Sands Talks

Summary: In this episode, trans creatives Jesse James Keitel and Candido Cornejo Jr.  discuss the importance of intentional casting and authentic representation in Hollywood. They explore the challenges faced by trans and non-binary artists, the significance of advocacy, and the need to break stereotypes in casting. The conversation highlights personal experiences and the ongoing efforts to educate the industry on trans representat...

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, casting executive and producer Kim Williams shares her journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, representation, and storytelling. She discusses her unique approach to casting, the significance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in advocating for diversity. Kim also reflects on her career experiences, the role of mentorship, and her aspira...

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, hosts Grant and Caroline engage in a profound conversation with director Sammi Cannold, and actor Liam Pearce about their experiences with the groundbreaking Broadway production, How to Dance in Ohio. They explore the journey of the show from its documentary roots to its Broadway success, emphasizing the importance of neurodiversity and authentic representation in theater. The discussion...

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, Michelle Sugihara, the executive director of the Coalition of Asian Pacific’s in Entertainment (CAPE) discusses CAPE's mission to increase representation and visibility for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the entertainment industry. Michelle shares insights on the importance of coalition building, the impact of representation in media, and the challenges ...

Summary: In this episode, Raja Benz and Greg Geffrard, intimacy professionals, discuss their roles in the performing arts, emphasizing the importance of consent, cultural competency, and creating safe spaces for performers. They explore the complexities of intimacy work, the challenges they face in a predominantly white field, and the significance of representation in storytelling. The conversation highlights the evolving nature o...

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, award-winning playwright and screenwriter Aurin Squire discusses his journey from journalism to writing for theater and television. He shares insights on the importance of representation in storytelling, the dynamics of a writer's room, and the significance of diverse voices behind the camera. Aurin also reflects on his aspirations for future projects, the influence of sports on his...

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, hosts Grant and Caroline speak with Teresa Walters, Vice President of Health and Human Services at Music Cares. Teresa shares her extensive background in humanitarian work and discusses the critical role Music Cares played during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing nearly $36 million in emergency relief to music professionals. The conversation explores the ongoing challenges within the musi...

Summary: Casting directors Kim Montaliba-Nohail and Victor Vazquez discuss the significance of regional theater in the American arts landscape. They explore the role of regional theaters in nurturing new works, the challenges of casting in different mediums, and the economic impacts of the pandemic on the theater industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of representation, the complexities of casting expenses, and the on...

Summary: Rebecca Damon, executive vice president and New York Local 1 president of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the SAG-AFTRA merger, the importance of sister unions, the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, and the need for actors to stay informed, get involved, and take control of their careers.

Takeaways:

• The SAG-AFTRA merger was a multi-year process that aimed to unite two unions representing actors and ar...

Summary: In this conversation, Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and producer LaChanze discusses her work as the president of Black Theater United and her mission to create a more inclusive and diverse Broadway. She shares her journey as an actress and producer, the importance of representation in the industry, and her commitment to bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront. LaChanze also ...

Welcome to In the Podlight, the podcast where we shine a spotlight on creatives from all walks of life. In this teaser episode, hosts Caroline Liem and Grant Kretchik introduce the show’s mission: to celebrate and explore the diverse experiences and identities within the creative industry.

This season, we're diving into thought-provoking discussions with a range of guests who share their unique insights and experiences in the p...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2026 presents…

Til Death Do Us NOT Part
Written by Tom and Ellin Curley for VoiceScapes Audio Theater

• Caller – Isabella Lilavos
• Roommate / Manager – Clayton J. Johnson
• AI Voice – Davie Osborne
• Rep 1 / Supervisor – Jiana Casazza

Produced by Laurie Brown Kindred
Directed by Robin Miles
Sound Engineer,...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2026 presents…

Serial Sweetheart
Written by Tom and Ellin Curley for VoiceScapes Audio Theater

• Rachael – Kiara Daniels
• Tracey / Prison Guard – Marie Liu
• Randy – Grant Harrison Mateo
• Beverley – Sammi Denney

Produced by Laurie Brown Kindred
Directed by Robin Miles
Sound Engineer, Edits and Sound Desig...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2026 presents…

My House is Smarter Than Your House
Written by Tom and Ellin Curley for VoiceScapes Audio Theater

• Husband – Ben Zack
• Wife – Kayla Toure
• Alexa / Dishwasher / Oven / Coffeemaker – Kirah Jean
• Toilet / Refrigerator / Microwave / Siri – Jioke Louis

Produced by Laurie Brown Kindred
Directed by ...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2026 presents…

It Always Feels Like a Monday
Written by Tom and Ellin Curley for VoiceScapes Audio Theater

• Sally – Helen Simone
• Molly – Mickayla Davis
• Dr. Dietrich – Cade Halvorson
• Mrs. Goldfarb / Melissa – Jiana Casazza
• Sam / Justin / Bill 1 – Nicolas Greca
• Bill 2- Clayton J. Johnson

Produced by Laurie Brown...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2026 presents…

Kidnapping 101
Written by Tom and Ellin Curley for VoiceScapes Audio Theater

• Edie Gardner – Kirah Jean
• Leo Gardner – Jioke Louis
• Kidnapper – Ben Zack

Produced by Laurie Brown Kindred
Directed by Robin Miles
Sound Engineer, Edits and Sound Design by David Lawson

For more information ab...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2026 presents…

Granny’s Cookies
Written by Tom and Ellin Curley for VoiceScapes Audio Theater

• Granny – 
• Silvia – 
• Jill – Isabel Day Diggins
• Jill’s Mom – Rebecca MacLeay
• Max - 

Produced by Laurie Brown Kindred
Directed by Robin Miles
Sound Engineer, Edits and Sound Design by David Lawson

For more infor...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2025 presents…

Town Hall 
Written by Ella Bernarduci, Ruhika Misra, Brian Beckerle, Miranda Shaughnessy, Spencer Bellamy and Camilo Torres

• Mayor – Brian Beckerle
• Vegan – Ella Berarduci
• Pastor Partridge – Ruhika Misra
• Mr. Mucin – Miranda Shaughnessy
• Barkeep – Camilo Torres
• Bobby Lee – Spencer Bellamy
• Goo – Miranda ...

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts BFA Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers and Commercials Class of 2025 presents…

Thirsty Thursday
Written by Kalie Barsoum, Catherine Dendo, Jaclyn Eisenbeis, Amalia Madariaga, Megan Mulroy, and Ka’enaaloha Watson.

• Emily – Amalia Madariaga
• Carly – Catherine Dendo
• Molly – Ka’enaaloha Watson
• Joe – Jaclyn Eisenbeis
• Daphne – Kaila Barsoum
• Robin – Megan Mulroy

Produced by Laurie...