This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we sit down with the extraordinary Gabrielle Papillon — a multi-dimensional artist with roots in dance, music, theatre, academics, and producing. Despite her long list of accomplishments, Gab speaks honestly about what it means to “make it” as an artist in today’s world, and how her own definition of success continues to evolve.

Her latest project, Mind the Light, is a two-act original queer musical inspired by her family history. Drawing from the story of her great-grandmother’s birth in a storm-battered lighthouse, Gabrielle reimagines a world where her ancestors stayed and fought to keep the light. The workshop concert reading debuts December 10 at The Sanctuary in Dartmouth.

In this raw, authentic, and wide-ranging conversation, Gabrielle opens up about everything from perimenopause to the cultural industries in Nova Scotia, to the joys and struggles of creating ambitious work on her own terms. She’s a true creative spirit, and we’re proud to celebrate her story.

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Intro song: “A Day in the Life"

Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Gabrielle’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/gabpapillon/

Gabrielle’s Website: https://www.gabriellepapillon.com/

Mind the Light Tickets: https://www.gabriellepapillon.com/mind-the-light