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Profile: Dave Coonan

8/23/2013

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1. Describe the rehearsal process.

    The rehearsal process is very collaborative. It's one part open forum where ideas are exchanged, and one part clearly focused traditional rehearsal. Both parts lead to the same result-the best show we can deliver.

2. Describe your Paradoja experience.

    I've been with it since the beginning and was part of helping it come to life, so my experience is a little different than everyone else's (except Mike, of course). My role as producer/director is to make sure that what you see on stage is true to the vision in our heads. That being said, I've had the privilege of watching some very, very talented young people develop their talents within our unique world. Mike Pagano has gone from "kid with a dream" to "creative force" and one of the most exciting performers on this long island of ours (bold statement, yes, but those who would disagree have never seen him). The entire cast is phenomenal, and having worked with many of them before Paradoja, it's a great thrill for me to continue to see them and create theater with them.

3. What sets Paradoja apart from other shows?

    It's unique, original, and unlike anything happening around it. The only thing like Paradoja is Paradoja. The concept is unique, the collaboration is unique, and it's fearless.

4. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

    Only Mike can truly answer this question.

5. Do you have a favorite character or scene?

    "The Barber of Seville" from Paradoja: Grindhouse, and "Growing Up" from Vice Versa.

6. What have you learned from Paradoja?

    It's made me a better director, producer, and tech director. Finding creative solutions for our shows is something that I very much enjoy. Technically, we've gotten better and better with each production. I've learned that with some creativity and a dedicated team, magic 
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Profile: Scott Eisenberg

8/23/2013

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1. Describe the rehearsal process.

    The rehearsal process doesn't feel like a process. Calling it that, I feel gives it a negative feeling. What Paradoja rehearsals feels more like a family just hanging and letting the ideas flow. So the best way that I would describe it is a group that enjoys hanging out with each other and getting ideas together to put on an awesome show.

2. Describe your Paradoja experience.

    The Paradoja experience for me has always been to stay close to a group of people I really do care about. Performing and making people laugh is just a sweet bonus. I really could talk about a ton of moments from Paradoja 0 onward but that might take up like 5 pages so I'll just end this thought with I'm still enjoying the ride and I don't want it to stop.

3. What sets Paradoja apart from other shows?

    This one can answered a lot easier than the last one. What separates a Paradoja show is you don't truly know what to expect. You could think one thing and have that thought completely shoved back in your face the next minute. Even with being involved in the shows I never know what is going to come next and I actually enjoy that. Let's live life on the edge!!!

4. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

     The philosophy of Paradoja is that it doesn't matter what race, gender, sex or any of those other things that society classifies us as, we should all be able to produce a comedic thought provoking show for the masses.

5. Do you have a favorite character or scene?

    Do I have a favorite character or scene from Paradoja? Well, anything Mr. Pagano plays always gets a laugh out of me. So I'll say MIKE.

6. What have you learned from Paradoja?

    Is to always be ready for what comes next even
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Profile: Frankie Sparks

8/23/2013

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1. Describe the rehearsal process.

    Paradoja rehearsals are a fun and in-depth process. Everyone really gets into their characters and bounces ideas off each other. It's a very open and creative environment to be in. You feel safe to put yourself out there with any character choices, thoughts you might have about scenes, etc. And being surrounded by friends just makes it all the more awesome.

2. Describe your Paradoja experience.

    Paradoja has allowed me to meet and work with some of the funniest, craziest people I've ever met. I have loved every minute of being in the big, talented Paradoja family. I've participated in both the cast and crew in past Paradoja shows, and look forward to doing so in the future.

3. What sets Paradoja apart from other shows?

    Quite simply, Paradoja is open, honest, and makes no apologies. If it's offensive, so be it. If it's over-the-top, so be it. If it's filthy, oh well. It's us. We just want to put ourselves out there and we want the audience to have fun with it. And maybe once in a while, take their minds to places they haven't been before.

4. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

     Be fearless. Don't let anybody or anything hold you back. Since I've joined Paradoja, I have seen multiple talented people put their hearts out on stage time and time again. It's inspired me to stay in the fight against my own occasional awkwardness and nervousness. 

5. Do you have a favorite character or scene?

    Of course I love all of the characters, but I have to say a couple of my favorites are John Ortiz' Kim Jong Il, and Mike Pagano's "dirty priest" character from Exodus Event. 

6. What have you learned from Paradoja?

    I have learned to be confident in myself and my abilities. A few years ago, I went through a very difficult personal time. As a result of that, I had gone on "creative silence". I felt no desire to write, sing, or do any artwork at all. I had no inspiration and a dampened spark. But then I went to see Paradoja Grindhouse and laughed hysterically as a bunch of my friends put on this amazing show. After seeing all the hard work they'd done, I knew I wanted to be a part of Paradoja. This group has reawakened my creativity and I am forever grateful for that. Paradoja has taught me that holding on to your passion isn't 
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Profile: Cynthia Racz

8/23/2013

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1. Describe the rehearsal process.

    It's very different. You get to come up with things on your own, you're never alone. You are always working with other people, which really helps develop your character.

2. Describe your Paradoja experience. 

    It's been interesting. It's been funny, shocking at times, but ever since I first joined, it's helped me out with things in my life. This group is a good support system.

3. What sets Paradoja apart from other shows?

    We have no limits. We just go with the flow.

4. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

     There is a message to be yourself, not care what others think.

5. Do you have a favorite scene or character?

    One of my favorite scenes is "America's Got Evil". It shows what Paradoja is about. It just pushed limits, it lets you be funny and serious, and get to talk about stupid things.

6. What have you learned from Paradoja?

    I've learned that it's okay to be yourself and that you should accept everyone for who the


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Profile: Alexis Jacobsen

8/23/2013

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1. Describe the rehearsal process.

      It's very in depth. We get more into our characters. It's more personal, and we get less direction and more freedom creatively to do more for our character.

2. Since this is your first show with Paradoja, how has your experience been?

     So far, it's excellent. Everyone is really open, friendly, and very welcoming. 

3. How would you describe your Paradoja experience as an audience member?

     The shows themselves speak to the audience. They connect on a very human level with the topics that they discuss. That's what theatre should do.The shows can strike a nerve. Some people may find that discomforting because it may come close to crossing a boundary but everyone is different. It's revolutionary.

4. What sets Paradoja apart from other shows?

     It's so personal, there's almost no rules. It's run by young people and some people never get the chance to work or experience theatre so Paradoja gives those people that opportunity. 

5. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

     I think the philosophy is dare to be different and cross boundaries that need to be crossed. Show the world differences that need to be shown. 

6. Since you are a singer, who is your inspiration?

My inspiration for singing is Ariel from "The Little Mermaid". I have loved the movie since I was little. 

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Profile:  Marco Amato

8/23/2013

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1. Describe the rehearsal process.

     There's free reign but there is control. We're given the opportunity to express our ideas and our talents, and we're also able to give people a chance to showcase their talents. We help each other out. We work hard, find our strong and weak points and work to improve them. Compared to rehearsals at my high school, our rehearsal process is very different. It's more collaborative. 

2. Describe your Paradoja experience. 

     It's been really exciting for me. I get to work with very creative people that have crazy, creative ideas. Together, Mike and Coonan work to create very funny and meaningful works of art out of those ideas. It's very inspiring. 

3. What sets Paradoja apart from other show? 

     The way it blends comedy and drama, the way it keeps the audience laughing, but while it keeps them thinking. It's a brave thing to do; to say things we say in a tasteful manner without suffering any consequences. 

4. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

     A lot of different ideas and philosophies go into Paradoja. General themes of tolerance and going against the norm, believing in yourself, even if society doesn't. Those are consistent themes throughout the shows. I think it's all intentional, it's what we want to get across. It's done through theatre.

5. Do you have a favorite character or scene?

     I really enjoyed the work from "Vice Versa". I was in a hospital scene starring John Ortiz as a man on his deathbed. It was a great blend of comedy and drama. 

6. Do you have any inspirations for acting, writing, or creative thinking?

     It has taught me how to collectively work together with a group and combine different ideas to form a coherent story, which reflects the ideals and beliefs of all those involved.
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Profile: Chris Pagan

8/23/2013

1 Comment

 
1. Describe the rehearsal process.

     It's fairly easy, very fun. You get to bounce ideas off of each other to develop,a character or add to the story. I enjoy working with everybody. We work together as a team.

2. Describe your Paradoja experience.

     I've worked on other shows at community theaters and in high school. Paradoja is different. It's more of a collaboration, and we perform and create original work. It allows more room for creativity.

3. What sets Paradoja apart from other shows?

     We don't stick entirely to the script. We make our own jokes instead of saying ones that are written for us. It's more freeing. 

4. What is Paradoja's philosophy?

     Each show has a different message. We try to cover topics that are relevant, things that are happening in our society. The philosophy is getting the truth out, addressing real issues with silly characters. 

5. Do you have a favorite character or scene?

     My favorite character is Patient 717 from "Vice Versa". It's also my favorite scene. It shows that not everything has to be serious, there is room for comedy. 

6. Do you have any inspirations for acting, writing, or for creative thinking?

     I don't really have one, it changes because I play different characters so I can't really pick one. 

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