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Profile: Michael Pagano

4/14/2016

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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.
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Profile: Frankie Sparks

4/8/2016

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1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

- Paradoja has always been a place where I can be 100% myself. It's a place where I can branch out and grow as an artist. To put it simply, Paradoja means having the opportunity to be truly fearless on stage.

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

- I've been involved in Paradoja almost since the beginning. I believe the first show I was in was Exodus Event.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups? 

- Paradoja is an open and honest group that makes no apologies. Whether our material is filthy, over the top, or truly thought provoking (sometimes it's all three) it is authentic. Our goal is to put ourselves out there and we want the audience to have fun with it. And maybe even take their minds to new places.

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

- It's been a crazy ride, but I feel like with every show our group improves and our material evolves. I only hope it continues to grow in years to come.


5. What have you learned from Paradoja?

- I have learned to be confident in myself and in my abilities. Not just as an actor, but as a writer and director as well. I am so grateful to Paradoja for all the opportunities it's given me to grow.

6. What's the rehearsal process like?

- 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. And being surrounded by friends just makes it all the more awesome.

7. How did you get started with Paradoja?


- A few years ago, I was going through a very tough time. As a result of that, I had gone on "creative silence". I felt no desire to write, sing, act, 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.

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

- I started off doing crew, but I eventually worked my way into the cast and eventually became a cowriter and director!

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?

- Yes, definitely. It’s exactly what I thought it would be, trying new things, exploring the world through different things.

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

- He’s a brother to me, so happy to have him in my life. He’s easy to work with and I always have a great time with him. Plus, he has dope taste in music.

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Profile: Mike Themistocleous

4/8/2016

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1. Describe what Paradoja Studios means to you.

- Paradoja has become a second home for me. It’s a place to go to and just experience and say what you want. It’s a voice, an important one for all of us.

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

- I just joined right before the first show. I played bass for the opening and began to work as a crew and eventually cast.

3. What sets Paradoja Studios apart from other groups?

​- I just think Paradoja doesn’t give a shit what people think. We put together a show for ourselves really, and hope the audience can connect. Then, it’s onto the next show. We don’t want to be caught in the same thing, like clockwork. We want to evolve and take chances. I’m not accusing other troupes from not taking chances. There are so many great troupes out there.

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

- Really rewarding, for sure. I can say that I’ve helped put together original dramas, slapstick comedies, screwball comedies, farcical ones, etc. It started with such a small cast and crew and now we’re a giant family. I’m super stoked with the way things have turned out.

5. What have you learned from Paradoja so far?

- I’ve learned to actually try. I would never go on stage and perform, but now I know it’s alright. It’s alright to fuck up. It’s alright to do whatever you want as long as you can be proud of it.

6. What is the rehearsal/meeting process like?

- It’s like a family party you actually want to go to. Fun, crazy, but still productive.

7. How did you get started with Paradoja?

- I was on vacation, messaging Mike Pagano asking him about the show and how I was going to see it. Eventually, he asked me to be a part of the show.

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

- Both! We’re all both really, haha

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?

- Yes, definitely. It’s exactly what I thought it would be, trying new things, exploring the world through different things.

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

- He’s a brother to me, so happy to have him in my life. He’s easy to work with and I always have a great time with him. Plus, he has dope taste in music.
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