MAKERS: EMILY FLETCHER: FROM BROADWAY TO ZIVA MEDITATION + GETTING BETTER AT LIFE
This week, Broadway performer turned meditation and mindfulness expert, Emily Fletcher gives us all the details on how learning to meditate makes us better at life. The mastermind behind Ziva Meditation, Emily has our mental support covered -- now including Ziva Kids!
MAKERS: RYAN J. HADDAD: NEW HOMES, SOLO SHOWS, + HI, ARE YOU SINGLE?
This week, Ryan Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling."
MAKERS: TIFFANI GAVIN: CREATIVE PRODUCING, THE EUGENE O’NEILL + THE BROADWAY COMMUNITY PROJECT
This week, Tiffani Gavin, the new Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, shares her passion for supporting emerging artists and the desire to educate the world on the scope and impact of the industry overall with the Broadway Community Project.
CREATIVITY SPARKS: MUDLARKING + VERBATIM THEATRE
In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share a tinderbox of sparks with the treasure-hunting, archeology-digging, historical-fact-finding adventure that is Mudlarking and the use of language as an entry point into character with Anna Deavere Smith's creation of Verbatim Theatre.
MAKERS: MATT VOGEL: GETTING BOOED, BECOMING A MUPPET + RETAINING SOMETHING THAT’S YOURS
Susan and Laura curl up with the endlessly creative Matt Vogel. At Sesame Street and in his roles as Kermit the Frog and Big Bird, Matt utilizes his skills as an actor, puppeteer, songwriter, director, and so much more. He shares highlights from his creative journey from getting booed at the high school talent show to debuting triumphantly at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt remains inspired by Jim Henson's mantra to be in service of the best idea, and Kermit's guiding purpose of "making millions of people happy."
CREATIVITY SPARKS: BIRD BY BIRD + HONEY BOY
On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks from their personal spark files: The infinite wisdom and inspiration of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and the hopeful possibility of redemption and healing of Shia LaBeouf's Honey Boy. Both sparks speak to the bravery of observing life (your own and others'), taking notes and telling the truth.
MAKERS: JONATHAN GROFF PART 1: REHEARSAL ROOMS, THE O FACE + TELLING THE TRUTH
In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth.
CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language
MAKERS: ZACHARY QUINTO PART 1: UNCERTAINTY, INSPIRATION + AUTHENTICITY
Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan and Laura and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to Star Trek and well beyond.
