Today I'm are honored to chat with Josie Whittlesey of Drama Club, which provides theater education and programming to incarcerated and paroled youth in New York City. This vastly underserved population is engaged with improv and positive mentorship, giving them rehabilitation and support.

One of the most difficult but important issues we face in the arts is our finances. How to make more of it and how to spend (and save) it in the best way possible.

Andy Clausen is a New York-based composer, trombonist, bandleader, and graduate of The Juilliard School. Hailing from Seattle, Clausen relocated to NYC in 2010 where he enjoys a diverse schedule collaborating with filmmakers, folk and blues artists, classical composers, as well as New York's jazz elite. An active educator, Clausen has taught...

This is Part 2 of my look at the New York Youth Symphony focusing on their Musical Theater Composition program, directed by Anna Jacobs. Also featured in this episode are two students in the program, Sydney Altbacker and Tate Robinson. They talk about and perform their new piece "Song for Marilyn" which was written for the class.

For the next couple of weeks Patrick will be talking to directors of the New York Youth Symphony. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area's most gifted musicians ages 12-22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, and jazz, with performances at world class venues...

In Part Two of our look at Only Make Believe, Patrick talks to Jackie Miller, Artistic Director of the acting company, and two of the actors, Dan Domingues and Jeanette Bonner.

Only Make Believe brings interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities, those with illnesses and disabilities and special needs. They entertain the kids with specially created plays designed for their needs and to encourage their participation.