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 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 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 Harvel
2023-02-0121 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 Harvel
2023-01-1734 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 Harvel
2022-10-1329 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 Harvel
2022-09-2838 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 Harvel
2022-04-1335 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 Harvel
2022-03-1525 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 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 Harvel
2022-01-0533 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 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 Harve
2021-11-2436 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 Harvel
2021-10-2620 min
Lost In ConversationIt Dune be like that! ft. Nolan HarvelFor the big 20 episode, Nolan Harvel returns to cover the topic of the newest Dune film!
2021-10-251h 15
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 Harvel
2021-10-1232 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 minLost In ConversationHans Zimmer v. John Williams? Ft. Nolan HarvelIn this episode of Lost in Conversation, the guys talk with first guest Nolan Harvel about film scores the good, bad, and all things in between.
2021-09-132h 00