Ariana Sarfarazi ”How Interconnected We All Are”

Ariana Sarfarazi (she/her) (LI:@arianasarfarazi)(IG:@sarfariana) is a transactional entertainment attorney specializing in theater, a theater producer, and the Executive Director of Noor Theatre, a NYC-based non-profit theatre with the mission of supporting, developing, and producing the work of artists of Middle Eastern, North African, and Southwest Asian descent. As a theatrical attorney, Ariana represents producers and investors in the development, production, and financing of live stage productions; counsels not-for-profit theater companies and related theatrical organizations; and advises a wide range of creative talent including Tony Award-winning bookwriters, composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers, and actors. As an Executive Director, Ariana leads overall operations at Noor, including programming, fundraising, and financial planning— in addition to overseeing the theatre company's strategic planning, developing institutional partnerships, managing Board relations, and leading operational support for the rest of the team. Once a proud “theatre kid” herself, Ariana is passionate about marrying her legal education with her deep-rooted love of the arts and social justice to support an evolving industry. Ariana serves on the board of Broadway for Arts Education, a nonprofit organization that uses arts education to dismantle systemic barriers to success for underserved youth, is a member of Theatre Producers of Color (TPOC), and is proud to serve as a volunteer pro bono attorney with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. She is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and The George Washington University Law School. 

Liz Carlson ”New York Stage and Film”

Liz Carlson (elizabethjcarlson.com) is an NYC-based creative producer and director committed to the development of new stories. Prior to stepping in as Interim Artistic Director, Liz produced and directed with NYSAF in various capacities over the past 15 years, notably as the full-time Artistic Producer for the past seven, supporting artists such as César Alvarez, Jaki Bradley, Lyndsey Bourne, Lily Houghton, Keelay Gipson, Jessica Huang, Melissa Li & Kit Yan, Don Nguyen, Brian Quijada & Nygel D. Robinson, Kirya Traber, Lauren Yee, and hundreds more. Liz also served as the Artistic Director for the new works incubator Naked Angels from 2013-2016. As a director, Liz has developed plays and musicals with Ars Nova, The Dramatists’ Guild, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Flea, Keen Company, Manhattan School of Music, Manhattan Theatre Club, The New Group, Playwrights Horizons, The Playwrights Realm, Signature Theatre Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and more. Upcoming directing projects include a new-play workshop with Minita Gandhi at Berkeley Rep’s The Ground Floor, and the final installment of a musical podcast with the Drama Desk-nominated folk band The Lobbyists. MFA The New School for the Performing Arts, Drama. Recipient of The Drama League Fellowship. 

Kate Cohen ”Man’s Search for Meaning & Mastercourse Hollywood”

Kate Cohen (IG:@katecohendavis)(LI:@kate-cohen) is an award-winning director, producer, and entrepreneur with two decades of experience leading high-profile projects from inception to completion. She is a creative producer with a long track record of business development, raising financing from some of the most powerful entrepreneurs across the globe, and developing and packaging projects with A-list talent. As Founder of KCD Media, she produces films with Hollywood’s elite players, including Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp, Christopher Nolan, and Spike Lee, among many others. Cohen is also a lifelong advocate for youth mental health and has mentored countless young girls, inspiring resilience and success. Cohen recently Co-Founded Straight Up Impact, whose mission is to create commercial films that move audiences to enact social change. Prior to KCD Media, Cohen co-founded Straight Up Films, in partnership with David Boies, and had a successful 14 year run as co-CEO. Her current slate includes Joseph Merrick, based on the life of “the Elephant Man” to be directed by Rupert Sanders; Man’s Search for Meaning, a film adaptation of Viktor Frankl’s best-selling memoir; a compelling docu-series addressing systemic causes of the youth mental health crisis; and several other film and TV projects in varying stages of development with high-level talent. Kate has also recently established herself as an award-winning director for the film LUNA, which will be released in 2023. Kate wants to empower the next generation of filmmakers and has recently created the 8-week course “How to Close a Deal in Hollywood” to share her hard-won knowledge from nearly two decades working with the best in the business. More info can be found at: MasterCourseHollywood.com. 

Lamar Richardson Part 2 ”Bet On Yourself”

Lamar Richardson (lamarrichardson.com)(IG:@lamarrichardson_) is an actor and producer born in New Brunswick, N.J., who was raised in Charlotte, N.C. Acting credits include Phylicia Rashad’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Weird City, Black Terror, Straight Up, and New Amsterdam. Richardson will make his Broadway debut as co-producer in the upcoming revival of Death of a Salesman at the Hudson Theatre. He is currently producing Afrika Brown’s play The Fight, and has co-founded Ivy Lion Productions, an independent production company that centers underrepresented voices and champions empowering stories. Richardson holds a B.A. from Columbia.

Lamar Richardson Part 1 ”Death of a Salesman”

Lamar Richardson (lamarrichardson.com)(IG:@lamarrichardson_) is an actor and producer born in New Brunswick, N.J., who was raised in Charlotte, N.C. Acting credits include Phylicia Rashad’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Weird City, Black Terror, Straight Up, and New Amsterdam. Richardson will make his Broadway debut as co-producer in the upcoming revival of Death of a Salesman at the Hudson Theatre. He is currently producing Afrika Brown’s play The Fight, and has co-founded Ivy Lion Productions, an independent production company that centers underrepresented voices and champions empowering stories. Richardson holds a B.A. from Columbia.

Eric Nelsen Part 2 ”Do What You Love. Love What You Do.”

Eric Nelsen (IG:@ericnelsenofficial)(buckingbullbourbon.com) is a 4x Emmy Award Winning, Drama Desk Award Winning, Drama League Award Winning and Outer Critic Circle Award Winning actor and producer. His Broadway credits include producing THE INHERITANCE (Laurence Olivier Award Winner - Best New Play) and starring in the cult hit, 13 THE MUSICAL alongside Ariana Grande. He was recently seen on the big screen in NIGHTMARE CINEMA, opposite Academy Award Nominee Mickey Rourke, as well as A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES opposite Academy Award Nominee Liam Neeson. Notable work includes WAKEFIELD starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, a recurring role in Showtime’s THE AFFAIR, and starring in the New Group production of THE GOOD MOTHER opposite Gretchen Mol.

Eric Nelsen Part 1 ”1883, Bucking Bull Bourbon and a TONY Award”

Eric Nelsen (IG:@ericnelsenofficial)(buckingbullbourbon.com) is a 4x Emmy Award Winning, Drama Desk Award Winning, Drama League Award Winning and Outer Critic Circle Award Winning actor and producer. His Broadway credits include producing THE INHERITANCE (Laurence Olivier Award Winner - Best New Play) and starring in the cult hit, 13 THE MUSICAL alongside Ariana Grande. He was recently seen on the big screen in NIGHTMARE CINEMA, opposite Academy Award Nominee Mickey Rourke, as well as A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES opposite Academy Award Nominee Liam Neeson. Notable work includes WAKEFIELD starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, a recurring role in Showtime’s THE AFFAIR, and starring in the New Group production of THE GOOD MOTHER opposite Gretchen Mol.

Dan Looney Part 2 ”Don’t Be a Di*khead”

Dan Looney (TW:@dan_looney)(IG:@dan.looney)(LI:@dan-looney)is a founder of the DLAP Group which is an award-winning corporation focusing on commercial entertainment across the globe. Comprised of ten subsidiary companies: DLAP Production, DLAP Management, DLAP Accountancy, DLAP Programming, DLAP Venues, DLAP Tickets, DLAP Agency, Creative Rights International, Fourth Wall Live and Ace Pantomimes.The company has won four Olivier awards for its co-production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Company at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End. It also received the Best Musical Award at the 2019 Deagu International Musical Festival in South Korea for their production of The Wedding Singer.DLAP produced the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last King of Scotland, based on the award-winning novel by Giles Foden (Sheffield Crucible Theatre) and the UK premiere of Kander and Ebb’s musical-whodunnit, Curtains, starring Jason Manford (UK Tour and Wyndham’s Theatre, West End) as well as The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End).DLAP’s hit production of the 80’s rock musical Rock of Ages toured the UK and Berlin in 2018-2019 and is currently playing on its second major UK Tour.DLAP has also produced the 30th Anniversary production of Fame! the musical on tour in the UK, internationally and in the West End (Peacock Theatre), as well as The Wedding Singer on tour in the UK throughout 2017 and at the Wembley Park Theatre in London in 2020, starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton.The company produced the legendary Broadway star, Chita Rivera Live in Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2019 and Phantom of the Opera In Concert at Beau Sejour, Guernsey. In 2020, DLAP launched a major new IP acquisition and development company, Creative Rights International, backed by venture capitalist Patrick Bradley of Station12 and in paertnership with InFine Theatre. The company controls a large portfolio of theatre, film and TV IP which it exploits globally. DLAP formed a new live events and concerts company, Fourth Wall Live, with renowned concert producer, Darren Bell. Fourth Wall produced the Live in London season at the London Hippodrome Casino in December 2019. 2021/22 concerts include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle as well as Shoshana Bean, Jenna Russell and Jessica Vosk (all at London’s Cadogan Hall).DLAP most recently formed Ace Pantomimes with seasoned pantomime producers, Immersion Theatre.

Dan Looney Part 1 ”Don’t Be A Di*khead”

Dan Looney (TW:@dan_looney)(IG:@dan.looney)(LI:@dan-looney)is a founder of the DLAP Group which is an award-winning corporation focusing on commercial entertainment across the globe. Comprised of ten subsidiary companies: DLAP Production, DLAP Management, DLAP Accountancy, DLAP Programming, DLAP Venues, DLAP Tickets, DLAP Agency, Creative Rights International, Fourth Wall Live and Ace Pantomimes.The company has won four Olivier awards for its co-production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Company at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End. It also received the Best Musical Award at the 2019 Deagu International Musical Festival in South Korea for their production of The Wedding Singer.DLAP produced the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last King of Scotland, based on the award-winning novel by Giles Foden (Sheffield Crucible Theatre) and the UK premiere of Kander and Ebb’s musical-whodunnit, Curtains, starring Jason Manford (UK Tour and Wyndham’s Theatre, West End) as well as The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End).DLAP’s hit production of the 80’s rock musical Rock of Ages toured the UK and Berlin in 2018-2019 and is currently playing on its second major UK Tour.DLAP has also produced the 30th Anniversary production of Fame! the musical on tour in the UK, internationally and in the West End (Peacock Theatre), as well as The Wedding Singer on tour in the UK throughout 2017 and at the Wembley Park Theatre in London in 2020, starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton.The company produced the legendary Broadway star, Chita Rivera Live in Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2019 and Phantom of the Opera In Concert at Beau Sejour, Guernsey. In 2020, DLAP launched a major new IP acquisition and development company, Creative Rights International, backed by venture capitalist Patrick Bradley of Station12 and in paertnership with InFine Theatre. The company controls a large portfolio of theatre, film and TV IP which it exploits globally. DLAP formed a new live events and concerts company, Fourth Wall Live, with renowned concert producer, Darren Bell. Fourth Wall produced the Live in London season at the London Hippodrome Casino in December 2019. 2021/22 concerts include Bonnie & Clyde In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle as well as Shoshana Bean, Jenna Russell and Jessica Vosk (all at London’s Cadogan Hall).DLAP most recently formed Ace Pantomimes with seasoned pantomime producers, Immersion Theatre.

Kevin Spirtas Part 2 ”Say YES!”

Kevin Spirtas (kevinspirtas.com)(IG:@kevinspirtas) is most recognized around the world as Dr. Craig Wesley from NBC’s Daytime Drama: Days of Our Lives, and the cult classic film sequels: Friday the 13th – Part VII: The New Blood, and Wes Craven’s: The Hills Have Eyes – Part II, in 2008 the 30-year acting veteran produced the NY Shakespeare Festival reading-presentation of Don Cummings’: A Good Smoke, starring Academy Award winning actress, Meryl Streep, and directed by Tony Award winning director, Pam McKinnon. Shortly thereafter in 2009, Spirtas made his debut as a Broadway producer on the critically acclaimed revival of Finian’s Rainbow, and in 2012 he co-produced the hit Broadway musical: Priscilla…Queen of the Desert. In 2014, after running into Days Of Our Lives alum, the late, Michael Slade in a New York gym, the two set out to create the critically acclaimed, 6 x Emmy Award Winning Digital Drama Series: After Forever, In 2019 After Forever – Season 1 made history by becoming the most Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform and Spirtas received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama, along with 3 additional Emmys that he shares with Slade for Outstanding Digital Drama Series 2019 and Outstanding Writing Team for a Digital Drama 2019 and 2020. Spirtas played his DAYS character opposite Matt LeBlanc’s Dr. Drake Ramory on FRIENDS: The One That Could Have Been- Part 1. Spirtas won  the 2016 Indie Series Award for Best Actor in a drama, (of which he also earned an Emmy nomination) for his role as Dominic Delacorte on the digital drama series: Winterthorne. Some of Spirtas’ Broadway credits include: A Chorus Line, Meet Me In St. Louis, and Hairspray, and The Boy From Oz (Stand-by for Hugh Jackman).