2019 PODCASTS

Maria Manuela Goyanes, the Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company talks from the heart about her career in arts management in this interview. Talking directly to young listeners, she offers unique advice about the industry, insight into this job choice, joys and hurdles of running a theater company and whether she would recommend a career in arts management. Also learn her views on progress made on the diversity front both on and off the stage. This interview is part of a five-part “Artistic Director STEAM AHEAD” podcast series being aired this winter.

Virginia Humanities Board Member Mark Habeeb and Project Advisor Mary Hynes gave a very interesting interview about a grant given to Arlington from the Kellogg Foundation entitled “Changing the Narrative on Racism.” Several projects were included in this grant including making cigar box instruments and middle school students creating new lyrics to traditional Piedmont blues songs reflecting what they learned about Arlington’s history. Also discussed was a recent theater production presented by high school students, as well as what they both found surprising about the County’s racial history.

Playwright/Podcaster/Filmmaker/Director (and much more) Patrick Flynn sat down with Embracing Arlington Arts President Janet Kopenhaver to talk about the many hats he has worn during his career. How exactly does one write an adaptation of a children’s book? What is the unique story about Peter Pan adaptations? What does he have guests talk about on his podcast “The Original Cast?” Plus learn more about “The Velveteen Rabbit” that he wrote and is being presented by Adventure Theater.

The very talented Chris Urquiaga was the guest on the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast. Among the many interesting stories he told was about his first public performance, why his mother was convinced he would be an entertainer instead of a traditional concert pianist and what is on both his career and personal bucket list. Also get the inside scoop on the musical he is composing entitled “Mr. Manhattan.” He has accomplished so much in such little time – he certainly has a long and prosperous career ahead.

The Artistic Director of the National Chamber Ensemble Leo Sushansky was the latest guest on the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast. Learn about their upcoming concert series, as well as the find out who the winners are from the latest piano young artists competition. Also find out who the very special and unique guest musician at the Benny Goodman concert in February will be. And how does Leo pick all the pieces to be performed in a season?

Learn more about the Educational Theatre Company’s Main Stage Program for elementary students from staff members Katie McCreary and Nigel Rowe. What do teachers say about their students after they complete the ten-week program? What is the process for these students to write the entire script and all the songs? Why is theatre so important for our students of all ages? Find out the answers to these questions and more during this podcast. Wonderful program to help build confidence among the participants.

The Artistic Director of the Crescendo Youth Chamber Music Program – Elizabeth O’Hara Stahr – was a guest on the podcast talking about this unique program for young talented musicians. Find out about the audition process, the difference between a viola and violin, contrasts between performing in a symphony vs. a quartet, and what this classical musician listens to while driving. Also get her take on whether today’s youth are more talented than their predecessors. Very interesting interview overall.

The “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast featured the Artistic Director of Ballet Nova Matthew Powell. A former professional ballet dancer, Matthew regales us with some of his most memorable moments on stage, as well as the changing trends in ballet training. Also hear details about their upcoming production of “The Nutcracker,” a special guest performing in that show and his goals for the next five years for the organization.

The President of Opera Nova Miriam Miller and the organization’s Treasurer David Ryan talked with Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver about the organization and specifically how they are making opera fun for children while nurturing in them a love for this musical genre. Learn about all their exciting productions throughout the year, as well as their proactive efforts on exposing young audiences to social justice issues while listening to music and having fun. Opera Nova is doing its best to not only bring opera into everyone’s lives, but also helping make our community and world a little better.

Dominion Stage is presenting “Last Summer a Bluefish Cove” – a play written by Jane Chambers about feminism, lesbianism, relationships and so much more. Find out about the characters from one of the actors (Judy Lewis), the plot summary, marketing tips from AJ Campbell, and some historical discussion about the feminist movement happening at the time when this play was written. Some plays stand the test of time, and this is one of them.

Two representatives from the Arlington Historical Society – Cathy Hix and Mark Benbow – appeared on the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast. Find out what about Arlington’s history surprised them the most, as well as two iconic historical places to visit – the Ball-Sellers House and the Arlington Historical Museum. Plus how the Society can help you with your own research and how they are helping Arlington students learn more about their County. Wealth of historical information in this interview.

The relatively new Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) Kim Klingler was the latest guest on the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast. CPRO has so much going on, especially in the arts arena including their Fall Fest and ever popular Blues Festival, as well as the Columbia Pike Artists Studios. Find out her views on challenges and benefits for arts organizations in Arlington, the future Career Center project (which could include a black box theater) and what is on her own arts bucket list.

The Founder of the Russian Chamber Art Society Vera Danchenko Stern provided lots of interesting background about Russian art songs and how her organization tries to perform these least performed lovely pieces of music. What sets this genre apart from Russian operas? How does Tchaikovsky music fit into their upcoming production schedule? Where did she get the inspiration to found this organization. Also find out about their upcoming performance to start the holiday season off right.

Madaline Langston, Education Programs Director for Encore Stage & Studio talked to Embracing Arlington Arts President Janet Kopenhaver about a phenomenal program they are conducting with Arlington High School students to teach them first hand about segregation, desegregation, race relations and more in Arlington County. Through stories told from local residents who experienced these events and field trips throughout the County, the students then turned what they learned into a deep and insightful play that is being performed in the community and in schools. Among the dignitaries with whom they spoke was one of the four junior high students who first desegregated Stratford Junior High School in 1959 Michael Jones, as well as his sister Wilma Jones. They also received guidance from SAG actress Dawn Douglas and many others throughout the program’s duration. What an uplifting and interesting interview.

Visual artists Melanie Kehoss and David Carlson provided details on the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast about the Arlington Visual Artists Studio Tour (AVAST). Their goal in organizing this event is to provide more visibility to the county’s numerous visual artists – especially those who work in individual studios. Also find out their views on why visual arts are so important and some of the work they are doing.

Lauren Feliz-Durishin was the featured guest on this week’s “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast to chat about her non-profit organization “Mother 2 Mother” also known as M2M. By producing biennial cabarets, M2M helps at risk women and children by raising funds for partner organizations that offer assistance to these populations. Why did she found this organization? How does she determine which songs to include? Who does the singing with her? Plus find out details about their upcoming performance and organization with whom they are working.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver sat down with Blair Murphy, Curator for the Arlington Arts Center about their upcoming inaugural of the biennial exhibit entitled “Assembly 2019.” The event will feature 16 contemporary artists working in a range of media from drawing to painting to performance. Find out how she chooses the artists to highlight, recent trends in the visual arts arena, and her aim to look at artists at different stages of their careers. Plus find out more about their winter exhibit featuring performance art.

Musician, Actor, Composer, Performer (and much more) Mark Meadows chatted with Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver about the many hats he wears. What was his musical journey? How did he react after his first public performance? How did he end up on the Signature Theatre stage? Find out all the answers, as well as which famous musician was his uncle’s high school sweetheart in this podcast interview.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver chatted with the Curator of the Cody Gallery at Marymount University Meaghan Kent. How does she choose themes and artwork for exhibitions? What advice does she have for visual artists to maximize their visibility? What is currently on exhibit at the Gallery and what is coming down the pike? All these questions and much more are answered in this podcast.

Poet, translator and first Poet Laureate in Arlington County is this week’s guest on the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” weekly podcast. What is her process for writing poems? How do our young residents view poetry? What were some of her responsibilities as the Poet Laureate? Hear the answers to those questions and hear one of her original poems. Explore the evolution of poetry and literary arts over the last several decades in this very interesting interview.

Janet Kopenhaver welcomed to the “Embracing Arlington Arts Talks” podcast Arlington County Board member Erik Gutshall. Hear his responses to many questions, including: Why are the arts so important? What are some of the challenges facing the arts in the County? What is his vision for the arts in Arlington? And much more, including his dream role (if he had the opportunity). Very insightful chat about the arts in Arlington.

Embracing Arlington Arts welcomed the Founder of the National Performing Arts Exchange Fund (NPAFE) Cliff Brody to the studio to talk about the wonderful services his organization provides to performing artists. From pro bono assistance of writing business plans, compiling budgets, preparing promo materials and researching potential donors and corporate sponsors, NPAFE is doing critical work. Learn about all these services, and the interesting story behind why he founded this non-profit.

Embracing Arlington Arts’ President Janet Kopenhaver caught up with Synetic Theater’s new Managing Director Jason Najjoum on some of the challenges he sees of the arts and theater world, and how he is trying to overcome those hurdles at Synetic Theater. Also hear about his journey into the theater management world, insight into the company’s latest production of Treasure Island, a sneak peek into next year’s season and much more.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver conducted a very interesting interview with Playwright/Actor/Devisor Rachel Hynes. Find out the unique approach of a “devisor” in developing a new play, how it differs from traditional playwright practices and how she collaborates with her fellow theater professionals in developing a new work. Also learn about the incredibly wonderful playwright group “The Welders” and the current show written by Rachel that they are presenting – “Lady M.”

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver talked with Bob Wood, Artistic Director of UrbanArias about their upcoming production of “The Juliet Letters” based on songs composed by Elvis Costello. Hear about this unique opera, hear a snippet from one of the ballads, singers who will be performing, background about the opera and much more. Also get a sneak peek at the organization’s upcoming season.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts talked with actors Caroline Dubberly and Christian Montgomery about the upcoming Monumental Theatre production of “Be More Chill.” Selling to sold out audiences in New York, Monumental is the first regional theater to present this show. Find out why this play so popular? What is Monumental doing differently? How did they prepare for their roles? And so much more. Lots of laughs and interesting stuff about the show!

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts, was so honored to interview Arlington County’s “First Lady” Megan Beyer who not only has had a stellar career in journalism, but also is a huge and effective advocate for the arts in Arlington, Virginia, the nation and internationally. We discussed her work with the incredibly successful “Turnaround Arts” program hosted by the Kennedy Center, her historic visit to Havana with U.S. arts leaders when she headed up the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH), a new project she is working on with Ken Burns, and so much more!

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts conducted a very insightful interview with Choreographer and Casting Director from Signature Theatre – Kelly Crandall d’Amboise. How does one decide which actors are best for which roles? How do you avoid stereotypical casting? How do regional actors find out about auditions? How does a choreographer take the director’s vision and turn it into a new dance? She answers all these questions and so much more.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts, learned about Arlington’s audio production studio – Inner Ear Studio – from founder Don Zientara. We chatted about the services provided by the studio, the diverse set of clients that have recorded (including a mime), how he got into the audio production profession, and much more. Also learn how you can visit and book the studio.

Embracing Arlington Arts’ President welcomed back to the studio the Executive Director of Encore Stage & Studio Sara Duke to talk about their exciting upcoming productions of “The Talented Clementine” and Disney’s “The Newsies.” We also talked about the successful advocacy work the arts community did to fight draconian cuts in the arts budgets in the County. Finally, Sara gave us a sneak peek into what is on the docket for next season.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts, interviewed Arlington actress Sara Barker about her entree into the theater world, her “bucket list” roles, favorite types of characters, and much more. Also hear about her upcoming role in “A Misanthrope” being presented by WSC Avant Bard and the unique way they are presenting that Moliere show.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts welcomed to the studio the Executive Director of the Crystal City BID Tracy Gabriel. There are so many exciting arts developments and events happening in Crystal City, including public art, weekly outdoor live music concerts, theater, galleries, and much more. Also hear about what is planned for the near future in the cultural arena.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts, chatted with Ballston BID CEO Tina Leone about all the exciting developments and happenings in Ballston. Learn about all the new retails centers in Ballston Quarter, upcoming events, including QuarterFest, plans for more public art in and around the metro, the farmers market with live music and much more.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver chatted with the organizer and Director of the Festival Argentino Daniel Manzoni about their upcoming festival. Learn about the diverse songs, dance and food that patrons will be able to experience, as well as hear a song that will be performed by Fabricio Rodriguez during the show. Plus a special soccer star guest will be there signing his new book.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver welcome Leo Sushansky, the Artistic Director of the National Chamber Ensemble, back to the studio to tell us about their spring concert and season finale – “Musical Adventures Through The Time Machine” featuring contemporary work. Learn about the pieces they will be performing, guest musicians, collaboration with Bowen McCauley Dance, and hear a snippet of a piece to be performed. Also hear the story of Leo’s medical mishap in October and his road to recovery.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver chatted with Founder of the Jane Franklin Dance Company Jane Franklin about their busy upcoming spring season. Learn about the company’s newest piece – EyeSoar – featuring interviews with local businesspeople, mixed with video, music and dance. The piece focuses on a unique and eclectic neighborhood in South Arlington. Also hear about the children’s show – Complete Dogness – and how the company is bringing it to local schools.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts, sat down with BalletNova Director Constance Walsh to learn about their upcoming spring show. Find out more about the Ballet to be performed – “La Fille Mal Gandee” – and a special production of Martha Graham’s “Steps in the Streets.” Also learn about their classes for both young dancers and adults, as well as her impressive background as a dancer herself.

Embracing Arlington Arts President Janet Kopenhaver welcomed Amy Austin, President and CEO of Theatre Washington to the studio to learn more about the organization. Find out why the organization was formed and about the big regional theater Helen Hayes award ceremony hosted by Theatre Washington. Amy also discussed how the nominations and award winners are determined and how theater has changed over the last several decades.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts sat down with Ingrid Morroy to talk about her band “The Constituents”. Not only is Ingrid the Arlington Commissioner of the Revenue, but she is also a very talented guitar player, singer and songwriter. Learn about the band, how it was formed and her very interesting background. Also hear a sampling of their music and about their recent trip to Ireland.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver welcomed the new Executive Director of the Arlington Community Foundation (ACF) Jennifer Owens to the studio. Listen to the interview and find out more about the Foundation, how non-profit arts organizations might collaborate with ACF, her goals for the organization, and some of the grants and scholarships the Foundation offers.

Janet Kopenhaver welcomed Jason Tamborini, the Founder of the new Arlington theater organization – Prologue Theatre – to the studio to get the scoop. We chatted about the mission of the theater, what types of shows they are producing, what he has learned through the process and much more. Also hear about the last two remaining shows being presented by Prologue during this inaugural season.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver conducted a wide-ranging interview with the Director of Avant Bard’s upcoming production of “Topdog/Underdog” DeMone Seraphin Learn about his style of directing, immersive theater, the story of Lincoln and Booth in the play, and the unique set design audiences will encounter when seeing the show. Also get a glimpse into a very unique play he is directing in New York this summer – immersive theater at its finest.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts learned more about the Arlington Concert Band from the group’s Director Jim Kirchenbauer and Co-President Mel Johnson. Hear about their upcoming concert, their musicians, other productions they have throughout the year, and how to become a member of the band. Also hear a snippet from their salute to Gershwin.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver welcomed back to the studio the Executive Director of Bowen McCauley Dance Company Helen Chamberlin to talk about the many events the company has coming up over the next several months. Learn more about the “Move Me Festival,” their collaboration with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, and the ever popular partnership with the National Chamber Ensemble. Also learn about the wonderful work the company is doing to help those suffering from Parkinson’s disease feel better.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts interviewed the newest Arlington County Board member Matt de Ferranti about his goals as a Board member, his vision for the County, areas he will be working on, why he ran for the Board and much more. Also learn about why the arts are so important to him.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts welcomed to the studio Graham Dunn, General Manager and Andrew Bashuk, Director of Marketing for the Observation Deck/CEB Tower in Rosslyn, VA which has the best view of the DC area. We chatted about what visitors see from the Observation Deck, events that will be happening there, opportunities to use the space, entertainment and some of the best times to experience the view.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts learned so much about classical music from Violist Uri Wassertzug. Learn about his stellar career, experiences in various symphony halls and his upcoming appearance in “The Romantics” with National Chamber Ensemble. Also hear a unique excerpt from a Mozart Duo for Violin and Viola performed by Uri and Leo Sushansky.

Embracing Arlington Arts Chair Janet Kopenhaver welcomed the Founder of the Wolcott Hill Group (a fundraising consultancy firm) Jennifer Galloway to talk about fundraising techniques and tips for non-profit organizations. Learn about the process of running a capital campaign, do’s and dont’s when starting a campaign, how a professional fundraising company can help non-profits, and so much more.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts discusses “Heather: The Musical” being presented by Dominion Stage with the show’s Director Sam Nystrom and Lead Actress Becca Cooley. Learn about the history of the play, the plot, the unique set techniques employed by the director and much more. Also hear a bit of a song from the show.

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts welcomed back to the studio Sara Duke, the Executive Director of Encore Stage and Studio and the group’s Artistic Director Susan Keady. Hear about their summer camps, their Apprentice Program, how children’s theater has changed over the decades, as well as their upcoming performance of “The Enchanted Bookshop.”

Janet Kopenhaver, Chair of Embracing Arlington Arts welcomed 2019 with an interview with Beth Amann, Managing Director of Monumental Theatre Company – the winner of the TheatreWashington John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theater last year at the Helen Hayes Awards. Learn more about the theater and their upcoming season.