Interview with Director Jill Tokac and Producer Jim AnsartJoin host Ryan Malyar as he speaks with director Jill Tokac and producer Jim Ansart about The Footlight Club's upcoming production of "The Prom" in Jamaica Plain, MA. Discover why this heartwarming musical about inclusion, acceptance, and finding your community is becoming so popular in regional theaters across the country.In this episode, Jill shares insights about the show's powerful message of staying true to yourself, while Jim discusses the rich history of The Footlight Club—one of America's oldest continuously operating community theaters, founded in 1877. Learn about their special "Prom-Palooza" event on May 10th, their commitment to creating an inclusive theatrical community, and get a sneak peek at the professional-level choreography by Chad Flahive.Whether you're a fan of musical theater, interested in LGBTQ+ stories, or simply love supporting local arts, this conversation highlights the importance of community theater as a safe space for people to explore who they are without judgment.#theprom #communitytheater #FootlightClub #jamaicaplain #ArtsForTheMASSes #lgbtq #musicaltheater #BostonArts #LocalTheater

# Camp Fable: Where Heroes Are Made Through Live-Action Roleplay
In a world dominated by screens and technology, there's a magical place in Charlton, Massachusetts where kids get to unplug, step through magical book gates, and transform into heroes. Camp Fable, run by The Story School, is revolutionizing the summer camp experience by blending traditional camp activities with live-action roleplay (LARP) to create an immersive world of adventure.
## What Makes Camp Fable Different?
As revealed in a recent interview on "Arts for the Masses" with host Ryan Malyar and Chris Wiley, Executive Director of The Story School, Camp Fable isn't your typical summer camp. Self-described as an "EDAR camp" (Education through Adventure and Roleplay), it creates a fantastical setting where kids ages 8-17 become heroes tasked with protecting the Library of Alexandria – a magical place where every book ever written comes to life.
"If you ever picked up a stick in the woods and pretended it was a sword, you know what LARP is," explains Wiley. "We just take that and try to take it to the next level by really letting these kids immerse themselves in the story."
## Building Characters, Building Character
What truly sets Camp Fable apart is its focus on developing not just fictional characters, but also real character traits. Campers learn the three tenets of being a hero:
- **Courage**: Not the absence of fear, but confronting the unknown and taking a step forward
- **Valor**: Developing a consistent sense of honor and character
- **Empathy**: Learning to understand and appreciate different mindsets
"LARP camp builds characters – the kids make characters, but they're also building up who they are inside," says Wiley, highlighting how the camp experience translates to real-world growth.
## Creating Confidence Through Fantasy
One of the most powerful aspects of Camp Fable is how it builds confidence. Wiley shared a touching story about an 8-year-old camper who was initially hesitant to engage. After discovering she could become a "ghost walker" when defeated in the game, she ventured alone into the villain's lair, listened to his entire evil plan, and returned to her fellow heroes with crucial intelligence.
"You will not believe the smile on this girl's face," Wiley recalled. "Suddenly she had the power. She was the most important character."
Parents consistently report newfound confidence in their children after camp. As Wiley explains with a laugh, "We have parents telling us all the time, 'Where did she learn this confidence?' Well, she defeated Skeletor at camp!"
## More Than Just Play
Beyond the fun, Camp Fable addresses fundamental human needs: autonomy (freedom of choice), progress (leveling up skills), and belonging (finding community). The structured fantasy world gives kids a safe space to discover themselves and their capabilities.
"The world will often tell you 'you can't do that' or they'll give you that vague 'you're special' but not tell you how," Wiley observes. "Our camp lets you live in this fantasy world so that everything is an option."
## Experience the Magic
For parents looking to give their children a unique summer experience that combines unplugged fun with character development, Camp Fable offers something truly special. To see the camp in action, visit their YouTube channel at @thestoryschoolcamp or check out their website at https://www.thestoryschool.org for more details about registration.
In a world where imaginative play often takes a backseat to technology, Camp Fable reminds us of the transformative power of stories, community, and adventure. As Chris Wiley put it so beautifully: "Every kid at camp gets this hero moment where they feel centered, they feel like they're the most important character there... I want every kid to feel like they are capable of so much – because they are."

Transforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira Troilo | Arts for the Masses PodcastJoin host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Kira Troilo, an innovative EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) consultant revolutionizing the arts and theater spaces. In this powerful conversation, Kira breaks down her unique approach to creating more inclusive, compassionate, and connected artistic environments.Key Highlights:-What is EDI and why it matters in the arts-Creating safe, supportive spaces for artists-Bridging communication gaps in theater productions-The importance of empathy and understanding in creative spaces-Kira's groundbreaking STAGES framework for inclusive leadershipKira shares her journey from performer to EDI consultant, discussing how becoming a mother inspired her to create meaningful change in artistic communities. Learn about her company, Art and Soul Consulting, and how she's helping theaters build more supportive, joyful, and diverse environments.🎭 Connect with Kira:Instagram: @ArtandsoulConsultingWebsite: www.artandsoulconsulting.com🎤 About Arts for the Masses:A podcast exploring the vibrant arts scene in Massachusetts and beyond, hosted by Ryan Malyar.#TheaterArts #InclusiveTheater #ArtsCommunity

🚽 Musical Comedy Meets Social Commentary! 🎭

Join host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Shelby Art-Koljonen (Director) and Jamie Cook (Choreographer) to dive deep into the hilarious and thought-provoking musical "Urinetown"!

In this episode of Arts for the Masses, we explore:

• The wild premise of a water-scarce world where using the bathroom costs money
• How this quirky musical balances comedy and serious social critique
• Behind-the-scenes insights into choreographing and directing this unique show
• The musical's surprising relevance 20+ years after its Broadway debut
• The Concord Players' special production happening May 2-17, 2025

Whether you're a musical theater fan, love dark comedies, or just want to learn about an extraordinary theatrical production, this episode is for you!

🎟️ Show Details:

• Musical: Urinetown
• Venue: Concord Players
• Dates: May 2-17, 2025

#MusicalTheater #Urinetown #TheArts #MassachusettsTheater

🎭 **Arts for the MASSes Podcast: Square One Players - Spotlight on "Moon Over Buffalo"** 🎭Welcome back to another exciting episode of *Arts for the MASSes*! In this episode, host Ryan Malyar sits down with Tara Alano and Joanne Smith from Square One Players, an incredible women-run theater company based out of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Join us as they share their inspiring journey of creating Square One Players, their dedication to bringing lighthearted, fun performances to the community, and a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming production of *Moon Over Buffalo* by Ken Ludwig.Discover how the company came to life during the pandemic, their commitment to supporting local talent, and their goal of providing accessible, enjoyable theater for all. Plus, learn all about the fast-paced, comedic world of *Moon Over Buffalo*, a slapstick farce filled with backstage antics and hilarious characters. 🎤 **Timestamps:**- Introduction to Square One Players and the team’s history- Behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process- The cast and crew of *Moon Over Buffalo*- How Square One Players is making community theater accessible and fun for all- Upcoming performances: *Moon Over Buffalo* – March 22, 23, 29 & 30🎟️ **Get Your Tickets:**Don't miss the chance to see this hilarious farce in action! For tickets and more info, visit http://squareoneplayers.com If you love community theater, laughter, and supporting local artists, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Thanks for tuning in to *Arts for the MASSes*—where the arts are alive in Massachusetts! 🌟#ArtsForTheMASSes #SquareOnePlayers #CommunityTheater #MoonOverBuffalo #KenLudwig #MassachusettsArts #TheaterPodcast

In a recent episode of "Arts for the Masses," host Ryan Malyar sat down with Sam Gould of Open Door Theater, to discuss their groundbreaking work in creating an inclusive theater space in Massachusetts. For over 45 years, this volunteer-driven company has been breaking down barriers and redefining what theater can be.

Open Door Theater was founded in 1980 by two mothers at a bus stop who envisioned creating a theater company where people with disabilities could fully participate. Since then, the company has grown and expanded its mission of inclusion and social justice.

"We're an integrated Theater Company," explains Gould. Their current production of "The Prom" features a cast of 50 actors that includes "a deaf actor on stage, an actor with a service dog, an actor who uses a wheelchair, and non-disabled actors—youth and adults together."

What makes Open Door's approach special is their commitment to not just accommodation, but autonomy. As Gould puts it, their mission extends beyond inclusivity to ensuring they "don't voice accommodation on someone without their consent." This means working with performers to understand their needs rather than making assumptions.

The company takes a mentorship approach rather than one-on-one assistance. "We pair a veteran with a new person, and that veteran could be someone with a disability and the new person could be someone who doesn't identify with a disability," Gould explains. This system helps integrate new members into the company's mission and community.

When asked about accommodations, Gould offers practical insights:

• Music stands on wheels that help deaf actors who need to use their hands
• Wrist tambourines that allow wheelchair users to participate in choreography
• Adaptive choreography designed for performers of all abilities
• Multi-modal communication of information to cast and crew

Gould emphasizes the importance of taking incremental steps: "Don't try and do everything at once because it's not possible to get it all done."

Open Door Theater doesn't just make performing accessible—they ensure audiences of all abilities can enjoy their productions. All performances include:

• ASL interpretation
• Open captioning using a projector that matches the set design
• Relaxed performance format that allows audience members to take breaks
• Audio description for those who are blind or have low vision

The company creates a space where people can become comfortable with their differences. "It's not shameful or embarrassing that I have a difference and am neurodiverse," Gould notes, adding that many teens appreciate finding "guys with autism like me" in the company.

Despite being an all-volunteer organization, Open Door Theater maintains high production values with Berkeley professors as music directors and former Rockettes as choreographers. They sustain their operations through grant writing, donations, and ticket sales ($20 per ticket).

Open Door Theater's upcoming production of "The Prom" runs March 21-23 and 28-30 at the Dragonfly Theater in Acton. The show embodies their mission, focusing on self-acceptance, community, and autonomy.

"It's really a very moving story about teen angst but also self-acceptance and community autonomy—standing up for yourself in your own words, in your own way," Gould shares. She promises the show is "laugh out loud funny with so much heart."

Perhaps most striking is how Gould describes the Open Door experience: as a "disability joy space" and "a space of community where everybody is doing their best and bringing their best self to create something together."

For more information about Open Door Theater or to purchase tickets for "The Prom," visit www.opendoortheater.org

In this engaging episode of "Arts for the MASSes," host Ryan Malyar sits down with the multi-talented Ilana Ransom Toeplitz to discuss current theater trends in 2025. Toeplitz, a director, choreographer, writer, and teaching artist now based in Greater Boston, brings her extensive Broadway experience to the conversation.

## Guest Spotlight

Ilana's impressive resume includes work on Broadway productions like "The Prom," "Violet" (starring Sutton Foster), and "Crazy for You" at Lincoln Center with Susan Stroman. She's also done significant work with Theater Works and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Emerson College. As she puts it, being a successful artist is like "simultaneously spinning four plates: what am I doing now, what am I doing next, how am I feeding myself, and also life."

## Current Projects

Toeplitz is currently directing "Head Over Heels" at Emerson College, which features music by The Go-Go's. This serves as a perfect segue into the main topic of the episode - trends in contemporary theater.

## Jukebox Musicals: Past and Present

The conversation explores the enduring popularity of jukebox musicals, which have been around for decades. Ryan points to early examples like "Leader of the Pack" and reimagined Gershwin shows like "Crazy for You." Both agree that audiences gravitate toward familiar music, especially following global traumas like the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made theaters and audiences more risk-averse.

They discuss successful jukebox musicals like "Mamma Mia" and explore what makes them work - or not work. Ilana notes that the Go-Go's music in "Head Over Heels" brings a sense of female empowerment, being the first top-40 band where women played all their own instruments and sang their own music. The show blends this modern sensibility with Elizabethan dialogue to create commentary on gender identity and sexual freedom.

## Theater Economics in 2025

The conversation turns to the economic realities facing theaters in 2025. Rising costs for sets, costumes, and fair actor wages have led many theaters to seek "sure things" - shows with brand recognition that can be produced with minimal casts. As Ilana puts it, "Theaters cannot afford to take risks right now," which makes it challenging for new musicals to find their way to the stage. This has led to an abundance of small-cast shows like "Foot Loose," "Little Shop of Horrors," "John and Jen," "Title of Show," and "Daddy Long Legs."

## Musical Theater Education

As an educator at Emerson College, Ilana offers insights into how musical theater training has evolved to embrace contemporary sounds. Her senior-year curriculum includes a course dedicated to pop music singing and interpreting pop songs for musical theater contexts. She also teaches a course on professionalism and the business of show business, emphasizing the importance of being "a good human and being rehirable."

Ilana describes an exercise inspired by "RuPaul's Drag Race" called "Lip Sync for Your Life," where students can fully embrace their inner rock star without worrying about vocal technique. She notes the challenge of teaching pop music in a theatrical context, particularly dealing with the repetitive lyrics common in pop songs.

## Audition Processes and Changing Standards

The conversation shifts to auditioning and selection processes at Emerson. Ilana discusses how they're evolving beyond Eurocentric techniques and placing more emphasis on storytelling, musicality, and making bold choices rather than technical perfection. They also touch on changing speech standards in theater, with Ryan noting a decline in clear diction among young performers, possibly influenced by film acting and the ubiquity of microphones in contemporary theater.

## Closing

Ryan wraps up by inviting local artists and arts organizations to reach out about appearing on the show, noting that while they film at WMCT TV in Marlboro, Massachusetts, they're also available via Zoom and "the interwebs."

Moonbox Productions presents "The Good Deli" & "Jonathan"

Two original plays are being performed by Moonbox Productions in Boston, MA. Ryan speaks with the authors and directors to learn about these exciting premieres.Tickets and more info at https://www.moonboxproductions.com

Recordered September 2022