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.
- 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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