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All-of-us Express: Theatre for Children, By Children

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Paige Tufford is joined by Jen Shaw from the All-of-us Express Children's Theatre. For almost four decades, this unique theatre company has been producing theatre for children, by children. Shaw gives Paige the inside look at their guild system and how kids earn crew levels. With a new rehearsal space on West Saginaw and a big season ahead, All-of-us Express is on its way!

Resources & Links:

Website: All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre

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Website: LCC Performing Arts

Audio Air Force: Setting the Scene With Sound

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0400

On this episode, host Paige Tufford talks with Audio Air Force founder Dave Downing and director Jim Coyer, about the art of live audio theater. They explain how actors, music, and creative Foley sound effects bring stories to life through the “theater of the mind,” while also encouraging new actors and voice performers to give it a try. Audio Air Force will also be performing at the Riverwalk Theatre October, 2nd.

Resources & Links:

Website: Riverwalk Theatre

Website: Audio Air Force

Facebook: Audio Air Force

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Website: LCC Performing Arts

Building Performers, One Aria at a Time

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Voice Instructor Nada Radakovich joins host Paige Tufford, to share her journey from professional opera singer to educator at Lansing Community College. Nada discusses why strong vocal and acting skills go hand in hand, and how she helps students grow as confident performers.

Resources and Links:

Website: LCC Registration

Website: LCC Performing Arts Events

Website: LCC Music Faculty

Nada's Bio:

Nada Radakovich, soprano, has enjoyed a successful singing career in both the United States and Europe. She made her Lincoln Center debut in 1987 and has never looked back! She has performed as soloist under the baton of conductors Leonard Bernstein (New York Philharmonic), Kurt Masur (Leipzig Gewandhausorchester), Aldo Ceccato and Gary Bertini (Detroit Symphony Orchestra), Paul Nadler and Greg Buchalter (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), Richard Kapp (Philharmonia Virtuosi, NYC): Robert Shaw, Margaret Hillis, Lyndon Woodside, Robert Larsen, Ude Nissen, to name a few of her favorites. The soprano has performed over 40 different roles in the lyric-coloratura repertory. Violetta from La Traviata and Constanze from The Abduction from the Seraglio are two roles she loved to sing. Radio and television broadcasts include Natalia Petrovna, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, The Telephone, Abduction from the Seraglio, Louise, and Traummania. Representation in the United States included Dispecker Agency and Judith Liegner Agency. In Europe her exclusive representative was Agentur Ocklenburg (Hamburg). Ms. Radakovich was first place winner of the International Mozart Society Competition; first place winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition (both state and regional); and first place winner of the Brooklyn Renaissance Opera Competition. Distinguished baritone Robert Merrill presented her in New York for her first Traviata. She studied voice with Metropolitan Opera star Judith Blegen for many years. In Europe, Ms. Radakovich studied extensively with renowned soprano Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.

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Website: LCC Performing Arts

Behind the Curtain: Technical Skills in Theatre

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode is an exploration of design and technical theater classes at Lansing Community College, emphasizing their significance for aspiring theater artists. We engage in a dialogue with esteemed LCC design faculty, Chelle Peterson and Michael Beyer, who talk about their experiences and the transformative nature of technical education in the performing arts. Both faculty members share insights on how such courses not only enhance artistic collaboration but also foster essential life skills in creativity and teamwork.

Website: IATSE Local 274

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Website: LCC Performing Arts

Rabbit Tails & Medieval Pageantry: LCC's 2026 Summer Stage Season

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Paige Tufford sits down with Chelle Peterson and Rob Roznowski to discuss the latest productions in LCC’s Summer Stage season: The "Tail" of Peter Rabbit and Going Medieval! They share insights into adapting the classic children's story into an interactive musical, as well as explore the creative partnership between writing and directing.

Website: LCC's Summer Stage

Event Information:

The “Tail” of Peter Rabbit – A Musical

When: June 24-28 (7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday / 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)

Where: Black Box Theatre, located in the Gannon Building, room 1422

Young audiences will love this charming, interactive musical with its comical characters and five original songs. This adaptation follows the adventures of Peter as he raids Farmer McGregor’s garden and gets tangled in netting and then lost. We join Peter on his search to find his way home and get to meet all the creatures he interacts with along the way.

Going Medieval! – Two comedic plays from the 1400s

When: July 22-26 (7 p.m.)

Where: Dart Auditorium

“The Second Shepherds’ Play” is one of the most well-known mystery plays, depicting the lives of three shepherds just before the nativity. Known for its blend of religious theme and regional humor, this is one of several plays included in the Wakefield Mystery Cycle. Each play in the cycle depicted a story from the Bible, and it was performed through small towns and villages.

“Mankind” is a morality play written around 1470, often considered one of the most humorous and controversial plays to have survived the period. The story follows the character of Mankind and his temptation into sin by characters representing four worldly vices.

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Website: LCC Performing Arts

Renegade Fringe Festival: Turning Streetlights Into Footlights

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

On this episode, a popular Lansing event has been reborn and The Renegade Fringe Festival is making an exciting return, bringing together local theater artists and strengthening community connections. Host Paige Tufford is joined by festival Co-Founders Sally Hecksel and Shannon Bowen, to share how the festival has grown and what’s new in the REO Town location. They highlight the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, inviting artists from all backgrounds and mediums to take part, and build the creative community.

Mentioned This Episode

Website: Renegade Fringe Festival

Website: Festival Performance Application

Website: Volunteer for the Festival

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Website: LCC Performing Arts

Behind the Mic: Melodious Insights From a Veteran Educator

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

This debut episode features a conversation with Christopher Rollins, a distinguished music faculty member at Lansing Community College, who shares insights from his extensive teaching career spanning over 40 years. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by contemporary musicians, particularly regarding live performances and the impact of social media on the music industry. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring guitarists, highlighting the significance of foundational skills.

Mentioned This Episode

Website: LCC Music Audition & Ensembles

YouTube: Arada by Francisco Moreno Torroba - performed by Christopher Rollins

Website: The Avenue Cafe - April 2026 Events

Website: MSU Community Music School

Website: University of Olivet Music Program

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Website: LCC Performing Arts