Centered on the Arts: Recent Episodes
Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts & R.J. Morgan
A sit-down talk with artists. The staff at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University sits with different artists and industry professionals to discuss their work, art, and why the arts are important.
It’s the last episode of season 4! On today's episode, we meet with some of our graduating seniors from the Center For the Arts. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students. Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in addition to their humor, our students have brought a community to the CFA they happily share with every patron. Our graduating seniors are wise beyond their years, and their worldviews are worth appreciating.
Join us in the Fall of 2024 for the next season!
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/.
Music by Nolan Harvel and Jeremy Zerbe
Dance in Flight is celebrating their 30th year here at Pepperdine University! They will be presenting a very exciting show in Smothers Theatre on March 14, 15, and 16. I sat down with senior dancers Mariah Macias and Taylor Faas to learn more about the excitement and hard work that go into these special performances.
Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/dance-in-flight-2023.htm?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2DwyZxAYVYugp9zkyVqD4XTMT7EmYptwofGHcWElI-xJVvk65pasIIaAlwjEALw_wcB
More information about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Jeremy Zerbe
Presented by the Flora L. Thornton Opera Program, the light-hearted romantic comedy, The Merry Widow, is coming to Smothers Theatre on February 22nd and 24th!
I sat down with Dr. Keith Colclough, the show's director and associate professor of vocal studies at Pepperdine, and talked about the challenges of preparing opera for the stage, his favorite parts of the show, and the enormous talent that carries the opera.
Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2023-2024-season/merry-widow.htm
More information about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Jeremy Zerbe
Pepperdine University’s Raitt Recital Hall was recently treated to an incredible performance by five young classical artists: American bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, Danish cellist Jonathan Swensen, Spanish/Dutch pianist Albert Cano Smit, American tenor Daniel McGrew, and Chinese violinist Lun Li. Represented by Young Concert Artists, these singers and instrumentalists are among the elite of today’s rising classical musicians. Together, they shared an impressive program of Mendellsohn, Strauss, Schumann, and Marx.
I had a chance to sit down with them and discuss their touring experience, performing on the concert stage, and the demands of practice and preparation.
More information about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Jeremy Zerbe
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! Come see the Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra present their annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:30pm in Smothers Theatre. They'll be performing timeless holiday tunes and selections from the classical repertoire.
I sat down with Dr. Ryan Board, Director of Choral Activities at Pepperdine, and discussed the joys and challenges of preparing students for this event.
This show is sold out, but will be livestreamed here: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2023-2024-season/mus-christmas-choir-orch.htm
More information about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Internationally acclaimed pianist Andrew von Oeyen returns to Pepperdine for a residency at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts! During his time here, he performed Beethovan's Emperor Concerto and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Pepperdine Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Pierre Long-Tao Tang.
I sat down with Andrew to discuss his experiences as a performer and his special connection to Pepperdine.
Follow the Center for the Arts here and on Instagram to stay up to date with new episodes as they're released.
More info about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found here: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Jeremy Zerbe and Nolan Harvel
SEASON 4 IS HERE!
I welcome composer Jeremy Zerbe back to the podcast for an incredible conversation about the music written for the show over the past three seasons.
We have an incredible conversation about the creative process, collaborating with musicians, and the joys of writing music for media!
There is a lot in store for this season! Make sure to follow us here and on Instagram to stay up to date with new episodes as they're released.
More info about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found here: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Jeremy Zerbe and Nolan Harvel
We’d like to thank you all for listening and participating during season 3. After this episode, we’ll be taking a break and will return for season 4 in the fall. Keep your ears open for our return date.
Take a listen to some of our favorite responses as to why the arts are important.
We would like to thank all of our guests and artists for joining us this year, including Taimane, Laila Biali, Mandy Gonzalez, Javier Muñoz, Pablo Sainz-Villegas, and the many others.
More info about the Center for the Arts including the 2023-2024 season can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
It’s the last episode of season 3! On today's episode, we meet with some of our graduating seniors from the Center For the Arts. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students.
Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in addition to their humor, our students have brought a community to the CFA they happily share with every patron. Our graduating seniors are wise beyond their years, and their worldviews are worth appreciating.
Join us in the Fall of 2023 for the next season!
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by: Nolan Harvel
For the first time, Carson Vandermade joins the podcast to discuss the Senior Showcase presented in the Weisman Museum. Carson discusses what patrons expect to see, the senior students’ work, the importance of showcasing their work in a museum, and why he believes the arts are important.
Carson Vandermade graduated from Pepperdine University in 2022 with a BA in studio art. He is the museum assistant and arts education coordinator for Pepperdine's Weisman Museum of Art. Carson is also a practicing visual artist whose work considers the relationships people form with their spaces and their belongings.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Directing major Jacqueline Thornell meets with Cathy Thomas-Grant, a cherished theatre professor at Pepperdine who served as the director of the summer Edinburgh program from 2000-2022. Jacqueline and Cathy talk about Pepperdine’s upcoming performance of Americana: A Murder Ballad, its relevance and importance to today’s time, and why the arts are important.
After earning her Bachelor's degree at California State University Northridge in 1984 and her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from The American Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco in 1992, Cathy went on to lead an impressive career in the theatre, with acting credits, including but not limited to Steel Magnolias, Macbeth, and Tartuffe, and directing credits attributed to Much Ado About Nothing, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Death of a Salesman.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
For the first time on this podcast, we get to bring the concert to you!
Back on January 29, 2023, pianist sensation, Ying Li performed at Raitt Recital Hall. Listen to Ying Li perform Fantasy in C Major, Opus 17 by ROBERT SCHUMANN, Sonata for Piano by BÉLA BARTÓK, Instants d’un opera de Pekin by QIGANG CHEN, and L’oiseau de feu by IGOR STRAVINSKY.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Jeremy Zerbe
Guitar sensation and the inaugural winner of the 2006 Parkening International Guitar Competition Pablo Sáinz-Villegas join the podcast!
Pablo has been acclaimed by the international press and by The New York Times for his "virtuous and moving performance, with an irresistible exuberance and a range of bright colors."
He has played for world leaders such as the Dalai Lama and has made numerous world premieres, including the first work written for guitar by John Williams.
Pablo will be performing at Smothers Theatre on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Listen in as Nolan Harvel, our Assistant Podcast Producer interviews Pablo about his journey as a guitarist, his past, and why he believes the arts are important.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Broadway stars Mandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz join the podcast!
Mandy is highly known for starring as Angelica Schuyler on the hit show Hamilton and Nina Rosario on In the Heights.
Javier is equally as known for starring as Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton after Lin-Manuel Miranda departed the show. Javier is currently on Broadway starring in the pre-Broadway run of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: A NEW MUSICAL. He plays Miranda Priestley’s right-hand man, “Nigel”.
Listen in as Jacqueline Thornell, a Theatre Directing major at Pepperdine interviews them about their acting journey, advice for the next generation of theatre & entertainment professionals, and why they believe the arts are important.
Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2022-2023-season/pepperdine-opera-hms-pinafore.htm
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Dr. Keith Colclough returns to the podcast for the third time! Dr. Colclough is an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera.
We sit down to discuss what a healthy singing voice is, types of singing styles, and the upcoming comedic performance of H.M.S. Pinafore Details!
H.M.S. Pinafore Details
Thursday, February 23 & Saturday, February 25, 2023
Ticket link: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2022-2023-season/pepperdine-opera-hms-pinafore.htm
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Part 2 of jazz and musical phenomenon Laila Biali!
Listen to the second part of Laila’s interview. Liala is wonderful! Don’t miss this episode as Laila talks about the differences in music between her home in Toronto, Canada, and her other home, New York City, and a few other topics.
You can find all of Laila’s information here: https://lailabiali.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Jazz and musical phenomenon Laila Biali joins the Centered on the Arts podcast!
Don’t miss this episode as Laila talks about her JUNO win, finding her space within Jazz and the music industry, and what she thinks should be taught in music education. And, of course, why she believes the arts are important.
You can find all of Laila’s information here: https://lailabiali.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Part 2 with Hollace Starr! Listen in as we continue the conversation with all the audio that didn't make it into the first episode.
Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found:
https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Hollace Starr returns to discuss her upcoming production of Into the Woods. Hollace shares her experience directing her first musical, the deep themes within the characters and story of Into the Woods, and why the arts are important.
Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher.
If you are interested in tickets of Into the Woods performance, please visit:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1028833/2022-fall-musical-malibu-smothers-theatre
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found:
https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Hollace Starr returns to discuss her upcoming production of Into the Woods. Hollace shares her experience directing her first musical, the deep themes within the characters and story of Into the Woods, and why the arts are important.
Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher.
If you are interested in tickets of Into the Woods performance, please visit:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1028833/2022-fall-musical-malibu-smothers-theatre
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found:
https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Ukulele and musical sensation Taimane joins the Centered on the Arts podcast!
Taimane, a hapa Sāmoan artist (part indigenous Sāmoan and part Caucasian) born and raised in Hawai‘i, has established herself as an artist-to-watch, wowing audiences and listeners around the world while raking in one accolade after another and garnering a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award as Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 2019. From sold-out shows across the U.S. to Europe, Taimane’s live performances have become must-see events. The same can be said of her videos, which have been viewed well over 50 million times and helped earn Taimane nearly 500,000 online followers. From Bach to Led Zeppelin, flamenco infernos to tribal hymns, Taimane’s artistic vision is boundless, and she’s proving the sky’s the limit for her and her ukulele.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
In this episode, Reinhardt guitar specialist Stephane Wrembel joins us and talks about learning the guitar and spending time with the Sinti people, his connection with Django Reinhardt, and his thoughts on why the arts are important. Specializing in the now-known "gypsy jazz" style of guitar, Stephane has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Town Hall.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
It’s season announcement time!!!
Rebecca Carson, our Managing Director, joins me in announcing the new 2022–2023 lineup of Presented Shows at Smothers Theatre, Raitt Recital Hall, and Lindhurst Theatre. Rebecca also shares some details on next year’s season - can you believe we’re already planning for next year too? Join Rebecca and me and learn who’s coming to the Center for the Arts and how Rebecca finds artists to book.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
IT’S TIME FOR SEASON 3!
Our first guest is Dr. Brad Griffin, Divisional Dean of the Fine Arts Department at Seaver College and the Director of The Importance of Being Earnest here at Pepperdine University.
Brad and I talk a lot about his upcoming show, his directing process, and the selection process in the Seaver College Fine Arts Division.
The Importance of Being Earnest will run from Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - Saturday, September 24, 2022. The link to purchase tickets are below. Hurry fast, as two nights are completely sold out!
To purchase tickets, please visit:
https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2022-2023-season/pepperdine-theatre-importance-of-being-earnest.htm
To be added to our waitlist, please call the Box Office at 310.506.4522
Music by Nolan Harvel
We’d like to thank you all for listening and participating during season 2. After this episode, we’ll be taking a break and will return for Season 3 in the fall. Keep your ears open for our return date.
In today’s episode, we share some of our favorite responses to “why the arts are important?” We hear from Christine Cox, Nolan Harvel, Stacey Kent, Jessica Rivera Shafer, Andrea Gyorody, and Heather Lundstedt.
We would like to thank all of our guests and artists for joining us this year, including Rebecca Carson, Paul Vacchiano, Nic Few, Kelly Todd, Geneva Lewis, Jenny Scheinman, Sean Allinson, Jacob Haren, Keith Colclough, Hollace Starr, Ryan Board, Lincoln Hanks, Christian Romo, Thomas Lowe, and Bryan Yamami.
More info about the Center for the Arts including the 2022-2023 season can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
In this episode, we will be sharing new audio and excerpts from podcasts with two of our favorite artists, TAIKOPROJECT and Jenny Scheinman. The Center for the Arts will present TAIKOPROJECT on May 21, 2022, and we will present Jenny Scheinman on June 3, 2022. First, we will hear Rebecca Carson talking with Bryan Yamami about TAIKOPROJECT’s new tour of Benzaiten. This was originally aired on December 1, 2020. After, R.J. Morgan and Jenny Scheinman talk about her upcoming performance of Kannapolis: A Moving Picture, how she fell into this project, and her process. This was originally aired on January 4, 2022.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Ticket Purchases:
TAIKOPROJECT: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8091101/taikoproject-benzaiten-malibu-smothers-theatre
Jenny Scheinman: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7607916/jenny-scheinman-in-kannapolisa-moving-portrait-malibu-smothers-theatre
Previous Episodes:
TAIKOPROJECT: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10IrvaRSAFMPK0Js55FDlp?si=adb715a46ebd4913
Jenny Scheinman: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0j6bbKUKOMiX7c7rGOjYB0?si=6f19651bfaf743ee
Taiko Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Folk and Violin Music by Nolan Harvel
Dr. Ryan Board, Dr. Lincoln Hanks, and Pepperdine students Christian Romo and Thomas Lowe join R.J. to discuss the upcoming performance of "Satan’s Fall," an oratorio composed by Stewart Copeland, the drummer for the iconic rock band, the Police. The group talk about their unique experiences collaborating with Copeland, the history of the oratorio, and why the arts are important.
If you are interested in tickets for Satan's Fall, please visit:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2753567/satans-fallan-oratorio-by-stewart-copeland-malibu-smothers-theatre
Music by Nolan Harvel
Hollace Starr returns to the podcast to discuss her upcoming production of The Winter’s Tale with Assistant Podcast Producer Sean Allinson. Hollace opens up about her affinity for Shakespeare, the universal themes of comedy and tragedy, and why the arts are important.
Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher.
If you are interested in tickets of The Winter’s Tales performance, please visit:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1021336/the-winters-tale-malibu-smothers-theatre
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found:
https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Stacey joins us once again to discuss how she found jazz and how living in new places affects her musically. R.J. hosts as Stacey describes how finding a close-knit team helped her through the Covid-19 Quarantine.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
The incredibly talented Stacey Kent guest stars on today’s episode! Stacey and R.J. had a lengthy conversation about the beginning stages of her career, what she would tell her younger self and the pivotal moments within her career. Of course, we asked her why are the arts important, but she also offers some excellent advice to every artist in any phase of their career.
Stacey Kent will be on stage at Smothers Theatre on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. For tickets, click the link below.
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5312432/stacey-kent-malibu-smothers-theatre
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Dr. Keith Colclough returns to the podcast! Dr. Colclough is an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. We sit down to discuss what a healthy singing voice is, types of singing styles, and the upcoming comedic performance of Le Nozze Di Figaro!
Le Nozze Di Figaro Details
Thursday, February 24 & Saturday, February 26, 2022
Ticket link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1022062/le-nozze-di-figaro-malibu-smothers-theatre
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
What a wonderful treat we have for you today! Exceptionally talented performers Jacob Haren and Heather Lundstedt join the podcast. Jacob is highly known for his Broadway role of Elder White from The Book of Mormon. His other credits include The Book of Mormon National Tour, Rock of Ages (Las Vegas), and many others. In addition to being a performer, Heather co-produced the magical show, On-Broadway. She was also a co-creator, producer, and member of the 1940s style girl group, The Bombshells, an original cast member and member of the creative team for the Disneyland show, The Silverlake Sisters, which performed within the Tower of Terror.
Listen to us talk about performing on stage, tips for emerging performers, and why the arts are important!
On-Broadway will be performed at Smothers Theatre on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Visit the link below to get your tickets and sing along to many of the best songs on Broadway today.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
This week's episode is dedicated to our students. Both Sean Allinson and Nolan Harvel are incredibly vital to the success of each podcast episode. Sean focuses as the Assistant Podcast Producer and Nolan is the Music Producer/Composer. R.J. meets with Sean and Nolan to discuss what their backgrounds are as students, what they are responsible for with the podcast, why they are choosing to enter the arts, and, of course, why are the arts important.
You can find Nolan's music here: https://linktr.ee/nhharvel
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Outstanding musician, known for her impeccable talent with the violin, fiddle, and vocals, Jenny Scheinman joins R.J. on Centered on the Arts. R.J. listens to Jenny as she describes what her performance of Kannapolis:A Moving Portrait will be, what our patrons should expect, her creativity, and all of the passion she brings behind her projects.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Weisman Museum Interim Director Andrea Gyorody joins us on the podcast! Andrea is a curator, art historian, editor, and critic. From 2017 to 2020, she served as Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College. Her exhibition Afterlives of the Black Atlantic, co-curated with Matthew Francis Rarey, received a 2020 Award for Curatorial Excellence from the Association of Art Museum Curators.
Currently, Andrea is presenting The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at Pepperdine University. Andrea and R.J. discuss presenting this work of art, its importance, her favorite pieces, and, of course, why the arts are important.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music by Nolan Harvel
Exceptional violinist Geneva Lewis joins the podcast! Hailing from New Zealand, Geneva Lewis is the recipient of a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Other recent accolades include Kronberg Academy’s Prince of Hesse Prize and being named a Finalist at the 2018 Naumburg Competition. R.J. asks about her decision into classical music, her violin, are violins living entities, and why the arts are important.
You can find Geneva at https://www.genevalewisviolinist.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
This episode’s guest is Jessica Rivera Shafer. Jessica is a Grammy Award-Winning singer, specializing in Classical Music. Jessica is also an alumnus from Pepperdine and one of our own Center for the Arts alums. R.J. and Jessica talk about her time at Pepperdine, studying, being in a play with Stewart O’Rourke, touring professionally around the world, and of course, her Grammy Award.
You can find Jessica at www.jessicarivera.com
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music Composer: Music by Nolan Harvel
Kelly Todd, Theatre professor at Pepperdine and director of the upcoming production Mamma Mia! visits the podcast. Kelly and R.J. talk about her process of directing, COVID-19 challenges, auditioning in the new age, and what it feels like to be back together.
Mamma Mia! will run from November 12-20, 2021. You can get your tickets at: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2021-2022-season/pepperdine-musical-mamma-mia.htm
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
R.J. and Christine Cox continue their conversation from the last episode by sharing how we stayed distracted during COVID-19, BalletX’s involvement with arts education, and diving deeper into the wide range of dance and choreography opportunities provided by BalletX.
To follow BalletX or learn of educational opportunities:
BalletX.org
For BalletX Beyond:
https://www.balletx.org/join-balletx-beyond/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music by Nolan Harvel
Christine Cox, CEO and Artistic Director speaks with R.J. over the beauty, grace, and power of Modern Ballet. Christine discusses her past, present, and the growth of her company while sharing the importance to the X in BalletX.
To follow BalletX or learn of educational opportunities:
BalletX.org
For BalletX Beyond:
https://www.balletx.org/join-balletx-beyond/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music by Nolan Harvel
NIC RETURNS!
Nic Few returns to the podcast to go over his upcoming play “We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South West Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884–1915.” Tyler Flynn brings up an in-depth conversation with Nic in regards to the selection of plays, themes, the differences of directing an online play to back on the stage, and so much more. Also, Nic has a few student shoutouts to share.
Get your tickets as soon as possible!
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1021331/we-are-proud-to-present-malibu-lindhurst-theatre
Or call the Center for the Arts Box Office: 310.506.4522
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music by Nolan Harvel
We're back!!
For the first episode of Season 2 of Centered on the Arts, Rebecca Carson, our Managing Director, keeps everything light and breezy as she excitedly announces the new 2021–2022 lineup of Presented Shows at Smothers Theatre, Raitt Recital Hall, and Lindhurst Theatre. Rebecca also gives the scoop of what the CFA has been doing during quarantine, as well details on the new changes we've implemented in anticipation of resuming live performances.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Hi everyone! Get ready for Season 2 as we continue to have deep conversations with various performing arts professionals and ask the question, "Why are the arts important?"
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
It’s the last episode of the season, and we have a treat! R.J. Morgan sits down with the graduating seniors of the CFA staff, Carmen Edano, Mary Buffaloe, Sam Petersen, Indy Wilson, David Bird, Sydney Swearengin, Nina Duchild, and Karli Mueller, to discuss their Pepperdine working careers as well as their future plans. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students.
Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in addition to their humor, our students have also brought a community to the CFA they happily share with every patron. Our graduating seniors are wise beyond their years, and their worldviews are worth appreciating.
Join us in the Fall of 2021 for the next season!
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
R.J. chats with Jeremy Zerbe, a current Pepperdine senior who is double majoring in Advertising and Music Composition while also serving as the Music Director of the Pepperdine Pickups men's a capella group and Music Producer for the Centered on the Arts podcast. He was the featured student composer for the Up Against the Screen silent film festival in Spring 2020 with the Pickford Ensemble, and recently, he composed for the theater department’s performance of As You Like It and premiered his String Quartet no. 1 with the Escalera Quartet in 2020.
The pair banter about the ending of Zerbe’s undergraduate career, as well as his experience as a student member of the CFA staff. Zerbe’s passion for music and composition is overwhelmingly apparent as he discusses what got him into music and where he hopes his career can go. His infectious joy will delight any listener, and you may just learn a bit about composing.
Info on Jeremy: https://jeremiahzerbe.wixsite.com/composer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyhzerbe/
The Senior Recital will be via the Pepperdine Music Facebook page on the 16th. Visit https://www.facebook.com/pepperdinemusic/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
On today’s episode, R.J. is joined by Keith Colclough, the Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. Colclough received his undergraduate degree from Pepperdine, and then went on to win the Fulbright fellowship to Mannheim, Germany, and later on he was also instructed by the Tanglewood Music Center and the Music Academy of the West, amongst others. His performance credits include but are not limited to solo performances at the LA Philharmonic and Opera Santa Barbara, and later his directing credits would include Pepperdine Opera classics such as Gianni Schicchi, Dido and Aeneas, and Die Fledermaus.
Colclough discusses his experience and passion for opera, including how he himself came to the art and how he encourages students to find their own voices. The struggles and triumphs of online learning are delved into, specifically how they relate to the opera program’s upcoming performance of Cendrillon. According to Colclough, the dedication and talent of these students has been remarkable through this process, and it is not a performance to miss!
Cendrillon Details
Thursday, April 22–Saturday, April 24, 2021
Ticket link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1016886/pepperdine-music-malibu-center-for-the-arts-digital-performances
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
RJ Morgan and music student Jeremy Zerbe sit down with Randall Goosby, a talented violinist who began playing at age seven, going on to perform in orchestras such as The Cleveland Orchestra, the Buffalo Orchestra, the Rochester Orchestra, and the Orlando philharmonics, among others. He’s won a myriad of awards, including but not limited to the 2018 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Sphinx’s Isaac Stern Award, and Bagby Foundation grant. Currently, he is attending the Juilliard school of music, studying under Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho, and he is playing a Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu of 1735, on a generous loan by the Stradivari Society.
The three discuss Randall’s career in music and what motivates him to keep creating and performing. His musical inspirations and the value he places on his craft are both fascinating and enriching for all, so for any music lover, this is well worth the listen.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Violinist and Violist: Samuel Sun
Dani chats with Sonia de los Santos, a family entertainer who has toured around the world, singing in English and Spanish to share and celebrate her culture. She began her career with Dan Zanes and friends, and has since gone on to be nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2019 and be named one of Billboards “the Latin Children’s music artists you should know”. In addition to her accolades, she has been featured on NBC’s Visiones, Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live, and WXPN’s Kids Corner, among others.
Topics range from how Sonia began her career as a musician, her move to New York, and her solo trip to Peru. Her excitement for her craft is infectious, and families everywhere will be delighted as they listen along.
To learn more about Sonia:
https://www.soniadelossantosmusic.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
R.J. Morgan welcomes Hollace Starr and student actor Leyla Dillig, to share their experiences with the upcoming Pepperdine show, As You Like It, and why they believe the arts are important.
Hollace Starr (voice and dialects) is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Recently, Hollace directed the West Coast Premiere of Mike Bartlett’s Earthquakes In London at Rogue Machine Theatre, and she wrote and voiced the original prologue, which will be published in the upcoming “Emergency” issue of Imagined Theatres, for the video version of Pepperdine’s COVID-cancelled The Cherry Orchard. Hollace’s acting credits include Yard Sale Signs and Milkmilklemonade at Rogue Machine, Small Tragedy at the Odyssey for which Hollace received an Ovation Award nomination, and more. She is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company and on the board of Trade City Productions, which operates Los Angeles’ very first mobile theatre truck. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher.
Leyla Dillig is a Senior Theatre Major with an emphasis in acting from Stuttgart, Germany. Her Pepperdine credits include The Pirates of Penzance (Ensemble), Well (Ensemble Member B), Rhinoceros (Housewife), Stay Because (Erin), Falling (Lisa), Ragtime (Sarah), and Men on Boats (Dunn). In 2018 she was part of the world premiere of “The Abode” with Pepperdine's Edinburgh Summer Program. She is a recipient of the Theater Scholarship and a member of the Pepperdine Student Players.
If you are interested in being a part of this piece of the As You Like It performance, please do the following:
- Watch this video and learn the dance. Now, you can spend as much time on this as you would like. You can go over it again and again and really get the steps down, or you can go through it once or twice and just try your best! Go with what you have time to do and just try to have some fun.
- (optional) Find a funny hat, jacket, or some fun glasses or a fancy ball gown. It’s entirely up to you what you wear, but this part of the play is the celebration of a wedding, so wearing something festive is encouraged.
- Record yourself doing the dance. You can watch choreographer Kelly Todd and dance along with her while you record on your phone or computer
- Save and label your video. Please label your file with your name, the date, and the words “wedding dance video submission.”
- Upload your video to our Wedding Dance Video raw footage Google Drive folder by March 21.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Paul Vacchiano welcomes Jazzy Ash, who with her band The Leaping Lizards, is a family entertainment sensation having released multiple albums and energetic stage shows that celebrate jazz and African American folk music. As a lifelong performer, Jazzy Ash seeks to share her passion for childhood development through the arts, designing her stage show to bring together families of all generations and backgrounds. Aside from the visual arts, she has also released an audiobook: Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons, which has allowed for her to delve into children’s literature and celebrate the world she knows. Jazzy Ash’s love for performing and children comes through her body of work, and the genuine love for the arts she projects is inspiring.
Register for the free Jazzy Ash Performance:
https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2020-2021-season/artsreach-black-history-month.htm
Jazzy Ash’s Website:
http://www.jazzyash.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Rebecca Carson chats with Melanie Weir, her longtime friend and colleague who works as the Education and Community Engagement Manager for the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa while also serving as the President of the Board for California Presenters. Melanie relates her passion for exposing youth to the arts as a mode of social betterment, emphasizing throughout her conversation with Rebecca the value of the arts for all of society. In trying times such as these, Melanie uses her role to bring hope and joy to communities, and her wit is sure to bring a smile to your face as you listen.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Paul Vacchiano catches up with Cathy Thomas-Grant, a beloved theatre professor at Pepperdine who is currently the Director of the summer Edinburgh trip. After earning her Bachelor's degree at California State University Northridge in 1984 and her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from The American Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco in 1992, she went on to lead an impressive career in the theatre, with acting credits including but not limited to Steel Magnolias, Macbeth, and Tartuffe, and directing credits attributed to Much Ado About Nothing, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Death of a Salesman.
The two discuss Thomas-Grant’s passion for teaching theatre, both at Pepperdine and in leading the Edinburgh trip to the Fringe Festival. Her commitment to the arts as a mode of bettering society is clear in her work, and she incorporates those values into all aspects of her life, all for the joy of others.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Ending Alumni Month, we have brought in CFA Alum, Melanie Allen.
Tyler Flynn chats with Melanie Allen, a Pepperdine alum from Castle Rock, CO who graduated in 2018 with a theatre production/design degree, with a specific emphasis in stage management. During her time at Pepperdine, she served as the CFA Student Marketing Assistant, and supported numerous productions such as Big Fish, Hedda Gabler, The Magic Flute, and Crazy for You. Since graduating, Melanie has received a Master's degree in Stage Management at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Wales, worked in various backstage roles with Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she is currently an Activities Director at a Senior Living Facility.
Melanie remarks fondly upon her time in the Pepperdine theater program, highlighting her experiences on the Edinburgh trip, her favorite productions, and her time working for the Center for the Arts. Her commitment to the arts is inspiring, and those interested in the arts will appreciate her insight and advice.
Melanie’s Website:
https://melanieallen96.myportfolio.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.html
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Continuing Alumni Month, we have brought in CFA Almun, Lauren Jennerjohn.
Tyler Flynn sits down with Lauren Jennerjohn, an alumni of Pepperdine who graduated in 2019 after double majoring in theater arts and advertising. During her time at Pepperdine, Lauren was involved in numerous Smothers productions, such as The Taming of the Shrew, Big Fish, and Crazy for You, while also participating in Dance in Flight and working as the CFA student marketing assistant. Currently, she is working as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for New Tradition, a company that specializes in outdoor advertising.
Lauren discusses her time at Pepperdine and what was impactful about her undergraduate experience, specifically within her experience as a double major. Her dedication and passion for the arts come through as she discusses her relationship to theater, and she provides insight into the world of the arts and what they mean for society at large.
For more info about Lauren: laurenjennerjohn.com
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Welcome to Alumni Month! A month of podcast episodes dedicated to our CFA Alums, detailing where they are now, how CFA helped them, and their own thoughts of the Arts.
Dani Lobello chats with Paul Dufresne, an alumni of the Pepperdine theatre program who graduated with a BA in scene design and went on to earn an MFA in scene design at Boston University. He is based in Los Angeles, though he has also worked internationally and across the United States for theaters such as the LA Opera, The Guthrie, The English National Opera, and the Gary Marshall theater, among others. A few of his credits include designing for Le nozze di Figaro, Angels in America Pt. 1 & 2, and Pelléas et Mélisande, and in 2016, he was awarded the USITT young designers’ national award for outstanding achievement in scenic design.
The two discuss Paul’s time at Pepperdine, both as a theatre student and an employee for the CFA, and they chat about Paul’s career and current projects. Paul relays what got him into theater and his journey in the arts, with special attention paid to his time in the Edinburgh program at Pepperdine and his experience with opera.
For more information about Paul Dufresne:
Website: www.pjdufresne.com
Instagram: @pjdufresne_design
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Rebecca Carson sits down with Bryan Yamami, the founder and current Executive Director for TAIKOPROJECT, who has directed the company’s performances on the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, NBC's The Voice, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Iron Chef Gauntlet. TAIKOPROJECT has toured across the United States, and Europe, Asia, and South and Central America, while also collaborating with some of the largest names in music such as John Legend and Stevie Wonder. The group is known for their powerful sound and dynamic performance, something that has delighted audiences since its inception in 2000.
The two discuss Yamami’s career in taiko and what led him to found the company, as well as how he continues to inspire the future of the art around the Los Angeles area. Yamami also discusses how the arts are important to him, especially in times such as these that are so trying for many.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Original Music Composer: TAIKOPROJECT
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
To participate in the Holiday Boutique at Home for free visit and register at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2020-2021-season/holiday-boutique-2020.htm
To learn more about Bryan and TAIKOPROJECT, visit http://taikoproject.org/
To learn more about Taiko lessons and educational opportunities, visit http://www.taikoprojectacademy.com/
Dani Lobello sits down with Rick Aglietti, the Resident Scenic Designer and Technical Director of Smothers Theater whose past work includes working as a technical director/lighting designer in Washington D.C and as a technical director/lighting designer in Ohio. They are joined by Stewart O’Rourke, the Assistant Technical Director and the Shop Foreman of Smothers, who previously worked as the master carpenter for the Center for the Arts and the Weisman Museum art installer.
They discuss the technical aspects of previous Pepperdine productions, such as Les Miserables and Into the Woods, touching on which presentations were their favorites and which proved to be a bit more challenging. On a more personal side, both Stewart and Rick tell amusing anecdotes about their time with the Center for the Arts, and they talk about why the arts are important to them.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
To participate in the Holiday Boutique at Home for free visit and register at https://arts.pepperdine.edu/events/2020-2021-season/holiday-boutique-2020.htm
Rebecca Carson sits down with the Omer Quartet to discuss their history, as well as why the arts are important to them.
With their brilliant and fearless renderings of classical pieces, the Omer Quartet have risen to international acclaim, their skill commended by a multitude of awards. They completed residencies at the New England Conservatory, and currently, they are finishing up doctorate degrees at the University of Maryland while also serving as Visiting Fellows at the Yale School of Music. On Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 pm PST, they will be appearing before Smother’s audiences, hoping to thrill and delight with their interpretations of classical work.
The Omer Quartet will perform a virtual recital for the Center for the Arts on Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m. You can reserve your tickets today at arts.pepperdine.edu.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Tyler Gabbard chats with Melanie Emelio.
Known to many as Dr. E, Melanie is a Professor of Music at Pepperdine and has worked on numerous Fine Arts Department productions including operas like The Merry Widow and The Old Maid and the Thief and musicals like Ragtime and Les Miserables. Dr. Emelio is a talented soprano, having appeared in opera, oratorio, and recitals throughout the United States and Germany. She completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Abilene Christian University and a Master of Music degree from Rice University. Tyler and Melanie discuss her history in the arts, the work of her students, and why artistic expression is important to her.
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
R.J Morgan sits down with Chris Lashua, the director and founder of Cirque Mechanics. They discuss Chris’ history of performing in the Circus Arts, and how his background in riding a BMX bike has influenced his ability to begin his own circus company. R.J. and Chris even go into the intricate engineering needs of the sets and props used within the Cirque Mechanics’ incredible shows.
Cirque Mechanics: https://www.cirquemechanics.com/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Tyler Flynn chats with Nic Few and two students, Jada Henry and KJ Powell, to discuss the play they are currently involved in, Polar Bears, Black Boys & Prairie Fringed Orchids, as well as their personal histories in the arts.
Nic Few - @NicFew
Jada Henry - @jadaeliseh
KJ Powell - @kjpowell_99
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
Tyler Flynn chats with Alicia Patterson, the Competition Production Manager for the 2019 Parkening International Competition, about her role in the Parkening competition and her own experience in the arts.
For more info on Alicia and the Porter’s: http://www.portersofhellsgate.com
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe
R.J. Morgan chats with Garrett Podgorski, the 3rd place winner of the 2019 Young Guitarist International Parkening Competition. Garrett discusses his road to classical guitar and how the guitar has impacted and changed his life.
Garrett's Limitless Album: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ssaFxujFnzCZKWN2JFtor
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Rebecca Carson chats with Jackie Lopez, the Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Versa-Style Dance Company and the Executive Director of Versa-Style: Performance.Education.Community. Versa-Style is a dance company that operates out of Los Angeles that works to celebrate social dance, as well as promote arts education.
More info about Jackie and Versa-Style can be found: http://versastyledance.org/
More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: https://arts.pepperdine.edu/visit/digital-resources.htm
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Paul Vacchiano chats with Rebecca Carson, the Managing Director of the Center of the Arts, about managing the Center for the Arts, purchasing shows, and the 2020-2021 Season Announcement.
To learn more from the Center for the Arts: arts.pepperdine.edu or facebook.com/PepperdineCFA. To purchase tickets for upcoming performances call 310.506.4522.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Tyler Gabbard connects with Melanie Watnick, Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University and a professional costumer. Melanie’s work ranges from theatre to opera to dance.
For more about Melanie: https://www.mwatnick.com/
To learn more from the Center for the Arts: arts.pepperdine.edu or facebook.com/PepperdineCFA. To purchase tickets for upcoming performances call 310.506.4522.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
The Center for the Arts staff members interview each other, getting a little more information on what their role is, what they do for the Center for the Arts, and why the arts are important.
To learn more from the Center for the Arts: arts.pepperdine.edu or facebook.com/PepperdineCFA
To purchase tickets for upcoming performances call 310.506.4522
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com