Embracing Arlington Arts Talks Janet Kopenhaver

Actor Thomas Walter Booker appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about his exciting new project - a movie called "Absent" about a young boy in DC learning to forgive his father and move on with his life that he wrote, is producing and will appear in. Find out what spurred him to write the film, why it is so important for folks to see, what is the timeline until release and how listeners can help support the project. Also learn how he ended up in the theater industry at a VERY young age and his serendipitous journey toward landing a role in "Fat Ham" at the Studio Theatre.

Dominion Stage's Director Jason Damaso and Actor Zach Kessel joined us on the show to talk about the company's upcoming production of "Rent." Get details about how the show will be presented, why they feel this show still resonates today, and some examples of unique ways this production has been presented in the past. Also find out how each of them got into the theater industry and roles/plays on their bucket lists.

We were so happy to invite the Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) Peggy McKowen back to the show to talk about the 2024 festival which includes three plays and an offering in two parts. From the supernatural to autism to HIV to the Holocaust, this year's experiences cover many tough topics and yet most will leave audiences uplifted as Peggy gravitated towards choosing ones that would powerfully touch people. Also hear about some unique collaborations with other organizations that she pursued this year, as well as information about the playwrights, themes, special events, talkbacks, ticket packages and much more. Wonderful destination vacation opportunity this July. 

Another episode in our "Behind the Curtain" series on the professionals working backstage to make theater happen has aired. This one features Costume Designer Casey Watkins. Learn what she is responsible for in a production, what is her process for designing costumes, how does she research period pieces and some interesting tricks about costume designs that directly influence an audience member's experience and feelings toward the characters. Also hear about her wonderful experience of bringing a show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Continuing our "behind the curtain" chats with those theatrical professionals who make theater happen backstage, we welcome to the show Sound Designer Bailey Gafeney. Find out what exactly a sounder designer is responsible for, the tricks and insight into "underscoring" a production, what is her process for designing sound and some of the more challenging projects she has worked on. Also learn about some positive changes she has seen in the industry so far in her career.

Actor and Chair of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts John Hall joined us on the show to talk about his unique journey into the theater world, the mission, background and upcoming events at the Center, and details about his role(s) in the regional premiere of "Popcorn Falls" (2 actors playing about 20 characters). Also get all the details about a truly immersive event coming in June at the Center - "Art in Bloom" - that melds art, floral arrangements and nature and includes garden tours of local houses, visual artists creating artwork at each house, gallery exhibitions and the opportunity to purchase the paintings made during the event. A true destination event!