S03E23 - Meet Brooke Echnat

In this conversation, John C. Lyons interviews Brooke Echnat, exploring her journey from a performer to a director in the immersive theater space, including her experiences at Disney. The discussion highlights her artistic evolution, significant projects, and the impact of mentorship on her career. Brooke shares her journey as a teaching artist and director, detailing her experiences with various theater companies, including City Theater and Vigilance Theater Group. She discusses her transition into directing, her involvement in unique productions like Campfire Stories and Hyde, and her recent training at the National Theatre Institute.TakeawaysArtistic evolution is essentialMentorship shapes career paths Emphasis on arts educationImportance of collaboration in theaterChapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:56 Early Artistic Journey06:00 Transition to Directing09:01 Experiences at Disney14:56 The Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser20:00 Working on the Disney Wish26:00 Reflections and Future Aspirations30:03 Teaching Artist Journey34:03 Discovering Vigilance Theatre36:11 Campfire Stories: A Unique Experience39:15 Transition to Directing42:00 Developing Hyde: A New Challenge46:01 National Theatre Institute Experience50:14 Returning to Directing at Bucknell52:23 Looking Ahead: Future ProductionsPublished on November 12, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, host John C. Lyons checks in with filmmakers Jill Killington and Jacob Perrett about their latest projects, discussing the challenges of independent filmmaking, the importance of collaboration, and the intricacies of editing and marketing their films. The conversation delves into the complexities of film production, focusing on funding, distribution, and innovative marketing strategies. The participants share insights on navigating the film industry, emphasizing the importance of proactive promotion and community engagement.TakeawaysIndependent films face distribution challengesCollaboration is key in filmmaking Importance of proactive marketingNavigating film distribution challengesChapters00:00 Introduction and Halloween Fun02:25 Film Updates: Jacob's Photo Negative11:36 Jill's Mr. and Mrs. Death: Editing Insights18:09 Marketing and Collaboration in Indie Films24:24 Funding and Composer Collaboration25:40 Distribution and Sales Strategies26:36 Innovative Marketing Approaches28:11 Navigating Film Festivals30:00 The Importance of Promotion32:40 Lessons from Major Productions34:41 Revisiting Past Projects36:57 Engaging with True Crime Communities39:57 The Role of Festivals in Film Success41:11 Challenges in Film Production43:37 Future Projects and Aspirations46:34 Balancing Budget and Creativity49:23 Defining Success in FilmmakingPublished on November 5, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, meet The Lever's Audrey King, an actress with a background in improv and scenic and experience design, as she discusses her journey in theater, her education, and her role of Constance in Tethered's immersive production, The Lever. The dialogue highlights her insights on character development, the rehearsal process, and the unique challenges of performing in immersive theater.TakeawaysAudrey's diverse theater backgroundChallenges of immersive character developmentChapters00:00 Audrey's Artistic Journey03:12 Exploring Immersive Theater09:55 Character Development and Challenges11:52 Rehearsal Insights and Audience InteractionPublished on October 29, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this conversation, we explore Tony Grey's diverse musical journey, including his teaching experiences, album releases, and collaborations with renowned artists like Bob James and Rishab Sharma. It highlights his approach to music creation, the themes of his albums, and his commitment to mental health advocacy through music. We also delve into the creative process behind the creation of the scores for Tethered's immersive experiences -- emphasizing the importance of perseverance, trust, and adaptability in artistic endeavors.TakeawaysCollaborations with renowned artistsPerseverance transforms ideasTrust enhances collaborationChaptersTeaching Across GenerationsThe Journey of Album CreationCollaborating with LegendsThe Bob James ConnectionExploring New Musical HorizonsAdvocating Mental Health Through MusicThe Power of PerseveranceCollaboration and Trust in CreativityChallenges in Music CompositionExperiencing Music in PerformanceEvolving Themes in Collaborative ProjectsThe Journey of Creating the Score for TetheredCrafting Music for Emotional ImpactThe Element of Surprise in MusicPublished on October 22, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In Part One, musician Tony Grey shares his journey from a strict piano upbringing to becoming a successful bassist and educator. The discussion covers Tony's early experiences with music, his struggles with identity, and his eventual rise in the music industry, including boy band Bliss and his collaboration with renowned pianist Hiromi. The conversation delves into Tony Grey's extensive career as a musician, focusing on his experiences touring with Hiromi and his journey towards establishing his own music school. It highlights the challenges and rewards of a musician's lifestyle, the importance of self-identity as a composer, and the evolution of his teaching philosophy.TakeawaysMusical journey shaped by experiencesImportance of mentorship in music Musician lifestyle can be challengingImportance of nurturing in teaching Diverse teaching experiencesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 Early Musical Influences05:59 Transition to Bass and Recovery12:06 Journey to Berklee and Early Challenges17:58 The Boy Band Experience23:57 Collaboration with Hiromi25:04 Journey with Hiromi: Touring Life27:58 Embracing Composition: Finding My Voice33:57 Transitioning to Teaching: Building a School40:54 Philosophy of Music Education: Nurturing TalentPublished on October 15, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, John interviews Benjamin S. Sheeler about his journey in the arts, particularly focusing on his experiences in acting, music, and the immersive theater process. They discuss Sheeler's background, his transition from sports to the arts, and his recent role in Tethered's immersive theater production, "The Lever".TakeawaysJourney from sports to artsInsights on immersive theaterChapters00:00 Introduction and Background10:01 The Transition to Acting12:57 Immersive Theater Experience19:24 Opening Weekend ReflectionsPublished on October 8, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode I talk to sisters, Tanya and Natasha Bravo, from Juggerknot Theatre Company in Miami, Florida -- two of the minds behind the Miami Immersive Intensive -- which I attended this summer. We discuss their artistic journeys, the origins of Juggerknot, and their immersive theater work, particularly the Miami Motel Stories and Miami Bus Stop Stories. We also get into the impact of immersive theater on community engagement and education and the importance of training and collaboration in the immersive arts.TakeawaysImmersive theater fosters community engagementArtistic journeys shape creative expression Immersive theater enhances educationCommunity engagement fosters civic prideChapters00:00 Introduction to Juggerknot Theatre Company02:57 Artistic Journeys and Early Influences05:53 The Birth of Miami Motel Stories11:56 Community Engagement Through Immersive Theater18:00 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities24:06 Reflections and Future Directions27:13 The Power of Immersive Storytelling28:10 Innovative Educational Programs30:29 Connecting History and Community32:45 Building Infrastructure for the Arts34:57 Training the Next Generation of Artists39:08 Defining Immersive Experiences41:39 Creating a Hub for Immersive Arts45:29 Expanding the Reach of Immersive Training50:33 Looking Ahead: Future InitiativesPublished on October 1, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

In this episode, my guest is dancer, actor, bartender, entrepreneur -- Taylor Lorraine. We talk about Taylor's journey from early involvement in the arts to her current engagement with Seiche Dance Collective and Tethered. We also delve into her experience with color guard, the launch of her bartending business, Taylor & Tonic, and her passion for ballet. As a performer in all 3 flagship Tethered productions, Taylor breaks down the challenges faced during rehearsals and performances, the evolution of Tethered shows, and the impact of the new show's storyline and character development.TakeawaysEarly involvement in the arts shapes long-term passion.Balancing multiple priorities requires strategic scheduling and organization. Evolution of Tethered shows over the yearsChallenges and impact of immersive storytellingChapters00:00 Introductions and Early Connections01:22 Early Involvement in the Arts03:06 Transition to Adult Dance and Acting Experience05:09 Balancing Priorities and Scheduling07:06 Organizing Priorities and Interests09:08 Involvement in Color Guard and Bartending Business16:20 Passion for Ballet and Seiche Dance Collective19:08 Narrative Ballet and Outreach Plans20:59 Transition to Tethered21:03 The Beginning of Tethered22:23 Rehearsal and Performance Challenges23:06 Year One of Tethered24:20 Exhausting Performances25:42 Involvement in Seiche and Tethered Collaboration26:18 Preparation for Tethered and Brain Performance27:29 Tethered 2025 and Memory Theme28:49 Acting and Workshop-Style Auditions30:45 Evolution of Tethered Shows31:16 New Approach to Immersive Storytelling32:25 Character Development and Performance Impact36:14 Diversity and Inclusivity in the Cast38:05 Character Taylor and the Storyline42:43 Upcoming Projects and EventsPublished on September 24, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

The Lever, our new immersive theater show, has been officially announced its fantastic cast. The show features branched endings, open auditions, and a diverse cast. Rehearsals, logistics, and audience feedback have been crucial in the preparation for the show.Chapters00:00 Announcement of The Lever03:20 Cast Announcements and Rehearsals10:11 Logistics and Audience Feedback14:03 Promotion and MerchandisePublished on September 17, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

John Lyons provides a quick news update for the month of September, including the announcement of ticket sales for The Lever immersive theater experience and weekly film screenings at the 10|20 Collective. TakeawaysImmersive theater experience 'The Lever' tickets are on saleEncouragement for filmmakers to participate in the open screen happy hour event on September 9th.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Immersive Theater Experience Announcement02:37 Film Screenings and Events03:02 Open Screen Happy Hour Event for FilmmakersPublished on September 3, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with RiversideSupport us by becoming a patron at Patreon