Artistic Finance

Set designer Seth Howard talks about freelancing from the midwest.    Topics: ⭐️ ROTH IRAs  ⭐️ Being a good person ⭐️ High yield savings accounts ⭐️ Getting work from social media ⭐️ DBAs - Doing Business As - for taxes ⭐️ Our actual design fees on recent projects ⭐️ Discussing production budgets while in academia ⭐️Theatrical light boxes - which has little to do with finances but hey we’re theatre people so they came up in discussion.   Video Version https://youtu.be/FUkF3UWD7Vs   Seth Howard https://www.sethhowarddesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sethhowarddesigns/   Christopher Kriz https://www.christopherkriz.com/   Cory Pattak https://www.instagram.com/corypattak/?hl=en   Wilson Chin https://www.instagram.com/wilsonchindesign/?hl=en   DBA - Doing Business As https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/doing-business-as-dba-guide   ROTH IRA https://www.calculator.net/roth-ira-calculator.html   SETH HOWARD (Scenic Designer) is a freelance scenic designer based out of St. Louis, MO. Some of his design credits include Athena (The Rep St. Louis); Grease (Bucks County Playhouse); Mamma Mia! & Come From Away (Theatre Aspen); Purlie Victorious (Charleston Stage); The Lightning Thief & Cinderella (Children’s Theater of Madison); Topdog/Underdog (Palm Beach Dramaworks); The Addams Family and 42nd Street (Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre). Check out @sethhowarddesigns on social media.   Instagram Handles @sethhowarddesigns @ethansteimel

A round table about Artificial Intelligence in theatre design with a panel of cross discipline designers.   Topics: ⭐️ Types of AI Models ⭐️ Ethical Concerns of AI ⭐️ How designers are using AI ⭐️ How designers hope to use AI ⭐️ What parts of our workflow we’re comfortable using AI in   Video Version https://youtu.be/CEp-XAkVLCY   USA 829’s resources on AI https://www.usa829.org/Education/Tech-Committee-Resources   Science Vs https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-is-it-ruining-the-environment/id1051557000?i=1000736569496   China Data Centers Underwater https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-powers-ai-boom-with-undersea-data-centers/   House of Future Memory - Florida AI Theatre https://mikewoodld.com/projects/house-of-future-memory/ David Murakami https://davidmurakami.com/ https://www.instagram.com/murakamidavid/?hl=en David Murakami is a projection designer and film director whose work explores the intersection of cinematic and theatrical storytelling, creating visually immersive experiences for opera, theatre, dance, and large-scale entertainment. His designs have been seen on five continents for companies such as Seattle Opera, Mark Taper Forum, Opéra de Montréal, LA Opera, and Princess Cruises.     Carl Faber https://carlfaber.com/ https://carlfaberdesign.com/ Carl Faber is a multidisciplinary visual designer for theatre, opera, dance, and experiential projects. Based in Portland, Oregon, he is Director of Operations at Culture House Immersive and Lighting Supervisor at Portland Opera and Oregon Ballet Theatre, while continuing to freelance on productions ranging from Broadway to large-scale immersive experiences.     Jay Duckworth https://www.proptologist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/proptologist/?hl=en Prof. Duckworth, The Proptologist is a props designer and educator at Pace University whose work includes Hamilton, Shakespeare in the Park, Here Lies Love, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson & Fun Home at his over a decade long residency as Props Designer at the Public Theater. Ari Fulton  https://arifultondesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/queen_of_the_indies/ Ari Fulton is a costume designer for stage and film, known for her richly detailed and expressive design work. Her regional and international credits include Disney's Frozen, Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, and the Sundance Award–winning film Ricky (2025). A recipient of the Black Theatre Coalition Costume Design Fellowship and the Lilly Creative Spirit Award, she also teaches costume design at Brooklyn College and the Fashion Institute of Technology.     Sun Hee Kil www.sunheekil.com https://www.instagram.com/jokerkil/ Associate designer on Broadway productions and PyeongChang Winter Olympics Opening & Closing Ceremonies in South Korea. Her sound design includes Off Broadway, regional and international theatre productions. Her sound designs were nominated for Henry Hewes Awards and World Stage Design and selected to exhibit at Prague Quadrennial. Sunny is an Assistant Professor of Sound Design at Purchase College, State University of New York and a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, Audio Engineering Society and Theatrical Sound Designers & Composers Association.     Anita J Tripathi www.anitajtripathi.com Anita is a Charlotte based Scene Designer. Professional design credits include: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (LORT B), Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Virginia Stage Company (LORT D, Resident Scene Designer), and PlayMakers Repertory Company (LORT D).  Anita has also worked regionally as both a properties designer and scenic charge and has assisted Tony Award winning designer David Gallo on several productions. Anita is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the Theatre Department at Davidson College.  She holds an M.F.A. in Scene Design from the University of South Carolina and is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.     Instagram Handles @jokekil @cxfaber @proptologist @ethansteimel @murakamidavid @carlfaberdesign @unitedscenicartists @queen_of_the_indies   #propdesign #sounddesign #thecreativelife #costumedesign #projectiondesign     ​

Jessica Ryan, Founder of Broadway Unlocked and CEO of All Together Now a production company for scaleable in-person and digital live experiences joins the show to discuss realities of Broadway's unhealthy producing model.   Topics: ⭐️ Cats: The Jellicle Ball ⭐️ Holding space for performing arts and capitalism  ⭐️ Being a theatre person and teaching yourself business terminology ⭐️ Broadway’s unhealthy producing model of pricing, marketing, and Cost Disease    Video Version https://youtu.be/uDzDmCXG1Bs   Jessica Ryan https://broadwayunlocked.substack.com/ https://www.jessicaryancreative.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaryannyla/ https://www.instagram.com/jessicaryannyla/?hl=en     Broadway Unlocked https://www.broadwayunlocked.com   Freakonomics of Broadway https://freakonomics.com/podcast-tag/how-is-live-theater-still-alive/   Jared Harbour https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-harbour-ba8415186/ https://jharbour.substack.com/   Jerry Herman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Herman   Gateway Playhouse https://www.thegateway.org/   The Greene Space NYC https://wnyc.org/tgs   BroadwayHD https://welcome.broadwayhd.com/   Kirkwood Theatre Guild https://ktg-onstage.org/   Howl Round https://howlround.com/   Pookie Goes Grenading https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pookie-goes-grenading-fiscal-sponsored-project   Particle - New Musical https://www.seldaandderek.com/new-page-3   Missouri State University https://theatreanddance.missouristate.edu/   Instagram Handles @jessicaryannyla @ethansteimel   #theatre #broadway #thecreativelife #commercialtheatre #broadwayproducing  

Christopher Kriz, a composer and sound designer based in Chicago, talks about sustaining a freelance theatre career.   Topics: ⭐️ Opening a ROTH IRA ⭐️ Filing taxes on your own ⭐️ Saying yes to everything ⭐️ Our actual fees on a recent gig ⭐️ Talking being good for your health ⭐️ The university of store front theatre ⭐️ Using an agent so you have less stress negotiating fees ⭐️ USA 829 contracts including CBAs, SDAs, POAs, and LORT   Video Version https://youtu.be/eaupUamsABo   Christopher Kriz https://www.christopherkriz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christopher.kriz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-kriz-997b99b/   Cricket Myers https://www.artisticfinance.com/14.html   Alabama Shakespeare Festival https://asf.net/   USA 829 - Contracts https://www.usa829.org/Contracts/USA-829-Contracts-Overview   ROTH IRA https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/investing/standout-accounts-for-retirement-investing-roth?utm_source=goog&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=in_mktg_paid_2025_roth&utm_term=roth%20ira&utm_content=ta&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22393064320&gbraid=0AAAAADfKLw2RKEiVVbQ-8baKNELiCbwQs&gclid=CjwKCAjw7KvTBhA6EiwAWnutYdiWSbvbvc5qwuaZ9QW7w-0U63N6y5UeRG7aioNPE9v65raZh0x3KBoCafgQAvD_BwE   Octet https://www.goodmantheatre.org/show/octet/   Instagram Handles @christopher.kriz @ethansteimel   #theatre #composer #sounddesign #thecreativelife #sounddesigners  

Performing arts consultant and producer Matthew Principe talks about producing opera, theatre, and multimedia content.   Topics: ⭐️ The Performing Arts Industrial Complex ⭐️ Hiring a qualified person to file your taxes ⭐️ Taking the emotion out of our financial life ⭐️ Saving 10% of your gross income for yourself ⭐️ Producing opera, theatre, classical music, and multi media ⭐️ The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for student loans ⭐️ Networking - but not as an individual, doing it through organizations   Video Version https://youtu.be/6T8g_rfmPa8   Matthew Principe https://www.instagram.com/operaprince/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewprincipe/   Principe Dynamics https://www.principedynamics.com/ https://principedynamics.substack.com/   Student Loan Forgiveness https://studentaid.gov/articles/student-loan-forgiveness/   Candy & Dorothy https://www.principedynamics.com/candy-dorothy   Rosalia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosal%C3%ADa   Cookie Jordan https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/cookie-jordan-485223 https://www.artisticfinance.com/39.html   Producers Guild of America https://producersguild.org/   Opera America https://www.operaamerica.org/   The Podcast Academy https://www.thepodcastacademy.com/   Elena Sartor / Pookie Goes Grenading / IRT Theatre https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pookie-goes-grenading-fiscal-sponsored-project   Matthew Principe is an internationally recognized producer, strategist, and arts innovator—and a five-time Grammy Award winner, two-time Emmy Award winner, and recipient of a Peabody Award, GLAAD Media Award, and Webby Award Honoree. He is Cultural Partnerships Producer on the documentary Viva Verdi!, which earned a 2026 Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (“Sweet Dreams of Joy”). A performer in more than fifty opera and musical theater productions, he built a career as a producer with institutions spanning the Metropolitan Opera, Detroit Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Santa Fe Opera, and Boston Baroque before founding Principe Dynamics.   Through Principe Dynamics, Matthew bridges historical performance with contemporary storytelling, advancing sustainable models for new works and artist-centered practices that position the arts as a living, socially resonant force in the 21st century. Current projects include Creative Producer of Cantos y Tumbaos with 2026 Guggenheim Fellow Reinaldo Moya, development of The Swann with Tamar-kali and Carl Hancock Rux, and the Kindred workshop for The Apollo. He also consults with founding-phase arts organizations on infrastructure and strategic planning, and delivers his talk “Beyond ‘If You Build It, They Will Come’” to institutions including the New England Conservatory and Alliance for Leaders in Music and Art.   Equally adept across mediums, Matthew has produced award-winning short films (Monsura is Waiting, Stag) and GLAAD Media Award-winning theater (Candy & Dorothy). He is a Recording Academy member, Blue Ribbon Judge for The Podcast Academy’s Ambie Awards, and Juror for the 2026 Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival.   Instagram Handles @principedynamics @operaprince @ethansteimel  

LinkedIn posts on arts and capitalism. Plus Al Heartley's article on the departure from Arena Stage of artistic director Hana Sharif.   Topics: ⭐️ Artists are people too ⭐️ Theatre education is versatile  ⭐️ Capitalism, good, bad, and ugly ⭐️ The resignation of the Arena Stage artistic director Hana Sharif   Video Version https://youtu.be/8aVKi_Hp5zE   Feature Not A Bug - Al Heartley: https://alheartley.substack.com/p/feature-not-a-bug-how-regional-theater?r=6model&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true   DC Theatre Arts by Nicole Hertvik https://dctheaterarts.org/2026/07/05/at-arena-stage-artists-and-staff-describe-a-workplace-in-crisis/   LinkedIn Post #1 - Capitalism https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaelstevenrobbins_you-cant-spend-your-time-on-linkedin-publicly-activity-7473467739005931521-Ylnl/   LinkedIn Post #2 - Artists are People https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sheyrivera_its-still-wild-to-me-that-we-have-to-continue-activity-7474088488364036097-Ylus/   LinkedIn Post #3 - Education Versatility https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenn-katona_make-no-mistake-visual-and-performing-arts-activity-7476776988527980544-634D/   LinkedIn Post #4 - Education Critical Thinking https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-nina-lemon-4a980a38_creativearts-highereducation-criticalthinking-activity-7476150268963950592-PbEq/   Instagram Handles @ethansteimel  

The business part of a freelance career in Louisville with theatrical lighting designer Jesse AlFord.   Topics: ⭐️ Lighting and teching a circus ⭐️ Panic cancelling recurring donations ⭐️ Home ownership positives and negatives ⭐️ Buying your own gear to make your work easier ⭐️ Not needing a down payment to purchase a home   Video Version https://youtu.be/LxeimTTYTEY   Jesse AlFord https://www.litbyjesse.com/ https://www.instagram.com/litbyjesse/ https://www.instagram.com/customercircus/   Royal Court Theatre https://royalcourttheatre.com/stories/announcing-a-reset-to-pay-terms-for-freelance-creatives/ https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/231242/full-print   Circus Flora https://circusflora.org/   Actors Theatre of Louisville https://www.actorstheatre.org/   Ben Gonzales https://www.viterbo.edu/profile-list/benjamin-gonzales   Christina Ferriter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineferriter/   Theatre Work - Interview https://www.artisticfinance.com/161.html   Theatre Work - Book https://www.productionlaborbook.com/   Designer Pay Resource https://www.elsahiltner.com/theatrical-designer-pay-resource   First Time Homebuyer Loan https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/fha-loans   USA 829 https://www.usa829.org/   Liability Insurance  https://www.artisticfinance.com/136.html   Carly Does Books https://www.carlydoesbooks.com/   A former circus performer and coach turned Lighting Designer, Jesse is from Southern California, but has settled in Louisville, Kentucky after a brief stint in San Francisco, and graduating from Washington State University. He is the Lighting Director and Resident Lighting Designer at Louisville Ballet, and has enjoyed an award-winning freelance career spanning more than a decade, working with organizations including Kentucky Shakespeare, Cincinnati Ballet, Kentucky Opera, The Va Va Vixens, Circus Flora, The Big Apple Circus, Westchester Circus Arts, The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, Stage One Family Theater, Louisville Orchestra, Pandora Productions, Time Slip Theater, Theatre [502], and many more across the country. He has designed more than 250 productions for over 35 organizations. Working in circus, dance, theatre and more, he specializes in the moments and productions that happen in between those disciplines.    Instagram Handles @litbyjesse @customercircus @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel  

Theatre performer and educator, Rayme Cornell, talks career finances as a single mom.   Topics: ⭐️ NOT having hobbies ⭐️ A resume versus a CV (Curriculum Vitae) ⭐️ NOT preboarding an airplane with a child in tow ⭐️ Playwrights being the most famous people in theatre ⭐️ NOT opening a 529 education savings plan for your child ⭐️ Raising a child, as a single mom, while working in theatre ⭐️ Training students who then go work on Broadway and beyond   Video Version https://youtu.be/WfdJXIEPJD4   Rayme Cornell https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayme-cornell-783884117/ https://www.instagram.com/raymecornell/   Webster University https://www.webster.edu/fine-arts/conservatory-theatre-arts.php   Lynn Nottage http://www.lynnnottage.com/   Why I’ll Never Make It https://open.spotify.com/episode/4xWZ2BR6bjoHth2lGIRLMB?si=tySdmOr-QVaNN_t8FB5x3A https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lynn-nottage-writes-through-some-of-lifes-hardest-moments/id1330237490?i=1000690245304   529 Plan https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investment-accounts/college-savings-accounts/529-plans   Wilson Chin https://wilsonchin.com/   Illinois Shakespeare Festival https://illinoisshakes.com/   Instagram Handles @raymecornell @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Researcher, educator, and director CeCe Ortiz-Barnett discusses funding and access in theatre education.   Topics: ⭐️ Imposter syndrome and the importance of ego ⭐️ Giving grace and providing safe space in higher education ⭐️ Training all types of learners and accommodating them as we’re able ⭐️ CeCe’s exchange program for students from HBCUs to experience PWI of higher education, so they can have a higher likelihood of pursuing a Masters or Doctorate in theatre   Video Version: https://youtu.be/Qhhxx5WK2CU   CeCe aka Crestencia Ortiz Barnett https://www.crestcenciaortizbarnett.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cecebeme01/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/crestcencia-ortiz-barnett-ma-mfa-ph-d-52743583/   Reggie the SM https://reginacwisniewski.com/   Black Theatre Troupe https://www.blacktheatretroupe.org/   Detroit ‘67 https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/12567/detroit-67   Rep Theatre STL https://www.repstl.org/   URTA https://urta.com/   UPTA https://upta.org/   Kathy Perkins https://kathyaperkins.com/   Arizona State University https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/degree-programs/theatre   Ebo Whyte https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Ebo_Whyte   Dyscalculia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyscalculia Stardust Riders https://www.stardustriders.com/   Instagram Handles @cecebeme01 @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Lighting designer Carl Faber returns to the show to discuss freelancing in the performing arts in Portland.   Topics: ⭐️ Zone defense ⭐️ Using local Credit Unions ⭐️ AI entering our workflow ⭐️ HELOC - home equity line of credit ⭐️ Ethics of Credit Cards and Big Banks ⭐️ Freelancing in theatre in Portland, Oregon ⭐️ Our fellow lighting designer Mark McCullough ⭐️ Being a father and freelance theatre designer ⭐️ Building systems in your life to help you succeed   Video Version: https://youtu.be/QROF7Jtj4lM   Carl Faber https://carlfaber.com/   Mark McCullough https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/mark-mccullough-76158 https://plsn.com/newsroom/all-news/in-memoriam-mark-mccullough-lighting-designer-62/   Guidestar.org https://www.guidestar.org/   Tony Awards https://www.tonyawards.com/winners/   USA 829 https://www.usa829.org/   Evernote https://evernote.com/   TurboTax https://turbotax.intuit.com/   Portland Opera https://www.portlandopera.org/   Carl Faber - Episode 100 https://www.artisticfinance.com/100.html   Instagram Handles @cxfaber @carlfaberdesign @unitedscenicartists @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel      

An interview with projection designer Wendall K Harrington.   Topics: ⭐️ Building credit ⭐️ SEP IRAs for freelancers ⭐️ Asking producers to contribute to your SEP IRA ⭐️ Artistically building a 3rd show that’s a combo of the director’s vision and your vision   Video Version: https://youtu.be/tOYo1Qd1WXQ   Wendall K Harrington http://www.wendallharrington.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendall-harrington-6678a95/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/wendall-k-harrington-69732   Tharon Musser https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/tharon-musser-25815   ABT https://www.abt.org/   The Who's Tommy https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-whos-tommy-4715   They're Playing Our Song https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/theyre-playing-our-song-3919   DBA https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/doing-business-as-dba-guide   SEP IRA https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/small-business/sep-ira   Garth Drabinsky https://playbill.com/article/lawsuit-from-paradise-square-producer-garth-drabinsky-against-actors-equity-dismissed https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/garth-h-drabinsky-21978   Douglas W Schmidt https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/douglas-w-schmidt-25292   Peter Kaczorowski https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/peter-kaczorowski-25728   Slide Projector https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel_slide_projector   Carl Faber - Episode 100 https://www.artisticfinance.com/100.html   Instagram Handles @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel    

A conversation about the business side of being a projection designer with Zak Borovay, who on Broadway has designed Elf, Xanadu, and Rock of Ages. He has also done work for Disney and Universal theme parks, lots of cruise lines, and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.   Topics: ⭐️ Protections of a union ⭐️ Keeping your investments ⭐️ History of projection designers joining USA 829 ⭐️ Freelancing versus being employed at a production company ⭐️ Recommending projects to the people you’re working with (because when you don’t, it is very noticeable)   Video Version https://youtu.be/tFfdw6gcd00   Zak Borovay https://borovaydesign.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/borovayz/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/zak-borovay-391728   Wendal Harrington http://www.wendallharrington.com/   Driscoll Otto https://www.driscollotto.com/   Light Talk https://lighttalk.libsyn.com/   Rock of Ages https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/rock-of-ages-482291     Zachary Borovay is an award-winning creative director and media /projection designer whose leadership shapes some of the most ambitious live and immersive entertainment experiences in the world. Known for uniting creative vision, storytelling, and emerging technology, he leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver media-driven experiences that captivate audiences across Broadway, global touring productions, themed entertainment, museums, and large-scale architectural environments. His creative direction and media leadership span landmark projects including the international phenomenon Rock of Ages, alongside Evita, Elf, Xanadu, Ann, Lombardi, A Catered Affair, and Waiting for Godot & No Man’s Land starring Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Beyond the theater, he has driven large-scale spectacles such as the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, Voyage de la Vie in Singapore, and Peepshow in Las Vegas, as well as major experiential work for Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as many major cruise lines including Disney Cruise Lines, Norwegian, Holland America and Royal Caribbean. He has even designed media for broadcast and arena concert tours. A recognized authority in entertainment technology and creative production, Zachary serves as Live Design/LDI’s Content Advisor and played a key role in establishing projection design as a formal discipline within United Scenic Artists Local 829. As a strategic advisor to leading media and technology companies—including Disguise, Dataton, Green Hippo, Barco, Christie, Panasonic, and Apple—he helps shape the tools that define the future of live entertainment, while mentoring the next generation of designers through courses lectures at institutions such as Yale School of Drama, Emerson, CalArts and NYU.   Instagram Handles @front_projection @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel  

Choreographer Staś Kmieć explains how he’s handled the business side of his theatre and dance career.   Topics: ⭐️ Tax filing ⭐️ Healthcare ⭐️ Fiddler On The Roof ⭐️ Not spending money when on tour   Video Version: https://youtu.be/CUtkLbPZnQ4   Staś Kmieć https://www.linkedin.com/in/sta%C5%9B-kmie%C4%87-462b8519/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sta%C5%9B_Kmie%C4%87   Guernica by Pablo Picasso https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernica_(Picasso)   Sammy Dallas Bayes https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/sammy-dallas-bayes-1044   Heathers https://heathersthemusical.com/   VITA - Free Tax Filing https://www.sagaftra.org/ny/vita   Accountants for Creatives https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YG1sgP4LqJa6Rk5CBdnvlQ2ByEvzFNKSS6uI61QkMlY/edit?tab=t.0   Fiddler on the Roof - In Yiddish https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidler_Afn_Dakh   Me and My Girl https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me_and_My_Girl   The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_Little_Whorehouse_in_Texas   SDC - Stage Directors & Choreographers https://sdcweb.org/   AEA - Actors Equity https://actorsequity.org/aboutequity   SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild / American Federation of Television and Radio Artists https://www.sagaftra.org/   AGMA - American Guild of Musical Artists https://www.musicalartists.org/   Light Talk - Jeff Nellis https://lighttalk.libsyn.com/light-talk-episode-459-be-tenacious-and-nice-our-conversation-with-jeff-nellis Staś Kmieć (Direction/Choreography) has directed/choreographed multiple productions of Fiddler on the Roof throughout the world, including the new production in Yiddish that was a surprise hit on the New York theater scene (2019 Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Citation for “Best Musical Revival”). He honors the style, intent and tradition of Jerome Robbins, and mentor Sammy Dallas Bayes and has now has taken the mantle as the "Keeper of the Fiddler flame" from the Robbins Foundation. Other works include: the LA premiere of My Antonia (music by Stephen Schwartz), Finding Madame Curie (Theater Row-NYC), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Ireland premiere), Me and My Girl tour, The Elephant Man, Don Giovanni, L’elisir d’amore, Die Fledermaus, Nutcracker, Films – The Comedian, Trust the Man. Artistic Director: Ballet Western-Reserve, Lubliniacy Polish Folk Ensemble, Sarabande Repertory Ensemble. As a performer, Staś appeared on Broadway with Lee Theodore’s American Dancemachine, and in Don Quixote with Rudolf Nureyev; and toured nationally in Fiddler on the Roof starring Theodore Bikel totaling 1,682 performances. He danced with Boston Ballet, Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and Stars of American Ballet, toured worldwide with Nureyev, and has appeared in acting and dancing roles on film and TV.  Awards include: New York Musical Festival’s “Excellence in Choreography” –The Mapmaker’s Opera (now titled The Stranger from Seville), Poland’s highest cultural honor – the Oskar Kolberg Award. He is a member of: Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Actors Equity, Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA, American Guild of Musical Artists.   Instagram Handles @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Broadway lighting programmer Brad Gray discusses financial literacy and the importance of making that choice to prioritize your finances so that you aren’t forced to hustle until your dying day.   Topics: ⭐️  Rich Dad, Poor Dad ⭐️  Programmer day rates ⭐️  Rental real estate investing ⭐️  ROTH IRAs and Retirement Accounts ⭐️  Starting them early and NOT dipping into them when purchasing a new home unless you really have to   Video Version https://youtu.be/4uJpUwkBDY0   Brad Gray  https://www.bradgray.lighting/   Rich Dad, Poor Dad https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781612681139 (my affiliate link!)   Bigger Pockets https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcasts/real-estate   FHA Loan https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/loans   PMI https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance-en-122/   Isabella Byrd https://www.isabellabyrd.design/   Justin Townsend https://www.justintownsenddesign.com/   Aland Henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/aland-henderson-914b669/   Trudy Durant https://tcdurant.com/home.aspx   Accountants https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YG1sgP4LqJa6Rk5CBdnvlQ2ByEvzFNKSS6uI61QkMlY/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.pb5zrm8roqpz   Brad grew up in Oklahoma, where his passion for theater began at a young age. By 7, he was performing in local musicals and plays. At 10, he was operating the sound console for his local church, and by 14, he was assisting with the electrical overhaul of the Bartlesville Community Center (BCC), a 1,700-seat proscenium theater. This project opened the door to more opportunities at the BCC, including national tour load-ins, show runs, and load-outs. It was there that Brad first explored lighting programming, honing his skills on numerous plays, musicals, concerts, ballets, and symphonies performed on the BCC stage. ​ Brad pursued his passion for theater at the University of Oklahoma, studying under the late Steven Draheim and earning a degree in Lighting Design. During his later years at OU, he interned at the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF) in Williamstown, MA, where he gained the skills and connections necessary to launch a career in programming in New York City. Brad continued to work at WTF for three more years, serving as the Master Electrician of the Nikos Stage and later as Production Electrician. Beyond shaping his career, Williamstown also introduced Brad to his wife, Mariah. ​ With over 20 years of experience as a lighting programmer, lighting director, and consultant, Brad has built an impressive career in theater, working on over 15 Broadway shows, including The Lion King, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Death Becomes Her and others, collaborating with industry leaders like Justin Townsend, Don Holder, and Kevin Adams. Brad is also a passionate educator, having guest lectured at NYU, Rutgers, Brooklyn College, Juilliard, the University of Oklahoma, Texas State University, and many other academic institutions, ranging from high school to collegiate education. His expertise and creative vision have taken him to stages and venues around the world, solidifying his reputation as a trusted professional in the industry. ​​ More recently, Brad has been consulting on installation projects and sales, helping schools and universities, museums, houses of worship, concert halls, and other venues bridge the gap between the overwhelming variety of equipment available and the trusted tools used by industry leaders.  ​ Today, Brad resides in Randolph, NJ, with Mariah, their son Benjamin, and their golden retriever, Charlie. When he’s not working on Broadway or traveling internationally, Brad enjoys disc golf, hunting, tackling personal projects, investing in real estate, and diving into books on personal finance.   Instagram Handles @bradgraylighting @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel  

Tax expert Susan Lee discusses tax implications and best practices for freelancers.   Topics: ⭐️  Cashflow ⭐️  Having a will ⭐️  Being your own bookkeeper ⭐️  A financial health checklist and a financial disaster kit   Video Version https://youtu.be/uJQLmbiwCA0   Freelance Taxation https://www.freelancetaxation.com/   Pieter Bruegel The Elder https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_Bruegel_the_Elder   The Beekeepers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_Bruegel_the_Elder#/media/File:Pieter_Brueghel_the_Elder_-_The_Beekeepers_and_the_Birdnester,_c1568_-_Kupferstichkabinett_Berlin.jpg   Kunsthistorisches Museum - Vienna https://www.khm.at/en   The Albertina Museum - Vienna https://www.albertina.at/en/   Bird by Bird https://bookshop.org/p/books/bird-by-bird-some-instructions-on-writing-and-life-anne-lamott/7937cf657650025e?ean=9780385480017&next=t&aid=86693&listref=artistic-finance-books   Altadena https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaton_Fire   Abortion Bans by State https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/state-policies-abortion-bans#:~:text=shortly%20after%20birth.-,Highlights,bans%20based%20on%20gestational%20duration.   Maternal Mortality https://thegepi.org/maternal-mortality-abortion-bans/   Susan Lee has prepared taxes for freelancers and artists in New York City for over twenty years. She is a Certified Financial Planner Professional™ who created FreelancerTaxation.com with the intention to give freelancers and artists basic information that will allow them to take advantage of their self-employed status and to meet the challenges inherent in freelancing.   Susan has written these articles for, as well as spoken to, freelancers and artist organizations including Columbia University, Bronx Museum of the Arts, Graphic Artists Guild, New York Foundation for the Arts, National Writers Union, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Music Cares, The Drawing Center, and others.

(Audio problems? I made a mistake uploading, so delete the episode and then try to play it again.) Costume designer Elsa Hiltner talks about the lack of pay equity in theatrical design and what she is doing about it.   Topics: ⭐️ Living wage ⭐️ The Pay Equity Standards ⭐️ The Theatrical Designer Pay Resource ⭐️ Annual income for Chicago-based non-union costume designers   Video Version: https://youtu.be/8DZsxRe0w_g     https://www.elsahiltner.com/   Elsa Hiltner is an organizer and activist for pay and labor equity in the arts. She has worked for over 15 years as a freelance artist and arts non-profit administrator, including as director of development for Collaboraction Theatre Company and her current role as director of programs at a legal service organization that supports artists in Illinois. These experiences as an arts worker deeply inform her work as an arts advocate. Her essays on labor and pay equity have inspired systemic change in the theatre industry, and the tools she has created including the Pay Equity Standards and the Theatrical Designer Pay Resource have been used nation-wide by individuals and organizations to promote pay transparency and pay equity. She is a co-founder of On Our Team, and in 2021, she was honored to receive the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award.    Photo of Elsa by zakkiyyah najeebah dumas-o'neal   Instagram Handles @elsahiltner @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Part two of the conversation with Broadway lighting designer Jane Cox.   Topics: ⭐️ Keeping overhead low ⭐️ Paying theatre designers hourly  ⭐️ Penny Remsen - Jane’s lighting mentor ⭐️ Paying for assistants / drafting out of the design fee ⭐️ Two recent design fees - one for an opera, one for an off Broadway musical   Video Version https://youtu.be/1qBXKh3-QfM   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   False Steps - Off-Broadway Play https://www.falsestepscomedy.com/   Jane Cox https://janecoxlight.squarespace.com/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jane-cox-115195   Sam Pinkleton https://sampinkleton.com/   Stacey Derosier  https://www.staceyderosier.com/   Accountants for Theatre Artists https://www.artisticfinance.com/resources.html   Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/donor-services   The Watershed https://thewatershed.org/donate/   Roundabout Workforce Development Program https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/education/career-training/theatrical-workforce-development-program   1/52 Project https://www.oneeveryfiftytwo.org/   Tech 25 in Pittsburgh (Jordan Gilliam) https://www.tech25.org/ Website temporarily down as of July 2025   Brighter Boston (Aja Jackson) https://www.brighterboston.org/   Design Action https://www.design-action.com/   LA Opera https://laopera.org/   Teeth The Musical https://teeththemusical.com/   Playwrights Horizons https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/   Elsa Hiltner's Designer Pay Resource https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1myTM4B4VGfv21iJovNLYiIopUtsDClzSGLsFOsAZHi4/edit?gid=0#gid=0   Penny Remsen https://www.umass.edu/theater/about/directory/penny-remsen https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-remsen-1b53b8a/   Ben Stanton https://benstanton.com/   Justin Townsend https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/justin-townsend-117237   Brian MacDevitt https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/brian-macdevitt-25766   NYU Graduate Design School https://tisch.nyu.edu/design   University of Massachussets Amherts https://www.umass.edu/theater/   Jane Cox is a theater maker, an educator and a lighting designer working in theater, opera, dance and music. Jane won a Tony, a Drama Desk and the Henry Hewes award in 2024 for her lighting for Appropriate, and has three Tony nominations for Macbeth (‘22), Jitney (‘17) and Machinal (‘14). Her creative career has been built on relationships; some of the extraordinary theatrical artists who have shaped her creative life include Ruben Santiago-Hudson, John Doyle, Elise Thoron, Shariffa Ali, Caitríona MacLaughlin, Sam Pinkleton, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Stacey Derosier and Sam Gold. Jane is also inspired by her brilliant students and young alumni   Recent designs include a co-design for Michael R Jackson and Anna K Jacob’s Teeth with Stacey Derosier; Donnacha Dennehy’s Land of Winter at the Irish Arts Center; The Weir at the Abbey Theater in Dublin (her home town); Felon: An American Washi Tale; and The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi and Don Giovanni at San Francisco Opera. Upcoming projects include Marina Carr’s new trilogy at the Abbey in Dublin and the Rocky Horror Show on Broadway.   Other highlights have been co-organizing and hosting the 2023 symposium and creative convening The Future of Race in Design at the Park Avenue Armory with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Mimi Lien and Mikaal Sulaiman; organizing a series of events with returning citizens in conjunction with performances of Felon: An American Washi Tale by Reginald Dwayne Betts; working with the engineer Naomi Leonard, composer Dan Trueman and co-designer Tess James on Rhythm Bots, a project investigating collective motion and rhythmic connection with robots; and receiving a Distinguished Achievement Award from USITT in 2025.   Jane has been a member of the Monica Bill Barnes dance company for more than twenty years and has been working with fellow lighting designer Tess James in many capacities for fifteen. She is a Professor of the Practice and Director of the Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University, where she is also the co-director for the Fund for Irish Studies and a member of CreativeX. She is married to brilliant conceptual artist Evan Alexander and they have a fantastic teenage daughter who so far shows no interest in going into theatre.   Instagram Handles @janecoxlight @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Lighting designer Jane Cox discusses life as a freelance theatre designer who has also taken on some full time academic work.   Topics: ⭐️ Parenting while working in the arts ⭐️ Paying student loans with a credit card ⭐️ Prioritizing the needs of the community above the market rate  ⭐️ The financial system working against theatre design as a career ⭐️ Jane’s tax rate as a freelancer nearing 50%, and having it lower once she started working a full time W2 job.   Video Version https://youtu.be/jA1IOCWmHFs   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Jane Cox https://janecoxlight.squarespace.com/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jane-cox-115195   Appropriate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appropriate_(play)   Linda Essig https://www.artisticfinance.com/147.html   Penny Remsen https://www.umass.edu/theater/about/directory/penny-remsen https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-remsen-1b53b8a/   Irish Session https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_traditional_music_session   Cory Pattak's Podcast https://in1podcast.com/   Light Talk Podcast https://lighttalk.libsyn.com/   NYU Graduate Design School https://tisch.nyu.edu/design   University of Massachussets Amherts https://www.umass.edu/theater/   Clifton Taylor https://cliftontaylor.com/   Jennifer Tipton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Tipton   False Steps - Off-Broadway Play https://www.falsestepscomedy.com/   Jane Cox is a theater maker, an educator and a lighting designer working in theater, opera, dance and music. Jane won a Tony, a Drama Desk and the Henry Hewes award in 2024 for her lighting for Appropriate, and has three Tony nominations for Macbeth (‘22), Jitney (‘17) and Machinal (‘14). Her creative career has been built on relationships; some of the extraordinary theatrical artists who have shaped her creative life include Ruben Santiago-Hudson, John Doyle, Elise Thoron, Shariffa Ali, Caitríona MacLaughlin, Sam Pinkleton, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Stacey Derosier and Sam Gold. Jane is also inspired by her brilliant students and young alumni   Recent designs include a co-design for Michael R Jackson and Anna K Jacob’s Teeth with Stacey Derosier; Donnacha Dennehy’s Land of Winter at the Irish Arts Center; The Weir at the Abbey Theater in Dublin (her home town); Felon: An American Washi Tale; and The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi and Don Giovanni at San Francisco Opera. Upcoming projects include Marina Carr’s new trilogy at the Abbey in Dublin and the Rocky Horror Show on Broadway.   Other highlights have been co-organizing and hosting the 2023 symposium and creative convening The Future of Race in Design at the Park Avenue Armory with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Mimi Lien and Mikaal Sulaiman; organizing a series of events with returning citizens in conjunction with performances of Felon: An American Washi Tale by Reginald Dwayne Betts; working with the engineer Naomi Leonard, composer Dan Trueman and co-designer Tess James on Rhythm Bots, a project investigating collective motion and rhythmic connection with robots; and receiving a Distinguished Achievement Award from USITT in 2025.   Jane has been a member of the Monica Bill Barnes dance company for more than twenty years and has been working with fellow lighting designer Tess James in many capacities for fifteen. She is a Professor of the Practice and Director of the Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University, where she is also the co-director for the Fund for Irish Studies and a member of CreativeX. She is married to brilliant conceptual artist Evan Alexander and they have a fantastic teenage daughter who so far shows no interest in going into theatre.   Instagram Handles @janecoxlight @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

An update on the $6,000 of investments we made in May of 2021.   Four lighting designers and a bond investment CEO review how our investments compare to the S&P 500.   Video Version https://youtu.be/_hiXSC5HY6A   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   False Steps: A Ballroom Comedy https://www.falsestepscomedy.com/   ETFs: IVV - iShares Core S&P 500   Stocks: VST - Vistra Corp LAC - Lithium Americas TAP - Molson Coors Beverage (owners of Blue Moon) SKLZ- Skillz   Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin   Wine: Vinovest   Real Estate - REITS: REG - Regency Centers Corp -Previously UBA SRG - Seritage Growth Properties VICI - Experiential Real Estate - Previously MGM Properties STAG - STAG Industrial   Art: Bret Slater - Artist https://www.bretslater.com/  https://www.patreon.com/posts/64295618   VTSAX - Total USA Stock Market Index Fund https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VTSAX/   Coinbase - COIN https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/COIN/   Masterworks https://www.masterworks.com/   Bridget Riley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Riley   Kroger - KR https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/KR/   Nvidia - NVDA https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NVDA/   Daktronics - DAKT https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/DAKT/   Maithreyi Gopalakrishnan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithreyi-gopalakrishnan/ https://www.liquidificorp.com/   Ebony Madry: https://www.instagram.com/ebmadry/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-madry-6a9651139/   Amy D Lux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-lux-953a7318a/ https://utopiadreamscape.com/author/luvlogica/   Gary Archer https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-archer-31482933/ https://www.instagram.com/lightdesign2020/   Ethan Steimel https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethansteimel/ https://www.instagram.com/artisticfinance/?hl=en   Instagram Handles @ebmadry @liquidifi @officialamydlux @lightdesign2020 @ethansteimel @artisticfinance  

Set designer Vincent Gunn talks about the benefits of tracking the hours that you work.   Topics: ⭐️ Valuing your time  ⭐️ Investing the money in your retirement account ⭐️ Writing things down and getting them out of your head ⭐️ Designers thinking about work even when they’re not at work   Video Version https://youtu.be/g1BZrnh3l7A   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Vincent Gunn https://www.vincentgunn.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-gunn-3a45aab2/ https://www.instagram.com/vincentgunndesign/?hl=en   Hours Tracker https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P-ujmcgDcdZYxW78hqBa3HgiBdlI0gGK0LGG2RoNZqw/edit?usp=sharing   NEA Budget Cut Tracker https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cHCTXssMWuMweRLUjGQKtsck_rg7v4tMg7cpfzDQil8/htmlview?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeulUJ--0GngJ37kmfk-9enz2w9TczbBkJ8hs4U-ZuBgeaGYyF4TCzLnnQi4Q_aem_6SEys-aWiD8H-wxOGseuWw%23gid%3D0   Liability Insurance for Lighting Folx https://www.artisticfinance.com/136.html   Liability Insurance for Performers https://www.artisticfinance.com/141.html   Vincent (he/him) is a New Jersey based Scenic Designer. He has designed shows for various theatre companies in the New York area and beyond including York Theatre Company, Centenary Stage Company, Vanguard Theater Company, St. Bart's Players, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Post Theatre Company, the Metropolitan Playhouse, the New London Barn Playhouse, and various educational venues. He has assisted designers on productions at venues such as The New York Philharmonic, LABrynth Theater Company, Irish Repertory Theatre, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Roundabout Black Box, BAM Fisher, La Mama ETC and INTAR. Vincent has a B.A. in Theatre Design and Production from Fordham University. vincentgunn.com @vincentgunndesign   Instagram Handles @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel @vincentgunndesign  

TheatrIcal lighting designer Jason Lynch talks about freelancing in Chicago.    Topics: ⭐️ LLCs ⭐️ Estate Sales ⭐️ Keeping our humanity ⭐️ Investing in the S&P 500 ⭐️ Some of Jason’s recent design fees ⭐️ Moving to a big theatre city, that’s not New York   Video Version https://youtu.be/y5PApxbBG_I   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Jason Lynch https://www.jasondlynch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondlynch/ https://www.instagram.com/jasonlynch.design/   Vehicle Expenses Tracker https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kDb48wLKWWnkGigyu52tYYGWRHDV2h-Ai7AizNCrtb8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZh7dkkg9Htl1oE4M46Emo-Cw8yEahk7n90sRBCDy5R32W5D1xbTHSjvYI_aem_adKVVnGYaIN_xPS6bS21wQ&gid=1052323773#gid=1052323773   IRS.gov https://www.irs.gov/   Lynn Nottage - "Why I'll Never Make It" Interview https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/why-i-ll-never-make-it/lynn-nottage-writes-through-some-of-life-s-hardest-moments/366   SPY https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/SPY/   Arrived - Real Estate Investing https://arrived.com/   Lofty - Real Estate Investing https://www.lofty.ai/   OSF - Oregon Shakespeare Festival https://www.osfashland.org/   Indiana Rep https://www.irtlive.com/   Estate Sales https://www.estatesales.net/   JASON LYNCH is a Chicago-based lighting designer for theatre, dance, opera, and other live performance art. Regional: Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, City Theatre Company, Dallas Theater Center, Denver Center Theatre Company, George Street Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, Goodman Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Huntington Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northlight Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Old Globe, Trinity Repertory Company, among others.  Lynch was also the recipient of the 2022 Equity Jeff Award for his work on Choir Boy at Steppenwolf Theatre and the 2019 Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award, which recognizes emerging theatrical designers within the Chicago area. Jason is represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE and The Gersh Agency. jasondlynch.com, @jasonlynch.design   Instagram handles: @jasonlynch.design @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel  

Projection designer Sven Ortel talks about career finances.   Topics: ⭐️ Being persistent  ⭐️ Insisting you get credit for your work ⭐️ Organizing your taxes and writing it down ⭐️ Separating the production budget from the design budget   Video Version https://youtu.be/YDxUvU-in4U   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Sven Ortel https://www.svenortel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/svenortel/ https://www.instagram.com/svenortel/   Is the credit "Projection Design" or "Video Design?" https://www.projctn.com/about-projection-design   Projection Design Costs https://www.projctn.com/projection-design-costs   Trudy C Durant https://tcdurant.com/home.aspx   Notion https://www.notion.com/   Caite Hevner Episode https://www.artisticfinance.com/93.html   Since 2000, Sven Ortel has been exploring and advancing the use of imagery and projection in the live arts. His primary interest is how digital and emerging technologies can create engaging narrative experiences. He is particularly drawn to complex scenic and production design challenges that place live audiences at the center of the experience, and he enjoys collaborating with other experts and creatives.   Originally from Cologne, Germany, Sven earned his BA in Lighting Design in London, where he designed media for Simon McBurney’s seminal production of *Measure for Measure* at the National Theatre in 2004. He then created many projection designs for opera, dance, musicals, and plays across Europe and eventually in the US. In 2012, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his work on Disney’s *Newsies*. In 2014, he received a Drama League nomination for his designs in Julie Taymor’s *A Midsummer Night's Dream* at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn.   Notable recent projects include NHKS4220 at New York’s Artechouse, *Thoughts of a Colored Man* (Broadway, Drama Desk nomination), *Parade* (Broadway, Outer Critics Circle nomination and winner of Best Revival of a Musical), and *Once Upon a One More Time* (Broadway), as well as the multimedia installation *Lamentations at Liesbeck*, which premiered at Mesa’s Mix Center.   Sven always seeks innovative ways to tell stories through media and create cohesive visual environments that fully engage live audiences.   He has worked at public research universities for the past ten years, focusing on educating the next generation of designers, artists, and thought leaders. His work in academia focuses on adapting effective creative processes prevalent in the performing arts, particularly projection design, to address the design challenges found in other live experiences, especially in emerging forms of rich media like immersive and XR productions. This research is central to his role as a professor of practice in immersive and entertainment design at Arizona State University and as a faculty member at Mesa's innovative multidisciplinary Mix Center.   Outside of his professional work, Sven is a passionate landscaper dedicated to restoring and stewarding the land. He also loves camping, running, hiking, and mountain biking—more info at svenortel.com or linked-in.   Instagram Handles @svenortel @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Discussing designer pay and transparency with Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End lighting designer Isabella Byrd.    Topics: ⭐️ Dealing with the IRS ⭐️ Union pension, healthcare, and the union ledger ⭐️ Commercial theatre fees (aka Broadway) versus off-Broadway fees (aka non-profit theatre) ⭐️ CDs, as in Certificates of Deposit   Video Version https://youtu.be/HJ1wBWuLwKQ   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Isabella Byrd https://www.isabellabyrd.design/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/isabella-byrd-527907   Drift https://studiodrift.com/work/drifter/   The Shed https://www.theshed.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvr--BhB5EiwAd5YbXqw-o1AZJ4K0bhxLrH613ZH2yPapTv6-Lw54hGG-7dZ_7bVzULR3pBoC8hkQAvD_BwE   Death Sex And Money - Podcast https://slate.com/podcasts/death-sex-money   Zenith American - USA 829 Benefits Hub https://www.zenith-american.com/   USA 829 https://www.usa829.org/Membership-Info/Benefit-Funds   CD Rates - Bask Bank https://www.baskbank.com/products/certificates-of-deposit   Entertainment Community Fund https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/financial-wellness-0   In 1: The Podcast - hosted by Cory Pattak https://in1podcast.com/   Instagram Handles @isabelllaa @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Today is the 5th anniversary of Artistic Finance. A quick thank you to mark the occasion and announcing a non-AEA casting notice for NYC!

Broadway lighting designer Beverly Emmons discusses commercial theatre practices for designers.   Topics: ⭐️ Adding riders onto your contract ⭐️ Theatre Law which aims to protect investors’ money ⭐️ W2 and 1099 and how that impacts copyright for designers ⭐️ The history of the theatre design union - United Scenic Artists ⭐️ Those union contracts, what they protect, and how they’re helpful for expediting theatre negotiations because so many things are spelled out already, so there isn’t need for a lot of negotiation.   Video Version https://youtu.be/t8rVQO00IjE   Extended Interview https://www.patreon.com/posts/124372571   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Beverly Emmons https://performingartslegacy.org/emmonsbeverly/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-emmons-57339135/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/beverly-emmons-25645   The Lighting Archive https://thelightingarchive.org/   Don Holder Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXHdU1JVmRE&t=34s   Ken Billington Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuojA4i6y5c   Jules Fisher https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jules-fisher-7001   Kermit Blumgarden - producer https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/kermit-bloomgarden-14214   Ted Mann - producer https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/theodore-mann-15532   Broadway Grosses https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/   Atlantic Theatre joins IATSE https://deadline.com/2025/03/atlantic-theater-iatse-1236348882/   Theatre Lighting in the Age of Gas https://archive.org/details/theatrelightingi0000rees/page/n9/mode/2up   Broadway Theatre Manager - Peter Bogyo https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781621536246 https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781621536253 (affiliate link)   USA 829 https://www.usa829.org/   Instagram Handles @bemmonsld12gmail @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Alvin Hough Jr, who’s currently the associate music director of The Lion King on Broadway, talks about career finances and a few things about musical theatre musicians.   Topics: ⭐️ Dollar pizza ⭐️ Being a saver, not a spender ⭐️ Living off per diem while touring ⭐️ Rehearsal call versus a performance call ⭐️ Rates of pay for different numbers of instruments ⭐️ The differences between the piano and the keyboard ⭐️ Working a double, in musician speak, and what that means for your pay scale. ⭐️ The importance of family and Alvin investing early on, on the advice from an aunt   Video Version https://youtu.be/J9Gjb5o_h7E   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Alvin Hough Jr www.alvinhoughjr.com https://www.instagram.com/alvinhoughpiano/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/alvin-hough-493607#broadway   Believe NYC https://believe-nyc.com/   Arts for Autism https://www.artsforautism.net/   Randy Cohen - Keyboard Programmer https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/randy-cohen-454486   NYMF https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Musical_Theatre_Festival   The Lion King on Broadway https://lionking.com/   Avioms - In Ear Mixing https://www.aviom.com/AviomProducts/   ALVIN HOUGH, JR. Alvin is a pianist, conductor and arranger in New York City. He is currently the Associate Music Director of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway and was the Associate Music Supervisor of Merrily We Roll Along, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, which closed this past July aEer winning the Tony for Best Revival. Alvin is the Music Supervisor of the current 2nd NaHonal Tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and he has also worked on numerous films and TV series, from “Schmigadoon 2” and “Spirited” to “Annie Live!” and the South Park 25th anniversary commercials. Classically trained by a private teacher from the age of 5, Alvin has had the privilege of performing at the Kennedy Center, the Capitol and the White House while growing up in Washington, DC. One of the more important things Alvin likes to share is that there is no special formula to end up on Broadway. As proof, even though he's currently not using them, Alvin has a Bachelor’s from Harvard College in Earth and Planetary Sciences and a Master’s in Meteorology from the Georgia InsHtute of Technology. He sends love to his wife, Rebecca, and their two young children, Samuel (7) and Camille (6). www.alvinhoughjr.com   Instagram Handles @alvinhoughpiano @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

Technical director Tab Birt discusses his journey through live entertainment, financial lessons learned along the way, and his dream of trading the stage for a glass artist’s studio in Norway.   Topics ⭐️ Glass blowing ⭐️ Not selling yourself short ⭐️ Getting on a stagehands union call list ⭐️ Burning out, being cynical, and the joy of theatre ⭐️ The secret investment vehicle called a ROTH IRA   Video Version https://youtu.be/Kh9TP0Gls0s   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Tab Birt https://www.tbirtdesign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tbirtdesign/   Saints Peter & Paul - Homeless Shelter https://www.stspeterandpaulstl.org/homeless-shelter   Third Degree Glass Factory https://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoonESXmz4AvOFvGWqiziSPkJy_kBTC66ol4q9J4rvcuYxhm7cfN   Here’s What I Don’t Get https://hereswhatidontget.com/podcast   Bullsh*t Jobs - David Graeber https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781501143335   Debt: The First 5,000 Years - David Graeber https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781612194196   David Graeber Lecture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kikzjTfos0s   ROTH IRA https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rothira.asp   Design Action - Minimum Rate Calculator https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KpsHWVKvc0FYfDftayTh1Dh2befS-oPM6_rwQ6waoVk/edit?gid=691329339#gid=691329339   The Lighting Archive https://thelightingarchive.org/     Tab Birt hails from the Land of Praying Hands, Tulsa Oklahoma. He received his BFA in Lighting and Sound Design from the University of Oklahoma, and currently resides in in St Louis as the Technical Director for Edison Theatre. He’s worked in live entertainment for 17 years around the country, and when not in production you can find him in the hot shop pursuing his interest in glass, or at home sipping a fine whiskey, grilling steaks, or smoking a rich cigar. He dreams of one day retiring from theatre and becoming a glass artist in Norway.   Instagram Handles @tbirtdesign @thirddegreeglass @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel  

Today’s show is an “ordinary and necessary” episode in which we learn about prepping and filing taxes for freelancer 1099 income.   Topics: ⭐️ Documentation matters! ⭐️ Personal expenses versus business expenses ⭐️ Tracking your expenses as you go ⭐️ Missing expenses are the number one way to pay more in taxes.   Video Version https://youtu.be/EJBHsud0Iis   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Aja M Jackson https://www.ajajacksonlighting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajamjackson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-m-jackson   Farrell Parker https://www.artisttaxprep.com/ https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrell-parker-7a0aa3119/   Jared R Rogers, CPA https://www.wilsonrogers.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredrrogerscpa/ https://www.instagram.com/wilsonrogersco/?hl=en   Artist Tax Prep Freelancer Spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kDb48wLKWWnkGigyu52tYYGWRHDV2h-Ai7AizNCrtb8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZh7dkkg9Htl1oE4M46Emo-Cw8yEahk7n90sRBCDy5R32W5D1xbTHSjvYI_aem_adKVVnGYaIN_xPS6bS21wQ&gid=343072668#gid=343072668   IRS Website https://www.irs.gov/   Social Security Website https://www.ssa.gov/   Accountants for Creatives https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YG1sgP4LqJa6Rk5CBdnvlQ2ByEvzFNKSS6uI61QkMlY/edit?usp=sharing     AJA M JACKSON is an interdisciplinary Lighting Designer with a focus on the stage. Some credits include Off-Broadway: A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet, and Rock and Roll Man. Broadway: Fat Ham (associate). Regional (selected): Hear Word (American Repertory Theatre / The Public Theater Under the Radar Festival).  Lost In Yonkers, The Art of Burning, Pride and Prejudice, Simona’s Search (Hartford Stage). The Art of Burning, The Band's Visit (Huntington Theatre Company); Associate: Goddess (Berkeley Rep). Assistant: Real Women Have Curves and Queen Of Versailles.  Dance: Hubbard Street Dance, Modern Connections; Resident Lighting Designer for movement company, HoldTight. Awards: OEAA Outstanding Lighting Design - Kinky Boots (2022). Teaching: Boston University, National Theatre Institute. Proud member of USA 829. www.ajajacksonlighting.com | IG: @ajamjackson Farrell Parker is a DC-based performing artist and owner of Artist Tax Prep - an income tax preparation firm (by artists, for artists) founded in 2018, now serving hundreds of clients nationwide. A proud New Jersey native, Farrell holds a BS in Business Administration from Boston University, a graduate certificate in Digital Media from American University, and an MFA in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy at George Washington University. As a performer, she has been seen at the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co, Olney Theatre, the Huntington Theatre, and on stage with The Second City - among others. Over the course of her career, Farrell has originated roles in 12 world premiere productions and produced a plethora of live comedy and musical events. Her voice and likeness can be heard and seen in a bunch of commercials and she is a 2025 DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship grantee.      Jared R. Rogers is an Illinois-licensed Certified Public Accountant and CEO of the Chicago-based financial services firm Wilson Rogers & Company. Prior to his current role, he spent 13 years in the finance function of several major companies including Hyatt Hotels, PepsiCo, Robert Bosch and KPMG LLP. In addition to the above, Jared is also the published author of three books:  The Real Estate Brokers Little Black Tax Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing 2020) How to Slash Your Taxes Legally & Ethically (CreateSpace Independent Publishing 2018) Pathways to Wealth - A Common Sense Guide to Personal Money Management & Lifestyle Techniques (Authorhouse 2003) In his role at Wilson Rogers & Company, Jared is responsible for advising clients on matters including income taxes, tax debt resolution and personal financial planning. Through his business dealings over the years, he has reviewed thousands of personal and business income tax returns to ensure not only their accuracy, but that the taxpayer is paying the minimal amount of tax that they are legally obligated to. Philanthropically, Jared has served as Financial Secretary and Treasurer for the IDeaL Education Foundation. He also has previously volunteered as a tax preparer for the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Over the years, Jared has blogged about numerous tax matters, many of which can be found at www.wilsonrogers.net.   Instagram Handles @ajamjackson @artisttaxprep @wilsonrogersco @unitedscenicartists @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel

A guide of financial resources, and where to find them, for freelancers working in theatre or other facets of the entertainment industry.   ⭐️ Unions ⭐️ Job boards ⭐️ Scholarships ⭐️ Financial Planning ⭐️ Taxes / Accountants ⭐️ Financial Communities ⭐️ Educational Worksheets & Supplements ⭐️ Community Resources - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ⭐️ Episodes of Artistic Finance - separated out by career focuses   Video Version: https://youtu.be/lOlmkn7Obi4   Artistic Finance Website - click on "resources +" https://www.artisticfinance.com/   Dads - Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7clwrlPI64U  

A panel of live event lighting and media professionals having a Q&A about career finances.   ⭐️ Theatre Lighting Designer Christina Watanabe ⭐️ TV Lighting Designer Mike Grabowski ⭐️  Media Designer Zak Borovay ⭐️ TV Gaffer Seán Linehan   Topics: ⭐️ Taxes ⭐️ Agents ⭐️ Contracts ⭐️ USA 829 / LORT Contracts   Youtube Version https://youtu.be/ojmSqEkGqi8   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   Christina Watanabe https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-watanabe/ http://www.starryeyedlighting.com/   Mike Grabowski https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegrabowski/ https://www.mtgdesigns.net/   Sean Linehan https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanlights/   Zak Borovay https://www.linkedin.com/in/borovayz/ https://borovaydesign.com/   USA 829 Design Membership Candidate - LORT Program https://www.usa829.org/Portals/0/Document%20Library/LORT/2024%20Docs/Final%20Docs/USA%20829%20DMC%20Program%20for%20LORT%20Theatres%208-21-2024.pdf?ver=9uPaXqxM9aNe1IYejocFfg%3d%3d   USA 829 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Page https://www.usa829.org/Contracts/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements-CBAs-Public-View/Theatre-Opera-Dance   Accountants for Creatives https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YG1sgP4LqJa6Rk5CBdnvlQ2ByEvzFNKSS6uI61QkMlY/edit?usp=sharing   IRS Website https://www.irs.gov/   Social Security Website https://www.ssa.gov/   Frank Zappa Autobiography - (affiliate link) https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9780671705725   Luna Lux https://lunalux.us/   The Lighting Design Group https://ldg.com/   Instagram Handles @ldg_lightingdesigngroup  @starryeyedlighting  @ldg.entertainment  @front_projection  @wandering_lush @ethansteimel @mtgdesigns  @lunaluxllc @ldishow   

An interview with television lighting designer Josh Hutchings about how intimate and taboo it is to discuss finances.   Topics: ⭐️ Compound interest ⭐️ Not having a financial plan ⭐️ Investing early and consistently ⭐️ It’s an industry based on relationships ⭐️ How intimate and taboo discussing finances is ⭐️ Making a financial life plan with the help of professionals   Video Version https://youtu.be/6hFYG8HHQ0Y   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Illumination Advocates https://www.illuminationadvocates.com/ https://www.instagram.com/illumination_advocates/   Joshua Hutchings https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-hutchings-55439a38/   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   Oscar Dominguez - Lighting Designer https://dfld.com/the-team/oscar-dominguez/   IATSE 600 https://www.icg600.com/   IATSE 728 https://www.iatse728.org/   IATSE 33 https://www.ia33.org/   Radford Studios Stagehand Death https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/marvel-crew-member-dies-wonder-man-1235899835/   Midnight Mission https://www.midnightmission.org/   Travis McHale & Compound Interested https://www.youtube.xn--5ca/watch?v=7psS_ebQEyc   Compound Interest with Paddy Hirsch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmhmR_tn-Qo   Bill Klages Remembered on Light Talk https://lighttalk.libsyn.com/light-talk-episode-380-ocean-views-our-tribute-to-bill-klages   Instagram Handles @illumination_advocates @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Interview by Ethan Steimel

A discussion of various financial independence topics for people working in the creative industry.    Topics: ⭐️ Improving Financial IQ ⭐️ The “starving artist” narrative ⭐️ Empowering confidence in personal financial decisions   A live episode recorded at LDI in collaboration with Amy D Lux / Lobolux Design's Financial Independence Club.   Video Version https://youtu.be/Nqo4Z7UREKE   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Kinetic Lighting https://kineticlighting.com/   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   How to Set Up an HSA https://www.healthcare.gov/high-deductible-health-plan/setting-up-hsa/   What Is An IRA? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-an-ira   Rocket Money https://www.rocketmoney.com/   Rich Dad, Poor Dad https://bookshop.org/p/books/rich-dad-poor-dad-what-the-rich-teach-their-kids-about-money-that-the-poor-and-middle-class-do-not-robert-t-kiyosaki/17533307?aid=86693&ean=9781612681139&listref=artistic-finance-books (my affiliate link)   IATSE 728 https://www.iatse728.org/   Gusto https://gusto.com/   Intuit https://www.intuit.com/   Matt Mills https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mills-0556026/ https://www.lightingprogrammer.com/about https://www.instagram.com/mattmills407/   Matt Guminski https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-guminski-bba32816/ https://www.mglightingdesign.com/portfolio https://www.instagram.com/mattygld/   Erica D Hayes https://www.ericadhayes.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadhayes/ https://www.instagram.com/ericadhayes/   Amy D Lux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-lux-953a7318a/ https://utopiadreamscape.com/author/luvlogica/   Instagram Handles @ericadhayes @mattmills407 @mattygld @lobolux @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ethan Steimel

Learn about the process of designing and producing live shows for music artists with our Los Angeles based guests: lighting designer and programmer, Erica D Hayes and COO and Show Director at Wasted Potential, Zach Berget.   Topics: ⭐️Balancing the creative vision of an artist with the logistical realities of large-scale budgets. ⭐️ The workflow behind developing these narratives and visual elements.   Video Version TBDhttps://youtu.be/H2sMFfOzyB4   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Wasted Potential https://www.wastedpotential.net/   Human Persons https://humanperson.com/   Kinetic Lighting https://kineticlighting.com/   Grand MA Lighting Consoles https://www.malighting.com/   Hog Lighting Consoles https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Hog-4-Consoles/   Avolite Lighting Consoles http://www.avolites.us/   ACT Entertainment https://actentertainment.com/   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   Erica D Hayes https://www.ericadhayes.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadhayes/ https://www.instagram.com/ericadhayes/   Zach Berget https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-berget-201836164/ https://www.instagram.com/zachconcepts/   Ebony Madry https://www.instagram.com/ebmadry/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-madry-6a9651139/   Instagram Handles @ericadhayes @zachconcepts @wastedpotential @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ethan Steimel

Theatre director Oliver Butler discusses the state of pay for theatre directors.   Topics: ⭐️ Director Fees at Non-Profit Theatres in NYC ⭐️ Giving credit to the non profits that pay above the SDC minimum. ⭐️ Actionable steps to address the issue both for individuals and institutions. ⭐️ Discussing theatre pay honestly and in public so we don’t uphold the myth that it’s livable.   Video Version https://youtu.be/8uT8SPDBXnk   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Oliver Butler Instagram Videos https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw0mLWmvy4L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxJR1gjPRHz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxpibFWO0Pe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Oliver Butler https://www.instagram.com/oliverbutler/   A Knock of the Roof: https://www.nytw.org/show/a-knock-on-the-roof/ https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/a-knock-on-the-roof/   WEER by Natalie Palamides https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WEER_(play)   GuideStar https://www.guidestar.org/   The Public Theatre https://publictheater.org/   Oscar Eustis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Eustis   Manhattan Theatre Club https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/   SoHo Rep https://www.sohorep.org/ https://sohorep.org/staff-board/   Playwrights Horizons https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/   New York Theatre Workshop https://www.nytw.org/   Non Profit Theatre Budgets - 33% of Income From Ticket Sales https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/nonprofit-theatres-rebounding-but-expenses-skyrocketing/   Theatre Communications Group (TCG) Budget Reports https://tcg.org/Web/Our-Work/Research/Theatre-Facts.aspx   Oliver Butler  (he/him) is a theatre director who grew up in New England and is now based in The Rockaways in Queens. He directed the critically-acclaimed Broadway premiere of Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me (Best Play Tony Award Nomination, Obie Award Winner, Lucille Lortel Award Nomination, Drama League Award Nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination; and Drama Desk Award Nomination; Finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama), a film version of which is now streaming on Amazon Prime. He is directing the off-Broadway premiere of A Knock on the Roof by Khawla Ibraheem at New York Theatre workshop, which just returned from a sold-out premiere at The Edinburgh Fringe where they won 5 major awards including a Fringe First from The Scotsman. He directed the off-Broadway premiere of A Bright New Boise by Sam Hunter at Signature Theatre Company. Other recent credits include: the World Premiere of Tornado Tastes Like Aluminum Sting by Harmon Dot Aut, the World Premiere of Hester Street in Washington D.C., the NYC premiere of Will Eno’s GNIT at Theatre for a New Audience, the world premiere of Will Eno’s The Plot at Yale Repertory Theatre; the world premiere of Jordan Harrison’s The Amateurs at The Vineyard; the West Coast Premiere of Will Eno's Thom Pain (based on nothing) starring Rainn Wilson at The Geffen Playhouse; and the triumphant return of Thom Pain (based on nothing) to New York starring Michael C. Hall at the Signature Theatre Company. Additional career highlights include: Itamar Moses’s The Whistleblower at Denver Center, Christopher Shinn's An Opening in Time at Hartford Stage, Daniel Goldfarb's Legacy at Williamstown Theatre Festival, the world premiere of Timeshare by Lally Katz at The Malthouse in Melbourne, and the world premiere of Will Eno’s The Open House (OBIE Award for Direction; Lortel Award, Best Play) at the Signature Theatre Company. He is a co-founder and co-artistic director of The Debate Society with whom he has directed 10 premieres in 15 years including The Light Years (Playwrights Horizons), Jacuzzi (Ars Nova), and Blood Play (Bushwick Starr). He is a Sundance Institute Fellow and a Bill Foeller Fellow (Williamstown). He's a long-distance hiker who recently covered 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail and adventured near the Arctic circle in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve known as "The Iceland of Iceland."   Instagram Handles @oliverbutler @sdc_union @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel   Interview by Ethan Steimel  

Theatre designers and their agents come together for an in-depth discussion on navigating agent-designer relationships, contract negotiations, and strategies for fair compensation in the theatre industry.    Topics: ⭐️ Preparing for contract negotiations ⭐️ Challenges and solutions when negotiating ⭐️ Meeting and building relationships with agents ⭐️ Advice for early, mid-career, and high-profile designers   Youtube Version https://youtu.be/y8rnJ1BPO8E   Patreon Version - with PDF Class Supplement https://www.patreon.com/posts/176-pay-for-118020495   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Daniela Hart - Sound Designer https://www.uptownworksnyc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-hart-ab066234   Jack Lavey - CPK Artists https://www.jacklavey.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-lavey   Jason Lynch - Lighting Designer https://www.jasondlynch.com/   Skyler Gray - Gersh Agency https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyler-gray-30a9a545 Johanna Pan - Scenic & Costume Designer https://johannapan.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-pan-42385533   Lucy Powis - Michael Moore Agency https://www.lucypowis.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-powis Cookie Jordan - Hair & Wig Designer https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/cookie-jordan-485223 Russ Rosensweig - Summit Entertainment Group https://www.summitentertainmentgroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-rosensweig-8886b63     Instagram Handles @danielavhart @jacklavey CPK Artists @jasonlynch.design Skyler Gray @thegershagency @jpandesign @lucytp7 @michaelmooreagency @cookiewigger @russrosensweig @summitentertainmentgroup @unitedscenicartists @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel  

Lighting designer Travis McHale talks business and finance as a theatre designer.   Topics: ⭐️ Self filing taxes ⭐️ Negotiating rates ⭐️ Reasons to be investing ⭐️ Paying off mortgages early ⭐️ The magic of compound interest ⭐️ Stress and negativity of credit card debt   Patreon Resource Version https://www.patreon.com/posts/175-creative-are-117433546?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   Video Version https://youtu.be/7psS_ebQEyc   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Travis McHale https://www.travismchale.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/travismchale/ https://www.instagram.com/captainmchale/?hl=en   Excel 1040 https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home   GSA Per Diem https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates   Craig Stelzenmuller https://craigstelzenmuller.com/   David Lander https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/david-lander-482552   Hunter Foster https://www.hunterfosterofficial.com/   Linda Essig Book on Entrepreneurship in the Arts https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781789385717 (that's my affiliate link)   TIAA https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/myretirement/investment-performance   Fidelity https://www.fidelity.com/   Travis McHale is a New York based lighting designer.  Recent NYC: Is There Still Sex In The City (Daryl Roth), Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration starring Jessica Vosk (Carnegie), #DateMe: An OK Cupid Experiment (Westside), Mister Miss America (Rattlestick). Travis works extensively in regional theatre, has been associate designer on 11 Broadway shows, and 7 seasons designing runway shows for NY Fashion Week (IMCD).  He also designs for Norwegian, Carnival, Regent, and Oceania cruise lines.  Design faculty: SUNY New Paltz. Member: United Scenic Artists Local USA 829.  Instagram Handles @captainmchale @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel   Interview by Ethan Steimel

A conversation with lighting designer Don Holder.     Topics: ⭐️ Advice for young designers ⭐️ Managing finances as a freelancer ⭐️ Advantages of filing taxes as a C Corp   Video Version https://youtu.be/YXHdU1JVmRE   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Don Holder https://www.donaldholderlighting.com/welcome/portfolio/index.html https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/donald-holder-25700   The Lion King https://lionking.com/   Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man:_Turn_Off_the_Dark   Eastern Standard - Don's first Broadway design https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Standard   Imero Fiorentino https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imero_Fiorentino   Bill Klages - TV Lighting Designer https://www.livedesignonline.com/news/memoriam-bill-klages   Randy Nordstrom https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0635210/   Frank Brault https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankbrault   George Tsypin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Tsypin   Jennifer Tipton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Tipton   LDI - Free registration with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE https://www.ldishow.com/   LDI AF Recording - The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj   LDI AF Recording - Financial Independence for Creatives https://sched.co/1hUTn   Sylie Scowcroft https://www.financialgrove.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvie-scowcroft-55670361/   Madelline Song In Two Languages at Once https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GoEuuMEkng   Donald Holder has worked extensively in Theatre, Opera, Dance, Architectural and Television lighting in the US and abroad for over 30 years.  He has designed 60 Broadway productions and has been nominated for fourteen Tony awards, winning the Tony for Best Lighting Design for 'The Lion King' in 1998, and for the 2008 revival of 'South Pacific'.  Recent Broadway productions include: 'The Pirates of Penzance' (Spring 2025), 'Tootsie', 'Kiss Me Kate', 'McNeal', 'Anastasia', 'My Fair Lady', 'Oslo', 'Straight White Men', 'She Loves Me',  'Fiddler On The Roof', 'The King and I', 'On The Twentieth Century'  and many others.  Projects at the NY Metropolitan Opera include: 'Champion', 'Rigoletto', 'Porgy and Bess', 'Samson et Delilah', 'Otello', 'The Magic Flute' and the premiere of 'Two Boys'.  He has worked at most of the nation's leading resident theatres, and has designed over 100 Off-Broadway productions.  His television/film work includes the theatrical lighting for 'Spirited' (Apple Studios), seasons one and two of 'Smash' (NBC-Dreamworks), 'Oceans 8' (Warner Brothers Pictures), 'Gossip Girl' (HBO Max), and 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' (Amazon). Recent International projects include the 2024 London West End revival of 'Kiss Me Kate' (Barbican), and 'The Great Qin' (Xian, China).   Mr. Holder's architectural lighting projects include the refurbishment (conversion to all LED light) at St Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, NY, Bond 45 and Patio at the Edison Hotel, Dance Theatre Workshop- West 19th St. NYC, Sony Plaza's Public Spaces and the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, AT and T's Interactive Communications Gallery in Bedminster, NJ, The America's Smithsonian Exhibition (touring 12 cities across the United States), and several restaurants in midtown Manhattan, including the Redeye Grill and The Brooklyn Diner .   Holder was Head of the lighting design program at CalArts from 2006-2010, then led the lighting program at Rutgers University- Mason Gross School of the Arts 2016-2025, before transferring as Head of Lighting Design at The Yale School of Drama starting 2025. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and the Yale School of Drama, and the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Muhlenberg College.   Instagram Handles @donaldholder12 @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel   Interview by Ethan Steimel

An interview with Amanda Gougelmann, part of the Software Support Team for ACT Entertainment and freelance stagehand.    Topics: ⭐️ Networking for advice ⭐️ Finding the market rate for a job ⭐️ Invest in yourself and your future ⭐️ Having multiple jobs to smooth over slow times ⭐️ Getting a job by starting a relationship at a trade show ⭐️ Donating and raising money for causes while still paying the bills   Video Version https://youtu.be/oZ59YbvGNLI   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI - Free registration with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE https://www.ldishow.com/   LDI AF Recording - The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj   LDI AF Recording - Financial Independence for Creatives https://sched.co/1hUTn   Amanda Gougelmann https://www.instagram.com/gougelmann.productions/   ACT Entertainment https://actentertainment.com/   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Amanda Gougelmann is a part of the Software Support T eam at ACT Entertainment and is the owner of Gougelmann Productions. While Amanda is currently based out of San Diego, CA, she does make the 5 day commute to Burbank! Amanda graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design and T echnology. After being introduced to the Entertainment Industry through concerts and theatre, Amanda has continued to pursue her interest in lightning throughout her time in college and post college with ACT and freelance work. Instagram: @gougelmann.productions     Instagram Handles @gougelmann.productions @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

An interview with Ulrike Storch: a business coach for circus performers. Topics: ⭐️ Whether or not to work for free ⭐️ Marketing and social media curating  ⭐️ A frank look at rates and negotiations ⭐️ Authenticity in professional communication   Video Version https://youtu.be/EGFtaB6ii1c   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Stagelync Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAF-8SJHUCk&t=6s&ab_channel=StageLync   Ulrike Storch https://linktr.ee/sellingcircus https://www.ulrikestorch.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ulrikestorch/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrike-storch-53b0bb207/?originalSubdomain=uk     StageLync https://stagelync.com/ https://stagelync.com/news/sl/podcast   Anna Robb https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-robb/   Instagram Handles @ulrikestorch @stagelync @anna_lorreine_robb @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel   Interview by Anna Robb    

Alex Pendleton, manager of Netgear’s ProAV Systems Engineering department sits down with Ellen and Ethan to talk personal finances.    Topics: ⭐️ Paying yourself first ⭐️ Investing as much as possible ⭐️ Long term investing apart from news cycles   Video Version https://youtu.be/KiZcsADzSqE   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI - Free registration with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE https://www.ldishow.com/   LDI AF Recording - The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj   LDI AF Recording - Financial Independence for Creatives https://sched.co/1hUTn   Alex Pendleton https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pendleton-0029b422/ www.netgear.com   Can I afford it? https://thefinancialdiet.com/step-step-guide-tell-can-truly-afford-something/   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Alex Pendleton is a Manager for ProAV Systems Engineering supporting the interoperability between NETGEAR hardware and various Pro AV products. Alex is a member of the Pro AV Engineering Services team providing training, network topology design, and support.  He’s been with NETGEAR for over 9 years.   Instagram Handles @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow @netgear   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

On today’s show we go across the pond to the UK. We meet the co-founders of Women in Lighting. It's a project by Light Collective run by our guests Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton. Amy D Lux guest hosts this interview.   Topics: ⭐️ Balancing Money Goals & Lifestyle Goals ⭐️ Starting your own company and following your passions ⭐️ Building a global project that connects 78 countries, and counting   Video Version https://youtu.be/9KcEKBeA3lw   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Women In Lighting https://womeninlighting.com/   Light Collective https://lightcollective.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13668807/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-collective-uk/   Sharon Stammers https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-stammers-7266abb/   Martin Lupton https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-lupton/   LDI - Free registration with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE https://www.ldishow.com/   LDI AF Recording - The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj   LDI AF Recording - Financial Independence for Creatives https://sched.co/1hUTn   Light Installations by Christopher Bauder https://www.christopherbauder.com/   Forma Lighting https://www.formalighting.com/   Ayrton https://www.ayrton.eu/   Amy D Lux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-lux-953a7318a/ https://utopiadreamscape.com/author/luvlogica/   Light Collective is not a standard lighting consultancy… in fact, we really struggle to categorize ourselves given that our body of light based work is so diverse.   Our creative portfolio of work houses more than architectural lighting design and has grown to encompass many innovative projects which include light art installations, marketing projects, competitions, curated exhibitions, lighting awards, branding, trade stands and shows, epic parties, pop up events, guerrilla lighting, community projects and light education.   Our clients have ranged from the small scale to the large: designing for a school in Glasgow to a shopping mall in Kuwait, lighting an exhibition at the Museum of London to inventing an app for Phillips… We are based in the UK but have worked all over the world; creating light in the snow in Finland or in the heat of Kenya…   All of our work has light at the heart of it and always looks to promote light, lighting design and lighting designers to as wide an audience as possible. Both of us have also previously been active in lighting associations that are dedicated to promoting lighting design globally. We continue this ethos independently in our work.   One of our other passions is documenting light. Everywhere we go, we like to film light. Light projects, light art, light events, light products and light people. You can find all our films on Light Collective TV.   We are only two people. Martin Lupton and Sharon Stammers. Martin has a PhD in Lighting and Sharon has an MSc. We have both worked in the lighting industry for over 20 years and started Light Collective in 2009. Martin began in environmental engineering and then moved on to Directorial roles at both Pinniger and Partners and BDP and has worked on many high profile architectural projects prior to co-founding Light Collective. This includes the Cutty Sark, Liverpool One, Westfield, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Kelvingrove Museum and many more.   Sharon started her career in stage lighting working in London before becoming an Associate Director at both Lighting Design Partnership and Lightmatters. Her previous projects include Heron Quays station, Al Azhar Park, Somerset House and the fountains within the Great Court, the Prince of Wales Theatre, the Coliseum Theatre and the Ashmolean Museum.   We are active fans of self commissioning and when we have an idea, we will do what we can to make it happen ourselves.   We are always open to any light based challenge you can give us.   Instagram Handles @womeninlighting @lightcollective @sharonstammers @lobolux @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel   Interview by Amy D Lux

Ellen and Ethan interview Los Angeles based lighting designer, programmer, and video director Erica D Hayes.   Topics: ⭐️ Following the money ⭐️ A high school internship leading to a career path ⭐️ Contracts are only as good as the people they’re made with ⭐️ Speed of payments as a contractor with Net 30, Net 45, and Net 60  ⭐️ Joining IATSE 728, The Union Dedicated to Motion Picture Set Lighting   Video Version https://youtu.be/WBo6MsgPxoU   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI - Free registration with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE https://www.ldishow.com/   LDI AF Recording - The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj   LDI AF Recording - Financial Independence for Creatives https://sched.co/1hUTn   Erica D Hayes https://www.ericadhayes.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadhayes/ https://www.instagram.com/ericadhayes/   IATSE 728 https://www.iatse728.org/   Artistic Finance Resource List https://www.patreon.com/posts/resource-list-114287278?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   KEM https://www.musicbykem.com/   Ledisi https://www.ledisi.com/   The Isley Brothers https://officialisleybrothers.com/   The Pearl Theater https://www.palms.com/entertainment/pearl-theater   Teri Garr https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teri_Garr   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Erica D. Hayes discovered her gift for lighting the same way she found her love for directing: through a love for music, and a penchant for building genuine relationships. The Detroit, Michigan native was on the road with R&B/soul singer KEM in 2007 as his video director, when she learned that one of his tour mates, future repeat Grammy nominee Ledisi, needed lighting for her own first headlining tour. She asked Ledisi for a shot. In the years since, Hayes has moved to Los Angeles, where she’s become a go-to lighting designer for both legacy acts like The Isley Brothers, Anita Baker, Fantasia, and Run DMC, and contemporary stars like SYD, Coi Leray, and H.E.R., who she toured with. She also designed R&B star Daniel Caesar’s Freudian Tour, and his performance on “The Late Night Show with James Corden.” Additionally, Erica has provided designs for rising stars Flo Millie, Lucky Daye, Amaarae, and FLO, further cementing her reputation as a versatile designer.   Once she established herself in the music industry, Hayes prepared to take her talents into television and film. After more than 15 years in the industry, she was initiated into the IATSE 728 union. She was pregnant with her second child, but she didn’t let that stop her: Hayes landed early opportunities as a lighting console programmer for HBO shows such as Made For Love and Westworld. Her work on those shows helped her earn additional gigs for the Nickelodeon sitcom That Girl Lay Lay, HBO’s hit Insecure, and ABC’s Call Me Kat, along with the feature film House Party produced by LeBron James’ Springhill Company.   These days, with both the music and film industries at her fingertips, Hayes can afford to be selective with her projects, but that doesn’t mean she’s slowed her pace. She has the phrase “work comes from work” tattooed on her wrist and continues to make moves steadily. Her dedicated approach has led her to work with a multigenerational swath of award-winning musicians, television shows, and feature films with many more ahead for the future.   Instagram Handles @ericadhayes @iatselocal728 @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

An interview with two of the union organizers who helped Drunk Shakespeare join the Actor’s Equity Association. Ella Fent from the Chicago production and Clara Kundin from the Phoenix company talk about the long day's journey into unionizing.   Topics: ⭐️ Reasons for unionizing ⭐️ Navigating the process of joining AEA ⭐️ The benefits  gained through union membership ⭐️ Advice for other theatre workers considering unionizing   Video Version https://youtu.be/G5i2aXVQNPI   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Drunk Shakespeare https://www.drunkshakespeare.com/welcome   Drunk Shakespeare United https://www.instagram.com/drunkshakesunited/ https://linktr.ee/drunkshakesunited   Clara Kundin https://clarakundin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarakallday/?hl=en   Ella Fent https://www.instagram.com/bi.banshee/?hl=en   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/ Free pass with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE   Clara Kundin (she/her) is a theater-maker and educator. She holds an MFA in Theatre for Youth & Community with an emphasis in Directing from Arizona State University, a certificate in physical theater from the École Jacques Lecoq, and a BA in Theatre from St. Olaf College. She has performed nationally and internationally including Off-Broadway and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. Most recently, she performed in the original cast of the Phoenix branch of the Off-Broadway hit Drunk Shakespeare. She is now an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Eastern New Mexico University.   Ella Fent (she/her) is a union organizer and theater professional in Chicago. She is a volunteer organizer with the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC), and currently serves on Actors’ Equity Committee to Prevent Harassment and Hostile Work Environments. She has a special place in her heart for organizing workplaces around environmental issues, and recently spoke at the 2024 Labor Notes Conference on a panel called “Fight the Boss, Fix the Climate”. She has been a bartender at Drunk Shakespeare for 3 years, and has been part of Drunk Shakespeare United since day 1.    Instagram Handles @drunkshakesunited @clarakallday @bi.banshee @actorsequity @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel   Interview by Ethan Steimel

Lighting and visual production designer Kat Borderud sits down with Ellen and Ethan to talk about handling finances as a touring LD and programmer.   Topics: ⭐️ Needs versus wants ⭐️ The ebb and flow of rates ⭐️ Freelancers learning finances on the go ⭐️ Working prep in the rental shops that build tours   Video Version https://youtu.be/qQ5AcRshTSE   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Kat Borderud https://www.katborderud.com/ @katmagik   The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj   Financial Independence for Creatives https://sched.co/1hUTn   Khruangbin https://www.khruangbin.com/   LDI - use code ARTISTICFINANCE - for a free expo hall pass https://www.ldishow.com/   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Kat Borderud is a Nurnberg, Germany-born multi-disciplinary light artist, production designer, lighting programmer, and lighting director from the USA. Her approach to working with musicians and bands of all sizes comes from both her own musical background and personal place of designing with people she loves dearly, executing a vision of how artists wish to be seen on stage. Kat’s background as a musician growing up fueled her career as lighting designer embodying the visual band member through percussive programming, as well as a designer who can work with artists on a personal level to fulfill their production desires.   Instagram Handles @katmagik @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

Performer and musician Matthew LaBanca discussing his upcoming solo show Communion, in which he tells the story of getting fired from his music teaching job by the Catholic Church when he was reported for being gay.   Topics: ⭐️ Finding a lead producer using the internet ⭐️ Producing a non-profit off-Broadway mini contract ⭐️ Theatre careers are about relationships, so have integrity because it’s a magnetic trait ⭐️ It’s a solitary career, so let people into your process sooner than later to have company and momentum as you take projects to fruition   Pitch Deck https://www.patreon.com/posts/170-holy-faith-115323912?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   Video Version https://youtu.be/AmztiOgdy-k   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Matthew LaBanca www.MatthewLaBanca.com   Communion www.CommunionThePlay.com @communionsoloshow   The Cell Theatre https://www.thecelltheatre.org/   New York Times Article https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/27/nyregion/catholic-school-teacher-fired-same-sex-marriage.html   Backstage Jobs (now Off Stage): https://staging.offstagejobs.com/jobs.php   1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture https://www.1946themovie.com/ Kira Simring - director https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-simring-0134025/   Alissa Orlando - producer https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-orlando-0118531b/   Matthew LaBanca – actor, writer, teacher, musician Matthew made his Broadway debut with the Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein, where he covered the title role and stepped in during previews, garnering great acclaim. He has since appeared on Broadway in White Christmas, as well as the 2019 Tony Award winning play A Christmas Carol. Matthew’s self-penned solo show Good Enough played Off-Broadway at the United Solo Festival, winning the festival's Best Musical Award in 2014. For years, Matthew worked as a musician and music teacher within the Diocese of Brooklyn and was controversially terminated after he wed his husband in 2021. This led to a media firestorm and, ultimately, the creation of his newest solo show Communion, which makes it’s world premiere Off Broadway November, 2024 for a limited run. Matthew’s story is also portrayed in the new documentary film May All Be Wed, which made its debut on the festival circuit this autumn.  National Tours: Crazy for You (Bobby), Anything Goes, Joseph...Dreamcoat (cast album). Regional: Mary Poppins (Bert), Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood), A Chorus Line (Zach), Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch), Love, Valour, Compassion (Perry), and The Rocky Horror Show (Frank-N-Furter, *BroadwayWorld.com Nominee for Best Actor). Matthew has performed at Paper Mill Playhouse, TUTS Houston, Kansas City Starlight, Asolo Rep, San Jose Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, and Carnegie Hall. His TV credits include Comedy Central's Broad City, Live from Lincoln Center, and the upcoming season of Severance on Apple+. In addition to performing, Matthew is a proud NYC elementary music teacher at PS151 in Woodside, Queens.   Instagram Handles @matthewlabanca  @communionsoloshow @kirasimring @thecelltheatre @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel   Interview by Ethan Steimel

Ellen and Ethan talk with Emily Malone, head of live events at Disguise, known for hardware and software for events and installations, like the Sphere in Las Vegas.    Topics: ⭐️ Determining rates ⭐️ Saving for overhead ⭐️ Saving for retirement  ⭐️ Benefits of networking   We also discuss the Vegas Sphere, Adele’s Munich Show, and Philadelphia Cream Cheese   Video Version https://youtu.be/p2ZI0DUH0O4   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   Emily Malone https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyjmalone/   Disguise https://www.disguise.one/en   Free Agent https://www.freeagent.com/us/   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Emily Malone is the Head of Live Events at Disguise, where she champions the company’s role at the forefront of the live events industry. Trained at RADA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management, she began working with video at the National Theatre before embarking on a 10 year freelance career as a media server programmer on productions such as Back To The Future: The Musical and War Horse. At Disguise, Emily has remained close to her hands-on production roots, having also held roles in the support and software engineering teams.   Instagram Handles @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel  

Amy D Lux interviews Ben Davis, founder of Illuminate, a San Francisco non-profit that rallies large groups of people together to create impossible works of public art.    Topics: ⭐️ The Bay Bridge Lights ⭐️ Raising a million dollars a month ⭐️ Conversely, turning down millions of dollars of funding ⭐️ The economy of generosity vs. economy of reciprocity    Quicklinks - Artistic Finance: https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Video Version: https://youtu.be/327Aw0bEuAs?si=CDtY99XwNtVgB0rg   Illuminate https://illuminate.org/   Ben Davis https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-davis-sf/   Musco Lighting https://www.musco.com/baybridge/   Leo Villareal - Bay Bridge Lights https://villareal.net/the-bay-lights-2013-the-bay-bridge-sf-ca   George Zisiadis - Grace Light https://www.georgezisiadis.com/   Gabriel Gold - Grace Light Composer https://www.gabrielgoldmusic.com/   Mark Deem - Misfit Toys https://goldenmileproject.org/project/remember-when/   Reuben Rude - Whale https://goldenmileproject.org/project/street-whale/   Dana King - Rooted (In) Justice https://goldenmileproject.org/project/rooted-in-justice/   Charlie Gadekan https://goldenmileproject.org/project/tune-in/   Doggie Diner Heads https://goldenmileproject.org/project/doggie-diner-heads/   Cristo and Jeanne-Claude https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christo_and_Jeanne-Claude   Amy D Lux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-lux-953a7318a/ https://utopiadreamscape.com/author/luvlogica/   Instagram Handles @illuminatethearts @lobolux @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel   Interview by Amy D Lux

Ellen and Ethan chat with Amanda Carradine, the lighting director for Eastside Christian Church in California.    Topics: ⭐️ Being a church LD ⭐️ Saving for inevitable slow seasons ⭐️ Determining rates for freelance gigs ⭐️ Finding stability in a production career   Video Version https://youtu.be/p2ZI0DUH0O4   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   Amanda Carradine https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacarradine/   FILO https://filo.org/filo2025/   Eastside Christian Church https://eastside.com/anaheim/   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Amanda Carradine is passionate about working in live entertainment and specializes in lighting. She has professional experience in a large variety of venues: theaters, theme parks, cruise ships, houses of worship, broadcast studios, conference/corporate events, and performance arenas. She is currently working full-time as the Lighting Director for Eastside Christian Church, a large multisite church based out of Anaheim, CA, and also contracts for Trinity Broadcasting Network. When she's not working she loves having adventures with her two kids.   Instagram Handles @manda.plus.two @nicolevsteimel @ethansteimel @live.design @ldishow   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

An interview with lighting designer Heather Gilbert about financial habits throughout her decades-long career in Chicago and recently on Broadway.   Topics: ⭐️ Picking up the tab ⭐️ Asking for higher design fees ⭐️ Freelancer designers filing their own taxes ⭐️ Broadway design fees for plays versus musicals ⭐️ And an apology to Assistant Stage Managers from Lighting Designers   Video Version https://youtu.be/o5gZkkBQ5V8   Full Interview https://www.patreon.com/posts/168-windy-city-113688908?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   "Entering The Industry" Slideshow & Resource List https://www.patreon.com/posts/resource-list-114287278?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   Heather Gilbert https://www.hgilbertdesign.com/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/heather-gilbert-522765   Pay Quarterly Taxes https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/oc-paytaxeswithyourmobiledevice.pdf   Per Diem Rates https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates   Entertainment Community Fund https://entertainmentcommunity.org/free-tax-preparation-services   Acorns https://www.acorns.com/   Parade https://paradebroadway.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade_(musical)   David Cromer https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/david-cromer-478813   Laura Ingalls Wilder https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781250182487   Carole King Biography https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781455512621   The Outsiders https://outsidersmusical.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(musical)   Bug https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_(play)   Carrie Coon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Coon   Tracy Letts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Letts   Scott Pask https://www.instagram.com/scottpaskstudio/   Casa Pask https://www.instagram.com/casapask/   Wilson Chin https://www.instagram.com/wilsonchindesign/?hl=en   Cory Pattak https://www.instagram.com/corypattak/?hl=en   Adam Koch https://www.instagram.com/instadamkoch/   HEATHER GILBERT (Lighting Designer) is a Chicago based lighting designer. Broadway: Parade (Tony Nomination, Drama Desk Nomination), The Sound Inside  (Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Tony Award Nomination), Cult of Love (Second Stage). Off Broadway Dead Outlaw for Audible at Minetta Lane (Drama Desk Nomination). Chicago: Steppenwolf, Goodman, Writers Theatre, Northlight, Victory Gardens, Court Theatre, Steep Theatre, and many, many storefronts. Regional: The Muny, Center Theatre Group, Studio Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alley Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Magic Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Pasadena Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Olney Theatre Center. She is the Head of Lighting Design at Columbia College Chicago and received her MFA at The Theatre School at DePaul University.   Instagram Handles @htglights @unitedscenicartists @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel   Bookshop.org links are our affiliate links.   Interview by Ethan Steimel  

Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan talk with Roma Flowers, a lighting designer for dance and theatre based in Texas.   Topics: ⭐️ Opening a 401k when young ⭐️ Legacy and generational wealth ⭐️ Keeping overhead low in the lean times ⭐️ Partnering with someone better than you at finances ⭐️ Reporting income on taxes to pay into social security   Video Version https://youtu.be/mLgNZFIOOe0   Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance   LDI https://www.ldishow.com/   Ellen Lampert-Gréaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/   Roma Flowers https://raflowers.wixsite.com/lightingdesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/roma-flowers-682b8087/   Taxes https://www.artisticfinance.com/96.html   Solo 401k https://www.investopedia.com/best-solo-401k-companies-5089155#:~:text=Fidelity%20is%20our%20best%20overall,wide%20range%20of%20investment%20choices.   Sleep No More https://mckittrickhotel.com/events/sleep-no-more/   Then She Fell https://thenshefell.com/   Meow Wolf https://meowwolf.com/   Instagram Handles @ethansteimel @nicolevsteimel @ldishow @live.design   Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel