ISC: Art Break

Community Action Update: LA County Wildfire Response, 2025

Independent Shakespeare Co.’s Community Action Update podcast marks the start of its new season with an episode centering three incredible locals who stepped up to support their communities in the wake of the LA County Wildfires. Ensemble Member and Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan interviews Fin Lee, Teen Librarian for the Altadena Library District; Rebecca Graul Vocal Coach and Educator (most recently for the Pasadena Unified All Star Musical); and Emily Wanserski, creator of GoFundArtists, Co-founder of the Center for Provocative Thought, and Co-creator and Co-leader of JUMPSTART/LA. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in this episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives.

Community Action Update: GOTV in the Arts, 2024

Independent Shakespeare Co.’s Community Action Update podcast returns for a special bonus episode ahead of the November 5th election. Ensemble member and Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan interviews Arts for LA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy Ricky Abilez, who shares their work and stresses the importance of voting this — and every — election. She also shares reflections on the importance of voting from community members who attended at Arts for LA’s Voter Activation Day: Martha Demson, President (TPSCA) & Artistic Director (Open Fist Theatre Company); Letitia Fernandez Ivins, Senior Director: Civic Strategies & Partnerships (The Music Center); Leslie Hemstreet, Teacher (GALA Academy); Thien (Tintin) Nguyen, Ticket Operations Coordinator (Center Theatre Group); and Michaela Bulkley, Arts Administrator. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in this episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives.

Community Action Update: Resiliency & Equity in the Arts, 2024

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast returns ahead of our summer festival with an episode centered on equitable and meaningful resiliency in the arts sector. ISC’s Artistic Associate for Social Justice Carene Rose Mekertichyan interviews Center Theatre Group’s Director of Equity, Belonging, and Engagement Khanisha Foster, who speaks to the powerful and sustaining nature of truly inclusive art making. Carene also speaks with Theresa Chavez who shares how her rich Los Angeles family history informs her life changing work in Arts Education as Producing Artistic Director of About Productions. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in this episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives.

Community Action Update: Labor & Union Organizing in the Arts, 2024

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back for a new season on the Ides of March! In this episode we explore the importance of labor and union organizing in the arts with Megan / Reagan of Star Garden, a North Hollywood Topless Dive Bar and the only current unionized (AEA) strip club in the country. We also speak with ISC Board members Elizabeth Dennehy and Paul Major about the SAG-AFTRA strike and the importance of solidarity with the Hollywood Basic Crafts unions Teamsters Local 399 and IATSE. Head to iscla.org/justice to find links and information about the individuals and organizations featured in today’s episode and to learn more about our social justice initiatives. Reserve your tickets for Hamlet, Solus and FREE Iambic Lab offerings at iscla.org/iambic-lab-24.

Community Action Update: Arts Advocacy at the State & Local Level, 2023

ISC’s Community Action Update podcast series is back with our final episode of the year! Join us as we deep dive into arts advocacy at the state and local level with two powerhouse change makers in our community. We speak with Kristin Sakoda (Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture) about the current challenges our local arts sector is facing and ways their department is aiding in its recovery and Julie Baker (CEO of Californians for the Arts) about ways we can each advocate for the arts to our best capacity. We also share our holiday season philanthropy initiatives in partnership with SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition and Miry’s List. Head to iscla.org/justice to learn more about the individuals, organizations, and action items mentioned in this episode.