Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performers
Are you a performing artist looking for more stability? Have you struggled to feel seen and valued? Are you frustrated by the gatekeeping and industry’s emphasis on scarcity to keep you small? Join our community of women and non-binary artists seeking a thriving and sustainable career in the arts. Every week, host Jennifer Apple asks hard questions, sits with open-ended answers (or perhaps no answers at all!), shares resources, and expands the dialogue around the aspects of our industry that no one is talking about. Whether you are an actor, singer, dancer, performer, writer, director, creator, theater and tv/film lover... Curiosity is the only requirement! If you believe that being an artist is about more than just the jobs you book, think this industry needs change, and want to get a look behind the curtain: The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast is for you! Jennifer Apple is an Actor, Acting Coach, Writer, and Dog Lover who is in pursuit of honesty, vulnerability, and empathy so that we can truly see ourselves and each other to break down barriers and reveal the raw, real humanity that connects us all. She empowers performing artists to embody themselves fully and truthfully so that they can elevate their craft, pursue their careers with integrity, and discover their inner confidence and self-worth. Let’s be in community together. Let’s support one another. Let’s make this journey a little less isolating and a whole lot more inclusive. IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective // TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective // www.EmpoweredArtistCollective.com Host: Jennifer Apple // @JenniferApple_ // JenniferApple.net Head of Production & Editor: Nayara Alexis // @NayaraAlexis Podcast Music Composer: Aimee Lefkowicz // @Aimee.Isabella
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Episodes
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Andrea Prestinario about queerness in musical theater. Andrea shares her journey as a queer performer & producer and what lead her to co-found Ring of Keys, a nonprofit artist service organization for queer and trans artists in musical theatre. They talk about the need for queer visibility and representation, creating change even if it takes time, and what it means to lead by example & trust your intuition.
About Andrea: Andrea Prestinario is a queer award-winning performer and producer who has worked at 20+ theatres throughout the country over the last 15 years, including NYTW, Asolo Rep, American Conservatory Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Lyric Opera Chicago, Gulfshore Playhouse, Writers’ Theatre, York Theatre, and more. Favorite roles include Alison in Fun Home (Baltimore Center Stage), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls; (Weston Playhouse), Eliza in My Fair Lady; Maureen in RENT (Paramount Theatre), Martha in 1776 (Asolo Rep), and Louise in Gypsy (Drury Lane Oakbrook). She received a Jeff Award for her work as Violet in Side Show (Boho Theatre). A graduate of Ball State University and The School at Steppenwolf, she is also the Co-Founder of Ring of Keys: a nonprofit artist service organization for queer and trans artists in musical theatre. She created RoK’s signature programming: Queering the Canon: A Concert Series which she produced in addition to producing other concerts for the org (Joe’s Pub, Birdland). She produced/conceived her solo show sMOkeyTOWN: The Songs of Smokey Robinson which played throughout NYC (54Below, Laurie Beechman) and Chicago.
Andrea’s IG: @andreaprestinario
Andrea’s Website: www.andreaprestinario.com
Ring of Keys Website: www.ringofkeys.org
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Gizel Jiménez about how to show up and be yourself no matter the room you find yourself in. Gizel shares her personal journey in this industry, as well as her upbringing, family trauma, and personal growth through it all. They talk about acting as a vessel of expression, envisioning your future, and surrounding yourself with your accomplishments. Plus, they discuss the need for finding healthy releases, pushing boundaries of expectations, and reminding yourself of your worth.
About Gizel: Gizel Jiménez will recur in AppleTV+'s upcoming series, Bad Monkey. Previously, she recurred on Showtime's Dexter: New Blood and played a substantial role in Lin Manuel Miranda's Netflix film, Tick, Tick...Boom! She made her Broadway debut as Nessarose in Wicked. Off-Broadway: Avenue Q (first ethnic actor to portray Kate Monster), Miss You Like Hell (Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel nominations), Big River (Encores!), and Party People. Starred at NYS&F in Alice By Heart; Williamstown in Marsha Norman's Secret Soldiers. National tour: West Side Story. TV: NBC's Law & Order SVU, HBO's Divorce, Neighbors (web series). CW: This episode briefly mentions losing a parent, grief & trauma.
Gizel’s IG: @gizeljimenezofficial
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Corrie Legge about building a dream life, redefining success for oneself, and bringing more ease & alignment into one’s life. They each have different understandings of the words “goal” and “vision,” as well as “balance” and “harmony,” so they share their interpretations. Plus, they unpack the need to ask yourself “why,” cultivating unification around all aspects of your life, and the importance of expressing yourself in all its form.
About Corrie: Corrie Legge is a multi-passionate actor and productivity coach for creatives. As an actor and voiceover artist, she has appeared in many independent films, national commercials, animation, video games, audiobooks, and more. She's also a filmmaker with several short films under her belt, and multiple feature scripts in the works! As a coach, Corrie helps multi-passionate actors take control over their dreams and build thriving creative careers without sacrificing the holistically fulfilled life they deserve.
Corrie’s IG: @creatingwithcorrie
Corrie’s Website: www.creatingwithcorrie.com
Corrie’s Email: corrie@corrielegge.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Neuro Performance Coach, Jessica Raaum Foster, about how we can overcome obstacles & pain in our bodies by learning how to play with our brains. Jessica shares her journey to this work and the way it has changed her life and the lives of so many artists. She shares tools for us to tackle stress and threats in the nervous system, create more space for movement, and incorporate curiosity and play. They talk about the importance of being present, giving oneself permission, and recognizing the power of one’s brain.
About Jessica: As a Neuro Performance Coach, Jessica Raaum Foster helps people get out of pain and improve performance by teaching them how to communicate with their nervous systems effectively. She uses practical tools and techniques taken from cutting-edge neuroscience to help people understand and overcome obstacles to better health and performance. She works with a wide range of clients ranging from people stuck in pain to elite-level athletes and performers looking for an edge up!
Jessica’s IG: @JessicaRaaumFoster
Sarah’s Website: www.NeurologyofPresence.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Sarah Dacey Charles about her 30-year acting career, what has sustained her long journey, and what keeps her coming back. They get into heart conversations around redefining expectations as an actor and putting things into perspective. Sarah reminds us to keep our eyes on our own paths and the importance of surrounding ourselves with community.
About Sarah: Sarah Dacey Charles’ 30-year acting career spans Network TV, Broadway and Film. Sarah recently guest starred on The Blacklist. She is also featured on Prodigal Son, House of Cards, Jessica Jones, & Law & Order: SVU to name a few. Her Broadway and National Touring credits include Les Miserables, 9 to 5, The Musical and Sunset Boulevard. Favorite theatre roles include Vivian Bearing in Wit, Fosca in Passion, and Gloucester in King Lear. Her film portrayal of Barbara Stanwick earned Sarah the LIFF Best Actor Award. MFA from UC, Irvine.
Sarah’s IG: @sarahdaceycharles
Sarah’s Website: www.sarahdaceycharles.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to seasoned Broadway performer & dancer, Afra Hines, all about what it means to understudy, swing, cover, and standby a show. They break down the responsibilities of each and the way each is contracted. Afra shares helpful tools for learning multiple tracks, being proactive, and staying organized. Plus, they talk about crafting your resume and website to reflect where you would like to go artistically and how you can advocate for yourself & your career.
About Afra: Currently performing in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, and last seen in the Broadway musical Hadestown (where she understudied the role of Persephone), Afra Hines is a veteran performer with 9 Broadway credits to her name. Some of her favorites include SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical where she played Michael/Maid and understudied Disco Donna Summer (performing the role 25 times), In The Heights (Original Broadway Company with Lin-Manuel Miranda), Shuffle Along (Original Broadway Company alongside Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter and Joshua Henry with choreography by Savion Glover), Ghost (Original Broadway Company, understudy Clara/Louise), and Motown (understudy Tina Marie). She also spent a year on the First National Tour of HAMILTON (Angelica Tour) playing San Francisco and Los Angeles. Additionally, Afra was a Radio City Rockette for 7 years. You can see Afra in NBC’s Annie Live!, and the miniseries Fosse/Verdon with Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, on FX. Other television work includes Boardwalk Empire (Onyx Dancer), Curb Your Enthusiasm (Hamilton ensemble), The Detour (B.Frank ensemble), Mozart In the Jungle, and SNL.
Afra’s IG: @afrahines
Afra’s Website: www.afrahines.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Stephanie Hogan about submitting to film festivals. Stephanie shares the importance of clarifying one’s intentions and goals around film festival submissions, networking with an open mind, and budgeting finances in advance for submitting & attending events. They get into the nitty-gritty of using Film Freeway and how the process of creation can be incredibly empowering.
CW: street harassment About Stephanie: Originally from NH, Stephanie Hogan is now a local NYC actor! She graduated from Carnegie Mellon’s Musical Theater program and has performed in regional theaters, commercials, and off-Broadway. Most recently, she has written, produced, and acted in her own and her friends’ film projects. Stephanie absolutely loves her fellow artists and nurturing aspiring performers in the US and Portugal (where she has family). She is thrilled to be talking with Jennifer on the Empowered Artists podcast!!
Stephanie’s IG: @stephoganlogan
East End Productions: www.eastendproductions.net
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Christine Schneider, a manual therapist for professional voice users, all about using and taking care of one’s voice. Christine shares her personal journey that lead her to this work, the way she approaches treatment with clients, and the importance of using breath & movement. She elaborates on how our voice and bodies function & provides tools for staying on top of your vocal health, building a team, and being present with yourself. NOTE: Christine wanted to clarify that there are between 30-40 thousand neurons in the heart. About Christine: Christine Schneider has been a pioneer for manual laryngeal therapy in the US for over a decade. Her private practice in NYC, LifeLight Massage Therapy PLLC, specializes in laryngeal and TMJ treatments for professional voice users. Working alongside New York’s top Laryngologists, Speech Pathologists and Voice teachers, she provides the manual component for vocal rehabilitation and vocal health maintenance. In addition to her practice, she created The Visceral Voice, a program and podcast which brings her passion and knowledge for vocal health, anatomy, self-massage, and movement to the wide variety of vocal athletes throughout the world.
With Taylor Techniques, Christine has extensive training in Myofascial Assessment and Release and is an approved provider and educator.
Her other specializations include, Visceral Components of the Neck and Thorax, Visceral Manipulation, and Neuromeningeal Manipulation from the Barral Institute, Treatment of Whiplash and Related Disorders, and CranioSacral Therapy.
She is also a certified Movement Specialist with training from The Brookbush Institute, Gray Institute, Immaculate Dissection, NASM, and the Institute for Integrative Health and Fitness Education. She is thrilled to be working as the movement coach for the 2022-23 Metropolitan Opera LIndemann Young Artist Development Program.
Graduating from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor’s in Music in both Vocal Performance and French Horn Performance, Christine’s first expression of love for the voice was as a professional performer all around the world. She is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA, AEA, AGVA, and is a Voting Member for PAVA (Pan American Vocology Association). She is also the head of Research and on the Advisory Board for The Academy of Noise.
Christine's IG: @TheVisceralVoice
Visceral Voice Website: www.thevisceralvoice
Life Light Massage Website: www.lifelightmassage.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Jules Latimer about their career trajectory thus far, from taking a break before returning to Julliard, booking their first Off-Broadway contract while showcasing and auditioning for their first series regular, to being #2 on set as their first TV gig, acting in a star-studded movie, and gearing up for their release of a series regular on CBS TV show. Jules shares how they learned while on the job, how important it is to be a good person first and foremost, and how you cannot poo-poo on your unexpected blessings.
About Jules:Jules Latimer is a New York based actor who recently graduated from The Juilliard School. Before graduation, she had the pleasure of leading her first off-broadway show PARIS at the Atlantic Theater Company by Eboni Booth. After her critically praised performance her career has been on the fast track. While at Juilliard and at Bard Summerscape, she worked with renowned theater directors Daniel Fish in MOST HAPPY, Jenny Koons in THE TEMPEST, and Brandon J. Dirden in PARADISE BLUE. After graduation, she started filming her first television series GUILTY PARTY opposite Kate Beckinsale. She’s completing her first feature film, RUSTIN, with legendary director/writer George C. Wolfe highlighting the March on Washington in 1963 which will premiere on Netflix. Recently, she was cast in her second television series FIRE COUNTRY that will premiere on CBS in the Fall on Friday’s at 9ET/8CT.
Jule’s IG: @juleslatimerWant to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
In this episode, Jennifer talks to Alie B. Gorrie about the importance of disability advocacy. Together they unpack definitions, how to ideally create spaces with disability inclusion in mind, and the importance of continual growth. Alie shares her journey in this space, as well as tons of tools and resources to better learn about disability inclusion & advocacy so we can continue to improve & grow as individuals and in community with one another.
About Alie: Alie B. Gorrie is an actor, teaching artist, and disability inclusion consultant. She is the creator and producer of ABLE: a series, a documentary series discussing disability inclusion in the arts. Alie B. is the founder of Songs for Sight, an organization that serves children and teens in Alabama with low vision. Currently, she is the Community Engagement Manager at Red Mountain Theatre, where she brings theatre education programs to students, seniors, and communities who often lack access to arts education. She is a theatre professor at Samford University, teaching a Community Engagement course. She has her BFA in Musical Theatre from Belmont University and her MA in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida.
Alie’s IG: @aliebg
Alie’s Website: www.aliebgorrie.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferappleMonologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Jennifer Apple
Jennifer is a multi-hyphenated artist who hails from NYC! She originated the role of Anna in the Tony Award-Winning The Band’s Visit first national tour and has performed at regional theaters like Chautauqua Theater Company, ACT, Goodspeed Musicals, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. She has developed and workshopped a ton of new plays & musicals and lent her voice to multiple cast recordings. Jennifer has appeared on TV in New Amsterdam and holds an MFA in Acting from The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, CA.
As a Teaching Artist, she specializes in: finding new material specifically for you; acting the song/monologue; audition coaching; BFA/MFA prep; and breaking down the text. She believes in honest & truthful storytelling, the power of simply being, and bringing out what makes you, YOU!
Nayara Alexis
Nayara Alexis is an artist based in Los Angeles. As an actor, she can be seen in the short film Girls & The Party, which was a part of the official selection of several festivals like the BFI Future Film Fest, NewFest, Brussels Short Film Festival, and won Best U.S. Narrative Short Grand Jury Prize at Outfest LA 2021. She has also appeared in campaigns for the Mark Taper Forum, Badoo, WSS and was featured in Peter Hurley’s book The Headshot. Nayara is currently dubbing a 30-episode live-action drama for a major Streaming Service. She creates, produces and edits content for EAC, and is the Head of Production of the Empowered Artist Collective Podcast. Nayara is also a musician who loves learning to play new instruments and enjoys creating music with the help of her cat, Blake.
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Aimee Lefkowicz
Aimee Lefkowicz is a singer/songwriter from Seattle, WA currently pursuing her passion for songwriting and performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she dual majors in Songwriting and Music Business. Aimee combines her love for PNW inspired indie/folk music with her love of pop and country music to create her own unique sound to share her stories. Her biggest songwriting inspirations are Joni Mitchell, long drives, Taylor Swift, the sounds of nature, falling in love, Alanis Morisette, utter heartbreak, Sara Bareilles, childhood nostalgia, and many more!