Episode 60, ACT 1: Melissa Friedman - The Pursuit of Synergy

Hello, PODience! We’ve got a brand new two-act episode arc for you! Episode 60: “The Pursuit of Synergy” features Melissa Friedman, co-founder of Epic Theatre Ensemble, a professional social justice theatre company in New York City. In many ways, Episode 60 really holds its finger to the pulse of the zeitgeist. At the top of their chat, Courtney and Melissa take time to reflect on the myriad ways in which their artistic and administrative work was challenged by the pandemic. For instance, Melissa names and digs into the complex frustrations and roadblocks created by simply donning a mask. In a way, masks became her Kryptonite, diminishing her so-called “super powers” as well as her ability to effectively connect with a group of students. She also uplifts what it meant to discover and implement new mechanisms for teaching and mentoring young people while covering the most expressive and communicative part of her body. Courtney and Melissa speak very personally and thoughtfully about what it feels like on this side of the pandemic and the shared traumas we’re all processing (to varying degrees) as we navigate choppy personal and professional waters. Their discussion goes on a deliciously winding road through themes like: art born out of tragedy, shifting paradigms, the ways we think about our expertise, building bridges between artistry and education, and the intersection of social justice, education and the arts. Don’t miss this brand new episode!