CINEMACTIVIST

John C. Lyons | CINEMACTIVIST
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Filmmaking and immersive theatrical experiences at the intersection of art and activism. We explore the films and filmmakers, immersive theater and their creators, who use their art to bring about political or social change, inform their audiences of important issues and perspectives, and whose goal is to ultimately make the world a better, more informed and empathetic place. This is the official podcast of Lyons Den Productions and Tethered Immersive.

  1. 4d ago

    S03E19 - Meet Tony Grey

    In Part One, musician Tony Grey shares his journey from a strict piano upbringing to becoming a successful bassist and educator. The discussion covers Tony's early experiences with music, his struggles with identity, and his eventual rise in the music industry, including boy band Bliss and his collaboration with renowned pianist Hiromi. The conversation delves into Tony Grey's extensive career as a musician, focusing on his experiences touring with Hiromi and his journey towards establishing his own music school. It highlights the challenges and rewards of a musician's lifestyle, the importance of self-identity as a composer, and the evolution of his teaching philosophy. Takeaways Musical journey shaped by experiencesImportance of mentorship in music Musician lifestyle can be challengingImportance of nurturing in teaching Diverse teaching experiences Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 Early Musical Influences05:59 Transition to Bass and Recovery12:06 Journey to Berklee and Early Challenges17:58 The Boy Band Experience23:57 Collaboration with Hiromi25:04 Journey with Hiromi: Touring Life27:58 Embracing Composition: Finding My Voice33:57 Transitioning to Teaching: Building a School40:54 Philosophy of Music Education: Nurturing Talent Published on October 15, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

    S03E19 - Meet Tony Grey

  2. Oct 8

    S03E18 - Meet Tethered's Benjamin S. Sheeler

    In this episode, John interviews Benjamin S. Sheeler about his journey in the arts, particularly focusing on his experiences in acting, music, and the immersive theater process. They discuss Sheeler's background, his transition from sports to the arts, and his recent role in Tethered's immersive theater production, "The Lever". Takeaways Journey from sports to artsInsights on immersive theater Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background10:01 The Transition to Acting12:57 Immersive Theater Experience19:24 Opening Weekend Reflections Published on October 8, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

    S03E18 - Meet Tethered's Benjamin S. Sheeler

  3. Oct 1

    S03E17 - Meet Juggerknot Theatre Company

    In this episode I talk to sisters, Tanya and Natasha Bravo, from Juggerknot Theatre Company in Miami, Florida -- two of the minds behind the Miami Immersive Intensive -- which I attended this summer. We discuss their artistic journeys, the origins of Juggerknot, and their immersive theater work, particularly the Miami Motel Stories and Miami Bus Stop Stories. We also get into the impact of immersive theater on community engagement and education and the importance of training and collaboration in the immersive arts. Takeaways Immersive theater fosters community engagementArtistic journeys shape creative expression Immersive theater enhances educationCommunity engagement fosters civic pride Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Juggerknot Theatre Company02:57 Artistic Journeys and Early Influences05:53 The Birth of Miami Motel Stories11:56 Community Engagement Through Immersive Theater18:00 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities24:06 Reflections and Future Directions27:13 The Power of Immersive Storytelling28:10 Innovative Educational Programs30:29 Connecting History and Community32:45 Building Infrastructure for the Arts34:57 Training the Next Generation of Artists39:08 Defining Immersive Experiences41:39 Creating a Hub for Immersive Arts45:29 Expanding the Reach of Immersive Training50:33 Looking Ahead: Future InitiativesPublished on October 1, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

    S03E17 - Meet Juggerknot Theatre Company

  4. Sep 24

    S03E16 - Meet Taylor Lorraine

    In this episode, my guest is dancer, actor, bartender, entrepreneur -- Taylor Lorraine. We talk about Taylor's journey from early involvement in the arts to her current engagement with Seiche Dance Collective and Tethered. We also delve into her experience with color guard, the launch of her bartending business, Taylor & Tonic, and her passion for ballet. As a performer in all 3 flagship Tethered productions, Taylor breaks down the challenges faced during rehearsals and performances, the evolution of Tethered shows, and the impact of the new show's storyline and character development. Takeaways Early involvement in the arts shapes long-term passion.Balancing multiple priorities requires strategic scheduling and organization. Evolution of Tethered shows over the yearsChallenges and impact of immersive storytellingChapters 00:00 Introductions and Early Connections01:22 Early Involvement in the Arts03:06 Transition to Adult Dance and Acting Experience05:09 Balancing Priorities and Scheduling07:06 Organizing Priorities and Interests09:08 Involvement in Color Guard and Bartending Business16:20 Passion for Ballet and Seiche Dance Collective19:08 Narrative Ballet and Outreach Plans20:59 Transition to Tethered21:03 The Beginning of Tethered22:23 Rehearsal and Performance Challenges23:06 Year One of Tethered24:20 Exhausting Performances25:42 Involvement in Seiche and Tethered Collaboration26:18 Preparation for Tethered and Brain Performance27:29 Tethered 2025 and Memory Theme28:49 Acting and Workshop-Style Auditions30:45 Evolution of Tethered Shows31:16 New Approach to Immersive Storytelling32:25 Character Development and Performance Impact36:14 Diversity and Inclusivity in the Cast38:05 Character Taylor and the Storyline42:43 Upcoming Projects and EventsPublished on September 24, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

    S03E16 - Meet Taylor Lorraine

  5. Sep 17

    S03E15 - The Lever Update

    The Lever, our new immersive theater show, has been officially announced its fantastic cast. The show features branched endings, open auditions, and a diverse cast. Rehearsals, logistics, and audience feedback have been crucial in the preparation for the show. Chapters 00:00 Announcement of The Lever03:20 Cast Announcements and Rehearsals10:11 Logistics and Audience Feedback14:03 Promotion and Merchandise Published on September 17, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

    S03E15 - The Lever Update

  6. Sep 3

    S03E14 - September News

    John Lyons provides a quick news update for the month of September, including the announcement of ticket sales for The Lever immersive theater experience and weekly film screenings at the 10|20 Collective. Takeaways Immersive theater experience 'The Lever' tickets are on saleEncouragement for filmmakers to participate in the open screen happy hour event on September 9th. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Immersive Theater Experience Announcement02:37 Film Screenings and Events03:02 Open Screen Happy Hour Event for Filmmakers Published on September 3, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

    S03E14 - September News

  7. Aug 27

    S03E13 - Meet Danielle Kaiser

    In this episode, we delve into Danielle Kaiser's lifelong passion for dance, the formation of Seiche Dance Collective, and the importance of creating a space for adult dancers to continue their dance journey. We collaborated with Seiche on a short dance film, WAR, which will celebrate its festival debut this September in Beverly Hills at the Lady Filmmakers Festival. With WAR we dive into choreographing for water and adaptability, the filmmaking process. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Dance01:36 Early Dance Experience03:02 Professional Dance Career04:12 Life on a Cruise Ship14:06 Injury and Recovery16:44 Formation of Seiche Dance Collective22:46 Adult Dance and Community26:05 Dance Class Offerings and Rehearsals28:18 The Origin of the Name Seiche29:46 Upcoming Season and Fundraising Events32:27 Creating a Short Film: 'Funeral'35:32 Choreographing for Water and Adaptability38:06 Filming 'War' and the Filmmaking Process46:26 Collaboration and Future Projects Published on August 27, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

    S03E13 - Meet Danielle Kaiser

  8. Aug 20

    S03E12 - Meet Tethered's Paul Lukach & Frederick Williams

    In this episode, two members from the cast of Tethered's new immersive experience, The Lever, join us: Dr. Paul Lukach and Frederick Williams. They share their their backgrounds in acting and their audition experiences, character insights, and the dynamics of the cast in our upcoming production. Takeaways Immersive theater challenges actors in new and exciting waysAuditioning for immersive theater involves unique and extensive processes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rehearsals01:27 Background in Acting and Theater03:23 Character Insights and Audition Experiences13:17 The Dynamics of the Cast and Rehearsal Process Published on August 20, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon

    S03E12 - Meet Tethered's Paul Lukach & Frederick Williams
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About

Filmmaking and immersive theatrical experiences at the intersection of art and activism. We explore the films and filmmakers, immersive theater and their creators, who use their art to bring about political or social change, inform their audiences of important issues and perspectives, and whose goal is to ultimately make the world a better, more informed and empathetic place. This is the official podcast of Lyons Den Productions and Tethered Immersive.

Information

  • Creator
    John C. Lyons | CINEMACTIVIST
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John C. Lyons | CINEMACTIVIST
  • Show Website
    CINEMACTIVIST