Dr. Paolo Petrocelli (PhD, EMBA, FRSA) is an internationally recognized cultural leader, academic, and author. He is Head of Dubai Opera, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, and was recently knighted with Italy’s highest honor, the Order of Merit, for his contributions to culture and international cooperation. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and a European Young Leader by Friends of Europe, he has also been recognized by Fortune, Fast Company, and Arabian Business as one of the most influential cultural voices of his generation. With over 15 years of leadership experience across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the US, Paolo is Founder of EMMA for Peace, a leading nonprofit using music diplomacy to promote dialogue. He also serves as Cultural Advisor to Coldplay, lectures at universities including Yale, MIT, and the Sorbonne, and is a TEDx Speaker, Forbes contributor, and LinkedIn Top Voice.   “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

Dr. Paolo Petrocelli (PhD, EMBA, FRSA) is an internationally recognized cultural leader, academic, and author. He is Head of Dubai Opera, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, and was recently knighted with Italy’s highest honor, the Order of Merit, for his contributions to culture and international cooperation. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and a European Young Leader by Friends of Europe, he has also been recognized by Fortune, Fast Company, and Arabian Business as one of the most influential cultural voices of his generation. With over 15 years of leadership experience across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the US, Paolo is Founder of EMMA for Peace, a leading nonprofit using music diplomacy to promote dialogue. He also serves as Cultural Advisor to Coldplay, lectures at universities including Yale, MIT, and the Sorbonne, and is a TEDx Speaker, Forbes contributor, and LinkedIn Top Voice.   @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

Tom is a neurodivergent actor who can be seen in Dept Q on Netflix alongside Matthew Goode and Kelly McDonald. Previous credits include narration for the BBC, Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds Immersive Experience and several Project GameBox titles. His previous credits for stage and screen include The Play That Goes Wrong (West End), Father Brown (BBC), Quiz (ITV) and The Mummy (Universal Pictures).   @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

Tom is a neurodivergent actor who can be seen in Dept Q on Netflix alongside Matthew Goode and Kelly McDonald. Previous credits include narration for the BBC, Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds Immersive Experience and several Project GameBox titles. His previous credits for stage and screen include The Play That Goes Wrong (West End), Father Brown (BBC), Quiz (ITV) and The Mummy (Universal Pictures).   “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

Bence Vági, founder and artistic director of Recirquel Company. With a background in modern and classical dance, Bence Vági is a director-choreographer whose innovative approach to performing arts redefines the magic of theatre and circus in an original way for the contemporary audience. He has by now become one of the most defining figures of the international performing arts scene and the acclaimed representative of Hungarian circus and performing arts.     “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

Bence Vági, founder and artistic director of Recirquel Company. With a background in modern and classical dance, Bence Vági is a director-choreographer whose innovative approach to performing arts redefines the magic of theatre and circus in an original way for the contemporary audience. He has by now become one of the most defining figures of the international performing arts scene and the acclaimed representative of Hungarian circus and performing arts.   @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

Fanny Coindet is a choreographer and stage director with international experience, notably as a performer for Franco Dragone’s The House of Dancing Water. She has directed students from the National Circus School of Rosny‑sous‑Bois and is associate director of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show since 2019. In 2021, she earned her State Diploma in Contemporary Dance. In 2023, she founded her own dance company and recently completed her first piece, Ecchymoses.     “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

Fanny Coindet is a choreographer and stage director with international experience, notably as a performer for Franco Dragone’s The House of Dancing Water. She has directed students from the National Circus School of Rosny‑sous‑Bois and is associate director of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show since 2019. In 2021, she earned her State Diploma in Contemporary Dance. In 2023, she founded her own dance company and recently completed her first piece, Ecchymoses.   @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

Sora (they/she) is a writer, speaker, model, face equity activist, producer, and circus performer whose work centers on challenging norms and celebrating difference. Living at the intersection of many identities—Japanese American, neurodivergent, queer, and facially different—Sora brings a unique and powerful perspective to every space they enter. As a career circus artist, Sora has navigated the complexities of race, gender, disability, and inclusion in a global industry that hasn’t always embraced difference. Despite facing discrimination—including being asked to cover their face or removed from shows—Sora continues to perform and speak on stages around the world, reminding us that difference is not just valuable—it’s essential. Their core belief in the wholeness of every human being shapes everything they do. Through storytelling, performance, and advocacy, Sora invites audiences to question the status quo, embrace nuance, and find community in unexpected places. They are passionate about shifting societal narratives and celebrating the deep wisdom that emerges when we live beyond binaries. Sora is the proud recipient of the 2024 David Roche Award for Excellence in Advocacy. When not speaking truth on stage or defying gravity in circus shows, they can be found hunting down the best snacks and reminiscing about that one time they ate dumplings in a circus costume on the streets of Shanghai with 50 international performers.     @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

Sora (they/she) is a writer, speaker, model, face equity activist, producer, and circus performer whose work centers on challenging norms and celebrating difference. Living at the intersection of many identities—Japanese American, neurodivergent, queer, and facially different—Sora brings a unique and powerful perspective to every space they enter. As a career circus artist, Sora has navigated the complexities of race, gender, disability, and inclusion in a global industry that hasn’t always embraced difference. Despite facing discrimination—including being asked to cover their face or removed from shows—Sora continues to perform and speak on stages around the world, reminding us that difference is not just valuable—it’s essential. Their core belief in the wholeness of every human being shapes everything they do. Through storytelling, performance, and advocacy, Sora invites audiences to question the status quo, embrace nuance, and find community in unexpected places. They are passionate about shifting societal narratives and celebrating the deep wisdom that emerges when we live beyond binaries. Sora is the proud recipient of the 2024 David Roche Award for Excellence in Advocacy. When not speaking truth on stage or defying gravity in circus shows, they can be found hunting down the best snacks and reminiscing about that one time they ate dumplings in a circus costume on the streets of Shanghai with 50 international performers.   “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

Jorge Crecis has a degree in Sport Sciences, trained at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, holds a PhD from Goldsmiths University and a Master’s in Elite Athletes Coaching. Former professional dancer and university lecturer, Jorge is an award-winning choreographer commissioned by companies including Birmingham Royal Ballet and Acosta Danza. He now coaches dancers and elite athletes worldwide through Fullness, a cognitive training method for peak performance and presence. He is the author of Designing Presence: Entering Towards Vivencia, and was featured in Fifty Contemporary Choreographers.   @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

Jorge Crecis has a degree in Sport Sciences, trained at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, holds a PhD from Goldsmiths University and a Master’s in Elite Athletes Coaching. Former professional dancer and university lecturer, Jorge is an award-winning choreographer commissioned by companies including Birmingham Royal Ballet and Acosta Danza. He now coaches dancers and elite athletes worldwide through Fullness, a cognitive training method for peak performance and presence. He is the author of Designing Presence: Entering Towards Vivencia, and was featured in Fifty Contemporary Choreographers.     “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

Sophie Duncan is an award-winning creative director, choreographer, and performer, excelling in theatre, circus, radio, TV, film, and special events. Specializing in Aerial Pole and Pole Dance, she has performed with Cirque du Soleil, Bebe Rexha, and at Glastonbury’s Opening Ceremony. Since 2021, she has toured globally with Florentina Holzinger’s productions, showcasing skills in stunts, harness work, and operatic vocals, while serving as associate choreographer for The Year Without Summer. Holding 11 pole dance titles, she is regarded as one of the UK’s top artists, particularly ifor her expressive storytelling, and dynamic routines. Sophie teaches at the National Centre for Circus Arts and hosts the Public Showering Podcast. Her choreography and direction span contemporary theatre, circus, and short films, with notable collaborations like ‘Columbinus', winner of Best Show at Bucharest’s Teen Theatre Festival. A skilled DJ and radio presenter, Sophie’s versatility and creativity make her a valuable asset to any production.     “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  

Sophie Duncan is an award-winning creative director, choreographer, and performer, excelling in theatre, circus, radio, TV, film, and special events. Specializing in Aerial Pole and Pole Dance, she has performed with Cirque du Soleil, Bebe Rexha, and at Glastonbury’s Opening Ceremony. Since 2021, she has toured globally with Florentina Holzinger’s productions, showcasing skills in stunts, harness work, and operatic vocals, while serving as associate choreographer for The Year Without Summer. Holding 11 pole dance titles, she is regarded as one of the UK’s top artists, particularly ifor her expressive storytelling, and dynamic routines. Sophie teaches at the National Centre for Circus Arts and hosts the Public Showering Podcast. Her choreography and direction span contemporary theatre, circus, and short films, with notable collaborations like ‘Columbinus', winner of Best Show at Bucharest’s Teen Theatre Festival. A skilled DJ and radio presenter, Sophie’s versatility and creativity make her a valuable asset to any production.   @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  

Emile Saba is a Palestinian theater director and actor, born in September 1989 in Ramallah, originally from Jaffa. He is the Artistic Director of ASHTAR Theatre, where he began his theatrical training before earning an MFA in Stage Performance from the University of Connecticut. Saba has worked extensively across Palestinian and international productions as an actor, director, and festival manager, co-organizing six editions of the ASHTAR Theatre International Youth Festival. His artistic style often explores themes through magical realism. His notable acting roles include 2077, Who Wants to Survive (Bridgeworks Theatre), which toured several countries and won the Jury Award at the 2023 Cairo International Monodrama Festival. Additional credits include First Class, By the Sea, Between Heaven and Earth, and The Logic of Birds. Directorial works include Cosmos, Free Play, Love on the Shelf, People by the Sea, and Taming of the Shrew. His latest work, Guernica Gaza, premiered in Ramallah in July 2023.   @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

Emile Saba is a Palestinian theater director and actor, born in September 1989 in Ramallah, originally from Jaffa. He is the Artistic Director of ASHTAR Theatre, where he began his theatrical training before earning an MFA in Stage Performance from the University of Connecticut. Saba has worked extensively across Palestinian and international productions as an actor, director, and festival manager, co-organizing six editions of the ASHTAR Theatre International Youth Festival. His artistic style often explores themes through magical realism. His notable acting roles include 2077, Who Wants to Survive (Bridgeworks Theatre), which toured several countries and won the Jury Award at the 2023 Cairo International Monodrama Festival. Additional credits include First Class, By the Sea, Between Heaven and Earth, and The Logic of Birds. Directorial works include Cosmos, Free Play, Love on the Shelf, People by the Sea, and Taming of the Shrew. His latest work, Guernica Gaza, premiered in Ramallah in July 2023.   “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

Natasha Tsakos is an award-winning showmaker at the nexus of theatrical adventure, technology, and impact, now expanding her practice into space. A creator, director, performer, and producer, she has electrified audiences and performed for global institutions including TED, the UN, G20 Summit, Discovery Channel, Tribeca Film Festival and Cirque du Soleil. With experience at NASA, MIT, and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, Tsakos is developing “PARABOLES”, the first research-based multimedia performance in microgravity. Her mission: to develop utterly original theatrical experiences for space environments. www.NatashaTsakos.com   @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

Natasha Tsakos is an award-winning showmaker at the nexus of theatrical adventure, technology, and impact, now expanding her practice into space. A creator, director, performer, and producer, she has electrified audiences and performed for global institutions including TED, the UN, G20 Summit, Discovery Channel, Tribeca Film Festival and Cirque du Soleil. With experience at NASA, MIT, and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, Tsakos is developing “PARABOLES”, the first research-based multimedia performance in microgravity. Her mission: to develop utterly original theatrical experiences for space environments. www.NatashaTsakos.com     “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

Tania Ordonez Prieto is the Senior Manager for Entertainment Technical Operations at Celebrity Cruises.  Tania  has always had a passion for technical theatre. She moved from her hometown Chihuahua, Mexico to Mexico City, where she began as a production assistant in Teatro Telcel. She rose quickly through the ranks, bringing Broadway shows like Mary Poppins and Wicked to Mexico. Over the past 15 years, She has worked for companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Dragone and Disney, and has experience in developing, supporting,and operating all aspects of theatre, concerts, circus and spectacle on land and at sea. After joining Celebrity in 2019 as Technical director on Edge,  Tania has been the inaugural technical director for Apex, and has been the technical director in the shipyard in Saint Nazaire for new builds Beyond and Ascent.    “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

Tania Ordonez Prieto is the Senior Manager for Entertainment Technical Operations at Celebrity Cruises.  Tania  has always had a passion for technical theatre. She moved from her hometown Chihuahua, Mexico to Mexico City, where she began as a production assistant in Teatro Telcel. She rose quickly through the ranks, bringing Broadway shows like Mary Poppins and Wicked to Mexico. Over the past 15 years, She has worked for companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Dragone and Disney, and has experience in developing, supporting,and operating all aspects of theatre, concerts, circus and spectacle on land and at sea. After joining Celebrity in 2019 as Technical director on Edge,  Tania has been the inaugural technical director for Apex, and has been the technical director in the shipyard in Saint Nazaire for new builds Beyond and Ascent.    @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