Being prematurely judged or misunderstood can be frustrating, limiting and even harmful. In the final episode of Season 2, artists and arts administrators share stories of pushing boundaries, subverting categories and defying expectations. Act One: “Up-Rising” with Emily Isaacson, a conductor and the founding director of Classical Uprising in Portland, Maine. Act Two: “Such Creatures” with Luke Greeff, a dancer, choreographer, circus artist, and educator in Chicago, Illinois. Act Three: “More Than Madness” with Sam Simon, a playwright, author and actor in McLean, Virginia. You can find a full transcript and more on APAP’s website: https://apap365.org/podcast/ You can find the resource Luke mentions in their story, Gender Expansive Practices in Dance Spaces: An Introduction here. Are you a performing arts worker with a story to tell? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/AWLpodsubmit
Content warning: description of sexual harassment between 9:10 and 10:05 and brief mention of sexual abuse of minors between 24:09 and 24:49. The best workplaces provide safety and support for their teams: permission to innovate, protection from harassment, support during difficult times, and a safety net for workers.n Episode 5, artists and arts administrators share stories of how their workplaces either provided that safety and support—or didn't. Introduction: “Starting From Scratch” with Josh A. Campbell, a curator and engagement and education professional in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Act One: “Breaking The Silence” with Lexis Hamilton, a presenter and program coordinator for the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. Act Two: “Lifeboat” with DJ Doza The God, an international DJ currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Act Three: “Strength In Numbers” with Shenea Stiletto, a circus arts advocate in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can find a full transcript and more on APAP’s website: https://apap365.org/podcast/ Are you a performing arts worker with a story to tell? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/AWLpodsubmit
Feeling like an “outsider” can be isolating, and sometimes you don’t even realize the weight you’re carrying until you find yourself in a place of belonging. In Episode 4, a circus performer, Shakespearean actor, classical musician, and Native storyteller share their journeys from “outsider” to “insider,” exploring representation, safe spaces, embracing identity and confronting privilege. Introduction: “In The Spotlight” with Chris Rooney, a circus performer and founding member of the BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest in Chicago, Illinois. Act One: “Barred from The Bard ” with Farah Merani, an actor, writer and arts educator in Los Angeles, California. Act Two: “Into the Fold” with Mari Lee, the CEO and artistic director of Salon Séance in New York, New York. Act Three: “Walking Between Worlds” with Leland Faulkner, a performing artist and arts educator. He lives in Maine on Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy and Abenaki tribal land. You can find a full transcript and more on APAP’s website: https://apap365.org/podcast/ Are you a performing arts worker with a story to tell? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/AWLpodsubmit
Content warning: brief mentions of gun violence, suicide and child molestation between 18:16 and 19:32. Whether you are an arts worker and parent, share your art with kids, or see arts education as vital, the intersection of kids and the arts can be joyful and challenging. In Episode 3, hear from a circus artist, drag performer and a clogger. From the Intro: Watch the hilarious video of children reacting to the Opera on Max Grossman’s TikTok account: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tiktok.com/@maxigrossman/video/7253994878726802734&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1689570168290561&usg=AOvVaw1pqWG05J4RM0YCpKgiuIST Act One: “High Stress on the High Wire” with Amancay Kugler, the executive director of Yes Ma’am Circus in Chicago, Illinois. Act Two: “A Magical Existence” with Beatrice Thomas, a creative producer, drag performer and educator, and former director of Drag Queen Story Hour in California. Act Three: “Clog A Mile In My Shoes” with Brian Bon, a clogger, arts educator and director of Powerhouse Percussive Dance in Anaheim, California. You can find a full transcript and more on APAP’s website: https://apap365.org/podcast/ Are you a performing arts worker with a story to tell? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/AWLpodsubmit