Title
The Art of Adaptation
Description
The Art of Adaptation is an interview-based podcast exploring the ways in which different members of the artistic community are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We tried our best to interview a wide, diverse array of artists.We wanted to allow these artists a platform to not only promote themselves but also uplift others in their field in a time when many are struggling to find time, funding, or emotional energy to create.
The podcast in its entirety is approximately 225 minutes long, with each episode being between 15-30 minutes.
Content Warnings
May contain mild adult language.
Biography
Nate Davis (He/Him) – Nate Davis is a fourth year BFA Acting student, and is interested in pursuing audio-based artistic projects in the future.
Jason Dernay (He/Him) – Jason Dernay is a 4th year BFA Acting and BA Management student interested in non-profit management and a variety of performance styles such as voice acting, motion capture, and immersive theatre.
Guests
Kellyn Uhl: A dance-movement therapist working in a Michigan hospital.
Katie O’Brien Kelly: Recently graduated freelance journalist.
Megan Weeks: Arts educator for high school students from Highland, Michigan.
Nette Angelini: Comedian, actor, and entertainer in Chicago.
Matt Peppler: Graphic designer and illustrator based out of Lansing.
Camille Thomas: Actor, author, activist, artist based in New York City.
Allie Siarto: Photographer and business owner based in Lansing.
Anonymous Phone Call – Matt Burdick, Chase Cain, Ben Dewitt, Jack Emaus: Grand Rapids based alternative band.
Liz Cooke: Artistic Director of All of Us Express in East Lansing.
Molly Bennett: Actor, director, and recent MSU grad based in New York City.
Reflection
The funds from our Microgrant were used to purchase higher quality production software, such as Reaper, an audio editing program. Additionally, it allowed us the freedom to work around our full-time jobs that are essential for us to provide for the cost of education, housing, utilities, course materials, groceries, and emergencies throughout the school year. The podcast website domain, theartofadaptation.com, was also purchased for a twelve-month period to continue to provide access for our work. The Microgrant also paid for the time spent researching, coordinating, developing, interviewing, editing, transcribing, and creating an accessible website.
Traditionally, podcasts are recorded in-person at a studio with the goal of creating personal conversations with professional audio. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the social distance required for safe recording completely changed our format, approach, and recording environment. We continually found better ways to adapt and overcome challenges and quality issues in order to produce the best content possible under the circumstances. As we spoke to our guests, they agreed that the limitations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to think outside the box and change their approaches to their work. Being accepted for this grant was great motivation for us to take a chance, jump into the unknown, and create something we could be proud of.
The College of Arts and Letters has always invested in the growth and success of its students. By providing the financial support for students to take time and concentrate on artistic, career-focused ventures, students are able to have first-hand experience creating and coordinating their own work. It allows students to dedicate professional time and equipment to create portfolio worthy creations and open doors to future opportunities. Without the monetary support of these grants, our podcast would not have been as high-quality, much less possible. These grants will be essential for future creative students, especially considering the cost of a college education and the necessary time dedication during Summer to work a job.