Living in the Arts

Today’s interview is with Josh Simons (he/him), tabletop game designer, community manager, and digital marketing professional. We’re going to learn about creating a business, translating your skills, and how AI pales in comparison to lived experience. One takeaway I can offer you already? The creative process is what makes art worth it. For more, stay tuned: 

Hey folks, April for the Arts is UNDERWAY and Living Arts needs your he...

Don't forget about April for the Arts! Living Arts' big online fundraising event and the 25 Hour Drop In Dance-a-thon, our real life and online event! 

Today’s interview is with Miryam Johnson (she/her), award winning dancer, teaching artist, and Living Arts’ very own Out-of-School Arts Program Manager. In this inspiring and exciting conversation, we’re going to learn about finding your people, Black movement, and what’s being held...

Today’s interview is with Mur Lafferty (she/her)! Mur is an author and podcaster who podcasts about writing and writes about podcasting. She also writes about murders in space, zombies, Minecraft and Han Solo. Mur’s writing and podcasting have resulted in numerous award nominations and wins, such as the Best Fancast Hugo Award, the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, and was an inaugural inductee into the Podcast Academy Hall of ...

Today’s interview is with Tom Pearl (he/him) production manager, management and theater consultant, and the current Producing Director at Steppenwolf Theater Company. We’re going to learn about the value of mentorship and mentoring, how much smaller these industries can be than we may think, and the ways that you can shape your role specific to your own skills.

Don't forget to check out bit.ly/aprilforthearts!

Mentioned in thi...

Season three kicks off NOW with a shiny new logo! Today’s interview is with Emilio Rodriguez (he/him), a theater artist, musician, and Living Arts Teaching Artist. We’re going to learn about onstage representation, some tips for navigating rejection, and the ways storytelling and folklore exist in the modern age. One takeaway I can offer you already? Never forget to play. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Culture Clash Theatre Group

Bl...

We met with former lawyer turned game designer Jason Cordova (he/him) for our first live streamed recording. We’re going to learn about Jason’s tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) writing process, running a successful crowd-funding campaign, and empowering other creatives and communities to play within your work. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? Give things time to find their legs. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Between

Brin...

Today’s interview is with Tyler Manning (he/him) musician, producer, and co-founder of Boredom Fighters youth music and events organization. We’re going to learn about music in schools, the by-city chapter approach to a non-profit, and figuring out how to get your talented pals paid. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? Create more than you consume. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Boredom Fighters 

Gardenboi Sound 

Duncan Trussell

...

Today’s interview is with Jason Boulware (he/him). Jason is a filmmaker and educator based in Chicago. His diverse portfolio encompasses commercial projects, web series, radio, and academic productions. Jason has produced and directed both short and feature-length films, with a recent focus on documentary work. We’re going to learn about Historically Black Colleges & Universities, ethical storytelling, and the blending of data ...

Today’s interview is with Audra Kubat (she/her) teaching artist, musician, and educator.

Today, we’re going to learn about teaching yourself, breaking bread with your neighbors, and helping others find their own voice. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? When you’re vulnerable, you may be your truest self.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Inside Out Literacy

Build a Musical Toolkit (AKA THE BOX) At Home! 

If you enjoyed this in...

Need a little bit of light in your life today?? This interview is with Jason Deran (he/him) composer, musician, and audio engineer! In today’s episode, we’re going to learn about conquering the post-undergrad slump, balancing a full time design role with freelancing, and the differences in artistic process when it's for you or someone else. 

One takeaway I can offer you already? Never be afraid to look for collaborators. If you enj...

Today’s interview is with Kanisha Williams (she/they) writer, comedian, and lovergirl. They have a demonstrated history in writers rooms, film review, newsletters, personal narrative, and artistic project facilitation. In today’s episode, we’re going to learn about the Writers’ Guild Access Support Staff Training Program, what makes a good Log Line, and the value of journaling and community. One takeaway I can offer you already? Yo...

In this episode, we turn the tables on producer Claire as she’s inducted as a new co-host for season two of Living in the Arts! We’re going to learn about production management, anxiety, and being a multi-tool. One takeaway I can offer you already? Spite’s a great instigator, and a terrible sustainer. 

** KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ** SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER  22 ** 

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

...

In this episode, we’ll continue learning about our host, Laura Scales! In part two, we’re going to learn about mid-career shifts, the pros and pitfalls of an entrepreneurial spirit, and just how far a passion for people can take you.

Submit your own community questions for our guests here!

**SEASON TWO OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON OCTOBER 22!!**

For more on who to expect this season, be sure to keep an eye on Living Arts' social media! 

** KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ** SEASON TWO KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER  22!! ** 

At long last, we’ll get to know our host, Laura Scales, as interviewed by Producer Claire. Before Living Arts, Laura stage and production managed in the theater industry for nearly two decades. Laura developed her love of academia, serving as the Production Manager at the University of Chicago (where we met!) and then at Michigan State University before joining...

SEASON ONE FINALE?!? Living in the Arts will be back soon with bonus episodes, live episodes, meeting the team deep dives, and a lively second season on the way!! 

Today’s interview is with Danny Halminiak, a professional theatrical technical director who has worked everywhere from multi-million dollar theaters to where he now resides helping youth ignite their passion for theater in high school. 

We’re going to learn about doing a...

Today’s interview is with fiction writer Katie Vandervalk, the VP of content strategy,  entertainment and beauty & style groups at Dotdash Meredith, novelist, and screenwriter. Her driven, get it done attitude pairs with her sense of humor and vulnerability to have me constantly learning each time we speak. We’re going to learn about her path into creative writing, content strategy, and her relationship to the writing process. 

Today’s interview is with Lowell Thomas, a videographer, photographer, and  . As a freelancer, he has been featured in The Root, American Theatre Magazine, Teen Vogue, Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Reader, and more. We’re going to learn a bit about making movies, how to choose who you work with, and that caring for your mind is caring for your process. One takeaway I can offer you already? Think about the type of work you want to ma...

Today’s interview is with Karilú Alarcón Forshee, a performer and dancer from Juárez, Mexico. She currently serves as Living Arts’ resident Teaching Artist, and has been teaching in each of our programs for well over a decade. 

We’re going to learn about the experience of being seen, making life a little better, and paying attention to what’s beyond the wanting. One takeaway I can offer you already? You Have A Lot Of Light (But You...

Today’s interview is with Alec Frey, a senior producer and production director at Obsidian Entertainment. His portfolio includes contributions to a string of celebrated video game titles, such as "Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire," "Tyranny," "The Outer Worlds," and, most recently, his role as the production director for "Pentiment." We’re going to learn about the gaming industry and the way it marries arts & entertainment mediu...