Table To Stage

Connecticut-based playwright whose work has been produced throughout the United States and across the globe. He has studied at Columbia and Juilliard, and his published plays include Kodachrome, Clown Bar, Rare Birds, and many others. https://www.adamszymkowicz.com/home.php Music: "Welcome to Hi" by Cameron Werme, 2018 Music: "Journey to the Sun" licensed by HookSounds, royalty free music

Middle School teacher John Comey, known to his community as Emperor Comey, is an energetic, passionate educator of 5th and 6th grade social studies in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. His creativity in the classroom doesn't end with lesson planning - he creates an immersive community for his students to explore the topics and their own minds. How far can a creative mindset go in a classroom?   Music: "Welcome to Hi" by Cameron Werme (C) 2018 "Journey to the Sun" Licensed by HookSounds (Royalty Free Music) #education #teacher #socialstudies #civics #creativity #keepcreating #providence #providenceri #rhodeisland #charterschool

Hartford-based comedian Rob Santos understood early that identity was going to play a major role in his life - Black, Puerto Rican, and Beige American, always on the edges of acceptance. Identity - whether branding, politics, or mindfulness work - is inescapable, and Rob makes a mission of refining and protecting his. Rob's "Each One Teach One" workshop uses mindfulness and his personal experience to help other comedians hone their craft, and having just established his own studio space in Hartford he's back at it, working with others during uncertain and stressful times. We talked race, representation, identity politics, and more. This is Part Two of our conversation. NSFW/Explicit content. Instagram @Muse324 Twitter @MisterSantos www.robsantoscomedy.com   Music: "Welcome to Hi" by Cameron Werme, all rights reserved "Wholesome" by Kevin Macleod, incompotech.com, all rights reserved 

Hartford-based comedian Rob Santos understood early that identity was going to play a major role in his life - Black, Puerto Rican, and Beige American, always on the edges of acceptance. Identity - whether branding, politics, or mindfulness work - is inescapable, and Rob makes a mission of refining and protecting his. Rob's "Each One Teach One" workshop uses mindfulness and his personal experience to help other comedians hone their craft, and having just established his own studio space in Hartford he's back at it, working with others during uncertain and stressful times. We talked race, representation, identity politics, and more. This is Part One of our conversation. NSFW/Explicit content. Instagram @Muse324 Twitter @MisterSantos www.robsantoscomedy.com   Music: "Welcome to Hi" by Cameron Werme, all rights reserved "Wholesome" by Kevin Macleod, incompotech.com, all rights reserved 

Brian David Judkins and Ned Donovan are the creative team behind Encounter Party! - a collaborative Dungeons and Dragons-bases storytelling podcast featuring a cast of professional voice actors and comedians. And it's an incredible exercise in precision and planning. Whether you're familiar with the actual play podcast world or not, you've never heard anything quite like Encounter Party! Get a behind-the-scenes look (listen?) at what it takes to build a community around a story.   Additional music by Alexander Nakarada, Serpentine Studios https://soundcloud.com/serpentsoundstudios Ukiyo-Pop artwork of Brian David Judkins www.ukiyopop.com Charging Moose Media, Ned Donovan www.chargingmoosemedia.com Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: the Gathering property of Wizards of the Coast

I listen to podcasts. Several of them. All day long. Honestly, it's a little much. But among the podcasts I look forward to the most every week is the 10ish Podcast. 10ish hosts and creators Nick and Brandon blend information and entertainment in a unique and hilarious way, counting down the very best (or worst) of any category. Whether it's serial killers or half time shows, the 10ish Podcast always delivers. Somehow, I conned them into speaking with me! So. Much. Fun. "Welcome to Hi" Cameron Werme, copyright 2018 "Hackbeat" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When it comes to sex education, it's sometimes difficult to get the information across. If you're awkward or uncomfortable talking about sex, maybe you'll struggle to engage your audience. But if you can make it funny and relatable? Enter Raylene Taskoski, comedian and sex toy expert, whose show "Stand Up Comedy Sex Ed" combines real sexual health education with comedy. It's a blend that resonates with audiences and gives answers to questions some might be too embarrassed to ask. Check her out at standupcomedysexed.com. (NSFW content may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care.) Music: "Welcome to Hi" by Cameron Werme "Let's Talk About Sex" by Salt 'N Peppa, 1990 Film Clip: Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life" 1983

As COVID-19 continues to alter social and economic landscapes around the world, some are more immediately impacted than others. Lots of creative people have been forced to stay home, cancel performances, and lose lots of creative outlets. Dr. James C. Kaufman is a professor at the UConn Neag School of Education, and has written several books about creativity. He's also a returning guest on Table to Stage (definitely check out his earlier episode to learn more about the study of creativity). You can follow Dr. Kaufman on Twitter @JamesKaufman, or visit his website (jamesckaufman.com) to learn more about the psychology of creativity.   Movie clip from "Contagion" (C) 2011 Warner Bros. "It's the End of the World As We Know It" (C) 1987 R.E.M., from the album "Document"

Ghost (Andrew Mattei) found his love of Hip Hop dance thanks to a friend and a YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXO-jKksQkM) - and nearly a decade later he's a dance instructor and three-time contestant on So You Think You Can Dance. The groove has taken him places, for sure. And the creative energy of animation style dance (if you haven't seen it, you absolutely must) is unique and entertaining. You can see Ghost get his groove on by following him on Facebook under Ghost of CT, on Instagram @theghost_of_ct, and on Twitter @ghostdancer0916. "Pumped Up Kicks" (c) Foster the People

Master woodcarver and carousel enthusiast Bob Yorburg has written the book on Acanthus carving. It's called "Acanthus Carving and Design", and it's available wherever you get your favorite books (or at Amazon). Bob is based in New York, but travels all over sharing his skill and expertise with the iconic design style that we all recognize. Bob recently visited the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Conn., to tech a workshop, and he gave me a brief tour before heading back to New York. You can see Bob's work at bobyorburg.com, and learn more about the museum at thecarouselmuseum.org. #carousel #woodcarving #restoration #acanthus #carving 

Excuse me while I geek out for a while. I love Dungeons & Dragons. I dabbled briefly in my teens, but only rediscovered the game in the past 3 or 4 years - so I can't claim to be a long time player. I'm definitely a part of the game's resurgence in popular culture. But long time players and newbies can share the table with 5th Edition, and the creative energy is always enjoyable. Jason and Meghan Gagne have been playing the game together for a while now, and have started incorporating some of Jason's hand-made miniatures into their sessions. It was awesome to be able to talk with them about a game that creates limitless possibilities for creativity.

"The great mystery of June Cleaver, her life, her marriage and her family, has plagued mankind for generations. How could such a perfect woman exist, loving a husband, raising two sons, and cooking so immaculately while never appearing stressed, over-worked, fed-up, or unsatisfied?" Or, at least that's how the Amazon description of "June Cleaver: Sexual Deviant" begins. I don't remember feeling any sense of mystery around the characters on Nick At Night - they seemed pretty straight forward. And downright bland. But for author Benjamin Smith there was a backstory to be explored. So he created one, giving a new life to the matriarch of "Leave it to Beaver." His stage play centers on June and Ward Cleaver in their golden years, tackling their roles as grandparents and coming to terms with their pre-"Leave It ... " lives. A play requires characters - usually several. And it's a challenge to bring multiple characters to life in audio format, but Trenton Bennett faced the challenge head on. June, Ward, and the r

Mckenzie Chapman is the co-host of the Chick Flicks podcast (https://chickflickspodcast.com/), discussing the feminist viewpoint - and overall worthiness - of some of the world's most popular (or dismal, as the case may be) films. She's also a skilled needlepoint artist, and if you visit mckenziechapman.com you can see her work for yourself. Whether the Chick Flicks are hating on some of my best childhood memories (see: Goonies) or celebrating some of my favorite modern action films (I'll watch John Wick all day), their perspective on cinema is refreshing. Check it out! #keepcreating #creativity #stitchisland #needlepoint #chickflicks #feminism

Kyle Pasciutti likes to create things the world has never seen before. His company, Decimated Designs (decimateddesigns.com) specializes in horror, but also works in whimsy and the fantastic, creating custom makeup, costumes, set pieces, and oversized animatronic puppies. And, of course, popsicles. Obviously. Whether it's creating an on-the-spot zombie at a convention, or sending oversized backpack heads (yeah, backpack heads) across the country, Kyle and his team love a creative challenge - and the skillset and artistry required to pull off these projects are varied and extensive. Get a peek behind the scenes of some special effects wizardry this week! #zombies #makeup #scenicdesign #staypuft #ghostbusters #thanos #decimated #creativity

Virginia Wolf is the host of Spot Light with Virginia Wolf on WLIS/WMRD out of Middletown, Connecticut - a radio program that highlights theater and the arts in Connecticut. Gosh, that sounds familiar! Virginia has been on the air for many years now, and her guests come from theater, art, dance, music, and other creative endeavors within visiting distance of the state. She's also a writer and performer, and the creative engine behind Herstory Theater (herstorytheater.com). You can catch Herstory's "Hitchcock and Horror" this month at The Arts at Angeloria's (https://www.theartsatangelorias.com/) in Southington, Connecticut. And if you tune into WLIS/WMRD (https://www.wliswmrd.net/2012/spotlight.htm) at 12:30 on October 24 you'll hear me on Spot Light! #keepcreating      

Hartford playwright Jeffrey McCann is bringing the Fringe Festival to Hartford this October. (hartfordfringefestival.org) He's been involved in theater since the 80s, and has seen how the arts have impacted and changed lives. His experience living in the Seattle theater world have left a lasting impact, and he brings that influence with him to current projects - including the Hartford Fringe Festival. A really great conversation - and I learned a few things myself. #fringefestival #hartford #theater #playwright #arts #keepcreating Music from https://filmmusic.io "Smooth Move" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Joey Marsocci is a creator. He's created original pieces for Hendrick's Gin, Disney Imagineering, the Mark Twain House & Museum, and so many more. He was on the forefront of the steampunk movement, and has literally written the book on steampunk art. As the artist behind Grymm Studios, Joey creates and embodies all kinds of creatures. You can see them at grymmstudios.com. Don't forget to rate and review the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts! #steampunk #creature #cosplay #creativity #keepcreating   Music from https://filmmusic.io "Lost Time" & "Comfortable Mystery 4" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Maybe you can't picture what a dulcimer is just by hearing the word, but odds are that you'll recognize the sound when you hear Carolyn Brodginski play the instrument. It's something I've always considered rather rare, but as Carolyn points out it has been present in popular music for decades. And its distinctive sound is both joyful and soothing. Carolyn's band, Seat of Our Pants, features her dulcimer in their Americana sound, including on the band's latest release, "Song of Rabble and Roots", available now at seatofourpantsmusic.com. You can also pick up Carolyn's solo recordings at carolynbrodginski.com.   #dulcimer #music #americana #creativity #keepcreating

Hartford-based conceptual artist David Borawski limits his pallet intentionally - black, white, silver, red. And he uses the contrast to great effect, drawing the eye and challenging his viewers not only in the moment, but later while reflecting on what they've seen. You can see some of his work for yourself at rot8or.org or at @davborski on Instagram. #art #conceptual #hartford #artist #creativity #keepcreating

Scott Stephen Kegler is a playwright and a clown ... and does just about everything else that involves a stage or an audience. When I saw a production of his play, Champaign and Licorice, I knew I need to speak with him about his work. There is depth and authenticity in his writing, and it was a great please to be able to speak with him about it.  #theater #clowning #playwright #connecticut #stage #keepcreating