1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

- Paradoja is my baby, it means a hell of a lot to me and the fact that there are others, who this also means a lot to them is wonderful. It's my way of helping me deal with a lot that I have gone through. I'm lucky that I found a way to channel my thoughts and feelings into something positive and now I'm not the only one who does this. I'm so happy that others have now channeled their own feelings into Paradoja. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. I like to say that Paradoja is our tribe and our stage is the    campfire. We go out into the world, and come back to our tribe and tell others what we have found. It's connecting with another human being and telling them you're not alone cause I hurt too, I laugh too, I cry too, I'm scared too. Lets go into the dark together and light our comedy candle and find that there is a laugh out here. 

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- As the creator I guess you can say I was the first member. I been a member since the theatre gods told me I'm pregnant and now I have a lot of kids…it’s a big family.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- I guess it naturally was gonna be different from other groups by the fact that it was created by someone who didn’t even like being in a group, yup I'm talking about me!. I've never been a person who liked being a part of groups, whether it be a religion, a sports team, a political party. No school pride, or pride in nationality. I've always been an individual. So even though Paradoja is a group, I made sure it’s a group of people who are true individuals and that is something that will always be important to me. Many times I hangout with them one on one, because they are my friends first and Paradoja members second. So when we are all together, it becomes something special. We live in a time where the individual is cherished less and less. One of the many things I teach our Paradoja family is that your are important, you have your own point of view and artsitic expression and I want you to embrace that. 

4. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- I try to make it as fun and relaxing as I can. As the leader, I need to set the tone. I gotta be positive, chill and have fun. I believe if I do that, then there is much more of a possibility that everyone else will be positive, chill and will have fun. Cause if they see that the guy who has the biggest job to do isn't getting negative, then there is no reason why anyone should be. I like to have music playing at the meets. I want everyone to feel like they can try out things, throw ideas around without the fear of anyone putting them down. I applaud risk taking and its good to experiment. Don’t get worried about what the audience will think, the important thing is how you feel. I think when people are comfortable, then the creative process is more productive. You can have fun and still get work done. 

5.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- I got started with Paradoja by….starting Paradoja.

6. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

- We never met, but I get a little closer to meeting him after each Paradoja show. I'm the closest now, then I have ever been.

1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

​- It's my something. I go to a community college, work at an office, and struggle to get by like anybody else. But this is my thing right now to work for and show my friends, family, and anybody willing to watch and I'm proud just to show myself.

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- "Moments in the Mayhem" will be my first show so I'm only a couple rehearsals in, but I have a strong feeling of what's coming.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- You will never see a zanier and fowler, but more sincere group of people doing what they love than you will see in Paradoja.

4. What does it feel like to be apart of this group? Have you experienced anything like this before?

- Not even close. Before this I'd only done theater in middle/high school but there was never this level of spirit collectively put into one outlet.

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- There is not a single part of you that you shouldn't put out there. Doesn't matter if it's the raunchiest, darkest, or sappiest thing you have. For your sake and possibly someone else's, it's gotta be out there.

​6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- We get together at one of our houses and get right into it, breaking off into different groups to focus on specific scenes and ideas. You're only working with a few people at a time so it's very personal, but constructive and the environment is so comfortable. At some point we usually enjoy a couple pies of pizza. Ohhhh, the pizza. At the end, we show everybody what we worked on and everything comes together.

7.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- The ever-wonderful Marco Amato offered me an audition with the (also) ever-wonderful Mike Pagano and it worked out well enough for me to join. P.S. There was pizza there too.

8. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- Cast which is still somewhat unfamiliar to me, but this is the best way to get used to it. I'll definitely be bringing some of my past crew experience to the stage as well.

9. What are you looking to get out of the Paradoja experience? 

- There's this thing I think often to convince myself to trust my gut and it's to do something not just for experience, but because it's of the world and if I'm given the chance to have that, to take it or be a certain somewhere. The thing with Paradoja is that it is it's own world, so I'm taking in something entirely different and I just hope to take in as much as I can and be in so many places because of it.

10. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

​- Before I worked with him, I only saw Mike Pagano perform and outside a couple small talks, that was it. I didn't know who exactly I was watching and who's mind I was trying to figure out and I still don't. But I do know, because of him, that everything you are channeled through what you love to do is the greatest thing you can give to yourself and the world.

1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

​- Paradoja is a safe place, a creative outlet. It is a place that I know that I will always be heard and respected. Going to one of our meetings, it’s like entering a whole other world. It means everything to me. It is another home, a family.

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- I have been around since the beginning of this group, back in 2010.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- I think the biggest thing that sets Paradoja apart from any other group is that everyone is apart of everything. In most other groups, everyone has their position and that is that. Here, everyone can contribute to whatever part of the show process that they may have an idea for. No idea goes unheard.

4. What has it been like to see Paradoja Studios grow, develop and change over the past years?

- It has been an amazing experience. I have been around since the start of this group, so I have had the pleasure of getting to work with every single member that has ever been a part of this group. We have had some amazing talent come through this group and it just continues to grow. When this group first started it was just a small group of Hicksville kids. Now we have begun to expand to other towns and schools. Past and present, we have had dozens of members and Paradoja has come to mean so much to all of them. On top of that, when we first started we mostly just did comedy. But as the years went on, we began to grow and work on more dramatic and serious pieces as well. Now, I would like to say that we have come to find the perfect blend of comedy and drama.

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I have learned a lot over the last six years, but the biggest thing that this group had taught me is to never be afraid to express myself and to never hold back.

6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- Well, in the beginning we usually end up sitting around the room in a big circle. We read through the scenes and everyone says what they think. Eventually, ideas just start flying around the room. This is how we have come up with some of our best work and it’s great because everyone gets there opinions heard. As the process continues, we will vary from all focusing on one sketch at a time, to splitting up into different rooms to work on various sketches. It can get kind of chaotic sometimes, but I have learned that from chaos, can come the greatest work.

7.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- A very good friend of mine, Chris Pagan recruited me for tech for our first show, Paradoja’s Grindhouse. And the rest is history.  

8. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- I am the all around tech girl for our productions. 

9. If you look back to when you first joined Paradoja, do you think Paradoja Studios turned in to what you thought it was going to?

- No, definitely not. It turned into so much more. When this first started, I never expected it to be something that we continued to do for what has now been six years. This group has grown from this small group of friends performing Mike’s work, to a community wide group that has come to really be known by people. 

10. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

​- Mike is our fearless leader. But to me he is a lot more than that, he’s my brother. It’s weird for me to think about how back in 2010, when I first joined Paradoja I barely knew him. Mike is truly one of the greatest people that I know. He has literally welcomed strangers into his home for every show that Paradoja Studios has put on. He is the type of person that will always be there for you and always accept you, no matter who you are. There isn’t a bad thing that I could say about him. He has taught me that you can get through anything as long as you have something that you’re passionate about. He has taught me that there is nothing that you can’t overcome, you can always find a reason to laugh, and that with him in your life you are always going to have a friend by your side. ​

​1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

- To me, Paradoja Studios is not a physical thing but more of a mentality or way of life. It is all about the love of each other and the love of the art. It is a group of people that are willing to move mountains to help each other and share their talents with the community.

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- I have been a member of the Paradoja family I like to think (unofficially) since the show Vice Versa in 2012 when I was a first time audience member. However, in January of 2014 I contributed for the first time in the show Monster Men and Wicked Women.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- Paradoja Studios is different from other groups because the end product isn’t always what matters. Of course, a perfect show would be wonderful, however, it is understood that it is not always possible. The objective is to entertain but also learn. To learn as a group from our mistakes, errors, and enjoyments.

4. What has it been like to see Paradoja Studios grow, develop and change over the past few years? 

- I have seen a number of people come and go through the productions that I have both witnessed and been a part of. It is really remarkable to see how the studio has grown and expanded its members that would never been expected to join (like me).

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I have an immense amount not only about myself, but many of my closest friends and family.  Paradoja Studios gave me a chance, that I thought would never occur.  Paradoja has taught me to be more humble, confident and positive.  Since joining the group, I have continued to develop myself, both personally and professionally. 

6. What does it feel like to be apart of this group? Have you experienced anything like this before?

- I have never experienced anything like this before. I have never seen a more cohesive groups of misfits before. We are all from different groups and involved in so much yet we still work extremely well together and have great productions.

7. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I have learned so much so far from Paradoja. I have learned not only more about acting and how to expand my horizons as a performer but I also have learned a lot more about myself and who I am as a person.

8. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- The rehearsal process is interesting. It definitely isn’t what would be seen as normal to the regular person but it is effective. The thing is that these are skit shows, so it’s a bit easier to have rehearsals when people can’t be at rehearsals. It also can be a little confusing when it comes to actually being there because there can be so many different things going on at once. Overall, our rehearsals always end with progress made which is what rehearsals are there for.

9.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- I got started with Paradoja by first going to the shows, the first one being Vice Versa. I loved going and watching my best friends on stage. Then I got a mysterious message from Mike Pagano asking if I wanted to be a part of the upcoming show, Moster Men and Wicked Women!

10. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- I am mainly a member of the cast but always helping out with crew, since that is what I did in High School.

11. If you look back to when you first joined Paradoja, do you think Paradoja Studios turned in to what you thought it was going to?

- I never exactly expected Paradoja Studios to grow into what it is today but at the same time, I never really doubted that it could happen either.

12. What are you looking to get out of the Paradoja experience?

- I am looking to just have fun out of this entire experience. Life can be so stressful and hectic, its nice to have something to focus on that is purely enjoyment.

13. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

- Mike Pagano is one of the greatest people I have ever met. He is so open with what he loves. His determination and passion to complete everything that he sets his mind to is just inspiring. He has taught me that no matter what I do, to not let the critics and people get me down and just pursue whatever the hell I want to.

1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

- Paradoja is a magnificent opportunity, project and creation.  Paradoja is somewhere I can "go", forget about everything else going on in my life and have a good time.  Paradoja Studios is definitely a strange, crazy and epic creation.  Paradoja will always have a very special place in my heart.  Paradoja to me is not just a group of friends or peoples, it's a family.

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- I have had the absolute pleasure of being apart of Paradoja since the very beginning and I am thrilled that I can still be apart of it.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- Paradoja Studios is definitely not your average/ordinary group of people.  We don't do anything like other groups, except perform of course.  Our thought process, rehearsals, performances are definitely unique and different.  Paradoja is a place where we welcome all kinds of new talent and people.  Paradoja is a place that gives people an opportunity that they never got before.  We make our audiences question everything and we love every single minute of it!

4. What has it been like to see Paradoja Studios grow, develop and change over the past few years? 

- Paradoja Studios has most-certainly undergone some pretty cool changes over the years.  I joined this crazy, amazing and fun group when it was simply "Paradoja".  I have not only been apart of these changes, I've also watched them happen right before my eyes.  We started off as just a sketch comedy group.  We then developed, into thematic shows including comedy and drama.  Then, as a collaborative group, we continued to develop, try, and add new things.  Certain things worked and others did not, but it was all definitely a really awesome experience.  Paradoja Studios has continued to develop and change and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I have an immense amount not only about myself, but many of my closest friends and family.  Paradoja Studios gave me a chance, that I thought would never occur.  Paradoja has taught me to be more humble, confident and positive.  Since joining the group, I have continued to develop myself, both personally and professionally. 

6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- Rehearsals are not normal at all.  If you are looking for a group that you are going to sit in a circle and do a read through of the script, listen to every single note the director gives you and nothing else, then this is definitely not the group for you!  All of our rehearsals and meetings are very collaborative and open.  Each cast member or crew member gets an input, if they wish to provide one.  We work as a team on everything from the set design, the way lines are delivered, scene setup, and what music will be played before the show (it's not a Paradoja show without music!)

7.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- I got started with Paradoja by meeting it's creator Michael Pagano.  Mike and I met each other back in high school at a school talent show.  We started talking and immediately clicked.  I vividly remember Mike telling me about the group and inviting me over to his house to audition for the group.  I auditioned, was accepted and have been apart of the group ever since the first show!

8. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- I am a member of both the cast and the crew.  Anywhere I am wanted/needed, that is where you will find me.  I have done it all from assistant directing, lights, sound, cast, set design, run crew, music etc.  I currently serve as the website designer and program designer since moving to Ohio in July 2015.  I am very honored and privileged to still have an input in Paradoja.  It was very difficult moving away from some of my closest friends and family, but I still get to have a creative part of it and frequently video chat the Paradoja clan during rehearsals and meetings.

9. If you look back to when you first joined Paradoja, do you think Paradoja Studios turned in to what you thought it was going to?

- From the very beginning, I knew this would continue to develop and grow, but definitely not the way it has.  If you were to tell me that we would be doing our 8th original show this summer, I most-likely would not believe you.  I am psyched that it has developed into this amazing experience and can't wait to see where it goes from here!

10. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

- Well, Mike Pagano huh?  I could probably write endlessly about Michael Pagano.  I could probably talk for hours and hours, days and days, months and months, years and years (you get the point right?) about Mike.  I am so honored to call Mike not only a friend, but a "brother" as well.  I have known Mike for almost seven years.  Mike is an outstanding, funny and creative mastermind.  Mike and I share many ideals and beliefs.  Mike is honestly one of my biggest inspirations and I really do mean that.  Many people look up to a family member (I do too), but I also look up to Mike because he has taught me so many things that I will forever cherish and be grateful for.

1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

- Paradoja to me, means freedom. Freedom to be as big and bold as you can be. Freedom to create. To challenge. To take risks. Freedom to explore your soul and express yourself in the weirdest and most beautiful way possible.

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- This will be my second show coming up! Although I feel like I've been sort of like a distant cousin of the family for awhile, haha. I used to come to the shows back in high school and I always knew it was something truly special. I received the opportunity to be in the more "immediate" family last year. 

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- There is nothing that is even remotely close to Paradoja. It's not just one thing: it's everything! Paradoja doesn't offer limitations to its family. Whether you're a professional actor/writer/director or you're just someone who loves be part of something creative, Paradoja is for everyone. You don't have to meet any credentials...other than being a kind person. 

4. What has it been like to see Paradoja Studios grow, develop and change over the past few years? 

- I suppose I can consider myself of a sort-of veteran. I've seen probably about 3 Paradoja shows before performing in one. The material in the sketches, both comedic and dramatic: you just see blossom into something better and better each time. Even the performers, you see a great change in their abilities in storytelling. I think Paradoja has become more and more like a timeline of personal growth for Mike and the other members.

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- So, far I've learned how weird I actually am. Like the crazier a sketch is, the crazier I become. In a good way though! I've learned so much more about people and working as a real team from Paradoja.

6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- Rehearsals never feel like rehearsals. They're more like hangouts. We get together, each laugh a lot, talk a lot, share ideas about the sketches we are working on and then break off into different groups to work separately before coming together again to show each other the work we've done.

7.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- Marco Amato. I blame him for everything wonderful that's happened to me, haha. Marco invited me to the shows back in the day and last year encouraged me to finally audition for Mike. And the rest is history.

8. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- Member of the cast. This year I'll also be directing, though.

9. If you look back to when you first joined Paradoja, do you think Paradoja Studios turned in to what you thought it was going to?

-  I don't think you can really know where Paradoja is going to go next. Always keeps you on your feet, which is great!

10. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

- Mike Pagano is Mike Pagano. Haha, no! Well, yeah he is (obviously), but Mike is a very wonderful human being. He's an extraordinary talent and extraordinary person. He encourages my talent all the time, asking for my opinions and offering to look at my own writing. There's absolutely no judgement coming to him for anything. 

1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

​- Paradoja is the place to start for me. I have always been more interested in getting into behind the scenes work (ex directing/writing) and this feels like a safe space to experiment. It's a new beginning and a fresh start for me and I couldn't be any more excited!

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- Brand New, My first show will be "Moments in the Mayhem"

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- How accepting and encouraging everyone is. Yes, the theater world is a tough one, but being at Paradoja has really showed me the brighter side of it more than anything.

4. What does it feel like to be apart of this group? Have you experienced anything like this before? 

- It's nothing like anything I've been a part of. It's a really wonderful place to be and I'm happy I've been asked to be a part of it

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I've learned that literally anything is possible. Anything.

6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- I really enjoy how rehearsals and meetings are run. They're at friends houses and they're not so uptight and strict. I feel like because of that we get a lot of creative work done and it's still easy to be productive and have such an awesome time.

7.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- I was recruited by my incredible close friend Marco. I had seen shows in the past and talked to him about trying involved.

8. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- Both! I'm a Paradoja writer and director as well as an actress.

9. What are you looking to get out of the Paradoja experience?

- I'm looking for a way to expand my horizons. I've always loved writing but I've never had a space to produce what I've worked on. Also, more stage exposure at a local level is always a plus!

10. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

- Mike Pagano. I describe him to people as someone you want your rope tied to. He's incredible. I have only know him for the shortest time, but I wish it was so much more. He's a genius and you can see and hear it the second you meet him. He's motivating, caring and really makes anyone feel at home in the company. I know great things will come from him and I'm excited to see what the future holds!

1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

​- Paradoja to me means an opportunity to engage in uncensored, unrestricted, bold, and creative theatrical expression. Paradoja is a family for the outcasts and a promise to the audience that what they are about to witness onstage is unlike anything they’ve seen before.

2. How long have you been a member of the Paradoja family? 

- I have been a member of Paradoja Studios for over four years. I joined the group for the show Vice Versa.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- Paradoja has a unique style. A particular blend of comedy and drama. The dialogue has a distinct taste the way it is spoken and received by other characters. Paradoja is different because it encourages artistic exploration. It challenges its members to do things creatively that they had previously never thought themselves capable of doing. It is more than just a particular brand of theater. Paradoja is a distinctive perspective on the world around us.

4. What has it been like to see Paradoja Studios grow, develop and change over the past few years? 

- Watching Paradoja grow over the last several years has been incredible to say the least. What was once political satire and shock value farce has become conceptualized into something even deeper and more grandeur without losing its original roots and significance.  Paradoja has become something to be taken seriously. It has expectations and continues to deliver them more and more with each production it puts on. It has become bigger in both its cast size and its ideas and production. It’ s meaning remains the same as Paradoja continues to grow into itself, becoming wiser and more mature with each passing production.

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I have learned that I am capable of much more then I give credit for myself. I learned the value and essential need for a coherent group effort when creating a theatrical production, especially one from scratch. I have learned the importance of individual contributions and allowing room for error and potential change. Paradoja has taught me to respect my artistic expression, by challenging it.

6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- Rehearsals are quite different from your standard theater experiences. Having limited time in our actual show stage we utilize our fellow Paradoja Studio members house’s to rehearse in anticipation for our shows, usually months in advance.  Meetings may include rehearsing and blocking scenes, having writers room meetings or just go over the music that will be played in between scenes. The details are refined out by the entire cast and crews input. The flexibility of our schedules and the resourcefulness of our cast members allow for rehearsals to occasionally being infrequent, but always efficient and professional.

7.  How did you get started with Paradoja?

- I started my relationship with Paradoja Studios in 2012 joining to be a part of the show Vice Versa. I met Mike Pagano at a thespian party and he detailed to me what Paradoja was all about. I was instantly hooked and knew I wanted to be a part of this incredibly insane group of misfits!

8. Are you a member of the cast or crew?

- I am lead writer for Paradoja Studios as well as an actor, director and occasional crew men when assistance is required.

9. If you look back to when you first joined Paradoja, do you think Paradoja Studios turned in to what you thought it was going to?

- In all honesty YES! I always knew Paradoja would continue to grow and enlarge into something strange and spectacular. I am humbled to have had even the smallest hand in helping make it what it has become today and what it is going on to be in the future.

10. What do you think of Mike Pagano? What have you learned from him personally and professionally?

- I could write an entire paper on what I think of Mike Pagano, but I will keep it short for the sake of this interview.  Mike is an extraordinary otherworldly human being. He has a passion for creating and a compassion for nurturing other’s talent. He is a brave and fearless leader and a dear friend. Mike took theater by the balls and made it what he wanted it to be. His vision, however dark or bizarre it may be has incredible worth and significance in this world. I could never repay him for breathing life into Paradoja and setting it free onto this earth for all of us to enjoy.