The Business of Art

Liz Earnest has had a terrific trajectory through the Richmond Arts scene: she is not only a talented actress, she's also the Director of Programs for SPARC, School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community. 
If you are familiar with SPARC, you know that is a huge job. 
Liz stops by the pod to discuss her time in the Richmond Theatre Community, the history and growth of SPARC throughout the years, and her hope for her future and the future of Richmond. 

Brian Baez is a jack of all trades...master of several! Actor, Singer, Cabaret Artist, Casting Director, and now - Entrepreneur. 
Brian fondly reminisces on his time in Richmond Theatre, how he got his start in the casting industry by performing on a cruise ship, and his future in the industry with Baez Theatrical. 
Find Brian at www.baeztheatrical.com, or @baeztheatrical on social media! 

To say that Joe Doran is a marketing guru is, honestly, selling him short. Joe's company, Wabash & Lake, is a Fractional Marketing Partner, which means they act as a CMO or Marketing Director for companies who may not be ready to hire full time for that role.
And boy, do they deliver on their promise. Wabash & Lake has no ends to their creative reach, whether it's creating commercials or radio ads, crafting new menus for a restaurant, or understanding the needs of aquaculture marketing, they do it all. 
Joe discusses his background in radio, finding his Dream Team, and the need for community engagement. 

That's right folks...THE Allison Polson is today's guest. Not only is she a talented actress, marketing manager, and an avid runner, she's also the best dang wife a husband could ask for. 
Allison discusses her time working with some of the biggest regional theatres in the country, transitioning from the arts to the construction business, and her future as an American Sign Language interpreter. 

Brandy Brown is not your typical lawyer. For one thing, she prides herself on leading with, among other things, empathy and education. 
If you're a business owner, or an artist, and you've had headaches with collecting payments, forming contracts, or navigating boards, this podcast is for you. 
Brandy dives deep into trademarks vs. copyrights, legal advice for artists and arts organizations, and the ins and outs of non-profit law.

Miguel Perez is a dancer, choreographer, and entrepreneur. And though he may be relatively new to Richmond, he has already made a big impact. 
Miguel is the founding Artistic Director of Conflux Dance Theatre, and incredible organization that features dancers from all walks of life, and focuses on collaborations with other companies around town. 
Miguel discusses discovering dance through Mexican Heritage events, how not burning bridges can lead to life changing opportunities - like spending several years working with Celine Dion, and his plans for Conflux and the future of dance in RVA. 

Scott Wichmann is not just a Richmond legend because of his acting resume; he's also a legend because of his dedicated service to our community, and to our country.
Scott has been working as a professional actor for a couple of decades, and his passion for performing and entertaining audiences is evident. He's never without a funny quip, or eerily accurate impression of a famous actor or cartoon character. 
And he's currently a chief mass communications specialist in the U.S. Navy Reserve, with deployments to Afghanistan, Africa, Italy and Germany.
Scott discusses his journey as an actor, why he chose to join the Navy Reserves in his 30's, and his impactful interaction with Steven Spielberg.

Lindsay Harris is more than a leadership coach, she's a joy spreader. Lindsay is the CEO and founder of Leader Haven, a company providing other businesses with tools to be more effective at work, and to have more love for your co-workers and the work itself. 
Lindsay discusses talking about hard things, finding joy at work, and the art of conversation and disagreement. 

Carter Cundiff has many talents and skills, and like a true creative entrepreneur, she's constantly exploring different ways to use her skills to improve her clients' lives, while also improving the bottom line of her business. 
Carter talks about her journey as a Photographer, the value of working with a team versus working solo, the Kate Styles Photography 40 Over 40 campaign, and a new photography initiative inspired by grief. 

With two decades of professional experience under his belt, including several Broadway credits, Jonathan Spivey has only just begun his career. 
How is that possible, you say? Jonathan made his Broadway debut over a decade ago - less than a decade into his professional career - and he's continued to work ever since (he's currently touring in the national tour of Clue as Professor Plum). 
Jonathan discusses the trajectory of a working actor, LORT theaters, and the importance of knowing what your job actually is within a production.