Unveiling Artistry: Conversations with Vegas Icons Shannan Calcutt and RuBen Permel

Dive into the captivating world of Las Vegas art and entertainment with the debut episode of "City of Dreams: Unveiled." Host Jeff Lund introduces two extraordinary talents, Shannan Calcutt, a performer and storyteller, and RuBen Permel, a visionary visual artist and costume designer. Join the conversation as they share their artistic journeys, delve into local successes, and provide a sneak peek into their creative horizons. From Shannan's fearless approach to clowning to RuBen's transformative costume designs, discover the vibrant layers that make Las Vegas the ultimate city of dreams. Buckle up, turn up the volume, and join the inspiring journey through the heart of creativity in this special episode.

Creators & Guests

Host

Jeff Lund

Jeff Lund is a seasoned professional with a multifaceted 20+ year career in the entertainment industry including iconic entities like Cirque du Soleil, Spiegelworld and Meow Wolf, where he has consistently demonstrated his expertise in fostering innovative ideas and driving significant business growth across the entertainment industry. With a keen eye for emerging market trends and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Jeff has effectively leveraged his skills to mentor and guide aspiring Entrepreneurs, Artists, and Creatives towards realizing their full potential. In his latest endeavor, Jeff has embraced the world of broadcasting as the host of KUNV 91.5 radio show, City of Dreams: Unveiled. This platform is a testament to his commitment to giving a voice to Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Artists, allowing them to showcase their dreams and stories. Through this initiative, Jeff aims to inspire listeners by bringing to light the journeys, failures, challenges, and successes of today's visionaries, thereby fostering a community of like-minded individuals who are driven to make a positive difference in the world while creating more art.

Guest

RuBen Permel

As a kid, I never got the 64 color crayon box with the cool sharpener. Unknowingly, the box of 8 primary hues provided me with everything I needed to illustrate my life. I discovered by finding a complimentary color on the other side of the box, I was able to mix things up and create something special. I never colored outside of the lines but always thought outside of the box. So in the realm of "Show Business" this juxtaposition always leveraged my ability to maintain my own unique career. Reaching the pinnacle of Theatrical Costuming and Wardrobe at Cirque du Soleil provided me with the knowledge to thrive among extraordinary visionaries and epic commerce. For 16 years I have lead teams at 3 hospitality properties for MGM Resorts. Under the division of Entertainment, I have been able to contribute and create on 5 Cirque productions viewed by millions. I supported Artistically, and provided a work environment of productivity and inclusion. The corporate structure MGM Resorts and high standards of Cirque allowed me to flourish in the Business side of "Show". Life in the Arts is connective. My stage background is key when commanding meetings, giving lectures, presenting ideas, hosting events or conducting interviews. As an Artist I have tools to visually impact ones thoughts.They can be seen in many of my Marketing displays, Press Events, Stage Designs or awarding winning Paintings. I have stood alone and exposed my soul for millions who watched TV. The winning results showed that I can achieve success not only for myself but those I join. I pride myself in saying I have never held a "real" job, but the reality remains if you are doing what you are passionate about and destined to do, it's not a job. It's taking the 8 colors you earned and making your own masterpiece to share.

Guest

Shannan Calcutt

Shannan is sought after as a Comic Act Designer, Acting Coach, Director, Writer and Show Creator. Her projects range from the world’s biggest theatre stage featuring over 100 artists with a production budget of 12 million euros, to a late night clown soiree featuring 11 Cirque du Soleil artists with a budget of five thousand US dollars. She has collaborated with artists in internationally acclaimed companies Circus Oz, Legs on the Wall, Circus Monoxide, Circus WOW, Crazy Horse Paris, Spiegelworld, Blue Man Group, The Second City, Cirque du Soleil and Berlin's Friedrichstadt-Palast. In any collaboration, what Calcutt is renowned for is her individual and intimate approach, encouraging artists to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable and embedding a confidence that allows them to work at their greatest potential.

What is City of Dreams: Unveiled?

City of Dreams: Unveiled delves deep into the pulsating heart of Las Vegas creativity. Each month, I'll take the listeners on a journey through the vibrant, often untold stories of artists and creatives from various fields, all united by their passion and drive. The show is anchored in raw, unfiltered conversations that aims to unveil the real essence of what it means to be a creative soul in today’s dynamic city - Las Vegas. We're not just talking about the end product - it's about the process, the struggles, the eureka moments, and everything in between.

Unknown Speaker 0:00
You're listening to locally produced programming created in KU NV studios on public radio K, u and v 91.5. The

Unknown Speaker 0:11
content of this program does not reflect the views or opinions of 91.5 Jazz and more the University of Nevada Las Vegas or the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Good morning dreamers and creators. You're tuned in to the City of Dreams unveiled. Your monthly deep dive into the pulsing heart of Las Vegas is art and entertainment scene. I'm your host, Jeff Lowen. Here to peel back the layers of creativity and inspiration that fuel our city's most innovative minds.

Unknown Speaker 0:47
Today, we're kicking off our very first episode of two extraordinary local talents who have made a significant waves in the realms of performance and visual arts. We have with us today the incomparable Shannon Calicut. And the master of emotional expression through colony and performance art, and the brilliantly creative Ruben permille, a visual artist and costume designer whose work adds vibrant layers to the fabric of our city. We'll explore the unique artistic journeys, delve into the stories behind the local successes, and get a sneak peek into what's on their creative horizons. So buckle up, turn up the volume and let's dive into the inspiring world of artistry and imagination. Right here in our very own city of dreams. As we embark on the journey through the city of dreams. It's my absolute pleasure to introduce our first guest a true beacon of artistic brilliance in the world of Performing Arts. Ladies and gentlemen, joining us today is the incredible talented Shannon Calcutt. Shannon is not only a performer, she's a storyteller, a clown, and an artist who brings a unique blend of humor, emotion and raw humanity to the stage. Her journey in the performing arts has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a career spanning over two decades, Shannon has captivated the audiences not just here in Las Vegas, but across the globe. Her performances often marked by a delightful blend of comedy and poignant moments have redefined the art of clowning. She's a graduate of the esteemed della RT International School of Physical theater and has gray stages from Cirque du Soleil, to theaters around the world. But what truly sets Shannon apart is her ability to connect with her audience to bring laughter and tears sometimes in a single act and to leave the lasting impression that goes well beyond the final curtain. So without further ado, let's give a warm welcome to the one and only Shannon Calcutt. Shannon, thank you for being here and for adding your unique color to the canvas of our city of dreams.

Unknown Speaker 2:42
Thank you for having me, Jeff.

Unknown Speaker 2:44
And now let's turn the spotlight to a man whose artistic vision transcends the ordinary creating a visual language that speaks volumes in both subtle and grandeur. I am thrilled to introduce Ruben Formel, a visionary in the world of visual artists and costume design. Ruben isn't just an artist. He's a creative Alchemist skillfully blending textures, colors, and ideas to transform fabric and materials into wearable art. His work is a celebration of expression, each piece telling the story that's an intricate as it is captivating. Las Vegas jam Rubens journey is a testament to innovation and persistent. His brand act to act is not just a label, it's a narrative of transformation and rebirth. reflecting his personal evolution as an artist. His costumes and designs are more than a tire. They are statements each a unique exploration of identity and culture. His portfolio is vibrant tapestry showcasing a diverse range of projects from theater to film. Exhibitions to runway shows. Reubens ability to capture the essence of a character or theme through costume design has earned him acclaim and admiration both locally and beyond. Let's welcome the immensely talented Ruben permille to city of dreams. Ruben, it's an honor to have you with us here and sharing your journey and extraordinary vision. Wow,

Unknown Speaker 4:03
what a way to wake up in the morning. It's really nice to hear that and I'm so excited about being here today.

Unknown Speaker 4:09
Well, I'm super excited to have both of you here as well. Shannon, let's start off. Every artist has a beginning. Can you take us back to where your love of performance and clowning first started?

Unknown Speaker 4:23
I think it was growing up. I grew up in a small town and there wasn't a lot of theater by a lot. I mean, there was no theater. So I grew up on television. And I watched sitcoms like The Carol Burnett Show and The Golden Girls and Three's Company Red Skelton Show and I think my very first moment of thinking oh, was seeing Carol Burnett walked down the stairs as Scarlett O'Hara and Gone With the Wind. And she was wearing a dress that looked like a curtain. She had a curtain rod Bob Mackie did all the costumes for the Carol Burnett Show and so it looked like the curtain and she walked down the stairs. And she said, she got a compliment on her dress. And she said, Well, I saw it in the window. And I just knew I had to have it. And that was just such a wonderful moment of utter ridiculousness that I just thought, yeah, this is, this is wonderful, this is play. This is fun. And I got really inspired by Carol Burnett, and Betty White. Be our third, you know, just these women who were really funny and bold and fearless. And so I think just wanting to express myself fearlessly in that way, not knowing at that time, what clowning was, do you know, just feeling that connection to these strong, fearless women.

Unknown Speaker 5:49
I love that. And the two words that stuck out to me were play and fearless. And I know throughout your career, you've taken those two, those two words and built a business around that and built who you are. So talk a little bit more about play?

Unknown Speaker 6:05
Well, I think everything comes from play it you know, as we play as children, we form relationships, connections, curiosity. And then as you get older, you sort of start to lose your sense of play a little bit, because you start to care about how you look. There's suddenly stakes when you're a teenager, you know, and how you dress how you appear, how you speak, everything starts to have a bit of an edge to it, I suppose. But if you can hang on to that not caring, too, you know, in the sense of just having the freedom to express who you are. That all comes through play. We spent spend rather a good time in our lives I think trying to hide our feelings and trying to hide who we are. Were in the art form of clown you show exactly who you are. Do you know, the good, the bad, the ugly, the gorgeousness, the ridiculousness, the beauty, the stupidity, and you just have joy in expressing all of your emotions. And so there's this innate playfulness in all of us, right? It's always there, it's ready to come out. We just sort of have to be willing to give it permission and to find that freedom of expression.

Unknown Speaker 7:17
That's excellent. You were you also use the word clown. So explain to me, did you know you wanted to be a clown? Like you are a professional clown? Yes. And most people probably think that's not a real job. Right? But literally, you have made a life out of being a clown. Yeah. Yeah,

Unknown Speaker 7:41
I don't know that. I always knew I wanted to be a clown. I don't think I even understood what that meant. Really do you know, I did a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in Canada, and we did character mask, which was a full mask. So we didn't speak. And I played a senior kind of an older guy in his 80s, who believed he was the John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever kind of thing. And that was just so fun because I got to play this character and express myself physically. And a lot of the professors said, You're a clown. You know, you need to be a clown. I thought, Oh, okay. I wasn't cast a lot. Do you know I was at the Acting Program. But suddenly, all eyes were on me kind of thing. So that's how I found that Dillard high school in California and which was a physical theater program with melodrama and Cabrillo mime, and physical improv and clowning. And the instructor was Canadian and taught the Canadian Art Forum, which is founded by Richard Pachenko, which is basically facing yourself from all directions at once, and really celebrating your humaneness and your ridiculousness, so that just clicked for me. And yeah, being able to show exactly who you are, and accepting yourself, I mean, absolute self acceptance. And so as a writer, as a performer, as a director, as a mom, as a wife, as a friend, everything I do is influenced by cloud, because it is just absolute freedom, from self doubt, from depression, from anxiety from really, you know, caring so much about what people think it's just a celebration of yourself. And

Unknown Speaker 9:21
if someone was like, I want to do a career change, and leave my nine to five Monday through Friday and become a clown, like, what's the steps or, you know, you're not going to do a Google search for clown jobs, right? Because then you're going to end up at birthday parties, for

Unknown Speaker 9:35
sure. For sure. Yes. Well, there's the clown school about a come up in Los Angeles, right. There's lots of places to take workshops and clowning. I mean, I recommend a clown workshop for every human on the planet. Because again, it's just, you're going to play you're going to connect with other people and you're going to embrace who you are, and they're going to embrace who you are and that's just joyful. That's just an explosion of joy. So So I would say take some workshops and play, if you want to work professionally, get in front of an audience just find places to play in front of an audience. And that will absolutely, you know, give you knowledge about how the work is being presented, how you are presented in front of an audience, and that will fuel your creativity in your material.

Unknown Speaker 10:20
And it all stems from there. Absolutely. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker 10:23
I mean, you just get up and fail. You know, you get up and fail gloriously. And sooner or later, you're failing better and better and better. And suddenly you're on fire and it's working. And it's glorious. And then you'll flop again, do you know, but that's part of the joy. I mean, the clown in the fail doesn't deny that experience, they let the audience know they're bombing and the audience is part of that flop, which is such a wonderful experience as well in life we tried to hide our failures right? We're on Facebook with our and handsome looks and our you know, our photoshopped image? Do you know and in clown, you're just absolutely in the flop showing the audience? Yeah, I thought this was gonna be hilarious. It's not working is there with you in that experience,

Unknown Speaker 11:06
and I think that's a it's a true artists statement, that you're gonna fail, regardless of what your medium is, or your art is. And it's just, who's going to pick themselves back up. And, you know, take the next step, or go the next day, or come up with the next idea? Absolutely.

Unknown Speaker 11:22
Well, and to find the joy in failure. I mean, particularly in comedy, you know, you, you have an idea of what's going to work and quite often the material you're, you're going to cut right before you go on gets the best reaction. Do you know, you're always surprised? So yeah, it's all about just getting back up getting back out there. And if you can find that joy in the flop, then then you're set. And

Unknown Speaker 11:46
you can do it over and over and over. Talk to me about the different audiences that you've, you know, performed with around the world. So if you work for a big circus production in Las Vegas, right, that's gonna be a completely different audience than if you're doing, you know, just a one woman show at the Fringe Festival. Yeah. Talk to me what? How you adjust to those audiences?

Unknown Speaker 12:09
I think I mean, any audience is wonderful audience, right, because you're making that connection, certainly at the circ you're playing to Around 1000 people a night. So yeah, there's more, there's more laughter There's more applause. When I was doing my one woman shows, you know, a big audience would be 300, I was often playing smaller venues, 150 people kind of thing. And that is probably my happiest place. Because you can see everyone in the room. You can see everyone's facial expressions, there's that real connection. You're bringing audience members on stage, there's a different intimacy and a small audience like that. So that's probably my favorite. And even to be honest, the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit is where I started. And those are my greatest memories, you know, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, you know, those connections with the audience were more meaningful to me, than the Sydney Opera House, for example. Right. So it's, it's not the venue, it's, it's the intimacy for me, right. It's that connection and, and meeting your audience as well. You know, when I toured the fringe, and I played smaller venues, you'd meet your entire audience. You know, I had a fringe hold over, I think it was in Vancouver. I won Best Female performer so you get an extra show? Well, I think eight or nine people came to that show, right. And so it's a celebrated holdover. And there's a year we're sort of going are those the ushers? But no, that's your audience. And I remember getting a standing ovation from an audience of eight. Well, that's a lot more meaningful than a standing ovation from an audience of 1000 people. Do you know what I mean? So I don't know. I mean, small theatre matters. And I really love that connection.

Unknown Speaker 13:56
It's amazing. Ruben, where did you begin your journey?

Unknown Speaker 14:02
I'm like, Shannon, I too, was. I'm a little older. So I was a kid of the 70s. And I was a TV kid. And back in those days, the olden days, there was only three channels on TV. But there was one channel that if the antenna on top was at the right angle, you got to see PBS. And that's where I found a new world. Things like Sesame Street Electric Company, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. And in these shows, they had these things called puppets. And I was intrigued, I was able to create these kinds of characters at home and they taught me a lot of life lessons. And from that point on, I think it was kind of changed. I said, How can I create these create these kinds of things in my own home, and I was a very like, introvert, quiet kid, very overweight, very, like shy, wouldn't talk to anybody. But I was able to create these characters in my bedroom or at home and play. And I think from that point on, I discovered myself and You know, being a TV kid, I said, I just want to be, you know, on the Swiss Family, Robertson or I just wanted to be on the Newzoo review. And fortunately, years and years later, I ended up on TV, which was really great. But it was about playing again, we go back to playing, and, um, that childhood things, those memories, it got me out of my shell, it got me into classes, I started dancing, I grew up in a family where we danced in the living room on the weekends. And back in the Saturday Night Fever days, and Greece, we would have these dance contests at the VFW hall, and I would just go out there and shine. And my mom always wondered, she was like, I won't even ask anybody what time it is. But I would get out on stage and dance like John Travolta and win prizes and things like that. So that set me on my journey into dance, which I discovered a lot, which really makes a big difference of where I come from, and understanding who I am as a performer, understanding the body and movement that, that not only can you be these kind of characters, but your body can express these things. So for me, it was playing in front of a mirror playing in a dance studio playing on stage. I'll tell you today, Jeff, the safest place I feel in the world is onstage Believe it or not, people think it's scary. But somehow when you go on there, and you're in this environment of people, you want them to do good. When I go see a Broadway show, or if I go into a bar to see a band member, I want them to be great. And sometimes we tend to forget that, that sometimes that everybody wants to come see a good show. So no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, that is the goal there. And if I can entertain them, it makes a huge, huge difference just connecting with people. So that was a big influence with me just playing with puppets, playing with my life playing with the idea that I don't have to be like anyone else. And that kind of led me on my path. That's amazing.

Unknown Speaker 16:50
Where are you from? Originally,

Unknown Speaker 16:52
I'm from Norfolk, Virginia. I was my dad was in the Navy. And we were in, I grew up in the small little town. And we were close to New York, which was really great. I was lucky enough to get into a performing arts school in high school back in the film days. And I went to school, and I learned how to dance and sing an act, and to put costumes on and build sets. And it made a huge difference. And there I was, you know, I was in school at 17. And I lied about my age and audition for summer stock. I got summer stock, I didn't go to my prom, I didn't go to my graduation, all I wanted to do was perform in the fact that I could go down in summer stock, where you got paid like I think my paycheck was like $67 a week. But I thought I was a star. And I loved every minute of it. And I haven't stopped. And that has has taught me through the years that no matter where you are, at what level if you're happy at what you're doing, it's going to make a big, big difference. So Virginia led to new york traveling to I was on the road for about 15 years touring with shows I worked behind the scenes on the stage anywhere I could work in the business. I made it happen. And I kind of pride myself in the fact that I've never had a real job my entire life. And I'm getting up there in years.

Unknown Speaker 18:09
Well, if you love what you do, it is never a day of work. So how did you so you really started your entertainment career as a performer? How did you transition into, you know, a costume designer, a visual artist, and where you're at today?

Unknown Speaker 18:25
Well, I was doing summer stock and I was a very good dancer was very good at picking up things. So there was an audition in my town in Virginia, they were needing a puppeteer for a production that was going out on tour. And since I was very good at doing choreography, they just needed someone to learn something really fast. So I went in for this call. I started doing marionettes, which I had never stepped in before. Two weeks later, I'm in DC opening up the old post office doing a tour of puppetry things. And I so I stayed with the company, they ended up letting go the person who was there, they hired me and five years I spent doing puppetry, it's where I learned how to sew. That's when I learned how to make phone costumes, I was able to just create, create shows work on movie and sound and television. And it's really made a big, big difference. So when I went back into dancing, and I would tour and do different shows and regional theater and dinner theaters, they always need help. And I remember being at a theater and there was doing Ziegfeld Follies was the next show. And they just needed people to put feathers on costumes because there was so much. So I would go there and the costume shop and start putting it on and gluing and sewing. And the next thing I know they said do you want to design our show? And I was in middle of Illinois, and I know they gave me $300 To Do A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and I was like wow, that's a lot of money. And and I did it and it was great. And I was it lets me see that I can create things with any with nothing on stage and I found that just as exciting as being on stage that I can make people look beautiful. And the advantage I think I have is I've been on stage for so much for so long that I know how they feel. I know how they costume makes a big difference. I know that helped the comfort how they look and character makes a really big difference. So kind of being on both ends of it made a big difference. And it just, it just kind of spiraled after that I did national tours of Broadway shows, as the head of wardrobe. And I didn't know anything different. I just said, get on the bus go, you're gonna tour the world. And I did.

Unknown Speaker 20:26
I love like your self confidence in what you do is is so strong. And same with you, Shannon, of course, you know, we've had good careers, you know, we've been around. How, what can you give for advice for someone who might not have that, you know, on the younger part of their career just starting out? Like for me, you just talked about you did it like you showed up? And you did it? Was there any fear in doing it back then

Unknown Speaker 20:55
the great thing about being young, there is very little fear, you just want to be there. And you said the perfect word showing up making a difference following through. This is one of my philosophies, I may not be the most talented, the best artists, the best photographer, the best designer, but I'm the hardest working person in the room, and it makes a difference. And just following through with that working hard. And being proud of your work makes a difference. And people want to be around people who are creative people who say, do what they're saying. And show up every day. And it's it's it's not just being the costume designer, it's be able to go up on stage and moving the chair or helping with the lights or telling the actors if you just make a slight adjustment, you look better on stage than you do in the scene before. So it's a big part of it. And I love the fact that I have a background in all of it. And it makes a difference when I come when I come on any other project.

Unknown Speaker 21:54
Yeah, and I think that's a huge part of it too. Like knowing the different parts of the industry. And, you know, everything from costume design, to stage management to technical like that just builds a, you know, a base of like that self confidence that you get over the years. Yeah,

Unknown Speaker 22:09
it's really helped me especially, you know, to all sudden walk into a big company like Cirque du Soleil. And I was scared. I remember when ca opened here and I they brought me on in 2004 to Las Vegas. It's first time I've been here for 20 years, and being in the first room and you're seeing the set designer who created the Palladium. And then you have Roberto La Paz who just won the Oscar in Canada for films and then you have the best lighting designer. And I was scared, but it's the best place to be because it makes you step up. It says, Okay, I'm going to make a difference. And I'm following through. And I'm gonna watch what everybody else is doing. And that's my advice, be there show up and work hard.

Unknown Speaker 22:49
And working for Cirque du Soleil. You work with the best in the world. Absolutely. Shannon, you're you've got experience with them.

Unknown Speaker 22:55
Yeah, well, and I think they are too. It's just the discipline is so inspiring. I mean, the athletes in the show are magnificent and watching them every day train, right, and that it's this never ending process. I did a workshop this summer with Bill Irwin, who is an award winning clown. And everyday He's rehearsing before the workshop, right? So it's not that all of a sudden you reach a point in your career, and you stop and go, Yeah, I've got this. You're always learning, you're always expanding, you're always trying to improve, you're always wanting to grow. And I think the wonderful thing about theater, which is where I have the most experience is it's it is a collaboration, right as Rubens talking about the costume, and even Carol Burnett, you know, coming down the stairs in that dress that is a collaboration with her and the costume designer, right. It's like that team where we are all here to make each other look good. And there's that real sense of community, and that we're putting something together together as a team. It's just really energizing to be a part of something like that. And to know that it's not all about you. It's all about what you're sharing with the audience, right? And that you're all working together to achieve something is really invigorating

Unknown Speaker 24:13
it in your career. Have you ever hit a wall or self doubt that you're like, I'm done. Oh, clown all the time. And how did you how did you turn that around to be like, Nope, this is who I am. And I just keep moving forward. I

Unknown Speaker 24:27
just drop in the clown. I mean, do you know when things go wrong in life? I hate it. And when things go wrong on stage, I love it. So it's just yeah, I mean, self doubt is part of the package. I believe it's always there. And you just go on with it. You embrace it. This is part of me. I'm working on some new material right now and I'm having outrageous self doubt. So I've told myself, I'm way ahead of schedule. I shouldn't be having a crisis to up for another six to eight weeks. So you know it's like the clown would just go great, you're ahead of schedule embrace it, you know, I mean, you've got to get uncomfortable when you're creating something from nothing. That's just part of the process. I don't I don't think you'll ever reach a point or if you do great, but, you know, self doubt, I think is just part of creating something new. Yeah. And

Unknown Speaker 25:22
I think that translates to all careers. With everybody out there, you get to a certain point, you know, you've done something for 20 years, and it's like, what's next?

Unknown Speaker 25:29
Absolutely, absolutely. And, you know, why take the safe route? Do you know, take the risk, risk failure, I mean, you're going to grow through these uncomfortable moments. And that's really, I think, where you're going to find that permission to shine. When you've pushed yourself to go a little bit further. Do you know, rather than staying somewhere because it's safe? I don't know, if you're gonna find your joy there. So sometimes it's worth taking that risk. And and you can be really wonderfully surprised. And what

Unknown Speaker 26:01
have you got to lose?

Unknown Speaker 26:02
Exactly what have you got to lose? short life is very short. Exactly. So fail big fail gloriously. Right, you'll have a story to tell, right? You'll have something to talk about, really, really go big. I mean, when people take my workshops, I say, you know, come on in, and I want you to take risks today. So you know, so that if you're going to be so brilliant that, you know, if there's a casting director here, you'd have your series, you'd have your book deal, you'd have your tour, or you know, drive home praying for death, because you were so terrible, right? So it's like, take that risk. Don't don't drive home thinking, oh, yeah, I had an idea. But I, I didn't try it, or this could have worked. But yeah, maybe maybe next time do you know, it's like, we're all just here to grow together. And we've all got each other's back. So we certainly should, right, we should be supporting each other, to take those risks and to to discover a new part of ourselves, which we're probably not going to find in the safe zone.

Unknown Speaker 26:59
Yes. Ruben, what's one risk that you've taken over the, in your career as an artist?

Unknown Speaker 27:06
Well, first of all, I'm getting a little emotional here, because I'm really connecting to a lot of what Shannon's is saying. And I think the biggest risk that I ever take that I've ever taken is to just kind of show who I am. A few years back, I went on a reality TV show. And I was very overweight, I was in a bad point in my life. And I showed the world who I was. And what became of it is that I work hard, and I'm a winner. And it makes a huge difference. So in that thing of just being vulnerable to the world, millions of viewers, it made a big difference to me. So it also is the takeaway is that I can be fearless. And it's going to be okay. Recently, this summer, I did a workshop of a solo show that I helped develop in a writing class. And I told stories and that connected with people and I told secrets that connected with people. And ultimately, those risks paid off. It was also very healing for me to say it's okay. And people, people when we watch a TV show, when we go see theater, when we just learn lose, listen to music. It's all about that connection. And so anytime I can take those kinds of risks, or risks by jumping off the ledge and saying, let's see what happens, I find to be the most exciting part of my career or my life. We do it every day, when we get up in the morning, like what am I going to do today that's differing. And at the end of the day, do you say like, Okay, I did this, I accomplished this, maybe I could do something a little better next year, next time. But today was great.

Unknown Speaker 28:45
I love that. So we've reached the end already. I feel like we should do this again, at some point because we've got a lot more to dive into. To our listeners. Thank you for tuning in and being a part of this journey through the heart and soul of Las Vegas, his creative community. Remember, art is all around us in the performances we watch the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the conversations we share. It's what makes our city of dreams. You know who we are, which is super exciting. So don't forget to join us on the next episode Aaron February 25 at 9:30am where we'll unveil more stories, more dreams and more inspiring conversations with the artists who shaped the world around us. Until then keep dreaming keep creating and keep embracing the art that makes life so rich and vibrant. This is Jeff Lowen signing off from cities of dreams unveiled. Have a wonderful day and we'll see you next time.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai