Author: Adam Rabin

Tod Pronto is a singer-songwriter from Newport, Vermont who cites everyone from Elvis to Billy Joel to Nirvana as influences. He has played in venues all around New England and beyond including gigs with Ellis Paul, Jonathan Edwards, and Livingston Taylor. You may have also heard his music on a Golden Corral commercial of all places.

North East Kingdom native Natalie Miller and I spend an hour talking about her rural upbringing, her theatrical and musical training including the time she spent with me in 80s cover band Hot Neon Magic. And, of course, we get deep about her finding comedy and starting up the Vermont Comedy Club.

Sarah Vogelsang-Card rebelled against a harrowing diagnosis as a child and used dance to quite literally save her own life. Her interest in movement also includes performing with Puppets in Education, an organization that uses puppetry to help children talk about difficult topics like bullying, drugs, and autism. She will be performing with The Accaliae at the 8th Annual Dance Showcase this month.

Christy Mitchell has been central to the burgeoning South End Arts District. She was responsible for giving it that name. She runs the SPACE Gallery, has been converting underutilized buildings throughout Burlington into artist studios, and is an accomplished artist in her own right. If that’s not enough, she can fix any lamp ever made and out parallel park anybody.

Carole Vasta Folley is a storyteller, a playwright that has made it her mission to create meaningful roles for women – of all ages. Despite the recurring themes of death and loss in her work she is a comedic force and our chat was a ton of fun. 

What is more difficult to start up: a rock band or an improv troupe? Lindsey Haddad has found creative outlets in music, comedy, fashion, and Dungeons and Dragons. She has toured half the country in a band based in Athens, Georgia; founded several Vermont comedy groups and shows; and coordinated a fundraising fashion competition.

It is no coincidence that Mark Stein teaches children improv at an Aikido dojo. He has channeled his years of performing as a storyteller, comedian, actor, and magician into a martial arts-style approach to the classroom as a teaching artist at Tiger Monkey Dragon Performing Arts. 

Mark and I also talk about gender differences in the performing arts and in schooling. Then we invent a truly scary new type of improv theater. And since he’s from Milwaukee we’re going to find out who has better beer and cheese, Wisconsin or Vermont.

Patrick Tracy is a cartoonist and illustrator who has done work for politicians, comedy clubs, and breweries. This native Burlingtonian has traveled the world exploring the many unique art scenes and you can hear him discuss these experiences and the local scene on the Art Mache podcast. Patrick and I go deep into the balancing act that is artistic creation and inspiration.