The StageLync Podcast

Donna is an award winning thought leader, writer and strategist for community engagement, audience development and social justice. She is President of Walker International Communications Group, Inc., a 40 year old boutique marketing and audience development consulting agency for arts and culture. Her client base is global and she is an Adjunct Professor at New York University and Columbia University. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Imogen Ross is an Australian freelance theatre designer, researcher and maker whose practice spans over three decades of scenographic work for stage and site-specific performance. She writes and researches APDGreen Conversations, a national online platform to promote ecological approaches in Australian performance design for the Australian Production Design Guild, and in 2022 was appointed Sustainability Manager at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (N.I.D.A.). There she works closely with course leaders to embed eco-creative sustainable thinking processes and the Theatre Green Book into the curriculum, as well as helping the entire institution achieve its Net Zero de-carbonisation targets. In 2025, Imogen presented her design-led research on SCOBY as a living material for ecoscenography at World Stage Design in Sharjah, UAE, where she also initiated and then hosted the Green Conversation Café - an opportunity for designers and performance makers to sit together and share ideas on the impact of climate change, and greener practices in their work. She has published on scenography, co writing Performance Design in Australia in 2001 with fellow designer Kristen Anderson, as well as contributing to international discourse on Australian performance practices with Dr Tanja Beer, the author of Ecoscenography. She is currently studying at Griffith University, with previous degrees awarded by U.N.E.(Drama and Psychology) and W.A.A.P.A. ( Production Design). Her research and design projects focus on sustainability and material innovation, often incorporating upcycled, found and nature-sourced elements. You can read more about Imogen’s work and research in this recent Arts Hub feature: https://www.artshub.com.au/news/features/from-set-design-to-touring-how-can-we-make-theatre-more-environmentally-sustainable-2851622/ Additional resources and writing on sustainable theatre and filmmaking can also be found via her APDG page: https://apdg.org.au/resources/apdgreen “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ryan Saab, Executive Vice President of Talent & Creative Casting for RWS Global, oversees recruitment for all live entertainment experiences within the company’s dynamic portfolio of large-scale entertainment operations. Ryan has nearly two decades of expertise in entertainment operations, casting, and creative development. His profound understanding of assembling incredible internal and external teams is evident in his extensive network of relationships, including celebrity talent, managers, publicists, trade organizations and talent agencies within the industry. Under the RWS Global umbrella, Ryan orchestrated the formation of ARC, a global theatrical and commercial casting powerhouse, contributing to over 1,000 notable films, television and commercial projects, more than 150 Broadway productions, and various national and international touring shows. ARC’s impressive roster includes major corporations such as Apple and Netflix, acclaimed Broadway and National tour productions like Othello, Life of Pi, Chicago the Musical, and Disney’s The Lion King, and iconic entertainment brands including the Radio City Rockettes.In his role at RWS Global, Ryan spearheads the entertainment operations, talent casting, creative development, and brand strategy for an extensive portfolio of live event experiences, spanning Broadway and cruise line productions, corporate events, as well as immersive installations and pop-ups across 150 venues. Notably, Ryan manages over 100 productions and turn-key entertainment operations for many of the world’s leading cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Cunard, Marella Cruises, Azamara Cruises, P+O Cruises and MSC Cruises. His leadership has been instrumental in successfully assembling and managing a robust internal entertainment team that manages over 8,000 singers, dancers, actors, musicians, technicians, creative team members, producers, and designers for all projects within the RWS Group with annual operating and developmental budgets exceeding $75M. Prior to joining RWS Global, Ryan served as the Head of Casting for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. As a key member of the Executive Producing Team, he played a pivotal role in the operations of existing shows and the full-scale execution of new productions, including a Broadway portfolio of shows. Ryan's dedication and exceptional contributions were formally recognized when he received Royal Caribbean's coveted 'Employee of the Year' award in 2018, a testament to his excellence in the cruise entertainment industry. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Dr Dorita Hannah is an independent academic and trans-disciplinary designer based in Aotearoa / New Zealand whose expertise lies in shaping contemporary cultural environments: particularly theatre architecture, public space and urban scenography. She has published on Performance Design and Event-Space with her latest co-authored book Perform_Design_Act coming out in the new year. Hannah’s ‘critical spatial practice’ involves devising and directing exhibitions, installations, performances, feasts, symposia and workshops. These have gained design awards and been regularly published and internationally exhibited. Her current research engages with decolonial theories and ‘performative spacing’ to acknowledge diverse communities and challenge familiar Western models of public architecture. https://doritahannah.academia.edu “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Tamara L Honesty is an Associate Professor of Scenic Design at West Virginia University’s School of Theatre & Dance. Her work has been featured in the World Stage Design digital gallery, the USA-USITT Prague Quadrennial Gallery Exhibit (alongside her students’ work), and USITT. Her notable scenic designs include An Evening with Groucho for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (broadcast on PBS), Merchant of Venice at Cleveland Play House, and the world premieres of This is Tom Jones! and Family Ties at the Human Race Theatre Company. In 2022, she designed the set for the Off-Broadway world premiere of The Memory Exam at 59E59 Theatres with Oberon Theatre Ensemble. Tammy currently serves as Treasurer for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and is a proud member of USA Local 829 as a scenic designer. In 2019, she led a Kent State student team painting a nearly full-scale, 3D-printed replica of Pio Fedi’s Liberty of Poetry, exhibited at the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Tammy also co-authored The Fake Food Cookbook: Props You Can’t Eat for Theatre, Film, and TV. Her second book, The Fake Food Cookbook Volume 2: Props You Can Eat for Theatre, Film and TV, is now available. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Luke has a 1st Class Honors Degree in Jacques Lecoq based physical theatre. He competed as a gymnast and trampolinist becoming zonal and national champion in the uk. Luke has been touring for the past 20 years across the world performing as an actor, Stunt, Circus, Acrobatics and Theatre practitioner with companies such as Cirque Du Soleil, Netflix, the BBC, universal studios and currently playing the lead in the new creation of house of dancing water. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Dr. Paolo Petrocelli (PhD, EMBA, FRSA) is an internationally recognized cultural leader, academic, and author. He is Head of Dubai Opera, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, and was recently knighted with Italy’s highest honor, the Order of Merit, for his contributions to culture and international cooperation. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and a European Young Leader by Friends of Europe, he has also been recognized by Fortune, Fast Company, and Arabian Business as one of the most influential cultural voices of his generation. With over 15 years of leadership experience across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the US, Paolo is Founder of EMMA for Peace, a leading nonprofit using music diplomacy to promote dialogue. He also serves as Cultural Advisor to Coldplay, lectures at universities including Yale, MIT, and the Sorbonne, and is a TEDx Speaker, Forbes contributor, and LinkedIn Top Voice. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Bence Vági, founder and artistic director of Recirquel Company. With a background in modern and classical dance, Bence Vági is a director-choreographer whose innovative approach to performing arts redefines the magic of theatre and circus in an original way for the contemporary audience. He has by now become one of the most defining figures of the international performing arts scene and the acclaimed representative of Hungarian circus and performing arts. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Sora (they/she) is a writer, speaker, model, face equity activist, producer, and circus performer whose work centers on challenging norms and celebrating difference. Living at the intersection of many identities—Japanese American, neurodivergent, queer, and facially different—Sora brings a unique and powerful perspective to every space they enter. As a career circus artist, Sora has navigated the complexities of race, gender, disability, and inclusion in a global industry that hasn’t always embraced difference. Despite facing discrimination—including being asked to cover their face or removed from shows—Sora continues to perform and speak on stages around the world, reminding us that difference is not just valuable—it’s essential. Their core belief in the wholeness of every human being shapes everything they do. Through storytelling, performance, and advocacy, Sora invites audiences to question the status quo, embrace nuance, and find community in unexpected places. They are passionate about shifting societal narratives and celebrating the deep wisdom that emerges when we live beyond binaries. Sora is the proud recipient of the 2024 David Roche Award for Excellence in Advocacy. When not speaking truth on stage or defying gravity in circus shows, they can be found hunting down the best snacks and reminiscing about that one time they ate dumplings in a circus costume on the streets of Shanghai with 50 international performers. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Sophie Duncan is an award-winning creative director, choreographer, and performer, excelling in theatre, circus, radio, TV, film, and special events. Specializing in Aerial Pole and Pole Dance, she has performed with Cirque du Soleil, Bebe Rexha, and at Glastonbury’s Opening Ceremony. Since 2021, she has toured globally with Florentina Holzinger’s productions, showcasing skills in stunts, harness work, and operatic vocals, while serving as associate choreographer for The Year Without Summer. Holding 11 pole dance titles, she is regarded as one of the UK’s top artists, particularly ifor her expressive storytelling, and dynamic routines. Sophie teaches at the National Centre for Circus Arts and hosts the Public Showering Podcast. Her choreography and direction span contemporary theatre, circus, and short films, with notable collaborations like ‘Columbinus', winner of Best Show at Bucharest’s Teen Theatre Festival. A skilled DJ and radio presenter, Sophie’s versatility and creativity make her a valuable asset to any production. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Natasha Tsakos is an award-winning showmaker at the nexus of theatrical adventure, technology, and impact, now expanding her practice into space. A creator, director, performer, and producer, she has electrified audiences and performed for global institutions including TED, the UN, G20 Summit, Discovery Channel, Tribeca Film Festival and Cirque du Soleil. With experience at NASA, MIT, and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, Tsakos is developing “PARABOLES”, the first research-based multimedia performance in microgravity. Her mission: to develop utterly original theatrical experiences for space environments. www.NatashaTsakos.com “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

A former ballet dancer turned journalist, scholar, and organizational consultant, Theresa Ruth Howard is the founder of MoBBallet (Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet) and has been recognized by The New York Times as a “force for change” in the dance world. Her visionary work in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism (IDEA) has catalyzed institutional change across the industry, advancing cultural reform in ballet and increasing representation. As President of From Here to Diversity, Inc., she has worked as an organizational consultant with companies including Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, English National Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada. Since curating Reframing the Narrative at the Kennedy Center in 2022, she has continued her curatorial work there with Pathways to Performance (2024), the choreographic initiative she developed to platform Black choreographers. Her latest initiative, The Oasis Dance Journal: A Home for Conscious Critique and Ethical Commentary, addresses the critical need for culturally competent writing in the dance ecosystem. Merging artistry and advocacy, Howard continues to reshape the cultural landscape of ballet, fostering systemic accountability and inclusive dialogue across the field. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

With over 40 years of experience and success in the performing arts industry, Richard Dagenais has contributed to the creation of international live shows across permanent and touring venues, corporate and touristic events, family entertainment centers, and theme parks. He is well versed in leading diverse creative processes and guiding teams through complex artistic challenges. Born and raised in Montreal, Richard began his career as a professional dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, performing worldwide and working with some of the industry’s leading choreographers. Following a decade on stage, he transitioned into creative leadership, spending 18 years with Cirque du Soleil as Head of Auditions, Senior Artistic Director, and Senior Creative Director. He later worked in Dubai on Franco Dragone’s La Perle before joining Cirque Éloize as Vice-President of Creation from 2021 to 2025. Now semi-retired, Richard continues to share his expertise as a director of creation, stage director, and speaker, taking on select contracts while enjoying a new chapter in his career. “ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version: https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396” @stagelync The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com Credits for the StageLync Podcast Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis