Summary: In this episode, trans creatives Jesse James Keitel and Candido Cornejo Jr. discuss the importance of intentional casting and authentic representation in Hollywood. They explore the challenges faced by trans and non-binary artists, the significance of advocacy, and the need to break stereotypes in casting. The conversation highlights personal experiences and the ongoing efforts to educate the industry on trans representation, emphasizing the humanity and talent of individuals beyond their identities. In this conversation, Candido and Jesse share the challenges and nuances of casting in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the representation of trans and non-binary actors. They explore the importance of intentional casting, the need for training and development opportunities, and the emotional burdens that come with being a representative of a community. The discussion also touches on personal aspirations within the industry and the joy of acting despite the challenges faced.

Takeaways

• Intentional casting is crucial for authentic representation.
• Trans creatives face unique challenges in Hollywood.
• Advocacy can be a natural byproduct of being oneself.
• Breaking stereotypes is essential for diverse storytelling.
• The industry often reduces trans identities to tokenism.
• Education on trans issues is still necessary in the industry.
• Personal experiences shape professional journeys in the arts.
• Representation must go beyond visibility to include authenticity.
• Trans stories should be told by trans individuals.
• Navigating identity in the workplace requires courage and clarity. We need time, we need money, we need resources.
• There is a space for you that you can be an actor.
• Intentional casting can ease emotional burdens.
• Being a trans woman has been the biggest gift to my career.
• We need to start questioning what is your intention with this?
• We need more training and development opportunities.
• It's important to remember what makes us happy.
• Acting is so fun, but I absolutely hate Hollywood.
• The duality of being different can be both a gift and a burden.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Trans Creatives in Hollywood
02:06 - Intentional Casting and Authentic Representation
06:14 - Navigating Identity and Career Challenges
10:04 - The Role of Advocacy in the Arts
14:04 - Breaking Stereotypes in Casting
17:54 - Educating the Industry on Trans Representation
21:48 - Personal Experiences and Professional Challenges
28:12 - The Challenge of Finding Talent
31:03 - Encouraging Diversity in Acting
34:35 - The Burden of Representation
37:54 - Intentional Casting and Its Importance
40:35 - Dreams and Aspirations in the Industry
45:46 - The Duality of Being Different
50:00 - Finding Joy in the Journey

Connect with Candido on Instagram
Connect with Jesse on Instagram
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Connect with Grant on

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, casting executive and producer Kim Williams shares her journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, representation, and storytelling. She discusses her unique approach to casting, the significance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in advocating for diversity. Kim also reflects on her career experiences, the role of mentorship, and her aspirations for the future, all while encouraging creatives to embrace opportunities and stay true to themselves.

Takeaways

• Kim Williams emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling.
• She believes in saying yes to opportunities to build a career.
• Navigating personalities in collaboration is crucial for success.
• Understanding one's identity helps in making informed decisions.
• Casting is about bringing characters to life, not just matching actors to roles.
• Diversity and representation are central to her casting philosophy.
• Kim advocates for authenticity in casting decisions.
• She finds talent in various aspects of her life, not just auditions.
• The casting director's role is vital in shaping narratives.
• Mentorship and legacy are important to her as she guides others.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Kim Williams and Her Journey
03:06 - The Role of a Casting Director
05:51 - Navigating Opportunities and Scarcity Mindset
09:00 - Instincts in Project Selection
11:51 - Collaboration and Navigating Personalities
15:06 - The Impact of Storytelling on Audiences
17:53 - Authenticity and Representation in Casting
21:06 - Finding Talent and the 'It' Factor
23:53 - The Importance of Casting in Film
27:08 - Mentorship and Legacy in the Industry
30:03 - Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
32:48 - Future Goals and Aspirations
36:03 - Lightning Round and Personal Insights

Connect with Kim on Instagram
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website

The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
The Lee Agency - Press Agent
Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, hosts Grant and Caroline engage in a profound conversation with director Sammi Cannold, and actor Liam Pearce about their experiences with the groundbreaking Broadway production, How to Dance in Ohio. They explore the journey of the show from its documentary roots to its Broadway success, emphasizing the importance of neurodiversity and authentic representation in theater. The discussion delves into the casting process, the significance of creating an inclusive environment for autistic individuals, and the impact of the show on audiences and the industry. Sami and Liam share their insights on identity, accessibility, and the future of storytelling in theater, highlighting the transformative power of art to foster understanding and connection.

Takeaways

• The importance of authentic representation in theater.
• Creating a role as an autistic actor is groundbreaking.
• The journey of How to Dance in Ohio is deeply personal.
• Inclusivity in casting leads to a richer creative process.
• The show aims to change perceptions of autism in society.
• Accessibility for audiences is crucial for engagement.
• The collaborative nature of the production was unique.
• Neurodiversity should be embraced in all creative spaces.
• The mission of the show is to foster understanding.
• Future productions should continue the conversation about autism.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to In the Podlight
01:00 - The Journey of How to Dance in Ohio
06:05 - Casting and Production Process
09:50 - Identity and Representation in Theater
15:08 - Creating an Inclusive Environment
19:54 - Audience Accessibility and Engagement
24:51 - Future Aspirations and Impact of the Show
30:07 - Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Sammi on Instagram
Connect with Liam on Instagram
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website

Check out How To Dance in Ohio on their website
Check out &Juliet on their website

The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
The Lee Agency - Press Agent
Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.