PODCAST
tits + teeth
Season Four
Episode #1 - Nicole Power
It’s season 4 of Tits and Teeth fam! We missed you dearly, and we are thrilled to be back in your earbuds bringing you the real talk and good vibes you’ve come to expect from us. For our season opener, we are gifting you with stories and advice from the truest of gems, Nicole Power! Nicole does not limit her talents to only stage or only screen and her resume is proof of that. Nicole has played Shannon Ross on Kim’s Convenience for 5 seasons and earned herself a Canadian Screen Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a comedy. She was a part of the hilarious digital short ‘We Got Divorced’ featured on Funny Or Die, and up next you can catch Nicole as the lead in her own sitcom, Strays, coming to CBC. Nicole is a graduate from the Soulpepper Academy and was featured in their productions of Snowman, as well as their workshops of Spring Awakening and Rose. Other theatre credits include; Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde (LSPU Hall) Anita in West Side Story (Rainbow Stage) Legally Blonde, Elf, La Cage Aux Folles (Neptune Theatre) and Anne of Green Gables and Evangeline (Charlottetown Festival). We chat with Nicole about playing Shannon Ross on Kim’s Convenience, how she stopped putting herself and her career in a box, and her future goals and aspirations. We are also introducing a new series into our episodes with a segment we’re calling ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ where we will highlight some of the amazing businesses and side passions our colleagues have pursued throughout the pandemic. Follow Nicole on Instagram @nicoleppower
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Episode #2 - Jacob MacInnis
Jacob MacInnis has a silky voice that makes us swoon, a kindness that swells our hearts and a podunk edge essential for a good time! Joining Jacob in this episode is none other than Steve Cota from In The Wings, who is featured in our new segment, ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ Jacob is a Dora award-winning actor and prolific artist, who expresses themselves through all mediums of art! Jacob has played some of the most iconic and recognizable characters with amazing accuracy, passion, and success. Some of their credits to date include The Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz (Capitol Theatre), Lefou in Beauty and The Beast, Horton in Seussical, Earthworm in James and The Giant Peach (YPT) Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid (Globe Theatre) Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre) two seasons with The Charlottetown Festival including Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar. Coming up, Jacob will star as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (Neptune Theatre) and will be featured in Play On!, one of the cabarets being presented at the Stratford Festival this 2021 season. We talk with Jacob about their visual art and their musical aspirations and inspirations. We chat about gender identity, pronouns, and discuss ways that allies can best support the genderqueer community. Follow Jacob on Instagram @jacobmacinnis
Episode #3 - Maud Arnold
Maud Arnold is an absolute force. A force on the dance floor, a force in the board room, and a force of positivity and light! Seriously, you can’t help but smile and get jazzed when Maud is in your presence or even your earbuds. Joining Maud in this episode are two of our favs, Tara Jackson and Masini McDermott from the ‘Straight Up Sis’, as the featured business in our new segment, ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ Maud Arnold is a Columbia University graduate and one of tap dance's leading ladies! Along with her sister Chloe, they are a choreographing and producing duo known worldwide for their female tap band, the Syncopated Ladies. They have appeared on The Ellen Show and So You Think You Can Dance, received praise from Beyonce, Janet Jackson, and Shonda Rhimes, and, no big deal, but one of their biggest mentors is none other than Debbie Allen! Chloe and Maud strongly believe in giving back to their community and lifting others along the way. Through their charity, The Chloe and Maud Foundation, they provide equal opportunity to educational programming that teaches and inspires young people around the globe through dance and entrepreneurship. Follow Maud on Instagram @maudiepooh
Episode #4 - Leather By Jade + Wheat & Sea Collective
Jade Repeta's work in theatre spans across Canada and includes concerts for the Stratford Festival of Canada, and performances for Theatre Aquarius, Drayton Entertainment, The Globe Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre and YPT, just to name a few! Leather By Jade launched during 2020 as a way to turn her creativity into creation. She is committed to making sure her business is low waste and uses all recycled or upcycled materials to bring you awesome leather jewellery and accessories! Follow Leather By Jade on instagram @leatherbyjade
Robin Calvert and Laura Mae Nason are powerful performers and creators in their own right. Robin hails from Saskatchewan, Laura Mae from Nova Scotia, and together they are Wheat and Sea Collective, an apparel brand whose purpose is to evoke a sense of community and belonging. Robin and Laura Mae are dedicated to collaborating with other artists and small businesses as well as giving back to local charities and supporting others across Canada. Follow Wheat and Sea Collective on instagram @wheatandseaco or visit their website wheatandseacollective.com
Episode #5 - BOA
BOA the drag queen is pure camp, she’s drop dead gorgeous, and her drag is out of the box and out of this world! BOA’s undeniable charisma shines right through those headphones and will make you howl. Joining BOA as the featured business in our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment is Daniel Birnbaum from Vision Drag Artists and BOA’s incredible agent! BOA was a contestant on Season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race and she made her presence known! BOA brought her own brand of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to every challenge and every look that hit the runway. We talk with BOA about her experience on Canada’s Drag Race, her recovery from addiction and her victories since, and everything in-between that makes BOA the freaking drag star she is! Follow BOA on Instagram @BOAthedragqueen
Episode #6 - Natasha Powell
Natasha Powell is a powerful creator who takes the joy of being a dancer and teacher to heart. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of social dance and the origins of jazz dance in its most authentic form. Joining Natasha in this episode is Monique Lund, who chats with us about her incredible jewelry line, Minnie by Monique Lund.
Natasha Powell is the founder, choreographer and artistic director of Holla Jazz in Toronto. She is known for bringing her soulful approach to movement which transcends genre. Through Holla Jazz, she created the award-winning show ‘Floor’d’ - a full-length production presenting historical jazz dances in a new light. ‘Floor’d’ was nominated for 4 Dora Mavor Moore Awards and named one of the top 10 dance shows of the recent decade by NOW Magazine. Natasha is also a contributing member to the film ‘Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance.’ Uprooted is a cinematic exploration of jazz dance, paying homage to its lineage, celebrating its many re-interpretations, and encouraging dancers to keep it alive. Follow Natasha on Instagram @tashapowellto. Visit her website at NatashaPowell.com
Episode #7 - Canadian Green Alliance + Planet Pantry
Today on the pod we are talking all things sustainability! We will introduce you to two amazing companies and collaborations that are all about sustainable green practices both within our business and our homes. Our guests today are Tess Benger + Julia McLellan from Canadian Green Alliance, and Sam Soloway and Tyrell Witherspoon of Planet Pantry. Tess and Julia are co-founders of the Canadian Green Alliance, a national not-for-profit devoted to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability. Their goal is to create a national guideline to aid theatre companies and individuals in the design, construction, and production of environmentally responsible theatre in Canada. Through the development of a comprehensive handbook, and the use of deputies within each company, they can help guide arts organizations towards sustainable choices from the front of house to backstage. Follow Canadian Green Alliance on Instagram @canadiangreenalliance.
Sam + Tyrell opened Planet Pantry in 2020, a package free and planet approved shop that provides the people of Winnipeg a waste free option to purchasing home, health, and body products where you BYOC (bring your own containers). Throughout the pandemic this pair has successfully met the needs of their community, pivoted when needed in order to keep their products accessible and available, all while remaining eco friendly and low waste. Sam and Tyrell have recently opened up their brick and motor location at The Forks in Winnipeg, so if you’re in the area go pay them a visit! Follow Planet Pantry on Instagram @planetpantrywpg
Episode #8 - James Kinney
James Kinney is an award winning choreographer and director who is both passing down the legacy of his mentors, and sharing his own unique creative voice and eye for movie magic. Joining James for this episode is Paul De Gurse and Jillian Willems to chat about their podcast, Monkeys and Playbills, as the featured business in our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment. James Kinney has trained with legends, he has worked with legends, and he himself is a real life legend. Throughout his performance career, James was privileged to be mentored and work alongside some of the greats such as Ann Reinking, Jerome Robbins, Chet Walker, and Chita Rivera. As a choreographer his work can be seen on stages and screens around the country with over 50 musical theatre productions under his belt. James has become a vital asset in creating new and innovative movement by staying true to his artistic vision of smart, meaningful movement, oozing with style. James is also a regular teacher at Steps on Broadway in New York and believes it is his duty and privilege to pass down the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career. Follow James on Instagram @jkinneydance. Visit his website at JamesAKinney.com
Episode #9 - Christina Pitts Jazzar
Christina Pitts Jazzar is a qualified intimacy coordinator, and on today’s pod, she will be our guide into this world as we begin to scratch the surface on all the useful qualities and tools these professionals can bring into our work spaces. Christina is an extraordinary woman, dancer, actor, and choreographer who has recently added the title of intimacy coordinator to that list. Christina has worked on the set of such productions as Mrs. America (FX), Umbrella Academy - Season 2 (Netflix), The Good Witch - Season 4 (Hallmark), and The Shape of Water as a choreographer and associate choreographer. As an intimacy coordinator, Christina has just come off of the set of Re:Uniting by Laura Atkins starring Jesse L. Martin, and is excited and enthusiastic to continue doing more of this work. Christina is a member of the collaborative team of Intimacy Choreographers/ Coordinators and Vulnerability Consultants from da Costa Talent, along with Lisa Stevens and Anisa Teipar. These consultants are brought into a space to aid in scenes of intimacy by designing a structured approach to physical story-telling of both sexual and non-sexual intimacy. They also create and implement riders where nudity or partial nudity exists, work with minors on sensitive or highly emotional material, be a safe bystander in the room if an actor requests it, and act as a liaison between departments regarding intimate scenes. Follow Christina on Instagram @christinapittsjazzar
Episode #10 - Mandy Goodhandy + Singular Sensation
What a jam packed episode we have for you today friends! First up, we speak with the incredible Singular Sensation producers, Jeni Walls and Stephan Dickson. Our second guest is the iconic, Mandy Goodhandy, singer, author, advocate, entrepreneurial force, and Canada’s first transgender woman stand up comedian. Singular Sensation is a live musical theatre open mic that offers a safe, supportive space to sing, create community and celebrate all things musical theatre that recently celebrated its' 10th anniversary. Since the pandemic, Singular has pivoted into a bi-weekly performing arts talkshow, giving a platform to new and game changing theatre initiatives while also offering segments dedicated to self-care and current events and of course, musical performances. Now in its 10th year, Singular is partnering with The New Local to bring back the open mic aspect of the show adding a companion piece to the new online talkshow format. Mandy Goodhandy is Toronto royalty and above all, a matriarch who creates safe spaces for people to express themselves. Mandy is a singer and author, with a book and CD both entitled ‘Just Call Me Lady’. She is a transgender rights advocate, dancer, and business mogul. She is Canada’s first transgender woman stand-up comic, first transgender woman to be accepted to sing in the Toronto Jazz Festival in 2016 and the Winterfolk Blues & Roots festival in 2021, and most recently added the title of feature columnist to her resume with interview style articles published in Pinkpages and Buzz Magazine, Toronto’s queer publications.
Episode #11 - Darren Trull
On today’s pod we are diving into mental and physical fortitude! First up, in our Whatcha Doin?! segment, the part of our show where we highlight artist run small businesses, we speak with performer/choreographer turned chiropractor, Dr. Stephen Gray, owner of Made to Move Clinic. Next up, we sit down with circus performer and coach, Darren Trull. Darren is a Canadian born acrobat and aerialist who specializes in aerial straps, which has taken him across the globe. Some of Darren’s credits include Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour, Saltimbanco and Volta with Cirque du Soleil as well as La Perle, and House of Dancing Water by mastermind Franco Dragone. He was also a specialist performer for Celebrity Cruises Inc. In addition Darren has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University and is a dedicated instructor who is currently developing circus programs across North America.
Episode #12 - SideBiz Studios
We have a full house on the pod today! First up, we speak with Dharma Bizier and Mikayla Stradiotto from the Not Your Mothers Bookclub podcast. Next, we are joined by Kelsey Verzotti and Jacob Sheffield, co-creators of SideBiz Studios. SideBiz Studios is an online marketplace that showcases products and services offered by the Canadian and North American arts community. Kelsey Verzotti and Jacob Sheffield are two theatre artists (and rockstars), who created this online community in 2020, as a space for artists to continue to be creative and share their talents, skills and businesses. SideBiz Studio is the place to find someone the perfect present, or brush up on your technique, while supporting Canadian artists from anywhere in the world!
Episode #13 - Saccha Dennis
Saccha Dennis, aka Saccha Fierce, is an actor, director, and the creator of Musicals Re:Imagined, the production company dedicated to reimagining traditional musical theatre by flipping the script and not apologizing for it. Saccha is joined by Greg Carruthers from EveryBODY On Stage for our 'Whatcha Doing?!' segment. Saccha is part of the original Canadian company of Come From Away (Mirvish), was on the 1st National Tour of We Will Rock You, and performed in Ragtime, My Fair Lady and Maria Severa for The Shaw Festival of Canada. Regionally, she has also starred in musicals across Canada, including Avenue Q (The Citadel Theatre), Jacob Two Two, James and the Giant Peach, The Wizard of Oz (YPT), Sister Act (Rainbow Stage), Dreamgirls (MTC / Theatre Aquaris), Motown, Love Train (Stage West) just to name a few! Most recently, Saccha directed a reimagined version of Pippin for Theatre Sheridan. We to speak to Saccha about pushing the boundaries of our artistry and always asking "what if'?!" She left us inspired, chatting all things theatre, advocacy and creating the change you want to see in the business! Follow Saccha on Instagram @musicalsreimagined. Visit her website at SacchaDennis.com
Episode #14 - Shawn Byfield
One word to describe this episode? Sunshine! Why? Because today on the pod we are joined by Jacqueline Burtney from Jackson Ben Designs as the feature of our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment, as well as the joyous Shawn Byfield. Shawn Byfield is a Dora Mavor Moore Award winning choreographer, a veteran of TV & film, and an internationally renowned dance instructor. He's a Gemini Award nominee, a 2-time Black Canadian Award nominee, and a leading force in Canadian entertainment. His film and television credits include: Hairspray, Blues Brothers 2000, Taal, Bojangles, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, The Music Man, The Ladies Man, The Juno Awards, Slings & Arrows, Royal Canadian Air Farce, just to name a few! Born in Toronto, Canada, Shawn Byfield is one of Canada's most sought after instructors and has taught master classes in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, as well as Israel and the United Kingdom. We speak to Shawn about where he draws inspiration, visibility in the entertainment industry and how Shawn inspires greatness in others! Follow Shawn on Instagram @shawnbyfield. Visit his website at ShawnByfield.com
Episode #15 - Christy Adamson
Today the pod is full of powerhouse women! First up, we sit down with Krista Leis from Krista Leis Pilates as the feature of our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment. Next, we go deep and get the full tea with performer, choreographer and dance captain, Christy Adamson. Christie Adamson has dance captained two National Tours including Saturday Night Fever, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, as well as countless other shows including CATS (Panasonic), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Stage West), All Shook Up, and Chicago (Drayton Entertainment). She was the choreographer for CATS at Theatre Aquaris, as well as the assistant director for Kiss Me Kate and Jesus Christ Superstar (Sunshine Festival). She has appeared on stages across the country, recently playing Tanya in Mamma Mia at both The Citadel Theatre and The Charlottetown Festival. Christy has also apeared on Canadian Idol as a backup singer on CTV! She is a true triple threat performer, has recently become a mother, and has also launched her own business called Keto Chick Creations. In this episode, Christy shares the full truth about what it means to age in this business and grow your career the way YOU want to. We also get the inside scoop about being a world class dance captain! Follow Christy in instagram @crispyanimalplanet or @ketochickcreations
Episode #16 - Vanessa Sears
Welcome to the final episode of Season 4 of Tits and Teeth Podcast! Can you believe it?! To close out the season we are bringing you one guest and one guest only, the sensational actor and activist, Vanessa Sears. Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award winning actor with the voice of an angel and a stunningly contagious laugh. She is one of Canada’s most accomplished performers who’s potential knows no bounds. Some of her theatre credits include; Caroline or Change (Musical Stage Co.) Mary Poppins (Young People’s Theatre) Grand Hotel (Shaw Festival) Little Shop of Horrors and Billy Elliott (Stratford Festival) and Kinky Boots (Mirvish Productions). She can be seen on screen in Sex/Life (Netflix) Tallboyz (CBC) and Y:The Last Man (FX). Vanessa is also a board member of the Canadian Green Alliance and a woman who will always fight for what’s right and inspire others to change. In this episode we chat about advocacy in the arts, bringing our values with us to the theatre and Vanessas hopes for the future of the industry. She is a bright light and you don't want to miss this one! Follow her on Instagram @vanessa_sears