Episodes
-
The Multifaceted Role of Theatre Patron Services and Marketing
An in-depth conversation with Megan McMahon, the Patron Services and Marketing Manager at PURE Theatre. The discussion covers Megan's multifaceted role at the theatre, encompassing ticket handling, subscription management, marketing, event planning, and overseeing donation campaigns. The script delves into Megan's journey to theatre, starting from her high school involvement in theater, her college years majoring in theater and arts management, to her eventual role at PURE Theatre. The conversation highlights the rewarding aspects of her job, the challenges of customer service, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the theater industry, and the importance of patron relationships. Megan also shares personal anecdotes, including her initial reluctance and eventual appreciation for piano lessons, her aspirations for further professional development, and her passion for theatre production and management.
00:00 Introduction: The Joy of Theatre
01:15 The Swiss Army Knife of PURE Theatre
01:48 The Journey into Theatre
04:46 The Role of Music in Theatre
08:42 The Challenges and Rewards of Patron Services
10:31 The Rhythm of a Theatre Season
17:05 The Future of Theatre and Personal Growth
23:02 The Power of Patron Relationships
25:33 Conclusion: The Value of Theatre Work
-
Exploring the Power of Storytelling and Cultural History with Jamie Ford
In this fascinating conversation, renowned author, Jamie Ford, delves into the power of storytelling and its role in fostering empathy and meaningful dialogue. The discussion revolves around Ford's novel 'The Many Daughters of Afong Moy,' which details the epic saga and generational trauma tied to the first Chinese lady who arrived in the U.S. in 1834. Ford emphasizes the importance of historical narratives in creating awareness, understanding, and empathy for experiences that are often overlooked. He also vividly expresses the transformative potential of art injected into society. Ford explains his creative process, which he refers to as being in the 'compassion creation business,' and reveals that his book has been optioned by Jenna Bush's company for an upcoming series. He expresses optimism about the impacts of streaming media, cultural cross-pollination, and diversification in storytelling.
00:06 Introduction: The Compassion Creation Business
00:44 Exploring the Life of Afong Moy
01:23 The Role of Dialogue in Deepening Historical Understanding
01:41 Interview with Jamie Ford: The Author Behind 'The Many Daughters of Afong Moy'
02:20 The Art of Storytelling and Generational Trauma
08:57 The Power of Art in Society
10:00 The Writing Process: From Inspiration to Creation
15:38 The Journey from Novel to Screen: 'The Many Daughters of Afong Moy'
25:29 The Influence of Location on Writing
28:24 Conclusion: The Impact of Storytelling -
Missing episodes?
-
The Stage as a Character: A Conversation Richard Heffner
Richard Heffner discusses his early experiences in theater and his transition from being in a band to becoming a set designer. He talks about his journey from West Virginia, his work in Charleston's theater community, his experiences with Footlight Players, and his contributions to PURE Theatre. Heffner emphasizes the importance of the set as a character itself in a play, rather than just a backdrop, illustrating this with discussions concerning recent productions like 'Compulsion'. He also briefly touches on his background in playing music and how it, in a vicarious way, relates to his current work.
Photograph - David Mandel Photography - from The PURE production of Lloyd Suh's THE CHINESE LADY
Music From Artlist
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction
00:06 The Role of Set Design in Theater
00:30 Richard Heffner: The Man Behind the Scenes
01:33 Journey into Theater: From Band to Stage
03:26 The Charleston Music Scene in the 80s
06:00 Transition from Music to Graphic Design
07:05 Entering the World of Theater Set Design
08:41 First Experiences as a Theater Designer
08:49 The Evolution of Charleston's Footlight Theater
10:07 The Art and Challenges of Theater Design
18:44 The Impact of English Literature on Design Approach
20:09 The Making of 'Compulsion': A Case Study
27:21 Looking Forward: Anticipating the Next Theater Season
28:07 Conclusion: The Intersection of Music and Theater
-
A Conversation with Patricia Williams Dockery: Discussing Education, Civil Rights and Her Journey as a Writer. Co-hosted by Joy Vandervort-Cobb
The podcast features conversation with writer Patricia Williams Dockery, known for 'Septima', a play that celebrates the life and struggles of Septima P. Clark, an important figure in civil rights and education. The play was developed in The PURE Theatre Lab under the guidance of director Sharon Graci. Dockery discusses the impact of growing up on the Southside of Chicago and the importance of education in her upbringing. The narrative then shifts focus to the play 'Septima. The host identifies essential aspects of Dockery's journey - her parents' role in shaping her values, obtaining her PhD in anthropology, and the significance of working at the Avery Research Center for African American history and culture. The discussion also highlights the potential of 'Septima' further evolving and being showcased in different venues. The conversation concludes with Dockery's upcoming book, a middle-grade edition geared towards educating young readers about the history of slavery and African American heritage.
Photograph - David Mandel Photography
Music From Artlist
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction and Overview
00:32 The Success of 'Septima' and its Upcoming Tour
01:10 Introducing Joy Vandervoort Cobb
01:35 Patricia's Journey to Writing
02:17 The Importance of Education and Language
02:58 The Role of Education in Activism
06:08 Patricia's Academic Journey
08:42 The Process of Writing 'Septima'
09:06 The Impact of 'Septima' on Audiences
14:52 The Future of 'Septima'
23:14 The Role of Love in Activism
25:48 Patricia's Upcoming Book
27:34 Conclusion and Farewell -
Filmmaker Jason Chao and actor Anna Lin share their unique experiences in the theater community. They discuss their roles in 'The Chinese Lady' by Lloyd Suh, and how the play's narratives mirror their own realities in terms of shared and diverse experiences, and the feeling of being 'outsiders'. Anna talks about her journey in comedy and improvisation, which helped her break free from feeling stifled and unexpressive, while Jason shares his perspective on the invisibility of Asian American men in the western cultural landscape. Both discuss how their cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences have influenced their character development and understanding of their roles.
Photograph - David Mandel Photograpy
Music From Artlist
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction
01:00 The Beauty of the Story and the Characters
02:20 The Challenges and Joys of Rehearsals
03:36 The Diversity of Asian American Experiences
04:11 The Role of the Actor in the Play
04:46 The Personal Connection to the Characters
07:43 The Fear of Pessimism and Pragmatism
07:47 The Struggle of Being an Asian American
16:47 The Power of Comedy and Self-Expression
21:17 The Journey of Building the Character
22:26 Conclusion: The Magic of the Script and the Performers
-
The PURE Theatre Experience: Behind the Scenes with Sharon Graci
In this episode of the PURE Theatre Podcast, host Rodney Lee Rogers talks to Sharon Graci, the Artistic director of PURE Theatre and director of the Lehman Trilogy. Graci shares insights into the immense organizational and creative demands of running both a theatre company and a family. She speaks passionately about the Lehman Trilogy performance along with the importance and complexity of every design detail. Graci emphasizes the importance of audience participation and their role in the creation of theatre. She also discusses future projects, the company's next steps including a Low Country Tour for 'Septima', and the additional opportunities presented by streaming services since the pandemic.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings
01:08 The Lehman Trilogy: A Director's Perspective
04:04 Behind the Scenes: The Art of Design
06:32 The Performances: A Tribute to the Actors
07:49 Reflecting on PURE Theatre's Journey
10:37 The Future of PURETheatre: Exploring New Avenues
17:51 The PURE Lab: A Home for Playwrights and Composers
22:14 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Audience -
In this episode, Rodney Lee Rogers engages in a captivating conversation with economist Steve Slifer, who worked on Wall Street for many years and has a wide-ranging perspective on the field of economics. Mr. Slifer talks about how he began in the business, his exciting journey, the thrill of forecasting, and his current endeavors. The discussion also touches on the Lehman Brothers, exploring the historical rivalry between Lehman and Goldman Sachs and how the economic landscape has changed over the years. Slifer's observations on the influence of AI in economics, retirement perspectives, and his thoughts on the Lehman Trilogy theatre production make this a highly engaging listen.
Steve Slifer https://numbernomics.com/
Photo: Mary Wessner photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
-
A Conversation with Actor & Director Michael Smallwood
The conversation begins with Smallwood discussing his early love of storytelling and how he connects it to the concept of humanity. He refers to narrative as an important human evolutionary tool and how it played a significant role in his career, from his earliest acting experience playing Santa Claus in second grade to creating narratives as a writer and filmmaker. Smallwood also shares his experience transitioning between theatre and film, comparing the immediate audience feedback in theatre to the long-haul reactions in film. In addition, he talks about teaching and mentoring young artists, expressing the joy and pride he feels when seeing his students succeed in their artistic pursuits. Looking forward, Smallwood expresses his excitement and nerves about his upcoming role in Lehman Trilogy, a play recounting the history of the Lehman family and American capitalism.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction and Love for Stories
00:36 Guest Introduction: Michael Smallwood
02:18 Michael's Early Acting Experiences
03:34 Michael's Early Love for Reading and Writing
04:43 The Power of Narrative and Storytelling
05:46 Michael's Journey into Professional Acting
07:36 Michael's College Years and Introduction to Playwriting
09:11 Michael's Theater Career and Favorite Moments
13:00 Life as an Actor and Writer
13:26 Transition into Screenwriting and Directing
13:56 Working with Emerging Artists and Teaching
14:32 Stumbling into Education and Mentoring
15:40 The Impact of Theater on Young People
16:24 The Unpredictability of an Acting Career
16:29 The Role of Narrative in Shaping Experience
17:28 The Journey of Teaching and Impacting Students
17:57 The Difference Between Summer and Year-Long Programs
22:20 The Power of Theater and Working with Educators
26:26 Transitioning Between Theater and Film
29:16 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
30:22 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode -
In a captivating conversation, Shivam Patel reveals his experiences navigating the world of theater. Starting with his first role, with 'Puss in Boots' as a child, Shivam discusses his journey to becoming a professional actor, and his passion for fostering the love of theater. The conversation dives deeper into the duality of identity as a child of immigrant parents and how Shivam wants to explore this theme in his future creations. Shivam also talks about his recent performance in 'Disgrace' at the American Stage Theater in Florida, and his desire to continue traveling and performing. He highlights his deep love for plays like 'The Seagull' and 'The Wild Duck' and hopes to revisit such roles with newfound perspectives.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:05 Introduction and Shivam Patel's Role at PURE Theatre
01:15 Shivam Patel's First Theatrical Experience
02:46 The Joy of Performing and the Essence of Play
03:30 Shivam Patel's Journey into Professional Theater
04:15 The Shift from Musical to Straight Theater
04:57 Current Projects and Experiences at Pure Theater
05:19 Shivam Patel's Education and Early Career
06:07 The London Theater Scene: A Comparative Analysis
08:35 Returning to the US and Exploring Regional Theater
09:22 Venturing into Children's Theater and Education
11:15 The Joy of Teaching and Directing
11:58 Balancing Multiple Roles in the Theater World
12:47 Switching Careers and Aging
13:58 The Charleston Theater Scene
15:33 Approaching a Role: The Psychology of a Character
16:36 Experience in 'Disgraced' at American Stage Theater
17:36 The Play 'Disgraced' and Audience Reception
18:49 Dream Roles and Auditioning
20:23 Future Plans and Aspirations
21:23 Writing Stories and Exploring Identity
24:54 The Power of Theater and Lifelong Learning
26:23 The Role of an Educator
27:34 Dream Plays to Perform In
28:26 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes
-
In this episode of the PURE Theatre Podcast, host Rodney Lee Rogers chats with R.W. (Smitty) Smith, a versatile actor, writer, and director with PURE Theatre's core ensemble. Smith shares his expansive journey from his early exposure to theater in high school, his experience in the Air Force, to his accomplishments in the theater world. The discussion delves into Smith's approach to characterization, highlighting his utilization of physicality and movement, drawing inspiration from various sources and his experience with different acting styles. Furthermore, the episode gives listeners a sneak peak into the upcoming theater show, The Lehman Trilogy, in which Smith plays a role.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 The Origins of PURE Theater
00:58 Upcoming Theater Events
01:23 Interview with R. W. Smith
01:52 Smith's Early Life and Introduction to Theater
03:08 Smith's Journey through College and the Air Force
04:10 Return to Theater and Personal Growth
04:53 The Impact of Stubbornness and the Air Force
05:31 Smith's Experience in the Marshall Islands
06:12 Return to Clemson and Rediscovery of Theater
11:14 The Influence of Other Artists
12:30 Smith's Writing Process and Future Projects
15:46 Reflections on Past Theater Performances
20:28 Preparation for Upcoming Show 'Compulsion'
26:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
-
Fred Thompson, the playwright of the play 'Atwater' joins host Rodney Lee Rogers for an invigorating chat. Thompson discusses his journey in writing the play 'Atwater,' revealing his fascination with the theme of ego, ambition, and success in society. They discuss how his play explores a crucial question - what it means to win in society and how it clashes with personal integrity and being a good person. The conversation also explores the evolving interpretations of the play as it is interpreted through performance. Thompson's personal perspective on the afterlife is also discussed.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:47 The Journey of Creating the Podcast
01:11 Discussion on the Production of Atwater
01:53 Exploring the Politics in Atwater
04:20 The Absurdity of Life and Theater
05:45 The American Culture of Winning
06:24 The Role of Self-Deprecation in Success
10:13 The Impact of Social Media on Politics
11:46 The Journey of Writing a Play
13:55 The Power of Theater and the Process of Creating a Play
23:53 The Experience of Watching the Play
27:55 Conclusion and Special Offer
