Explore every episode of the podcast Drama School Diaries Podcast (DSD) -

In Episode 10 of Drama School Diaries, we sit down with Victor Barreiro, LACHSA ’99 alum and the TV producer behind some of the most iconic red‑carpet broadcasts at the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys.

Victor’s journey is a powerful reminder of how arts education shapes more than talent — it shapes identity, discipline, and the courage to pursue a creative life. Growing up in Montebello, Victor found his voice at LACHSA, where mentorship, collaboration, and hands‑on training gave him the foundation he needed to thrive in one of the most competitive corners of the entertainment industry.

In this conversation, Victor opens up about:

• How arts training built his confidence and work ethic

• The teachers and peers who helped him see a future in TV production

• The behind‑the‑scenes reality of producing major award‑show red carpets

• Why saying yes to intimidating opportunities changed his entire trajectory

• The importance of community, representation, and staying grounded in your purpose

Victor’s story is a testament to persistence, curiosity, and the lifelong impact of creative education. Whether you’re an artist, a student, or someone chasing a dream that feels bigger than you, this episode will leave you inspired to take your next leap.

Press play and step into the world behind the red carpet.

#DramaSchoolDiaries #ArtsEducationMatters #LACHSAAlumni #CreativeCareers #BehindTheScenes

⭐ Option 1: Polished + Inspirational (Your usual DSD tone)

From Arts High gospel choir to Grammy-nominated jazz sensation 🎙️✨

This week on Drama School Diaries, we sit down with the incredible Gretchen Parlato for an honest and inspiring conversation about artistry, curiosity, resilience, and finding your voice.

Growing up in a musical family in the Valley, Gretchen shares how her journey through LACHSA, UCLA, and the Thelonious Monk Institute shaped not only her musicianship, but her entire artistic identity. From gospel and Brazilian Bossa Nova to jazz improvisation and ethnomusicology, we explore the many influences that helped create her unmistakable sound.

We also dive into:
• How arts education became a lifelong community and support system
• The teachers and mentors who recognized her potential early on
• Collaborating with legends like Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock
• The realities of sustaining a music career in today’s streaming and social media landscape
• Mental health, rejection, aging, and staying creatively authentic in an evolving industry

With more than 80 recordings and collaborations spanning jazz, pop, and world music, Gretchen’s story is a masterclass in intentional growth, artistic integrity, and dedication to craft.

Plus, we celebrate her brand-new album, “Capricorn,” out now 🎧

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, arts student, educator, or simply someone passionate about creativity and storytelling, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, honesty, and inspiration.

And if you’re in LA, don’t miss Gretchen performing live at LACHSApalooza at the Greek Theatre on May 30th!

LACHSApalooza Tickets

Gretchen Parlatos NEW ALBUM on Apple Music

#DramaSchoolDiaries #GretchenParlato #LACHSA #Jazz #Capricorn #Podcast #ArtsEducation #UCLA #WayneShorter #HerbieHancock

In this episode of Drama School Diaries, we sit down with the incomparable Ulises Bella — multi‑instrumentalist, culture‑shaper, and founding member of the Grammy‑winning band Ozomatli.

Ulises takes us on a journey through the soundtrack of his life:

🎵 Growing up surrounded by music

🎵 His early days at LACHSA

🎵 The wild, unpredictable path of the music industry

🎵 The cultural impact of Ozomatli’s sound

🎵 The highs, lows, and life lessons only a musician can teach.

We talk about everything from saving your money on the road, to the “wild west” vibe of the industry, to the moments that remind you why passion matters more than profit.

And yes — we dive into Ozomatli’s role as the official LACHSApalooza house band, and what it means to come home and uplift the next generation of artists.

Sound bites you’ll love:

💬 “The music is the proof of life.”

💬 “Music kept us afloat.”

💬 “If it’s about the money, don’t do it.”

💬 “You have to save your money.”

If you’re a musician, a dreamer, or someone who believes in the power of art to shape culture, this episode will hit you right in the heart.

Watch, subscribe, and join the DSD family as we celebrate the artists who shaped us.

💛 New episodes every other week.

#DramaSchoolDiaries #UlisesBella #Ozomatli #LACHSA #LACHSApalooza #MusicJourney #ArtsEducation #Podcast #CreativeLife #Coachella #SupportTheArts

🎙️ Special Shout‑OutA huge thank‑you to Emmanuel Munda and the entire team at D1 Productions in Mt. Washington for always bringing the magic.

From engineering to creative support, Emmanuel’s studio is a true home base for artists, podcasters, and anyone who needs a space that understands the craft.

If you’re looking for studio time, recording, mixing, or production support, hit him up — you’ll be in excellent hands.

👉 https://d1-productions.com/

Episode 7: April Showers – From April Showers to Unicorn Powers

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible April Showers, the powerhouse behind Afro Unicorn® and the first Black woman to own a major licensed character brand featured in major retailers nationwide.

But this conversation goes far beyond her business success. April opens up about her time at LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts), how her arts education shaped her confidence and creativity, and why that foundation was essential to building the global brand she leads today.

We also talk about her return to the LACHSA community through LACHSApalooza at The Greek Theatre, where she’ll be partnering with the school once again to uplift the next generation of young artists.

It’s inspiring, funny, heartfelt — and full of unicorn magic.

Follow April: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrounicorn_official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfroUnicornOfficial Shop Afro Unicorn: https://afrounicorn.com

What does it really take to find your voice as an artist? 🎭✨

In this episode, John Constantine from The Hound joins Drama School Diaries to talk about the evolution of his creative identity—from training to real-world artistry.

We listen to his track “Can’t Let You Go” 🎧 and get into the story behind it—from the bold, provocative visual choices in the music video 🔥 to the deeper artistic instincts driving the work. John opens up about where the song has taken him—festival stages 🎪, recognition from outlets like Billboard and HuffPost 📰, and how it’s helped carve out his place in LA’s nightlife scene as a DJ and performer 🌃🎶.

We dive into the discipline behind the craft, the tension between structure and freedom, and the moments that shape who you become as a performer and storyteller.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, your process, or your place in the arts—this one’s for you.

🎙️ The Hound Music

#DramaSchoolDiaries #JohnConstantine #TheHound #CantLetYouGo #IndieArtist #MusicPodcast #ArtistJourney #CreativeProcess #ArtsEducation #FindingYourVoice #MusicInterview #IndieMusic #LAArtists #EmergingArtists #PodcastLife #Storyteller #PerformerLife #BehindTheMusic #MusicIndustry #CreativeLife

🎙️ Special Shout‑Out

A huge thank‑you to Emmanuel Munda and the entire team at D1 Productions in Mt. Washington for always bringing the magic.

From engineering to creative support, Emmanuel’s studio is a true home base for artists, podcasters, and anyone who needs a space that understands the craft.

If you’re looking for studio time, recording, mixing, or production support, hit him up — you’ll be in excellent hands.

👉 https://d1-productions.com/

In this inspiring episode of Drama School Diaries, Michael Longoria shares his journey from arts education at LACHSA to success on Broadway—and how that foundation shaped both his career and identity as an artist.Michael opens up about overcoming challenges, the power of mentorship, and how arts training builds empathy, discipline, and resilience. He also dives into diversity in theater, creating your own opportunities, and evolving as a true triple threat.We also highlight his latest album, Catch a Wave—a vibrant, feel-good project that showcases his artistry beyond the stage.🎧 Listen to “Catch a Wave” here:https://music.apple.com/us/album/catch-a-wave/1880108707🎭 Follow Michael Longoria on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/michaellongoriasings🎨 Americans for the Arts Fund:https://www.americansforthearts.org/Keywords:arts education, Broadway, mentorship, resilience, LACHSA, acting, singing, arts advocacy, diversity in theater, musical theater, Broadway careers, creative process, music albums, Catch a Wave, Michael LongoriaKey Topics:Arts education impact on careerMentorship in performing artsDiscipline and resilience in theaterSelf-identity and expression in artsOvercoming industry rejectionJourney from arts high school to BroadwayDiversity and representation in theaterCreating music and personal artistic projects00:00 Introduction to Drama School Diaries01:44 Artistic Backgrounds and Journeys04:13 Welcoming Michael Longoria05:35 Michael's Early Musical Influences08:45 Transitioning to Arts Education at LACHSA10:46 Navigating Identity and Expression17:22 The Impact of Arts Education22:18 Empathy Through Performance24:42 The Discipline of Performing Arts29:03 Mentorship and Opportunities30:22 Navigating the Challenges of Performing Arts Education32:32 The Hustle: Balancing Work and Rehearsals36:13 Reframing Rejection in the Industry41:23 From NYU to Broadway: The Journey Begins45:49 The Evolution of Roles: From College to Professional49:21 The Changing Landscape of Diversity in Theatre52:40 Creating Your Own Opportunities in the Arts59:27 The Journey of a Triple Threat01:01:08 Rapid Fire Insights01:05:25 Legacy and Artistic Expression01:07:52 Reflections on the Future and Heaven01:09:19 The Impact of Arts Education01:14:36 Outro

In this engaging interview, Evelyn Yamauchi shares her journey from an untrained high school student to a successful realtor and performer, highlighting how arts education shapes resilience, structure, and confidence. Discover how her experiences at LACHSA and in opera influenced her career and life, offering valuable insights for aspiring artists and students.

Keywords:

arts education, LACHSA, performance, opera, real estate, resilience, arts training, career development, mental health, youth empowerment

Key Topics:

• Arts education impact on career and life
• Evelyn's journey from untrained student to professional
• The role of discipline and structure in arts training
• How arts training builds resilience and confidence
• The intersection of arts and real estate success

• From Untrained to Unstoppable: Evelyn Yamauchi's Arts Journey
• How Arts Education Shapes Success: Evelyn Yamauchi's Story

• "Belonging"
• "Laughter"
• "Progress over perfection"
• 
  

Guest Name:

Evelyn Jones-Yamauchi

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Virtual Episode Launch

02:05 Welcoming Guest Evelyn Yamauchi

04:44 Evelyn's Artistic Background and Training

10:55 Discovering Passion for Performance18:04Transitioning from Arts to Real Estate

23:27 The Art of Listening and Understanding Subtext

25:56 Translating Artistic Skills to Real Estate

28:37 Involvement of Family in the Arts31:58The Value of Arts Education

37:25 Cultural Background and Parental Support40:45Advice to Younger Self

44:11 Living Life to the Fullest

46:48 Outro

What does 65+ years of shaping artists actually look like?

In this episode of Drama School Diaries, we sit down with legendary arts educator Jerry Freedman to explore his extraordinary career at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and beyond. From the earliest days of the school to decades of teaching, mentorship, and advocacy, Mr. Freedman shares stories that span generations of students and the evolution of arts education in Los Angeles.

He reflects on working with alumni like Anthony Anderson and Josh Groban, the challenges of arts funding, and why creativity, discipline, and community are essential to a meaningful life. This conversation moves between history, humor, and heartfelt reflection—offering a rare inside look at a teacher whose impact has quietly shaped thousands of lives.

This episode is both a tribute and a reminder: arts education doesn’t just create performers—it builds identity, confidence, and lifelong purpose.

Expect stories, wisdom, rapid-fire questions, and a powerful closing reflection on what it means to dedicate a life to teaching.

What happens when your acting dream takes an unexpected turn—and leads you into the world of movie magic?

In this episode of Drama School Diaries, we sit down with Daniel Sukara, a former student of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, to explore his unconventional path from performing arts student to professional special makeup effects artist.

Daniel reflects on growing up in Pasadena and Eagle Rock, his early passion for acting, and the training, teachers, and mentorship that shaped his artistic foundation. He shares stories from his time at LACHSA, the audition process, and the key influences that guided him—including filmmakers like Rick Baker and his own instructors, Flora Plum and Norman Cohn.

What starts as an acting journey evolves into a deep dive into horror makeup, practical effects, and the creative pivot that changed everything. Daniel breaks down how arts education, community, and persistence helped him navigate uncertainty and ultimately build a career behind the camera.

This conversation explores reinvention, creative risk-taking, and the power of arts training to open unexpected doors—both in front of and behind the spotlight.

special effects, makeup effects, film industry, horror makeup, arts education, drama school, LACHSA, creative careers, acting to filmmaking, Hollywood behind the scenes, mentorship in arts

What really happens after drama school ends?

In the premiere episode of Drama School Diaries, hosts Kenny Ricci, Marivic Guevara, and Tenelle Cadogan sit down with Ronnie Kimble to revisit their time at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts—and everything that came after. From ambition and jealousy to unexpected career pivots, they unpack how arts training shapes who you become long after you leave the stage. It’s honest, funny, and a little too real—ending with a rapid-fire round and a reminder of why arts education still matters.