WHAM! 101.1FM: Inside the Actors" Shanachie featuring a special guest performer from the Shanachie Theater interviewed by WHAM! 101.1FM's DJ Zazzy Yas

The views, opinions, or positions expressed by DJ Zazzy Yas are hers alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of WHAM! 101.1FM, The Shanachie Theater, or any employee thereof. WHAM! 101.1FM makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information related to DJ Zazzy Yas's broadcasts and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.

OOC: If I mention any of your characters, your characters" businesses, or really anything of yours that you don't like me talking about for IC or OOC reasons, just PM me, let me know, and I'll try to edit it out. This is just supposed to be a silly, and sometimes serious, thing to promote the Shanachie, its performers, and the people, places, and things important to them. Got any other questions or concerns, PM me and let me know that too.

Yasmin: So, Gory, what has been your favorite role you have done so far"

Eregor: That's a tough one, because there are so many roles I've loved, such as Javert or Kris Kringle. If I had to choose one, though, I'd have to go with Joseph, from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It's a fun ensemble show for starters, but that part has some meat to it, a bit of humor and melodrama, and especially the depth in "Close Every Door" that highlights Act 1, at least for me.

Yasmin: Oh yes, I heard you were excellent. If you could act in your dream play, which play would you like to perform in"

Eregor: There are two musicals I'd love to do, one that's been on the Shanachie stage before and one that hasn't, at least not as a musical. The first is Lloyd-Webber's Phantom of the Opera in the title role, because it's filled with raw and deep emotion, and I would dearly love to sink my teeth into that. The second one is the musical version of The Secret Garden, as Archibald. That role is a man who lost his love and is haunted by her every night, until a girl, her niece, comes into his life and helps him find family again. That's something that....resonates in me rather strongly.

Yasmin: Yeah, we didn't get to do The Secret Garden last year. ::whispers:: I'll be honest with you though, it sounded a little creepy-scary to me, so we probably dodged a bullet on that horror fest.

Eregor: On a related note, I'd very much love to perform the title role in Henry V someday. I don't know that I could do it justice as well as Jon Granger, but I'd love to try.

Yasmin: Don't worry. We'd have him beat. He only acts talented. He's not actually talented at acting. Big diff. Speaking of talent, do you have a secret talent and would you be willing to do it on stage"

Eregor: It's not really a secret, but I play very good guitar, both acoustic and electric, and other instruments as well. If I had any talent for writing music or lyrics as well as I can perform them, who knows where I'd be. True fact: before we came to Rhy'din, I was part of a rock & roll cover band called Timewarp, along with our very own Governor, Ebon Ilnaren on keyboards, and Tenball the beholder on drums. I played guitar and bass....at the same time, ::and suddenly his voice seems to be doubled as if there are two of him—which, in fact, is the case:: because I can jump my own timetrack and have two of myself onstage at once, ::then there's just one Eregor again:: which might be fun to do at the Shanachie, although with this being Rhy'din, it's not so extraordinary as it was elsewhere.

Yasmin: ::pauses, then says deadpan:: That was the fourth coolest thing I've ever seen. ...Hold on, I got to make a note of this and send it to Mataya. No, wait. Better not. You might get better roles than me. Mataya, if you're listening, nothing happened. Whatever you think you heard was a technical glitch. Quick, moving to a different topic....the "one-and-only' Eregor, what would you say is your toughest challenge when performing"

Eregor: Finding the aspects that make each character unique. Whenever I get a script, I make sure to read the whole thing through, not just my own part because context matters. I've seen many actors in both straight theatre and musicals fall back into comfortable patterns, not type-casting although it's related, but I mean when the actors themselves stick to roles that they can play easily, and even well. I once heard someone describe Humphrey Bogart that way, saying that Bogey is Bogey in every movie he's done. Now I can't attest to that personally, because to be honest, the only movie I've seen of his was Casablanca, but that's besides the point. It would be easy to fall into that trap, but the easy way is rarely the best way.

Yasmin: No, that's a very good point. Some actors "act' the same in every role. It's good to branch out, overcome yourself to find the character. What was the hardest thing you had to overcome in your acting"

Eregor: Submitting my resume before auditioning the first time. ::laughs:: Actually, no. Auditioning for Getting Over Alyson was probably the hardest, because I'd been away from acting for a while, and I'd never done a film before. There's a big difference between stage and film, or even television and film. I was terrified that I'd make a fool of myself, and get laughed out of the studio. Auditioning for the Shanachie wasn't as bad, but it was still rather daunting. The theatre had been going strong for a few years by that point, and it had a solid company with some very big names. It was scary.

Yasmin: Yes. There were some big names on it, like mine. I can see where I might be intimidating. But it all worked out. We lived and learned and grew. What words of wisdom would you give to those listening that may be going through something similar?

Eregor: Admit to yourself that you may not make it through to the cast list. Once you accept the possibility of failure, you can focus on success.

Yasmin: I love that. That's probably a good life mantra to have overall. No wonder you've been so successful.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Arandir

This is DJ Zazzy Yas and I'm here welcoming my fellow Shanachie Theater Company performer, Arandir, on tonight's Live at the Shanachie. Wait this isn't that. This is Inside the Actors" Shanachie. I get confused....but enough about me. So, is it just Arandir" I'm thinking one name wonder, like Cher.

Arandir: I am not sure who Cher is, but just Arandir, yes. Or Aran, for short. Where I am from we do not use surnames, but my formal title is Arandir of Ilyethlin.

Yasmin: Got it. So Mr. Elethlen, I see from your resume that you've been with The Shanachie for what, two years now in the Theater Company"

Arandir: Yes, about two years. I auditioned for the Theater Company shortly after arriving in Rhy"Din, and Mataya was kind enough to hire me, though I had no previous experience in theater.

Yasmin: So you started when I did. Maybe you followed me there to get close" Huh' Come on. I mean, you have been my love interest more than a few times, Miracle on 34th Street and Fiddler on the Roof just to name a few.

Arandir: I-I don't have any control over what role I play. Ludo and Mataya make those decisions ....but I have certainly enjoyed playing opposite you!

Yasmin: Well, you may say that but then in your Live at the Shanachie segment, you dedicate "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" to Carina, completely breaking my heart. I assume that's Carina Cox of the Repertory Company'

Arandir: I'm sorry, Yasmin. I do not mean to break any hearts, but Carina is my mela en" coiamin - the love of my life.

Yasmin: Sure. Sure. How did you two meet"

Arandir: We met shortly after I arrived in Rhy"Din and have been together ever since. She is everything to me.

Yasmin: That's alright. That's alright. I'll get over you one day....So, what keeps you coming back to the Shanachie, besides me and Carina"

Arandir: I like what I do, and I need the work.

Yasmin: Ha! I love it! Simple. But if you weren't performing, what do you think you'd be doing, or what would you want to be doing?

Arandir: I have some skill with magic, so I suppose if I wasn't working at the Shanachie, I might find work as a healer.

Yasmin: Healer....Sure. That's ironic....Mr. Heartbreaker...

Arandir: I am not aware of having broken any hearts besides yours, Yasmin, for which I am deeply sorry.

Yasmin: No, no, my wounds will heal. It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all, you know.

Yasmin: What words of wisdom would you give to those listening that may be trying to learn as they go"

Arandir: Find someone you trust who can help you learn about Rhy"Din and how to fit in here.

Yasmin: That's some good advice Yeah, that's good in general. Surround yourself with wise people. You look like you're getting a bit wiser. If people came to you to ask for help fitting in in Rhy"Din, what would you offer"

Arandir: I would tell them to just be themselves and to keep trying. There are lots of different kinds of ....of people in Rhy"Din, but if you just be yourself and keep trying, you will eventually make friends.

Yasmin: I like that. What would you advise someone to help them at events and holiday celebrations"

Arandir: I am only just learning about such things myself, but I would advise them to embrace all that Rhy"Din has to offer. Go to as many events as you can and learn as much as you can about the various celebrations. It is not only a good way to learn about Rhy"Din, but a good way to meet people and make friends.

Yasmin: What about the Red Dragon Inn"

Arandir: I-I have never been to the Red Dragon Inn ....yet. I have heard it can be a dangerous place. Is that true"

Yasmin: Maybe, but only if you upset the stew. Speaking of food, what restaurant would you recommend"

Arandir: Incredible Edibles. Mataya's sister owns the restaurant, and sometimes she brings food to the theater during rehearsals. Everyone from the theater swears by the coffee and sandwiches. We go there after work sometimes, too. It's really ....cool! Yasmin: Yes, I've been there a couple times so far. Very good. I should point not, not everything in the place is indeed "edible". Another lesson learned while trying to take a bite out of my coffee cup. So, if someone wanted to check out a cool shop in Rhy"Din, what would you suggest"

Arandir: I have not been to many shops in Rhy"Din. Carina's parents own an apothecary shop, but I am not sure if it is very cool. What does cool mean exactly' Are you referring to the temperature or is that some sort of slang" The Marketplace is a good place to start. There are lots of ....cool shops there.

Yasmin: Uh....Yeah, well, uh....Ok, so what is Carina's parents" apothecary shop called"

Arandir: The shop is called Amara's Minor Miracles, and it is located just southwest of the Marketplace. Amara is Carina's mother.

Yasmin: Oh my gosh. I love that name. Amara. That's beautiful. I should make that my middle name. I don't think I picked one yet....Well, anyway, Arandir, thanks for coming out.

Arandir: Ta nae amin saesa. Thank you for asking me.

Yasmin: Take a listen to "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from Les Miserables, done by Mr. Elethlen himself.

Arandir's rendition of "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables? begins playing.

Yasmin: She's in music" What does she play"

Ben: My wife plays many instruments, mostly strings like the violin, viola, cello, that sort of thing. She has this amazing ability to pick up any instrument and just start playing the most beautiful music on it, even if she's never played that instrument before. She's very talented and the most beautiful woman I've ever met. We've been married for nearly ten years and she still amazes me every day.

Yasmin: Ten years! That's amazing. Congrats! Aside from your talented wife, which performer would you say is your biggest inspiration"

Ben: Wow! Just one" That's not really a fair question. Hmm....I guess it would have to be Hume Cronyn. I mean, of course my parents were role models but they didn't have the happiest of marriages. But Hume, the man did it all and was married for more than fifty years to his wife, and she was a famous actress, too. The man had stamina that I hope that I'll be able to achieve.

Yasmin: Oh my gosh, yes. Love him. I love my eighties and you can't have eighties movies without mentioning "Cocoon". But my favorite of his was "*batteries not included". Both he did with his equally amazing wife, Jessica Tandy, who I'm sure a lot of listeners would be familiar with, too. You know, I remember hearing that he was once a boxer and was even nominated for an Olympic boxing team. Do you have a secret talent"

Ben: Well there is this one thing but only Dove's seen it. Or will see it.

Yasmin: ::laughs:: Oh, well, I guess that talent won't be featured on stage! So, what would you say is your toughest challenge when you're on stage"

Ben: The toughest challenge is trying to find a connection with the character that I am portraying. I'm in a really good place in my life and having to reach down into my gut to pull out some of the most soulful and heart wrenching performances, especially for a guy like Valjean, can be tricky.

Yasmin: Oh definitely. And real life isn't always as easy as it may seem in musicals and plays, where everything is wrapped up in a couple hours. What was the hardest thing you had to overcome outside of the theater"

Ben: My mother's death. She fell off of a stage into an orchestra pit.

Yasmin: Oh wow....:: pauses:: I'm sorry to hear that. When did this happen"

Ben: My mother died just after Olivia was born. She was at rehearsal for Chicago at some local theater in Boston. From the stories that I've been told she was goofing off and joking around with the other performers when she fell into the orchestra pit. I believe that she went out like she wanted: in a theater surrounded by actors who were more like family than co-workers. I still think about her and I know she's looking down on me and waving her finger, shouting, "Now get up and do it right!"

Yasmin: That is sweet. It seems like you've been able to make it through the experience very well. Do you have words of wisdom to share that you have learned"

Ben: I learned that I'm not an island or the sole support structure in my family. I learned to lean on Dove and that she's got my back, no matter what life throws at us. And I learned to hit your marks on the stage. If you miss your mark, it just might kill you.

Yasmin: Unfortunately, that's too true. Well, thank you for coming out, Ben. We'll be fading out with Ben's version of Valjean's Soliloquy from Les Miserables.

Ben: Thank you for having me Yas. It's been a pleasure!

Ben's rendition of "Valjean's Soliloquy" begins playing.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Carina

This month on Inside the Actor's Shanachie, I'll be talking to some of the crew from the Shanachie Theater's Repertory Company. First up is the lovely, Carina Cox. Welcome, Carina. Carina: Hi! Um ....hello. Oh, and suilad, before my father lynches me for speaking only in Common. ::Carina laughs at herself:: Sorry, I'm a little bit nervous. Everyone who has done this before was so wonderful to listen to! Yasmin: Yeah, I've done this a couple times, so I probably am sounding fantastic by now. Let's see" I found out recently, cuz my producer just told me before you came in, that your parents own a pretty cool little apothecary shop in the southwestern corner of the Marketplace. Tell me more about that, cuz the producer didn't. Carina: Actually, Aran told you on air a few weeks ago, but yes, my parents own and run Amara's Minor Miracles, um ....open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday to fill physicians" scripts, personal homeopathy and remedies, recommend a system of treatment for minor ailments, and complimentary therapies to take alongside your conventional medicines. ::There's a brief pause, and Carina's voice lowers a little:: Should I have asked before I advertised a shop" Yasmin: Nah, I advertise stuff on the show all the time. Obviously cuz forget about everything by the next show anyway. ...You seem really close to your parents, Karen. Carina: Oh, I'm very close to my parents. It's partially a cultural thing. My father - Raniel - is elven, and my mother - Amara - is human, but the elven side of family relationships seems to be dominant in my family home. When I was growing up, so many of my human friends had contentious relationships with their parents, and there was me, quite happily going fishing and hiking with my father, and mixing up remedies with my mother. I love them both dearly, and I feel very privileged to be the product of their love. Yasmin: That's sweet. I think it's pretty neat you're venturing out into the world of acting when you come from such a loving, chemistry family, or whatever it is. What or who helped you decide to go into acting" Carina: Well, I ....I think I got into acting through literature. Not just human literature, although some of it is astonishingly moving - I was brought up on elven stories as well, and there is so much drama in the way those stories are told, it lit up a part of me that I wasn't sure what to do with. By the time I reached university, I was completely torn. I wanted to support my parents, but I didn't really want to live and work with my parents forever. My father suggested that maybe I should study theater for a while, and I joined the theater studies degree course at the university, and started doing auditions. I never got anything! ::She laughs again, a bright sound that isn't forced:: Actually, my Shanachie audition was my last ditch attempt. If I hadn't got in, I would have thrown in the towel and found somewhere to teach instead.

Yasmin: Oh, I love that. This is too cute. It's like your life story should be one of our plays. Oh, I like you. I'm gonna try to make an effort to remember your name, Candice. So Candy, if you weren't performing, what would you be doing" Is there any chance you'll decide to inherit the business from mom and dad" Carina: I love my parents deeply, but living with them and working with them day in and day out' I don't think I could do that with any kind of grace. ::another quiet laugh:: Later, maybe, when they're finished with it, I might be in a position to carry on what they're doing, but if I wasn't performing, I'd be teaching. Who knows, I might even be teaching the STARS. Yasmin: You can't teach the stars. They already know everything- that's why they're the stars of the show. ...oh, I got ya. The STARS....I'm a guest speaker there sometimes, you know....Speaking of the Shanachie STARS Program, let's dive into the reason we're here, to talk about the Shanachie...

Yasmin: What about you, what would you say is your toughest challenge when performing" Carina: I have a really hard time not getting the giggles. It's called corpsing, when you get the giggles on stage, because you've pretty much killed the scene you're in. I get most of my giggling out of the way in rehearsal, but every now and then, it happens on stage. It's absolutely mortifying, especially in a really emotionally charged scene, because the second one of you starts laughing, everyone else does, too.

Yasmin: Oh, yeah, definitely. Once someone breaks, I lose it. But I want to say on the record here that I never break first. ::adds quietly:: Or if I ever have, no one better tell on me. ...What was the hardest thing you had to overcome when you're not performing" Carina: The hardest thing ....hmm. You know what? It was when I was in college, and all the Proposition 37 stuff was flying around - you know, the registration for magic users stuff that started all those riots" It got pretty bad in some places, and because I have pointed ears, people assumed I was a full blood elf, and that meant I was a mage. I got into the habit of covering my ears when I did my hair because random people on the street would see them and start hurling abuse at me. My parents" shop was firebombed, because people started to equate herbal remedies with magic. My father was attacked and beaten by complete strangers, just for being an elf. It was a scary, horrifying time, but my father stayed completely calm. He told me that there would always be some discord in the world, and that the people who were to blame weren't the hands wielding the hammer, or throwing the bomb, or the mouths shouting the insults. The ones to blame were the ones who were making us think of each other as different and unknown, and untrustworthy. And you know what? He was right. As soon as those voices stopped, the violence stopped. We had apologies from people who'd turned on us, and the community came together to restore the shop and my father's garden. People are people, you know" But when you're made to be afraid, it's very easy to forget that other people are just people, too. Yasmin: Very true. I know I avoided the backlash them by blending in. I take advantage of the fact that others can't hide their features so easily. But really they shouldn't have to. I'm glad to say we're over that, at least for now. One last question, because I'm curious. Do you have a secret talent' Would you be willing to do it on stage" Carina: Well, there's this one thing I do that drives Aran absolutely wild ....::She breaks off and laughs hysterically for a long moment:: Okay, no, not on stage. Um ....I can sing a bit. I know that the Shanachie is planning to do a sort of showcase thing next summer, maybe I'll audition to sing something for that.

Yasmin: Geez, you can sing" Forget the showcase thing. We should get you in the Theater Company with me then you can sing "til your heart's content. Heck, you should sing us out now. I got the musical tracks to anything. Give me a song, and I'll set up the background track for you.

Carina: Anything" Um ....::There's a moment of silence as she considers this:: Well, since the winter's creeping up on us and I had to learn this particular song to keep a certain colleague's daughter quiet during rehearsals this time last year ....Let It Go, from Disney's Frozen" Sadly, I do know all the words. ::she laughs one last time, and her following breath is audibly shaky with nerves::

Yasmin begins the instrumental track for "Let It Go?, while Carina sings live.

Yasmin: So Krugs, what helped you decide to go into acting"

Kruger: I tried out on a whim really. I didn't know what I wanted, so I tried out for all three companies. I was grateful to be selected at all. Thanks Mataya! Maybe I should have asked to do a shout out, Yas"

Yasmin: Why' I do them all the time. So, what has been your favorite role you have done so far"

Kruger: That's a difficult question because I've had so many fantastic roles. I played Dr. Watson which I think was my first true leading role" so that was special to me. Of course I also played Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream which was awesome because I got to play across from Mataya as Titania. Most recently I played Nick Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. I think I liked this role because I kind of related to Nick" or maybe it was all the tight shirts. You got me. It was the shirts.

Yasmin: Well, if you got it, flaunt it. So if you could act in your dream play, which play would you like to perform in, in which role, and why'

Kruger: I saw a movie some time ago called I Am Legend. Will Smith plays the last human in some big city or other. I'd like to play that role because I think I understand it. I've spent a lot of time alone too, and sacrificing everything to save the world is definitely something I've thought about. Of course the flip side of that might be? I want to be one of those guys in The Expendables! I suppose that means I should become an action movie star"

Yasmin: I think you already are, since you got acting and dueling experience. You seem to inspire people in both areas. I have to ask, which performer is your biggest inspiration'

Kruger: There are a lot of great performers, I'm not sure I can pick just one. I like Clint Eastwood, he's quite versatile in front of and behind the screen. Robin Williams always could make me laugh, but I discovered he could make me cry too. I suppose that's my real inspiration from any performer" the moment that you say "woah, I never expected that out of him." I often wonder if I can make people say that about me.

Yasmin: I think you probably do. If not, you can pull a Krugey Krater on them until they do. Tough love. Speaking of tough, what is your toughest challenge when performing in the theater or dueling in the ring"

Kruger: This is going to sound strange, but for both it is the same thing. Timing is my biggest challenge. Whether I am fighting or acting, if my timing is off things go bad. When things do go bad, the challenge is not to let on that anything is wrong.

Yasmin: I like that little word of wisdom. So last question. What mantra keeps you going, or what sage words of advice can you give in acting or in anything"

Kruger: Don't be afraid to do it different. That is something I started with the duels, and have carried over into the theater. Sure Shakespear is typically done in a specific way....but how fun to have Julius Caesar with a Brooklyn accent. "Yo....you too Brutus. Geezle Pete."

Yasmin: Perfect. So I'm gonna end out this interview in the way that you begin most of your duels, with your Entry Theme, "Want' by Disturbed. Any last words before we go"

Kruger: Why don't I have an updated autographed head shot of you? Maybe you could get me something with shorter hair that no one else has"

Yasmin: I do take requested shots, but like me....that costs extra...

"Want" by Disturbed begins playing.

Yasmin: Let's get to the thing that brought us here....You've been with The Shanachie for what, four years now" Were you there from the start, cuz I mean, that sounds pretty old, like you're past your prime.

Jonathan: Not quite from the beginning. I've been with the Shanachie for about four years, yes, and I will be thirty in December. I hope I'm not past my prime yet. I returned to Rhy"Din to focus on theater, and though Mataya is a close personal friend, I had to audition like everyone else.

Yasmin: Yeah, even I had to audition again this year, too, so don't take it personally. And I love Mataya, too, so I deal. Besides her awesomeness, what keeps you coming back to the Shanachie"

Jonathan: My love of the theater. That's all there is to it.

Yasmin: So what has been your favorite role you have done so far in your long, long, OLD career" In acting or on stage.

Jonathan: It's hard to say, but probably Hamlet. I really love Shakespeare, and Hamlet is my favorite Shakespearean role. And my career isn't that old.

Yasmin: Sure. In your dreams. Speaking of dreams, if you could act in your dream play, which play would you like to perform in, in which role, and why"

Jonathan: Wow, that's a tough question. It would probably be a toss up between John Merrick in The Elephant Man or King Lear. They're both very challenging roles, and I welcome a good challenge.

Yasmin: Oh! Oh man. Elephant Man' Oh, yes. I love that. Love him. So next question I got to hit is which performer is your biggest inspiration"

Jonathan: That's another tough question. There are so many great dramatic actors out there. Laurence Olivier, Patrick Stewart, Ian McLellen, George C. Scott. The list is endless, but honestly' My biggest inspiration in life is my wife, Vicki. I honestly probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. She is the reason for everything good in my life. Everything.

Yasmin: Aww. You're just trying to win me over, aren't you? That's so sweet. Ok. So, do you have a secret talent we can show off in the Shanachie"

Jonathan: I don't think the answer to that question is safe for family listening.

Yasmin: Yeah, I get that a lot with that question....Maybe if the producers wouldn't make me ask it. Hint. Hint. ...So this one is actually one I'm curious about. If you weren't performing, what would you be doing"

Jonathan: I'm not sure. Directing, maybe. Or teaching. I never really saw myself as a mentor, but I'm teaching one of the STARS classes at the Shanachie right now and really enjoying it! I don't really see myself as ever retiring from the theater completely, but maybe eventually some behind the scenes stuff. I really enjoy working with younger actors and helping them learn the ropes. I'd also like to take a crack at writing my own play someday.

Yasmin: Aww, and see" You even want to give back to the kids. You just really are the nicest guy in the world. It's impossible to hate you. Why do you spite me" Don't answer; you're too good for that. Ok, cuz I like you so much, I'm gonna let you request a fade out song. Anything you want. What you got"

Jonathan: I'm not sure I'd say the nicest, but I try! You're letting me pick a song" Hmm, how about "You're My Best Friend" by Queen for my wife Vicki, because she really is my best friend, and the best thing that ever happened to me! Love you, baby!

"You're My Best Friend? by Queen begins playing.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Lirssa

Hey! This is DJ Zazzy Yas and I'm back this month with some new young bloods at the Shanachie Theater. That's right, this month, I'm showcasing our bright eyed, bushy tailed new performers, and tonight, I'm starting with Lirssa. Welcome, Lirssa Redbane Sarengrave al Amat. That's quite a long name for a relatively small woman. You been married like a ka-jillion times or what"

Lirssa: ::bright laughter:: No, never married. Redbane is what the jousters called me at tourneys when I was little. Sarengrave was the surname of the first family that took me in. al Amat is the family that adopted me. Lirssa al Amat is my official, records stating, stamp approved, grumpy judge okayed name.

Yasmin: Wow. Ok, as long as you can keep track of all that. Speaking of staying on track, I heard you're a pilot in real life. What's that like" Are you like a space pirate"

Lirssa: Mmmm, yeah, I fly a little transport ship, so I guess depending on who I'm shipping cargo for, might some call me a space pirate, space cowboy, space cadet. ::softer laugh:: It's amazing, and you feel so very free. Also, you feel very small. Like speck "o' dust small.

Yasmin: Well, yeah, when you're living dangerously, it tends to feel like you against the world. And when you're out there, you can literally see the world. And, cuz I guess you can't get enough of the dangerous life, I also heard that you've been tending bar at the Red Dragon Inn since you were like six years old. How true is that"

Lirssa: True, as far as I know. Don't know when I was born, so my parents and I picked a date and an age, and if we go back, yeah, I've helped tend bar since I was ever so little, and six sounds right. That's where I met my first family, the Sarengraves. They were bartenders then.

Yasmin: You are still pretty active in the community. Just last October, you gathered up some kids and took them on a Halloween trip to collect candy. How'd that go' Did you dress up too"

Lirssa: Dressing up is absolutely required, so did that. It went well. I like to help the children in the foster homes I support have some everyday, kids with family do this thing, kind of adventures. I help with High Spires most, because it is the biggest and needs the most help with the kids.

Yasmin: Yeah, I heard the kids were from High Spires. What is that"

Lirssa: Oh, yeah, sorry. High Spires House is a foster home. It was sponsored by....::hesitating, not sure Mr. Alain would want his name shouted all over the airwaves:: ...an old friend. Children from the street, children like me, well, need more than just a roof over their head, place to sleep, and food. It's harder to learn to bond, to attach and trust, when you're in a big institution with care givers that rotate and don't have time to give one on one attention. Oh, don't get me wrong. Orphanages offer kids a stepping stone to family, and they reach lots of children. I just choose to do my bit by establishing foster homes. I've five I help support, with hopefully another one soon.

Yasmin: You definitely keep busy. What would you say has been your toughest challenge so far"

Lirssa: Yipes, that one's gonna take some thinkin? because there's been more than a few. ::silent for awhile, but realizing silence on the air is just'dreadful, she laughs:: Well, it isn't stage fright, I can tell you that.

Yasmin: ...I hope not.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Annabeth

Hello, WHAM! listeners. This evening, I have an awesome young gun at the Shanachie with me. Welcome, Annabeth Caldwell. I have note after note about this in my question sheet side margin here....What's all this hullabaloo about you not liking nicknames"

Annabeth: ::laugh:: Thanks, Yas. Well, it all boils down to this. My mother named me Annabeth so I could have a choice of a nickname as I got older, only I didn't like either of them. And my middle name" Marie. Honestly, I probably wouldn't mind a nickname, just not Anna or Beth.

Yasmin: I get that. That's exactly why I have one name. Makes it easier for people. So, I heard that you're a country girl at heart. Tell me about that.

Annabeth: Well, I was raised on my family farm in northeast Tennessee, back on Earth. Even when I moved to Knoxville, the biggest city in the area, I still visited home at least once a week on Sunday. I am close to my roots. I only recently sold the family farm when I decided to move here permanently. So, early on I learned to farm, cook, sew, shoot, whittle, and ::a pause and a twinkle in her eye:: spit. I also learned manners, respect, and a strong sense of place and self.

Yasmin: Aw. I like that. Is that what made you wanna sign up at the Shanachie" Or did you hear about how cool I was in the theater last year and wanted to follow your idol"

Annabeth: Truthfully, Yas, I'm afraid I have to admit, I hadn't even heard of you before I joined the Shanachie. I've been an acting since I was around 4 years old. I was a professional actor back home. In fact that's how I came to Rhydin. I was supposed to meet a gentleman, Mr. Sinclair, to talk to him about a commercial or something. My agent had worked with him before so I wasn't too worried. I followed the directions he gave to get to a place called the Red Dragon Inn. I thought maybe it was some sort of gamer cafe. I'm still not quite sure how it happened but one moment I'm on the streets of Knoxville and the next I'm standin" in front of the Red Dragon, here in Rhy'din. It was a shock for sure. The day after I arrived I saw the ad for tryouts. I wasn't sure at that point if I could get home. I was still new to the Nexus and everything. So I decided to try out.

Yasmin: That's a perfect origin story. They could make a movie out of that. Small town girl meets the big, weird, dragon filled city and becomes a huge star. Of course, one step at a time on that one.

Yasmin: So what has been your toughest challenge when on stage"

Annabeth: Well, as far as craft goes, I'd say it has to do with getting into character. I sometimes find myself getting too deep into a character. Which can be dangerous if the character is the least bit violent. In college one of my rolls called for me to slug a man I had kidnapped in the shoulder. One night I got so caught up in my character's head that I wasn't pulling the punches. I was beside myself the next day when I saw the bruises on his shoulder. My other issue usually only comes into play when I'm tired. So most of the time only after a long night of rehearsing. I don't want to lose my accent, it's part of me, of those roots I was mentionin" earlier. There are times though when the part requires I speak without it. Which I can do without a problem, but, once I start getting tired, it starts to slip back in, and the more tired I am the thicker it gets.

Yasmin: I love accents though, so that could definitely be worse. I think accents are like a little secret power. Speaking of secrets, you know I got to ask if you have a secret talent.

Annabeth: Secret talent' Secret from whom' I mentioned a few earlier, but I sincerely doubt Matay would want me to milk a cow or drive a tractor on stage. I suppose I could crochet or knit. I do love to sing, but I'm really enjoying rep so I'm not in any hurry to switch companies, if there was a part in rep though where I could sing like one song or somethin" that would be great. And I do love to write screenplays, but now I'm just babblin".

Yasmin: True. I think writing may be your secret talent. But now I want to hear a little bit about Annabeth outside the Shanachie. How was it shooting for the Rhydin Nights movie"

Annabeth: Actually it was great fun. I learned a lot, and you, Jonathan, Eregor, all y"all actually were really great.

Yasmin: Aww. I know you mentioned me first cuz I'm the best though. ::coughs "Jon":: I have to say, you're certainly getting a lot of acting experience under your belt. But I'm curious. If you weren't performing, what would you be doing"

Annabeth: To make a living" Probably writing or teaching, or maybe even farming. It's not a bad way to put food on the table, and you get plenty of fresh air and exercise. But I'd miss performing. The pure electricity of an audience.

Yasmin: Very nice. So for this country girl at heart, what song you want to fade out to..." And any last words of advise for any other young country girls hoping to make it big on stage or on screen"

Annabeth: Well, if you have Amazing Grace, I'd love that, but if not, how about Country Boy by John Denver" Advice" My advice is to anyone that wants to act. Do it. If there's an audition go to it. If there is a class or a workshop try it out. Find someone that supports you and cares for you and is willing to watch you back. If they don't cast you in a part see if they'll let you volunteer in the crew. Every part, every role in theater, and by extension television and the movies, is important. The more you do, the more you'll learn. So just go out and throw yourself into it. You'll surprise yourself, I promise you.

Yasmin: Love it. And sometimes not only can you surprise yourself, but so can your friends. I got a little bit of a surprise for ya, cuz I think I got a an even more perfect song to combine your spiritual need and Country pride...

"My Church" by Maren Morris begins playing.

Yasmin: We know your mother definitely inspired you, but who else had a big impact on you? Who do you aspire to"

Christian: Hmm, that is a difficult question. I would have to say Baryshnikov, or perhaps Nureyev. The greats! True masters every aspiring male dancer studies and hopes to emulate. ::chuckle:: Would it be cheating to say De Luca"

Yasmin: Cheating" No. Suck-up-ing" Probably. But I encourage that here, you know, especially if anyone wants to suck up to me. Perfect way to do that' Tell me if you have a cool secret talent.

Christian: A secret talent' No, I don't think so. Nothing I can share with you, at any rate. Perhaps you should ask my practice partner that question.

Yasmin: Touch". So, let me ask, what is your toughest challenge when you're out there performing"

Christian: Doing lifts, no question about it. Not only because it was what caused my injury, but because it is simply the most difficult part of any male dancer's repertoire. It might look easy to those watching, but when you are lifting, you are not only responsible for your own well-being, but that of your partner's. One mistake and you risk not only a partnership, but quite possibly, a career.

Yasmin: Oh, that's a very good point. You kinda have the whole situation in your hands at that point, quite literally. So, what was the hardest thing you had to overcome so far in your life"

Christian: I could tell you that the hardest thing I've ever had to overcome was my injury, but in all honestly, it was my mother's death. That is all I will say about that.

Yasmin: Understandable. Let me segue into a happier note. If you weren't performing, what do you think you would you be doing"

Christian: Directing, I think, or perhaps, teaching. ::laughs:: It is not something I have given much thought to lately, but I suppose I will one day have to hang up my tights and choose another career. I hope that career will be with the ballet. I also hope to one day have a family of my own, but that is personal, of course.

Yasmin: Aww. I like that. Let me end with this. What mantra keeps you going, or what sage words of advice can you give to our listeners out there"

Christian: Never give up. Simply that. Once you admit defeat, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Yasmin: Very cool. Wise words. So what song you want us to rock out to"

Christian: How about "Everything" by Lifehouse" Dedicated to Merethyl.

Yasmin: Just cuz I'm curious, what?s your favorite ride or attraction at the carnivale, aside from your own performance"

Josette: Mmm...good question. It is hard to choose! There are amazing acts like Lucille's who is a snake charmer. She also has an alligator sidekick named Rufus, who is quite the Diva, but we all absolutely love him! ::a fond chuckle:: I would have to say aside from Isaac's act, I am fascinated by the carousel. I'm a little embarrassed to say this, because I've have not taken a ride on it myself yet because....::clears her throat:: Anyway...it is beautiful and very unique.

Yasmin: Well, I'm certainly sold. Ok, wait. I got to get back to these questions. You played in the Snow Queen for the ballet. How was that experience in comparison to what you do for the Carnivale, Josephine"

Josette: Well, for one thing, I was not having knives thrown at me, so that was a plus! ::a playful laugh:: There is nothing quite like experiencing life at the Carnivale, but ballet will always be my first love. Playing Gerda in the Snow Queen was a very special experience for me because at the time, I could very much relate to what she was going through. There were so many parallels. I also loved that she was the one doing the rescuing of Kai, instead of the other way around!

Yasmin: Very true. So, if you could act in your dream ballet, which ballet would you like to dance in, in which role, and why"

Josette: Ohhhh....I.....::there is a dreamy quality to her voice as she considers the possibilities:: I would love to push myself and dance Odette and Odile in Swan Lake. It's always been a great dream and being able to pull off both roles and have the stamina to dance each one would be a delicious challenge for me. But I would also dearly love to dance The Little Mermaid one day. I am partial to Andersen's Fairytales and just like The Little Mermaid dreamed of becoming human and having legs, Andersen always dreamed of being able to dance and he was never able to do it because of certain physical limitations. When I was younger, I could very much relate to that longing and frustration in the years I was unable to dance.

Yasmin: I didn't know that about Andersen. Granted, I don't think I know anything about him. Aside from his inspiration, which performer would you say is your biggest inspiration"

Josette: There are so many greats that have taken my breath away, including the talented dancers in the Shanachie troupe. I think it would be impossible for me to pick just one. But I would say I draw my biggest inspiration from life happening all around me. Like the heartrending reach of longing in a child's fingers when a balloon has slipped from their grasp at the carnival. Or catching that moment when two people in love say goodbye and there is that split second when their bodies seem to be palpably pulled together like magnets, before they reluctantly pull away. Or the way the trees arch and sway when a gorgeous breeze blows through them. I find so much inspiration in every day moments and I try to imbue my performances with those wonders. Rhy"Din especially has given me such a banquet of intrigue and beauty to draw from.

Yasmin: Oh my gosh. That is such an insanely beautiful mentality....or one heck of a creative cop-out of an answer. Either way, I love it!

WHAM! 101.1FM Commercial Break

This is DJ Zazzy Yas and I'm here to bring your attention to a cute little place called"

Is this "Pubic" or "Public?""

Oh, ok. Public makes so much more sense"

Ok, so I'm here to tell you about Public: the Art Gallery. It opened its doors last summer to feature a couple of native Rhydin-ian-ites and their artwork, and continued the trend with another display last November. But the gallery outdid itself with its most recent show earlier this month in honor of Fashion Week, called Dark City: a Night of Art and Accessories. It was said that' "The pieces accentuated both the hard and soft angles of the urban personality."

"What's that supposed to mean..."

I don't know, cuz I don't really get art. But I saw a couple of pics of the accessories, and they looked pretty cool. I'd buy "em. But, would I be able to wear them or not, cuz are they accessories or art' See, these are the things that keep me up at night"

Ok, well, anyway. Don't forget to keep an eye out for their next show at Public: the Art Gallery.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Maggie

Good evening, WHAM! listeners. You're listening to Inside the Actors" Shanachie with DJ Zazzy Yas and this month, I'm featuring the Guest Performers of the Shanachie Theater. These guys fit in wherever they need to, and they do it so well. Tonight, I have a special guest with me, guest performer, Mairead Harker, who you all may know as Maggie. Welcome to the show, Maggie!

Maggie: Hiya, Yassy! Thanks for inviting me!

Yasmin: Nice to have you, especially after such an awesome occasion. Your birthday was a week ago today on March 17th. St Patrick's Day. Happy birthday! How old are you now, twenty one"

Maggie: ::laughing brightly:: Thanks! No, I'm ten!

Yasmin: I was close. I think you're the youngest guest I've had so far. Pretty cool. I've heard you're pretty cool at this dueling thing, too. You became the Baron of Old Market, right' What was it like being a leader before you hit double digits"

Maggie: Yes, I was the Baroness of Old Market and defended the title three times. ::a momentary silence followed by soft giggles:: I was a leader before that! At least that's what my Mama says. I'm the oldest of three children, so I'm the ring leader. If you mean a leader in the community, it felt pretty good to be able to have that little boost to be able to help people in ways I didn't know I could.

Yasmin: That's sweet. So how do you like dueling" Do people even want to duel a kid"

Maggie: I like dueling because it's a challenge of the mind as well as the body. Hmmm....some people are ok dueling kids, some aren't. It's like I told my Grandpa Tass, I don't mind if people say no, but it's not ok for them to be mean about it.

Yasmin: That's very true. So I heard once you got your Barony, you got started doing some medical clinic project.

Maggie: Yes! I'm very excited about that project! When my mother was Baroness of Old Market, she arranged for a fire station to built in the west side of that district. When I earned the title, I got sponsorship from Riverview Clinic, Harker and Hall Architecture, and the MacLeod Foundation to have an urgent care clinic built next to it. There's also a shelter underneath it with sleeping room for about fifty people. You never know when bad weather or something will hit. People need safe places to go.

Yasmin: That's some smart thinkin". So do you want to become a doctor when you grow up or something"

Maggie: Right now, I'd like to be a teacher when I grow up. When I do grow up, though, I might change my mind.

Yasmin: That's true" I mean, heck, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up yet' What is this Channel KIDS I've been hearing about' Do you have an age limit' If so, I want to put in a claim for age discrimination. If not, I wanna sign up.

Maggie: Channel KIDS is in the set up stages. It got put back a little, partly because I'm hoping to get the go ahead from Race to have the Children's Day events over at the Wonderplex! We are trying to set up interviews and stuff. We don't have an age limit, but the interviewers are planned to be students at Harker's Academy. I have your name and Ms. Deluca's on my list for when we get started.

Yasmin: I just hope everyone heard the ranking order there....::pauses for dramatic effect::

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Doran

Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I have with me, Guest Performer, Doran Ilnaren. Ilnaren....That name sounds familiar for some reason. Like its someone important. "Oh well, it'll come to me later. Welcome, Doran.

Doran: ::clearly amused:: Hello!

Yasmin: I want to jump right into your acting chops at the Shanachie. You've worked with both the Theater and Repertory companies so far. Do you have a preference yet'

Doran: Not really. They both appeal for different reasons. Musicals are more escapist by nature and it's fun to break into song and dance at the drop of a hat. Straight theatre, though, is more grounded, but no less fun or challenging. I also do some work with the crew if I'm not cast for a show, helping build and take down the sets. I think I just like the theatrical life overall.

Yasmin: Wow, you really do 'do it all". You've been a guest performer for about two years now. What keeps you coming back" Is it me" You can say if it's me.

Doran: I like the emotional impact that a good performance can have on the audience. I'm an empath by nature, so I do have a bit of an advantage there, but I think every actor, every performer develops a feel for their audience. Don't you agree" ::beat:: Oh, and getting to hang out with you is a bonus, definitely.

Yasmin: Yeah, good save, kid. So what would you say is your biggest challenge when performing"

Doran: ::chuckle:: That goes back to the last question, really. I have to be careful not to get swept up in the performance or it could be bad. Distractions galore, not just for me but for my castmates. Fortunately my dad has taught me well.

Yasmin: That's a good point. Any actor can get overwhelmed in a role. I bet it's a bit more for you. What has been your favorite role you have done so far"

Doran: I think Dickon, from when we did The Secret Garden. He was very much into animals and nature, and I like that a lot, too.

Yasmin: That and cuz I was in it with you, I'm sure. Oh, wait, no. I wasn't in that. I must have watched it. You were quite good. But if you could act in your dream play, which play would it be?

Doran: Ooooh, I don't know. There are so many good roles out there, it'd be hard to pick just one. Something inspirational, though. Hmmmm....King Henry, from Henry V. Just for the St. Crispin's Day speech, I think that would be amazing! Still, so many out there. It could be that my dream role hasn't even been written yet!

Yasmin: That could be true. So what inspired you to go into acting"

Doran: My Uncle Gory—that's Eregor, you know—and my dad, but mainly I think it was Maggie, because we're best friends forever and. Oh, and Miss Mataya, she let me play solo flute for Joseph, because my voice was changing at the time and she didn't want me to wreck it, but that was really my big intro to the theatre and I never looked back.

Yasmin: Aw. That was sweet of her, and good thinking, too.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Josh

Good evening, Vietn" I mean, Rhydin! Tonight I have yet another awesome guest performer from the Shanachie Theater, Josh Stuart. Welcome, Josh.

Josh: Thanks for having me, Yasmin. It's great to be here!

Yasmin: I see from your resume that you've been with The Shanachie for what, three or four years now" What keeps you coming back"

Josh: I've been with the Shanachie for about two years now. I made my debut as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and I have to say that was probably my favorite role, so far. What keeps me coming back" ::chuckles:: Are you kidding" You're an actress. You tell me! Yasmin: True. I need the spotlight to live. So Joseph was your fav"

Josh: Yes, my favorite role so far was Pharaoh, but I've really enjoyed every production I've been a part of, and I feel very privileged to be here. Monsieur Andre was a lot of fun, too! I'm kind of sorry I missed Grease. That would have been a blast!

Yasmin: Definitely. Well, aside from Grease, what would you like to play in" Any dream role"

Josh: I sang "Maria" for my audition this year. West Side Story has always been one of my favorites. It would be a blast to play Tony! But dream role" That's a tough question. Maybe Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. I don't know. I like them all!

Yasmin: "Anything goes?" I think that's my life motto. So, what inspired you to go into acting"

Josh: That was my mother. She encouraged me from a young age to pursuit my dreams, even though as a duke's son, I wasn't really on that career path. It was my father, though, that encouraged me to come to Rhy"Din and audition for the Shanachie. And here I am!

Yasmin: Very neat. Which performer is probably your biggest inspiration"

Josh: You, Yas! I have a secret crush on you, but I guess it's not a secret anymore! ::chuckles::

Yasmin: ::interrupts:: Aww, don't worry about sucking up. You're already on the show.

Josh: ::chuckles:: But seriously, I'm not really sure. Everyone here at the Shanachie is an inspiration to me. There's so much talent here, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. We're really like a great big family, but I'm sure you already know that. If I have to name names, I'd probably say Eregor. He's just amazing at everything he does, and he's a nice guy, too. What's not to like about that?

Yasmin: I agree. Super nice guy. But you know, second to me, of course.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Dru

Hey, this is DJ Zazzy Yas and you're listening to Inside the Actor's Shanchie. This month I'm featuring the Shanachie's guest performers. My last guest for this month is the lovely Dru Granger. Welcome, Dru. Does Dru stand for something"

Dru: Hello, Yasmin. Thank you for inviting me onto your show. Yes, Dru is short for Drusilla - it's a family name from my mother's side. Or alternatively, a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I believe. Whichever version you prefer.

Yasmin: I'm gonna go with - the Buffy reference. "I see that you've been with The Shanachie for what, three or four years now" What keeps you coming back"

Dru: Well, I'm only a guest performer at the Shanachie. I spend several months of the year out of town, so it's more convenient for Ludo to simply have a list of dates of when I'm available. He can then decide whether he wants me to perform in shows. I like the flexibility, and how accepting everyone is. I've made some wonderful friends, and ....well, I did meet my husband at the Shanachie, too. Why shouldn't I come back to a place that's given me so much to smile about"

Yasmin: True, but"I'm gonna go with - that you want to be close to your idol, me. "So what made you decide to go into acting anyway"

Dru: ::laughs a little shyly.:: You may not like this ....My brother, Jonathan, encouraged me to go into acting when I first arrived here in Rhy"Din. I was shy and angry, and I didn't really know how to express myself. He arranged for me to audition for Ludo, and I was given a place in the Repertory production of Season's Greetings. I enjoyed it, but it was remarkably stressful, so Mataya suggested that I should try out as a member of the Theater Company's chorus, and I was a part of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. That was what really gave me the bug, I suppose. It was so much fun!

Yasmin: Seems like you got hooked on the singing.

Yasmin: So, do you have a secret talent and, if so, it is something that you can show off on stage"

Dru: Well, I can fence. That is, competitive sword fighting, not erecting a boundary between two properties. There isn't much call for women to get a sword out on stage from what I've seen, however. Perhaps we should commission someone to write us a musical incorporating all our hidden talents"

Yasmin: That could be pretty cool. I hope Mataya's listening. Maybe we could do a Variety Show or something. I have to ask, if you weren't performing, what would you be doing"

Dru: ::thoughtful pause.:: I don't actually know. Obviously, if I was not performing, I would have to find something else to do with my time here in Rhy"Din. I'm not made to sit idle. But I think it would have to be something that challenges me physically, the way that singing and dancing does. My work at home is very much of the mental and emotional kind, and it doesn't afford me much opportunity to just let loose and enjoy what my body can do the way the Shanachie does.

Yasmin: That makes sense. Different types of challenges can be good. Speaking of, what is your toughest challenge when on stage"

Dru: My nerves are certainly at the top of that list. I originally started acting to help improve my confidence, and while that certainly has happened, I still suffer with awful stage fright before every performance. It doesn't matter if it is opening night or the last night, I still come over with nausea and trembling that doesn't go away until I step out onto the stage. Despite how exposed we are on the stage itself, once we're there, we have a job to do. The nerves seem to serve to fill me with enough energy to really throw myself into the role once I'm under the lights, but taking that step up onto the stage is still one of the most difficult things I have to do.

Yasmin: Besides splitting your time between two places, what was one of the most major things you have had to deal with"

Dru: Traveling down the street where my mother died. It was truly the most terrifying thing I have ever done, not knowing if the ones who had killed her would want to kill me, too. But I did it. I had to prove to myself, and to the people around me, that fear was not a good enough excuse to avoid danger.

Yasmin: Oh, I like that. That's strength. What mantra keeps you going and helps you keep up that strength"

Dru: Fake it "til you make it. As I say, I'm not particularly confident, nor am I very brave, but I have become very good at pretending to be. And I have found that the more you pretend, the easier it becomes. It's a good piece of advice, but it shouldn't be taken to the extreme.

Yas: That's probably true. Thanks so much for coming out tonight. Got a request to fade out to"

Dru: Thank you for having me, I've very much enjoyed myself! Could you play Carry On, Wayward Son, by Kansas" I only just discovered Earth music, and that one really resonates with me, for all sorts of reasons.

"Carry On, Wayward Son" by Kansas begins playing.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Tony

Good evening, Rhydin! Yes, it's your lovable DJ Zazzy Yas and this month, I'm bringing you some experienced dancers of the Shanachie's Ballet Company. Tonight, I have the head honcho of the company, himself, Anthony De Luca. Welcome, Tony. Can I call you Tony' I see most of the people in the Shanachie call you Tony.

Tony: Thanks for the welcome! It's great to be here. And yes, of course you can call me Tony, but only if I can call you Yas.

Yasmin: Sounds fair to me. It is my name, after all. "Oh! You think Yas is a nickname. See, most people think that. You know, funny story. When I applied to WHAM! I wrote my name too close together on my application and people just assumed my name was Yasmin. It's actually Yas Min, but hey, I like people thinking I'm a one name wonder like Cher, so I let it pass. But enough about me, let's talk about you, De Luca" Related to Mataya De Luca, the Shanachie owner"

Tony: Guilty as charged! Mataya is my sister. I have three of them - Theresa, Mataya, and Elena. I'm the eldest, and Elena is the baby.

Yas: So what do you say to claims that you only got the ballet thing with the Shanachie cuz of who you're related to'

Tony: ::chuckles:: I hate to admit it, but it's probably true. 'Tay ....Sorry, Mataya came to me a few years ago with the idea of starting a ballet company here in Rhy'Din. I was in New York at the time, performing with the New York City Ballet. What can I say' I'm not the only one who has a hard time saying no to Mataya. The rest is history.

Yas: I knew it! Well, hey, it's been working out for you. I heard that you've been with The Shanachie for four years. Are ballet years like dog years" Have you really been there for like sixteen years"

Tony: Sometimes it feels like that, but it's been almost four years, yes.

Yas: And you're the in Ballet Company with your wife. I remember the claims a couple years ago that you quote, unquote, knocked her up. Are we still sticking to that story'

Tony: Knocked up my wife" ::laughs:: We did things in the right order, if that's what you mean. I met Anya years ago in New York. We fell in love, but the timing wasn't right. She was returning to Russia to join the Bolshoi, and I had a contract in New York. We eventually lost touch, but were reunited a few years ago when we were dancing in the New York Gala, just before Mataya asked me to come here. The sparks were still there, and here we are!

Yas: I wasn't so much questioning order as orientation, but I still like the story. Speaking of fact versus fiction"

Yas: You probably do quite a bit of the hiring and stuff for the ballet troupe at the Shanachie. What do you look for in a ballet-er"

Tony: We hold open auditions every fall, and we are more than happy to welcome new talent. We are a relatively small company, but we've been fortunate enough to feature some of Rhy'Din's finest dancers during our short time here. There are a lot of things I look for in a dancer. Talent and skill are definitely important, but even more so, there is a special certain something that some dancers possess that is even more important. Call it presence, perhaps. All the great ones had it - Nureyev, Baryshnikov, Fonteyn, Pavlova.

Yas: ::interrupts:: Gesundheit.

Tony: I also look for creativity and depth of feeling. Any dancer can learn technique, but even the most perfect technique will become boring to watch if it is not coupled with feeling.

Yas: That is very true, and also a good segue into....Tell me more about this De Luca Dance Studio.

Tony: The dance studio is a joint venture between myself and Mataya. When Black Cat Studios closed, we decided to fill the gap and open a studio of our own close to the theater. What better way to train dancers who might one day join the theater" We offer classes in ballet, tap, and jazz for all ages, as well as a class in musical theater. We also offer ballroom dancing for couples and wedding packages for those who'd like to learn a thing or two before their big day. There's a little something for everyone!

Yas: Awesome, so what do you think are good qualities for people wanting to try dance either as a hobby or as a profession'

Tony: Well, if you want to dance for a hobby, you should just have fun with it, but if you are serious about making it a profession, I think one of the most important qualities for a dancer is tenacity. The determination to keep going, even when it's hard and it hurts and you think you're a failure. Other qualities include patience, persistence, and team work. Team work is very important, especially if you are dancing with a partner or a group.

Yas: That's a good point. Any last advice for any wannabe dancers out there listening in"

Tony: The best advice I can give is to follow your heart, but wishing alone won't make you a good dancer. It takes years of hard work and dedication, but if you truly put your mind to it, anything is possible. Just don't give up. Keep trying. There's a saying back home on Earth: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." I can't think of any better advice than that.

Yas: I do like that. Thanks for coming out, Tony. In honor of you being here, I'm gonna dedicate this song to you, Tony Dancer"

"Tiny Dancer? by Elton John begins playing.

Yas: So how has having a baby last year and now running around after a toddler affected your dance career" I'd imagine both would put some strain on your body.

Anya: Well, I thought I would have to stop dancing altogether before I could ever get pregnant to begin with, but my body had other plans. I discovered I was pregnant during A Midsummer Night's Dream, and between us, Tony and I decided I should stop dancing at that point. I did not stop rehearsing - if a dancer stops stretching and practicing every day, their muscles lose flexibility and strength. But, of course, Sofia arrived by C-section, which is difficult for anyone to recover from. I was lucky to have a healer see to me, but it was still difficult to retrain my body in between feeds and playing. ::laughs softly:: We are very lucky that Sofia enjoys music and dancing. She does not have the best timing, as she proved at the Gala. I have never seen Tony choreograph on the spot before, but we couldn't just send her off stage. She wanted to dance, so we danced.

Yas: That was pretty doggone cute. I think she gets the cute from you. I heard that you've been with The Shanachie for three years. How's that been"

Anya: It has been exhilarating. I had never been a part of a new company before the Shanachie Ballet was formed, and it was a true pleasure to be a part of something that was finding its voice and its expression. And to work with such an eclectic mixture of people! On Earth, dancers tend to move in the same circles and know each other by reputation long before they ever dance together, and yet here on Rhy?Din, I have had the privilege of dancing with people I have never met before, people who constantly amaze me with their skill and expression.

Yas: You know this month, I'm trying to focus on the more veteran Shanachie Ballet-ists, so I want to hit on that a bit more. What made you get into the ballet'

Anya: It was the music. My Papa says that I was dancing long before I could walk, but with three older brothers, my Mama wanted to have a proper little girl. I was started in ballet when I was three years old, and I hated it! ::laughs merrily:: But as I got older and more proficient, the music caught me. I found a great love for Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, men who wrote such beautiful music that truly lends itself to stories told through the medium of dance.

((Anya De Luca's interview continues on the next page.))

Yas: So if you could act in your dream ballet, something that you haven't done yet, what would it be?

Anya: My dream ballet does not yet exist. ::another merry laugh:: But we are working on it! Slowly. I should very much like to dance the role of Red Riding Hood, but the ballet has not yet been created. It is on my to-do list. Sometime Anthony and I will create it together, and it will be glorious.

Yas: I can't wait! You know, I figure you have made it to the top, but I hear there's an honor you don't have yet. What is it and what in the world would you still have to do to make it'

Anya: Da. I have not yet earned the title of ballerina. I am a principal dancer, certainly, but I do not think I am a true ballerina. The word conjures images of Pavlova, Fonteyn, Copeland ....women who truly are or were the greatest dancer of their time. To me, they are ballerinas, and I will never reach their height. But I am content with that. I am happy where I am, in a company that suits me, with a family I love. I do not need to the best to be happy, not any more.

Yas: What would you even have to do to get the title" Cuz I don't know how anyone can be more ballerina-y than you.

Anya: ::laughs:: I do not know if there is anything I can do to reach their heights. They all have that certain something, that je ne nais quoi, that cannot even be put into words. Watching a true ballerina dance is like watching music in motion - it moves you in ways you cannot describe. It is not for me to say whether my dancing even touches theirs, but perhaps, sometimes, it does.

Yas: Oh, ok. So it's just one of those things where you just made up what the title means. Well, in my completely experienced opinion now, I say you're a ballerina. But do you have any advice for any wannabe ballerinas or dancers out there listening in"

Anya: Don't give up, and don't let anybody tell you that your dream is too big or too small. If you wish to be a principal dancer, then work for it. Work hard, and even if you do not make it to that height, it is not time wasted. So long as you love to dance, keep dancing. There will always be an audience for those who truly love to dance.

Yas: Sounds good to me! Thanks for talking to us, Anya. Everybody hear that' Keep dancing and keep getting that good feeling, and what a feeling it is!

"What A Feeling" by Irene Cara begins playing.

Yas: Speaking of my movie, when I saw you at the After Party, I thought for a second that I caught a glimpse of your bare feet peeking out under your dress. Was I drunk hallucinating again?

Merethyl: You were not hallucinating, no. I was barefoot. I did have some shoes with me, just in case the floor became treacherous to walk upon.

Yas: How come you were in bare feet' Your dress was fancy enough that you looked like you could afford shoes" or did you spend all your budget on the dress" I've been caught in that trap before.

Merethyl: Ah, well, I did not actually spend anything on the dress. Christian bought it for me - he was caught up in rehearsal and could not attend, but he insisted that I present myself well. And now he knows that I did not wear the shoes that came with the dress. ::clears her throat with awkward amusement:: My people - the elven community I was born into and raised among - we live in the forests of our homeland, and there is little need for shoes. We love to feel the ground beneath our feet, the connection with the land that protects and sustains us. I wear shoes in the city because it is dangerous not to, frankly, and, of course, on stage. It is possible to rise en pointe without toe shoes, but it is hellishly painful and results in some terrible injuries.

Yas: Oh, hey, no judgments here. Everyone knows my shapeshifting. Heck, I don't wear shoes either, though it looks like it. In fact " totally naked right now, but I'm looking good in what looks like jeans and a tee, right' But hey, enough of me. I should probably get to the ballet questions. What got you started in ballet'

Merethyl: Goodness, what did get me started" I have been studying ballet, specifically, for around fifty years. Before that, I spent a good forty years studying the traditional national dances of the various cultures I had the privilege to meet on my travels. My parents were both dancers; I was raised to dance, but I felt stifled to be kept in one particular style. When I left home and began to make use of the portals, it brought me into contact with many other styles of dance, and I simply chose the ones that challenged me the most. Ballet is one of the most beautiful, and yet most physically demanding, genres I have ever studied, and I do not think I shall ever be a true master at it. But it has brought me a great deal of joy.

Yas: :: pauses:: Don't mind me. I'm just trying to count and figure out' but either way, dang, you look good for your age, girl. But besides your parents, who would you say is your biggest role model"

Merethyl: I would say that my greatest role model is Christian, my husband. ::her smile is audible:: It's a terribly boring answer, isn't it' And yet last year he was told he would never dance again. He trusted his friend when Anthony invited him to Rhy"Din and promised that he would dance again. He trusted me, when I was chosen to help him regain his confidence as a cavalier. But more than that, he had the courage to come to a place that was totally unknown to him, and to believe that the doctors were wrong. He was beautiful in the Spring Gala. He has achieved so much over the course of less than a year, and I believe there is more he can achieve as time goes on. I am privileged to be able to witness his growth.

Yas: I'm so glad he got some caviar to regain his confidence. Couple shots of vodka and I'm cool. Like I said, no judgments.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with Jamie

Hello Rhydin! You're listening to Inside the Shanachie on WHAM! 101.1FM where I talk to some special people from the Shanachie Theater. Tonight, I have my last set of guests from the Ballet Company, Mr. James Willis. Welcome" Is it James or Jamie"

Jamie: All right, pet. It's James if you're being fussy, but Jamie to my friends. We are friends, right'

Yas: Oh! Are we" That would be cool. I always need more friends in my entourage. Let's see if you're cool enough though. Let me look over your sheet here" You've been with The Shanachie for four years" That's a pretty long time. How long have you been in ballet'

Jamie: Oh, I've been dancing ballet since I was wee lad. I wasn't sporty when I was small, and I've always been scrawny-like. I loved dancing, though, and my father didn't have the heart to say no when I asked to learn ballet. It's a big thing for man where I'm from to stand up and say "No, this is what my son wants, and this is what he'll do, and I'll knock the teeth out of any man says otherwise". He would have preferred me to be a boxer or some such, but he's been by me all the way with the dancing.

Yas: I think that's pretty sweet. Huh. So you've been doing this for awhile then. How old are ballet-ists when they send them out to pasture"

Jamie: Out to pasture" ::a big belly laugh follows:: Are you suggesting that I need fattening up, Yas" You and my mother should go into business together.

Yas: I could if she has her own radio studio' and if she would be willing to name it after me. I was thinking the call letters could be YAS-Z. Like Jay Z, but you know, cooler. But enough about me. What got you started in ballet, Jasper?

Jamie: I know it's a terrible stereotype, but, uh ....well, I was jealous of the girls with their pretty tutus and elegant movements, and I wanted to be a part of it. My sister used to get me to help her practice, and she'd teach me a few steps in exchange. I was a child, but I already knew I was different from my brothers. I was lucky to have parents who supported my decision - it could have been lot worse.

Yas: That's true, Jackie. Sometimes parents want their daughters to be the baker in the kitchen while they want their sons to be the star on the football team. Its cool when people can just let other people be people.

Yas: Speaking of relationships, although a working one in this case, you've been working opposite Josette quite often. At least in the Spring Gala and the Snow Queen, right' How is it working with the new-comer"

Jamie: Josette is ....Cripes, how'd you describe her" She's poetry in motion. I feel very lucky to be paired with her. She's been through a lot, but she trusted me right from the start, and that is the greatest gift you can give a cavalier. Not once has she thought I would drop her, or harm her in any way, and that gives me confidence. And, of course, without her, I wouldn't have danced such a contemporary piece in the Gala. That was nerve-wracking, but she knows her stuff. It's a real honor to be her partner.

Yas: So, explain to me why ballet is so neat. Like, do a bit of marketing here. Why should people come out and see people prancing around as opposed to going to a play, or even a movie for example"

Jamie: Well, why shouldn't they' A play touches you one way, a movie touches you another. A ballet will touch you in yet another way. There's nothing to compare there. They're all very different forms, and they all have their own appeal. I'm biased, because I'm a ballet dancer. So, uh ....come to ballet, or I won't get paid! ::another cheeky laugh::

Yas: Good point. Ok, well, this is awkward. I have about another minute or two to fill before I do my next song and I've run out of questions, so' Tell me something about Jacob that might be interesting to our listeners.

Jamie: Who's Jacob' ::chuckles:: The name's Jamie, darlin'. Keep getting it wrong, and I might think you don't love me anymore. If I'm thinking that, you can't come out with me next time I go clubbing, and believe me, that's an experience. The clubs on Rhy'Din are truly amazing - I've been to a few of your engagements, you know. That strange wee fella in the spangly shirt and shorts who doesn't leave the dance floor until kicking out time" That's me!

Yas: Oh! I'm glad someone enjoys with I'm out on location at a club as much as I do. Thanks for coming out tonight, Jackson.

Jamie: ::snorts with laughter:: It's been a real pleasure, Yasmin. So ....we're taking your girls and mine out for a slap up meal and dance 'til you drop night soon, aye"

Yas: I have no idea what you just said, but I'm totally up for anything, and since I've talked with some of the dancers of the Shanachie, I'm definitely ready to dance with somebody!

"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston begins playing.

Inside the Actors" Shanachie with the Mataya De Luca

Good evening, Rhydin. You're listening to DJ Zazzy Yas for WHAM! 101.1FM and I have with me on an extra special "Inside the Actors" Shanachie", Mataya De Luca. Actress, singer, dancer, director, producer, dance instructor, theater owner, and mom. Not in that order. Welcome, Mataya.

Mataya: Thank you, Yas. And hello to my extra-special favorite diva! Isn't this exciting" I've been listening to these for months, and now I'm on one! Better yet, I'm going to put you through your paces, young lady.

Yasmin: Well, bring it on! You see, listeners, tonight's a special show because Mataya is gonna be interviewing me while I interview her. We'll see how this goes. Are you going first or am I" You know what. We're not in the Shanachie anymore. My show. My rules. First up, I want to know what got you started in show biz"

Mataya: ::laughs:: Your show, definitely your rules. ::beat:: I reserve the right to break them, though. Anywho ....Actually, it was my big brother who got me started in showbiz. I was kinda jealous of all the fun he was having at ballet, so I badgered my mom to let me take dance lessons, and I loved it! Not the ballet side, that hurts like hell, but modern and jazz are my babies. And then when I was a teenager, my sisters got asked to do a TV show, and they invited me to join in. We all kinda grew up on screen. My turn! What's the deal with Jonathan Granger" Are you two having some kind of love-hate affair I should know about before his wife tries to decapitate you?

Yasmin: I think its hate-hate on my side. I won't speak for him. Can you respect and hate someone at the same time" I think you can. But anyway, it all started back when I came to Rhydin. He was everywhere, doing his movies, being all famous. I was totally jealous. First chance I got to get into a movie, I jumped on it. Gave me a good starting point for my leading role later, which I should probably thank you for, but let's be honest, I made that movie, so instead I'll say "You're welcome." So, my next question is" Why get your own theater"

Mataya: Well, Lassie, it was a whim that spiraled out of control really fast. ::laughs:: As a lot of people know, I was in a bad place when I got to Rhy?Din. I'd just come out of rehab, I was divorced, I was completely burned out on performing. I didn't have the energy to even think straight for a while there. But when I got here, I was shocked by how little provision there was for the amazing talent that gets vomited up by this place every day, and I wanted to do something about that. So I found the old Docquey mansion, bought it for remodeling, and the rest is history.

Yasmin: Speaking of lover, your husband, Max Yako used to perform at the Shanachie. What's he up to now" Has he retired from acting, too"

Mataya: There'll be more movies, we're just taking a break! ::laughs:: Actually, Max announced his retirement last September. He wanted to focus more on being a dad. I mean, Juno's pretty much all grown up and never really needed us all that much, but it's different having a little boy and two insane dogs in the house, too. He seems really at peace with himself these days, and I couldn't be happier for him. He's my quiet place, the person I go when I need to remember what?s important, or when I need to be told to shut up and sit down and just be me. You never know, we might remarry at some point; we might not. He's in a good place, and I'm very happy to be a part of it. My turn again! Is there anything that you haven't done you'd like to try' A specific role, or a different career"

Yasmin: Ha! Luckily, I think I try a different kind of performance role all the time, whether its modeling or doing street work or on stage or on air. As far as a different career all together, no. No. I love performing too much. Its my drug. And as far as a certain role I'd like to do, one role is just as good as another. As long as I'm not typecasted, though, cuz I don't like falling into a rut or anything. Way too boring" Huh. Let me see" I think I'm out of questions. Hold on, I got this" What was your best experience with your actors at the Shanachie" Like any play that came together under rough circumstances, or anything that blew you away"

Mataya: I have two more questions, so you're gonna have to come up with something, sweetcheeks! ::giggles:: Oh, wow, best experience? I don't think it's possible to single out any one experience with the Shanachie. I mean, we've had poor reviews caused by doppelgangers on stage that were completely turned around when the actual actor - ahemJONahem - reappeared from where they'd been hiding; we've had a run of diva-isms, as I'm sure you recall; we've created three distinct companies with their own personalities; and we even get to help children who might not otherwise have this opportunity find out what it is they love about performing. It's not a case of choosing a favorite experience. The Shanachie itself is a favorite experience, and one I hope to share with a lot of people for a long time to come.