway’s Chicago, performed alongside Neil Patrick Harris in Company at Lincoln Center, and danced on Paul McCartney’s international tour. Chryssie's film and television credits include Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story, Revenge of the Bridesmaids with Raven Symone, Grey’s Anatomy, and being the dance double in Save the Last Dance with Julia Stiles.  Chryssie is the Co-founder and Co-Director of Broadway Arts Community and its non-profit sister, Broader Than Broadway where she serves as a mentor and coach. She is currently on tour with her autobiographical play with music, In My Own Little Corner: My Moods, My Mom, and Me, as author, artist and lead producer, seeking to normalize conversations around mental health. Follow along on Chryssie’s journey: @chryssiewhitehead Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

    1h 35m
  5. The Soul of An Artist with Lauren Mariasoosay

    1 OCT

    The Soul of An Artist with Lauren Mariasoosay

    In today’s episode, Lauren Mariasoosay discusses: The challenges and fulfillment she experienced when crafting the role of Catherine Parr in SIX The Musical The importance of vulnerability in theater Dealing with imposter syndrome The impact of performances on both performers and audience members  The importance of swings and how difficult the job is  How family influence can affect one’s career choices The importance of finding support outside of traditional family structures Body image, finding routines, and caring for your wellbeing Lauren Mariasoosay is an actress, singer, and dancer who is currently playing Eliza in the Hamilton Angelica 2.0 Tour! She previously performed in the original Canadian cast of SIX The Musical as Catherine Parr after being on the national tours of Aladdin and CATS. Lauren worked at the Disneyland Resort as a Dance Swing and Principle Vocalist whilst getting her BFA in Musical Theatre at Cal State Fullerton.  Lauren has spent a huge part of her career creating representation for south asian and mixed-race folks in the industry and is hoping to inspire more to join her on the way. She loves to paint, read, and make playlists when she isn’t screlting her face off for a living! Follow along on Lauren’s journey: @laurenmariasoosay Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

    1h 52m
  6. Mental Health & Equity in Theater with Tuan Malinowski

    24 SEPT

    Mental Health & Equity in Theater with Tuan Malinowski

    In today’s episode, Tuan Malinowski discusses: their non-traditional path from musician to grass-roots choreographer imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a choreographer the importance of setting boundaries for mental health and how it has helped ease their anxiety their experiences of quitting jobs because of emotionally unsafe and toxic environments the impact of white supremacy in the theater industry and the need to focus on equity and inclusion in the workplace the importance of challenging traditional practices in the current musical theater space Tuan Malinowski is a New York-based director and choreographer, who most recently choreographed Cabaret at Northern Stage. They were the chosen choreographer for New York Theatre Barn’s Choreography Lab, where they were mentored by Emmy-winning, Tony-nominated choreographer Joshua Bergasse.  Tuan’s work as choreographer has also been seen at Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put A Spell On You: The Witches Era, Leg Up On Life’s Night of Life, Weathervane Theatre, as well as at universities such as Texas State University, Ithaca College, Viterbo University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  They have associate and assistant credits at theatres such as Goodspeed Musicals, Pittsburgh CLO and Theater Row. Tuan has performed at regional theatres across the country, such as Pittsburgh CLO, Casa Mañana, Kansas City Starlight Theatre and Flat Rock Playhouse. Tuan received their BFA from Ithaca College. They are a member of Actors’ Equity Association and an associate member of Society of Directors and Choreographers. Follow along on Tuan’s journey: @tuanmalinowski Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

    1h 41m

About

The Story Project is a podcast for artists to heal through conversation, cultivate community, and create change in the industry and the world at large. Our mission is to create healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for performing artists. We focus on identifying, celebrating, and paying attention to all of the elements that make a whole artist and we offer conversations, tools, and resources to help artists prioritize their well-being.  Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storyproject/support

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