Episode 21: Happy New Year 2021

Ah, yes, the good old hamster ball.

Well, friends. You may have wondered “Where did Ethical Rioting go?” It went to the graveyard of good ideas that sound cool and doable until you actually have to do them. It burned in the dumpster fire of 2020.

Who knows what this space will become? Perhaps a glorious phoenix will rise from the ashes. Or a Titan being released from Tartarus. Or not.

If you still want to say hi, let Katrina know you were listening, you can email ethicalrioting AT gmail DOT com.

Katrina Herrmann for AEA Central SM Delegate

ABOUT ME

I’m a Chicago-based stage manager. I was born and raised in Western Central Illinois. (Heard of Western Illinois University? Macomb is my hometown.) I graduated from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy before matriculating from DePaul University’s The Theatre School with a BFA in Stage Management. I worked at American Girl Theater, back when the stores had theaters. (As a kid, I had Molly, Felicity and Samantha, in that order. I got Felicity the year she came out.) I then moved to New York to pursue my dream of stage managing Broadway musicals. I lived there for eight years, cumulatively, touring with Theatreworks/USA, working on new works like Circle Mirror Transformation and The Flick, and strawbossing for Santa Claus at Macy’s in Herald Square. I still haven’t worked on a Broadway musical. I moved back to Chicago in 2013 to live in a city I love. Since then I’ve worked regionally at Baltimore Center Stage and La Jolla Playhouse. In Chicago I’ve worked at American Theater Company, Chicago Children’s Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, Drury Lane Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Lookingglass Theatre Company.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE UNION

I joined AEA in 2007 on a Theatreworks/USA tour of The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. I’ve worked the following contracts: TYA, LORT, Drury Lane, Production, Off Broadway, SPT, CAT. I currently serve on these committees: Stage Manager, CAT, LORT, Entry to Equity, Young Workers, Developing Theatre/Central Region. I’ve participated in AEA committees since I joined the union in 2007. Even when working survival jobs, I made attending meetings a priority, and I’ve taken advantage of all the programming AEA offers (like CTI and EEOC workshops). I’ve attended Stage Manager Speed-Networking events in both New York and Chicago, and those events have led to job offers.

WHY I’M RUNNING

Because I am Leslie Knope.

But, seriously. I’m running because process equals policy. Who is in the room, making decisions, affects the decisions getting made. There are going to be a LOT of decisions made at the AEA conventions - if only because these are the first ones! Ever! We are literally setting precedent! We’re like George Washington!

via GIPHY

Labor unions are responsible for setting the standards for working conditions. There are a lot of conversations happening within the theatrical industry right now, and AEA needs to lead those conversations and negotiate for higher standards within its contracts.

Democracy doesn’t work unless citizens get involved. Which means someone has to step up, run for delegate, win the election, and go to the Convention. I decided that someone should be me.

I want to set precedent. I want to make the decisions made at this convention. I want to be in the room where it happens.

via GIPHY

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR ME

Because I show up.

Because I listen, and I speak when I have something to say.

Because I’m not afraid to ask questions.

Because I care about working conditions for stage managers and actors.

Because I have experience in governance from being on the Board of the Stage Managers’ Association.

Because I have lived in rural and urban areas, and I understand the different needs between those environments.

Because I love the Central region, and I want to protect the work members do here.

Because I am passionate about theater and those who make it.

FAQ

Questions for me? Contact me at katrina dot renee at gmail dot com or find me on Facebook!

Episode 20: Kyle Buchman

Clockwise from Left to Right: Matthew, Katrina and Kyle

It’s here! We made it to 20 episodes! Kyle Buchman joined Matthew and Katrina to talk about birding and cooking in cast iron skillets.

Episode 19: Julia Jennings

Look at that, another episode posted on time. This month features Julia Jennings, class of 2001. Look out for plans for Matthew’s anthropology pageant.

Always, if you have comments or suggestions, you can email us.

The now normal group screenshot. Clockwise, starting in the top left: Matthew, Katrina, Lance, Steve, Julia

Like we said, is Julia’s hair not fabulous?

Episode 18: Priya Parrish

Friends! We did it! An episode two months in a row, posted on time, and even including that fancy introduction I recorded. It’s amazing what Zoom meetings will lead to.

Anyway, we had Priya Parrish, class of 2001, on along with our full complement of hosts and, yes, there was a hot debate about pizza. Prepare yourselves.

That’s Priya in the up left, then Katrina, and those three handsome men are Matthew, Lance and Steve (clockwise from right).

February 2018 - Turning Over a New Leaf...and Eating It.

Matthew sent me this e-mail in September of 2018. It’s now April 2020. Nothing like thinking about how to eat vegetables to get you ready for Spring. Matthew takes over from here.

Only seven more until we're back on track! ;) 

In Turning Over a New Leaf...and Eating It, we'll have several cultivars/varieties of Brassica oleracea bred for their leaves rather than their stems - like kohlrabi - or their inflorescences (that is, their flower heads) - like broccoli. Reading about Brassica genetics is a great way to dredge up memories of Punnett squares past while also descending into a Wikipedia wormhole. Collard greens are part of the Acephela Group, which means "without a head." This is because the leaves grow on a stalk but never form a head, as in cabbage. They are slightly bitter but nutritious and easy to grow and store, especially in cold climates. This recipe calls for smoked turkey tails, which is an addition I learned from Arthur Pope. You may need to look in one or two stores, but they are definitely available. 

2 tablespoons of oil

1 onion

2 or 3 cloves of garlic

2 or 4 smoked turkey tails - depending on how smokey you want the greens

2 or 3 large bundles of collards - coarsely chopped. Remove any tough, lower parts of the stems first. Wash very thoroughly. 

1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar - more if you like the zingy taste

1 tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses, depending on the flavor you like 

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes to taste

In a large pot, brown the onions in the oil. Add and brown the garlic. Add the turkey tails, greens, vinegar, and sugar/molasses. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for an hour or longer - until the leaves are tender. Add more water if necessary. Adjust the seasonings, adding salt and the peppers according to your preference. 

Jason St. John added this to the conversation: “This is a great recipe, and it's better if simmered 4-5 hours. A slow cooker is even better, since it's easy to clean and maintains an even gentler temperature. You're waiting for the plant fibers to fall apart ...  and they just won't be rushed.   Enjoy!”

So then Matthew sent this NY Times article and claimed it was “of relevance.” To which Jason responded: “Awesome!  Follow-up studies needed for cruciferous vegetables, burnt sugar, and Malort. “

Episode 17: Quaran-time 2020

A) How are we already at Episode 17? Surely we weren’t that prolific?

B) Why yes, it IS the first Ethical Rioting episode of 2020, and the first episode since Katrina got married. Remember when the goal was to do one a month in 2019? That did not happen. We shall see what happens in 2020.

C) Due to the global pandemic, Katrina discovered the Zoom records audio for meetings which she can then convert to a file to put into Audacity and then put on a website and voila! You have a podcast with better sound quality than the first few years of this podcast.

D) E-mail us with suggestions for guests! You can self-nominate! Geography is not an issue! Guests must have some link to IMSA - but otherwise - as long as you can get on a Zoom call for at least 30 minutes, you’re the perfect guest!

E) Lance will be back - he just missed it this time around.

Matthew, Katrina and Steve, reunited once again. Sort of.

Matthew, Katrina and Steve, up close and personal.

March 2018 - Turning Over a New Leaf...and Eating It

Matthew sent March’s 2018 installment in September 2018. And I’m posting it in April 2020. Because. Life.

Matthew takes over from here.

Let me know when you've made the collards and the saag, and I'll continue with the schedule as follows: 

April: Stir-fried bok choy

May: Wilted lettuce

June: Arugula (...pizza!) 

July: Swiss chard 

August: Cabbage and fennel slaw 

September: Ghormeh sabzi

Have you been to Stanley's on North Avenue? (Editor’s note: Stanley’s has since closed.) Well, if not, you're in for a treat because it's a great place to buy spinach (and other produce) in bulk. This recipe for saag is also a treat because you'll use TWO green leafies: spinach (Spinacia oleracea...I would be writing for ages if I went into everything it's related to and how we've classified them all) and mustard greens (Brassica juncea, which like it'soleraceacousin, has a bewildering number of sub-groups based on how it grows and whether you use the leaves, seeds, or roots). 

Many saag recipes can be quite complicated. This recipe seems reasonable, but I would make the following changes:

1. I would use equal parts spinach and mustard. You don't need to remove the stems. Stanley's often sells a 2 pound bag of spinach. Cook it in parts - it will decrease dramatically in size. You can use the other half for salads. 

2. You can use butter instead of ghee. 

3. You can skip the cheese. 
4. You can skip the fenugreek if you don't have the time/inclination to go to Devon to buy some. 

5. You can skip the blending in Step 2 if you chop the leaves finely enough at the beginning. Just add the cream to the cooked leaves. 

Serve with rice and/or naan! 

Jason’s comments: Lemme add to this one that if you're having trouble finding fenugreek leaves, they're often sold as methi. Or leave them out. (No pun intended.)

Episode 16: Bachelorette Party

Yes, yes, I know. We missed three months, and we owe you. But! Here’s a podcast for May! This one has a gigantic cast of characters featuring non-IMSAns, and many from class of 2001 plus one person from class of 2005. It’s even more special because it was recorded during Katrina’s bachelorette party.

We finished the Escape Room in less than an hour - without any hints! These are very smart people. From left to right: Megan Ladror, Steve, Katie Beeks, Matthew, and Katrina’s in front with the crown and sword.

Episode 15: All of the Hosts

On January 1, 2019 all of the hosts were in the same city. So we put them all in the same room and recorded a podcast! With special appearance by Lance’s wife, Megan. We’re gonna do it this year, you guys. We’re going publish 12 episodes.

From Left to Right that’s Steve, Megan, Lance, Matthew and Katrina, and we’re all flaunting our mugs that used to hold Nutella hot chocolate.

Episode 14: 2018 Year in Review

On the first day of 2019, we bring you the last episode of 2018. It’s a hostful, with some basic structure. We tried. And we promise to try to do better in 2019. Promise is a strong word. We intend to do better in 2019.

This is our fancy podcasting setup. My computer, a tray table that gets flipped, and a couch. From Left to Right: Steve, Matthew and Katrina

A blurry selfie

Also a blurry selfie, but adorable, yes?

Episode 13: Lance and Pepe

Is it lucky episode 13? Featuring the original host Lance? Because he was back in Chicago for a hot second? Yes, yes it is. You’re welcome.

Lance on the left with the ukulele and Katrina on the right with Pepe the decorative gourd.

Episode 12: Arthur Pope

Did we miss two months? Yes, we did. Was it because Katrina didn’t take the time to upload episodes immediately after they were recorded because she was working an intense job that sucked up all her time? Yes, it was. BUT. Now, it is, once more, the 19th of the month, and we are posting TWO episodes. To make up for September and October. We’re still 2 months behind, and we need to record November’s episode, and Matthew owes many recipes for leafy vegetables - especially after he point blank refused to take Katrina’s cabbage - but here’s two episodes to tide you over, faithful fans.

We’re eating pancakes into the microphone. Somehow, we still have listeners. And friends. That’s Katrina and Arthur and Matthew.

A close-up of the aforementioned eating of pancakes.

Matthew was fascinated at how perfectly the squash fit in his hand.

It is concerning as the squash gets closer?

IS IT?!?!

Episode 11: A Hostful of Vegetables

Aaaaaand we're back!  After a two month drought because Katrina was in San Diego, she dragged Matthew and Steve back to talk about vegetables and podcasting and googling things.  Turns out, Steve will actually speak loudly when talking about the history of mathematics.  Katrina had less frantic gesticulating than usual, and Matthew was charming and knowledgeable about vegetables, as always.

Left to Right, that's Steve with cilantro, Matthew with eggplant and Katrina with summer savory.

Kale chips - unless they are mustard greens chips.

Corn O'Brien, or as Matthew calls it, succatash.

Melon, Cucumber, Tomato Salad.

Katrina eating the roasted corn on the cob she made from the first CSA box.

Episode 10: Chelsea Lynn, or Ethically ya'all

Good news everyone!  Matthew Knisley promises he will send over four leafy vegetables soon.  Real soon!

In the meantime, have a podcast with class of 2002'er, Chelsea Lynn.  Steve talked quietly, Katrina talked loudly (but did not gesticulate much, sadly), and Chelsea filled us in on her life.

We forgot to take photos, sadly.

Episode 9: Hostful - Pleased to Tea You

Yes, yes it is the ninth episode!  Right on time!  Featuring our intrepid hosts - no, Lance was not available - Katrina, Steve and Matthew.  Yes, Matthew has been promoted to host because, really, why not.  He's been on a third of the podcasts.

He promised to send Katrina three leafy vegetables, so keep an eye out for that.  

In this episode Katrina talks loudly and gesticulates wildly, we come up with numerous ideas for bonus episodes and other podcasts, talk about sponsors, Matthew drinks tea, and Steve talks just loud enough if the microphone is pointed in his direction.

Also, we mention Rockapella and the Foldgers commercial from the 90's, so why not include that below?

Katrina, Steve and Matthew drinking tea into the microphone.

Katrina and Matthew agreed to smile for the camera.  Steve refused.

Episode 8: Osman Ahmed

Gentle readers and listeners!  The March podcast is late, but it's here!  Featuring a member of the class of 1999 (we're really branching out these days!), Osman Ahmed!  We had a great conversation (for two and a half hours!) (Don't worry, only the last hour and a half is recorded.)  (Because Steve was late.  Really late.).

I know, I know, you're wondering where the February and March leafy vegetables are.  Well, feel free to harass Matthew about that.  We'll just have to feature three leafy vegetables in April.  And Katrina signed up for a CSA this summer, so fresh leafy vegetables will be all the rage.

Also, Katrina has successfully eaten at least one vegetable a day for the last two weeks.  That's a big deal for her, OKAY?

Osman generously brought sparkling cider in honor of Katrina's recent engagement, so we had to take a selfie with it.

From left to right, that's Steve, Osman, Katrina and Google Monkey.  (Colloquially, he goes by Nick.)  (Google Monkey made a brief appearance on this month's podcast.)

The toast!  With mugs!  

Osman also brought cupcakes in honor of Katrina and Google Monkey's engagement, so a cupcake selfie must be had!   (They were delicious - tiny little bundt cakes.)  Anyway, Katrina has a fancy Samsung Galaxy S7 phone that will take a selfie if you just hold your palm up.  It recognizes the palm, then sets a timer and three seconds later - selfie!  Osman was so excited about this new technology, that he didn't move his hand in time.

Left to right: Steve, Osman, Katrina, Google Monkey

Osman sporting his IMSA soccer jacket, circa 1999.  Stylish IMSA fashion, that.

Episode 7: Kori Pacyniak

We know, gentle listeners (and readers), we know.  You're wondering what happened to February.  No leafy vegetable assignment, no podcast...  Well, it's March now and we're gonna fix that!  Here's a podcast for you - and hopefully we'll have an extra leafy vegetable for you too!

This podcast is exciting because (drum roll please) it's the first podcast where Katrina hosts by herself.  And and AND it's the first podcast where the guest is not a member of the class of 2001.  Introducing Kori Pacyniak, class of 2000.

That's Katrina on the left and Kori on the right.

January 2018: Lobster Lettuce

If you listened to Episode 5 and read this blog post, then you know Matthew has been introducing Katrina to leafy vegetables.  January 2018 was Endive.

As it is February 2018, and Katrina is just now reporting on the endive, it is safe to assume that Katrina did not, in fact, eat the endive in January.  But, she did eat it.  And this is the blog post  to tell you how it went.

Katrina decided to use this recipe because it contained only two ingredients she had to go out to buy (endive and white wine vinegar) and because it looked easy.

First she quartered the endive.

At the time she felt like halving would have been enough.  She was proved to be right after cooking it, but Katrina is someone who follows the directions.  Mostly.  Except when she chooses not to follow the directions.

So then she put all the other ingredients in a skillet and put the endive in.  Did you know "braise" means to cook something in a liquid?  Guess when Katring figured it out?  When she was supposed to put the endive into a skillet full of a liquid.

From here on out the endive basically cooked in the skillet, and Katrina turned it occasionally using tongs.  The recipe said it would turn "golden brown," but mostly it turned a sickly green.  A friend (Kori, you'll meet her in a podcast soon, we hope) finally told her to take it out and serve it.

That's what it looked like in the serving bowl.  Kinda gross, right?

What follows is a photo essay of the endive (and a surprise video (Surprise!  There's a video!)) and Katrina's face as she ate it.  

The full meal.  Kori made porkchops, and Katrina had a purple napkin.  Obviously.  Also, there was hot chocolate.

Turns out it is kinda difficult to cut wet lettuce.  How do you eat this stuff?

Katrina's face after consuming the leafy vegetable.  This is a face that says "Well, I did it, and I'm trying to be positive about it.  What else do you want from me Matthew?"

So what did Katrina think of endive?

"It tasted okay, like butter, probably because there was so much butter.  And then it was bitter.  I don't like bitter.  And lettuce should not be slippery.  It was weird.  Maybe I should try it as a substitute for a cracker?  But then you'd be giving up the deliciousness of a cracker. "

Jess, the third person who ate the meal of endive and porkchops, said it reminded her of lobster, probably because of all the butter.  Hence the term "Lobster Lettuce."

There was enough liquid and endive left over to make a second batch.  Katrina did not participate in eating it.

Stay tuned for next month when Katrina is introduced to another leafy vegetable!

Episode 6: Yisong Yue

Look at those cuties.  We're (almost) in age order, with the oldest in front.

For episode 6 (Six!  Can you believe we made it to six episodes?!  It only took us a year!)  (To the day.  This is posting one year after we recorded our first podcast.)

We ventured to the west coast for this one - interviewing Yisong Yue (class of 2001) in his office at CalTech.  Steve couldn't join us, so it was Lance asking pointed questions - and playing the uke - while Katrina wildly gesticulated.  Lance's wife, Dr. Megan Rexius-Hall, filled in for Steve.

Katrina's in front with Dr. Megan Rexius-Hall to the left.  Going clockwise, that makes a Lance the tall guy in back and Yisong on the right.