In this episode, Me'sha Bryan shares her personal health struggles and reflections on the importance of self-care. She recaps recent podcast episodes and guests, discussing the challenges faced in the entertainment industry, including identity confusion and misrepresentation. Me'sha emphasises the need for diversity in podcast guests and expresses frustration over the lack of engagement from potential interviewees. The conversation concludes with lighthearted moments and future plans for the podcast.

Takeaways

Me'sha discusses her ongoing health issues and the importance of self-care.
She reflects on the rapid progression of his podcast since its inception.
The challenges of misrepresentation in the entertainment industry are highlighted.
Me'sha addresses the confusion between her and another artist, Misha B.
She emphasises the need for accurate representation in media.
The difficulty in securing diverse guests for the podcast is a concern.
Me'sha expresses frustration over the lack of response from potential guests.
She shares lighthearted moments about baking and personal anecdotes.
The importance of community support and audience engagement is reiterated.
Future plans for the podcast include more episodes and guest interviews.

Sound bites

"I'm always sick."
"Do your research."
"It's just bloody rude."
"I'm still here people fighting."

Chapters

00:00 Health Struggles and Personal Reflections
03:03 Recap of Recent Episodes and Guests
05:53 Challenges in the Entertainment Industry
12:07 Identity Confusion and Misrepresentation
17:49 Seeking Diversity in Podcast Guests
19:46 Lighthearted Moments and Future Plans

This interview with renowned choreographer Mark Smith explores his journey from Royal Ballet training to international stage success, his innovative integration of sign language into dance, and his insights on the importance of sign language and deaf culture in the arts.

Key topics

Mark Smith's career trajectory from Royal Ballet to international stages
The integration of sign language into dance and choreography
The importance of sign language as a cultural and artistic expression

Sound bites

"I feel vibrations through my feet first."
"I learned BSL quite late, at age four."
"Sign language was banned for 100 years."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Smith's Journey
03:02 Connection with Bird College and Creative Process
06:05 The Impact of Dance on Communication
09:12 Exploring the Role of Vibration in Dance
11:47 Choreography and Collaboration in Musical Theatre
14:54 Learning British Sign Language and Its Importance
25:04 Overcoming Communication Barriers
26:44 Celebrating Deaf Culture Through Dance
30:30 The Emotional Connection in Performance
32:33 Evolving Dance Styles and Personal Growth
36:31 Diverse Dance Training and Its Importance
40:57 The Journey to Choreography
43:12 First Steps as a Choreographer
46:52 Pitching Ideas and Securing Choreography Jobs
50:07 Navigating the Competitive Dance Industry
53:41 The Impact of Social Media on Opportunities

Links:

Royal Ballet School - https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/
London Studio Centre - https://londonstudiocentre.org/
Graeae Theatre Company - https://graeae.org/
Deaf Men Dancing - https://deafmendancing.com/
British Sign Language (BSL) - https://bslzone.co.uk/
Ramps on the Moon - https://rampsonthemoon.co.uk/

Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

Me'sha's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk

This conversation delves into the intricate world of costume design, exploring the casting process, the importance of colour inspiration, and the challenges of period costuming. Lindsay shares personal experiences, including career milestones, the impact of motherhood on her professional journey, and the significance of networking and mentorship in the industry. The discussion highlights the creative process behind wardrobe design and the collaborative nature of bringing characters to life on screen. Me'sha and Lindsay discuss the challenges and importance of self-promotion in the creative industry, particularly for freelancers. They emphasise the need for visibility and authenticity in social media, the nostalgia of working in familiar places, and the aspirations for future creative projects. Mentorship and sharing knowledge are highlighted as vital components of growth in the industry. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and personal life, the significance of taking downtime for creativity, and reflections on awards and recognition in their careers.

Lindsay's Links:

Website: https://www.lindsaybonaccorsi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaybonaccorsicostume/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-bonaccorsi-53a2ba1a/

Agent: https://saraputt.co.uk/client/lindsay-bonaccorsi/

Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

Me'sha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk

Takeaways

The casting process often starts with just a headshot.
Self-tapes can provide valuable insights into an actor's interpretation of a character.
Early conversations with actors about their preferences can enhance the design process.
Color inspiration can come from the environment and setting of the story.
Creating a coherent look for a series involves collaboration with production designers.
Period costuming benefits from historical references but presents unique challenges.
Winning awards can validate a designer's creative efforts and open new opportunities.
Balancing motherhood and a career in costume design can be challenging but rewarding.
Networking within the industry is crucial for career growth and opportunities.
Mentorship programs can provide valuable guidance and support for mid-career professionals. Self-promotion can feel vulgar, but it's necessary.
Having strong cheerleaders can propel you forward.
Visibility is crucial for freelancers in the creative industry.
Authenticity in social media is important for connection.
Nostalgia for familiar places can enhance creativity.
Creative aspirations drive the desire for new projects.
Mentorship is a valuable way to share knowledge.
Taking downtime is essential for creative rejuvenation.
Balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge.
Awards can be unexpected but are meaningful milestones.

Chapters

00:00 Casting Insights: Understanding the Actor's Presentation
02:50 Color Inspiration: Crafting Character Through Wardrobe
05:56 The Art of Period Costuming: Balancing History and Creativity
09:08 Career Milestones: From Awards to Motherhood
12:08 Networking and Community: The Importance of Industry Connections
15:02 Mentorship and Growth: Navigating Mid-Career Challenges
23:07 Embracing Self-Promotion
25:08 The Importance of Visibility in Freelancing
26:23 Nostalgia and Connection to Place
28:43 Creative Aspirations and Future Projects
30:10 Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge
32:55 The Value of Creativity and Downtime
35:08 Balancing Work and Personal Life
39:00 Reflections on Awards and Recognition

In this episode of Stage and Screen, Me'sha Bryan celebrates six months of the show with a reflection on past interviews and experiences. This video highlights some of the best moments from the podcast's first six months on air.

Guests include,

Mike Nolan: 80s Pop Icon:
Mark Buckley: Monitor Engineer to the stars
Jon Xue Zhang: Actor, Martial Artist and Ram Man from The Master of the Universe Movie
Lee Hall: Writer of Billy Elliot, Rocketman and War Horse
Cheryl Baker: 80's pop Legend and TV Presenter
Darren Ashford: Session Drummer & Educator

Takeaways

Celebrating six months of Stage and Screen with reflections. The joy of performing and receiving audience appreciation. Creating music can lead to unexpected and joyous moments. Injuries on set are common and often unnoticed during filming. Working with difficult personalities is part of the industry. Professionalism can shine through even in challenging situations. The importance of collaboration in creative projects. Memorable moments can come from unexpected performances. The journey of acceptance in a professional environment takes time. Every experience contributes to personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Six Months of Stage and Screen 00:18 Me'sha on the first 6 months! 02:01 Cheryl Baker from Bucks Fizz 02:43 Writer Lee Hall 03:15 Composer John Altman 04:16 Session singer Emer McParland 04:41 Session drummer Darren Ashford 05:04 Actor Jon Xue Zhang 05:33 Monitor Engineer Mark Buckley 06:20 80s Pop icon Mike Nolan

This conversation explores the significance of reading music in the music industry, the diverse experiences of musicians, and the balance between performance and personal life. Darren shares his insights on the importance of musical education, the challenges faced in learning instruments, and memorable gigs that shaped his career. Darren & Me'sha emphasise the joy of performing and the unique experiences that come with being a musician, while also discussing the importance of finding balance in life and the challenges of learning to play the drums.

Darren's links:

https://www.darrenashford.com/

https://www.instagram.com/darrenashfo...

https://www.facebook.com/darrenashfor...

Stage & Screen

http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stageandscr...

https://www.facebook.comstageandscree...

Me'sha's Website & Socials

https://www.meshabryan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan

Takeaways
Reading music is essential for navigating the music industry. Time efficiency in studios is crucial for success. Understanding the language of music enhances communication. Playing with different musicians builds valuable experience. Finding balance in life is important for musicians. The joy of performing is a unique experience. Musicians often face challenges in learning instruments. No two musicians learn in the same way. Memorable gigs shape a musician's career. Being present in the moment enhances the performance experience. Sound bites "Time is money in the studios." "It's about serving the music." "Being in the moment is crucial."

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Reading Music
02:26 Navigating the Music Industry
06:10 The Balance of Skills in Music
10:00 Experiences with Diverse Artists
14:06 Performing for Presidents and Celebrities
17:55 Finding Balance in the Entertainment World
19:56 The Mindset of a Musician
25:46 Staying True to Musical Passion
27:08 Navigating Nerves and Confidence in Performance
30:05 The Importance of Work Ethic and Preparation
33:37 Overcoming Barriers to Learning Drums
37:06 Memorable Gigs and Musical Moments
41:51 The Impact of Technology on Live Music Experience

In this festive episode of Stage and Screen, Me'sha reflect on the past year, express gratitude to their audience, and share their holiday traditions. They celebrate milestones, including new subscribers and community engagement, while also discussing the joys and challenges of the holiday season. The conversation is filled with warmth, humour, and a sense of togetherness as they look forward to the new year.

Takeaways

It's been a beautiful thing to connect with listeners.
The festive season is a time for togetherness.
Community engagement has grown significantly this year.
Milestones in the podcast have been celebrated throughout the year.
Food and family traditions play a big role during the holidays.
The hosts appreciate the lovely messages from their audience.
The podcast started in July and has seen rapid growth since.
Holiday games can lead to funny moments and memories.
The hosts are excited for what the new year will bring.
Gratitude for the audience is a recurring theme in the conversation.

Chapters

00:00 Festive Greetings and Reflections
03:06 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement
06:04 Holiday Traditions and Family Fun

Darren Ashford, a renowned session drummer and two-time all-natural bodybuilding champion, shares insights into his journey in music and fitness. He discusses the physical demands of drumming, the importance of stamina, and how his bodybuilding experience has influenced his performance. The conversation also delves into the setup of his music studio, the challenges of lugging equipment, and the dedication required to excel in both music and fitness. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of drumming, touching on themes of teaching, motivation, practice habits, the impact of technology, and the importance of the human element in music. The speakers discuss how motivations for learning drums have shifted over time, the challenges of mastering the instrument, and the community aspect of being a drummer. They also delve into the implications of AI in music production and the necessity for modern drummers to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining the essence of live performance.

Takeaways

Darren Ashford is a versatile musician and fitness enthusiast.
Creating a functional music studio requires careful planning and consideration.
Drumming can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength.
Training can significantly enhance performance in music.
Bodybuilding taught Darren valuable lessons about discipline and commitment.
Darren's experience in competitions helped him grow as a person and musician.
Flexibility and strength are crucial for both bodybuilding and drumming.
Performance in bodybuilding is akin to performing music; both require creativity.
Public perception often misjudges the effort behind fitness achievements.
Consistency and dedication are key to achieving results in any field.
Insecurity can lead to a deeper understanding of students.
Motivations for playing drums remain largely unchanged.
Commitment to practice varies significantly among students.
Access to information has transformed how drummers learn.
Drumming requires complex coordination of limbs.
The drumming community is supportive and unique.
Drum kits have evolved significantly over time.
AI may replace some aspects of music production.
The human experience in music is irreplaceable.
Modern drummers need a broader skill set to be employable.

Sound bites

"Home sweet home."
"Doing a gig is almost like a mini workout."
"It's all a performance."
"You must be on gear."
"The level of commitment reflects the results."
"You've got to really enjoy it and love it."
"There's so much variation"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darren Ashford
01:15 Setting Up the Studio Space
03:55 The Physical Demands of Drumming
06:30 Stamina and Performance
08:45 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitions
12:45 Bodybuilding Techniques and Performance
17:17 Perceptions of Fitness and Commitment
21:51 Diagnosing Musical Challenges
22:27 Changing Motivations in Drumming
24:21 Practice Habits and Commitment
26:30 The Complexity of Drumming
28:50 The Drummer's Mindset and Community
30:42 The Evolution of Drum Kits
34:34 AI's Impact on Music and Drumming
41:20 The Modern Drummer's Skill Set