The StageLync Podcast

Ep.65: Craig Laurie: Chief Creative Officer at RWS Global - “You are not creating for yourself. You are creating for the audience” (Audio)

Craig Laurie, Chief Creative Officer at RWS Global, is the driving force behind the company’s powerhouse team of world-class creatives, designers and casting directors who deliver extraordinary experiences worldwide. Laurie excels at developing talent, aligning creative vision and fostering collaboration across various specialties to bring bold, innovative ideas to life. With a foundation in diverse artistic practices, he approaches every project with visionary leadership, cultural sensitivity and a commitment to storytelling that is deeply attuned to the unique nuances of each destination.
Laurie’s impact at RWS Global is defined by his ability to unite teams around a shared creative vision, ensuring that every project resonates with each unique audience, whether inside a resort, aboard a luxury vessel, onstage or in a custom-designed venue. Under his guidance, the creative team continually seeks new ways to “Raise the Experience” for live moments throughout the world.
Since joining RWS Global, Laurie has spearheaded creative development for numerous award-winning productions and immersive experiences. From groundbreaking chamber music experiences to opening ceremonies for the world’s largest sporting events, major stage productions and more, he prioritizes meeting clients’ needs and exceeding guests' expectations. In addition, Laurie oversees the creative development of branded activations for well-known IPs such as Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Netflix, Mattel, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Rolling Stone Magazine, Feinstein's/54 Below and more.
Outside of RWS Global, Laurie serves as the Chair on the Board of Directors for Decoda, the affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall dedicated to bringing virtuosic performance and meaningful community engagement to stages around the world.
With a steadfast dedication to creativity, teamwork and quality, Laurie is redefining what live experiences can be, delivering unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact.
 
“ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396”
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.65: Craig Laurie: Chief Creative Officer at RWS Global - “You are not creating for yourself. You are creating for the audience” (Video)

Craig Laurie, Chief Creative Officer at RWS Global, is the driving force behind the company’s powerhouse team of world-class creatives, designers and casting directors who deliver extraordinary experiences worldwide. Laurie excels at developing talent, aligning creative vision and fostering collaboration across various specialties to bring bold, innovative ideas to life. With a foundation in diverse artistic practices, he approaches every project with visionary leadership, cultural sensitivity and a commitment to storytelling that is deeply attuned to the unique nuances of each destination.
Laurie’s impact at RWS Global is defined by his ability to unite teams around a shared creative vision, ensuring that every project resonates with each unique audience, whether inside a resort, aboard a luxury vessel, onstage or in a custom-designed venue. Under his guidance, the creative team continually seeks new ways to “Raise the Experience” for live moments throughout the world.
Since joining RWS Global, Laurie has spearheaded creative development for numerous award-winning productions and immersive experiences. From groundbreaking chamber music experiences to opening ceremonies for the world’s largest sporting events, major stage productions and more, he prioritizes meeting clients’ needs and exceeding guests' expectations. In addition, Laurie oversees the creative development of branded activations for well-known IPs such as Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Netflix, Mattel, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Rolling Stone Magazine, Feinstein's/54 Below and more.
Outside of RWS Global, Laurie serves as the Chair on the Board of Directors for Decoda, the affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall dedicated to bringing virtuosic performance and meaningful community engagement to stages around the world.
With a steadfast dedication to creativity, teamwork and quality, Laurie is redefining what live experiences can be, delivering unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact.
 
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.64: Richard Dagenais: Creative Director - “I’m passionate about the purpose” (Audio)

With over 40 years of experience and success in the performing arts industry, Richard Dagenais has contributed to the creation of international live shows across permanent and touring venues, corporate and touristic events, family entertainment centers, and theme parks. He is well versed in leading diverse creative processes and guiding teams through complex artistic challenges.
Born and raised in Montreal, Richard began his career as a professional dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, performing worldwide and working with some of the industry’s leading choreographers. Following a decade on stage, he transitioned into creative leadership, spending 18 years with Cirque du Soleil as Head of Auditions, Senior Artistic Director, and Senior Creative Director. He later worked in Dubai on Franco Dragone’s La Perle before joining Cirque Éloize as Vice-President of Creation from 2021 to 2025.
Now semi-retired, Richard continues to share his expertise as a director of creation, stage director, and speaker, taking on select contracts while enjoying a new chapter in his career.
 
 
“ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396”
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.64: Richard Dagenais: Creative Director - “I’m passionate about the purpose” (Video)

With over 40 years of experience and success in the performing arts industry, Richard Dagenais has contributed to the creation of international live shows across permanent and touring venues, corporate and touristic events, family entertainment centers, and theme parks. He is well versed in leading diverse creative processes and guiding teams through complex artistic challenges.
Born and raised in Montreal, Richard began his career as a professional dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, performing worldwide and working with some of the industry’s leading choreographers. Following a decade on stage, he transitioned into creative leadership, spending 18 years with Cirque du Soleil as Head of Auditions, Senior Artistic Director, and Senior Creative Director. He later worked in Dubai on Franco Dragone’s La Perle before joining Cirque Éloize as Vice-President of Creation from 2021 to 2025.
Now semi-retired, Richard continues to share his expertise as a director of creation, stage director, and speaker, taking on select contracts while enjoying a new chapter in his career.
 
 
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.63: Andy Levey: Location Based Entertainment Innovator & Marketing Executive - “Everyone performing has a story and so does everyone going to the show”

Andy Levey is a high performing and dynamic C-suite leader, specialising in business and brand leadership for the digital age. Over the last two decades, he has been at the forefront of initiatives that connect consumers in a rapidly evolving and increasingly segmented market, developing and implementing competitive, data-driven business and portfolio strategies and executing programs with precision, to expand market presence and target audiences.
He is particularly proud of the following successes:
He was the Clio Award Winner in 2021 with Two Bit Circus, was named as Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2020 with Two Bit Circus, he helped relaunch the Sesame Street brand in the Middle East, built a marketing team and successfully launched La Perle By Dragone in Dubai, increased sales and established KPIs, ROIs, and social media advertising channel sales with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas and Montréal, advocated for a successful multi-year content plan, initiating digital programming, media strategy, and distribution with the Cirque du Soleil marketing team, and finally, Andy holds an MBA (Marketing) and an MS (Hospitality) from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas and a BS (Finance) from Tulane University in New Orleans. 
 
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.62: Elena Giakoumaki: Director, Theatre Consultancy EMEA - “The theatrical experience is all about intimacy and proximity” (Audio)

Elena has 15 years’ experience as a theatre consultant, eight years’ experience with UK architectural practices specialising in theatre design and two years’ experience with a leading set designer in Athens. Elena has brought her considerable architectural and theatre design knowledge to Charcoalblue and has consulted on projects including Sohoplace Theatre, London; Roundhouse, London; Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London; Leuven PAC, Belgium; Boulevard Theatre, Soho; Theatr Clwyd, Mold; Malvern College; The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago; Little Island @Pier 55, New York; Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre London. Elena is a member of the Architects Registration Board, a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece, an associate member of the Association of British Theatre Technicians and an associate member of the Institute of Theatre Consultants.
 
 
“ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396”
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.62: Elena Giakoumaki: Director, Theatre Consultancy EMEA - “The theatrical experience is all about intimacy and proximity” (Video)

Elena has 15 years’ experience as a theatre consultant, eight years’ experience with UK architectural practices specialising in theatre design and two years’ experience with a leading set designer in Athens. Elena has brought her considerable architectural and theatre design knowledge to Charcoalblue and has consulted on projects including Sohoplace Theatre, London; Roundhouse, London; Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London; Leuven PAC, Belgium; Boulevard Theatre, Soho; Theatr Clwyd, Mold; Malvern College; The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago; Little Island @Pier 55, New York; Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre London. Elena is a member of the Architects Registration Board, a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece, an associate member of the Association of British Theatre Technicians and an associate member of the Institute of Theatre Consultants.
 
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis

Ep.61: Marina Maleni: Theatre Development Officer, Cyprus Theatre Organisation - “The possibilities are endless” (Audio)

Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, holds B.A. and B.F.A degrees in Theatre Studies, Acting and Sociology(Hons) from the University of Texas at Austin and MA Communication and Journalism from the Open University Cyprus. 
Has worked successfully as an actress, TV host and radio music producer for several years with CYBC.  As an actress she performed roles for THOC such as Masha in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Olivia in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by Shakespeare, Shelby in Harling’s Steel Magnolias. Working since 2001 as Theatre Development Officer for Cyprus Theatre Organisation, in charge of State theatre subsidies and policy forming, European collaborations, playwriting development, non-professional theatre, theatre education programs, Festivals, PQ National Participation (Curator since 2007, Golden Triga for Cyprus in 2023), etc.  Coordinated several very successful european culture program collaborations for Cyprus. She is currently Head of THOC’s Coordinating committee and Secretary of the Board of THOC.
Has worked extensively in the Committee for Theatre in Schools (THOC - Ministry of Education and Culture), the Study Committee for the creation of A Cultural Authority in Cyprus, the National Committee for Delphic Games, is an honorary member of CYCSTAT, an honorary member of the Board of the Centre of Theatre for Youth – Assitej Cyprus, member of the advisory body of the Cyprus Youth Board, Board member of the Cyprus Theatre Museum, member of the Advisory Board of World Stage Design and Member of the Board of Directors of the European Theatre Convention.
 
 
“ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396”
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis
 
 

Ep.61: Marina Maleni: Theatre Development Officer, Cyprus Theatre Organisation - “The possibilities are endless” (Video)

Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, holds B.A. and B.F.A degrees in Theatre Studies, Acting and Sociology(Hons) from the University of Texas at Austin and MA Communication and Journalism from the Open University Cyprus. 
Has worked successfully as an actress, TV host and radio music producer for several years with CYBC.  As an actress she performed roles for THOC such as Masha in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Olivia in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by Shakespeare, Shelby in Harling’s Steel Magnolias. Working since 2001 as Theatre Development Officer for Cyprus Theatre Organisation, in charge of State theatre subsidies and policy forming, European collaborations, playwriting development, non-professional theatre, theatre education programs, Festivals, PQ National Participation (Curator since 2007, Golden Triga for Cyprus in 2023), etc.  Coordinated several very successful european culture program collaborations for Cyprus. She is currently Head of THOC’s Coordinating committee and Secretary of the Board of THOC.
Has worked extensively in the Committee for Theatre in Schools (THOC - Ministry of Education and Culture), the Study Committee for the creation of A Cultural Authority in Cyprus, the National Committee for Delphic Games, is an honorary member of CYCSTAT, an honorary member of the Board of the Centre of Theatre for Youth – Assitej Cyprus, member of the advisory body of the Cyprus Youth Board, Board member of the Cyprus Theatre Museum, member of the Advisory Board of World Stage Design and Member of the Board of Directors of the European Theatre Convention.
 
 
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis
 
 
 

Ep.60: Gabrielle Bae: Writer, Choreographer - "There’s no sooner or later for artists. It’s about generation, not disability" (Audio)

Gabrielle is a dance artist, researcher and producer exploring the intersections of disability, technology and Posthumanism philosophies. Recently based in Seoul and having versatile careers with an advertising agency, a broadcasting station and governmental organisations, she has overseen international collaborations and public initiatives including 'Future Wide Open'(2023-2024) supporting experiments of disabled artists with technologies. After her master's degree research at Rambert School on the distinctive sensorial-kinesthetics of the disabled, Gabrielle continues to work in exploring the aesthetics of marginalised bodies.
 
“ATTENTION SPOTIFY LISTENERS: IF you want to WATCH this with VIDEO, you can also subscribe to our video version:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5e9KnBRZdjUTXTvCe6Nrqm?si=6639537c61044396”
@stagelync
The StageLync Podcast is a branch of our larger StageLync Community. Come visit us at www.stagelync.com
 
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna RobbEditor: Rose Anne FermocilMusic: Jeremy WilliDesign: Em HoltProduction Coordinator: Roselle BernardoProducers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis