ISC: Art Break

Independent Shakespeare Co.’s Community Action Update podcast marks the start of its new season with an episode centering three incredible locals who stepped up to support their communities in the wake of the LA County Wildfires. Ensemble Member and Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan interviews Fin Lee, Teen Librarian for the Altadena Library District; Rebecca Graul Vocal Coach and Educator (most recently for the Pasadena Unified All Star Musical); and Emily Wanserski, creator of GoFundArtists, Co-founder of the Center for Provocative Thought, and Co-creator and Co-leader of JUMPSTART/LA. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in this episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives.

Independent Shakespeare Co.’s Community Action Update podcast returns for a special bonus episode ahead of the November 5th election. Ensemble member and Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan interviews Arts for LA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy Ricky Abilez, who shares their work and stresses the importance of voting this — and every — election. She also shares reflections on the importance of voting from community members who attended at Arts for LA’s Voter Activation Day: Martha Demson, President (TPSCA) & Artistic Director (Open Fist Theatre Company); Letitia Fernandez Ivins, Senior Director: Civic Strategies & Partnerships (The Music Center); Leslie Hemstreet, Teacher (GALA Academy); Thien (Tintin) Nguyen, Ticket Operations Coordinator (Center Theatre Group); and Michaela Bulkley, Arts Administrator. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in this episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives.

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast returns ahead of our summer festival with an episode centered on equitable and meaningful resiliency in the arts sector. ISC’s Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan interviews Center Theatre Group’s Director of Equity, Belonging, and Engagement Khanisha Foster, who speaks to the powerful and sustaining nature of truly inclusive art making. Carene also speaks with Theresa Chavez who shares how her rich Los Angeles family history informs her life changing work in Arts Education as Producing Artistic Director of About Productions. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in this episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives.

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back for a new season on the Ides of March! In this episode we explore the importance of labor and union organizing in the arts with Megan / Reagan of Star Garden, a North Hollywood Topless Dive Bar and the only current unionized (AEA) strip club in the country. We also speak with ISC Board members Elizabeth Dennehy and Paul Major about the SAG-AFTRA strike and the importance of solidarity with the Hollywood Basic Crafts unions Teamsters Local 399 and IATSE. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in today’s episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives. Reserve your tickets for Hamlet, Solus and FREE Iambic Lab offerings at iscla.org/iambic-lab-24.

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back with our final episode of the year! Join us as we deep dive into arts advocacy at the state and local level with two powerhouse change makers in our community. We speak with Kristin Sakoda (Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture) about the current challenges our local arts sector is facing and ways their department is aiding in its recovery and Julie Baker (CEO of Californians for the Arts) about ways we can each advocate for the arts to our best capacity. We also share our holiday season philanthropy initiatives in partnership with SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition and Miry’s List. Head to iscla.org/justice to learn more about the individuals, organizations, and action items mentioned in this episode.

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back with an episode centered on critical arts funding legislation YOU have the power to support! The Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities Act (H.R. 3239) would support public and nonprofit organizations that use the Arts to combat racism with funding and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. In this episode you won’t want to miss an exclusive message from California’s 12th District Representative Barbara Lee who reintroduced this legislation last month! ISC has a special connection to H.R. 3239 as ensemble members Sabra Williams and Carene Rose Mekertichyan were part of the collective of local artists who drafted the legislation. In this episode, you’ll hear from two more members of the Arts Justice Coalition; Bay Area Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and member of Digital Underground Mystic and friend of ISC, actress, producer, and Founder/Executive Director of Support Black Theatre Sophina Brown. Their words will leave you inspired and moved to act. Access the H.R. 3239 toolkit at bit.ly/HR3239-Toolkit and head to iscla.org/justice to learn more about the artists, organizations, and action items mentioned in this episode.

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back on the Ides of March! This episode centers the importance of arts education and access and is jam packed as ISC Ensemble Member and Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan conducts a joint interview with Monica Horan Rosenthal (who recently graced our ISC studio stage in the fall production of Happy Days) and Jackie Lopez AKA “Miss Funk” (Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Versa-Style Dance Company) in which they explore the power of Arts Education, "ARTivism", and find a shared connection to John Marshall High School. She also interviews Ensemble Member and arts educator Lovelle Liquigan and ISC set designer and Create CA Youth Engagement Manager Caitlin Lainhoff. To support the incredible individuals and organizations featured, head to iscla.org/justice.

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back with an episode full of fierce women! ISC’s Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan spoke with local representative and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Kristina Wong (just before she made her way to Sardi’s to collect her Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance!) about the relationship between theatre artists and mutual aid efforts. She also spoke with ISC Board member Ebony Murphy-Root about her work as an educator and with NARAL, an organization serving a critical purpose during this dangerous shift in our country’s stance on reproductive rights. This episode begins with ISC’s beloved Aisha Kabia performing Titania’s timeless speech describing the environmental destruction caused by her and Oberon’s feud in Act II Scene I of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For ways to support these incredible individuals, head to iscla.org/justice.

Independent Shakespeare Co.’s Community Action Update podcast series returns on the Ides of March in a revamped format that will now be released quarterly! This episode features interviews with Sabra Williams and Major Bunton of Creative Acts and Inglewood Wrapping Arms Around the Community, Miry Whitehill of Miry's List, and a special Shakespeare reading by our very own David Melville. For ways to support these incredible organizations, head to iscla.org/justice.

In this month's Community Action Update, ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, invites you to join ISC staff this Giving Tuesday in celebrating and supporting organizations that we feel are doing important work to uplift our communities and staying active in the fight for social justice and equity. Let us know who you are supporting this Giving Tuesday on our Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! Indian Country Today: support.indiancountrytoday.com Young Musicians Foundation: ymf.networkforgood.com Street Symphony: streetsymphony.kindful.com Hollaback!: ihollaback.org/about/donate artEquity: artequity.org/donate Kooyrigs’ Project Mayreeg: kooyrigs.org/project-mayreeg Transcript of this episode available at our website, www.iscla.org. Are their initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in December? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

Ready for a Spooky episode just in time for Halloween? In today's episode of Off the Shelf, ISC Ensemble Member, Aisha Kabia, reads to you the dark story of W.W. Jacobs's "The Monkey's Paw." Aisha Kabia Is an actress working and living in Los Angeles, CA. In Nine Seasons with Independent Shakespeare Company:  Thaisa in ‘PERICLES’, Titania in ‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM’ Queen Elizabeth in ‘RICHARD III’, Princess in 'LOVES LABOURS LOST', Mistress Ford in 'MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR', Helena in 'MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM', Lady Macduff in 'MACBETH', Lady Capulet in 'ROMEO AND JULIET', Celia/Phebe in 'AS YOU LIKE IT', Adriana in 'COMEDY OF ERRORS' Regional Theater: 3 Seasons at OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Television: The GOOD PLACE, The RESIDENT, S.W.A.T, GIRL MEETS WORLD, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, NCIS:LA, TRANSFORMERS 5, etc. & over 35 National Commercials Education: Second City Conservatory Graduate. BFA from UC SANTA BARBARA Enjoy this week's spine-chilling Art Break. *WARNING: This episode contains themes of colonization.* Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

In this month's Community Action Update, ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, invites you to support arts workers by advocating for SB-628, The Creative Workforce Development Act, stay informed and donate to aid current refugee crises, volunteer with SELAH and Waterdrop LA to support our unhoused neighbors, and other ways YOU can stay active in the fight for social justice and equity. LA ARTS: LATheatreStandards.com BLKLST Collective: blklstcollective.com Send a prefiled email to Governor Newsom for SB-628: votervoice.net/CAARTS/Campaigns/86258/Respond Support the Afghan Community: afgdiasporahub.com Haitian Bridge: haitianbridge.org Donate to Haitian Bridge: secure.actblue.com/donate/supporthaitians Host refugees through Air B&B: https://www.airbnb.org/refugees Donate your frequent flyer miles to refugees: miles4migrants.org Access Illuminatives’ Indigenous Peoples’ Day toolkit: illuminatives.org/indigenouspeoplesday Donate or volunteer with Water Drop LA: waterdropla.org/links Volunteer with SELAH: selah.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/ Are their initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in October? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

Join us for our special August Community Action Update! ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, highlights SELAH, a local organization serving the unhoused in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, and Hollywood. This year during the Griffith park Free Shakespeare Festival, ISC is partnering with SELAH to collect hygiene kits for the unhoused during our entire run of The Tempest! Sign up to volunteer at selahnhc.org Follow them on instagram @selanhc You can donate to our Hygiene Kit Drive during performances of The Tempest. We are accepting the following: Shampoo (travel size) Conditioner (travel size) Lotion (travel size) Soap (travel size) Comb Pair of Socks Body Wipes Toilet Paper Toothbrush Toothpaste (travel size) First Aid Kit (Bandages, Antibiotic Ointment) See ISC’s Social Justice Initiatives: iscla.org/justice Are there initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in September? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

In July's Community Action Update, ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, invites you to support our unhoused neighbors with Water Drop LA, take part in La Defensa’s “Rate My Judge” program, join Justice LA’s efforts for criminal justice reform, and other ways YOU can stay active in the fight for social justice and equity. Learn more about Water Drop LA by visiting their Instagram page: @waterdropla Support Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid Fund (PUMA-LA): Patreon.com/Puma-LA Donate to StreetWatch LA’s current fundraising campaign: bit.ly/swfunds Sign up as a community outreach volunteer with La Defensa: bit.ly/ratemyjudgesignup Access Justice LA’s toolkit here: jlanow.org/comment0707 Learn more about COVID guidelines with LA County Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov See ISC’s Social Justice Initiatives: iscla.org/justice Are there initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in August? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

Happy Pride Month! In June's Community Action Update, ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, invites you to donate to your favorite LGBTQIA2S+ organizations including the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the Trans Defense Fund, take action to Save the San Marcos Foothills, urge your assembly member to support the VISION Act, and other ways YOU can stay active in the fight for social justice and equity. For nationwide community based alternatives to police: dontcallthepolice.com Donate to the the Trans Defense Fund: IG @transdefensefundla Donate to the LA LGBT Center: lalgbtcenter.org/ Support the George Floyd Justice Act: justiceforgeorge-takeaction.carrd.co Urge your state assembly member to support the VISION Act: bit.ly/VISIONAct Save and Restore the Salton Sea: https://www.change.org/p/save-and-restore-the-salton-sea?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_28127039_en-US%3A7&recruiter=13096716&recruited_by_id=13b72310-ce96-012f-0ca4-4040b09128dc&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial Save the San Marcos Foothills: @savethesanmarcosfoothills or savethesanmarcosfoothills.org COVID-19 Vaccine Information: publichealth.lacounty.govd other ways YOU can stay active in the fight for social justice and equity. Are their initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in July? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

It's a double feature in this week's Off the Shelf with ISC! In today's episode of Off the Shelf, ISC Ensemble Member, Sam Breen, reads to you the humorous tales of Mark Twain's "The Wary Prayer," and "A Dog's Tale." Sam Breen is a Swiss/American actor, writer and educator and ISC company member. He has performed at The La Jolla Playhouse, The American Repertory Theater, PACT Zolverein (Germany), The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His Los Angeles credits include: Macbeth at Antaeus, The Three Musketeers at Theatricum Botanicum, Flesh Eating Tiger at Highways. His Independent Shakespeare Company credits include: Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Good Angel in Faustus, and the title role in the upcoming production of Macbeth. When asked why he chose these stories to read for Off the Shelf, Sam responded, “I’ve always loved Mark Twain's writing, but recording these narration pieces gave me the opportunity to discover his beautiful short stories for the first time. His writing is layered yet wonderfully accessible, idiosyncratic but with broad implications. The War Prayer is a snarky commentary about the fanfare. A Dog’s Tale is a touching story told from the point of view of a St-Bernard/Collie mix.” Enjoy this week's whimsical, waggish Art Break. Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

For May's Community Action Update, ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, invites you to aid in the movement to #StopAAPPI Hate by taking Bystander Intervention Training with Hollaback!, donate to Save the San Marcos Foothills, learn more about nationwide community based alternatives to police, and other actions YOU can take this month to stay active in the fight for social justice and equity. For nationwide community based alternatives to police: dontcallthepolice.com For more information, please go to ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention To support the Aunties, go to auntiesewingsquad.com Yerazad: @yerazadcoalition Kooyrigs: https://kooyrigs.org/looys or @kooyrigs Miaseen: https://www.miaseen.org/ or @miaseenorg Arts for LA Arts Ed Action: artsforla.org/arts_ed_action Save the San Marcos Foothills: @savethesanmarcosfoothills or savethesanmarcosfoothills.org COVID-19 Vaccine Information: publichealth.lacounty.gov Are their initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in June? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

Take an Art Break and learn more about ways you can mobilize for advocacy in the arts! Activist, actor and ISC Ensemble member Sabra Williams is in conversation with ISC’s Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan about her social justice work with organizations like the Actor’s Gang and Creative Acts, creating a National Truth Commission, the importance of the arts, and the many layers of dismantling systemic white supremacy. Sabra is a person of action as evidenced by her work in the prison systems using the arts to transform lives. Her current work also includes contributing to the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation effort spearheaded by The Kellogg Foundation, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Cory Booker to set up a national Truth Commission. You can learn more about Sabra’s social justice work as Co-Founder & Executive Director of Creative Acts: https://www.creativeacts.us/ The Actor's Gang: https://theactorsgang.com/ Learn how you can be an advocate for the arts and social justice at ISC's Justice page: http://www.iscla.org/justice Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

It's time to grab another book Off the Shelf with ISC! In today's episode of Off the Shelf, ISC Ensemble Member, William Elsman, reads to you the spine-chilling tale of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat." Known for his stories full of mystery and macabre, Edgar Allan Poe take audiences for a disturbing ride in "The Black Cat" as the unnamed narrator's strong affection for his pet black cat turns deadly. William Elsman- as a company member with ISC, William has performed several seasons with the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival.  Favorite roles include Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Simonides in Pericles, Saturninus in Titus Andronicus, Quince in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Angelo in Measure for Measure.  Regional credits include work with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (School Visit Program), Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Sierra Madre Playhouse, A Noise Within (understudy, Macbeth), Sacramento Theater Company, The Mountain Play, Capital Stage, Sierra Rep, SF Playhouse, Marin Shakespeare Company and the Pennsylvania and Texas Shakespeare Festivals. He has also taught acting at New York Film Academy, and as a private coach or guest instructor. BFA, Rutgers University, MFA, University of Delaware.  www.williamelsman.com When asked why he selected this short story to read, William Elsman responded, "During this pandemic, I've kept busy (and employed) performing audiobooks.  I began to reflect on how reading out loud was something that I'd always delighted in, even when I was very young.  I was introduced to Edgar Allan Poe in the 7th grade, and am grateful to my teacher, Mr. Ferraro, for tasking me with the assignment of memorizing and reciting the opening lines from "The Tell Tale Heart." It was great fun, and it paired well with my desire to perform.  We explored several of Poe's stories, and the words had an arresting quality that grabbed my attention with their macabre musicality.  I was also captivated by the peek they afforded into the minds of those eccentric and disturbed characters.  It felt dangerous to read, but also thrilling!" Enjoy this week's hair-raising Art Break. Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.

In this April Community Action Update, ISC's Artistic Associate for Social Justice, Carene Mekertichyan, speaks to what actions YOU can take this month to stay active in the fight for social justice and equity. List of Resources Stop AAPI Hate: stopaapihate.org Fundraisers for Victims and Families: Suncha Kim: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-sun-cha-kim Hyun Jung Kim: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-hyunjungkim-to-support-my-brother-i Elcias Hernandez-Ortiz: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-elcias-hernandez-ortiz-cover-medical-bills Save the San Marcos Foothills: @savethesanmarcosfoothills or savethesanmarcosfoothills.org Arts for LA Prefilled Email: www.artsforla.org/local_funding_for_the_arts StreetwatchLA: @streetwatchla SELAH: @selahnhcor selahnhc.org Armenian Genocide Recognition: yesitsgenocide.org COVID-19 LA County Vaccination Info: publichealth.lacounty.gov Are their initiatives in our community you want featured on our Community Action Update in May? Email carene@iscla.org Follow us! Website: www.iscla.org Instagram & Twitter: @indyshakes Facebook: Independent Shakespeare Co.