Conversations From Away

Achieving life/work balance is a universal quest - and as we’ve been sharing with you, being on the road presents its own unique challenges. Listen in as Christine chats with three phenomenal women in our company about how they navigate traveling with their young children, doing 8 shows a week, and learning to take things one hour at a time. Don't forget to subscribe! Host: Christine Toy Johnson (@CToyJ on Instagram and Twitter) Guests: Marika Aubrey (MarikaAubrey.com, @marikaaubrey on Instagram)    Sharone Sayegh (www.sharonesayegh.com, @sharonesayegh on Instagram and Twitter    Danielle K Thomas (@dtdramatics on Instagram)         Marika Aubrey hosts the “Conversations About Foster Care” Podcast,         Danielle K Thomas is a Soprano member of the Tony Award-winning choir, Broadway Inspirational Voices, and is also Director of BIV's A&E programs at The Ronald McDonald House NY https://broadwayinspirationalvoices.org/ Produced by: Christine Toy Johnson             Geoff Maus (@doingeoffstuff on Instagram and @managingonthemove on TikTok)             Shawn Pennington                   Special Thanks to the Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 750 Shows in 65 different cities across North America. We opened our tour in October of 2018 and, save for that pesky pandemic-related shutdown, we are still going strong! In addition to getting the job done eight times per week and keeping the show running, we have to stay in optimal health while keeping performances fresh and our spirits high, no matter what curve balls might come our way. How does it all work? Listen in as Christine chats with two other original company members who have been here since day one! Shawn Pennington (Production Stage Manager) and Kiana Weber (Fiddle) discuss what it's like to work on a long-running show.  Don't forget to subscribe! Host: Christine Toy Johnson (@CToyJ on Instagram and Twitter) Guests: Shawn Pennington              Kiana June Weber (@kianajuneweber, www.kianajune.com) Produced by: Christine Toy Johnson             Geoff Maus (@doingeoffstuff on Instagram and @managingonthemove on TikTok)             Shawn Pennington                   Special Thanks to the Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back! What have we been up to since our last episode? Like most performing arts companies, we recently weathered a surge of the Omicron Variant of Covid-19 that required some inventive staffing. This resulted in a temporarily blended company, which included cast members from our extended Come From Away community. Listen in as Christine and Jenny chat with James Kall (from the Toronto company) and Happy McPartlin (from the Broadway company) who both got surprise phone calls asking them to fly out to join our ranks in Minneapolis. Production Stage Manager Shawn Pennington also weighs in on what it was like to keep the show running with a stage full of performers representing every international company of Come From Away. Don’t forget to subscribe! Hosts: Christine Toy Johnson (@CToyJ on Instagram and Twitter) Jenny Ashman (@alaskanjz on Instagram and @jennyashman on TikTok) Guests: James Kall (@jameskall on Instagram, IMDb.me/jameskall) Happy McPartlin (@beltress in Instagram, @Beltress on Twitter) Shawn Pennington Produced by: Christine Toy Johnson Geoff Maus (@doingeoffstuff on Instagram and @managingonthemove on TikTok) Shawn Pennington Special Thanks to the Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WOOF, there sure are a lot of dogs on this tour! The Come From Away North American Tour family includes quite a few canine companions—four of which come to work every day—and we’re chatting with some of their people. Hosts Christine Toy Johnson (Diane & Others) and Jenny Ashman (Standby), invite Caleb Grissett (Merchandise Manager), Geoff Maus (Stage Manager), and Sarah Wade (Wardrobe Supervisor) to talk about touring with pups. Join us as we discuss all the ways in which Weston, Betty, Ruby, and Larry have changed our lives, our jobs, and our workspaces. Don’t forget to subscribe! Hosts: Christine Toy Johnson (@CToyJ on Instagram and Twitter) Jenny Ashman (@alaskanjz on Instagram and @jennyashman on TikTok) Guests: Caleb Grissett (@calebgrissettt on Instagram) Geoff Maus (@doingeoffstuff on Instagram and @managingonthemove on Tiktok) Sarah Wade (@stay.stitchy on Instagram) Special Thanks to the Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions. Christine Toy Johnson is the host of “The Dramatists Guild presents Talkback,” also found on the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a brief hiatus to relaunch our tour, we are back! This season is all about RENEWAL. Where have we been? How are we feeling? What is it like to be out in the world telling our story (and doing our jobs!) again? Listen in as we hit “record” on SEASON TWO of Conversations From Away. Did you miss Season One where we discussed social justice issues onstage, backstage, and beyond? Listen now on the BPN App or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Christine Toy Johnson is the host of “The Dramatists Guild presents Talkback,” also found on the Broadway Podcast Network! Host: Christine Toy Johnson (@CToyJ on Instagram and Twitter) Jenny Ashman (@alaskanjz on Instagram and @jennyashman on TikTok) Shawn Pennington Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Produced by: Christine Toy Johnson Geoff Maus (@doingeoffstuff on Instagram) Shawn Pennington Special Thanks to the Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Season One finale of “Conversations From Away,” we take a look at higher education. Often seen as necessary training for a career in the industry, college programs in music and theater can also present significant barriers to entry. Aaron is joined by Pascale Florestal (Education Director of Front Porch Arts Collective, faculty at Boston Conservatory at Berklee) and Cynthia Kortman Westphal (original Music Director of Come From Away North American Tour and original company member of The Lion King on Broadway, current faculty member at University of Michigan), both artists and educators, to discuss their experience teaching young artists. How are things? What has changed? What still needs to change? Listen in to learn more about our guests’ own education, how it has informed their approach to teaching others, and why being black is not a “type.“ Learn more about the Front Porch Arts Collective here: https://www.frontporcharts.org And keep an eye out for Pascale’s production of Once on This Island with SpeakEasy Stage Company in March 2022 https://www.speakeasystage.com/2020/05/07/season30/ Host: Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Guests: Pascale Florestal (@pascale3206 on Instagram and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pascale3206) Cynthia Kortman Westphal (@cynthkw on Instagram and Cynthia Kortman Westphal on Facebook) Special Thanks to Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the ninth episode in the “Conversations From Away” series, we are proud to present another installment of BIPOC: Behind the Curtain. This time, we’re diving into world of the music. Listen in as Aaron chats with Alvin Hough, Jr (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, Once On This Island), Zane Mark (Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk (co-writer), The Cher Show, Motown the Musical), and Cameron Moncur (Music Director-Come From Away North American Tour, Jersey Boys) about their experiences and observations as musicians in the theater industry, and what they see on the horizon. We also learn all about Musicians United for Social Equity (MUSE), a phenomenal organization that strives to cultivate more racial equity in theatrical music departments. Learn more about MUSE and it’s sister organizations: museonline.org maestramusic.org astep.org Host: Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Guests: Alvin Hough, Jr. (@alvinhoughpiano on Instagram and Twitter) Zane Mark Cameron Moncur Special Thanks to Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the eighth episode in the “Conversations From Away” series, Aaron welcomes two very special guests from the Come From Away North American Tour family to talk about microagressions and other problematic phenomena in the rehearsal process and throughout a show’s run. Jane Bunting (Dance Captain, Standby) and Shawn Pennington (Production Stage Manager) are here to discuss past experiences as well as brainstorm ways in which we can create safer spaces going forward. Equity Diversity and Inclusion Report - https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/DandIReport2020/diversity-and-inclusion-report-2020 EEOC Dialogues Webinar w/ Kaja Dunn - https://www.actorsequity.org/resources/diversity/diversityblog/EEOCRace/ Host: Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Guests: Jane Bunting (@janerbunting on Instagram) Shawn Pennington Special Thanks to Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the seventh episode in the “Conversations From Away” series, we’re talking about Tokenism. Sharone Sayegh (Bonnie & Others-Come From Away North American Tour, Director of “MENASAFIED”) and Anthony Wayne (Pippin, Tootsie, Founder of Black Broadway Men) join Aaron to discuss what it’s like to be the “token” in the room. Join us as Sharone and Anthony share their experiences and discuss their hopes for the future. Check out MENASAfied on Ars Nova! (Available with an Ars Nova Supra Subscription) https://arsnovanyc.com/VR-RS-MENASAfied MENASA Artists Coalition facebook group (Note that this is a private group and admission is required): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1740115982917232 For more information about BLACK BROADWAY MEN, visit www.BlackBroadwayMen.org or @BlackBroadwayMen on Social Media. Learn more about ANTHONYKEN, LLC. At www.AnthonyKen.com or @AnthonyKenLLC on Social Media. And check out A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS: A Groovy Musical Revue! www.ASoulfulXMas.com / @ASoulfulXMas - Coming This December to The Zeiders American Theater (Virginia Beach, Virginia) December 16th - 19th, 2021. Host: Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Guests: Sharone Sayegh (www.sharonesayegh.com, @sharonesayegh on Instagram and Twitter, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SharoneSayeghOfficial) Anthony Wayne (www.MrAWayne.com, @MrAWayne on Instagram and Twitter) Special Thanks to Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the sixth episode in the “Conversations From Away” series, we welcome Christine Toy Johnson (Diane & Others, Come From Away North American Tour) and Pearl Sun (Standby, Come From Away Broadway). In the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month, they discuss their experiences as Asian American actors in Come From Away, and beyond. What can we, as allies, do to support and stand by the AAPI community in light of recent surges in violence and discrimination? Listen to find out. For additional resources to help end violence and harassment in the AAPI Community and ALL communities, visit: http://www.aapacnyc.org/ http://www.ihollaback.org https://www.stopasianhate.info Christine Toy Johnson is the host of "Talkback,” also on Broadway Podcast Network. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/talk-back/ Also, please check out the premiere of her short film EMPRESS MEI LI LOTUS BLOSSOM on May 25 at 7 pm EST, hosted by Abingdon Theatre Company. https://www.abingdontheatre.org Learn more about the virtual concert of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” that Pearl mentioned in today’s episode, at www.CollaboraZian.com Programming Note: Conversations From Away will be taking a few weeks off, in observance of Memorial Day and to record new and exciting content. We’ll be back with a new conversation on June 7th! Host: Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Guests: Christine Toy Johnson (@CToyJ on Instagram and Twitter) Pearl Sun (@pearlraysun on Instagram and Twitter) Special Thanks to Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fifth episode in the “Conversations From Away” series, Aaron is joined by two special guests from the world of Costuming, as we discuss BIPOC Behind the Curtain. Azalea Fairley (Costume Designer) and Sarah Wade (Wardrobe Supervisor, Come From Away North American Tour) discuss how they got started in the business, thoughts on increasing BIPOC representation in technical theater, feeling pigeon-holed in the industry, hopes for the future, and the color “nude.” Host: Aaron Michael Ray (@aaronraystagram on Instagram) Guests: Azalea Fairley (@azalea.fairley on Instagram) Sarah Wade (@stay.stitchy on Instagram) Special Thanks to Broadway Podcast Network and Junkyard Dog Productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fourth episode in the "Conversations From Away" series, cast and band members of the North American touring company of "Come From Away" join virtually with special guests to discuss issues of gentrification, housing discrimination. This episode's featured organizations: South Bronx Unite (southbronxunite.org) Community Service Society (cssny.org) Harlem Candle Company (harlemcandlecompany.com) Recommended Reading: "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein This episode's moderator: Aaron Michael Ray (he/him) This episode's featured guest: Samuel Stein, Urban Geographer and Author of "Capital City: Gentrification and the Real Estate State" (he/him) and Monxo Lopez, Activist and Political Scientist (he/him) This episode's panelists: Marika Aubrey (she/her), Chamblee Ferguson (he/him), Isaac Alderson (he/him) Edited by: Secret Story Film and Video Produced by: Dominic Barbaro, Geoff Maus, Shawn Pennington Special thanks to: On The Rialto, Colgan McNeil, Yael Matlow, Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fourth episode in the "Conversations From Away" series, cast and band members of the North American touring company of "Come From Away" join virtually with special guests to discuss issues of gentrification, housing discrimination. This episode's featured organizations: South Bronx Unite (southbronxunite.org) Community Service Society (cssny.org) Harlem Candle Company (harlemcandlecompany.com) Recommended Reading: "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein This episode's moderator: Aaron Michael Ray (he/him) This episode's featured guest: Samuel Stein, Urban Geographer and Author of "Capital City: Gentrification and the Real Estate State" (he/him) and Monxo Lopez, Activist and Political Scientist (he/him) This episode's panelists: Marika Aubrey (she/her), Chamblee Ferguson (he/him), Isaac Alderson (he/him) Edited by: Secret Story Film and Video Produced by: Dominic Barbaro, Geoff Maus, Shawn Pennington Special thanks to: On The Rialto, Colgan McNeil, Yael Matlow, Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third episode in the "Conversations From Away" series, cast and crew of the North American touring company of "Come From Away" join virtually to discuss how the Black Lives Matter and trans rights movements intersect. Our featured guest, Jae Rice, shares valuable insight about their work with the Brave Space Alliance in Chicago. When we talk about Black Lives Matter, we can't be done with our work until that means ALL Black lives, including the most vulnerable among us. This episode's featured organizations: Brave Space Alliance (bravespacealliance.org/donate) Black Trans Travel Fund (blacktranstravelfund.com/donate) This episode's moderator: Aaron Michael Ray (he/him) This episode's featured guest: Jae Rice (he/him or they/them), Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Brave Space Alliance in Chicago, IL This episode's panelists: James Earl Jones II (he/him), Julie Johnson (she/her), Dominic Barbaro (he/him) Edited by: Secret Story Film and Video Produced by: Dominic Barbaro, Geoff Maus, Shawn Pennington Special thanks to: On The Rialto, Colgan McNeil, Yael Matlow, Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second episode in the "Conversations From Away" series, cast members of the North American touring company of "Come From Away" join virtually to discuss voting rights, the upcoming election, and racially-biased voter suppression. Have you made a plan for voting in the general election on (or before) November 3rd? This episode's featured organizations: Power The Polls (http://www.powerthepolls.org​) When We All Vote (http://www.whenweallvote.org​) To read the article referenced in this episode, "The Electoral College's Racist Origins," see this link from The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/arc...​ This episode's moderator: Aaron Michael Ray (he/him) This episode's panelists: Julia Knitel (she/her), Harter Clingman, Sarah Wade (she/her), Sean Rubin (he/him) Edited by: Secret Story Film and Video Produced by: Dominic Barbaro, Geoff Maus, Shawn Pennington Special thanks to: On The Rialto, Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode in the "Conversations From Away" series, cast members of the North American touring company of "Come From Away" join virtually to discuss why we are here. What are some of the issues we'll be tackling in the Black Lives Matter movement? How does the Coronavirus pandemic affect the urgency of this moment? What instances of systemic racism influence the daily lives of Black Americans? To learn more about this episode's featured organization, Color of Change, please visit colorofchange.org now to get involved or donate.  This episode's moderator: Aaron Michael Ray (he/him) This episode's panelists: Christine Toy Johnson (she/her), Nick Duckart (he/him), Brandon Springman (he/him), Danielle K. Thomas Edited by: Secret Story Film and Video Produced by: Dominic Barbaro, Geoff Maus, Shawn Pennington Special thanks to: On The Rialto, Junkyard Dog Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices