Guests: Chris Bradley & Eloise Ellis

Eloise tells us how reprising her role as Ariel in ROH’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid is just what she needs this summer to help reclaim her passions for theatre. Chris is excited and ready to perform as Ursula, a role he’s eyed since 6th grade. Our guests chat about just singing songs versus putting passion and heart behind the music and where these efforts make the difference for the performance. They talk about making genuine connections to their roles and how this keeps repeat productions interesting.

Guest: Grady Savage

Grady Savage joins Sam Bennett to talk shop about stage managing. Stage managers run all aspects of the performance from before the start of rehearsals until strike. We hear how she keeps things in order, on time, and how she brings the show back to order after technical malfunctions and missed cues. Starring in theatre since the early age of 8, Grady started working the technical side of theatre in her teens and throughout her college years. Her main focus is making sure everyone is safe and has a great time!

Guests: Sam McLaughlin & Kyra Anthony

Join guests Sam McLaughlin and Kyra Anthony as they chat about their ensemble roles in Rochester Opera House’s production of Annie. Sam talks about initially emerging as a musician but how that transformed into a dynamic ability to transfer from stage to pit to coaching fellow actors. Kyra shares the exciting chaos of transitioning into understudy roles at the last minute. Each gives positive insight for adapting to things going wrong in live theater.

Guest: Jennifer Towle

Associate Artistic Director & Director of Education at RPAC, Jennifer “Jenry” Towle, talks about going into her fifth year of teaching kids' theater camp at Rochester Performance & Arts Center. She mentions how teaching, inspiring, and empowering students helps shape and encourage positive culture in our community. A Pennsylvania native, Jenry toured the country with Hampstead Stage Company where she gained experience working with children across the country. Jenry performs this month as Hannigan in ROH’s production of “Annie”, a character with a personality that is a complete one-eighty from her role as Director of Education.

Scott joins Sam for a witty and charming chat about his upcoming role as Daddy Warbucks in Annie and directing the ROH Summer Theatre Production of The Little Mermaid. Scott shares his stage history and how he transforms lives through laughter. We discuss mentoring and educating youngsters in theatre and how vital they are to every production.

Guest: Anthony Ejarque

Join Sam Bennett as he introduces us to Rochester Opera House’s Executive Director, Anthony Ejarque. Listen to how the Rochester Opera House and Rochester Performance & Arts Center stay involved in our vibrant little city from the 60’s through today. We discuss adapting to recent arts funding cuts, engaging 1,000s of youth at our arts & education programming, HRCU $10 kid’s tickets, and an upcoming basketball game fundraiser held right in the opera house.