Shows
Centered on the ArtsGraduating Seniors 2024 (Kayla Bryant and Yulbee Shin)It’s the last episode of season 4! On today's episode, we meet with some of our graduating seniors from the Center For the Arts. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students. Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in addition to their humor, our students have brought a community to the CFA they happily share with every patron. Our graduating seniors are wise beyond their years, and their worldviews are worth appreciating....2024-05-2917 min
Centered on the ArtsDance in FlightDance in Flight is celebrating their 30th year here at Pepperdine University! They will be presenting a very exciting show in Smothers Theatre on March 14, 15, and 16. I sat down with senior dancers Mariah Macias and Taylor Faas to learn more about the excitement and hard work that go into these special performances. Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/dance-in-flight-2023.htm?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2DwyZxAYVYugp9zkyVqD4XTMT7EmYptwofGHcWElI-xJVvk65pasIIaAlwjEALw_wcB More information about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Jeremy Zerbe ...2024-03-1214 min
Centered on the ArtsKeith Colclough (The Merry Widow)Presented by the Flora L. Thornton Opera Program, the light-hearted romantic comedy, The Merry Widow, is coming to Smothers Theatre on February 22nd and 24th! I sat down with Dr. Keith Colclough, the show's director and associate professor of vocal studies at Pepperdine, and talked about the challenges of preparing opera for the stage, his favorite parts of the show, and the enormous talent that carries the opera. Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2023-2024-season/merry-widow.htm More information about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.p...2024-02-2016 min
Centered on the ArtsYoung Concert Artists on TourPepperdine University’s Raitt Recital Hall was recently treated to an incredible performance by five young classical artists: American bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, Danish cellist Jonathan Swensen, Spanish/Dutch pianist Albert Cano Smit, American tenor Daniel McGrew, and Chinese violinist Lun Li. Represented by Young Concert Artists, these singers and instrumentalists are among the elite of today’s rising classical musicians. Together, they shared an impressive program of Mendellsohn, Strauss, Schumann, and Marx. I had a chance to sit down with them and discuss their touring experience, performing on the concert stage, and the demands of practice and prep...2024-02-0520 min
Centered on the ArtsDr. Ryan Board (Director, Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert)THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! Come see the Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra present their annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:30pm in Smothers Theatre. They'll be performing timeless holiday tunes and selections from the classical repertoire. I sat down with Dr. Ryan Board, Director of Choral Activities at Pepperdine, and discussed the joys and challenges of preparing students for this event. This show is sold out, but will be livestreamed here: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2023-2024-season/mus-christmas-choir-orch.htm More information about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can b...2023-12-0109 min
Centered on the ArtsAndrew von OeyenInternationally acclaimed pianist Andrew von Oeyen returns to Pepperdine for a residency at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts! During his time here, he performed Beethovan's Emperor Concerto and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Pepperdine Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Pierre Long-Tao Tang. I sat down with Andrew to discuss his experiences as a performer and his special connection to Pepperdine. Follow the Center for the Arts here and on Instagram to stay up to date with new episodes as they're released. More info about the Center for the Arts...2023-10-1014 min
Centered on the ArtsComposer Talk with Jeremy ZerbeSEASON 4 IS HERE! I welcome composer Jeremy Zerbe back to the podcast for an incredible conversation about the music written for the show over the past three seasons. We have an incredible conversation about the creative process, collaborating with musicians, and the joys of writing music for media! There is a lot in store for this season! Make sure to follow us here and on Instagram to stay up to date with new episodes as they're released. More info about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found h...2023-09-1923 min
Centered on the ArtsGraduating Seniors 2023It’s the last episode of season 3! On today's episode, we meet with some of our graduating seniors from the Center For the Arts. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students. Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in addition to their humor, our students have brought a community to the CFA they happily share with every patron. Our graduating seniors are wise beyond their years, and their worldviews are wor...2023-07-2617 min
Centered on the ArtsSeason 3 FinaleWe’d like to thank you all for listening and participating during season 3. After this episode, we’ll be taking a break and will return for season 4 in the fall. Keep your ears open for our return date. Take a listen to some of our favorite responses as to why the arts are important. We would like to thank all of our guests and artists for joining us this year, including Taimane, Laila Biali, Mandy Gonzalez, Javier Muñoz, Pablo Sainz-Villegas, and the many others. More info about the Center for the Arts inclu...2023-07-2603 min
Centered on the ArtsCarson Vandermade (Weisman Museum Assistant)For the first time, Carson Vandermade joins the podcast to discuss the Senior Showcase presented in the Weisman Museum. Carson discusses what patrons expect to see, the senior students’ work, the importance of showcasing their work in a museum, and why he believes the arts are important. Carson Vandermade graduated from Pepperdine University in 2022 with a BA in studio art. He is the museum assistant and arts education coordinator for Pepperdine's Weisman Museum of Art. Carson is also a practicing visual artist whose work considers the relationships people form with their spaces and their belongings. Mo...2023-04-1826 min
Centered on the ArtsCathy Thomas-Grant (Director, Americana: A Murder Ballad)Directing major Jacqueline Thornell meets with Cathy Thomas-Grant, a cherished theatre professor at Pepperdine who served as the director of the summer Edinburgh program from 2000-2022. Jacqueline and Cathy talk about Pepperdine’s upcoming performance of Americana: A Murder Ballad, its relevance and importance to today’s time, and why the arts are important. After earning her Bachelor's degree at California State University Northridge in 1984 and her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from The American Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco in 1992, Cathy went on to lead an impressive career in the theatre, with actin...2023-04-0424 min
Centered on the ArtsYing Li, Piano Concert (BONUS EPISODE)For the first time on this podcast, we get to bring the concert to you! Back on January 29, 2023, pianist sensation, Ying Li performed at Raitt Recital Hall. Listen to Ying Li perform Fantasy in C Major, Opus 17 by ROBERT SCHUMANN, Sonata for Piano by BÉLA BARTÓK, Instants d’un opera de Pekin by QIGANG CHEN, and L’oiseau de feu by IGOR STRAVINSKY. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Jeremy Zerbe2023-03-2258 min
Centered on the ArtsPablo Sáinz-Villegas (Classical Guitar, 2006 International Parkening Guitar Competition Winner)Guitar sensation and the inaugural winner of the 2006 Parkening International Guitar Competition Pablo Sáinz-Villegas join the podcast! Pablo has been acclaimed by the international press and by The New York Times for his "virtuous and moving performance, with an irresistible exuberance and a range of bright colors." He has played for world leaders such as the Dalai Lama and has made numerous world premieres, including the first work written for guitar by John Williams. Pablo will be performing at Smothers Theatre on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Listen in as Nolan Harvel, our As...2023-03-1538 min
Centered on the ArtsMandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz (Broadway Stars)Broadway stars Mandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz join the podcast! Mandy is highly known for starring as Angelica Schuyler on the hit show Hamilton and Nina Rosario on In the Heights. Javier is equally as known for starring as Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton after Lin-Manuel Miranda departed the show. Javier is currently on Broadway starring in the pre-Broadway run of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: A NEW MUSICAL. He plays Miranda Priestley’s right-hand man, “Nigel”. Listen in as Jacqueline Thornell, a Theatre Directing major at Pepperdine interviews them about...2023-03-0131 min
Centered on the ArtsKeith Colclough (H.M.S. Pinafore)Dr. Keith Colclough returns to the podcast for the third time! Dr. Colclough is an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. We sit down to discuss what a healthy singing voice is, types of singing styles, and the upcoming comedic performance of H.M.S. Pinafore Details! H.M.S. Pinafore Details Thursday, February 23 & Saturday, February 25, 2023 Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2022-2023-season/pepperdine-opera-hms-pinafore.htm More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https...2023-02-1423 min
Centered on the ArtsLaila Biali Part 2 (Jazz Singer, JUNO Winner)Part 2 of jazz and musical phenomenon Laila Biali! Listen to the second part of Laila’s interview. Laila is wonderful! Don’t miss this episode as Laila talks about the differences in music between her home in Toronto, Canada, and her other home, New York City, and a few other topics. You can find all of Laila’s information here: https://lailabiali.com/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Nolan Harvel2023-02-0121 min
Centered on the ArtsLaila Biali (Jazz Singer, JUNO Winner)Jazz and musical phenomenon Laila Biali joins the Centered on the Arts podcast! Don’t miss this episode as Laila talks about her JUNO win, finding her space within Jazz and the music industry, and what she thinks should be taught in music education. And, of course, why she believes the arts are important. You can find all of Laila’s information here: https://lailabiali.com/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Nolan Harvel2023-01-1734 min
Centered on the ArtsHollace Starr Pt. 2 (Into the Woods, Director)Part 2 with Hollace Starr! Listen in as we continue the conversation with all the audio that didn't make it into the first episode. Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice tea...2022-12-0717 min
Centered on the ArtsHollace Starr (Into the Woods, Director)Hollace Starr returns to discuss her upcoming production of Into the Woods. Hollace shares her experience directing her first musical, the deep themes within the characters and story of Into the Woods, and why the arts are important. Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is...2022-11-0929 min
Centered on the ArtsTaimane (Ukulele)Ukulele and musical sensation Taimane joins the Centered on the Arts podcast! Taimane, a hapa Sāmoan artist (part indigenous Sāmoan and part Caucasian) born and raised in Hawai‘i, has established herself as an artist-to-watch, wowing audiences and listeners around the world while raking in one accolade after another and garnering a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award as Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 2019. From sold-out shows across the U.S. to Europe, Taimane’s live performances have become must-see events. The same can be said of her videos, which have been viewed well over 50 million t...2022-10-2429 min
Centered on the ArtsStephane Wrembel ("Gypsy Jazz" Guitarist)In this episode, Reinhardt guitar specialist Stephane Wrembel joins us and talks about learning the guitar and spending time with the Sinti people, his connection with Django Reinhardt, and his thoughts on why the arts are important. Specializing in the now-known "gypsy jazz" style of guitar, Stephane has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Town Hall. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Nolan Harvel2022-10-1329 min
Centered on the ArtsRebecca Carson (New CFA Season & Booking Artists)It’s season announcement time!!! Rebecca Carson, our Managing Director, joins me in announcing the new 2022–2023 lineup of Presented Shows at Smothers Theatre, Raitt Recital Hall, and Lindhurst Theatre. Rebecca also shares some details on next year’s season - can you believe we’re already planning for next year too? Join Rebecca and me and learn who’s coming to the Center for the Arts and how Rebecca finds artists to book. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Nolan Harvel2022-09-2838 min
Centered on the ArtsBrad Griffin (Director, Divisional Dean of Fine Arts)IT’S TIME FOR SEASON 3! Our first guest is Dr. Brad Griffin, Divisional Dean of the Fine Arts Department at Seaver College and the Director of The Importance of Being Earnest here at Pepperdine University. Brad and I talk a lot about his upcoming show, his directing process, and the selection process in the Seaver College Fine Arts Division. The Importance of Being Earnest will run from Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - Saturday, September 24, 2022. The link to purchase tickets are below. Hurry fast, as two nights are completely sold out! To purchase tickets, ple...2022-09-1531 min
Centered on the ArtsSeason 2 FinaleWe’d like to thank you all for listening and participating during season 2. After this episode, we’ll be taking a break and will return for Season 3 in the fall. Keep your ears open for our return date. In today’s episode, we share some of our favorite responses to “why the arts are important?” We hear from Christine Cox, Nolan Harvel, Stacey Kent, Jessica Rivera Shafer, Andrea Gyorody, and Heather Lundstedt. We would like to thank all of our guests and artists for joining us this year, including Rebecca Carson, Paul Vacchiano, Nic Few, Kelly Todd...2022-07-0103 min
Centered on the ArtsTAIKOPROJECT & Jenny Scheinman (Taiko drums, Violinist; Unreleased Audio)In this episode, we will be sharing new audio and excerpts from podcasts with two of our favorite artists, TAIKOPROJECT and Jenny Scheinman. The Center for the Arts will present TAIKOPROJECT on May 21, 2022, and we will present Jenny Scheinman on June 3, 2022. First, we will hear Rebecca Carson talking with Bryan Yamami about TAIKOPROJECT’s new tour of Benzaiten. This was originally aired on December 1, 2020. After, R.J. Morgan and Jenny Scheinman talk about her upcoming performance of Kannapolis: A Moving Picture, how she fell into this project, and her process. This was originally aired on January 4, 2022. More inf...2022-05-1722 min
Centered on the ArtsDr. Board, Dr. Hanks, Christian Romo, and Thomas Lowe (Satan's Fall)Dr. Ryan Board, Dr. Lincoln Hanks, and Pepperdine students Christian Romo and Thomas Lowe join R.J. to discuss the upcoming performance of "Satan’s Fall," an oratorio composed by Stewart Copeland, the drummer for the iconic rock band, the Police. The group talk about their unique experiences collaborating with Copeland, the history of the oratorio, and why the arts are important. If you are interested in tickets for Satan's Fall, please visit: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2753567/satans-fallan-oratorio-by-stewart-copeland-malibu-smothers-theatre Music by Nolan Harvel2022-04-1335 min
Centered on the ArtsHollace Starr Returns (Voice/Dialects & Director)Hollace Starr returns to the podcast to discuss her upcoming production of The Winter’s Tale with Assistant Podcast Producer Sean Allinson. Hollace opens up about her affinity for Shakespeare, the universal themes of comedy and tragedy, and why the arts are important. Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a des...2022-03-3037 min
Centered on the ArtsStacey Kent (Jazz, Singer) Part 2Stacey joins us once again to discuss how she found jazz and how living in new places affects her musically. R.J. hosts as Stacey describes how finding a close-knit team helped her through the Covid-19 Quarantine. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Nolan Harvel2022-03-1525 minCentered on the ArtsStacey Kent (Jazz, Singer)The incredibly talented Stacey Kent guest stars on today’s episode! Stacey and R.J. had a lengthy conversation about the beginning stages of her career, what she would tell her younger self and the pivotal moments within her career. Of course, we asked her why are the arts important, but she also offers some excellent advice to every artist in any phase of their career. Stacey Kent will be on stage at Smothers Theatre on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. For tickets, click the link below. https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5312432/stacey-kent-malibu-smothers-theatre M...2022-03-0233 min
Centered on the ArtsKeith Colclough (Le Nozze Di Figaro)Dr. Keith Colclough returns to the podcast! Dr. Colclough is an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. We sit down to discuss what a healthy singing voice is, types of singing styles, and the upcoming comedic performance of Le Nozze Di Figaro! Le Nozze Di Figaro Details Thursday, February 24 & Saturday, February 26, 2022 Ticket link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1022062/le-nozze-di-figaro-malibu-smothers-theatre More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe2022-02-2336 min
Centered on the ArtsJacob Haren & Heather Lundstedt (Actor/Singer/Producer)What a wonderful treat we have for you today! Exceptionally talented performers Jacob Haren and Heather Lundstedt join the podcast. Jacob is highly known for his Broadway role of Elder White from The Book of Mormon. His other credits include The Book of Mormon National Tour, Rock of Ages (Las Vegas), and many others. In addition to being a performer, Heather co-produced the magical show, On-Broadway. She was also a co-creator, producer, and member of the 1940s style girl group, The Bombshells, an original cast member and member of the creative team for the Disneyland show, The Silverlake Sisters, w...2022-02-0139 min
Centered on the ArtsSean Allinson & Nolan Harvel (Assistant Podcast Producer & Music Producer/Composer)This week's episode is dedicated to our students. Both Sean Allinson and Nolan Harvel are incredibly vital to the success of each podcast episode. Sean focuses as the Assistant Podcast Producer and Nolan is the Music Producer/Composer. R.J. meets with Sean and Nolan to discuss what their backgrounds are as students, what they are responsible for with the podcast, why they are choosing to enter the arts, and, of course, why are the arts important. You can find Nolan's music here: https://linktr.ee/nhharvel More info about the Center for the Arts...2022-01-2034 min
Centered on the ArtsJenny Scheinman (Violinist)Outstanding musician, known for her impeccable talent with the violin, fiddle, and vocals, Jenny Scheinman joins R.J. on Centered on the Arts. R.J. listens to Jenny as she describes what her performance of Kannapolis:A Moving Portrait will be, what our patrons should expect, her creativity, and all of the passion she brings behind her projects. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music by Nolan Harvel2022-01-0533 min
Centered on the ArtsAndrea Gyorody (Museum Director, Curator)Weisman Museum Interim Director Andrea Gyorody joins us on the podcast! Andrea is a curator, art historian, editor, and critic. From 2017 to 2020, she served as Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College. Her exhibition Afterlives of the Black Atlantic, co-curated with Matthew Francis Rarey, received a 2020 Award for Curatorial Excellence from the Association of Art Museum Curators. Currently, Andrea is presenting The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at Pepperdine University. Andrea and R.J. discuss presenting this work of art, its importance, her favorite pieces, and, of...2021-12-2229 min
Centered on the ArtsGeneva Lewis (Violinist)Exceptional violinist Geneva Lewis joins the podcast! Hailing from New Zealand, Geneva Lewis is the recipient of a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Other recent accolades include Kronberg Academy’s Prince of Hesse Prize and being named a Finalist at the 2018 Naumburg Competition. R.J. asks about her decision into classical music, her violin, are violins living entities, and why the arts are important. You can find Geneva at https://www.genevalewisviolinist.com/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pe...2021-12-0729 min
Centered on the ArtsJessica Rivera Shafer (Classical Vocalist; Pepperdine Alumnus)This episode’s guest is Jessica Rivera Shafer. Jessica is a Grammy Award-Winning singer, specializing in Classical Music. Jessica is also an alumnus from Pepperdine and one of our own Center for the Arts alums. R.J. and Jessica talk about her time at Pepperdine, studying, being in a play with Stewart O’Rourke, touring professionally around the world, and of course, her Grammy Award. You can find Jessica at www.jessicarivera.com More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music Composer: Music by Nolan Harve2021-11-2436 min
Centered on the ArtsKelly Todd (Mamma Mia!)Kelly Todd, Theatre professor at Pepperdine and director of the upcoming production Mamma Mia! visits the podcast. Kelly and R.J. talk about her process of directing, COVID-19 challenges, auditioning in the new age, and what it feels like to be back together. Mamma Mia! will run from November 12-20, 2021. You can get your tickets at: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2021-2022-season/pepperdine-musical-mamma-mia.htm More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/ Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe2021-11-0931 min
Centered on the ArtsBalletX Part 2 (Christine Cox; CEO)R.J. and Christine Cox continue their conversation from the last episode by sharing how we stayed distracted during COVID-19, BalletX’s involvement with arts education, and diving deeper into the wide range of dance and choreography opportunities provided by BalletX. To follow BalletX or learn of educational opportunities: BalletX.org For BalletX Beyond: https://www.balletx.org/join-balletx-beyond/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html Music by Nolan Harvel2021-10-2620 min
Centered on the ArtsBalletX (Christine Cox; CEO)Christine Cox, CEO and Artistic Director speaks with R.J. over the beauty, grace, and power of Modern Ballet. Christine discusses her past, present, and the growth of her company while sharing the importance to the X in BalletX. To follow BalletX or learn of educational opportunities: BalletX.org For BalletX Beyond: https://www.balletx.org/join-balletx-beyond/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html Music by Nolan Harvel2021-10-1232 min
Centered on the ArtsNic Few Returns (We Are Proud to Present...)NIC RETURNS! Nic Few returns to the podcast to go over his upcoming play “We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South West Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884–1915.” Tyler Flynn brings up an in-depth conversation with Nic in regards to the selection of plays, themes, the differences of directing an online play to back on the stage, and so much more. Also, Nic has a few student shoutouts to share. Get your tickets as soon as possible! https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1021...2021-09-2931 min
Centered on the ArtsRebecca Carson (New Season & The New Times)We're back!! For the first episode of Season 2 of Centered on the Arts, Rebecca Carson, our Managing Director, keeps everything light and breezy as she excitedly announces the new 2021–2022 lineup of Presented Shows at Smothers Theatre, Raitt Recital Hall, and Lindhurst Theatre. Rebecca also gives the scoop of what the CFA has been doing during quarantine, as well details on the new changes we've implemented in anticipation of resuming live performances. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe2021-09-1429 minCentered on the ArtsSeason 2 TrailerHi everyone! Get ready for Season 2 as we continue to have deep conversations with various performing arts professionals and ask the question, "Why are the arts important?" Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe2021-08-0302 min
Centered on the ArtsGraduating Seniors (CFA Student Workers)It’s the last episode of the season, and we have a treat! R.J. Morgan sits down with the graduating seniors of the CFA staff, Carmen Edano, Mary Buffaloe, Sam Petersen, Indy Wilson, David Bird, Sydney Swearengin, Nina Duchild, and Karli Mueller, to discuss their Pepperdine working careers as well as their future plans. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students. Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in add...2021-05-1832 min
Centered on the ArtsJeremy Zerbe - Music ComposerR.J. chats with Jeremy Zerbe, a current Pepperdine senior who is double majoring in Advertising and Music Composition while also serving as the Music Director of the Pepperdine Pickups men's a capella group and Music Producer for the Centered on the Arts podcast. He was the featured student composer for the Up Against the Screen silent film festival in Spring 2020 with the Pickford Ensemble, and recently, he composed for the theater department’s performance of As You Like It and premiered his String Quartet no. 1 with the Escalera Quartet in 2020. The pair banter about the ending of...2021-05-0426 minCentered on the ArtsKeith Colclough (Opera)On today’s episode, R.J. is joined by Keith Colclough, the Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. Colclough received his undergraduate degree from Pepperdine, and then went on to win the Fulbright fellowship to Mannheim, Germany, and later on he was also instructed by the Tanglewood Music Center and the Music Academy of the West, amongst others. His performance credits include but are not limited to solo performances at the LA Philharmonic and Opera Santa Barbara, and later his directing credits would include Pepperdine Opera classics such as Gianni Schicchi, Dido and Aeneas, and Die Fl...2021-04-2333 min
Centered on the ArtsRandall Goosby (Violinist)RJ Morgan and music student Jeremy Zerbe sit down with Randall Goosby, a talented violinist who began playing at age seven, going on to perform in orchestras such as The Cleveland Orchestra, the Buffalo Orchestra, the Rochester Orchestra, and the Orlando philharmonics, among others. He’s won a myriad of awards, including but not limited to the 2018 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Sphinx’s Isaac Stern Award, and Bagby Foundation grant. Currently, he is attending the Juilliard school of music, studying under Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho, and he is playing a Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu of 1735, on a ge...2021-04-0729 min
Centered on the ArtsSonia de los Santos (Family Music, ARTSReach)Dani chats with Sonia de los Santos, a family entertainer who has toured around the world, singing in English and Spanish to share and celebrate her culture. She began her career with Dan Zanes and friends, and has since gone on to be nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2019 and be named one of Billboards “the Latin Children’s music artists you should know”. In addition to her accolades, she has been featured on NBC’s Visiones, Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live, and WXPN’s Kids Corner, among others. Topics range from how Sonia began her career as a...2021-03-2332 min
Centered on the ArtsHollace Starr (Voice, Dialects, Director)R.J. Morgan welcomes Hollace Starr and student actor Leyla Dillig, to share their experiences with the upcoming Pepperdine show, As You Like It, and why they believe the arts are important. Hollace Starr (voice and dialects) is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Recently, Hollace directed the West Coast Premiere of Mike Bartlett’s Earthquakes In London at Rogue Machine Theatre, and she wrote and voiced the original prologue, which will be published in the upcoming “Emergency” issue of Imagined Theatres, for the video version of Pep...2021-03-1035 min
Centered on the ArtsJazzy Ash (Jazz and Folk Music, ARTSReach)Paul Vacchiano welcomes Jazzy Ash, who with her band The Leaping Lizards, is a family entertainment sensation having released multiple albums and energetic stage shows that celebrate jazz and African American folk music. As a lifelong performer, Jazzy Ash seeks to share her passion for childhood development through the arts, designing her stage show to bring together families of all generations and backgrounds. Aside from the visual arts, she has also released an audiobook: Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons, which has allowed for her to delve into children’s literature and celebrate the world she kn...2021-02-2332 min
Centered on the ArtsMelanie Weir (Theatre Presenter, California Presenters President)Rebecca Carson chats with Melanie Weir, her longtime friend and colleague who works as the Education and Community Engagement Manager for the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa while also serving as the President of the Board for California Presenters. Melanie relates her passion for exposing youth to the arts as a mode of social betterment, emphasizing throughout her conversation with Rebecca the value of the arts for all of society. In trying times such as these, Melanie uses her role to bring hope and joy to communities, and her wit is sure to bring a...2021-02-0938 min
Centered on the ArtsCathy Thomas-Grant (Scotland, Actor, & Professor)Paul Vacchiano catches up with Cathy Thomas-Grant, a beloved theatre professor at Pepperdine who is currently the Director of the summer Edinburgh trip. After earning her Bachelor's degree at California State University Northridge in 1984 and her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from The American Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco in 1992, she went on to lead an impressive career in the theatre, with acting credits including but not limited to Steel Magnolias, Macbeth, and Tartuffe, and directing credits attributed to Much Ado About Nothing, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Death of a Salesman. The two d...2021-01-2632 min
Centered on the ArtsMelanie Allen (Cirque du Soleil, Stage Manager, Alum)Ending Alumni Month, we have brought in CFA Alum, Melanie Allen. Tyler Flynn chats with Melanie Allen, a Pepperdine alum from Castle Rock, CO who graduated in 2018 with a theatre production/design degree, with a specific emphasis in stage management. During her time at Pepperdine, she served as the CFA Student Marketing Assistant, and supported numerous productions such as Big Fish, Hedda Gabler, The Magic Flute, and Crazy for You. Since graduating, Melanie has received a Master's degree in Stage Management at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Wales, worked in various backstage roles with Cirque d...2021-01-1230 min
Centered on the ArtsLauren Jennerjohn (Marketing, Artist, & Alumni)Continuing Alumni Month, we have brought in CFA Almun, Lauren Jennerjohn. Tyler Flynn sits down with Lauren Jennerjohn, an alumni of Pepperdine who graduated in 2019 after double majoring in theater arts and advertising. During her time at Pepperdine, Lauren was involved in numerous Smothers productions, such as The Taming of the Shrew, Big Fish, and Crazy for You, while also participating in Dance in Flight and working as the CFA student marketing assistant. Currently, she is working as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for New Tradition, a company that specializes in outdoor advertising. Lauren discusses...2020-12-2931 min
Centered on the ArtsPaul Dufresne (Scenic Designer & Alumni)Welcome to Alumni Month! A month of podcast episodes dedicated to our CFA Alums, detailing where they are now, how CFA helped them, and their own thoughts of the Arts. Dani Lobello chats with Paul Dufresne, an alumni of the Pepperdine theatre program who graduated with a BA in scene design and went on to earn an MFA in scene design at Boston University. He is based in Los Angeles, though he has also worked internationally and across the United States for theaters such as the LA Opera, The Guthrie, The English National Opera, and the Gary...2020-12-1533 min
Centered on the ArtsBryan Yamami (Taiko Drummer/TAIKOPROJECT)Rebecca Carson sits down with Bryan Yamami, the founder and current Executive Director for TAIKOPROJECT, who has directed the company’s performances on the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, NBC's The Voice, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Iron Chef Gauntlet. TAIKOPROJECT has toured across the United States, and Europe, Asia, and South and Central America, while also collaborating with some of the largest names in music such as John Legend and Stevie Wonder. The group is known for their powerful sound and dynamic performance, something that has delighted audiences since its inception in 2000. The two discuss Yamami’s ca...2020-12-0127 min
Centered on the ArtsStewart O'Rourke & Rick Aglietti (Scenic Designer, Technical Director, and Shop Foreman)Dani Lobello sits down with Rick Aglietti, the Resident Scenic Designer and Technical Director of Smothers Theater whose past work includes working as a technical director/lighting designer in Washington D.C and as a technical director/lighting designer in Ohio. They are joined by Stewart O’Rourke, the Assistant Technical Director and the Shop Foreman of Smothers, who previously worked as the master carpenter for the Center for the Arts and the Weisman Museum art installer. They discuss the technical aspects of previous Pepperdine productions, such as Les Miserables and Into the Woods, touching on which pre...2020-11-1726 min
Centered on the ArtsThe Omer Quartet (Strings)Rebecca Carson sits down with the Omer Quartet to discuss their history, as well as why the arts are important to them. With their brilliant and fearless renderings of classical pieces, the Omer Quartet have risen to international acclaim, their skill commended by a multitude of awards. They completed residencies at the New England Conservatory, and currently, they are finishing up doctorate degrees at the University of Maryland while also serving as Visiting Fellows at the Yale School of Music. On Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 pm PST, they will be appearing before Smother’s audiences, hoping to thrill an...2020-11-0444 min
Centered on the ArtsMelanie Emelio (Soprano & Music Professor)Tyler Gabbard chats with Melanie Emelio. Known to many as Dr. E, Melanie is a Professor of Music at Pepperdine and has worked on numerous Fine Arts Department productions including operas like The Merry Widow and The Old Maid and the Thief and musicals like Ragtime and Les Miserables. Dr. Emelio is a talented soprano, having appeared in opera, oratorio, and recitals throughout the United States and Germany. She completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Abilene Christian University and a Master of...2020-10-2122 min
Centered on the ArtsChris Lashua (Cirque Mechanics)R.J Morgan sits down with Chris Lashua, the director and founder of Cirque Mechanics. They discuss Chris’ history of performing in the Circus Arts, and how his background in riding a BMX bike has influenced his ability to begin his own circus company. R.J. and Chris even go into the intricate engineering needs of the sets and props used within the Cirque Mechanics’ incredible shows. Cirque Mechanics: https://www.cirquemechanics.com/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm Music Composer: Jerem...2020-10-0537 min
Centered on the ArtsNic Few (Actor and Director)Tyler Flynn chats with Nic Few and two students, Jada Henry and KJ Powell, to discuss the play they are currently involved in, Polar Bears, Black Boys & Prairie Fringed Orchids, as well as their personal histories in the arts. Nic Few - @NicFew Jada Henry - @jadaeliseh KJ Powell - @kjpowell_99 More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe2020-09-2256 min
Centered on the ArtsAlicia Patterson (Stage Manager & Parkening Competition Production Manager)Tyler Flynn chats with Alicia Patterson, the Competition Production Manager for the 2019 Parkening International Competition, about her role in the Parkening competition and her own experience in the arts. For more info on Alicia and the Porter’s: http://www.portersofhellsgate.com More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe2020-09-0733 min
Centered on the ArtsGarrett Podgorski (Classical Guitar)R.J. Morgan chats with Garrett Podgorski, the 3rd place winner of the 2019 Young Guitarist International Parkening Competition. Garrett discusses his road to classical guitar and how the guitar has impacted and changed his life. Garrett's Limitless Album: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ssaFxujFnzCZKWN2JFtor More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm Music: https://www.purple-planet.com2020-08-2424 min
Centered on the ArtsJackie Lopez (Hip-Hop Dance/Versa-Style Dance Company)Rebecca Carson chats with Jackie Lopez, the Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Versa-Style Dance Company and the Executive Director of Versa-Style: Performance.Education.Community. Versa-Style is a dance company that operates out of Los Angeles that works to celebrate social dance, as well as promote arts education. More info about Jackie and Versa-Style can be found: http://versastyledance.org/ More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm Music: https://www.purple-planet.com2020-08-1135 min
Centered on the ArtsRebecca Carson (Managing Director of the CFA)Paul Vacchiano chats with Rebecca Carson, the Managing Director of the Center of the Arts, about managing the Center for the Arts, purchasing shows, and the 2020-2021 Season Announcement. To learn more from the Center for the Arts: arts.pepperdine.edu or facebook.com/PepperdineCFA. To purchase tickets for upcoming performances call 310.506.4522. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com2020-07-2839 min
Centered on the ArtsMelanie Watnick (Costume Design)Tyler Gabbard connects with Melanie Watnick, Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University and a professional costumer. Melanie’s work ranges from theatre to opera to dance. For more about Melanie: https://www.mwatnick.com/ To learn more from the Center for the Arts: arts.pepperdine.edu or facebook.com/PepperdineCFA. To purchase tickets for upcoming performances call 310.506.4522. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com2020-07-1336 min
Centered on the ArtsMeet the StaffThe Center for the Arts staff members interview each other, getting a little more information on what their role is, what they do for the Center for the Arts, and why the arts are important. To learn more from the Center for the Arts: arts.pepperdine.edu or facebook.com/PepperdineCFA To purchase tickets for upcoming performances call 310.506.4522 Music: https://www.purple-planet.com2020-06-3034 min