Artistic Finance

166: The Spotlight Operator's Financial Handbook with June Abernathy - Bonus Episode

June Abernathy, a touring spotlight supervisor based in Florida, talks about financial lessons from her career.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Saving 10%
⭐️ Paying yourself first
⭐️ Gambling in the stock market
⭐️ Tax considerations while touring
 
Recently June has been touring with The Lion King and SIX. She is also author of “The Spotlight Operator’s Handbook” and “The Tried and True Book of 101 Spotlight Excuses”.
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/ci7BOsXJns0
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
LDI
https://www.ldishow.com/
 
Ellen Lampert-Gréaux
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/
 
June Abernathy
https://www.spotopbooks.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/june-abernathy-82989984
 
The Spotlight Operator's Handbook
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781733006408
 
The Wealthy Barber
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9780761513117
 
The Millionaire Next Door
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781589795471
 
The Automatic Millionaire
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9780451499080
 
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781612681139
 
Suzy Orman
https://www.oprah.com/money/suze-ormans-10-tips-for-a-fresh-financial-start/all
 
Dave Ramsey
https://www.artisticfinance.com/84.html
 
Quicken
https://www.quicken.com/
 
Big Little Books
https://web.archive.org/web/20161002215936/http://www.biglittlebooks.com/
 
Living Without A Credit Card
https://advice.metrocu.org/credit-and-debt/credit/article/living-a-credit-free-life
 
June Abernathy has been touring the country with a variety of Broadway Musicals as FOH Electrician and Spotlight Supervisor since 1998, most recently with the National Tours of Disney’s The Lion King and SIX the Musical. A graduate of Florida State University, she has worked in the theater in many capacities, including as a Local and Touring IATSE Stagehand, AEA Stage Manager, Speaker, and Author. She is the author of “The Spotlight Operator’s Handbook” and “The Tried and True Book of 101 Spotlight Excuses”.
 
Instagram Handles
@nicolevsteimel
@ethansteimel
@live.design
@ldishow
 
The bookshop.org links above are our affiliate links.
 
Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

166: Almost Ready To Invest with Aja M Jackson - Lighting Designer

Lighting designer Aja M Jackson talks about finances as a freelancer and the importance of radical transparency when it comes to designer fees.
 
Topics: 
⭐️ Financial habits
⭐️ Living modestly 
⭐️ High yield savings accounts
⭐️ Building an financial cushion before investing
⭐️ Open sharing of finance details with colleagues
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/33hlqOD1hWc
 
Full Interview
https://www.patreon.com/posts/166-almost-ready-113039463?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Aja M Jackson
https://www.ajajacksonlighting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajamjackson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-m-jackson
 
Beyonce - Renaissance Tour
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_World_Tour
 
Tobias Rylander
https://tobiasrylander.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tobiasrylander/?hl=en
 
Brighter Boston
https://www.brighterboston.org/
 
Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
https://arts.unl.edu/theatre-and-film
 
Gypsy Housing
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3827629097251324/
 
Bradley King
https://bradleykingld.com/
 
Hadestown
https://hadestown.com/
 
Fabian Yeager
https://www.yeagerdesign.com/
 
Rachel Chavkin - New Yorker Article
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/06/03/behind-the-scenes-of-a-short-lived-broadway-musical
 
Craig Stelzenmuhler
https://craigstelzenmuller.com/
 
Nick Solymon
https://solyomdesign.com/
 
AJA M JACKSON is an interdisciplinary Lighting Designer with a focus on the stage. Some credits include Off-Broadway: A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet, and Rock and Roll Man. Broadway: Fat Ham (associate). Regional (selected): Hear Word (American Repertory Theatre / The Public Theater Under the Radar Festival).  Lost In Yonkers, The Art of Burning, Pride and Prejudice, Simona’s Search (Hartford Stage). The Art of Burning, The Band's Visit (Huntington Theatre Company); Associate: Goddess (Berkeley Rep). Assistant: Real Women Have Curves and Queen Of Versailles.  Dance: Hubbard Street Dance, Modern Connections; Resident Lighting Designer for movement company, HoldTight. Awards: OEAA Outstanding Lighting Design - Kinky Boots (2022). Teaching: Boston University, National Theatre Institute. Proud member of USA 829. www.ajajacksonlighting.com | IG: @ajamjackson
 
Instagram Handles
@ajamjackson
@unitedscenicartists
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 
Shout outs to all the Nebraska theatre makers
Laura Shoemaker & Steve G
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel

165: Audio In Pittsburgh and 529 Savings Plans with Jordan Gilliam - Bonus Episode

An interview with Jordan Gilliam, an audio engineer, DJ, and director of education at Tech25 in Pittsburgh.
 
Topics:
⭐️ 529 College Savings Plans
⭐️ Heeding financial advice from people you trust
⭐️ Saving for retirement early (yes, even at age 19)
⭐️ Not letting tunnel vision of your ideal career keep you from learning new skills or trying new jobs and experiences
⭐️ Teaching what you know to those around you, because time is always limited so teach what you can when you can for the greater good
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/QPMB1EXKYIU
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
LDI
https://www.ldishow.com/
 
Ellen Lampert-Gréaux
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-lampert-gr%C3%A9aux-2abb351b/
 
Jordan Gilliam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanlgilliam/
https://www.instagram.com/youngobama/?hl=en
 
Tech25
https://www.tech25.org/
https://www.instagram.com/tech25pgh/?hl=en
 
529 College Savings Plan
https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/529-plan-new-rules-changes
https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/yes-your-529-plan-will-affect-financial-aid#:~:text=Assets%20in%20a%20529%20plan,not%20reported%20on%20the%20FAFSA.
https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc313
 
Secured Credit Cards
https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit-cards/articles/-/learn/what-is-a-secured-credit-card-do-they-build-credit/
 
Full Sail University
https://www.artisticfinance.com/35.html
 
RCF - Audio Company
https://www.rcf.it/en
 
Ableton
https://www.ableton.com/en/
 
Why I'll Never Make It with Dominic Thrasher
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-hsr3w-20ca8bf8?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share
 
Jim Jones' Studio
https://vampirelifeent.com/
https://vampirelifeent.com/quarantine-studios
 
Emmai Alaquiva
https://www.emmaialaquiva.com/
 
Carolyn Slothour
https://www.carolynslothour.com/
 
Ben Peters
https://www.ldishow.com/ldishowcom/ldi-show-2024-speakers
 
Decolonizing Wealth
https://www.artisticfinance.com/151.html
https://bookshop.org/p/books/decolonizing-wealth-second-edition-indigenous-wisdom-to-heal-divides-and-restore-balance-edgar-villanueva/10784512?aid=86693&ean=9781523091416&listref=artistic-finance-books&
(that's our affiliate link)
 
Jordan Gilliam started his career in 2008 at Chung King Studios and subsequently Quad Studios in New York City. He went on to tour as a DJ and traveling recording and mixing engineer for some of the biggest Hip-Hop artists allowing him to share stages and space with artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar to The Chicks to Paul McCarntney. During his travels he also learned videography and started building curriculum for educational institutes in Pittsburgh, PA. In typical audio fashion he found himself learning live sound as a house engineer and helped open a multi-level entertainment complex, landing him on a regional tour circuit with some of Pittsburgh's top bands. The culmination of these experiences are the fabric for Tech25, a non-profit educational institution which provides workforce development programming, teen camps and K-8 in-school programming throughout Pittsburgh Public and regional Charter Schools. From apprenticeships to partnerships with local universities, unions and production companies, Tech25 is paving the way for new pathways for entering the industry and creating a replicable model for cities across the United States
 
Instagram Handles
@tech25pgh
@youngobama
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
@ldishow
@live.design
 
Hosted by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan Steimel

165: Focusing Lights On Broadway Producing with Richard Winkler

Broadway producer Richard Winkler talks about how he transitioned from lighting design to producing. In 2024, Richard is producing 15 shows between Broadway and The West End.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Good theatre
⭐️ A Chorus Line
⭐️ Commissioning a new musical
⭐️ Switching careers from lighting designer to producer
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/HXgcMEw0bP4
 
Full Interview
https://www.patreon.com/posts/164-focusing-on-110904789?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
 
Richard Winkler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-winkler-452a9111/
https://www.instagram.com/winklerbroadway/
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/richard-winkler-25957
 
3 Summers of Lincoln
https://lajollaplayhouse.org/show/3-summers-of-lincoln/
 
Red Hanger Productions
http://www.redhangerproductions.com/
 
Junkyard Dogs Productions
https://www.jydprod.com/about
 
Doris Kearns Goodwin
https://doriskearnsgoodwin.com/about-doris/
 
Joe DiPietro discussing Diana: The Musical
https://youtu.be/9X6rWzUYb_w?si=dDq0cwrhigvk3J-h&t=1296
Story starts at 21:36
 
Joe DiPietro
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/joe-dipietro-383115
 
Toni Leslie James - Costume Designer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/toni-leslie-james-24978#Awards
 
Amanda Zieve - Lighting Designer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/amanda-zieve-471082
 
Howell Binkley - Lighting Designer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/howell-binkley-25554
 
Ken Billington - Lighting Designer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/ken-billington-24677
 
David Rockwell - Set Designer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/david-rockwell-82068
 
Sue Frost - Producer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/sue-frost-71850
 
Longacre Theater
https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/longacre-theatre-1240
 
Broadway Theater
https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/broadway-theatre-1496
 
Tharon Musser
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/tharon-musser-25815
 
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Day%27s_Journey_into_Night
 
Jean Rosenthal
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jean-rosenthal-25879
 
Groucho: A Life In Revue
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groucho:_A_Life_in_Revue
 
Instagram Handles
@winklerbroadway
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel

164: Pay Negotiation for Lighting Designers

A panel of theatrical lighting designers discuss pay negotiations. If this sounds like a frightening topic, make sure to listen because this is a positive and calm take on the process.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Determining a rate
⭐️ How to conduct yourself
⭐️ How to advocate for yourself
⭐️ When to use an agent and what they do
⭐️ Using the union, USA 829, resources, whether you’re a member or not
 
Workbook:
https://www.patreon.com/artisticfinance/shop/pay-negotiation-for-lighting-designers-312412?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=productshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/1ScEXspA-6o
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
EPI Family Budget Calculator 
https://www.epi.org/resources/budget/
 
Cost of Living Calculator - MIT
https://livingwage.mit.edu/
 
Spoleto Festival
https://spoletousa.org/
 
Natalie Robin email
nrobin@usa829.org
 
Isabella Byrd
https://www.isabellabyrd.design/
Natalie Robin
https://www.natalierobinlighting.com/
Jen Schriever - Gemini
https://jenschriever.com/
 
Ken Billington
https://www.kbany.com/
Aja M Jackson - Sagittarius
https://www.ajajacksonlighting.com/
Heather Gilbert
https://www.hgilbertdesign.com/
Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew - Aries
https://www.jeanetteyew.com/
 
Instagram Handles
@isabelllaa@natalierobinld@jen.schriever@ajamjackson@htglights@jeanette_yew@unitedscenicartists
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 
Moderated by Natalie Robin
Hosted by Ethan Steimel

163: Lighting Design Tools - Free vs. Paid - LIVE from LDI

A lively discussion between lighting designers about their design tools and the associated costs.
 
A broadcast of a LIVE recording that took place at LDI in Las Vegas.
 
Topics:
⭐️ The essential software for entertainment lighting
⭐️ The costs and considerations of that essential software
⭐️ What software we expect to be essential in the near future
 
LDs:
Ebony Madry.
Carolyn Wong
Ariel Benjamin
Dani Deutschmann
 
Worksheet
https://www.patreon.com/posts/163-live-from-vs-108861929?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
 
Video version
https://youtu.be/3SwwOTGx-Yw
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
LDI:
https://www.ldishow.com/
 
LDG:
https://ldg.com/
 
Vectorworks
https://www.vectorworks.net/en-US/spotlight
 
Lightwright
https://www.lightwright.com/
 
Capture - Previz
https://www.capture.se/
 
Twinmotion
https://www.twinmotion.com/en-US
 
Vision
https://www.vectorworks.net/en-US/vision
 
Lightning Tapes
https://lightningtapes.com/
 
AutoPlot
https://www.autoplotvw.com/
 
Moving Light Assistant
https://www.movinglightassistant.com/wp_folder/
 
VOR
https://getvor.app/
 
Filemaker Pro
https://www.claris.com/filemaker/
 
ETC Software
https://www.etcconnect.com/eos-software/
 
Luma Light Meter
https://lu.mu/
 
Monday
https://monday.com/
 
Asana
https://asana.com/
 
Trello:
https://trello.com/
 
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-g-wong/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-madry-6a9651139/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lighting-design-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/livedesignldi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethansteimel/
 
Instagram Handles
@ldishow
@ldg_lightingdesigngroup
@cwong619
@ebmadry
@ajbenjam
@ducksrusdani
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel
 

162: Saving Too Much with Carolyn Wong - Lighting Designer

Lighting designer Carolyn Wong discusses the finances of her New York-based dance and theatre career. The most recent decade has been spent as the Worldwide Associate Lighting Designer for Disney’s The Lion King. 
 
We discuss:
⭐️ Investing in yourself
⭐️ Keeping living expenses low 
⭐️ The sustainable hustle of freelancing
 
Video version
https://youtu.be/bjqiT4rxJ1Q
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Carolyn Wong
https://www.wongnumber.com/
 
The Lion King
https://lionking.com/
 
Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man:_Turn_Off_the_Dark
 
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
https://www.jacobspillow.org/programs/intern-programs/
 
Bates Dance Festival
https://www.bates.edu/dance/bates-dance-festival/
 
Capture - Previz Software
https://www.capture.se/
 
Monarch - Money Management Software
https://www.monarchmoney.com/
 
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-g-wong/
 
Instagram Handles
@cwong619
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel

161: Theatre Work with Natalie Robin & Brídín Clements Cotton

A discussion about labor in theatrical production with lighting designer Natalie Robin & performing arts manager Brídín Clements. They have authored the new book Theatre Work: Reimagining the Labor of Theatrical Production. 
 
Topics:
⭐️ How institutions can prioritize workers 
⭐️ Retention and training challenges for theaters
⭐️ Minimum wage, living wage, and thriving wage
⭐️ Holding theaters accountable for their mission statement
 
Artistic Finance:
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Video version:
https://youtu.be/vj2qqnYbU8Q
 
Theatre Work:
https://www.productionlaborbook.com/
 
Theatre Work - Links & Actions:
More about the bookISBN: 9781032361345
Order your copy: from the publisher or from your local bookshop.
Purchase the e-book.
Share our sell sheet with your local bookstore.
Teachers, request an inspection copy here.
Book reviewers, request a review copy here.
Journalists, please contact newsroom@taylorandfrancis.com
 
Gender Inequity:
https://thewagnerreview.org/2021/11/addressing-gender-inequity-in-theatrical-design/ 
 
Pay Equity in Internships:
https://howlround.com/does-it-pay 
 
Longitudinal Study - Deep Dive - Return To The Stage
https://rattle-beetle-870.notion.site/Return-to-the-Stage-fd1a91cc24b34e19990141c70dbf99c2 
 
Design Action
https://www.design-action.com/ 
 
We See You WAT - https://www.weseeyouwat.com/ 
 
1/52 Project
https://www.oneeveryfiftytwo.org/ 
 
Wingspace
https://wingspace.com/ 
 
Behind the Scenes
https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/ 
 
Production On Deck
https://www.productionondeck.com/
 
Porsche McGovern - Stage Directions - Where Is All The Production Staff Survey
https://www.productionondeck.com/
 
Instagram Handles
@theatre.work.book
@bridinsarah
@natalierobinld
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel
 

160.5 Bonus Episode

EDIT: Accidentally recorded only on the left audio track! Your headphones aren’t broken! 🤦🏼‍♂️
 
…
A rambling Ethan talks about upcoming episodes. 
 
Hollywood Reporter Article
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/1-5x-listening-speed-podcasters-divided-1235969454/
 
Quicklinks - Artistic Finance:
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
 

160: 6K Investing Special - Q3.3

An update on the Artistic Finance 6k--the $6,000 of investments we made in May of 2021. A panel composed of a bond investment CEO and three lighting designers review how our investments compare to the market.
 
Quicklinks - Artistic Finance:
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Video Version:
https://youtu.be/Yz5E-gI4bgg
 
Rivian EV Trucks:
https://rivian.com/
 
Maithreyi Gopalakrishnan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithreyi-gopalakrishnan/
https://www.liquidificorp.com/
 
Ebony Madry:
https://www.instagram.com/ebmadry/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-madry-6a9651139/
 
Amy D Lux:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-lux-953a7318a/
https://utopiadreamscape.com/author/luvlogica/
 
Ethan Steimel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethansteimel/
https://www.instagram.com/artisticfinance/?hl=en
 
Instagram handles:
@ebmadry
@liquidifi
@utopiadreamscape
@ethansteimel
@artisticfinance
 
 
Affiliate links:
M1 Finance - Good for Long Term / Buy and Hold Investors - no sign up incentive:
m1finance.8bxp97.net/XxYPZg
 
Coinbase - Cryptocurrency Exchange - $10 of Bitcoin:
https://www.coinbase.com/join/steime_0
 
Vinovest - Wine Investing - 3 months of free wine storage:
https://app.vinovest.co?grsf=2p0wk3
 
Robinhood:
https://join.robinhood.com/ethans21
 
We Bull:
https://act.webull.com/pm/do1QnByzkAhA/a3j/inviteUs/main
 
ETF:
IVV - iShares Core S&P 500
 
Stocks:
VST - Vistra Corp
LAC - Lithium Americas
TAP - Molson Coors Beverage (owners of Blue Moon)
SKLZ- Skillz
 
Cryptocurrency:
Bitcoin
 
Wine:
Vinovest
 
Real Estate - REITS:
REG - Regency Centers Corp -Previously UBA
SRG - Seritage Growth Properties
VICI - Experiential Real Estate - Previously MGM Properties
STAG - STAG Industrial
 
Art:
Bret Slater - Artist
https://www.bretslater.com/
 
Photos of our Painting:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/64295618
 
Full story of commissioning the piece:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/61516832
 
Ian Dunlap - The Investor Ethan follows:
https://linktr.ee/themasterinvestor
 
...
 
Become a patron:
www.patreon.com/artisticfinance
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel