Curtains up! A Historical Perspective on Drama.

"Arts are our social infrastructure, keeping communities vibrant." - Karen Hanan summary In this episode, Rohan interviews Karen Hanan, a leader in arts advocacy, about the vital role of arts in community health, economic development, and education. They explore how arts initiatives can foster community well-being, support military and senior populations, and address misconceptions about...

Sound bites "Arts foster empathy and understanding across communities." "Investing in arts yields outsized effects on community health." - Michael Greer Summary In this episode, Rohan interviews Michael Greer, CEO of Arts Fund, about the vital role of arts in community development, economic impact, and public health. They explore how increased investment and exposure to arts ca...

"Your individual voice is important and deserves to be seen and heard... and if it's not for you, do it for your ancestors." — Adriana Gonzales Summary What happens when campfire stories collide with the stage? Adriana Gonzalez — performer, choreographer, playwright, and stuntwoman — brings 15+ years of training and a lifetime of Mexican and Indigenous heritage into every performance...

About our Speaker Guest: Aaron Reader, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access — Seattle Theatre Group Keywords theater, diversity, inclusion, representation, storytelling, social justice, arts accessibility, community engagement Aaron Reader is a leader in advancing equity and inclusion in the performing arts, currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Ac...

Summary In this episode Rohan is back to exploring the history and the vibrant world of Renaissance England theater with Dr. Paul Menzer, covering social influences, censorship, and the legacy of playwrights like Marlowe and Shakespeare. Key topics Social and political factors in Renaissance England The role of Elizabeth I in theater regulation Distinct styles of Thomas Kidd, Ben Johnson, and Chri...

Summary In this episode Rohan explores how theater and community programs support senior wellness, social connection, and emotional health. Featuring Ms. Nanda Tewari from Indian American Community Services, it highlights the impact of arts on aging populations and offers insights into program development and volunteer opportunities. Keywords senior wellness, theater, community programs, aging, so...

Summary In this inspiring episode of Curtains Up , Rohan sits down with Jennifer Kulik, PhD, founder and CEO of Silver Kite Community Arts , to explore how theater and the arts can transform lives across generations - an area that Rohan is personally passionate about after performing for senior centers in the community. Jennifer shares her personal journey into theater and how the performing arts...

Guest: Nour Afifi, MFA in Costume Design, B.A., History, The American University in Cairo, 2020 https://drama.washington.edu/people/nour-afifi Summary Explore the artistry, process, and impact of costume design with Noor Afifi, an MFA student at the University of Washington. Discover how costume designers interpret scripts, collaborate with directors, and solve challenges in historical and contemp...

Summary Rohan explores the transformative impact of the English Renaissance on theatre, highlighting key figures like Shakespeare and Marlowe, and the era's innovations in storytelling, language, and audience engagement. keywords English Renaissance, Shakespeare, Marlowe, theatre history, Elizabethan theatre, drama evolution, audience interaction, poetic language, Renaissance plays, theatre le...

"The things we wear change us." Summary In this episode, Rohan interviews Matthew A.J. Gregory, a theater artist and expert in Commedia dell'arte. They explore Matthew's journey into the world of Commedia, its historical context, the role of women in this art form, and its influence on modern comedy. The conversation delves into the significance of masks and improvisation in Comm...

Summary In this episode of Curtains Up , host Rohan explores student leadership in theater through a conversation with Washington State Thespian Officers Milo Stewart and Devi Anand. Together, they unpack what it really means to serve as an STO. From managing statewide communication and organizing major events like Thespys and State Festival to balancing pressure, teamwork, and self-doubt. The dis...

Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, Professor Erith Jaffe-Berg shares her insights into the historical context of Commedia dell'arte, her personal journey into theater, and the significance of multilingualism and improvisation in performance. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding Commedia, the role of language in performances, and how these elements can be applied to modern theater...

" It connects to every other form of art because it's all about the troupe" - David Alan Roby Summary This conversation explores the vibrant world of Commedia dell'arte, a theatrical tradition that emphasizes movement, collaboration, and responsiveness. David Roby shares his journey into this art form, discussing its historical significance, the role of masks, and the importance...

Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan explores the vibrant world of Commedia dell'Arte, a revolutionary form of street theater that emerged during the Renaissance. He discusses its origins, key characteristics, and the influence of stock characters on modern comedy. The episode also delves into the famous play 'The Servant of Two Masters' by Carlo Goldoni, highlighting its improvisati...

Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, Rohan interviews Constantine, a scriptwriter for high school and college theater studying Cinema and Media studies in University of Washington. They discuss the creative process of scriptwriting, the unique challenges faced in educational theater, and the often-overlooked role of scriptwriters. Constantine shares his experiences with deadlines, collaboration...

"Keep your eyes and mind open." - Moumita Bhattacharya Keywords theater, directing, choreography, Seattle theater, Moumita Bhattacharya, audience interpretation, artistic influences, House of Joy, casting, storytelling Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, Rohan interviews Moumita Bhattacharya, a prominent theater director and choreographer in Seattle. They discuss her journey from Indian classi...

In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan Sengupta engages with Dr. Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei, a renowned expert in Japanese and intercultural performance. They explore Dr. Sorgenfrei's journey into Japanese theatre, the fusion of Noh and Greek theatre, and the distinct differences in performance styles between Japanese and Western theatre. The conversation also delves into the significance of...

summary In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan interviews rising star Jerik Fernandez, who shares his unique journey into the world of theater, his experiences in the MFA acting program at the University of Washington, and his aspirations for the future. Jerik discusses the importance of storytelling in acting, the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the performing arts, and offers...

"The emotions are raw, the stakes are high." In this episode, Rohan delves into the rich tapestry of Japan's theatrical traditions, focusing on Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. Each form of theater offers a unique perspective on culture, emotion, and storytelling, showcasing the evolution of performance art in Japan from the Edo period to the present day. The discussion highlights the distinct characteri...

"No two theater careers are alike." In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan speaks with Brooke Thomas, a costume shop assistant, about the vital role of costuming in theater. Brooke shares her journey into costume design, detailing the intricate processes involved in creating costumes, the differences between her role and that of a costume designer, and the often unseen work that goes...

"You can't have a show with one person." Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan interviews lighting designer Grace McIntyre, who shares her journey into lighting design, the importance of collaboration in theatre, and her creative process. Grace discusses how she associates colors with characters, the challenges she faces in designing lighting for different productions, a...

"Sound can make or break a mood." Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan speaks with sound designer Riley about the integral role of sound in theatre. They discuss Riley's journey from acting to sound design, the collaborative nature of theatre production, the emotional impact of sound on audiences, and the challenges faced in sound design. Riley shares valuable advice for aspiring sou...

"You can't be afraid of the word no." In this enlightening conversation, Professor Kathy Perkins shares her journey from aspiring actress to a renowned lighting designer and theater historian. She discusses her commitment to amplifying the voices of Black women in theater, the collaborative nature of lighting design, and her artistic philosophy that prioritizes storytelling over ostentation. Perki...

Summary In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan interviews Isabella Marziello, an assistant stage manager from Seattle. They discuss Isabella's journey from acting to stage management, the unique theater culture in Seattle, and the challenges faced in regional theaters. Isabella shares insights on the importance of communication, community, and self-care in the demanding world of theater. S...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Lou Champoux-Roberts shares his journey from acting to stage management, detailing the complexities and joys of working in high school theater. He discusses the multifaceted role of a stage manager, the challenges of balancing school and theater commitments, and the importance of time management. Lou also reflects on memorable productions, crisis management e...