Art Farm at Serenbe

Turning Shakespeare Into a Sitcom (Friends Meets Macbeth Explained)

What happens when you take one of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies and drop it into the world of Friends? In this interview, writer and creator Aaron Stegman breaks down her bold new play—Macbeth reimagined as a sitcom, set in a modern-day Manhattan inspired by the Friends universe. What starts as a clever parody quickly reveals deeper themes around community, isolation, motherhood, and how modern life has changed the way we connect. Developed with Art Farm at Serenbe, this world premiere blends nostalgia, comedy, and emotional depth—bringing together fans of Shakespeare, sitcoms, and immersive theater. We talk about: * Why Monica makes the perfect Lady Macbeth * How comedy and tragedy coexist in this adaptation * The role of community in a post-pandemic world * The creative journey from parody to full-scale production * Why live theater may be more important than ever Whether you love Friends, Shakespeare, or just great storytelling—this is a conversation about where theater is going next. 🎭 Premiering at Art Farm at Serenbe 📍 Outdoor immersive performance at the Wildflower Meadow #Macbeth #Friends #Theater #ArtFarm #Serenbe #Playwriting #ImmersiveTheater #Shakespeare #DarkComedy

In Harmony: A Conversation with Julie & David Coucheron

In this special conversation, internationally acclaimed siblings Julie and David Coucheron sit down with Music Chair Gary Cassis for an intimate discussion on artistry, collaboration, and the lifelong journey of music. From stages like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to their upcoming performance in Serenbe, the Coucherons reflect on growing up in music, performing together around the world, and the unique bond that shapes their sound. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at their global careers, the emotional power of live classical performance, and what audiences can expect from this unforgettable Valentine’s weekend concert experience.

AILEY Dinner with the Director | Jamila Wignot at Art Farm Serenbe

Art Farm at Serenbe kicked off its 2026 season with an unforgettable Evening with the Director celebrating AILEY, the acclaimed documentary about legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey. This intimate wine dinner featured filmmaker Jamila Wignot (Ailey, STAX: Soulsville USA) in conversation about the making of the film, Alvin Ailey’s cultural legacy, and the power of storytelling through movement. Guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner by Chef Nicholas Bour, Brown Estate wine pairings, and an inspiring night of art, film, and community in Serenbe, Georgia. AILEY premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and continues to spark conversations about identity, dance, and Black artistic excellence. 📍 Filmed at Art Farm at Serenbe 🌿 Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia 🎭 Celebrating dance, film, and cultural storytelling Subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, artists, and creatives at Art Farm at Serenbe. #AileyFilm #AlvinAiley #JamilaWignot #ArtFarmAtSerenbe #BlackFilmmakers #DanceDocumentary #AtlantaArts #EveningWithTheDirector #SundanceFilm #CulturalLegacy

Classical Music, Community & Connection at the Art Farm

In the Season Two premiere of the Art Farm Podcast, host Gary Cassis is joined by Art Farm board leaders Jane Blount and Bill Sission for a conversation about the role of classical music in building connection and community. They reflect on memorable performances at Serenbe, explore how nature shapes the listening experience, and preview the upcoming classical season—including a Valentine’s Day matinee and six free summer concerts at the Mado Amphitheater. The episode also looks ahead to how live music and the arts can foster empathy, dialogue, and shared experience across generations and backgrounds. 🎶 Classical music 🌿 Art in nature 🤝 Community & connection Perfect for longtime supporters and first-time listeners alike.

Leading the Next Chapter: A Conversation with Shawn Watwood

Art Farm Podcast — Episode 6 Leading the Next Chapter: A Conversation with Shawn Watwood In Episode 6 of the Art Farm Podcast, we welcome Shawn Watwood for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, vision, and the future of arts organizations rooted in community. Shawn shares the formative professional, artistic, and personal experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy—and how those experiences influence the way he builds teams, makes decisions, and guides organizations through periods of growth and change. We explore what it takes to create a strong operational and administrative foundation for a sustainable arts organization, including governance, budgeting, staffing, systems, and internal communication. Shawn also discusses his approach to developing an integrated performance ecosystem—one that balances artistic excellence, community relevance, and financial sustainability across disciplines such as music, dance, theater, film, and environmental arts. The conversation dives into the role of arts education and youth engagement, highlighting how partnerships with local schools and educators can deepen community impact and expand access to the arts. Shawn also reflects on building trust with diverse stakeholders—from board members and donors to artists and the broader Serenbe community—and how collaboration fuels long-term success. We close with a forward-looking discussion on priorities for the first 12 months, offering insight into the milestones and strategies needed to set the Art Farm up for a strong and sustainable future. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you at the Art Farm.