Local with Laura Ekstrand

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Laura Ekstrand, Artistic Director of Dreamcatcher Rep in Summit, New Jersey, explores what it means to make art and culture in New Jersey. Join her for smart, thoughtful conversations with local actors, playwrights, directors, and arts professionals.

  1. 6D AGO

    Improv, Etiquette, and Keeping Theater Alive

    In this episode of Local, we take you inside a whirlwind month of comedic theatre. We look back at a pop-up improv show and share a clip from that night. Then we take you to The Flip Side in Madison, New Jersey, and give you a taste of that performance as well. We also discuss Ladies Night, another Flip Side show, and dive into Etiquette, now closing to rave reviews, sharing a first rehearsal clip recorded over Zoom during a tornado warning. Plus, we check in on our expanding improv school.

    31 min

  2. MAR 20

    Love, Galas, and Improv Art

    In this episode of Local, we go behind the scenes of our Valentine's gala, featuring Laura's Hallmark-inspired musical spoof and a peek inside rehearsal for L-O-V-E. We celebrate the release of the A Relative Comedy teaser and share what we've been in the middle of over the past few weeks—from new improv projects and experimental work like Crossroads on the Canvas to upcoming Flip Side shows and Ladies Night. Plus, updates on Etiquette in rehearsal, expanding improv classes, and what's ahead as we begin the next round of play development. Watch the A Relative Comedy teaser: https://youtu.be/eX14CicfSn8 Produced by Vivid Stage Hosted by Laura Ekstrand and Dave Maulbeck Music by Jeff Ertz

    36 min

  3. FEB 13

    Welcome Back to Local!

    In the first episode of the Local reboot, we explore the wide range of work happening at Vivid Stage—and how even members of our own community don't always realize everything we do, from improv and theater to cabarets. We look back at our very first show of the year, Improv in Madison, share behind-the-scenes stories from rehearsing a cabaret (including a last-minute arrival from Amsterdam), and talk about theater development, improv classes, and new projects in the works, including the Arizona project. The episode closes with a powerful reading by Nicole Callender: Performing Pretty Fire, presented for Martin Luther King Day.

    37 min

  4. 10/03/2023

    Exciting News: Check Out Our New Podcast!

    Dear Local with Laura Ekstrand listeners, we have some exciting news to share! While we take a short break from our regular episodes, we invite you to explore our new podcast, Jacqueline Goes to Film. Join Laura and Dave as they embark on a thrilling filmmaking journey, and discover the creative process behind their upcoming feature film. Subscribe now for behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, and more! Just search 'Jacqueline Goes to Film.' on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for your continued support!

    1 min

  5. 05/30/2023

    Theatrical Journeys and Marketing Insights: A Conversation with Sydney Marie Fucito

    In this episode of Local, Laura interviews Sydney Marie Fucito, a New Jersey-based actress with a passion for theatre and the arts. Sydney shares her journey, from earning a Theatre Arts degree at Centenary University to her current role as a Marketing Assistant at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Sydney discusses her experience in marketing, focusing on learning Adobe products and keeping up with social media trends to engage younger audiences. Highlighting her favorite acting roles, Sydney explains her affinity for characters that are vastly different from herself. She shares the transformative experience of playing an arsonist in "Marisol" and emphasizes the importance of honoring the larger story through acting. Sydney reflects on the emotionally taxing production of "Twirl" and its ability to start conversations and hold a mirror to the world. She also sheds light on the fast-paced nature of New Jersey's regional theatre scene, with short rehearsal periods and the upcoming season at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, including her involvement in a reading of a new play Acts of Creation by Brianna Barrett. Join Laura Ekstrand and Sydney Marie Fucito in this insightful episode as they explore theatre, marketing, and the arts in New Jersey.

    26 min

  6. 04/12/2023

    The Invisible Character: A Conversation with Stage Manager Amy Hadam-Rapp

    In this episode of Local, Laura is joined by stage manager Amy Hadam-Rapp, the first stage manager to be featured on the show. Amy shares her experience working behind the scenes in the theatre industry and sheds light on the often-overlooked role of the stage manager. Laura and Amy dive deep into the art of stage management, discussing how it involves being an invisible character while also managing the logistical and creative aspects of a production. They also explore the challenges of being a middle manager, responsible for communicating the vision of the director to the cast and crew, and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Join Laura and Amy as they celebrate the unsung heroes of the theatre and learn about the vital role stage managers play in bringing a production to life. Music by Jeff Ertz & John Todd.

    23 min

  7. 02/21/2023

    Breaking Barriers and Empowering Youth: A Conversation with Andrew Binger

    In this episode of Local, Laura is joined by the multi-talented Andrew Binger, a respected educator, actor, director, consultant, and arts administrator from Newark, NJ. Andrew shares his experience as the Producing Artistic Director of Yendor Theatre Company, which is dedicated to developing, producing, and celebrating works by Black and Brown writers. Laura and Andrew also chat about his latest directorial project, "Only Human: An Evening of Short Plays" at Vivid Stage this month, and the importance of using the arts to explore social issues. Additionally, Andrew shares his passion for working with young people and how he uses theatre to empower them to tell their own stories. Join these two artist as they share their love of the theatre and their commitment to creating meaningful change through their work.   For more on Andrew visit: https://www.andrewbinger.com ------------------------------------------- Music by Jeff Ertz & John Todd.

    27 min

  8. 11/07/2022

    Vanessa Parvin - I Need to Be the Boss of the Thing

    This month, Laura talks with Vanessa Parvin, a singer and voice teacher who is also the longtime musical director for the Vivid Dreamers summer program. Vanessa talks about her early history performing (when she met her husband), and how she has developed a life as an arts entrepreneur. Hear about how her work as a teacher, a singer in Marquee Five and manager of a carolling business intertwine to satisfy her itch to both create and to lead. Vanessa also talks about trends in musical theatre sound, and how she helps her students find their most authentic voice while becoming healthy and versatile singers. For more about Vanessa: www.thejunestudio.com

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Laura Ekstrand, Artistic Director of Dreamcatcher Rep in Summit, New Jersey, explores what it means to make art and culture in New Jersey. Join her for smart, thoughtful conversations with local actors, playwrights, directors, and arts professionals.

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