Cultivating Community with Raymond Williams, Co-Founder of the Black Farmers Collective

A Special 25th Anniversary Episode from Mirror Stage

After 25 years, Mirror Stage is taking its final bow this June. We threw a party to celebrate with everyone who made our work possible over the years. During the evening at the iconic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, we asked guests a question that has always been at the heart of our work: what does storytelling mean to you? Here’s what they had to say. From all of us at Mirror Stage, thank you for a wonderful 25 years. Music credits - Transition music by Podington Bear. Podcast intro and outro music by Benjamin Marx.

Reflections from 25 Years, ft. Suzanne M. Cohen, Managing Artistic Director of Mirror Stage

“With more than 30 years of nonprofit arts experience, Suzanne M .Cohen has performed, directed, designed, and administrated at theatre companies across the country, as well as internationally, including local Seattle companies 14/48, ACT, Empty Space, InfinityBox, Intiman, and The Group Theatre. She earned a BA in Humanities/Drama with Creative Writing minor from University of Southern California, a Master of Not-for-Profit Leadership from Seattle University, and an MA in Cultural Studies from University of Washington Bothell.” Learn more about Mirror Stage on socials:  Facebook: http://facebook.com/mirrorstage [http://facebook.com/mirrorstage]  Instagram: http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa [http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa]  A machine-readable transcript of the episode is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SMXl62-s2cTun1KuoQxFupN_MpOEA7cuFvDp0IGCVWA/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SMXl62-s2cTun1KuoQxFupN_MpOEA7cuFvDp0IGCVWA/edit?usp=sharing] This is our final episode! Mirror Stage closes its doors on June 30th. Ripple Effect will remain on all platforms, so be sure to listen when you need a dose of motivation. Thank you for tuning in!  All episode music by Podington Bear. Podcast intro, outro, and interstitial music by Benjamin Marx.

The Art of Becoming, ft. Laurie Lynch, Executive Director of TeenTix

“Laurie Lynch is a queer artist, educator, and activist dedicated to youth empowerment. From developing original work to performing as Drag King Dan D Lite to facilitating youth and adult workshops, Laurie’s work is rooted in storytelling and human connection. With a background in theatre-making and arts activism, Laurie has spent their career creating spaces where young people can amplify their voices and drive meaningful change. Their commitment to theatre for social change has been a cornerstone of their work, using the arts as a platform for activism, dialogue, and community building. Passionate about cultivating inclusive, youth-centered spaces, Laurie remains committed to ensuring that all young people—especially those historically excluded—have access to creative opportunities that empower them to shape their communities and the world around them.” To support TeenTix, spread the word about their programming to the teens in your life. Spread the word via social media, and perhaps even take a few hours to volunteer with them - https://www.teentix.org/about/volunteer/ [https://www.teentix.org/about/volunteer/]  If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Mirror Stage via our website at mirrorstage.org/donate [https://mirrorstage.org/donate/] and follow us on social media.  Learn more about us on socials:  Facebook: http://facebook.com/mirrorstage [http://facebook.com/mirrorstage]  Instagram: http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa [http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa]  A machine-readable transcript of the episode is available here -  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kyy6eLg16zIb5nXkQ1tdTmQaH-79XvvKPirAKIV-xts/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kyy6eLg16zIb5nXkQ1tdTmQaH-79XvvKPirAKIV-xts/edit?usp=sharing]  Episodes release on the fourth Wednesday of the month. See you in June! All episode music by Podington Bear. Podcast intro, outro, and interstitial music by Benjamin Marx.

The Storied Heart of the Stage, ft. David Hsieh, Founding Artistic Director of ReAct Theatre

“David Hsieh is the Founding Artistic Director of ReAct Theatre. In addition to his many ReAct credits, he has also directed for Taproot Theatre, SecondStoryRep, Tacoma Little Theatre, 14/48, Sis Productions, Pratidhwani, UW School of Drama, and others. As a performer, you may have seen him at Book- It in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and The Brothers K, or at Seattle Public Theatre in The Happy Ones, A Very Die Hard Christmas, and Titanish, among other credits.” ReAct Theatre could benefit from all kinds of volunteering, from ushers to marketing help to organizing the space to set design. Reach out to the theatre at react@reacttheatre.org [react@reacttheatre.org]. Also, as David mentioned in the episode, sometimes the best way to support the arts is to show up as an audience member. If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Mirror Stage via our website at mirrorstage.org/donate [https://mirrorstage.org/donate/] and follow us on social media.  Learn more about us on socials:  Facebook: http://facebook.com/mirrorstage [http://facebook.com/mirrorstage]  Instagram: http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa [http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa]  A machine-readable transcript of the episode is available here -  https://docs.google.com/document/d/14AYB8GwkX_uTHJ8zQFQe0Ep1BY_9zsfo-Zx33cwbvGo/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/14AYB8GwkX_uTHJ8zQFQe0Ep1BY_9zsfo-Zx33cwbvGo/edit?usp=sharing]  Episodes release on the fourth Wednesday of the month. See you in May! All episode music by Podington Bear. Podcast intro, outro, and interstitial music by Benjamin Marx.

Finding Power in Voice, ft. DeVandra Wheeler, Founder of Nova Talks

“DeVandra Wheeler is a child safety educator, author, and the founder of Nova Talks, a prevention-focused initiative that equips families and communities with the tools to have honest, protective conversations with children about body safety and child sexual abuse prevention. With a decade of experience in behavioral health and a background in social work, DeVandra combines professional expertise with a culturally responsive approach to education. She is also the author of Nova Be Bold, a children’s book that empowers kids to speak up and helps caregivers start important conversations that keep children safe.” If you’re someone who also works in the education, prevention, and healing spheres surrounding abuse, connect with DeVandra at devandra@novatalks.org to support as she expands her work around Washington state.  If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Mirror Stage via our website at mirrorstage.org/donate [https://mirrorstage.org/donate/] and follow us on social media.  Learn more about us on socials:  Facebook: http://facebook.com/mirrorstage [http://facebook.com/mirrorstage]  Instagram: http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa [http://instagram.com/mirrorstagewa]  A machine-readable transcript of the episode is available here -  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j9-1KDGxLAGIqbM3LJr43iEO2QkP519kHgLhjGO2wJ8/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j9-1KDGxLAGIqbM3LJr43iEO2QkP519kHgLhjGO2wJ8/edit?usp=sharing]  Episodes release on the fourth Wednesday of the month. See you in April! All episode music by Podington Bear. Podcast intro, outro, and interstitial music by Benjamin Marx.