Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, brought to you by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.

Today, we are in conversation with: Allen Sledge. Allen's career in musical theatre has brought him to our stage at IRT where he's currently thrilling audiences as the voice of Audrey II. His performance history includes roles in The Wild Party and Ragtime with Footlite Musicals, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at Fort Wayne Civic Theatre.

Allen earned his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts in 2007 and has since been a force on the stage. During our chat, Allen shared insights into his role preparations, his deep passion for story telling, and how he uses theatre as a platform to advocate for social justice and equity.

Join us to dive deeper into Allen's artistic journey and discover what makes his performances so captivating.

Learn more about Allen on Instagram: @soulsledge

About the Indiana Repertory Theatre:

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

https://www.irtlive.com/

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.

Today, we are in conversation with: Beatriz Vásquez. She devotes her artistic practice to the celebration of indigenous traditions through papel picado. Beatriz currently serves as an Artist in Residence for the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies program. Her latest installation, "Viva la Vida", is on display in the lobby of the Upperstage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, showcased in conjunction with our production of Frida... A Self Portrait. "Viva la Vida is available for viewing until Sunday, April 7, 2024.

During our conversation, Beatriz discussed establishing cultural and ancestral connections through art, her dedication to elevating the craftsmanship of the original people of Mexico, and her experiences in Santiago, Chile, and Oaxaca, Mexico. We also explored Beatriz's work-life balance and the impact of proper representation.

Beatriz will also be a featured panelist in the "Truth in Color" Community Conversation on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. She will share her artistic philosophy and experiences with Nicole Martinez LeGrande of the Indiana Historical Society and Daniel Del Real of the Global Village Welcome Center.

Learn more about her work here: https://ganggangculture.com/artists/beatrizvasquez/

About the Indiana Repertory Theatre:

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

https://www.irtlive.com/

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.

Today, we are in conversation with: R. Eric Thomas, the brilliant mind behind The Folks at Home, which is making its much-anticipated debut in Indianapolis on Friday, February 23. Thomas, an acclaimed author, playwright, and television writer, is celebrated for his keen ability to weave humor, heart, and a sharp critique of social norms into narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, queer and otherwise. His work offers a refreshing glimpse into the everyday lives of queer people, embracing the beauty found in the mundane and championing the right to an "ordinary" life on one's own terms.

As we delve into Thomas's creative process and the inspiration behind The Folks at Home, we also explore his personal journey toward defining self-care and liberation in a world that often demands exceptionalism from its marginalized voices. Through a candid discussion, Thomas shares insights into how his multifaceted identity informs his storytelling, offering listeners a unique perspective on the importance of celebrating difference and finding joy in the simplicity of being oneself. Join us for a fun conversation that challenges conventions, uplifts the spirit, and affirms the value of every storytelling.

Learn more about R. Eric's here: https://rericthomas.com/

About the Indiana Repertory Theatre:

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

https://www.irtlive.com/

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.

Today, we are in conversation with: AshLee "PsyWrn Simone" Baskin (pronounced Sigh-ren Si-moan,) a multi-disciplenary artist hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. PsyWrn has been an integral part of the Indianapolis music scene over the last decade. As the understudy and assistant director for IRT's production of Fannie: The Music & Life of Fannie Lou Hamer, she brings her artistic prowess to the forefront. Recognized for her rise in the performing arts scene, PsyWrn is known for collaborations with local bands and collectives, as well as her role as the Associate Artistic Director for the Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis.

Inspired by the legendary Nina Simone, her artistic practice blends activism and soul into a captivating, multi-sensory experience, reflecting her dedication to social justice and cultural progress. Nina Simone's words, "An artist's duty…is to reflect the times," informs PsyWrn's artistic theory and praxis.

About the Indiana Repertory Theatre:

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

https://www.irtlive.com/

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.

Today, we are in conversation with: Priscilla Lindsay. In this episode, we sit down with the illustrious Priscilla, who is directing the beloved Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol for our 51st Season. Priscilla's decades-long tenure at the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) has left an indelible mark. From actress to director and Associate Artistic Director, Priscilla shares her journey, offering insights into her love for the stage and the profound impact of A Christmas Carol on her theatrical odyssey.

As Priscilla finds respite in a well-deserved retirement from the University of Michigan, we uncover how she continues to channel her passion into creative pursuits. From recent directorial and acting projects to cherished memories of past performances at the IRT, Priscilla provides a glimpse into the life of an artist whose dedication to storytelling remains unwavering. The episode culminates in a heartfelt discussion about Priscilla's hopes for the future of the IRT and her reflections on the evolving landscape of the American Theatre.

Join us on this captivating journey as we celebrate Priscilla Lindsay's contributions to the world of theatre, exploring the magic behind the curtain and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to the art of storytelling.

About the Indiana Repertory Theatre:

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

https://www.irtlive.com/

Welcome to the Second Season of the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.

On this episode we -

• Recap the First Season with podcast host Devon Ginn
• End with a guided meditation geared toward theatre-makers

About Devon Ginn:

Devon Ginn serves as the Director of Inclusion and Community Partnerships at the Indiana Repertory Theatre and serves as a board member for BlackSpace Urbanist Collective and the Indiana Writers Center. This Indianapolis native was awarded fellowships with Americans for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts/ Indiana Arts Commission, and the Indy Arts Council. Ginn is a 200-hour yoga and meditation teacher, a sound alchemist with Mind Melt Soundscapes, and a published poet. As a freelance teaching artist, Devon travels from state to state, implementing his performance poetry and creative writing workshops. Deliberately collaborating with institutions and thought leaders at the forefront of liberation, Ginn examines the psygeographies of the built environment through the lens of joy and mindfulness. As a writer, nonprofit administrator, and performance artist, his work reflects all his learned and unlearned experiences.

About the Indiana Repertory Theatre:

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.