Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Rafael Jean

Who are you? Rafael Jaen

What do you do? I am a professional costume designer and a design-technology professor at Emerson College.

Where are you from originally? Caracas, Venezuela the New York City!

How long have you been working in Boston? Since 1985; I am older than Iook… Gasp! p!!!

Why do you stay? I love the seasons in New England, I love the urban scale and the historical neighborhoods. The city keeps growing in sophisticated ways; including a thriving art scene. Plus you can’t beat its proximity to Cape Cod!

What’s your earliest theatre memory? A production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House mounted as a contemporary actors rehearsal in 1979. Though I was young. the immedicay of the topic and the earnest delivery from the actors hooked me.

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Believe it or not; it was a Hasty Pudding show at Harvard. I met many of my first theater tech friends there.

What was your first job in the theatre? Designing costumes for the Watertown Dance Company in the late 80′s.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? Homemade gnocchi with truffle butter.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Chocolat!

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? I am usually behind the scenes… I try to snack and have mints at hand…

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? Shorter winters!

What kind of theater excites you? All of it; specially new works with an edge.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Show up; show up, show up!!!

The Boston Theatre Conference focused on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? I completely embrace the idea it is about linking the pleasure of theater with a commitment to community and the cultural environment.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Emily C. A. Snyder

Who are you? Emily C. A. Snyder

What do you do? I’m a theatre director, teacher and playwright.  Occasionally, I act.  (Mostly to remember what it’s like on the other side of the stagelights.)  As a director, I’m often also producer and designer – but it’s nice when I’m not!

Where are you from originally? All over – Amherst and Worcester, MA, then Portsmouth, NH, then Pompton Lakes, NJ, with a brief stint in Steubenville, OH and an even briefer stint in Gaming, Austria, then back to Marlborough, MA.

How long have you been working in Boston? The length of grad school at Emerson.

Why do you stay? Because there’s something exciting and rich here!  There’s a hunger for good theatre, new theatre, or old theatre made relevant today.  That’s important.

What’s your earliest theatre memory? Seeing Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan when I was 3.  I still remember some of the staging, and the moment when Peter Pan (the first love of my life) flew over me…?!?!!?!  Yeah.  Magic.

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Actually, it was when we first moved back here from NJ.  I’d been spoiled rotten by being able to live only 45- minutes west of Broadway for eleven years and I was all “piffle” about theatre anywhere else.  Then I discovered the theatre district in Boston and promptly changed my mind. I

What was your first job in the theatre? First theatrical gig was in nursery school when the parents were late for some sort of presenation that day.  Since it was way too quiet and there was a hold, little four year old me naturally thought they were all there to be entertained, and I’d better jump into the breach.  So I stood up and presented two versions of the “I’m a Little Teapot” song.  However, the first PAID gig I had in theatre was a director for a 425-person Wizard of Oz (72 Munchkins…oy!).  Stockholm-syndrome-y, I’ve been happily directing ever since.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? I generally can’t eat before a show.  So, the best meal I’ve ever had AFTER was the cyclone pasta (now sadly removed) from Outback.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Diet Coke

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? Again, I generally forget to eat, and then when I’m hungry it’s too late and I’m too full of adreneline.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? The fear artists have about “selling out.”  Learn how to entertain AND educate.  Art and bums in seats are not mutually exclusive.

What kind of theater excites you? The more immediate, tangible and in-your-face, the better.  Out of the doublets and hose and into my face, please!

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Breathe.  Don’t sell out your personal philosophies for a job.  Remember, you have the great honor of changing lives.  Make sure you can sign up for something that is true, good and beautiful.

The Boston Theatre Conference focused on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? think therefore I am!  no, seriously, I think that Boston is a great birthplace of new and developing works that rival – and I say this as one who was a Broadway snob – what’s being done anywhere else in the country.  Let’s get the word out, folks!

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

 

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Erika Geller

Who are you? Erika Geller

What do you do? I’m a Founding Co-Artistic Director with The CoLab Theatre Company, an actress, a playwright, and occasionally a waitress.

Where are you from originally? Pittsfield, MA

How long have you been working in Boston? I’ve been working professionally in Boston since 2009, but I’ve been experiencing theatre here since 2005.

Why do you stay? Love that dirty water. This city has a feeling about it that speaks to me.

What’s your earliest theatre memory? When I was about 9, I was in a production of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. All I remember were the lights. It was terrifying.

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? My roommate and I went to see Spelling Bee – the production was so full of joy that I didn’t want it to end.

What was your first job in the theatre? When I was 16, I interned at a summer stock company in my hometown. I worked with the stage manager. I was so jealous of all of the actors! It was an important experience because it taught me where my heart belongs.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? My parents and I went out to a meal at Legal Seafoods. Rare tuna steak, seaweed salad, mashed potatoes, and a glass of pinot grigio! Yum!

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Apples. Or Twizzlers.

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? I’ll eat something small before I go on stage, usually yogurt or fruit or pretzels. Usually I’m too excited to eat anything more!

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? I want to put butts in the seats. So many people are nervous to attend because they are unfamiliar with live theatre. Most theatre is accessible to the “everyman” (and woman) but they just don’t know it. We need to market it that way.

What kind of theater excites you? If the actors are enjoying themselves on stage, I’ll be excited in the audience. If the playwright put a piece of their heart in the script, I’m excited to speak their words. Show me a group of people who love their craft, and I’m on board.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? You don’t have to take every piece of advice given to you. Listen, thank the advice giver and do what you feel is right for you. In the end, you have to be the type of artist you want to be. Keep pushing, and you’ll get there.

The Boston Theatre Conference focused on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? We have all of the right puzzle pieces, but we’re still figuring out how to put them together. The border pieces are in place, but we’re looking for those pesky squiggly pieces that go in the middle of the picture. The only way we’re going to finish the puzzle is by trying new things and learning each time a piece doesn’t quite fit perfectly.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

 

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Jeff Adelberg

Who are you? Jeff Adelberg

What do you do? Lighting Designer, and I teach at Boston College

Where are you from originally? Washington, DC., and grew up in Maine.

How long have you been working in Boston? Since 2003

Why do you stay? I like it here.  But also, establishing myself as an artist has been exceptionally rewarding, but also the greatest challenge I’ve ever had.  I don’t know if I could start again from scratch somewhere else.  Good thing I like it here, no?

What’s your earliest theatre memory? Seeing my favorite babysitter in Annie when I was three years old.

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Helping Darren Evans hang lights for a Zeitgeist Stage show.  I can trace a lot of my career (so far) back to that day.

What was your first job in the theatre? I was a technical intern at the Theatre at Monmouth in Maine for a summer just before college.  I had seen many shows there growing up, so it was very exciting to get to work there.  And 47 dollars a week!

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? Neapolitan pizza at Picco is my favorite thing.  Especially if it’s followed with one of their brownie sundaes.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Of course, home-made cookies.

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? This survey feels a little actor-centric.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? In Boston, many companies put a disporportionate amount of resources into marketing but not enough in to making great theatre.  If more went into production, wouldn’t the result be a better way to attract audiences?

What kind of theater excites you? Innovative, unusual, weird, funny, disturbing.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Be nice.

The Boston Theatre Conference focused on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? This community is capable of making lively & lush local theatre.  How can I help?

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

 

 

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Marco Carneiro

Who are you? Marco Carneiro

What do you do? I’m the Managing Artistic Director of the Boston Stage Company and I work as a freelance director and administrator.

Where are you from originally? Milford, MA

How long have you been working in Boston? 3 years

Why do you stay? It’s where I feel most like me.

What’s your earliest theatre memory? Seeing a double billing of Curious George and Amelia Bedelia at the Majestic in kindergarten. Now that’s what I call a field trip!

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? It’s actually the same memory from above. Maybe that’s why I feel connected to Boston’s theatre scene.

What was your first job in theatre? I was a guest voice coach for Framingham State’s production of Godspell in 2007.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? Ethiopian at Addis Red Sea before our premiere of MyLicklider.com at the BCA last spring.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Cranberry-Almond KIND bars and double shots from Starbucks.

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? Usually, I wait until after.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? I would find a way to shorten the line to the ladies’ restroom.

What kind of theater excites you? Lately I’ve felt a strong interest in theater companies with resident artist ensembles. They train together before they conceive and create each piece, start to finish. While being proctored, each member can introduce, challenge or expand upon any idea in order to shape the piece entirely in the studio. The Satori Group in Seattle has found a lot of success with this.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Be patient, but look to make your own opportunities. With that said, ambition doesn’t call for ruthlessness.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? I know I like this! Especially the local aspect.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Robyn Linden

Who are you? Robyn Linden

What do you do? I’m the Vice President and Marketing Chair of the Small Theatre Alliance of Boston, and freelance marketer currently collaborating with New Exhibition Room, Vaquero Playground and Exquisite Corps Theatre.

Where are you from originally? Cleveland, Ohio

How long have you been working in Boston? Moved here summer of ’07 to transfer into Emerson, been active in the theatre scene since ’09.

Why do you stay? I have a lot of Boston pride, even if I refuse to root for the sports teams. There’s just so much to uncover in this town, from the history to the people to the arts and cultural events springing up all over the place.

What is your earliest theatre memory? I was in a summer camp production of Oliver in the 3rd grade. I was a pickpocket and got to sing the line “Would you rob a shop?” Not pretty in a midwestern accent…

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Say what you will about the subway in the winter, but cheap, easy access to Logan airport is a wonderful thing. On my first visit to Boston I got off the plane, hit the Blue Line, switched to Green at Goverment Center, and finally emerged at street level at Boylston. Straight ahead were signs saying “Theatre District.” I knew I’d be staying.

What was your first job in theatre? I grew up doing musicals. So, rehearsing.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? My preferences change with each process. Depends on the local vending machine or convenience store. Lately I’m into Pretzel M&Ms. Where have those been all my life?!

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? I want more “non-theatre-people” to walk in the door. There’s something for everyone in our local theatres, and I hope our audiences will expand so the work can reach farther and deeper into Boston.

What kind of theater excites you? I love the kind of theatre that requires me to take a deep breath. It can come from actors really listening to one another or from a specific and beautiful design element. The breath is cleansing and thrilling and unlike any other.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Connect. Don’t be afraid to say hello, reach out to someone online, have an informational coffee. We all have stories to share and have probably felt the same kinds of fear and timidity. If you want to get involved just speak up.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? I find the sheer number of passionate theatre artists in our community totally thrilling. I hope the conference will start a conversation that will continue for a long time to come, fostering communication, collaboration and inspiration. We have a lot to talk about, and I’m very much looking forward to it!

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Kenny Steven Fuentes

Who are you? Kenny Steven Fuentes

What do you do? Act, direct, produce, blog and write plays. When I get bored, I found theatre companies.

Where are you from originally? Down South…of Boston. Brockton, MA to be exact. We killed Sacco and Vanzetti.

How long have you been working in Boston? 2.5 years.

Why do you stay? I’m a wanted man. I have the death sentence on twelve systems.

What is your earliest theatre memory? As a child, watching Charlotte’s Web from backstage at Wheelock Family Theatre.T

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Technically the above, but I remember my first memory in Boston as an actor is of totally bombing at an audition for an Equity theatre. A month later, they called me and asked me to keep in touch. That meant a lot to me.

What was your first job in theatre? My first gig out of college was a small part at Wheelock, which seemed fitting. I looked like a smurf.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? Turkey Reuben at Francesca’s.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Beer. I mean… Not beer…

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? I try to have light meals. I eat as one would before competing in a sporting event.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? Bring down the price of a ticket. Even fringe theaters charge a lot.

What kind of theater excites you? I love watching a show where the actors are terrified and okay with it. That’s really the only truly honest acting.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? If it scares the living crap out of you, you’re probably on the right track.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? That’s one of the reasons I stay here. I really appreciate our focus on fostering growth of local art. Also, I have the death sentence on 12 systems.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Steve Smith

Who are you? Steve Smith

What do you do? I am the co-founder and administrative czar of CBACT, the Consortium of Boston-Area Children’s Theatres

Where are you from originally? Philadelphia

How long have you been working in Boston? 21 years

Why do you stay? Exciting city, great culture, the Sox…oh, and close to both ocean and mountains

What’s your earliest theatre memory? Falling asleep while watching the original Broadway production of Camelot….

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Seeing Shakespeare at the ART.

What was your first job in theatre? Techie-stage crew

What kind of theater excites you? Anything original and thought-provoking.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? I think it’s great. I’m looking forward to hearing from all of the many voices in the Boston theatre community.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Meri Jenkins

Who are you? Meri Jenkins

What do you do? Program Manager, Massachusetts Cultural Council

Where are you from originally? London, UK

How long have you been working in Boston? 20 years

Why do you stay? Cultural life, of course! (and family…)

What’s your earliest theatre memory? A theatre in education troupe that came to my school when I was about eight years old, and I can still see, smell and feel that performance.

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? I worked on the original production of Vinegar Tom by Caryl Churchill in London, and when I moved here, there happened to be a production of the play – I wanted my partner to see it. It was a much smaller production!

What was your first job in theatre? Having left drama school, I joined a group of people rehabbing a warehouse space on the River Thames for live/work space for artists on the upper floors, and performance space on the first floor. We presented and produced, and did everything involved between us.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? Curry.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Nuts.

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? After the performance – always. No one wants you to upchuck when you step into the footlights.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? Locally? Have the guts to do the work you want to do at a scale you can do it…

What kind of theater excites you? Physical, unconventional, well written, performed with care, directed with attention to detail, and with lots of heart.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Just do it. Don’t wait. Find like minded people. Work hard. Don’t complain. And the work will get better.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? It is lively if you ignore the local spin, it is lush in that there is a lot of it in the region to choose from, and it is blessedly local, which translates into being accessible.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!

Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Beth Peters

Who are you? Beth Peters

What do you do? Theatre Educator, Director, and New-Media Consulatant

Where are you from originally? Chicago

How long have you been working in Boston? 7 years

Why do you stay? There is a greater amount of drama education work here.

What’s your earliest theatre memory? Being in a music-show in 3rd grade, in which I played a Bee. My best friend had the “lead” and she forgot all her lines and was crying. I helped her remember all of her lines.

What was your first job in theatre? Development Assistant for the Court Theatre, Chicago. Prior to that, acting and ASMing around town.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? This might not be a popular choice, but I like to eat a big steak, since I probably won’t eat again for like 6 hours.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Trail mix, baby!

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? I eat about 2 hours before curtain and only water until after the show.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? It would be diverse without a constant worry and argument about the word “diverse.”

What kind of theater excites you? New plays that reflect our new culture in America…whatever that might mean.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? “If you know what you want, then you go, and you find it, and you GET IT.” - Into the Woods. In other words, be tireless. Be shameless. Go get the work and do well at your job and don’t worry about the money starting out.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? I think Boston has a lot to celebrate within itself, but should be open to young or new-to-Boston artists.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!