What does it mean to direct without dominating? Allison Price (they/them) invites us into their world of intimate, immersive theater and queer performance. With accolades from the Kennedy Center and a deep commitment to inclusive environments, Allison shares how great directing is about releasing control, managing relationships with care, and using the stage as a tool for advocacy.
Allison Price (they/them) is a director and deviser focused on works that are intimate and have a bite. Specializing in new work development, opera, queer performance, and immersive audience experiences, they are a recipient of the Kennedy Center SDC Directing Fellowship, the WildWind New Play Development Residency, and the National Directing Award from the Kennedy Center.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/

Allison Price: https://allisonpricedirector.com/

Simply Sapphic Podcast: https://www.simplysapphic.com

In this episode of Fem Forte, I am joined by Paulette Tomlinson, the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD. Paulette shares her inspiring journey from band director to fine arts director, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges she faced along the way. We delve into the crucial role of arts advocacy in the Texas state legislature and discuss how it directly impacts the future of fine arts education in public schools. Join us for an insightful conversation about the power of arts in education and the importance of legislative support for the arts.

On this episode, I am joined by the incredible Courtney Allyson Mills. With over 25 years of experience in dance education, freelance choreography, and consulting, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Her impressive career spans notable drum corps, marching bands, and winter guard/percussion/winds programs.

Courtney's unique approach focuses on creating a safe and inclusive space for students to explore choreography, movement, and performance. Her work with marching bands, color guards, drill teams, and dance programs as a choreographer, clinician, performance consultant, production specialist, and instructional coach has transformed the landscape of performing arts.

Together, we delve into her journey, discussing her innovative pathways in the arts and the powerful impact of neurodiversity. Courtney shares her insights on fostering creativity and inclusivity, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about dance and performance.

Join us as we sit down with Aubrey Bergauer, dubbed “the Steve Jobs of classical music” and “the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony.” Known for her data-driven, customer-centric approach, Aubrey has transformed major institutions like the Seattle Symphony and California Symphony. We discuss her passion for arts management, her innovative strategies for growth, and insights from her new book, “Run It Like a Business.” Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on driving success in the performing arts!

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/

In this exciting episode of Fem Forte, we sit down with the incredibly talented Samia Vanderkolff, the current Movement Caption Head for the Bluecoats. Samia has a rich history of choreographing for top performing ensembles worldwide, bringing her unique vision and expertise to the marching arts and drum corps community.

Join us as we delve into the critical role of movement in marching band and drum corps, exploring how it enhances performance and connects audiences to the story. Samia also shares behind-the-scenes highlights from her time starring in the feature film On the Starting Line, offering a glimpse into her experiences and the impact the film has had on her career.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the art of movement and the dedication to pageantry arts. Whether you're a marching arts enthusiast or simply curious about the world of choreography and dance, this episode is for you!

In this enlightening episode of Fem Forte, we are joined by the talented Nicole Pacent, an actress and producer celebrated for her roles in Westworld, Criminal Minds Evolution, Call Me Kat, and the groundbreaking web series Anyone But Me. Nicole also has experience behind the microphone as the former co-host of The Coming Out Pod.

Nicole shares her inspiring journey from the theatre stage to the bright lights of Hollywood, offering an intimate look at the dedication and resilience required to become a full-time actor. Beyond her acting career, Nicole is a passionate advocate for activism and representation in queer media, topics she dives into with heartfelt enthusiasm.

Join us as Nicole reflects on her personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the entertainment industry.

Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, authenticity, and a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of art and activism in queer media.

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Genevieve Geisler, an absolute powerhouse in the drum corps community. Starting her journey as a food truck volunteer, Genevieve's passion and dedication have propelled her to the role of CFO for one of the top world-class drum corps in our space. Her story is a true testament to perseverance, hard work, and excellence.

Join us as Genevieve shares her incredible journey, the challenges she faced, and the significant impact she has made in the drum corps world. From humble beginnings to becoming a key leader, her insights and experiences are sure to inspire and motivate anyone involved in the activity.

In this episode, we talk with Los Angeles based composer Amanda Muse. Amanda shares the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for music and led her from being a percussionist/drummer to a renowned composer. We dive deep into her creative process, exploring how she moves from conceptualization to orchestration, and how her percussive background uniquely influences her compositions. Amanda's ability to create breathtaking musical landscapes is nothing short of captivating, and her story is sure to inspire.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/