Sands Talks

Sands College

The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University presents Sands Talks - a podcast that includes original work, interviews with students, guest artists and more!

  1. In the Podlight: Candido Cornejo Jr. & Jesse James Keitel - Intentional Casting

    11/05/2024

    In the Podlight: Candido Cornejo Jr. & Jesse James Keitel - Intentional Casting

    Summary: In this episode, trans creatives Jesse James Keitel and Candido Cornejo Jr.  discuss the importance of intentional casting and authentic representation in Hollywood. They explore the challenges faced by trans and non-binary artists, the significance of advocacy, and the need to break stereotypes in casting. The conversation highlights personal experiences and the ongoing efforts to educate the industry on trans representation, emphasizing the humanity and talent of individuals beyond their identities. In this conversation, Candido and Jesse share the challenges and nuances of casting in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the representation of trans and non-binary actors. They explore the importance of intentional casting, the need for training and development opportunities, and the emotional burdens that come with being a representative of a community. The discussion also touches on personal aspirations within the industry and the joy of acting despite the challenges faced. Takeaways Intentional casting is crucial for authentic representation.Trans creatives face unique challenges in Hollywood.Advocacy can be a natural byproduct of being oneself.Breaking stereotypes is essential for diverse storytelling.The industry often reduces trans identities to tokenism.Education on trans issues is still necessary in the industry.Personal experiences shape professional journeys in the arts.Representation must go beyond visibility to include authenticity.Trans stories should be told by trans individuals.Navigating identity in the workplace requires courage and clarity. We need time, we need money, we need resources.There is a space for you that you can be an actor.Intentional casting can ease emotional burdens.Being a trans woman has been the biggest gift to my career.We need to start questioning what is your intention with this?We need more training and development opportunities.It's important to remember what makes us happy.Acting is so fun, but I absolutely hate Hollywood.The duality of being different can be both a gift and a burden.Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Trans Creatives in Hollywood 02:06 - Intentional Casting and Authentic Representation 06:14 - Navigating Identity and Career Challenges 10:04 - The Role of Advocacy in the Arts 14:04 - Breaking Stereotypes in Casting 17:54 - Educating the Industry on Trans Representation 21:48 - Personal Experiences and Professional Challenges 28:12 - The Challenge of Finding Talent 31:03 - Encouraging Diversity in Acting 34:35 - The Burden of Representation 37:54 - Intentional Casting and Its Importance 40:35 - Dreams and Aspirations in the Industry 45:46 - The Duality of Being Different 50:00 - Finding Joy in the Journey  Connect with Candido on Instagram Connect with Jesse on Instagram Connect with Caroline on Instagram Connect with Grant on Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.

    57 min
  2. In the Podlight: Kim Williams - The Power of Elevating Stories

    10/29/2024

    In the Podlight: Kim Williams - The Power of Elevating Stories

    Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, casting executive and producer Kim Williams shares her journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, representation, and storytelling. She discusses her unique approach to casting, the significance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in advocating for diversity. Kim also reflects on her career experiences, the role of mentorship, and her aspirations for the future, all while encouraging creatives to embrace opportunities and stay true to themselves. Takeaways Kim Williams emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling.She believes in saying yes to opportunities to build a career.Navigating personalities in collaboration is crucial for success.Understanding one's identity helps in making informed decisions.Casting is about bringing characters to life, not just matching actors to roles.Diversity and representation are central to her casting philosophy.Kim advocates for authenticity in casting decisions.She finds talent in various aspects of her life, not just auditions.The casting director's role is vital in shaping narratives.Mentorship and legacy are important to her as she guides others.Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Kim Williams and Her Journey 03:06 - The Role of a Casting Director 05:51 - Navigating Opportunities and Scarcity Mindset 09:00 - Instincts in Project Selection 11:51 - Collaboration and Navigating Personalities 15:06 - The Impact of Storytelling on Audiences 17:53 - Authenticity and Representation in Casting 21:06 - Finding Talent and the 'It' Factor 23:53 - The Importance of Casting in Film 27:08 - Mentorship and Legacy in the Industry 30:03 - Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles 32:48 - Future Goals and Aspirations 36:03 - Lightning Round and Personal Insights  Connect with Kim on Instagram Connect with Caroline on Instagram Connect with Grant on Instagram Connect with In The Podlight on the Website   The Team: Caroline Liem – Producer & Host Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host Cris Graves  - Producer & Editor David Margolin Lawson  - Composer Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration The Lee Agency - Press Agent Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit   In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University. Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.

    41 min

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The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University presents Sands Talks - a podcast that includes original work, interviews with students, guest artists and more!