Brad Austin
Creative Arts Producer
Stories by Brad Austin
Michael Raiford | Becoming a Set Designer
“Just go out and find it and do it.” Michael Raiford, set designer for the Kansas City Ballet’s “The Wizard of Oz,” says he “fell” into the profession, but encourages other aspiring set designers to get their feet wet wherever they can. Every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 12, Flatland looks at the various people…
Devon Carney | Becoming an Artistic Director
As the Artistic Director for the Kansas City Ballet, Devon Carney knows the significant impact he can have on a ballet dancer’s career, which often is only 15 years or so. Along with that commitment to his dancers, he’s equally as committed to the audience experience, and ensuring their first visit isn’t their last. Every Tuesday and Thursday through…
Ramona Pansegrau | Becoming a Music Director
At the age of four, Ramona Pansegrau decided she was going to be a concert pianist. And that’s exactly what she did. Now, as the Music Director for the Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she stresses to other young musicians that loving what you do is the driving force behind success. Every Tuesday and…
Nicholas Mahon | Becoming a Puppet Designer
Growing up in rural Quebec, Nicholas Mahon learned about the arts by watching “Sesame Street.” The more he explored the arts, though, the more he was drawn to the art of puppets and the variety of mediums — drawing, mechanics, animation — that go into making a puppet. Now, as the puppet designer for The…
Order Up | Doughboy’s Iced Donuts
Order Up is a regular series that takes a layered look at drinks and eats across Kansas City. You can see previous selections here. Got a dish you think we should feature? Drop us a note below or on Twitter @FlatlandKC. — Follow @FlatlandKC on Twitter and Facebook for all your food news.
Liz Vandal | Becoming a Costume Designer
After making her first fashion drawing at 9 years old, Liz Vandal knew she’d become a costume designer. But she also knew it would take more than just innate talent to get her there. Now, as the the costume designer for The Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she gives her tips on how…
The Art of (KC Structures)
Our photography series, “The Art of (KC),” brings you beautiful, thought-provoking and compelling images of what makes our city tick. There’s no doubt Arrowhead Stadium will be rocking this weekend in what may be the most anticipated home opener since Joe Montana put on his No. 19 jersey. With that in mind, we turn our artistic eye to other…
Septime Webre | Becoming a Choreographer
Septime Webre, artistic director of the Hong Kong Ballet and choreographer for the world premiere of the Kansas City Ballet’s “Wizard of Oz,” gives his top three suggestions for aspiring choreographers. Every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 12, Flatland looks at the various people and professions that go into creating “The Wizard of Oz.” Follow…
Me, Dorothy…and This Road to Oz | Coming Soon
“Me, Dorothy…and This Road to Oz” is an unprecedented immersive trip down the yellow brick road with the Kansas City Ballet as the cast and crew prepare for the world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz.” Audiences will follow composers, choreographers, costume builders, set designers and dancers from first read through the final bow and…
The Art of (Open Spaces)
Our photography series, “The Art of (KC),” brings you beautiful, thought-provoking and compelling images of what makes our city tick. This week, we’re taking a peek at Open Spaces, Kansas City’s new arts experience that brings local, national and international art of mediums together throughout the city from Aug. 25 through Oct. 28. From music to sculpture to printmaking and virtually…