Today we released part 1 of our interview with dancer and theatrical choreographer Martín Céspedes. He has performed on Broadway tours of shows such as Man of La Mancha, The King and I,  and South Pacific. He’s also danced at the Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera, as well as in concert performances with Earth, Wind and Fire and The Bee Gees. As a choreographer his credits include musicals at Porthouse Theatre, Cleveland Musical Theatre, the Great Lakes Theater and the St. Louis Repertory Theater. If you have an interest in working professionally in dance and theatre, you'll want to hear Martín's positive message and approach to arts entrepreneurship!

In this episode: Ever wondered how a professional dancer transitions into choreography? Join us as we chat with Martín Céspedes, a renowned dancer, theatrical choreographer, and arts entrepreneur with an impressive resume, and find out what it takes to make it in the world of choreography and theatre production.

Discover how Martín navigated the challenges and triumphs of his fascinating career, from his early days in New York City to working on big-ticket projects like feature films and masterclasses. Martín also shares valuable insights on the importance of unions like the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) in ensuring fair pay and benefits for artists, and how personal relationships can lead to exciting opportunities in the industry. Don't miss this captivating conversation with a true master of his craft!

​View Transcript

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Eric Carvill and Sunita Joshi, founders of the Hudson Conservatory of Ballet. They'll share their story of transitioning from dancing professionally to becoming studio owners, and what they learned along the way. They will also address the many activities they do to keep their studio running effectively, while also growing their business.  Eric and Sunita's story is relatable to all artists who want to become full-time arts entrepreneurs.

This week on the podcast, is part two of our interview with the founders of the Owen/Cox Dance Group: dancer Jennifer Owen and her musician husband Brad Cox.  They recall their first collaboration, describe their revenue streams, how their dancers and musicians are contracted and compensated, and the value of sweat equity. Those thinking of starting a dance company or similar venture will not want to miss them!

This week on the podcast, we begin 2022 with part one of our interview with the founders of the Owen/Cox Dance Group: dancer Jennifer Owen and her musician husband Brad Cox.  They recall their first collaboration, describe their revenue streams, how their dancers and musicians are contracted and compensated, and the value of sweat equity. Those thinking of starting a dance company or similar venture will not want to miss them!

In this episode of Arts Entrepreneurship Podcast: Making Art Work, Nick and Andy sit down with Gary Abbott. Gary is co-founder of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and Associate Professor of Modern Dance at University of Missouri-Kansas City. His career as a dancer and choreographer began in Atlanta, GA with Barbara Sullivan's Atlanta Dance Theatre and has included the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Theatre, and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in Denver, CO. In the interview, Gary talks about starting Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, cultivating staff and supporters, and the importance of having a well-rounded team.

To learn more about the people and topics mentioned in this episode see the show notes below.