HUAR

HUAR is a weekly internet radio show, highlighting guests from the arts community of Northeast Ohio.  The show will cover topics ranging from the state of the arts in NE Ohio to do-it-yourself music producing to avant-garde theatre to in-depth discussions about artistic theory. Disclaimer: The views of the guests on HUAR do not necessarily represent the views of Heads Up Productions.

Click the show title or visit www.huar.libsyn.com to listen to the podcast!
Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store to subscribe.
Email: podcast@headsupproductions.net

2012-02-25

Episode 44: Rick Santorum’s Google Problem

Host Benjamin Rexroad discusses Big Box, politics, tribalism and more with special guest and ex-HUAR host TJ Jozsa

  • Heads Up actors as social scientists
  • It only took 17 takes to get this episode right
  • Big Box and Burning Man
  • Special shout out to…Benjamin Rexroad!?
  • You can thank Nici Romo when you see Benjamin running down the road naked
  • “You should have gotten your dang bobsled out!”
  • Benjamin is a poor, starving African…errr…Akron kid, so please DONATE
  • The Grand Old Party “sounds like an old white guy thing…”
  • Rick Santorum stands on the far, far, far, far right side
  • If Rick Santorum receives the Republican nomination – Benjamin’s jetting out of state
  • Santorum’s Google Problem
  • The fracturing of America
  • Northeast Ohio is the only sane part of this entire country
  • We are Americans not Individual-ans!
  • Actors as warriors
  • A culture of fear
  • It is debatable whether Benjamin is an idiot
  • The “Family” as a tribe
  • Who’s your Master?

Contact us at:

podcast@headsupproductions.net
www.facebook.com/headsupproductions

Donate:



www.headsupproductions.net/donate

2012-02-19

Episode 43: Commedia dell’Akron

Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews Wendy Duke, (Drama teacher at Miller South), who’s Commedia Troupe has teamed up with New World Performance Laboratory to host an afternoon of Commedia workshops on Saturday February 25th from 2 – 5pm at the Balch Street Theatre.

  • Commedia dell’Arte – a family form of theatre
  • Commedia is improvised, slap-stick comedy and yes, the word “comedy” is in fact related
  • “Lotsa Lazzi!”
  • I’d like to take Commedia for $200, Alex
  • If you were lucky you could sit at Leonard Pitt’s feet
  • Theatre of Sorts – Wendy’s theatre company
  • Commitment + Collaboration = You’re In!
  • “Actors have to stay in shape.”
  • There’s a Zanni in my tub!
  • Please put the paddle down and stop spanking your classmate
  • “Find the body that fits the mask.”
  • Ophelia the cat also wants to be interviewed on HUAR
  • Faction of Fools presents Hamlecchino: Clown Prince of Denmark
  • What plays well in Italy may not play well in France, unless you’re playing for Moliere
  • The Day of Commedia – Saturday February 25th
  • Commedia dell’Akron (Free fun for the whole family)

Commedia dell’Akron
February 25, 2012 from 2-5pm
Balch Street Theatre
(330) 867-3299
nwplab@gmail.com
220 South Balch Street • Akron, OH, 44302

2012-02-11

Episode 42: Big Box, Week 7: “Chaos Theory”

Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews Cat Kenney, writer for Chaos Theory.

  • The longest pre-interview interview ever (From Kierkegaard to drugs and back again)
  • Fractal science as a metaphor for theater
  • What the heck is a Mandelbrot set? YouTube it!
  • Cartoonist, teacher, world traveler…she even does her own stunts
  • Vampires should read more
  • Cat may or may not be a hit man
  • Stories within stories within stories within stories within…you get the point
  • Chaos Theory is, in fact, not digestible
  • The ephemeral nature of theatre relationships
  • The director of the piece is “ten kinds of brilliant covered in awesome sauce”
  • Cool nerds vs. chess club nerds
  • “The play is a puzzle.”
  • Sorry boys and girls but CPT will not be serving spaghetti this weekend
  • “Genius often tries to fly too close to the sun.”
  • Next step after Big Box: Send it to the guy sitting on the throne!

Chaos Theory
February 16-18, 2012 @ 7 pm
Big Box Series
Cleveland Public Theatre
James Levin Stage
$10/Thurs • $15 Fri & Sat

www.cptonline.org
216.631.2727 EXT. 501
6415 Detroit Ave • Cleveland, OH

2012-02-03

Episode 41: Big Box, Week 6: “Divorcing Batman, Dating all of Gotham City”

Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews Melissa Barber, writer/actress for Divorcing Batman, Dating all of Gotham City. 

  • A solo performance based on one woman’s dating experience following her divorce from a certain costumed crusader
  • Progressive dating, online dating and blind dating…oh my!
  • So it really isn’t about Batman?
  • Good, solid criticism….is there any other kind?
  • The Three D’s – Divorce. Dating and Discovery
  • Wearing many hats:  the actor says yes, but the producer says no
  • To Fringe Festivals and Beyond (perhaps in Any City, USA)
  • Create your own opportunities
  • What is cabaret?
  • Just like Adam Sandler, Melissa is a wedding singer
  • The Living Room Circuit
  • Add a dash of imagination to that secret recipe
  • Men: See the show to learn how NOT to break up with women
  • “The title ought to intrigue you…”
  • www.melissabarber.net

Divorcing Batman, Dating all of Gotham City
February 9-11, 2012 @ 7 pm
Big Box Series
Cleveland Public Theatre
James Levin Stage
$10/Thurs • $15 Fri & Sat

www.cptonline.org
216.631.2727 EXT. 501

2012-01-27

Episode 40: Big Box, Week 5: “The Berlioz Project”

Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews Deborah Magid, creator of The Berlioz Project: a Multidisciplinary, Multimedia, Multi-venue Rock Opera

  • Based on Hector Berlioz’s masterwork Symphonie Fantastique: Scenes from the Life of an Artist
  • Symphonie Fantastique is known as the first “psychedelic symphony” and was the first symphony that told a story
  • Berlioz wrote the symphony to get a girl…
  • Opium becomes LSD in this modernized rock opera
  • The genesis of the idea (And it’s not an acid trip!)
  • Conceived as a collaboration with Verb Ballets
  • What EXACTLY is a multidisciplinary, multimedia, multi-venue rock opera?
  • The Berlioz Project’s 5-year plan
  • “Who is this insane person?” (Yeah, we’re talking about Deborah)
  • Frustrated about not getting cast in roles, Deborah took to the page and discovered a love for writing
  • Deborah’s artistic homes
  • How the audience received the 10-minute Leap/Conceive Berlioz preview
  • The wonderful thing(s) about CPT
  • And getting back to the topic at hand…a rundown of the characters
  • The Cow Tipping Dance
  • You have to leave some gaps for the audience to fill in
  • Berlioz’s mating song is from his prepubescent years
  • Berlioz, the original Beatle
  • Cleveland… really, theatre?
  • Go live somewhere else! …at least for a year
  • America watching, the newest Olympic sport
  • The website to hear the original music: http://imslp.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique,_H_48_(Berlioz,_Hector)
  • www.deborahmagid.com

The Berlioz Project
February 2-4, 2012 @ 7 pm
Big Box Series
Cleveland Public Theatre
James Levin Stage
$10/Thurs • $15 Fri & Sat

www.cptonline.org
216.631.2727 EXT. 501
6415 Detroit Ave • Cleveland, OH

2012-01-22

Episode 39: Big Box, Week 4: “The Negro Perkins” and “The Art of Social Graces”

Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews Lisa Louise Langford and Jennifer Sandoval, guest artists in Cleveland Public Theatre’s Big Box Series.

  • The Negro Perkins
    • Set in a “pest house” in 1898 in a fictional town in Georgia
    • What happens when you’re sitting somewhere where every corner is just potential gloom and doom?
    • The thrill of being a playwright
    • Lisa’s (thieving) approach to directing
    • Home rehearsals
    • InCogNegro– Lisa’s first Big Box show
    • “You must remember the chewed Doritos.”
    • A Swingers Club: Inspiration for a new play
    • Smallbox!  Swinging!  Negros! We’ve got it all!
    • Finding Actors… the challenges of self-producing
    • Come see the Negro Perkins!  How bad can it be?
    • A free MFA in playwrighting
    • The importance of African Americans in Lisa’s work
  • The Art of Social Graces
    • This dance piece explores modern society’s dependence on technology, etiquette and face-to-face interactions
    • Does where society is heading scare you?
    • A company offers “internet lockout” as a service
    • Text message dilemmas
    • From concept to rehearsal
    • Making contact with strangers
    • The importance of a handwritten letter
    • Society’s always in a rush
    • The Marquez Dance Project and collaboration
    • Which came first?  The movement or the music?
    • Compassion still exists…somewhere
    • Live performance is about human interaction
    • Raising awareness through art…
    • www.marquezdanceproject.com

The Negro Perkins and The Art of Social Graces
January 26-28, 2012 @ 7 pm
Big Box Series

Cleveland Public Theatre
James Levin Stage
$10/Thurs • $15 Fri & Sat
www.cptonline.org
216.631.2727 EXT. 501
6415 Detroit Ave • Cleveland, OH

2012-01-11

Episode 38: Big Box, Week 3: “1,000 Hills” and “To the Sea…”

Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews India Burton and Christine McBurney, guest artists in Cleveland Public Theatre’s Big Box Series.

  • 1,000 Hills written by India Burton
  • To The Sea…devised by Mamai Theatre Company
    • Based on (but not completely) the play Riders to the Sea written by John M. Synge
    • Lecoq & Decroux
    • During the planning process, Christine went to pay a parking meter and came back to “the whole plan”
    • How the devising process began
    • Tragedy! Joy! Absurdity! in 45 minutes
    • Martin McDonagh and his connection to John M. Synge
    • What do you mean by “clown?”
    • The basics behind the techniques and how they’re connected
    • The hardest part of devising a piece
    • How Mamai Theatre Company got its name and its start
    • Summer plans: Boston Marriage (There will be open auditions)

1,000 Hills and To the Sea…

January 19-21, 2012 @ 7 pm
Big Box Series

Cleveland Public Theatre
James Levin Stage
$10/Thurs • $15 Fri & Sat
www.cptonline.org
216.631.2727 EXT. 501
6415 Detroit Ave • Cleveland, OH

2012-01-06

Episode 37: First Night Akron 2012

A special First Night Akron edition of Heads Up Arts Radio!

2012-01-02

Episode 36: First Night Akron – Donald Peoples

A special First Night Akron edition of Heads Up Arts Radio!

2011-12-28

Episode 35: Big Box, Week 1: “The Dreamer” and “My Dear Boy”

  • Host Benjamin Rexroad interviews Amy Compton and Tim Tavcar, guest artists in Cleveland Public Theatre’s Big Box Series.
  • Coming to you from CPT’s East Storefront performance space.
  • The Dreamer created by Amy Compton
    • Originally when conceiving the piece, it was about unrequited love
    • Singing, dancing and letters to Oprah Winfrey
    • Trees with no leaves = unrequited love
    • Something beautiful out of something awful
    • Why would I be so in love with someone who doesn’t really seem to notice me?
    • Amy’s background as an artist
    • It’s easier to play by yourself sometimes…
    • The one-woman rehearsal process
    • The hardest part of creating the show
    • Little boxes in the closest…
    • Syncronicity and Carl Jung
    • Where you can find Amy (You can’t):
  • My Dear Boy: Gay Love Letters Through the Ages adapted and directed by Tim Tavcar
    • Based on the book My Dear Boy: Gay Love Letters Through the Centuries edited by Rictor Norton
    • A series of staged letters that speak to people of all affectional preferences
    • A smaller version of this production was originally commissioned by a gay and lesbian community center in Vermont
    • Love chooses us…
    • A fact about ancient gay relationships
    • How the book was compiled
    • Tim’s history in Northeast Ohio and beyond…
    • Why it’s easy for Tim to break into acting and not directing
    • About Tim’s company: Wordstage

The Dreamer and My Dear Boy
January 5-7, 2012 @ 7 pm
Big Box Series
Cleveland Public Theatre
James Levin Stage
$10/Thurs • $15 Fri & Sat
www.cptonline.org
216.631.2727 EXT. 501
6415 Detroit Ave • Cleveland, OH

2011-12-13

Episode 35: Young Actors Studio

“My whole purpose with Young Actors Studio is to elevate students through the performing arts.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa interview Elyse Romano and Angela Hoppes from Young Actors Studio in Hudson.
  • From the living room to productions: A brief history of Young Actors Studio
  • Who are Elyse and Angela?
  • Everything at YAS is student driven
  • Angela’s daughters found a home at YAS (And so did Angela)
  • Dracula was YAS’ first non-musical production
  • YAS’ audition and casting process
  • How YAS helps students through middle school
  • YAS working with the community
  • Elyse, can you just mouth the words?
  • Have you picked summer stage yet?
  • YAS becomes a haunted house
  • Current Production:
    It’s a Wonderful Life
    December 15-December 17 at 7 pm
    December 17 at 2 pm
    Tickets: $8
    For reserverations call: 330.653.8525
  • For more information about YAS visit www.youngactorsstudio.net
  • Contact us at:
    podcast@headsupproductions.net
    www.facebook.com/headsupproductions
    www.headsupproductions.net 
  • Donate:
    www.headsupproductions.net/donate

2011-12-08

Episode 34: April Helms  – Special Products Editor

“You can find very good quality theater at a community theater.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa interview April Helms, Special Products Editor for Record Publishing’s weekly, regional newspapers.
  • April is “Special Products Editor” not “Entertainment Editor”
  • April covers theater, dance, art shows, book reviews and a myriad of other things
  • How April decides what events to cover
  • Record Publishing produces 1 daily and 8 weekly newspapers
  • April’s patchwork, eclectic background
  • DigitalLit is April’s literary blog (Normally she reads about 80 books a year)
  • Advice for reviewers: remember that community theaters use VOLUNTEERS
  • Critiquing a critic over a misspelled name
  • TJ once received a bad review
  • April enjoyed coming to Corpus Christi rehearsal (watch the video here)
  • Benjamin is a nut and takes PAGES of notes when seeing a show
  • April’s rant about the importance of art education
  • Visit Record Publishing’s website:  http://www.recordpub.com/
  • Or in person: 1619 Commerce Drive/Stow, OH
  • Contact us at:
    podcast@headsupproductions.net
    www.facebook.com/headsupproductions
    www.headsupproductions.net 
  • Donate:
    www.headsupproductions.net/donate

2011-12-01

Episode 33: Leadership U[niversity]

“When it’s ‘it’– I’ll know.”

*Disclaimer: Benjamin is terrible at pronunciation and butchers several names throughout this episode.  Apologizes all around.

2011-11-24

Episode 33:  Directing 101

“By teaching people to critique, you are giving them that point of view.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Josza discuss the University of Akron’s Directing 1 class presentation.
  • “Is it possible to teach directing?” A question from Anne Bogart on her monthly blog
  • “What do you do in directing class?” A question from TJ during the presentations
  • What to do if you don’t like our critique…
  • A “B” in directing was Benjamin’s worst grade in college (even though he received multiple F’s)
  • The scenes:
    • How I Learned to Drive
      by Paula Vogel
      directed by Nici Romo
    • The Fourposter
      by Jan de Hartog
      directed by Avery McCullough
    • Family Stories
      By Biljana Srbljanovic
      Directed by Jovana Bukvic
    • Bent
      By Martin Sherman
      Directed by Robert Round
    • Beyond Therapy
      By Christopher Durang
      Directed by Rosilyn Jentner
    • Put Them All Together
      By Anne Commire
      Directed by Alex Briski
    • Lend me a Tenor
      By Ken Ludwig
      Directed by Tara Sudon
    • Amadeus
      By Peter Shaffer
      Directed by Allison Good
    • The Lieutenant of Inishmore
      By Martin McDonagh
      Directed by Daniel Ward
    • The Hobbit
      Adapted by Brainerd Duffield
      Directed by Jacob Gatti
    • Contact us at:
      podcast@headsupproductions.net
      www.facebook.com/headsupproductions
      www.headsupproductions.net 
    • Donate:
      www.headsupproductions.net/donate

2011-11-16

Episode 32:  Racism, Sexuality & Daybreak’s Children

“My struggle in life has not necessarily been being gay or black…it’s been more so being both.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa interview Akron-native and playwright John Dayo-Aliya at the Balch Street Community Center during rehearsal of his show, Daybreak’s Children.
  • Daybreak’s Children deals with racism, sexuality and crack addiction
  • John got the idea for Daybreak’s Children during his student his research on crack addiction it’s effect on sexuality
  • The parallel between John and his characters
  • John shows the audience his questions
  • White privilege
  • John proves Benjamin wrong about Big Mama Thornton
  • America is authentically African AND authentically European
  • “When God was making black people, he was listening to music…”
  • The Black Church
  • How Benjamin and TJ got inducted into a church choir
  • TJ didn’t get into an Ivy League school, but could he become a Wall Street banker?
  • Racism within the black community
  • How do you define yourself?
  • Daybreak’s Children runs Thursday, November 17 through Saturday, November 19 at 8 pm with a special 3 pm matinee on Saturday.  Tickets are $12 or “pay-what-you-can.”  Visit the Facebook event for more information.
  • Join us for a special after party at The Tangier after the closing night performance.  Meet the cast and crew, $2 off your appetizer (with coupon in playbill), free music!  (No reservations needed!)  Visit the Facebook event for more information.
  • Contact us at:
    podcast@headsupproductions.net
    www.facebook.com/headsupproductions
    www.headsupproductions.net 
  • Donate:
    www.headsupproductions.net/donate

2011-11-10

Episode 31:  On The Road, Episode 11:  Wrap Up, Part 2

“Did we just break up with Akron?”

  • For 6 weeks, hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa traveled across America.  This episode is a post-trip retrospective discussing “why the West is best.”
  • Postscript to On The Road, Edition 10:  Eat slowly!
  • Vastness of the West = Vastness of the Soul
  • An infinite expanse of stars
  • Sunrise/Sunset
  • Beautiful rest areas
  • Should the Cuyahoga Valley National Park be a National Park?
  • A diversity of wildlife
  • Small Town, America
  • Open-minded, active people
  • Eastern Philosophy  V.S. Western Philosophy
  • The ethos of Akron:  How people feel “trapped”
  • The “wild” west
  • Contact us at:
    podcast@headsupproductions.net
    www.facebook.com/headsupproductions
    www.headsupproductions.net
  • Donate:
    www.headsupproductions.net/donate

2011-11-05

Episode 30: On The Road, Edition 10: Wrap Up, Part 1

“We all have stupid little things that we do that drive our partner bonkers.”

  • For 6 weeks, hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa traveled across America.  This episode is a post-trip retrospective of the most important things the duo learned while living on the road.
  • How to “deal with” your partner
  • Yes, and…
  • Breaking down barriers
  • Radical self-reliance
  • Everything and everyone connects to the flow (to talk to TJ about the flow, email TJ@headsupproductions.net)
  • Hot Sauce makes everything taste better
  • Dispersed camping
  • Don’t wait until you have “enough” money to travel
  • BYOC: Bring Your Own Cup
  •  Water is crucial
  • Respect for people at “home”
  • Learning how to listen 
Swapping stories
  • Enjoy getting from place to place
  • Your car is your home
  • You don’t need as much as you think you do
  • America is BIG

2011-11-03

Episode 29: Daybreak’s Children

“We can’t ignore the fact that they have scripts on the stage.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa interview Actor, Director, Playwright and Producer India Burton.
  • Daybreak’s Children by John Dayo-Aliya explores the black experience in present day America.  But it’s a story that surpasses cultural boundaries.  Sammie, the oldest child and only son, has returned to the family home after the loss of his male lover.  Educated at Columbia University, Sammie is unable to find a job in provincial Memphis, Tennessee.  When Sammie suspects his father of relapsing on his crack addiction, the family can no longer keep their skeletons in the closet.
  • Working with a playwright who is in the rehearsal hall
  • In a staged-reading, you can’t do things “realistically”
  • The Director as Teacher: struggles working with young actors
  • The difference between African-American actors and Caucasian actors
  • Breaking clichés and stereotypes
  • Does Chekov speak to African-Americans?
  • African-American music and its American roots
  • Bad habits of untrained actors
  • The “Chitlin’ Circuit”
  • Fellow University of Akron graduate Anthony Dalton featured in Tyler Perry’s Laugh to Keep from Crying
  • India and Religious Plays
  • TRUTH Be Told Theatrical Company at the University of Akron
  • The “GAY” issue
  • Daybreak’s Children plays November 17-19 at 8 pm with a special matinee on Saturday at 3 pm.  Tickets are $12 or pay-what-you-can.  Call 330.990.5138 for reservations or visit the Facebook Page for more info.

2011-10-27

Episode 28: Clear Gold Audio & Lighting

“Building it from the ground up, there’s no baggage; it’s a clean slate and I love that part.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa interview Christopher Pepe, the President (and owner) of Clear Gold Audio & Lighting.  Recorded, on location, at Christopher’s new office space on Maple Street in Akron.
  • Email: podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • Buying a business V.S. Starting a business
  • From flooring contractor to Clear Gold
  • A rap show riot
  • How Christopher views his “competition”
  • The possibilities of LED lighting
  • The answer is always “YES” in the production business
  • References:  Weathervane, Stan Hywet, The University of Akron and more…
  • Christopher’s coffee house music career
  • A “secret” Partridge Family wish
  • Clear Gold doesn’t need to leave town to make a business
  • Cool new lighting equipment elicits a “hey dad” from the kids
  • A pro-wrestling experience
  • For more information or to book Clear Gold for your event, visit: www.cleargoldaudio.com

2011-10-19

Episode 27: Occupy Akron

“…Talk to each other.  THAT’S how you build a community.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa discuss the growing Occupation.
  • Heads Up Productions proudly supports this democratic movement.
  • We do not speak for the movement.  We only speak for ourselves.
  • A new direction for Heads Up Productions: Silent Dance Party (Heads Up’s Performance Art Piece at Occupy Akron)
  • “Pick up your trash,” a comment from an Anti-Occupier
  • Theatre artists create a new society every two months
  • “There’s beauty to this movement,” a comment from an Occupier
  • A protest, not a party
  • “No costumes,” a comment from Occupy Akron
  • Political theatre’s head honcho: Augusto Boal
  • Revolution?
  • The 1% doesn’t want to give up their power“If you can dream it, you can do it,” a comment from TJ
  • Maybe the Occupiers should test a new form of government?
  • “It will always be fun,” a comment from Benjamin
  • Go talk to your neighbor!
  • Theme song by Anonymous, watch the source video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzbTlY1uOJk
  • Occupy Akron contact info:

2011-10-15

Episode 26: On The Road, Edition 9

“Benji, get the stick out the whale and c’mon.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • San Francisco:  The end of the continent
  • The Castro District
  • TJ dresses a provocatively at the Folsom Street Fair
  • Pho (It’s a soup.)
  • Advice:  Sneaking into the movies. (How to get free concessions.)
  • Advice:  Discuss your boundaries. (How to save a relationship.)
  • Shout out to fellow podcaster: Lex Wahl of Anything Ghost
  • TJ gets homesick
  • A tour of Santa Barbara including the wonderful restaurant Palapa
  • Different kinds of “On the Road” hosts
  • A lesson in gay history
  • TJ’s wishes for the world
  • A Further concert at Red Rocks in Colorado
  • Following in your hero’s footsteps

2011-10-12

Episode 25:  Occupy Cleveland

“You can’t change the world by clicking ‘like’ on Facebook.”

Post Script 

  • Help the Occupants of Cleveland by donating.  Their needs are listed on their website: http://occupycleveland.com/category/needs/
  • Max Barry’s book Jennifer Government is a good read and may, in fact, show EXACTLY where America is headed if corporate greed goes unchecked.

2011-10-11

Episode 24: On The Road, Edition 8

“Not…quite…exactly…the type of…atmosphere I was looking for.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • A drunken TJ gets the expedition lost looking for the Tillamook Cheese Factory
  • Donate to Heads Up Arts Radio to help the boys with gas money!
  • The Pacific Ocean!
  • Sand Lake Recreation Area offers 1,076 acres of sand dunes.  (Or as TJ put it “miles and miles.”)
  • Elk Attack! (Not just a bad garage band.)
  • Hiking among giants.
  • Photos of the trip available at Benjamin’s Facebook Page
  • Dear Park System:  rethink your “strenuous” trails.
  • The Universe speaks!
  • Benjamin loves Keith and the Girl
  • The 101, in general

2011-10-05

Episode 23: On The Road, Edition 7

“Actually, you’re probably not going to like this.  But you’re going to think it’s cool.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • The Olympic National Park: Mountains, Rainforest and Beaches!  Oh my!
  • An encounter with the wildlife of Olympic National Park.
  • Good and bad food in Port Angeles (with a lesson on tipping.)
  • A cool beach find.
  • Slater’s Diner.  The best pizza ever.
  • How the “little guy” swindled Benjamin and TJ
  • An encounter with the wildlife of Portland.  (Homelessness is no laughing matter.)
  • Voodoo Doughnuts are delicious
  • Bar hopping through the city:

2011-09-30

Episode 22: On The Road, Edition 6

“DOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAARRRRRR SHOOOOOOOOOTS!!!!!!”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • SpoKANE V.S. SpoCAN
  • Seattle + Rain = A Public Apology
  • City driver? Mountain driver? Which are you?
  • The Ebb and Flow of smooth Seattle jazz
  • The BEST bar ever
  • 4 beers, 6 shots and a quesadilla for $15
  • Blake is really Alonzo and Benjamin and TJ save his life (No big deal.)
  • What in the world are “Browns Backers?”
  • A 10-mile urban hike
  • A homeless man gets on his knees for TJ
  • The strangest library ever

2011-09-28

Episode 21: Super-Peering into the Future

“With great power comes…irresponsibility.”

  • Hosts Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt interview Kurt Brown, creator and writer of the comic book Super-Peers
  • Speaking in waves and super babes
  • Origin stories
  • More interesting than a fight with Superman
  • A kid’s comic for adults
  • Everyone wants super powers
  • Time-travel can be tricky
  • Writing comics the Marvel way
  • The collaborators behind the Super-Peers comic
  • Alex Rivero’s bilingual Legends of My Land (Leyendas de Mi Tierra): Read it online or download the PDF
  • Go to www.super-peers.com and see a new page of the comic every week!
  • Super-Peers on Facebook (please Like it)
  • Decompression: the bane (or laziness) of storytelling
  • The audience you write for
  • Archetypes and the descendants of radiation
  • Themes within the comic
  • “…Radiation was great back in the ’50s…” (How superheroes get their powers)
  • Kurt’s favorite creators, superheroes, and lamer characters
  • Superman is from Cleveland
  • Continuity issues (Barack sells!)
  • Twitter Kurt Brown @kurttrukx
  • Or e-mail him!
  • Ben and TJ still on the road: check out their “On the Road” podcasts on the HUAR page
  • Please DONATE!
  • E-mail us at podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • We are on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-09-24

Episode 20: On The Road, Edition 5

“Six weeks on the road with somebody, living essentially out of your car, these things are going to happen.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • A big “on the road” fight
  • “You can drive and drive through Texas…”
  • A surprise visit in Lamar, Colorado (with sirens)
  • A detour of Denver
  • Laramie, Wyoming and its forgotten history
  • TJ is, in fact, sexist
  • Yellowstone National Park, geysers and a night hike (with a bear club)
  • A near accident
  • Sushi Yama = Sushi Yummy (the best Sushi we have ever had)

2011-09-17

Episode 19:  On The Road, Edition 4

“We wound up leaving Texas with just a completely different view than when we came in…”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • A true helping of Southern Hospitality served by TJ’s aunt, uncle and cousins
  • Benjamin and TJ “remember the Alamo” by paying it a visit
  • A walk to an “art” village, passing an outdoor stage that was used in Miss Congeniality
  • The Tower of the Americas (where you can’t see South America, but you can see wildfires)
  • A cruise on the River Walk of San Antonio
  • Goat = authentic Mexican food
  • Natural Bridge Caverns (Detour!  Bridge closed ahead!)
  • Greune, Texas and softball games
  • A mechanical bull, two-stepping and funny looks at Cowboys Dance Hall
  • Climbing Enchanted Rock
  • The world’s worst barbeque!
  • The Mexican Market makes life affordable

2011-09-14

Episode 18: Recycled Rainbow All the Way

“The ‘vice principle’ is uncertainty: you can never expect any Burn to be the same.”

  • HUAR’s first Skype interview: Host Amy Spencer and Northern Ohio’s official Burning Man regional contact, Every Man, discuss the upcoming Burn September 22-25
  • The origin of “Recycled Rainbow“
  • How an arts festival outgrows its house
  • No schedules, no rules
  • The earlier you buy, the cheaper the tickets: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Tickets are $45 until September 19
  • Radical civic responsibility
  • Giving for the sake of giving: It’s not about money
  • The 5.5 principles & 2 rules: descriptive vs. prescriptive
  • Create your own city: Every Man’s contribution will be a theatre dance hall
  • Cleaning up during and after the Burn
  • No one gets paid (in fact Every Man bought his ticket earlier this week!)
  • What your (very inexpensive) ticket pays for
  • CALLING ALL MEDICS: Recycled Rainbow needs volunteers (who will be compensated as much as possible)
  • Check out the photo galleries from past Recycled Rainbows
  • Burning Man and children: parents must decide if this is for their children
  • Rangers are mediators, not law-enforcers
  • Earth Guardians, among others, will help protect against litter and litterers
  • Burning Man Survival Guide
  • Join other theme camps, help out, participate!
  • Cosmos: “Anything that is so large, fantastic and heavenly, that there’s no explanation…”
  • Everyone can contribute, so anyone can effect others’ experiences
  • Exposing youth to concepts like giving forward, self-expression, self-reliance, etc.
  • Kids dancing when everyone else is afraid to
  • The illumination of the grounds
  • Search “recycled rainbow” on youtube to see some Burn videos
  • Mutant Vehicles
  • Prices for gate sales (anytime after September 19) go up to $95, SO ORDER TICKETS NOW!
  • E-mail us at podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • We are on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-09-12

Episode 17:  On the Road, Edition 3

“I am a Boy Scout.  Let me show you how I can start a fire.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • After Burning Man, our intrepid explorers needed a shower (so the ended up in Reno)
  • In Reno, “color TV” is a commodity
  • Benjamin walks around in his underwear
  • A dip in Lake Tahoe
  • A Yosemite campground disaster (and TJ starts a fire)
  • National Parks v.s. National Forests
  • A switchback mountain climb
  • The Grand Canyon…at night
  • Roswell, New Mexico
  • New Mexico and economic depression
  • Carlsbad Caverns

2011-09-08

Episode 16: On the Road, Edition 2

“Jesus is gone; all that’s left are the maniacs.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks, they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussing life on the road.
  • The dynamic duo survives Burning Man
  • Burning Man bears no description
  • Expectations about life in Black Rock City
  • A rough start (including lice)
  • New friends & campmates
  • Camp Baggage Check (a great introduction)
  • The Shady Waffle (a meeting with a real life fairy)
  • An amusement park backyard
  • Things materialize on the playa
  • The Temple (perfect disharmony)
  • And the man burns…

2011-09-06

Episode 15: Director Attention This Way

“Fred Sternfeld: the Yente of the performing arts community.”

  • Hosts Tyler Hodges and Amy Spencer interview artistic director and NEohioPAL creator Fred Sternfeld
  • Not enough guys on stage
  • Amazing young actors
  • A day in the life of a student at FPAC (Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory)
  • Developing a community through theater
  • The tools and techniques to tapping the creative source
  • Actors: co-creators vs. chess pieces
  • Ensemble-building
  • Performances that reach out (the Eat (It’s Not About Food) tour)
  • Freelance directing (Dear Akron: Fred Sternfeld wants to come and work here sometime)
  • Tentatively name-dropping (he gets around)
  • The gift to Northeast Ohio: over 6,000 served
  • Donations are encouraged
  • Ideas for attaining revenue (without charging subscribers) are also encouraged
  • Dreaming about future PAL models
  • Organic chemistry… and theater!
  • “Any time you do a show you’re basically starting a business…”
  • Sondheim’s A Little Night Music runs October 27 – November 13 at the Mayfield Village Civic Center
  • The software seer of sound, and other amazing collaborators
  • Outdoor theatre requires careful casting: projecting truthfulness in a large space
  • Who wants to understudy?
  • Visit Fred’s site or the FPAC site for more information on productions, connections, etc.
  • Auditions for Music Man are September 17-19 by appointment only: (440)338-3171
  • Heads Up will perform an original piece at Pandemonium at the Cleveland Public Theatre this Saturday, September 10
  • E-mail us at podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • We are on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-08-28

Episode 14:  On the Road, Edition 1

“Mountains are your back drop for life.”

  • Hosts Benjamin Rexroad and TJ Jozsa take HUAR “on the road” and across America.  During the next 6 weeks they will be uploading short podcasts chronicling their adventures.  Episodes may include interviews, musings and discussions of life on the road.
  • That’s not static in the background; it’s Grizzly Creek!
  • Finished first leg of journey to Colorado
  • Auspicious Beginnings
  • America grows a lot of corn
  • Iowa City, Iowa
  • Nebraska– a good place to look at stars
  • The mountains of Colorado are a GREAT natural playground
  • Naropa University– monks, dreadlocks, prairie dogs and an MFA in Performance
  • Staying with Deadheads
  • Climbing up Mount Evans with the mountain goats
  • ·Truck Norris!

2011-08-24

Episode 13: The Shelter of Afflicted Pictures

“You kinda have to fail to know what you need to do to succeed.”

  • Host Amy Spencer interviews writer/producer/director and co-founder of Afflicted Pictures Adam Caudill
  • Wrion Bowling: the other half of the co-founding
  • Their feature-length movie, Shelter, will finish with post-production this Fall
  • Fifth attempt; planning the setup before the pitch
  • After Effects and rendering… and rendering
  • Genesis of Adam and Wrion
  • When your eyes are bigger than your wallets (and learning from that)
  • Shelter: you haven’t seen anything like this before
  • Fulfilling the needs of the audience while adhering to the rules of your production
  • The people you want to work with… again (cast and crew)
  • First-times for everyone
  • No weak links on set and off
  • Actors embodying their characters: words, beards, and all
  • Wearing many hats without wearing out
  • Tag-teaming the co-directing
  • Talking around special effects (no spoiler alert)
  • Chad Kean and Jinwei Zeng, the fabulous two-man camera team
  • Camera magic
  • Afflicted Pictures website
  • Please Like them on Facebook and check out their production photos/blog
  • Follow them on Twitter @shelter_movie
  • Good enough to make another movie
  • E-mail Adam and Wrion
  • Kickstarter: helping independent productions get financial support
  • The last summer series is this Friday, August 26: FREE street theater in front of the Market Path in Highland Square (Family Friendly)
  • Heads Up will also be at Art in the Square the following weekend, September 3
  • E-mail us at podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • We are now on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-08-17

Episode 12: The Benefits of Dolls

“…Give them the bare-bones with staging, and then they fill it in with craziness.”

  • Hosts Tyler Hodges and Amy Spencer share their experiences teaching summer camp through a Weathervane Playhouse program
  • An “interesting” day at work
  • Introducing the guests, Curt and Jenniver
  • The history of the benefit, players, and nature of the piece
  • When the band breaks into laughter
  • The shows that sell
  • Short runs; Great rewards
  • “Valley of the Dolls” (It’s not about dolls, and not suitable for children)
  • More than just staged readings
  • Happy(?) accidents
  • Running a two-man production company
  • Setting the talent loose
  • Genesis of costume auctions begins with taking off clothes
  • Audiences will be entertained, one way or another
  • “Valley of the Dolls” benefit performs August 22 in Cleveland at the Cassidy Theatre (call (216)621-0766, extension 232 for tickets [$25]) and August 29 in Akron at Weathervane Playhouse(call (330)836-2626 for tickets [$21])
  • Heads Up has one more Summer Series performance in front of the Market Path in Highland Square 6:00pm Friday, August 26: This is a FREE SHOWand is family friendly
  • We’ll also perform at Art in the Square
  • E-mail us at podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • We are now on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme song by Sharon Pritt and Amy Spencer

2011-08-10

Episode 11: Canton Film Festival

“Just keep shooting.”

  • Hosts Brian Jackson and Amy Spencer interview James Waters, director of the Canton Film Festival 2011
  • Categorically defining the film festival (submissions are due September 1st!)
  • Special guests directors coming in that Friday night
  • Zombie contest!
  • Formerly known as “International”: keeping it local for the Little Guy
  • What it means to direct a film festival
  • Film festivals need support, too: sponsors/donators are GREATLY appreciated
  • The green genre
  • Never where we want to be
  • “Redball”: when “Deliverance” meets paint-ball
  • Midwesterners getting hired on the west coast
  • Movie magic casting its spell on James
  • Indes versus Hollywood
  • The price of running a festival
  • How submissions are determined
  • Animated entries
  • Deciding the winners (please submit the fresh and new)
  • The fabulous prizes
  • Steps to making a successful piece: start by getting off your couch
  • The Canton Film Festival is  October 13-15: Get tickets now!
  • Weekend passes are $18 for all three days
  • E-mail our podcast at podcast@headsupproductions.net
  • The last Summer Series free street theater performance is Friday, August 26 in front of The Market Path in Highland Square
  • Heads Up will also be performing at Art in the Square September 3, and Pandemonium September 10
  • We are now on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-08-03

Episode 10: The Makings of a One-Man Show

“There are no recipes.”

  • Hosts TJ Josza Benjamin Rexroad interview playwright/actor Terrence Cranendonk
  • Terry did work sessions with Grotowski in 1984
  • He was not one of the Chosen Ones, so he chose himself: persistence
  • Studying theater at Yale
  • And just missing studying under some of the bigger names of theatrical history
  • After leaving the Grotowski session, Terry put the work away for a while
  • Studying privately under Ryszard Cieslak (after fabricating a space and nine other students): more persistence
  • The elements of Terrence’s training/work with fourteen others
    - Plastiques
    - Scene study (parts they always wanted to play)
    - Vocal work
    - Stanislavsky (physical action)
  • Terry’s one-man show “I Dreamed of Rats”: Inspector General as a solo piece in 45 minutes with lots of props
  • Some lone rehearsals included silent improvisations
  • In creating the show, he circled everything that made him laugh aloud
  • The first public performance was fourteen years ago
  • He is continually revising it today
  • In his precision, Terry even scores his thoughts
  • Never hold onto an association: hold onto what you’re doing
  • Sloviak’s Four Corners: outside, in freezing rain, on slippery platforms
  • He worked with New World Performance Lab for seven years
  • Performing in living rooms everywhere (The “Where We Live” Series)
  • Performance Plug! Saturday August 20th, 8:00 1057 Gent Road, Akron, OH
  • (330)664-0623 (space is limited: call for reservations)
  • And please donate to his cause: e-mail him at terry@dogoodog.com
  • Heads Up’s production of The Pillowman runs tomorrow, August 4 through Sunday August 7: Daum Theatre, Kolbe Hall, University of Akron
  • We are now on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store and subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-07-29

* Bonus Show
Episode 9: Humor Me

“Ride the wave that’s given to you.”

  • Hosts TJ Josza and Benjamin Rexroad interview comedian Ray DeVito
  • Ray is one of the youngest– scratch that– most requested touring comedians in the country
  • Ben and TJ met Ray at The Funny Stop and then again during the “Keith and the Girl” show
  • Check out Ray’s website (http://www.raydevito.net)
  • A little heart-to-heart about Ohio’s sports teams
  • How Ray got started in stand-up comedy (and did not continue with improv)
  • Stand-up comedy is a one-minute contract job
  • Saca Puntas in NYC
  • Bowery Poetry Club (stand-up comedy the first Wednesday of every month)
  • Performers with low self-esteem
  • How long before you just let the bad jokes die?
  • Ray’s inspiration: whatever comes to him
  • “Spotted Owl”: a clip from Ray’s live stand-up album 1647 Waterbury, available on iTunes
  • Twitter-pated (follow @raydevito)
  • Adjusting the Idea Set-list
  • Ray’s purpose in life: to make the top-ten on the karma charts (and to make people laugh)
  • Defining “making it”
  • And what’s up with space travel?
  • The Artistic Wonders of Akron
  • Show at The Winchester Music Hall in Lakewood, Ohio: Saturday, July 30
  • Another show in Sharon, PA, Saturday, August 6 at Funny Farm
  • The Pillowman August 4-7: Daum Theatre, Kolbe Hall, University of Akron
  • Final Summer Series coming in August

2011-07-25

Episode 8: A Myriad of Kevin Via Klemm

“The best moments are created during a performance.”

  • Hosts TJ Jozsa and Benjamin Rexroad interview local musician Kevin Klemm
  • Kevin teaches piano, drums, and voice
  • He started Good Vibrations Music School which teaches in-home music lessons
  • Ben may or may not have a heartbeat, which may or may not determine whether he can learn to play drums
  • Every student’s different: a good teacher learns how to adjust
  • A brief demonstration of “strict teacher” voices… and silences
  • If you are one of Kevin’s students, you would be in a rock band for your recital
  • Maid Myriad, one of his bands, releases its next album in the summer of Jannebruary
  • (Heads Up’s The Pillowman performs in Julaugust)
  • The album will be a conceptual, organic album
  • Via Lotus, Kevin’s other band, is the sister band of Maid Myriad: it also produces organic material
  • Upcoming show at Canton’s fantastic First Friday (free!) August 5th
  • Also August 9th at the Grog Shop, Via Lotus Company of Thieves
  • “My Own Worst Enemy” by Via Lotus from their Album, Secrets
  • Check out the bands’ sites: Maid Myriad and Via Lotus
  • Or find them on facebook (Maid Myriad/Via Lotus) and like them! (And please like Heads Up Productions, too)
  • And Good Vibrations Music School on Facebook
  • Reach Kevin Klemm for lessons at 330-858-7459
  • The Epic Story of How Ben and TJ Met Kevin: Broken Glass and Pooping Squirrels
  • Reflecting on Dog Sees God and the people connections therein
  • Overcoming the obstacles and being in the moment
  • How can you improvise during your virtuoso masterpiece/performance?
  • No performance is the same, even if its a recording
  • The composer and a player’s interpretation
  • How to compose for instruments you don’t play
  • Evolution of musical instruments
  • The Official location for The Pillowman and Mr. Marmalade performances will be the University of Akron’s Daum Theatre in Kolbe Hall
  • The Pillowman‘s performances are worth seeing multiple times to see all the character’s stories and layers
  • One more Summer Series! August 12th, 6pm in Highland Square: It’s free and it’s family friendly
  • Mr. Marmalade is August 18-21
  • Theme song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-07-18

Episode 7: Goodbye Ohio – Hello Scott

“Don’t let the alcohol trump the music.”

  • Hosts Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt interview Musician Extraordinaire Scott Hartlaub
  • Scott’s unique voice didn’t do him any favors when he was growing up (and neither did Catholic School)
  • The University of Akron accepted Scott into the music program despite his inability to read music
  • He dropped it two weeks later so that he could do music of his choosing
  • Amidst the chaos of parties in Highland Square, Scott was the one in the corner focused on music and oblivious to all else
  • Scott went back to school but dropped out again once he started touring with Jessica Lea Mayfield’s band
  • His parents were supportive, but his mom was against anything his dad was for…
  • As a child he wanted to play drums but unwillingly took piano lessons: someone had to play the piano his mom inherited
  • However, his first instrument was the guitar when he was seven
  • Today, guitar and banjo are his favorite toys to play with
  • The bands of Scott: “Head for the Hills,” “Goodbye Ohio,” “Beast” (known for its former vocalist who could emulate the sound of a legion of screaming children), “The Walkies,” and Jessica Lea Mayfield (classified as “folk-rock”)
  • Scott tells us about his musical influences and the evolution of his music-writing and genre-creating
  • His band’s touring recently took him outside the States (Toronto, Belgium, Paris, London, Berlin…)
  • We Ohioan audiences could learn a thing or two from European audiences about hospitality
  • New Orleans, Amsterdam, and San Francisco are amazing places to play
  • Words of advice to aspiring artists: 1) Don’t listen to your parents, and 2) meet people; network
  • Dear Akron musicians: have places other than bars for musicians/bands to play; don’t let the alcohol trump the music
  • Heads Up’s ideal home would be in a space where different artists could join as a community and support one another (We’re still on the look out: If you have any ideas or are interested in sharing a future space with us, please e-mail info@headsupproductions.net)
  • The Land of David Letterman
  • You can check out their TV debut on Jessica Mayfield’s myspace page or on Youtube: Scott’s on drums!
  • Weirdos do exist, they should exist, and they’re everywhere…
  • Prog-rock with a banjo can never happen… can it?
  • How to stalk Scott: e-mail him at battlesnack@gmail.com or check out his music on myspace
  • Saturday’s PNR benefit for Heads Up went well (audio clip)
  • if there are benefits or charities you’d like PNR to perform at, please contact them through their website or facebook page
  • Heads Up’s Summer Series’ July Freak Show performs again this Friday at 6pm in Highland Square (audio clip)
  • Upcoming Full-Length Play: The Pillowman August 4-7. Tickets are $5. You can’t beat the price for theater this good.
  • Keep an eye out on the main page for the upcoming behind-the-scenes video blog featuring a scene from the show and interviews with the cast
  • Donate!
  • We are now on iTunes: Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store. Subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-07-11

Episode 6: This Title Was Improvised

“…It’s cheaper than therapy.”

  • Hosts Amy Spencer and Brian Jackson discuss “Improv” with special guests, Point of No Return (PNR) Improv members, Joel Kirk and Susan Stofka
  • Susan has been with PNR since The Beginning
  • And Joel likes rocks
  • PNR has a benefit show this Saturday, July 16th, for Heads Up Productions at 7:30pm at the Quirk Cultural Center (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
  • Know your audience and your cast members
  • The art of “pimping” your fellow actors
  • Joel’s favorite improv games are “blind” games
  • Susan hates them, so come, come to the show and tell them you want to see Susan play a blind game!
  • Playing scenes in different ways: PNR’s versus Heads Up’s style
  • Joel started improv in San Francisco 13 years ago and liked it immediately
  • While Susan had no intentions of ever doing improv: ANTIC “1984″ cast mates kidnapped her and eventually formed PNR
  • PNR is a melting pot of personalities; you will never see a more motley crew
  • Brian performs a brief improvisation based on Susan’s artistic direction
  • PNR’s having a free improv workshop in August: See the website for more information (below)
  • They love audience participation, so come have fun with the PNR members
  • Brief self-promo insert: Please donate so we can have space to perform in, can improve our podcast, and improve our lives with art
  • Dreaming out: Nightmare on Elm Street the Musical
  • Live improvised song of “Do-Run-Run”
  • The golden rule of improv: “Yes. And…” (“No” does not exist)
  • Summer Series Promo: this month’s theme is “Imaginarium” July 15th, and 22nd at 6pm in Highland Square (Akron, Ohio)
  • Doing improv with a group is tapping into your inner child, playing with your imagination, and growing together as a family
  • It can sometimes make one too uninhibited in “real life” and might get you into trouble, but it can also give you invaluable skills such as confidence, being quick on your feet, and being yourself
  • Getting to know Heads Up company member, Brian Jackson
  • And now Susan will be imitating Brian at the next PNR show
  • PNR is a traveling company: if there are benefits or charities you’d like them to perform at, please contact them through their website www.pnrimprov.com or facebook page www.facebook.com/pnrimprov
  • Upcoming Full-Length Play: The Pillowman August 4-7. Tickets are $5. You can’t beat that price for theater this good.
  • Donate!
  • We are now on iTunes!  Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the iTunes store. Subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-07-04

Episode 5: Jill the Artist and Child-Whisperer

“As an artist, it’s your job to push it…”

  • Hosts Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt interview artist/child-whisperer Jill Schumann
  • Jill currently lives in the Bible Belt: hasn’t found the right church yet
  • Art has always been in her life
  • As a child, Jill created her own worlds… and buffalo thighs
  • Her mom supported her wildness growing up
  • Her teachers did not
  • Graffiti: the most freeing medium
  • Jill’s view: all graffiti is art, even if she doesn’t agree with it
  • Akron: it’s important to find the good weirdos, versus the creepy ones
  • The blank walls need to be filled
  • Jill struggles with supporting concepts like personal property, money, and owning land: Graffiti is a means of fighting back
  • Train yard at night + paint + boys = romance… but crossing tracks over a bridge = fear
  • Feminism from an early age: no pink vacuum cleaners for little Jill
  • Kent State’s professor Carrie and the magical world of performance art
  • Friendly Walmart zombies
  • Performance art is living art
  • And she lives art with the kids she works with
  • Student teaching: the penis incident (“If you’re gonna do a penis, at least do it right.”)
  • Jill wants to reach out and make a difference without being a slave to the public school system (which is still using the same system as the Reagan era)
  • Baby’s first graffiti: Fighting the prison of coloring books and building their own world
  • Jill’s starting dreamy, experimental photography projects in Nashville
  • Influential artists: Banksy (Exit Through the Gift Shop), Basquiat, and Sophie Calle
  • The latter of which explores voyeurism to the extreme
  • Breaching privacy: where’s the line? As artists, is it our job to push the line further? Questions!
  • If you’re offended by Jill’s art, she’s not sorry
  • Stalk Jill on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtothabean
  • Upcoming Show: Summer Series July 15th at The Market Path at 6pm (Bring $5 so we can eat!)
  • Upcoming Show: The Pillowman August 4-7. Tickets are $5. You can’t beat that price for theater this good.
  • Upcoming Show:  PNR fundraiser on July 16th.  $5 at the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls.
  • Donate!
  • We are now on itunes!  Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the itunes store.  Subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-06-27

Episode 4:  Sharon Possibly

“We are the good strangers.”

  • Host Amy Spencer interviews company member Sharon Pritt
  • Sharon hates being the center of attention!
  • Amy doesn’t want the audience to get confused.  (She’s the one asking the questions.)
  • Sharon starts making art before she can talk.
  • Face contortions are important to Sharon.
  • So were her art teachers.
  • Sharon’s musical influences are Queen, Kate Bush and “flamboyant” music.
  • Stream of consciousness music.
  • Sharon is a plagiarist of the musical world.
  • The people listening probably don’t remember “mom.”
  • Trying to find Sharon playing music is like a game of hide and seek.
  • “Agree to things you would never, ever agree to.”
  • Sharon plays “Geographical Solutions” live on the show!
  • Sharon wants to live out of a backpack and get really, really stinky.
  • There’s a magnetic vortex that keeps people in Akron­– which is why Sharon is still here.
  • (Or it may be Heads Up.)
  • Heads Up is about learning how to play, work in a group and a bunch of other cool things.
  • Acting & Activism.
  • Body techno interruption!
  • Maybe the “leader” is just the “instigator.”
  • Look up “Sharon Possibly” on Facebook or email her at deliriousillumination@gmail.com
  • Upcoming Show: Summer Series July 15th at The Market Path at 6pm (Bring $5 so we can eat!)
  • Upcoming Show: The Pillowman
  • Upcoming Show:  PNR fundraiser on July 16th.  $5 at the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls.
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-06-20

Episode 3:  Poor Theatre for a Poor Company

“It really is all about your body.”

  • Hosts TJ Jozsa and Benjamin Rexroad discuss the influential article “Towards a Poor Theatre” by Jerzy Grotowski.
  • “Towards a Poor Theatre” is one of the most influential theatre practitioner of the 20th century.
  • Grotowski worked with Heads Up mentor Jim Slowiak.  (See his work at www.nwpl.wordpress.com.)
  • Benjamin thought Jim’s assignments were “weird.”  Then Benjamin learned something.
  • Grotowski hated having his ideas writen down.  Learn it from transmission rather than books.
  • It’s about being able to make a total gift of oneself.  (It requires more than a bow.)
  • Actors have blocks.  Not wooden blocks, but habits, responses, fears and insecurites that have developed within a person.
  • “If you hesitate before performing a summersault, you will hesitate before performing the pivitol momenot of any role.”
  • Where do blocks come from?
  • We must erradicate blocks because they prevent us from doing.
  • Rich theatre vs Poor Theatre
  • Method acting is bad for the soul.
  • Great theatre artists never stop researching! – Stanislavski started that dialogue for everyone else.
  • “This podcast is the pinacle of modern theatre.”
  • Why do we concern ourselves with art?
  • You can only win by sharing your light.
  • Every audience member will feel and experience something different.  (And that’s okay!)
  • Organicity!
  • Directors:  Notice when your actors start inhibiting themselves!  (You can’t check out!)
  • Actors:  Learn to listen to your bodies!  (Know when you’re blocking yourself!)
  • Upcoming Show: Summer Series July 15th at The Market Path at 6pm (Bring $5 so we can eat!)
  • Upcoming Show: The Pillowman
  • Upcoming Show:  PNR fundraiser on July 16th.  $5 at the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls.
  • We are now on itunes!  Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the itunes store.  Subscribe!
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-06-13

Episode 2:  Amy VS Godzilla

“If you can make it in Akron, you can make it anywhere.  Because in Akron, they just try to beat you down.”

  • Featuring Company Member Amy Spencer
  • Amy has only been around for 6 months
  • Amy’s start in Theatre Arts
  • How to get free tuition to Ohio University
  • Michael Page directs Hair (Should we know Michael Page?)
  • Amy goes to Japan after answering an ad on Craigslist
  • Things in Super Mario Bros are actually real
  • Amy comes back to America to tell stories
  • Japan is to Christmas as America is to Valentine’s Day
  • Amy has friends…in places
  • “It’s easy to go where things are happening, but why not develop something where there is nothing?”
  • Amy is broke, jobless and behind in rent.  Please help!
  • What is community support for the arts?  Friends and family giving us money?
  • Hippie Rant:  We give you free art + you give us free apples = No need for money!
  • NeOhioPal:  a GREAT resource for artists.  Check out www.fredsternfeld.com
  • The strangest/best audition ever.
  • Heads Up:  A company that cares about people and real things.
  • Amy plays anti-Amy and has a “moment.”
  • Actors get in their own way.
  • “If you’re not being completely honest with your partner, you’re doing them a disservice.”
  • Ben is a director who never knows what he’s doing.
  • Amy is working on a comic book:  www.super-peers.com
  • Upcoming Show: Summer Series– June 17th at The Market Path at 6pm (Bring $5 so we can eat!)
  • Upcoming Show: The Pillowman– July 7, 8, 9 and 10
  • Donate!
  • We are now on itunes!  Search “Heads Up Arts Radio” in the itunes store.
  • Theme Song by Amy Spencer and Sharon Pritt

2011-06-06

Episode 1:  Welcome to Heads Up Productions & Heads Up Arts Radio

Meet the Artistic Directors of Heads Up Productions, an experiment, research theatre based in Akron, Ohio.

  • What is the job of the Artistic Director?
  • How Heads Up Productions was formed
  • A journey through our past productions
  • A life changing summer with SITI Company and Anne Bogart
  • Strange audition techniques
  • Weekly training sessions– Suzuki, Voice and Ensemble Building!
  • What Heads Up is looking for in Company Members
  • It is the mission of Heads Up…
  • Unique to Akron
  • Our core values!
  • Happy Birthday Twins!  (Check out Strickland Services on Facebook!)
  • Upcoming Show: Summer Series June 10th & 17th at The Market Path at 6pm
  • Upcoming Show: The Pillowman 
  • Next Podcast:  June 13
  • Theme Song by Sharon Pritt and Amy Spencer

Email: podcast@headsupproductions.net

Comments

  1. David A. Estvanko says:
    October 14, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    Hi, Tell those who occupy Cleveland to take their trash and dispose of it. Also, they can take their cell phones, internet, video games, 5 year college degrees in French Art History, Starbucks coffee, and every thing else that my tax payer dollars provides for them and tell them to think real world for just a minute. Try moving out of your parents basements….. How come we can allow atheletes, actors, directors, artists millions upon millions of dollars for doing fun things but a person who must run a multimilion dollar company less? Why does the cost of a college education cost so much? Are professors worth that much? You will not respond to this I know, but I have worked my whole life and I support me and my family. Try struggling. It builds character….

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. HUAR | Heads Up Productions says:
    June 4, 2011 at 4:47 am

    [...] Finding Our Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeBiosContact UsDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMediaMissionPartners and LinksPressShowsCurrent1000 Hills – A Staged ReadingPastA [...]

    Reply
  2. Amy VS Godzilla | Heads Up Productions says:
    June 13, 2011 at 3:52 am

    [...] Finding Our Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeBiosContact UsDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMediaMissionPartners and LinksPressShowsCurrent1000 Hills – A [...]

    Reply
  3. Jill the Artist and Child-Whisperer | Heads Up Productions says:
    July 3, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    [...] Finding Our Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeBiosContact UsDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMediaMissionPartners and LinksPressShowsCurrent1000 Hills – A [...]

    Reply
  4. Super-Peers - Thanks, HUAR says:
    September 9, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    [...] headsupproductions.wordpress.com/huar/ [...]

    Reply
  5. Young Actors Studio | Heads Up Productions says:
    December 13, 2011 at 11:42 am

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

    Reply
  6. Big Box, Week 1: “The Dreamer” and “My Dear Boy” | Heads Up Productions says:
    December 28, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

    Reply
  7. First Night Akron – Donald Peoples | Heads Up Productions says:
    January 2, 2012 at 10:29 am

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  8. First Night Akron 2012 | Heads Up Productions says:
    January 6, 2012 at 4:14 am

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

    Reply
  9. Big Box, Week 3: “1,000 Hills” and “To the Sea…” | Heads Up Productions says:
    January 12, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

    Reply
  10. “1,000 Hills” opens at Cleveland Public Theatre | Heads Up Productions says:
    January 17, 2012 at 10:01 am

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  11. Big Box, Week 4: “The Negro Perkins” and “The Art of Social Graces” | Heads Up Productions says:
    January 22, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  12. Big Box, Week 5: “The Berlioz Project” | Heads Up Productions says:
    January 27, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  13. Big Box, Week 7: “Chaos Theory” | Heads Up Productions says:
    February 11, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  14. Commedia dell’Akron | Heads Up Productions says:
    February 19, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  15. Rick Santorum’s Google Problem | Heads Up Productions says:
    February 25, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    [...] Way into the Questions Skip to content HomeAboutBiosContactMissionArticlesDonateDonorsSponsorsHUARMa’Sue ProductionsDaybreak’s ChildrenMediaPartners [...]

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  16. Making Robyn Cooper Cry – Heads Up Productions says:
    March 5, 2012 at 11:50 am

    [...] to past Heads Up Arts Radio episodes! Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailTumblrLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. [...]

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