Overheard at Chica's Café: Recent Episodes
Sonia Lozada
As an actor and performer for many years, I've met and worked with some amazing people. Many have become friends. And, that is what Overheard at Chica's Cafe is all about. Join me and my friends as we talk about our lives, passions and just have fun.
As an aspiring actor, studying the craft is an essentialpart of the journey. One aspect that actors often neglect is understanding the evolution of a character, from script to screen. We will explore the different approaches to acting and why stage acting is not the same as acting on screen.
- "From Script to Screen: The Evolution of aCharacter"
Every character begins on the pages of a script, but ittakes a skilled actor to bring them to life. Understanding the backstory, motivations, and conflicts of a character is crucial in creating a believable and multi-dimensional performance.
- "Breaking Down the Method: The Different Approachesto Acting"
Actors have different methods and techniques when it comes to their craft. After I review the script I research what kind of work, interests and desires of the character. Whichever method you as an actor chooses, the key is to find a way to connect with the character and bring their truth to the role.
- "Why Stage Acting is Not the Same as Acting onScreen"
Stage acting and screen acting may seem similar, but theyrequire different skill sets. On stage, an actor must project their voice & movements to reach a large audience, while on screen, subtlety is key. Also, stage actors have the luxury of a live audience, while screen actors mustmaster the art of acting in front of a camera.
- "The Dos and Don'ts of Auditioning: Tips fromIndustry Professionals"
Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but they are an essential part of an actor's career. To help you ace your next audition, here are some tips from industry professionals.
a. Arrive early and come prepared
It's important to arrive at least 15 minutes early for youraudition. This shows professionalism and gives you time to relax/mentally prepare yourself. Be sure to bring any required materials, and have your monologue (stage) or scene (film/TV) memorized. This is the same for Zoom & self-taping auditions, make sure your backdrop or room isn’t distracting while auditioning.
Self-taping is another skill set. I find that having areader with me as I self-tape is essential. Most of my bookings have come from having a fellow actor work with me.
b. Dress appropriately
Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the role you'reauditioning for. Avoid wearing distracting clothing or accessories that could take away from your performance.
c. Take direction well
During an audition, the director or casting team may giveyou some direction on how to improve your performance. It's crucial to listen carefully and be open to their suggestions, as this shows that you are easy towork with and adaptable. Taking direction doesn’t mean your performance isn’t good but that they see something in you and want see what you can do withadjustment.
d. Show confidence but don't be cocky
Confidence is key in auditions, but there is a fine linebetween confidence and arrogance. Show off your skills without coming across as overconfident or arrogant. I’ve seen actors be overconfident where it projectsas dismissive. Always be kind.
e. Don't make excuses
If something doesn't go as planned during your audition,don't make excuses or apologize excessively. Stay focused on your performance and adapt as best as you can. Take a deep breath to focus and centeryourself.
f. Be respectful of others
Be respectful of those working behind the scenes, including casting directors, assistants, and other actors in the waiting room. Being kindand considerate goes a long way in making a good impression.
g. Have fun!
Auditions can be stressful, but remember to have fun withit! Enjoy the experience of performing and showcasing your talent. I have found in my auditions when I have fun with it, confidence shines through.
Remember auditions are an opportunity to learn and grow as an actor. Keep these tips in mind and go intoyour auditions with confidence and a smile.
Sonia Iris Lozada Blog
Grieving Dreams Episode
The newest installment of Overheard at Chica's Café Podcast is an exciting interview with the multi-talented Jean Philippe Kaya. As a DJ, classical pianist, musician,and producer, Kaya has made waves in the music industry with his versatile skills and unique blend of genres. Listeners can expect to hear about his journey into the world of DJing, insights into his successful music career, and valuable advice for those looking to break into these creative fields. Don't miss this chance to gain insight from one of the most dynamic artists in the business.
French native KAYA, born Jean-Philippe Kaya, skillfullyblends his classical piano and composition background with a fervent passion for electronic music to push sonic boundaries. With roots from Cameroon and Congo, and having lived across three countries and two continents, the Los Angeles-based DJ/Producer draws from a rich tapestry of influences to craft his unique sound. KAYA discovered his love for DJing during the pandemic, rapidlygaining recognition for his signature sets blending nostalgic 90s piano house with high energy drops. He has performed across North America and Europe,sharing the stage with renowned artists like Deadmau5, MEDUZA, KREAM, Hugel, Joel Corry, Todd Edwards, A-Trak, and Habstrakt to name a few. His productionprowess is showcased through his collaborations on prominent labels such as Ultra Records, Groove Bassment and Quincy Boy Records, garnering support fromindustry heavyweights including Pete Tong, SNBRN, Kaleena Zanders, Win and Woo, and Snakehips. KAYA’s music has resonated at some of the world’s biggestfestivals including Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, Beyond Wonderland, and Electric Forest. With an upcoming mixtape on Phantom’s record label, Speed Dial, KAYAshows no signs of slowing down as he continues to hone his craft both in the studio and on stage, solidifying his place in the electronic music scene on fan at a time.
https://kayamusique.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Kaya.musique/
https://www.instagram.com/kaya.musique/
Our special guest on the latest episode of Overheard atChica's Café is Jan Mullen, a seasoned music industry executive with an incredible wealth of experience. Her career spans from the alternative punk bands in the vibrant 80's music scene to collaborating with renowned jazz musicians. In this highly informative and fascinating episode, Jan shares her vast knowledge and insights into the ever-evolving music industry. Listen as she takes us through her personal journey in the world of music and life. If you've ever been curious about the inner workings of the music business, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
A 25-year veteran of the music industry, Jan Mullen has gained an in-depth knowledge of today’s music business. Artist management of several Top10 performers of the 90’s and 2000’s, as well as production of major international tours and festivals, brings a wealth of experience invaluable to the multifaceted entertainment industry of today. The successful artist management of such iconic performers as Seal, Mariah Carey, Counting Crows, Christian Sands, Keyon Harrold, Wallace Roney to name a few. – all multiple-Grammy winning, multi-Platinum recording artists - built a substantial and intuitive understanding of the creative process, guiding it to its unique and highest potential.
Prior to launching All-In Music Jan brought this extensivemainstream music industry experience and vision to the vital jazz community, serendipitously becoming director of The Side Door Jazz Club in Connecticut forits first four years, establishing the club as one of the top rated and respected jazz venues in the country. She is also the Artistic Director of the iconic Scullers Jazz Club in Boston, celebrating 30 years of presenting thebest music and artists in the field.
Born in the UK, Jan began her career in London and Paris,moving to NYC to work with Island Records. She served in artist promotion and marketing at Island/Def Jam and then Chrysalis Records NY offices, and asArtist Relations consultant for the Zoom Corporation and NAMM convention. Her natural affinity for artist management began as product manager for severalyears at Columbia Records in New York, her roster included many of the label's most successful artists of the 2000s.
Throughout the course of her career, Jan has consistentlychampioned creativity, bringing all the honed skills of management, artist relations, creative marketing and promotion strategies to work on the artistsbehalf. International tour production and executive producing of recordings and documentary films were a natural and valuable extension of a multifacetedcareer in the business.
Jan's first love is that of nurturing and promoting artist’stalent and vision, believing in providing them with, and exposing them to, the optimum environment to support and inspire their unique creativity to thriveand excel. Proud and honored to represent such brilliantly talented artists, All-In Music, LLC is fully dedicated to that cause!
On our latest episode of Overheard at Chica's Café, airingin April 2024, we are joined by Dominic Rambaran, a fellow actor whom I have known for many years. We delve into his experiences in the world of acting and discuss the humorous and challenging moments he has encountered on stage and in the industry. Tune in to gain insight into the journey of an actor's life.
Hailing from the East Coast of the United States, he wasraised in a supportive family and attended Phillips Academy before pursuing higher education at Northwestern University and Carnegie Mellon University.With a strong passion for theater and the arts, he achieved success in regional productions, followed by a stint on Broadway. He then ventured overseas to workfor various entertainment venues before settling in Los Angeles, where he has since appeared in television shows, films, and numerous commercials.
The episode went on for longer than expected, so I decided to add a bonus segment where we discuss the impact of AI on actors and writers, as well as concerns about AI during the strikes.
This month's special guest on Overheard at Chica's Café is entertainment lawyer Mark Pearson. Although this episode may be longer than others, it is packed with fascinating discussions. We delve into the legalities and requirements for success in the music, film, and entertainment industries. AI and its impact on creativeproperty also takes center stage in our conversation. If you're interested in learning about thriving in the constantly evolving entertainment world, thisepisode is a must-listen. And as a bonus, we go into further depth on the topicof AI due to the extended length of this episode in a separate episode.
Mark A. Pearson is an attorney at ARC Law Group, where he advises creative, talented and entrepreneurial clients on legal issues in the entertainment industry. Mark considers himself lucky to work with Oscar nominated filmmakers, Grammy award recipients, Emmy winning talent, and lot of clients he acknowledges are, “far more talented than I am.” In another life, Mark spent a decade as television producer, which he says provides a unique perspective on the needs of his creative clients. As he explains, “I thrive on being a small part of helping creatives achieve their goals. My work is very, very rewarding.” When not working with his clients, Mark advocates for the Recording Academy and serves on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy® Award) where he recently received the Governor’s Citation for his service to the Academy.
You can reach Mark Pearson on his website: http://www.arclg.com/
In this episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, Alex Greenwood shares an intriguing story about his writing journey and his encounter with a producer who requested him to write a treatment. Alex delves into the challenges and excitement of the process, providing valuable insights for aspiring writers. Throughout the episode, Alex and his previous co-host on the podcast, Chica and the Man, share their signature humor, resulting in a lighthearted and entertaining conversation. Join them as they laugh their way through this captivating episode, showcasing their strong friendship and passion for storytelling.
J. Alexander Greenwood is a prolific author celebrated for his John Pilate Mystery Series and the Western novel "Big Cabin and Dispatches from the West," co-authored with the late Robert E. Trevathan. Alex's notable nonfiction includes "The Podcast Option" and "Kickstarter Success Secrets."
He has produced the Mysterious Goings On podcast since 2016 and hosts the PR After Hours podcast. He has also contributed to “Chica and the Man” and “Going to Killing City,” a true crime show.
After fourteen years at the helm of his Kansas City PRagency, in 2024, he accepted a leadership position at a major university.
To learn more about his work, visit jalexandergreenwood.com.
His latest book is:
Pilate's Faith: Book Eight in the John Pilate Mystery Series
Happy New Year to all! As the year comes to an end, I want to wish everyone an amazing New Year filled with love, joy, prosperity, and most importantly, good health. We often take our health for granted, but it truly is the foundation for enjoying life's many blessings.
Overheard at Chica's Café launched in July of 2022 as a way to bring some lightheartedness back into our lives after three years of pandemic struggles. In the upcoming year, we plan on adding more interviews at the suggestion of one of our listeners. These interviews willfeature individuals from all areas of the entertainment industry, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their journeys. We've also discussed important topicssuch as the writers' and actors' strike in several episodes this year. Sadly, our sister podcast, Chica and the Man, came to an end in September due to our busy schedules. It was a bittersweet goodbye since my co-host Alex is a dear friend of mine.
Overheard at Chica's Café is all about my friends, and I can't wait to introduce you to more of them. And not just my friends - I'll also be featuring associates I have worked with in the past. This will not only be entertaining but also educational as you'll get insight into what it takes to be in these positions in the entertainment industry. So,stay tuned for more episodes where friends meet at Chica's Café.
This year we had amazing friends visit the café and I want to thank the following guests.
Che Rae Adams – Let’s Talk Theater – Artistic Director ofPlayPen in Philadelphia. Che’Rae has been a longtime friend.
Kelly Keefe – Multi-Disciplinary Artist – Author, Musicianand founder of Heartspace.co a mindfulness platform.
Steve Walker – Theatrical Agent – Connor Ankrum & Assoc. in Los Angeles
Marabina Jaimes – Actor, Voiceover Artist & Producer and I got signed to my voiceover agents DDO LA. because she helped me with my demotape. I’m very grateful.
Jane Witzenburg – Musician and Music teacher
Doreen Calderon – Actor, Fatal Attraction
Kristi Schultz – Theatre Maker, Director & Educator
Norma Maldonado - Actor
Denise Sanchez – Actor, Bosch Legacy – I play her mom on the Bosch Legacy TV Series.
The links to the episodes are on our website:
https://overheardatchicascafe.com/chicas-cafe-podcast/
Thank you and many blessings and Happy New Year.
Join us in celebrating the beginning of a new year with our special guest, Sound Designer and Composer Jane Shaw. We delve into her journey into the world ofsound design for theater, and explore her impressive list of credits. Our conversation is full of fun anecdotes about her career, as well as her hobbies outside of work. As one of the founding members of TSDCA (Theatrical SoundDesign Composer Association), she has a wealth of knowledge about the history and current state of sound design in the theater world. So, if you're interested in learning more about this field, this episode is a must-listen!
"I love supporting story and emotion thru sound and music. I am endlessly inspired by my directors, fellow designers, actors, singers, musicians, as well as the messy, wonderful, dirty, haunting, and tormented manmade and natural world that surrounds us."
Jane Shaw—Sound Designer & Composer
Recent: Little Women (Seattle Rep, Milwaukee Rep), A Christmas Carol (Guthrie, composer), The Art of Burning (Huntington, Hartford Stage), The Wanderers (Roundabout, The Old Globe), TheRailway Children (Northern Stage, music & lyrics with Mark Hartman), and The Engagement Party (The Geffen, Hartford Stage). New York: Playwrights Horizons, Manhattan Theatre Club, Theatre for a New Audience, National Black Theatre, Rattlestick, The Women's Project, Repertorio Español, New York Theatre Workshop, and over thirty productions with the Mint. Regional: The Alley, Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC), ACT (San Francisco), American Repertory Theater, Cleveland Play House, The Old Globe, Mark Taper Forum, Two River Theater, Cincinnati Playhouse, Milwaukee Rep, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Theater, Arena Stage, Asolo Rep, Dorset Theatre Festival,Denver Center, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.Recognition: Drama Desk, Connecticut Critics Circle, Henry Award, Bessie Award, Premios ACE 2012, NEA/TCG Career Development Grant, Meet the Composer Grant, and several Lortel nominations. Member: USA 829, TSDCA (Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association).Ms. Shaw is a graduate of Harvard University and the Yale School of Drama, and hails from Lawrence, Kansas.
https://www.janeshaw.com/
This month on Overheard at Chica’s Café, we welcome Che'RaeAdams. Che’Rae is the Artistic Director of PlayPen in Philadelphia and the founding director of LA Writer’s Center. We discuss the current state of theater after the pandemic and what’s to come for this creative community. Che’Rae gives us an insight into her journey as a full-time artist; from an actor, to director, dramaturge, and now Artistic Director. Listen in to hearher words of wisdom about the future of theater.
Che’Rae has been the Producing Artistic Director of the LA Writers Center since 2006 where she develops new work with local writers. She was the Director of Operations and Programming for the Moss Theater in Santa Monica for seven years and has been the Development Executive for Playhouse Pictures Studios, Co-Artistic Director of the Road Theatre Company, and Managing Producer for theLA Women’s Theatre Festival.
She began her career as the Assistant to the Staff Producer at TheMark Taper Forum where she worked on the writing workshop of the Pulitzer Prize winning Angels in America, Part II: Perestroika.As you can imagine, this was like a master class in new play development for her. Bitten by the new play bug, she went on to do other projects for the Taper that supported playwrights such as coordinating the Taper Lab Series and Mentor Playwright’s Series. There she worked with writers such as Luis Alfaro, Anthony Clarvoe, Han Ong, Oliver Mayer, Ellen McLaughlin, Alice Tuan and Mac Wellman.
She has a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati,College Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Northridge. For almost two decades, she has produced the Directors Lab West which takes place at the Pasadena Playhouse annually.
Che’Rae has developed and directed the West Coast premiereproductions of several new plays including plays by Lee Blessing, Ken Hanes, Tim Toyoma, Patricia Cardosa, John DiFusco, Jon Bastian, and Abi Morgan. She has also provided direction and/or dramaturgy for productions with CincinnatiOpera Outreach, Disney/ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, Highways Performance Space, and Troupe Vertigo at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. She has worked with prominent performers such as Tonya Pinkins, Lynn Redgrave, Kim Fields, and Carlos Alazraqui; as well as award winning directors and choreographers such as Vincent Paterson, Tom Hulce, Jane Jones, Bonnie Story, Kitty McNamee, and TinaKronis; and distinguished designers such as Sara Clement, Cricket S. Myers, and Ming Cho Lee.
As a producer for Directors Lab West she has curated close to two decades of programming (workshops, panels, and master classes) at the Pasadena Playhouse. This annual event hosts fifty international midcareer directors free of charge. Highlights include Vincent Paterson, Moises Kaufman, JasonAlexander, Martin Benson, Marc Masterson, Todd London, Sheldon Epps, George Furth, Anne Cattaneo, Des McAnuff, Jessica Kubzansky, Chay Yew, Jack O’Brien and Bill Rausch.
Che’Rae is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Shespent the last two years of the pandemic producing diverse online programming with HowlRound TV in response to the social inequity taking place in our society. Recently, she curated Breathe: A BIPOC Reading Series in response to George Floyd’s murder; Home: Asian Voices Reading Series toamplify Asian-American stories; and The Voices of Afghanistan project where monologues were constructed from interviews with Afghan artists in hiding.
Check out her previous interview on the podcast.
LA Writers Center
PlayPen in Philadelphia, PA
Info video on PlayPen on YouTube
My life and acting updates. It's been a few months since my last post, mainly due to the writer's and actor's strike. Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP are ongoing, but I'm grateful for the updates each day.
In the meantime, I've been attending many commercialauditions in person and through self-tapes. Although I haven't booked any of them yet, being put on avail several times in the last month tells me that I'm headed in the right direction. As a matter of fact, I have another call-back on Monday Oct 30th so let's hope for the best.
There have been several changes recently as well.
For one thing, I got signed by DDO Agency for voiceover, thanks to my friend Marabina Jaimes who helped me put together my voiceover demo. Last week, I had an audition fordubbing animation which was pretty exciting.
Unfortunately, Chica and the Man Podcast aired its last episode on Sept 30th of this year. Working with Alex Greenwood was great fun, but our busy schedules prevented us from continuing further. Nevertheless, we still keep in touch and remain goodfriends. Check out the blog.
Currently, I'm working on updating my YouTube channels as they're overdue for new content.
This year has witnessedboth loss and gain, but it's always important to be thankful for what we have regardless of life's circumstances.
Join me in celebrating life and allits blessings.
This month, join us at Overheard at Chica's Café as we welcome Kelly Keefe to the show. We'll have a great time as we share stories about the lessons we've learned through entertainment and life. She'll discuss her musicreleases, books, and how she developed Heartspace.co through mindfulness. Listen in for helpful hints from the entertainment industry and learn how to find success in your artistic endeavors.
Kelly Keefe is a multi-disciplinary artist, including comedy, music, writing, and more. As a wordsmith, best-selling author, innovative leader, empowerment guide, and Reiki teacher and the founder of The Heartspace.co established in 2016 helping individuals and groups elevate into states of thriving. She works deeply with the Divine Feminine energy to endlessly create uplifting experiences, creations, and teachings. Her music isa multi-dimensional experience created intending to expose and elevate the different facets of herself, and as a reflection - of everyone. Kelly is a world traveler serving, performing, and creating as needed and desired. Ready to thrive and live alive? Welcome to The Heartspace.
Instagram: @iamkellykeefe
Heartspace.co
TheKellyKeefe
In this month's episode, I'm joined by Steve Walker, a theatrical agent. We talk about what it takes to be a successful actor, from preparing for auditions, marketing oneself and honing one's skills. Listen in as Steve gives us a crash course on the responsibilities of an agent and the things actors should focus on.
Steve Walker has been a talent agent for 17 years with Connor Ankrum & Associates in Los Angeles. He holds a Master's Degree in Administration from New York University and used to oversee the daily operations of multiple small theater companies before relocating to the West Coast. With a deep-rooted admiration for actors, Steve values the effort they put into preparing for auditions.
This month we welcomed Marabina Jaimes, an amazing fellow actor. Our conversation was so lively that we kept interrupting each other! We touched on the SAG-AFTRA Actor's strike, a labor dispute concerning television and film. While it's still permitted to make commercials and do dubbing, many unions are supporting the writers and actors faced with the stalemate. Marabina has won numerous awards for her diverse talents. Sonia mentions the movie she appeared in alongside Bob Odenkirk—'Life Upside Down'. Tune into this fun and informative episode.
Stage, Film, and Television Performer, Voice Talent, Director, and Producer. Best known as "Mara" the Emmy Award Winning Host of PBS "Storytime", Carmen in Klasky-Csupo's "Santo Bugito" (CBS), and Principal subject in the documentary "Now En Espanol" (PBS).
A multiple award-winning producer, she adds a Telly and Omni Award for Co-Hosting/ Co-Producing @TheTrendTalkShow, and just won "Best TV Pilot" for Renee Vaca's "Inland Empire" at the Mexican American Film Fest.
Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine named her a "Latina of Influence" and she is the Lead Bilingual Voice Over Coach at www.AcademiaDeLaVoz.com.
Recent credits include Bosch Legacy, High Heat, The Patient's of Dr. Garcia, and This Fool.
Marabina Jaimes' website.
Marabina Instagram.
Life Upside Down with Bob Odenkirk.
This month's episode is with musician, songwriter and music teacher Jane Witzenburg. We discuss her journey into acting and music and how she progressed during difficult times. Her band Summercatz has performed throughout the Los Angeles area. Jane is currently teaching privately and at in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
http://summerlinmusicstudio.com
Summercatz Band website
Butterfly Video
Insane Song Video
On this month's episode of Overheard at Chica's Café, I have the pleasure ofinterviewing Doreen Calderon, a fellow actor and long-time friend of mine.We've shared the stage together in a musical, and right now you can catch her inFatal Attraction on Paramount+. Our conversation covers her experiences as anactress and how she helps other actors develop their skills.
Doreen Calderon is an American television, film and theateractress. She can be seen in the recurring role of "Maureen Walker" in Fatal Attraction (Paramount+). In2022, she played!"Raquel Torres” in the Oscar nominated Live Action Short, Please Hold. Recent TV creditsinclude White House Plumbers (HBO), Riverdale (CW), Loot (AppleTV), and Call MeKat (FOX). Doreen has been a core performing member of the nation's longest running Asian-American improv-comedytroupe, Cold Tofu, since 2017. She is also a Certified Impact Catalyst (coach), and a professional Dream Interpreter.
imdb.me/DoreenCalderonIG: @doreen_calderon
IG:@the.recognized.actor
YoutubeChannel: @DoreenCalderon TheRecognizedActor.comcellardoordreams.com/
In today's episode we have Kristi Schultz, a theatre maker, director and educator.We discuss her journey from college to New York where she worked at a striphouse. Don't get too excited she wasn't stripping. Her stories from that timeare entertaining and are the premise of her solo show Operation Dollhouse. Wediscuss how she got started in Los Angeles. Join in to this interesting andmight I say, educational episode of life in the dollhouse.
Kristi Schultzis a hyphenate Theatre maker and Teaching Artist using interdisciplinarymovement-driven performance practices to reinvent classics, adapt literature,and devise original work. Kristi is on the Theatre Faculty at MarlboroughSchool in Los Angeles and Artistic Director of the Marlborough EnsembleTheatre. Kristi developed the Musical Theater and Dance Program at New Roads School.
Her productions of IN THE HEIGHTS and CHICAGO, received several Jerry Herman Award nominations includingBest Production. She won the award for Best Staging & Choreography for INTHE HEIGHTS. In the years under her guidance, the New Roads Dance program grewexponentially. At New Roads, she was an Artistic Producer for the Moss Theater,producing guest productions and developing guest artist partnerships. She alsoimplemented a workshop lab for Performance Activism. She has been a guestfaculty member at the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre, Bluepalm Arts,Rembiko Edinburgh Project, and CalArts Interim Project teaching acting,movement, and composition, and leading professional development for Faculty, aswell as guest Directing.
From 2006 to 2010, she was Producing Artistic Director of the award-winning LAcompany, Zoo District, helming their 3 year residence at [Inside] the Ford as part of the EnsembleTheatre Collective.At the Ford, she directed a critically acclaimed production of Ionesco's THE SUBMISSION andTHE FUTURE IS IN EGGS, produced and performed in THE DEFENDERS in Los Angelesand San Francisco, the show garnered 5 Garland Award Honorable Mentions. ForZoo District, she received grants from the Doris Duke Foundation, Network ofEnsemble Theatres, Flintridge Foundation, and LA County Arts Commission. At theFord, she curated and presented original works in progress in SHOT IN THE DARKand JOUR DE BOSSE CABARET. She was commissioned by Padua Playwrights to directthe World Premiere of Murray Mednick's play, DESTRUCTION OF THE 4th WORLD.Currently, she is dedicated to championing new voices with several projects on deck. AsCovid struck in 2020, she was directing the premiere of FLESH by Ash Nichols atINKFest at the Broadwater, and her last live performance was a workshop of THEINCIDENT at MeetCuteLA. She is working on her own solo performancepiece, OPERATION DOLLHOUSE.She has been a Company Member and Festival Producer for SON OF SEMELE ENSEMBLE,continuing to produce original work for the Quick Creation Festival throughoutCOVID in a virtual format. She could also be seen performing with the Grand Guignolers. She is an Associate Producerfor the SSDC Director's Lab West 2023. Other work in New York incudes ThirdRail Dance in SPUN, Director at New York's Theatre Studio, Inc., Choreographerfor Yale Drama Cabaret's ROCKY HORROR. She spent many years as a musicaltheatre performer and dance captain, making special appearances as asinger/entertainer at a variety of New York and Los Angeles corporate events,industrials, and fundraisers, including The Drama League's annual BroadwayBash.
An alumna of Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, the BritishAmerican Drama Academy, SITI Company Intensives, Frantic Assembly Train, andthe SDC Director's Lab West, she is a member of AEA, TCG, and the Network ofEnsemble Theatres.
TheatreMaker, Director, Educator
www.kristischultz.com
@schultzie56
Norma and I have been friends for many years. Our friendship began during an audition, and we've stayed in touchever since, discussing how the entertainment business has changed over time. Wecover topics like what they expect of an actor when they are auditioning, workingon a self-tape or going into the casting office, and how long it usually takesto complete an audition from start to finish. This episode gives you an idea ofwhat to expect if you're interested in pursuing a career in acting.
Norma Maldonado Bio
Born on Governors Island, New York County, New York, actressNorma Maldonado has had a love for acting since childhood. She is of PuertoRican and Spanish heritage. Norma's father, Juan Arturo Maldonado, was in AirAmerica for the US Air Force. Her family frequently relocated and required herto adapt to many new surroundings.
She has starred in dozens of film and television projectsincluding Showtime's Hombre, The Good Doctor, Recurring Guest Star on Jane theVirgin and The Fosters. She had guest roles in The Librarians. Superior Donuts,Amazon's Mad Dogs, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Closer among many others. Sheearned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico andcompleted one year of clinical psychology at Albizu University. Later, she wenton to earn a Masters in Communications from the University of Georgia. Over theyears, she developed an ear for languages and accents. Her fluency in English,Spanish and Serbian has helped open doors to many interesting roles, includingthat of a rape counselor in a short film for the United Nations. She helps St.Jude's Children's Hospital, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and groups working tostop the sex trafficking of children and young people.
Oops! I forgot to get a guest for this month. If you listen to my other podcast, you'd know why. It's a downer, so I don't want to discuss it here. I decided I'd tell you about some films and TV shows and my experience with them. I basically just go through a few on my resume which you can catch on my website, https://sonialozada.com/resume/. You can see that on my IMDB profile.
Most of my experiences on the set have been exciting and fun. Check out the tidbits you can find out about life as an actor.
Denise Sanchez is the January guest on Overheard at Chica's Café. We met when I played her mom on the TV Show, Bosch Legacy. It was a great experience. Denise is fun and we talk about her career and self-care. We share our acting experiences, laugh and enjoy our conversation. Check out this entertaining episode.
Denise Sanchez was born in Connecticut, where she spent her childhood and teenage years. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism before changing course and moving to NYC to pursue a modeling career. While living in Manhattan, she fell in love with acting, ultimately leading her to leave New York for Los Angeles. She has appeared in numerous national commercials, and is best known for her recurring role as Alicia on FX's acclaimed series "Mayans M.C." Denise has appeared in NBC's hit series "The Good Place", The CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," CBS' "Criminal Minds," and ABC's "General Hospital," among other series. Soon to be seen starring in Amazon's "Bosch" spin-off titled "Bosch: Legacy" (IMDb TV series releasing 2022), fans will meet her character Reina Vasquez, a first generation Latinx American cop who takes Maddie Bosch (Madison Lintz) under her wing as Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) embarks on the next chapter of his career and finds himself working with his one-time enemy, Honey Chandler (Mimi Rogers).
Check out Denise Sanchez' Website: http://www.denisegsanchez.com/
Overheard at Chica's Café Website: https://overheardatchicascafe.com/
It's that time of the year where most of us reflect on what we did or didn't do in 2022. Looking forward to an upward emotion in 2023. I'm hopeful. Even though, like many others, I've had a challenging year in various aspects of my life. I feel hopeful and excited about the new year. It might be a dream, but I'm okay with it. We need to flourish with possibilities.
As many know from my podcasts and blogs, I love comedies, enjoying a quiet evening with family and friends and quotes.
Salvador Dali "Have no fear of perfection—you'll never reach it."
Dr. Seuss "You'll never get bored when you try something new. There's really no limit to what you can do."
Pablo Picasso "Action is the foundational key to all success."
Alan Cohen "Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect."
Antonio Banderas "Expectation is the mother of all frustration."
S. Lewis "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
Melody Beattie "The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written."
Taken from the Loving Kindness Meditation
May you be happy, May you be healthy, May you be safe, May you live with ease
Que seas feliz, que estés sano, que estés a salvo, que vivas con tranquilidad
I wish you a safe and Happy New Year.
This is an entertaining episode with one of my favorite people Lindsay Jones, a Tony Awards nominated Sound Designer & Composer. He explains how he got started in his career of composing music and sound design. We give a shout out to TSDCA.org (Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Assoc.) which he is a founding member. We discuss the importance of music on film and stage projects, referring to well-known songs and their influence.
In theatre, he has been nominated for the Tony Awards of Best Score and Best Sound Design of a Play. His Broadway credits include Slave Play, The Nap, Bronx Bombers and A Time To Kill. His off-Broadway work has been heard at Playwrights Horizons, The Public Theater, MCC, Primary Stages, and many others. International credits include works at Royal Shakespeare Festival (UK), Stratford Festival (Canada), and many others. Lindsay has created music and sound for over 500 productions in regional theatres across the US. Awards include seven Joseph Jefferson Awards and twenty-four nominations, 2 ASCAP Plus Awards, two Ovation Awards and three nominations, a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, a San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award and two nominations, as well as multiple nominations for Drama Desk Awards, Helen Hayes Awards, Barrymore Awards, and many others.
In film/television, he has created original score for over 35 projects, including HBO Films’ A Note Of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin, which won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short Subject. His work encompasses features like The View From Tall, Ash, and The Brass Teapot; TV shows such as Sony Pictures’ series Family Practice for Lifetime Television, shorts such as The Follower, House Of Stairs, and Grace; and full-length documentaries such as Hearing Voices andCleaveland. His current score for Dinosaur Discoveries is now playing at the Houston Museum of Nature Science.
In podcasts, Lindsay is currently the in-house composer/sound designer for the weekly podcast The Imagine Neighborhood, produced by the Committee For Children as well as the in-house designer for the Play On Shakespeare series for Next Chapter Podcasts. Other podcast and audio drama work includes A Streetcar Named Desire (starring Audra McDonald) for Audible, Wormwood (featuring Kevin Kline) for Real Jetpacks Productions, Hamlet for KPBS/The Old Globe, Soundstage for Playwrights Horizons, Twelfth Night and Measure For Measure for Chicago Shakespeare, and The Intersect for Micromass.
In education, Lindsay is currently an adjunct professor of sound design at University of North Carolina School Of The Arts. Other universities where he’s taught include Yale, Juilliard, Northwestern, Purdue, DePaul, NYU, UCLA, UCSD, UC Irvine, Rutgers, University of Illinois, and Chapman.
In advocacy, Lindsay is a founding member and the co-chair of the executive board of Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA), and co-founded The Collaborator Party with John Gromada. He is also a founding member of NO MORE 10 Out Of 12’s, an advocacy group dedicated to safe working environments in theatre.
Lindsay Jones: https://www.lindsayjones.com/
TSDCA: https://tsdca.org/
Imagine Neighborhood: https://www.imagineneighborhood.org/
Rick Garcia and I have been friends for many years and I just had no idea how much he's done in music, film and TV. Listen to this informative interview and learn what it takes to be successful.
Rick Garcia was born and raised in San Diego, a small south Texas town located 80 miles from the Mexican border. After leaving South Texas he moved to Austin where he began his music career performing and touring with local bands before relocating to Los Angeles...
...as lead singer for bands, THE GREEN CAR MOTEL and earlier ACT of FAITH. In 2004, Garcia found his way into the world of film; he co-wrote and performed several songs which included the theme song for COLLATERAL starring Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx and directed by Michael Mann. He has written and performed songs for the Academy Award winning film BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, SEVEN POUNDS and THE INTERPRETER.
In 2010, he co-composed the award-winning film score for ANOTHER HARVEST MOON starring Ernest Borgnine and Doris Roberts.
In 2011, Garcia co-wrote, co-produced and performed songs for the Academy Award winning animated film RANGO, starring Johnny Depp, directed by Gore Verbinski. Working on that film also permitted Garcia to perform songs in character voice as the four Mariachi Owls, the characters who narrated the film in song.
In 2014, he co-wrote, performed and co-produced the songs for numerous Disney animated projects including Disney Junior’s night-time series QUIET IS and the made for TV Disney Junior movie LUCKY DUCK starring Broadway stars Christian Borle and Megan Hilty.
Garcia was asked to co-compose, arrange and co-produce the opening and closing music for the 2015 PASADENA ROSE PARADE in Pasadena, California.
In 2016, he co-wrote and co-produced songs for the feature film FALLEN, a fantasy-thriller starring Lola Kirke and Joely Richardson and directed by Scott Hicks.
In 2017, screenwriter and award winning film director Issa Lopez reached out to Garcia to co-write, co-produce and perform the theme song for her 2018 film TODO MAL. In conjunction with the film release, the theme song was released as a single in Latin America. Also, he worked and provided songs for the MGM film OVERBOARD starring Anna Farris, Eva Longoria and Eugenio Derbez.
In 2019 Garcia co-composed, co-produced and performed the theme song for REPLICAS starring Keanu Reeves and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanof.
Garcia has worked with renowned film composers Hans Zimmer, Gustavo Santaolalla, James Newton Howard, Heitor Pereira and William V. Malpede to name only a few. Also, Garcia has worked with renowned film directors, Gore Verbinski, Ang Lee, Michael Mann, Issa López and Howard Deutsch.
He has established himself as one of the most respected and sought after singer-songwriters' working in film and music today. He's been asked to participate in ASCAP and Grammy Association panels to discuss the various aspects of the film music industry.
Garcia is currently writing and producing songs for a number of upcoming films and is working with various renown recording artists on some exciting new projects.
Danny Mora is my guest this month. We reminisce about our first play together many decades ago. Where he couldn’t locate the entrance to the stage and the hysterical experiences of that night. We laugh about funny acting experiences and how we got into acting. This is a very enjoyable and entertaining episode – just like Danny. You’ll learn about acting, life and how to have fun. Tune in I know you’ll enjoy this episode.
Daniel Edward Mora is an actor known for his work in the multiple Oscar-winning Disney film COCO, A RECURRING ROLE IN THE Peabody Award-winning FX Network series THE BRIDGE, and another regular part in the web series SIN VERGÜENZA, which earned him a nomination to the Imagen Award for best actor in a series. A native of Los Angeles who was raised in San Diego, Mora joined the Army after graduating from high school. After spending three years as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he studied business administration at San Diego State University. Rediscovering a love for acting which had been planted in elementary school and later rekindled in a community college, Mora moved to Los Angeles to try his luck in the movie business. And lucky he has been. In addition to the acclaimed COCO and THE BRIDGE, his movie and television credits include: FRESH OFF THE BOARD, AVENGE THE CROWS, 911, THE MENTALIST and FILLY BROWN, a movie favorite that screened at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Along with his acting, Mora is a proud Army veteran who is currently an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Reserve.
In this month’s episode we have Che’Rae Adams, Artistic Director of Playpenn and LA Writer’s Center. She’s has been a friend for decades. I’m not telling you how long, but decades. We discuss all entertainment. The enjoyment and love for our fields and our trials and tribulations of working in theatre and TV/Film. We discuss funny mishaps in theatre. Casting and self-taping. What it takes and how we work in our perspective careers. Join in. If you’re an actor, dramaturg, or in entertainment, you’ll find this conversation engaging.
https://www.playpenn.org/
http://www.lawriterscenter.org/
Uli Bella is a founding member of the music group, Ozomatli. He and I have been friends for many years and I was excited to interview him for the show. We talk about the new album Marching On and its singles: El Destino & Marching On. Ozomatli’s journey from the formation of the group to the current core members. Their music collaborations with Gaby Moreno, Lisa Lisa and B-Real of Cypress Hill.
Ozomatli's collaborative, energetic blend of multi-cultural music and activism has earned them three GRAMMYs®, four Hollywood Bowl shows, a TED Talk and much more. Since forming in 1995, the Los Angeles-bred lineup has inspired and energized listeners as far away Burma and Mongolia: Ozo's messages and music, sung in both Spanish and English, need no translation. Like The Doors, X, Los Lobos, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other L.A.-based artists who take cues from the city and also reflect and unearth its movements, Ozomatli reaches from the curbs to the high-rises.
Ozomatli's commitment to social justice is ongoing. Their 2019 single "Libertad," with founding members Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Cut Chemist, was the first release together since Ozomatli's 1998 debut album. It highlighted the struggle of Latin workers in the U.S. who sacrifice everything to help family on the other side of the border wall. In 2008 the U.S. State Department appointed the band United States Cultural Ambassadors; in 2009 and 2010 Ozo performed for President Barack Obama. Hometown honors arrived in 2013, when April 23 was deemed "Ozomatli Day" in perpetuity, and in 2011, Ozomatli was awarded the NCLR (National Council of La Raza) Capital Award.
In 2022, Ozo's new songs, stronger-than-ever brotherhood and creativity culminated in Marching On. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Sparta) at El Paso's Sonic Ranch, the LP's 11 songs are a unified blend of the members' influences and ideas. Guests include J.J. Fad and Lisa Lisa on "Fellas," while "Mi Destino," sung in both English and Spanish, features Cypress Hill's B-Real and Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, who also lends her vocals to the title track "Marching On".
If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli's music. As founding members Jiro Yamaguchi and Uli explain: "You drive down Sunset Boulevard and turn off your stereo and roll down your windows and the music that comes out of each and every different car, whether it's salsa, cumbia, merengue, Hip Hop, funk or whatever, it's that crazy blend that's going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y'know?"
Band members:
Raúl Pacheco – Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitar, Tres, Jarana
Asdrubal Sierra - Lead & Backing Vocals, Trumpet, Piano
Justin 'El Niño' Porée - Percussion, Rap Vocals, Lead & Backing Vocals
Ulises Bella - Saxophone, Lead & Backing Vocals, Requinto, Jarocho, Keyboard, Melodica
Wil-Dog Abers - Bass, Marimbula, Backing Vocals
Jiro Yamaguchi - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Ozomatli – Moving On
@ulibella
https://ozomatli.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ozomatli/
https://www.youtube.com/user/OzoVideos
The premier episode of Overheard at Chica's Café is honored to present Jerry Bell. A legendary singer and martial artist. We discuss how he got started in both martial arts and as a singer. We have a great treat as he sings the song Just Believe in Love! Check it out.
Jerry Bell is a stylist in all facets of life, whether it's singing, martial arts, or acting. His passion for music emanates from early vocal training while growing up in Philadelphia in a musical family which has produced gold and platinum albums for two decades. One of his brothers is Archie Bell of Archie Bell & The Drells, which has the hits; "Tighten Up," "Showdown," "I Can't Stop Dancing," "Let's Groove," and many more. Also, starting with his own group while still in high school, known as The Delusions. Jerry's vocal skills came from his mother, who was a church singer, Jerry also had a band out of Miami, Florida named the Miami Ocean Liners, which later became KC & The Sunshine Band. As life would have it, he would go back to Philadelphia and join forces with his best friends McFadden & Whitehead who were the top writers for Philadelphia International Records, recording such hits as "Ain't No Stopping Us Now," "Bad Luck," "Back Stabbers," "Cowboys to Girls," "For The Love Of Money," and many more. Jerry would later move to California where he would become friends with Marvin Gaye and learned many vocal and stage techniques as well as singing background vocals for Marvin Gaye. Later he would team up with more of his friends such as James Baker, Austin Lander and Tony Churchill and began to sing lead and backup vocals for New Birth. After leaving The New Birth in 1979, he then would join up again with other friends, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Marlon McClain and become one of the lead vocalist for Motown recording artist Dazz Band. He has also recorded as a solo artist in 1980 on MCA Records, releasing his solo LP "Winter Love Affair". Prior to signing with Motown, The Dazz Band was formerly known as Kinsman Dazz and includes the merging of Bell. In 1981, Jerry Bell was invited into the group as one of the vocalists by Ralph Johnson of Earth Wind & Fire. Jerry had a solo LP on MCA at that time, called "Winter Love Affair," but joined the group as well. New Birth, originally called the The Nite-Liters, was formed by Tony Churchill and Harvey Fuqua. In 1975, Tony Churchill, James Baker, and Austin Lander asked Jerry Bell to join the group. Jerry sang for New Birth 1976 until 1979. Influences Mother Mattie Bell, older brother Archie Bell, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, David Porter, John Whitehead, Kenny Gamble, Larry Graham, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Theodore Life, Al Jarreau, Bobby Womack, The Delfonics, The Moments, The Temprees, Bobby Harris, Reggie Andrews, Tony Churchill, Austin Lander, James Baker, Jimmy Bo Horn, The Miami Oceanliners. Sounds Like The Delfonics, Will Downing, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, The Unifics, The Dazz Band, The Gap Band, Marvin Gaye, New Birth, The Temprees, The Moments.
Instagram: @jerrybellofficial
https://www.jerrybellmusic.com/
Get Jerry Bell's just-released single here: Keep it Real
https://www.youtube.com/user/jerrybelltheblackryu
Welcome to Overheard at Chica’s Café, Where Friends Meet is an entertainment podcast. After producing two other podcasts, Poetic Resurrection, which is An introspective look at life and our Perceptions and Beliefs. It’s a self-help poetry site and Chica and the Man, As Unscripted as it Gets, is about two podcasters, Alex and Sonia who talk about anything that comes to mind on the day of the recording.
One of the episodes of Chica and the Man was called Overheard at Chica’s Café and I thought what a fun name for a podcast. It’s not gossip, just hearing two friends talk. This one is light, and interesting, and the goal is to have it bring a smile to your face. Tune in.
Peace.
Sonia
Poetic Resurrection https://poeticresurrection.com/
Chica & the Man: https://chicaandman.com/