1. How has the Paradoja shows evolved and as it grows what are somethings that remain
consistent?
I think that the Paradoja shows have evolved in both subject matter as well as in material.
Being a part of the first show I can honestly say it was more of a satirical view of world. Good old
lighthearted and somewhat offensive comedy. The second show I was in the audience for and it
definitely up the ante on the shock value. It made you laugh while feeling offended (I use the term
lightly) and somewhat confused at why you are laughing. This is comedy at work, when you may
not agree with something but find yourself laughing anyway. With the third show the subject
matter definitely shifted. Mike, Coonan, and ensemble kept the comedy factor but also
added in the element of drama. This continues into our upcoming show. The dramatic elements
help the audience feel human nature at work. We are essential dramatic beings with a sense of
humor and Paradoja taps into all of that in this shows. I guess you can say Paradoja has matured
and is exploring more in depth subject matter, especially that which lies inside human nature.
2. What do you consider to be the groups core philosophy, either in the live shows or in
preparing/creating the shows.
I consider the group’s philosophy to be everyone brings something to the table. I’ve been
a part of many shows but never one that ran and worked like this. For instance the first meeting
of our upcoming show the whole cast sat in a room, Mike posed a question and it was open
forum. I think everyone in this show can honestly say they had something to do with it creatively.
To be a part of a group that functions in such a way is a rich experience. Due to this input that
everyone has, we all have a stake in this production creatively, and it is this universal feeling that
helps to bond us in a way other production groups don’t necessarily get to experience.
3. What do you think is Paradoja's reputation, meaning what do you think people might expect
from the shows? Why does the audience not just keep coming back but grow?
I think Paradoja’s reputation has evolved since the first show. I think the first show set up
the theme of shock comedy, which the second show followed suit. Audience members expected
to be shocked at some commentary in the sketches as well as laugh so hard from the characters
and content. While this may still remain in some viewers, I feel like our reputation shifted more
from ridiculous satire to a more serious form of comedic commentary with dramatic elements. I
believe this appeals to a larger viewing audience and this shift in content (which still has key
elements from the first two shows) allows for a wider appeal. Especially with our new show, which
I truly think it is the next step in the evolution of Paradoja, we definitely “up the ante” and taking
Paradoja as a whole to the next level of theatre arts and social commentary.
4. What has working on the Paradoja shows taught you?
Working on the Paradoja shows has taught me that working in a large group where
everyone is placing some form of input can work, and work extremely well. It also helped me
hone in on creative thinking, as well as helping me through the creative process. I can honestly
say that during the creative process on our latest show I was able to pitch character and plot
ideas and bounce them off members of the group. This process taught me how to handle the
creative process. Also it taught me not to get attached or settle for every first idea, because
behind that initial thought lies untapped potential that will often prove to be better and more in
depth then what your first idea was. I found that this was never more true then in this show, you
can ask anyone at the first meetings and they will tell you how much the show has changed since
day one until now.
5.What do you think of Dave Coonan both personally and professionally? is there anything you
have learned from him?
I think Dave Coonan is a great teacher of the arts as well as a creative force to be
reckoned with. He is also really easy to talk to. Personally, he is a great guy who truly cares
about his shows and actors and wants only to see them flourish. Professionally, he places 110%
into every project he puts himself in. He truly cares for the individual as well as the whole in every
production. I’ve learned a lot from him about the creative process (the whole never settle on your
first idea rant I went on above this question, yeah that was through Coonan’s teaching and
observing his train of thought through the creative process that I learned that). Dave Coonan
gave me my first leading role in a main production back at my high school. He helped me hone in
on raw potential to deliver an emotional and very real performance. Him taking this chance on me
made me work twice as hard and take my skill of acting to the proverbial next level.
6.What do you think of Mike Pagano both personally and professionally? is there anything you
have learned from him?
Mike Pagano is a creative genius. There is no subject matter or human emotion that goes
unturned when creating a show with Mike. You always find yourself laughing at even the
stupidest of things when you are around Mike, he just has that talent to turn the most mundane
things into funny comedic elements. Personally, Mike is truly a great guy with a heart of gold who
cares about everyone with the same compassion and can always make you laugh.
Professionally, Mike is a comic powerhouse. He knows how to make you laugh while feeling
uncomfortable, he knows how to find the funny in almost every situation. Yet, he also knows
when the dramatic elements of life come into play and how to use those moments in a comedic
satire. Through this I believe Mike captures human nature with a brave execution that allows the
audience to both laugh and reflect on the frailty of life and our emotions. I have learned how to
put a show together through Mike, and I truly believe that through working with Mike I have
become a better creative force. Just by putting a show together with him I have acquired new
skills as well as expanded pre-existing ones. I can honestly say it is always a pleasure working
with Mike and the Paradoja crew.
7. What do you think of John Ortiz both personally and professionally? is there anything you have
learned from him?
John Ortiz is a funny guy and a versatile comedic actor. He can play anything from the
crazy person in the scene, to the scared person, he can even play the serious one. All of this
plays into the importance of the scene and helps to create the desired end product. I call him The Big Easy, mainly because lets face it The Big Easy Ortizy sounds pretty awesome but also he is so easy to work with. He throws himself into everything he is a part of. Personally, Ortiz is a funny guy who is easy to get along with. He isn’t afraid to make fun of himself or those around him.
Professionally, he is kind and hard working and brings a lot of creative energy to the table. I
learned how important it is to be able to be a versatile actor within the comic realm.
8.What’s the atmosphere like during a rehearsal?
The atmosphere during rehearsals is an interesting one. There is always tons of energy. I
want to say it’s laid back while being professional. I know anyone who has done theatre before is
probably reading this going, “What? That can’t be right, that isn’t possible?” but somehow
Paradoja accomplishes this with amazing end results.
9. How has Paradoja allowed you to showcase/explore you individual talent?
As I have said before, everyone brings something to the table. We don’t expect everyone
to be able to write an entire show, but what we do expect is for everyone to contribute. This
allows for everyone’s talents to shine and create this amazing end product. I feel like especially
with this show I got to showcase my creative ability in both story telling and character
development. I was able to place input in plot and characters. Through Paradoja’s creative cycle I was able to place my input/ideas and bounce them off members of the group. It was an awesome experience.
consistent?
I think that the Paradoja shows have evolved in both subject matter as well as in material.
Being a part of the first show I can honestly say it was more of a satirical view of world. Good old
lighthearted and somewhat offensive comedy. The second show I was in the audience for and it
definitely up the ante on the shock value. It made you laugh while feeling offended (I use the term
lightly) and somewhat confused at why you are laughing. This is comedy at work, when you may
not agree with something but find yourself laughing anyway. With the third show the subject
matter definitely shifted. Mike, Coonan, and ensemble kept the comedy factor but also
added in the element of drama. This continues into our upcoming show. The dramatic elements
help the audience feel human nature at work. We are essential dramatic beings with a sense of
humor and Paradoja taps into all of that in this shows. I guess you can say Paradoja has matured
and is exploring more in depth subject matter, especially that which lies inside human nature.
2. What do you consider to be the groups core philosophy, either in the live shows or in
preparing/creating the shows.
I consider the group’s philosophy to be everyone brings something to the table. I’ve been
a part of many shows but never one that ran and worked like this. For instance the first meeting
of our upcoming show the whole cast sat in a room, Mike posed a question and it was open
forum. I think everyone in this show can honestly say they had something to do with it creatively.
To be a part of a group that functions in such a way is a rich experience. Due to this input that
everyone has, we all have a stake in this production creatively, and it is this universal feeling that
helps to bond us in a way other production groups don’t necessarily get to experience.
3. What do you think is Paradoja's reputation, meaning what do you think people might expect
from the shows? Why does the audience not just keep coming back but grow?
I think Paradoja’s reputation has evolved since the first show. I think the first show set up
the theme of shock comedy, which the second show followed suit. Audience members expected
to be shocked at some commentary in the sketches as well as laugh so hard from the characters
and content. While this may still remain in some viewers, I feel like our reputation shifted more
from ridiculous satire to a more serious form of comedic commentary with dramatic elements. I
believe this appeals to a larger viewing audience and this shift in content (which still has key
elements from the first two shows) allows for a wider appeal. Especially with our new show, which
I truly think it is the next step in the evolution of Paradoja, we definitely “up the ante” and taking
Paradoja as a whole to the next level of theatre arts and social commentary.
4. What has working on the Paradoja shows taught you?
Working on the Paradoja shows has taught me that working in a large group where
everyone is placing some form of input can work, and work extremely well. It also helped me
hone in on creative thinking, as well as helping me through the creative process. I can honestly
say that during the creative process on our latest show I was able to pitch character and plot
ideas and bounce them off members of the group. This process taught me how to handle the
creative process. Also it taught me not to get attached or settle for every first idea, because
behind that initial thought lies untapped potential that will often prove to be better and more in
depth then what your first idea was. I found that this was never more true then in this show, you
can ask anyone at the first meetings and they will tell you how much the show has changed since
day one until now.
5.What do you think of Dave Coonan both personally and professionally? is there anything you
have learned from him?
I think Dave Coonan is a great teacher of the arts as well as a creative force to be
reckoned with. He is also really easy to talk to. Personally, he is a great guy who truly cares
about his shows and actors and wants only to see them flourish. Professionally, he places 110%
into every project he puts himself in. He truly cares for the individual as well as the whole in every
production. I’ve learned a lot from him about the creative process (the whole never settle on your
first idea rant I went on above this question, yeah that was through Coonan’s teaching and
observing his train of thought through the creative process that I learned that). Dave Coonan
gave me my first leading role in a main production back at my high school. He helped me hone in
on raw potential to deliver an emotional and very real performance. Him taking this chance on me
made me work twice as hard and take my skill of acting to the proverbial next level.
6.What do you think of Mike Pagano both personally and professionally? is there anything you
have learned from him?
Mike Pagano is a creative genius. There is no subject matter or human emotion that goes
unturned when creating a show with Mike. You always find yourself laughing at even the
stupidest of things when you are around Mike, he just has that talent to turn the most mundane
things into funny comedic elements. Personally, Mike is truly a great guy with a heart of gold who
cares about everyone with the same compassion and can always make you laugh.
Professionally, Mike is a comic powerhouse. He knows how to make you laugh while feeling
uncomfortable, he knows how to find the funny in almost every situation. Yet, he also knows
when the dramatic elements of life come into play and how to use those moments in a comedic
satire. Through this I believe Mike captures human nature with a brave execution that allows the
audience to both laugh and reflect on the frailty of life and our emotions. I have learned how to
put a show together through Mike, and I truly believe that through working with Mike I have
become a better creative force. Just by putting a show together with him I have acquired new
skills as well as expanded pre-existing ones. I can honestly say it is always a pleasure working
with Mike and the Paradoja crew.
7. What do you think of John Ortiz both personally and professionally? is there anything you have
learned from him?
John Ortiz is a funny guy and a versatile comedic actor. He can play anything from the
crazy person in the scene, to the scared person, he can even play the serious one. All of this
plays into the importance of the scene and helps to create the desired end product. I call him The Big Easy, mainly because lets face it The Big Easy Ortizy sounds pretty awesome but also he is so easy to work with. He throws himself into everything he is a part of. Personally, Ortiz is a funny guy who is easy to get along with. He isn’t afraid to make fun of himself or those around him.
Professionally, he is kind and hard working and brings a lot of creative energy to the table. I
learned how important it is to be able to be a versatile actor within the comic realm.
8.What’s the atmosphere like during a rehearsal?
The atmosphere during rehearsals is an interesting one. There is always tons of energy. I
want to say it’s laid back while being professional. I know anyone who has done theatre before is
probably reading this going, “What? That can’t be right, that isn’t possible?” but somehow
Paradoja accomplishes this with amazing end results.
9. How has Paradoja allowed you to showcase/explore you individual talent?
As I have said before, everyone brings something to the table. We don’t expect everyone
to be able to write an entire show, but what we do expect is for everyone to contribute. This
allows for everyone’s talents to shine and create this amazing end product. I feel like especially
with this show I got to showcase my creative ability in both story telling and character
development. I was able to place input in plot and characters. Through Paradoja’s creative cycle I was able to place my input/ideas and bounce them off members of the group. It was an awesome experience.
RSS Feed
