Behind The Curtain

Behind the Curtain: Celebrating Ann Arbor's Literary Legacy with Rachel Pastiva

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, host Rosanita Ratcliff converses with Rachel Pastiva from the Ann Arbor Book Society. They delve into Rachel's lifelong passion for reading, her journey through various book-related roles, and her mission to highlight the vast network of independent bookstores in Ann Arbor. Discover how Rachel&ap...

Exploring the Future of Willis C. Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale 

Join host Rosanita Ratcliff on this episode of Behind the Curtain as she delves into the inspiring stories and future plans of Willis C. Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale with guests Sharon Vaughters and Janet V. Haynes. Discover the Chorale's visionary plans for the next decade, the impact of their new music director, Alice Tillman, and th...

Harmonies of Heritage: The Legacy of Willis Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale - Part 1

In this episode of Behind the Curtain with Rosanita Ratcliff, we dive into the rich history of Willis Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale with guests Sharon Vaughters and Janet V. Haynes. Discover how the chorale and its instructional program began, their mission to celebrate African American heritage through music, and the inspi...

In this continuation of the conversation with Shaun and Truly, the owners of Booksweet, Rosanita delves deeper into the couple's experiences of managing their bookstore. They discuss balancing business ownership with family life, scheduling to ensure precious family time, and addressing the challenge of providing health insurance for their staff. Shaun and Truly share the personal growth they've experienced, the impact of...

In this episode of 'Behind The Curtain,' Rosanita welcomes Truly and Shaun Manning, the owners of Booksweet in Ann Arbor. They delve into the couple's journey of acquiring and managing the independent bookstore, exploring their passion for literature, community engagement, and diversity. The Mannings discuss the challenges of running a bookstore during a pandemic, the importance of curating a diverse selection of boo...

In part two of our conversation with Emilio Rodriguez, founder of Detroit's Black and Brown Theatre, we dive into the world of BIPOC theatre. Emilio offers an insightful look at the financial realities and operational complexities of running a theatre that champions diverse voices.

Listen in as Emilio explores:

• The juggling act of securing funding through grants, community support, and individual donations, while navigating ...

In this episode, Emilio Rodriguez, the co-founder and artistic director of Black and Brown Theater, discusses the origins of the theater company and its mission to promote inclusivity and diversity in the theatrical landscape. Emilio shares his experiences of facing segregation and typecasting in the theater industry and how it inspired him to create a platform for artists of color. He also talks about the Our Voices program, which...

Behind the Curtain is your backstage pass to the captivating world of artistic creation. We peel back the layers, revealing the untold stories of passionate individuals and the secret processes that bring performances to life. Explore the intricacies of the creative journey with us, where inspiration ignites dedication, and every success unfolds with a unique backstory.

Are you a theater lover, a creative mind seeking muses, or simp...