Best Jane Byrd Podcasts (2025)

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193: America The Beautiful (Except The Financial Setup for Freelancers) with Jane Cox (Part 2 of 2) 57:25

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1d ago57:25

57:25

Part two of the conversation with Broadway lighting designer Jane Cox. Topics: ⭐️ Keeping overhead low ⭐️ Paying theatre designers hourly ⭐️ Penny Remsen - Jane’s lighting mentor ⭐️ Paying for assistants / drafting out of the design fee ⭐️ Two recent design fees - one for an opera, one for an off Broadway musical Video Version https://youtu.be/1qBX…

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She Started Over after 50 in Mexico (Amazing Results) 42:23

4d ago42:23

42:23

🌍 Welcome to The Passport Jane Podcast! At 50, Carol thought her life was over. Her husband had just left her, her finances were in ruins, and she found herself alone for the first time since she was 17. But sometimes endings become new beginnings... Today, Carol is living her best life in Mérida, Mexico. She runs her own pet-sitting business, gets…

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She's Lived in Multiple Countries - Now Offers Concierge Services in Mérida Mexico 40:10

11d ago40:10

40:10

Xio's story will inspire anyone considering an international move. 🌍 Xio incredible journey: - 30-year career in luxury hotel management (Hilton, Marriott, Intercontinental) - Fluent in several languages - Moved to Merida, Mexico and built custom dream home in 6 months - Now runs successful real estate business helping expats 🏠 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✓…

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The Most Incredible Coincidence: Texas Families Meet in Paris 37:01

20d ago37:01

37:01

🇺🇸✈️🇫🇷 The most incredible story of how we met: From East Texas to Paris! In this episode of Passport Jane, I sit down with Carrie, an American photographer who's been living in Paris for almost 20 years. We share the extraordinary story of how we met and dive deep into the evolution of women through different life phases. ✨ What we discuss: - Wome…

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192: America The Beautiful (Except the Financial Setup for Freelancers) with Lighting Designer Jane Cox 1:05:20

23d ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Lighting designer Jane Cox discusses life as a freelance theatre designer who has also taken on some full time academic work. Topics: ⭐️ Parenting while working in the arts ⭐️ Paying student loans with a credit card ⭐️ Prioritizing the needs of the community above the market rate ⭐️ The financial system working against theatre design as a career ⭐️…

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Designing Her Life in Paris: Nathalie Marsan’s French-Canadian Journey 50:21

27d ago50:21

50:21

Hi, it's Passport Jane recording live from Paris! This episode is SO special because it features my dear friend Nathalie Marsan - and you're going to absolutely love our story of how we met. Picture this, I’m in the south of France expecting to meet a friend when I get a message that she unable to meet and gave me the number of her friend in the So…

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191: 6k Investing Special - Q4.0 1:09:18

1M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

An update on the $6,000 of investments we made in May of 2021. Four lighting designers and a bond investment CEO review how our investments compare to the S&P 500. Video Version https://youtu.be/_hiXSC5HY6A Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance False Steps: A Ballroom Comedy https://www.falsestepscomedy.com/ ETFs: IVV - iShares Core S&…

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190: Tracking Hourly Pay As Theatre Designers with Set Designer Vincent Gunn 1:24:03

1M ago1:24:03

1:24:03

Set designer Vincent Gunn talks about the benefits of tracking the hours that you work. Topics: ⭐️ Valuing your time ⭐️ Investing the money in your retirement account ⭐️ Writing things down and getting them out of your head ⭐️ Designers thinking about work even when they’re not at work Video Version https://youtu.be/g1BZrnh3l7A Artistic Finance htt…

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Vivian Walt: From War Zones to Nelson Mandela — Expat Life, Journalism & Courage Abroad 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

Award-winning journalist Vivian Walt shares her journey from war zones to walking off a plane with Nelson Mandela. Based in Paris, Vivian is a Time, Fortune, and New York Times contributor, known for her bold reporting across the globe. In this first episode of The Passport Jane Podcast, Vivian reveals how her restlessness became a passport to purp…

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189: Work Life Balance As A Theatre Designer in Chicago with Jason Lynch 1:39:06

2M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

TheatrIcal lighting designer Jason Lynch talks about freelancing in Chicago. Topics: ⭐️ LLCs ⭐️ Estate Sales ⭐️ Keeping our humanity ⭐️ Investing in the S&P 500 ⭐️ Some of Jason’s recent design fees ⭐️ Moving to a big theatre city, that’s not New York Video Version https://youtu.be/y5PApxbBG_I Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Jaso…

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188: Finances As A Projection Designer with Sven Ortel 1:27:52

2M ago1:27:52

1:27:52

Projection designer Sven Ortel talks about career finances. Topics: ⭐️ Being persistent ⭐️ Insisting you get credit for your work ⭐️ Organizing your taxes and writing it down ⭐️ Separating the production budget from the design budget Video Version https://youtu.be/YDxUvU-in4U Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Sven Ortel https://www…

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187: Designer Pay & Transparency - Broadway, Off Broadway, and West End with Isabella Byrd 2:17:43

2M ago2:17:43

2:17:43

Discussing designer pay and transparency with Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End lighting designer Isabella Byrd. Topics: ⭐️ Dealing with the IRS ⭐️ Union pension, healthcare, and the union ledger ⭐️ Commercial theatre fees (aka Broadway) versus off-Broadway fees (aka non-profit theatre) ⭐️ CDs, as in Certificates of Deposit Video Version https:/…

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5th Anniversary & Casting Notice - Bonus Episode 5:40

2M ago5:40

5:40

Today is the 5th anniversary of Artistic Finance. A quick thank you to mark the occasion and announcing a non-AEA casting notice for NYC!By Artistic Finance

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186: Commercial Theatre Business - Fees, Contracts and Copyright with Beverly Emmons 1:29:08

2M ago1:29:08

1:29:08

Broadway lighting designer Beverly Emmons discusses commercial theatre practices for designers. Topics: ⭐️ Adding riders onto your contract ⭐️ Theatre Law which aims to protect investors’ money ⭐️ W2 and 1099 and how that impacts copyright for designers ⭐️ The history of the theatre design union - United Scenic Artists ⭐️ Those union contracts, wha…

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185: There's No Special Formula To Get To Broadway with Alvin Hough Jr 1:42:48

4M ago1:42:48

1:42:48

Alvin Hough Jr, who’s currently the associate music director of The Lion King on Broadway, talks about career finances and a few things about musical theatre musicians. Topics: ⭐️ Dollar pizza ⭐️ Being a saver, not a spender ⭐️ Living off per diem while touring ⭐️ Rehearsal call versus a performance call ⭐️ Rates of pay for different numbers of ins…

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184: Load-In, Load-Out, Cash In: A Technical Director's Thoughts On Finance 1:44:36

4M ago1:44:36

1:44:36

Technical director Tab Birt discusses his journey through live entertainment, financial lessons learned along the way, and his dream of trading the stage for a glass artist’s studio in Norway. Topics ⭐️ Glass blowing ⭐️ Not selling yourself short ⭐️ Getting on a stagehands union call list ⭐️ Burning out, being cynical, and the joy of theatre ⭐️ The…

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183: How To File Taxes As A Freelance Artist 1:19:50

4M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Today’s show is an “ordinary and necessary” episode in which we learn about prepping and filing taxes for freelancer 1099 income. Topics: ⭐️ Documentation matters! ⭐️ Personal expenses versus business expenses ⭐️ Tracking your expenses as you go ⭐️ Missing expenses are the number one way to pay more in taxes. Video Version https://youtu.be/EJBHsud0…

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182: Freelancer Finances | Essential Resources for Theatre Workers 45:38

5M ago45:38

45:38

A guide of financial resources, and where to find them, for freelancers working in theatre or other facets of the entertainment industry. ⭐️ Unions ⭐️ Job boards ⭐️ Scholarships ⭐️ Financial Planning ⭐️ Taxes / Accountants ⭐️ Financial Communities ⭐️ Educational Worksheets & Supplements ⭐️ Community Resources - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ⭐️ E…

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181: Career Finances in Entertainment - LIVE @ LDI 1:27:32

5M ago1:27:32

1:27:32

A panel of live event lighting and media professionals having a Q&A about career finances. ⭐️ Theatre Lighting Designer Christina Watanabe ⭐️ TV Lighting Designer Mike Grabowski ⭐️ Media Designer Zak Borovay ⭐️ TV Gaffer Seán Linehan Topics: ⭐️ Taxes ⭐️ Agents ⭐️ Contracts ⭐️ USA 829 / LORT Contracts Youtube Version https://youtu.be/ojmSqEkGqi8 Art…

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180: No One Talks About Finances In The Entertainment Industry with Josh Hutchings - Lighting Designer - LIVE at LDI 1:10:20

6M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

An interview with television lighting designer Josh Hutchings about how intimate and taboo it is to discuss finances. Topics: ⭐️ Compound interest ⭐️ Not having a financial plan ⭐️ Investing early and consistently ⭐️ It’s an industry based on relationships ⭐️ How intimate and taboo discussing finances is ⭐️ Making a financial life plan with the hel…

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179: Financial Independence for Creatives - LIVE at LDI 1:36:02

6M ago1:36:02

1:36:02

A discussion of various financial independence topics for people working in the creative industry. Topics: ⭐️ Improving Financial IQ ⭐️ The “starving artist” narrative ⭐️ Empowering confidence in personal financial decisions A live episode recorded at LDI in collaboration with Amy D Lux / Lobolux Design's Financial Independence Club. Video Version …

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178: The Art of Tailoring A Show - LIVE at LDI with Erica D Hayes and Zach Berget 1:24:00

6M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

Learn about the process of designing and producing live shows for music artists with our Los Angeles based guests: lighting designer and programmer, Erica D Hayes and COO and Show Director at Wasted Potential, Zach Berget. Topics: ⭐️Balancing the creative vision of an artist with the logistical realities of large-scale budgets. ⭐️ The workflow behi…

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177: Living & Thriving Wage for Theatre Directors with Oliver Butler - Theatre Director 1:32:54

6M ago1:32:54

1:32:54

Theatre director Oliver Butler discusses the state of pay for theatre directors. Topics: ⭐️ Director Fees at Non-Profit Theatres in NYC ⭐️ Giving credit to the non profits that pay above the SDC minimum. ⭐️ Actionable steps to address the issue both for individuals and institutions. ⭐️ Discussing theatre pay honestly and in public so we don’t uphol…

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176: Pay Negotiation for Agents & Designers 1:23:02

7M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

Theatre designers and their agents come together for an in-depth discussion on navigating agent-designer relationships, contract negotiations, and strategies for fair compensation in the theatre industry. Topics: ⭐️ Preparing for contract negotiations ⭐️ Challenges and solutions when negotiating ⭐️ Meeting and building relationships with agents ⭐️ …

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175: Creative Careers Are Business Too with Travis McHale - Lighting Designer (updated) 2:04:28

7M ago2:04:28

2:04:28

Lighting designer Travis McHale talks business and finance as a theatre designer. Topics: ⭐️ Self filing taxes ⭐️ Negotiating rates ⭐️ Reasons to be investing ⭐️ Paying off mortgages early ⭐️ The magic of compound interest ⭐️ Stress and negativity of credit card debt Patreon Resource Version https://www.patreon.com/posts/175-creative-are-117433546?…

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174: Business in Design with Don Holder - Lighting Designer 1:07:07

7M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

A conversation with lighting designer Don Holder. Topics: ⭐️ Advice for young designers ⭐️ Managing finances as a freelancer ⭐️ Advantages of filing taxes as a C Corp Video Version https://youtu.be/YXHdU1JVmRE Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Don Holder https://www.donaldholderlighting.com/welcome/portfolio/index.html https://www.…

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173: Trade Shows to Job Offers with Amanda Gougelmann - Bonus Episode 30:20

7M ago30:20

30:20

An interview with Amanda Gougelmann, part of the Software Support Team for ACT Entertainment and freelance stagehand. Topics: ⭐️ Networking for advice ⭐️ Finding the market rate for a job ⭐️ Invest in yourself and your future ⭐️ Having multiple jobs to smooth over slow times ⭐️ Getting a job by starting a relationship at a trade show ⭐️ Donating an…

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173: You Are Not Marketing To Your Friends with Ulrike Storch - Collaboration with StageLync 56:04

7M ago56:04

56:04

An interview with Ulrike Storch: a business coach for circus performers. Topics: ⭐️ Whether or not to work for free ⭐️ Marketing and social media curating ⭐️ A frank look at rates and negotiations ⭐️ Authenticity in professional communication Video Versionhttps://youtu.be/EGFtaB6ii1c Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Stagelync Epis…

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172: Afford Versus Stored with Alex Pendleton - Bonus Episode 26:37

8M ago26:37

26:37

Alex Pendleton, manager of Netgear’s ProAV Systems Engineering department sits down with Ellen and Ethan to talk personal finances. Topics: ⭐️ Paying yourself first ⭐️ Investing as much as possible ⭐️ Long term investing apart from news cycles Video Version https://youtu.be/KiZcsADzSqE Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance LDI - Free r…

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172: Women In Lighting with Sharon Stammers, Martin Lupton, and Amy D Lux 2:02:02

8M ago2:02:02

2:02:02

On today’s show we go across the pond to the UK. We meet the co-founders of Women in Lighting. It's a project by Light Collective run by our guests Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton. Amy D Lux guest hosts this interview. Topics: ⭐️ Balancing Money Goals & Lifestyle Goals ⭐️ Starting your own company and following your passions ⭐️ Building a global …

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171: Union Strong & Console Agnostic with Erica D Hayes - Bonus Episode 39:22

8M ago39:22

39:22

Ellen and Ethan interview Los Angeles based lighting designer, programmer, and video director Erica D Hayes. Topics: ⭐️ Following the money ⭐️ A high school internship leading to a career path ⭐️ Contracts are only as good as the people they’re made with ⭐️ Speed of payments as a contractor with Net 30, Net 45, and Net 60 ⭐️ Joining IATSE 728, The …

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171: Sober Shakespeare with Clara Kundin & Ella Fent 1:10:23

8M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

An interview with two of the union organizers who helped Drunk Shakespeare join the Actor’s Equity Association. Ella Fent from the Chicago production and Clara Kundin from the Phoenix company talk about the long day's journey into unionizing. Topics: ⭐️ Reasons for unionizing ⭐️ Navigating the process of joining AEA ⭐️ The benefits gained through u…

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170: Balancing Light and Life with Kat Borderud - Bonus Episode 39:45

8M ago39:45

39:45

Lighting and visual production designer Kat Borderud sits down with Ellen and Ethan to talk about handling finances as a touring LD and programmer. Topics: ⭐️ Needs versus wants ⭐️ The ebb and flow of rates ⭐️ Freelancers learning finances on the go ⭐️ Working prep in the rental shops that build tours Video Version https://youtu.be/qQ5AcRshTSE Arti…

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170: Holy Dismissal - Producing Faith & Identity Onstage with Matthew LaBanca 1:22:24

8M ago1:22:24

1:22:24

Performer and musician Matthew LaBanca discussing his upcoming solo show Communion, in which he tells the story of getting fired from his music teaching job by the Catholic Church when he was reported for being gay. Topics: ⭐️ Finding a lead producer using the internet ⭐️ Producing a non-profit off-Broadway mini contract ⭐️ Theatre careers are abou…

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169: Navigating Rates, Retirement, and Networking with Emily Malone - Bonus Episode 29:16

8M ago29:16

29:16

Ellen and Ethan talk with Emily Malone, head of live events at Disguise, known for hardware and software for events and installations, like the Sphere in Las Vegas. Topics: ⭐️ Determining rates ⭐️ Saving for overhead ⭐️ Saving for retirement ⭐️ Benefits of networking We also discuss the Vegas Sphere, Adele’s Munich Show, and Philadelphia Cream Chee…

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169: Illuminating Public Art with Ben Davis 1:05:11

8M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Amy D Lux interviews Ben Davis, founder of Illuminate, a San Francisco non-profit that rallies large groups of people together to create impossible works of public art. Topics: ⭐️ The Bay Bridge Lights ⭐️ Raising a million dollars a month ⭐️ Conversely, turning down millions of dollars of funding ⭐️ The economy of generosity vs. economy of reciproc…

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168: Full Time Church Lighting, Freelance Gigs, and Parenting with Amanda Carradine - Bonus Episode 23:28

8M ago23:28

23:28

Ellen and Ethan chat with Amanda Carradine, the lighting director for Eastside Christian Church in California. Topics: ⭐️ Being a church LD ⭐️ Saving for inevitable slow seasons ⭐️ Determining rates for freelance gigs ⭐️ Finding stability in a production career Video Version https://youtu.be/p2ZI0DUH0O4 Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfi…

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168: Windy City Lighting with Heather Gilbert 1:01:47

9M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

An interview with lighting designer Heather Gilbert about financial habits throughout her decades-long career in Chicago and recently on Broadway. Topics: ⭐️ Picking up the tab ⭐️ Asking for higher design fees ⭐️ Freelancer designers filing their own taxes ⭐️ Broadway design fees for plays versus musicals ⭐️ And an apology to Assistant Stage Manage…

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167: Dancing Financially As A Lighting Designer with Roma Flowers - Bonus Episode 53:54

9M ago53:54

53:54

Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan talk with Roma Flowers, a lighting designer for dance and theatre based in Texas. Topics: ⭐️ Opening a 401k when young ⭐️ Legacy and generational wealth ⭐️ Keeping overhead low in the lean times ⭐️ Partnering with someone better than you at finances ⭐️ Reporting income on taxes to pay into social security Video Versio…

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167: Theatre Producing with Rashad Chambers - Broadway Producer 53:30

9M ago53:30

53:30

We learn about theatre producing with Broadway producer Rashad Chambers. Topics: ⭐️ Priority loans ⭐️ Skills for producing ⭐️ Advice for early career producers ⭐️ Reasons why shows make it to Broadway ⭐️ Why investors choose to invest with Rashad Video version https://youtu.be/Ht_-UgeOJZk Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance "How We B…

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166: The Spotlight Operator's Financial Handbook with June Abernathy - Bonus Episode 1:03:26

9M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

June Abernathy, a touring spotlight supervisor based in Florida, talks about financial lessons from her career. Topics: ⭐️ Saving 10% ⭐️ Paying yourself first ⭐️ Gambling in the stock market ⭐️ Tax considerations while touring Recently June has been touring with The Lion King and SIX. She is also author of “The Spotlight Operator’s Handbook” and “T…

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166: Almost Ready To Invest with Aja M Jackson - Lighting Designer 59:58

9M ago59:58

59:58

Lighting designer Aja M Jackson talks about finances as a freelancer and the importance of radical transparency when it comes to designer fees. Topics: ⭐️ Financial habits ⭐️ Living modestly ⭐️ High yield savings accounts ⭐️ Building an financial cushion before investing ⭐️ Open sharing of finance details with colleagues Video Version https://youtu…

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165: Audio In Pittsburgh and 529 Savings Plans with Jordan Gilliam - Bonus Episode 45:45

9M ago45:45

45:45

An interview with Jordan Gilliam, an audio engineer, DJ, and director of education at Tech25 in Pittsburgh. Topics: ⭐️ 529 College Savings Plans ⭐️ Heeding financial advice from people you trust ⭐️ Saving for retirement early (yes, even at age 19) ⭐️ Not letting tunnel vision of your ideal career keep you from learning new skills or trying new jobs…

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165: Focusing Lights On Broadway Producing with Richard Winkler 1:00:20

9M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Broadway producer Richard Winkler talks about how he transitioned from lighting design to producing. In 2024, Richard is producing 15 shows between Broadway and The West End. Topics: ⭐️ Good theatre ⭐️ A Chorus Line ⭐️ Commissioning a new musical ⭐️ Switching careers from lighting designer to producer Video Version https://youtu.be/HXgcMEw0bP4 Full…

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164: Pay Negotiation for Lighting Designers 59:58

10M ago59:58

59:58

A panel of theatrical lighting designers discuss pay negotiations. If this sounds like a frightening topic, make sure to listen because this is a positive and calm take on the process. Topics: ⭐️ Determining a rate ⭐️ How to conduct yourself ⭐️ How to advocate for yourself ⭐️ When to use an agent and what they do ⭐️ Using the union, USA 829, resour…

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163: Lighting Design Tools - Free vs. Paid - LIVE from LDI 1:04:14

10M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

A lively discussion between lighting designers about their design tools and the associated costs. A broadcast of a LIVE recording that took place at LDI in Las Vegas. Topics: ⭐️ The essential software for entertainment lighting ⭐️ The costs and considerations of that essential software ⭐️ What software we expect to be essential in the near future L…

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162: Saving Too Much with Carolyn Wong - Lighting Designer 56:11

10M ago56:11

56:11

Lighting designer Carolyn Wong discusses the finances of her New York-based dance and theatre career. The most recent decade has been spent as the Worldwide Associate Lighting Designer for Disney’s The Lion King. We discuss: ⭐️ Investing in yourself ⭐️ Keeping living expenses low ⭐️ The sustainable hustle of freelancing Video version https://youtu.…

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161: Theatre Work with Natalie Robin & Brídín Clements Cotton 1:00:33

10M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

A discussion about labor in theatrical production with lighting designer Natalie Robin & performing arts manager Brídín Clements. They have authored the new book Theatre Work: Reimagining the Labor of Theatrical Production. Topics: ⭐️ How institutions can prioritize workers ⭐️ Retention and training challenges for theaters ⭐️ Minimum wage, living w…

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160.5 Bonus Episode 28:30

11M ago28:30

28:30

EDIT: Accidentally recorded only on the left audio track! Your headphones aren’t broken! 🤦🏼‍♂️ … A rambling Ethan talks about upcoming episodes. Hollywood Reporter Article https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/1-5x-listening-speed-podcasters-divided-1235969454/ Quicklinks - Artistic Finance: https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance…

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160: 6K Investing Special - Q3.3 57:55

1y ago57:55

57:55

An update on the Artistic Finance 6k--the $6,000 of investments we made in May of 2021. A panel composed of a bond investment CEO and three lighting designers review how our investments compare to the market. Quicklinks - Artistic Finance: https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Video Version: https://youtu.be/Yz5E-gI4bgg Rivian EV Trucks: https://rivian…