In this episode of In the Podlight, hosts Grant and Caroline speak with Theresa Wolters, Vice President of Health and Human Services at MusiCares. Theresa shares her extensive background in humanitarian work and discusses the critical role MusiCares played during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing nearly $36 million in emergency relief to music professionals. The conversation explores the ongoing challenges within the music industry, the importance of inclusivity, and the organization's commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. Theresa emphasizes the need for compassion and confidentiality in their services, and reflects on her personal inspirations and future goals.

Learn more about Theresa here.

Takeaways:

• MusiCares provided nearly $36 million in relief during the pandemic.
• Artists play a crucial role in advocating for social justice.
• There is a significant stigma around substance use in the music industry.
• Every industry should prioritize the well-being of its people.
• Inclusivity is a core value for MusiCares.
• The Day That MusiCares fosters community connection and service.
• Theresa feels fulfilled in her personal and professional life.
• Americans are incredibly philanthropic and generous.
• Confidentiality and compassion are essential in helping those in need.
• The next generation of women leaders inspires Theresa.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to MusiCares and Theresa Wolters

02:50 Theresa's Background and Humanitarian Work

06:09 The Role of MusiCares During the Pandemic

08:55 Challenges in the Music Industry

12:11 Success Metrics and Community Engagement

15:03 Philanthropy and Fundraising Strategies

18:03 Inclusivity and Collaboration in MusiCares

20:58 The Day That MusiCares

23:48 Inspiration and Future Goals

26:56 Final Thoughts and Lightning Round

Connect with MusiCares on Instagram

Check out the MusiCares on their website

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

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.

In this episode, casting directors Kim Montelibano Heil and Victor Vazquez discuss the significance of regional theater in the American arts landscape. They explore the role of regional theaters in nurturing new works, the challenges of casting in different mediums, and the economic impacts of the pandemic on the theater industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of representation, the complexities of casting expenses, and the ongoing efforts to create equitable opportunities for underrepresented voices in the arts. Both guests share personal insights on the journey of an artist, the value of community, and the need for persistence in the face of challenges.

Read more about Kim & Victor here.

Takeaways

• Regional theaters are crucial for developing new works and voices.
• Casting in regional theater involves a different set of challenges compared to film and TV.
• The pandemic has significantly impacted the economics of regional theater.
• Advocating for representation in casting is an ongoing effort.
• Success in the arts is not a binary of pass or fail.
• Actors can thrive outside of major cities like New York and LA.
• Building relationships in the industry is key to long-term success.
• Personal values should align with professional goals in the arts.
• The journey of an actor requires persistence and adaptability.
• Community support is vital for artists to flourish.

Sound Bites

• "Regional theaters are vital incubators for new works."
• "Success is not about passing or failing."
• "You can live anywhere and participate in TV and film."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regional Theater and Its Importance

03:02 The Role of Regional Theaters in American Canon

05:47 Casting in Regional Theater vs. Film and TV

08:53 Challenges of Casting and Audience Expectations

12:00 Economic Impact of the Pandemic on Regional Theater

15:09 Navigating Casting Expenses and Equity

17:51 Advocating for Representation in Casting

21:05 Success and Failure in the Arts

23:51 Finding Equitable Opportunities in Different Regions

27:06 The Journey of an Actor in Today's Landscape

29:50 Personal Values and Professional Life in the Arts

33:02 The Importance of Community and Relationships

35:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Artists

Connect with Kim on Instagram

Connect with Victor 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

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.

In this conversation, Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and producer LaChanze discusses her work as the president of Black Theater United and her mission to create a more inclusive and diverse Broadway. She shares her journey as an actress and producer, the importance of representation in the industry, and her commitment to bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront. LaChanze also talks about her production company and her passion for increasing and diversifying audiences in the theater. Overall, she emphasizes the need for love, connection, and vision in both personal and professional life.

Read more about LaChanze here.

Keywords: Broadway, Black Theater United, inclusivity, diversity, representation, producing, directing, playwriting, Alice Childress, love, connection, vision

Takeaways:

• LaChanze is the president of Black Theater United, a creative collective aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusivity in Broadway for black performers and artists.
• She is committed to increasing and diversifying audiences in the theater, and she believes that representation is crucial in both on-stage and off-stage roles.
• LaChanze is passionate about bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront and giving young artists the opportunity to have their voices heard.
• She has launched her own production company, LaChanze Productions, to have more control over the creative process and to support and develop new talent.
• LaChanze emphasizes the importance of love, connection, and vision in personal and professional life, and she encourages young artists to pursue their passions and be the change they want to see.

Sound Bites:

• "I'm an advocate for black rights and black representation."
• "Being a woman of a certain age, being a black woman in my midlife who has had this experience, it does come with wisdom."
• "I needed to launch LaChanze Productions because I needed more control."

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to In the Podlight and Guest LaChanze

06:05 - Discovering the Need for Diversity and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry

13:05 - The New Deal: Reforming the Industry for Equity and Inclusion

17:26 - Navigating Microaggressions and Ageism in the Entertainment Industry

21:29 - LaChanze Productions: Empowering Underrepresented Artists

27:21 - The Legacy of Alice Childress: Bringing Overlooked Artists to the Forefront

32:05 - Taking Control: Launching LaChanze Productions

37:42 - The Importance of Love and Resilience in LaChanze's Life

41:57 - Closing Remarks and Lightning Round

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

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.