The Spotnight Series

To close our first season of the SpotNight Series, Morgan is joined by Playwright and Theatre Artist Lizz Mangan. After receiving a BA in Theatre Studies, and studying at the National Theatre Institute, Lizz relocated to Portland, Maine to pursue directing and dramaturgy work at the Portland Stage Company. Lizz’s plays have been produced in St. Louis, New York, and the greater Hartford area. Additionally, Lizz is part of the Eleven and One Theatre Company (@11and1theatre). Join us as we discuss queer representation in the theatre industry, the playwriting process, and shine a light on the job of a Director, Dramaturg, and Playwright. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Our second featured actor, Tyler Nowakowski, is currently pursuing a BFA in acting. This week, we learn about Tyler’s unique journey into the world of Theatre, as well as his journey’s abroad this past year. With many other credits to his name, Tyler was most recently seen as Christopher in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time”. When not on stage, Tyler is most likely teaching as a licensed yoga instructor. Join us as we learn about preparation for a role onstage, discuss the intersection of physical health and the performance arts, and shine a light on the work of an Actor. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Caroline Saltz is currently pursuing a BA in Theatre Studies and a career as a stage manager. Hailing from Auburn, MA, Caroline has been an assistant stage manager, and production stage manager for a number of productions in New England. Additionally, Caroline is currently the Production Manager for a new TV series called “The Learning Curve” (@thelearningcurveshow). Join us as we recall our early career moments, a high stakes moment in performer flying, break down traditional gender stereotypes in the industry, and shine a light on the work of a Stage Manager. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Eilis Garcia, an artist from Connecticut, recounts her time working in the theater and film industry. Eilis recently received a BA in Theater Arts (concentrations in Arts Administration and Dramaturgy) and has multiple acting credits to her name. Join us as we break down tips and tricks to navigate theater arts in higher education, and  shine a light on the work of a Dramaturg, Arts Administrator, and Actor. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Mikayla Carr joins us all the way from Maine! Mikayla is a Scenic Charge Artist and a Scenic Artist who recently received her BFA from the University of Connecticut. Mikayla has worked as an overhire Scenic Artist in New York, Connecticut, Maine, and all over New England. Additionally, Mikayla was the Scenic Charge for the 2019 Nutmeg Summer Series. Join us as we break down the various jobs within the Scenic Art department, the life of an overhire artist, maintaining health and a demanding schedule, and shine a light on the work of a Scenic Artist. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Our first actor featured on the series, Ethan Caso, joins us to catch up and talk about his unique acting process. Ethan has received training in both the US and London, and has also spent a considerable amount of time working in box office sales. Join us as we compare our experiences in the business of theater, the importance of traveling, and shine a light on the work of an actor while preparing to take on a new production. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

This week we welcome our first stage manager, Julius Cruz, to the SpotNight family! Julius has been a crucial part of several stage management teams within the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree. Join us as we are reminded about the moments which make us fall in love with live theater, shine a light on the work of a stage manager, and discuss the necessity of diverse representation (onstage and offstage) in the theatre.  Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Kristen Prescott-Ezickson Zarabozo, the creator behind KPEZ Design joins us to talk about her journey through the theater world. KP has held multiple positions as a theater artist, but is most notably a scenic designer and scenic artist based in Connecticut. Join us as we reminisce our times working in the same production company, shine a light on the work of a scenic designer/artist, and discuss the importance of mental health while working in theatre. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

This week Morgan is joined by Eddie Vitcavage - a Connecticut based Director, Dramaturg, and recent college graduate. Join us as we reconcile the directing process via Zoom, shine a light on the job of a director and dramaturg, and discuss how critical script analysis is to the success of an overall production. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In our premiere episode, Morgan is joined by Mitchell Prescott- a New York based audio technician and Audio Supervisor & Editor for the SpotNight Series. Join us as we discuss Mitch’s spontaneous off-broadway stage debut, shine a light on the job of an audio technician, and learn about ways to be creative during a time where it may be difficult to do so. Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Born of a 30 day initiative, the SpotNight Series began as a social media campaign by Morgan Shea to highlight the work of her fellow friends and colleagues in the theater industry. It was during this time that Morgan interviewed Sam Biondolillo- a New York based Lighting Designer and an MFA student at the University of Connecticut. Join us as we discuss hanging lights in the presence of farm animals, shine a light on the job of a lighting designer, and learn about the role higher education plays in the theater industry. (This episode was recorded via Instagram live before the Spotnight Series was officially a podcast.) Theme Music: https://www.purple-planet.com