Building Our Own Tables

Architecting Organizational Change with Alexandra Meda

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:09:09 +0000

Alexandra Meda, founder of Culture Change Lab, discusses mediation and facilitation at various predominantly white organizations, and championing change work on the professional and individual levels. As an artist, she finds creativity in offering tools instead of ready-made solutions.

Applying a Decolonial Theatre Practice with Nadia Garzón

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:09:49 +0000

Nadia Garzón, founder of Descolonizarte Teatro, prioritizes a decolonial arts practice by uplifting Latinx, queer, and immigrant voices. Nadia releases the Western-centric ideals that dominate the theatre world in Orlando, Florida, and uses an ensemble leadership style with empathy at the core of her work.

Embodying a Multidisciplinary Approach with R. Réal Vargas Alanis

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:33:09 +0000

R. Réal Vargas Alanis, founder of In The Margin (ITM), discusses how they dreamed up ITM and the mentorship programs and residencies they offer as a multidisciplinary nonprofit, how they transition between structures, and how they pivot with the seasons of life.

The Art of Optimism with Theresa Chavez

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:12:51 +0000

The founder of About…Productions, Theresa Chavez, highlights the role of the arts in enlightening and moving people and centers equity in her theatre work and youth education. She speaks about creating art with an emotional and historical component and having optimism at the core of artmaking.

Committing to Black Experiences in Theatre with Ron Himes

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:21:31 +0000

Founder of the Black Rep, Ron Himes, was an arts patron as a young man turned theatre founder. Undergoing several name changes since its conception, the Black Rep’s evolution is rooted in resourcefulness and an investment in young people.

Reframing Accessibility in Intimacy Coordination with Chels Morgan

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:28:50 +0000

Chels Morgan, founder of Intimacy by Chels Morgan, speaks on accessibility within theatre spaces for neuroexpansive and disabled folks, creating your own opportunities, and the importance of intimacy movement education, cultural competency, and a justice framework.

Reclaiming Power in Community with Gabi Sanchez and Erlina Ortiz

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:33:11 +0000

Co-founders Gabi Sanchez and Erlina Ortiz share their journeys of co-founding Power Street Theatre; being lifelong business partners; and creating a multicultural, community-centered theatre company in Philadelphia.

Hope as a Vehicle for Creation with Elisa Bocanegra

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:13:45 +0000

HERO Theatre founder Elisa Bocanegra reflects on mentor-mentee relationships, becoming an ancestor, and healing through the arts. Rooted between the Los Angeles Latine community and Bogotá, Colombia, Elisa’s theatre work is full of hope and trust in the disorder.

Storytelling Alchemy with Sona Tatoyan

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:23:19 +0000

Hakawati founder Sona Tatoyan tells the story of her great-great-grandfather growing up during the Armenian genocide, her summers spent in Aleppo, and how art is an inheritance. Tune in and learn more about Hakawati and Sona’s play, AZAD (the rabbit and the wolf).

Consistent Craft with Aganza Kisaka

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:40:12 +0000

Aganza Kisaka, founder of Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, discusses being an entrepreneur, a teacher, and an artist in Uganda. She reflects on consistency as key and celebrating the little wins. Aganza speaks on how people perceive the arts in Uganda and invites listeners to learn about her company.

Trailer: Building Our Own Tables, Season Five

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Get excited to be creatively filled by Building Our Own Tables, Season 5 with Yura Sapi, dropping new episodes every Tuesday starting on August 26, 2025!

From Perfectionism to Play with Malia’Kekia Nicolini

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:10:43 +0000

In this final episode of season four, Malia'Kekia, co-founder of B4 The Other Creations, explores how play and vulnerability drive transformational breakthroughs. Malia'Kekia shares their journey as an educator and leader, emphasizing the power of releasing perfectionism and embracing the unknown. The episode highlights fostering innovation and deep connections through the unique pedagogy of play.

Reclaiming Sovereignty in Theatre with Murielle Borst Tarrant

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Native theatremaker and founder of Safe Harbors NYC, Murielle Borst Tarrant shares her journey and vision. Safe Harbors NYC supports Indigenous performing arts, providing a creative sanctuary and advocating for cultural equity. Discover strategies to overcome industry frustrations, build inclusive spaces, and see the light ahead. Tune in for wisdom and inspiration to create meaningful change in the theatre industry.

Quantum Leap with Renee Harrison

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:10:19 +0000

In this episode, Renee Harrison, founder of Black Girls Do Theater, discusses evolving the theatre industry, envisioning a post-liberation future, and embracing radical transformation. Renee shares how she fosters community and collaboration in theatre. This conversation inspires you to envision and create a more inclusive, innovative theatre landscape. Tune in for visionary insights and empowerment to quantum leap into new possibilities.

Redefining Success with Carla Stillwell

Thu, 23 May 2024 13:31:05 +0000

In this episode, Carla Stillwell and Yura Sapi challenge the "starving artist" trope, offering tips to overcome scarcity mindsets in theatre. Carla, founder of the Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Art, shares personal experiences advocating for breaking traditional theatre boundaries and fostering holistic, inclusive environments emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration, and highlighting storytelling's power, especially for people of color.

The Soul Work of Theatre with Sharia Benn

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:58:52 +0000

Join us on a journey with Sharia Benn, founder of Sankofa African American Theatre Company, as she shares her inspiring origin story and the challenges of fostering representation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's theatre scene. Delve into the challenges of representation, the soul work of theatre, and the transformative impact of art in shaping communities. Join us for a compelling exploration of identity, equity, and the art of social change.

Breaking Boundaries with Jamil Khoury

Thu, 09 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Experience the transformational journey of Silk Road Cultural Center, formerly Silk Road Theatre Project and Silk Road Rising, as co-founder Jamil Khoury shares on navigating the landscape of storytelling post-9/11. From combating stereotypes and standards to nurturing diverse voices, follow their evolution from live theatre to digital platforms, culminating in a multidisciplinary approach aimed at fostering connection and understanding. Join the movement towards inclusivity and empowerment in the arts.

Innovating Theatre with Tiffany Vega

Thu, 02 May 2024 13:31:41 +0000

Discover Tiffany Vega's inspiring journey from premature birth to trailblazing theatre professional. From East Harlem to Evolution Management Consultants, she highlights the power of authenticity, perseverance, and innovation in the theatre industry. Gain your insights into challenging norms and fostering diversity for the future of our live entertainment artform.

Elevating Indigenous Perspectives with Rhiana Yazzie

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:47:50 +0000

In this episode, Rhiana Yazzie shares her journey of founding New Native Theatre and the importance of Indigenous storytelling. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of carving her own path in the theatre world, emphasizing the significance of staying true to one's cultural identity and values. Rhiana discusses the transformative power of art, community, and connection to the earth and invites listeners to support and engage with New Native Theatre's work.

Theatre as Medicine with CJ Ochoco

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:54:58 +0000

In this episode, we delve into CJ's origin story, tracing her journey from pre-med student to theatre major and founder of Breaking Wave Theatre Company in Guam. Yura and CJ explore the transformative power of theatre as a healing space, the importance of community and accessibility, and the revolutionary potential of reimagining organizational structures. With passion and insight, we envision a future where storytelling and connection thrive.

Cultivating Abundance Through Community Care with Nicole C. Limón

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:32:54 +0000

In this episode, Nicole C. Limón shares her origin story, tracing back to pivotal moments of realizing her worth and breaking through societal invisibility in the theatre world. From co-founding Movimiento Molcajete to birthing Matriarchy Theatre, Nicole unveils her journey, embodying resilience and community care. Tune in to explore the transformative power of authenticity, the art of manifesting abundance, and the future of leadership in the evolving theatre industry.

Crafting a Global Table for Caribbean Voices

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:47:48 +0000

In this episode, Yura Sapi is joined by Conch Shell Productions founder, Magaly Colimon-Christopher as she shares her journey in establishing a global platform for Caribbean voices. Learn how Magaly navigates challenges and fosters collaboration to amplify underrepresented voices, and explore the transformative power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and fostering empathy on a global scale.

Create Space with Gabriel Barrera

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:18:26 +0000

In the season finale of the Building Our Own Tables podcast, Yura Sapi invites Gabriel Barrera to share about creating Scenic G, a visual art and design company providing services in art and design, workshops, consultation, facilitation, and mentorship infused with social justice. After spending twenty years as a scenic designer, Gabriel shares about his decision to leave and build his own table as an independent artist providing opportunities for others along the way. Topics in this episode include decolonizing ideas of who a teacher can be, addressing toxic behaviors, and facilitation skills.

Full of Wonder with Mica Rose

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:18:29 +0000

Theatremaker Mica Rose joins Yura Sapi this week and shares about co-creating Asian American Theatre Artists of Boston. Topics for this episode include moving from morning routine to waking ritual, the power of circles and cycles, and a grounding meditation.

Transform Yourself with Tierra Allen

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:23:02 +0000

This week, Yura Sapi is join by Tierra Allen who shares about creating The Real Work, a podcast about theatre culture and transformative justice that is co-produced with We Rise Production. This episode’s topics include learning from non-humans, sharing poems and songs, and being the change.

Trust Your Gifts with Kelundra Smith

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:08:56 +0000

This week, Kelundra Smith sits down with Yura Sapi to discuss building her own table as a playwright and shares the process and inspiration behind some of her latest works. Topics for this episode include affirmations, changing hierarchical structures, and moving beyond a sense of urgency.

Find Your Dream Team with Christiamilda Correa

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

This week, Yura Sapi is joined by Christiamilda Correa to discuss creating LiberArte, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to racial, social, and climate justice worldwide; the Strategic Planning Institute; and NYU Latinx Alumni. Topics for this episode include writing prompts, seeking out spaces to find community, and transforming challenges.

Imagining with Victor Vazquez

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:00:13 +0000

Victor Vazquez joins Yura Sapi to share his experience creating X Casting, a casting company that spans theatre and film in the United States and worldwide through a shared purpose of collective liberation and anti-racism. This episode’s topics include thinking about our role in the political landscape, globalism, and a curiosity for generous solutions.

Blessings with Brittani Samuel

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:33:13 +0000

Recently named Edward Medina Prize winner Brittani Samuel joins Yura Sapi to share about her experience building her own table as a theatre critic. Topics in this episode include choosing joy every day, being a child of immigrants, and a shared meditation practice. This episode is dedicated to theare artist and critic Edward Medina, honoring his legacy which brings us all together today.

Use Your Voice with Jose Solís

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:22:13 +0000

Jose Solís joins Yura Sapi to discuss creating the BIPOC Critics Lab and co-creating the Token Theatre Friends podcast-webseries. This episode’s topics include finding beauty in the internet, how a metaphorical grain of sand can change the world, and a tarot reading for the first three months of 2023.

Fill Your Cup with Abundance Zaddy

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:20:30 +0000

Abundance Zaddy joins Yura Sapi to talk about creating Cause Reign, an oral history project that connects Black people—with a focus on Black trans and queer folks—to their histories through dreamwork, the practice of remembering, recording, and activating the healing potential of dreams. Topics in this episode include prioritizing love and sweetness, transcending time, and asking for consent.

Welcome to Season Three with Yura Sapi

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:28:03 +0000

How exciting is it to transform our future and be the future ancestors we dream for? Yura Sapi opens the space with a gratitude ritual and shares about what’s to come on the new season of the Building Our Tables podcast. Topics for this season include evolutionary times, the four elements, and sounds of nature.

Trailer: Building Our Own Tables, Season 3!

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:48:32 +0000

Get excited to be creatively filled by Building Our Own Tables, Season 3 with Yura Sapi, dropping new episodes every Wednesday starting on January 11th, 2023! Your donation to Advancing Arts Forward supports liberated spaces, like this podcast, that uplift, heal and encourage us to change the world. (https://www.advancingartsforward.org/) Trailer by Emmanuel Okonko

There’s Nothing General About General Admission with Rose Kim of Art Rat Theatre

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

“In practice, when we work with our community for community, it feeds us and sustains us. It’s not just a time card to check in and out… After rehearsal I’m not drained, I’m living!” Rose shares about creating Art Rat Theatre, a production vehicle dedicated to gardening anticolonial, anti-capitalist theatre for a truly diverse new era audience and catalyzing a greater network of independent institutionally marginalized, young adult creatives.

Topics include knowing who’s in your house, unlearning, and nonlinear thinking.

Your donation to Advancing Arts Forward supports liberated spaces, like this podcast, that uplift, heal and encourage us to change the world. (https://www.advancingartsforward.org/)

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Building Our Own Tables

Architecting Organizational Change with Alexandra Meda

Applying a Decolonial Theatre Practice with Nadia Garzón

Embodying a Multidisciplinary Approach with R. Réal Vargas Alanis

The Art of Optimism with Theresa Chavez

Committing to Black Experiences in Theatre with Ron Himes

Reframing Accessibility in Intimacy Coordination with Chels Morgan

Reclaiming Power in Community with Gabi Sanchez and Erlina Ortiz

Hope as a Vehicle for Creation with Elisa Bocanegra

Storytelling Alchemy with Sona Tatoyan

Consistent Craft with Aganza Kisaka

Trailer: Building Our Own Tables, Season Five

From Perfectionism to Play with Malia’Kekia Nicolini

Reclaiming Sovereignty in Theatre with Murielle Borst Tarrant

Quantum Leap with Renee Harrison

Redefining Success with Carla Stillwell

The Soul Work of Theatre with Sharia Benn

Breaking Boundaries with Jamil Khoury

Innovating Theatre with Tiffany Vega

Elevating Indigenous Perspectives with Rhiana Yazzie

Theatre as Medicine with CJ Ochoco

Cultivating Abundance Through Community Care with Nicole C. Limón

Crafting a Global Table for Caribbean Voices

Create Space with Gabriel Barrera

Full of Wonder with Mica Rose

Transform Yourself with Tierra Allen

Trust Your Gifts with Kelundra Smith

Find Your Dream Team with Christiamilda Correa

Imagining with Victor Vazquez

Blessings with Brittani Samuel

Use Your Voice with Jose Solís

Fill Your Cup with Abundance Zaddy

Welcome to Season Three with Yura Sapi

Trailer: Building Our Own Tables, Season 3!

There’s Nothing General About General Admission with Rose Kim of Art Rat Theatre

Transforming Organizational Structures With Eric Lockley of The Movement Theatre Company

The Pursuit of Happiness with Ann James of Intimacy Coordinators of Color

Where’s the Funding Accountability? With Iyvon E. of The Parnship Ship

A Neighborhood Resource Center with Teresa Coleman Wash of Bishop Arts Theatre Center

A Strong Foundation With Quanice Floyd of Art Administrators of Color

Our Decolonized Future Is Clear With Tara Moses of Groundwater Arts

Who Shapes The Work? WIth Kyoung Park of Kyoung’s Pacific Beat

The Platform for BIPOC Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Artists With Michelle Banks of Visionaries of the Creative Arts

Uplifting Immigrant Voices With Parmida Ziaei of Seda Iranian Ensemble

Co-Production Relationships with Maurice Emmanuel Parent of The Front Porch Arts Collective

Genuine Community Partnerships With Samson Syharath and Dmae Lo Roberts of Theatre Diaspora

Silence Doesn’t Equal Consent With Beto O’Byrne and Radical Evolution

Global Bridgewalking With Pooja Prema of Rites of Passage Project

Naming is Power With Claudia Alick of Calling Up Justice

Authentic Storytelling With Nydia Simone of Blactina

Abundance Over Scarcity with Jonathan Castanien of The Sống Collective

Community Anchored with Lauren E. Turner of No Dream Deferred

Creating Beyond Exclusion With Petrona Xemi Tapepechul of Angel Rose Art Collective