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.