Backstage with AJ is going festive! “Truce: A Christmas Wish from the Great War,” director Angie Higgins, and sound designer George Psarras, join AJ Jaffari in conversation about this lovely, holiday production. They discuss the humanity of the show, the music that moves the story along, and how this version is different from the original that was …

'Lizzie Borden took an axe And gave her mother forty whacks.....' The tale of Lizzie Borden and what happened in Fall River, Massachusetts is one that continues to haunt American history and cultural lore. In this adaptation of the story, be prepared to get inside Lizzie's head and experience what may have lead up to that fateful event. Lizzieby Ki…

AJ Jaffair is back, backstage! This time he's joined by director Mark Anderson Phillips as they discuss "An Inspector Calls." The conversation starts with talk about the cultural significance of the sinking of the Titanic and how that connects to the play, then leads into more specifics about why this script, and why now. They go over the stark, ic…

This episode features Arana Shapiro, Chief Programs and Operating Officer at Games for Change. Our Chief Partnerships Officer Jennifer Javornik sits down with Arana to discuss the evolving world of games for social impact and education.Di Filament Games

This episode features Julie Willcott, Education Products Manager at Z-Space. Our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, sits down with Julie to discuss the evolution of VR technology in education, including how VR and simulations are becoming more widely accepted in classrooms.Di Filament Games

This episode features Jamie Sterling, VP of Product, Research & Development at Carnegie Learning. Our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, sits down with Jamie to explore the cutting edge of K-12 education and the transformative power of AI in learning!Di Filament Games

Our SXSW EDU interview series continues with a very special guest: Jodi Asbell-Clarke, a Filament Luminary and the Director and Co-Founder of the Educational Gaming Environments group (EdGE) at TERC. In this episode, CPO Jennifer Javornik talks with Jodi about her career journey and the immense potential of game-based learning in STEM education.…

It’s a Rocky Horror/Kinky Boots crossover episode! Last summer, Bart Perry and Matt Locke won our hearts as Lola and Charlie in the musical Kinky Boots. Now the two are back together in Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show as the seductive Dr.Frank-N-Furter and the enigmatic Riff Raff. The two join AJ Jaffari as they reminisce over Kinky Boots a…

Welcome back to the Filament Games Podcast! We're thrilled to kick off Season 8 with an exciting series of interviews recorded live at SXSW EDU. Our first guest in this series is Lee Waldvogel, Strategic Partnerships Lead at American Student Assistance (ASA). Lee's extensive background in education and partnerships, including his pivotal role in de…

The newest episode of the Filament Games Podcast is sure to level up your industry insights! Fresh from the electrifying atmosphere of CES in Las Vegas, our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, interviews Mike Lucero, the Director of Product Management for Gaming at Samsung Electronics America.…

In this episode of the Filament Games Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Jani Penttinen, a true luminary in our industry! Recorded live at CES in Las Vegas, our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, engages in a fascinating conversation with the CEO and co-founder of Bitmagic.…

Prepare to have your perception of robotics and AI transformed - there’s a new episode of the Filament Games Podcast! Recorded in the heart of innovation at CES in Las Vegas, our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, talks with Embodied’s Rachel Baynes, Head of Clinical Research, and Phil Duffy, former Chief Product Officer.…

AJ Jaffari takes us to opening night of "Clyde's" at City Lights! Join for conversation with cast members and other City Lights artists and friends about the power of this show and it's story. Clyde's May 16 – Jun 9, 2024 cltc.org/clyde's Written by Lynn Nottage Directed by Aldo Billingsea Supported by Producers Sandra Moll & Rick Holden Season sup…

Prepare to be inspired! In this extraordinary episode of the Filament Games Podcast, recorded live at CES in Las Vegas, our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, has the pleasure of speaking with verta maloney, a visionary founder, captivating storyteller, and catalyst for anti-racism. With over 25 years of experience in education, includi…

Today, we’re bringing you another exciting episode of the Filament Games Podcast, recorded live at CES in Las Vegas! This time, our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Tami Bhaumik, Vice President of Civility and Partnerships at Roblox.As a driving force behind Roblox's digital civility init…

In the premiere episode of Season 7 of the Filament Games Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview straight from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas! CES is the world's most influential tech event, showcasing groundbreaking technologies and global innovators. It's where industry leaders unveil their latest releases a…

We're back with another episode of Backstage with AJ! Join AJ Jaffari as he interviews cast members from our current show, "King Liz." You can learn about Davied Morales' first role on stage, Caitlin Papp's opinion on playing a villanous character, and more! "King Liz" runs through April 21, so there's still time to see this vibrant, drama about li…

What does the future hold for gaming as entertainment and beyond? As President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), this week’s Filament Games Podcast guest Stan Pierre-Louis is a prominent strategic leader of the US video game industry.As President and CEO of ESA, he spearheads the organization's public policy efforts, showcasi…

Terms like "addiction," and "anxiety" often carry heavy stigma around with them. Yet opening sincere dialogues around mental health is exactly what longtime advocate Rebecca Benghiat does alongside Filament Games Podcast host Jennifer Javornik in this new episode.With senior leadership experience driving growth for organizations like New York’s pio…

In the latest episode of the Filament Games Podcast, listeners are in for a treat as Jennifer Javornik, Chief Partnerships Officer here at Filament, sits down with Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. With a passion for challenging stereotypes and promoting gender equality in the entertainment indust…

Ready to explore policy through play? Get ready for another illuminating conversation about serious games on the Filament Games Podcast! Meet Dr. Elizabeth M H Newbury, the visionary behind the Serious Games Initiative at the Wilson Center. As Director, she transforms policy discussions into interactive experiences, using games to engage the public…

How can video games support teenagers, assisting not only with their traditional education, but also their resilience, self-confidence, and mental health? Jane Lee, the Senior Director of Operations & Mental Health at iThrive Games, has the answers for you in the newest episode of the Filament Games Podcast!Join podcast host and Filament Games CPO …

Season 6 Episode 3 of the Filament Games Podcast is here, and we're thrilled to share another captivating interview from the Games for Change Festival with our listeners! In this episode, host Jennifer Javornik sits down with Dr. Jan L. Plass, a distinguished Professor at New York University and the Paulette Goddard Chair in Digital Media and Learn…

Ahoy, mateys! In this episode of the Filament Games Podcast, we're diving into the depths of the sea monster's lair! And by that, we mean you’ll join our intrepid host, Jennifer Javornik, as she navigates uncharted waters with Glenn Gillis, the co-founder and CEO of Sea Monster. Jennifer spotted Glenn in the wild at the 2023 Games for Change Festiv…

The Filament Games Podcast is back in business for a brand new season! In this season 6 opener, our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David Ball, the Global Head of SecondMuse's Health and Social Tech portfolio.Di Filament Games

In the latest episode of the Filament Games Podcast, our host and Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer, has the pleasure of interviewing a true trailblazer in the intersection of art, technology, and social impact. Rob Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Disrupt Art, shares insights into how his company is revolutionizing multiple creative fields on …

AJ Jaffari takes us into rehearsal for the Northern California premiere of Nora: A Doll's House. Join us as AJ talks with the cast about the unique timeline within the show, the multiple characters, and more. We hope you enjoy this sneak peak before the show opens in a few weeks! Nora: A Doll’s House January 18 – February 18, 2024 cltc.org/nora Wri…

We’re backstage with AJ Jaffari after opening night of Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot; Or Holmes for the Holidays. We talk to the audience members about the show, some of the actors let us in on their favorite moments, and we even hear from Producer Clint Moore, who’s beautiful green car is in our production photos! Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot; Or…

This week, join our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, in an engaging conversation with Susan Jin Davis, who has 30 years of experience in telecom, media, entertainment, and tech. Currently Social Impact Officer at Al Roker Entertainment, Susan crafts impactful storytelling solutions with brands and nonprofits, showcasing the positive w…

If you're joining us for the first time, this podcast series features interviews conducted by our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, at the 2023 Social Innovation Summit. Jennifer engages with a diverse range of professionals who are leveraging technology to bring about positive change in their respective industries.This week’s guest is…

In this episode of the Filament Games Podcast, Jennifer speaks with Jeffrey Burrell, the Senior Director of Social Impact at Riot Games and the Executive Director of the Riot Games Social Impact Fund. Listen to hear more about Jeffrey's professional journey and the impactful work he spearheads at Riot Games. Jeffrey plays a pivotal role in shaping …

We're delighted to bring you the third episode of our Social Innovation Summit interview series. Join our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, as she hosts conversations with thought leaders in the technology and gaming sectors who are driving significant change through their work.In this episode, Jennifer has a conversation with Fred Tan…

We're thrilled to bring you the second installment of this captivating series where our Chief Partnerships Officer, Jennifer Javornik, takes you with her to conferences on technology and games for impact. Get ready to be inspired as Jennifer engages in conversations with thought leaders who are making big changes through their work!In this episode,…

Spooky Lights 2023 - - - - - - - - - Our annual Halloween episode, this year filled with all true spooky tales and haunted stories. Hosted by Steve Cortopassi. “Nutcracker,” written and read by Derek McCaw “A Cold Show” written by Adam L. Brinklow and read by AJ Jaffari “Ghost Stories” written by Jen Groening and read by Anne Younan “Our Ghost” wri…

In this special new season of the Filament Games Podcast, you have a first-class ticket to travel with Jennifer Javornik, our Chief Partnerships Officer. Listen in as she attends influential events and interviews insightful thought leaders who are making an impact through technology and video games!In this episode, Jennifer sat down with Julian Fit…

Lights Up! 2023! Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company. Please leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice. You can email us at filament@cltc.org with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes o…

In this episode, Brandon and Dan interview former Filament Games designer Lydia Symchych about the JumpStart series, specifically JumpStart 3rd Grade Mystery Mountain. JumpStart was a learning game franchise that began in 1994 and closed in 2023. To learn more about the ins and outs of these games, and why JumpStart 3rd Grade Mystery Mountain is so…

In this episode, your hosts Brandon and Dan have a conversation with Carrie Ray-Hill, the Senior Director of Digital Learning at iCivics. If you’ve been keeping up with Filament Games since the beginning, you’ll know our work and friendship with the folks at iCivics goes way back! Listen on to learn how the pandemic and recent trends in civics lear…

City Lights first worked with Music Director Katie Coleman in 2017’s rock musical “LIZZIE.” Since then Katie has gone on to work on many exciting projects. She most recently completed a national tour as Music Director of the smash hit musical “Six.” And before that she worked on the worldwide sensation that is “Hamilton," while it was in San Franci…

In this episode of the Filament Games podcast, your hosts Brandon and Dan had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Rake, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at FIRST. Brandon, Dan, and Chris discuss Filament’s work with FIRST on RoboCo and RoboCo Sports League, the ethos and values of FIRST, the impact on FIRST participants, and much…

In this episode, your illustrious hosts Brandon and Dan interview Filament Game Designer Colin Skinner about his experiences working as lead designer on RoboCo Sports League. What is RoboCo Sports League? In short, it’s a RoboCo-inspired experience Filament Games is creating specifically for the Roblox platform. If you’ve been dreaming of a multipl…

In this episode, Brandon and Dan, along with guest Lydia Symchych, a former Filament game designer, tackle pervasive game-based learning myths. Like the revered Mythbusters themselves, Brandon, Dan, and Lydia dive into common misconceptions and destroy them from the inside out!**Figuratively, of course. No pyrotechnics were used in the making of th…

Welcome back to the Filament Games Podcast! To commemorate the November 3rd launch of RoboCo for Steam Early Access, we invited our CEO Dan White onto the podcast to chat with Brandon and Dan all about how RoboCo came to be, our partnership with FIRST, and what launch day was like (spoiler alert, Dan White’s adrenal glands were in peril). From the …

Welcome back to the Filament Games Podcast! If you read our blog, you may know we are working with our friends at the University of Wisconsin - Madison to create an educational cow-handling game. If you didn’t know, now you do! The project is aptly called Mooving Cows, and it is a game-based learning experience that teaches players how to interact …

The Filament Games Podcast is back! That’s right, after a, ahem, brief four-year hiatus, season four of your favorite game-based learning podcast is here. The original hosts of the podcast, VP of Marketing Brandon Pittser and CCO Dan Norton, are back with even more game-based learning insights, incredible guest interviews, and enough antics to keep…

Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. - - - - - - - - - Our annual Halloween episode filled with spooky tales and haunted stories. Narration by Steve Cortopassi. - - - - - - - - - “Creepypasta” written and performed by Allie Costa “They’re in There” by John Busser Voice acting provid…

Lights Up! 2022: Episode 2 Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company.Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras, featuring guitars by Paul Psarras.Directing for this episode by Melinda Marks. Amelia, Still was written and performed by Allie Costa It’s Time to Come Out Now by Guy R. NewshamVoice acting provided by: Arcadia Conrad a…

Lights Up! 2022 Episode 1 Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company.Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras, featuring guitars by Paul Psarras.Directing for this episode by Sarah Younan. Jenny’s In Hell by Courtney BaileyVoice acting provided by: Catie Sheley as Automated Voice Mary Lou Torre as Petitioner Pippy by Russell Week…

Ever wonder how long it takes to make a Pixar movie? 1 year? 3 years? Try 7. Pixar senior creative Dan Scanlon drew from a very personal story when writing the 2020 Academy Award-nominated Pixar film Onward, starring Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, who play two brothers trying to reconnect with their father who has long since passed, through the world…

Spooky Lights: Episode 2 - Halloween/Samhain Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. “Stones” was written and read by Rebecca Wallace “Don’t Throw the Doll Baby Out with the Bloodbath Water” was written by Allison Fradkin and read by Erin Southard “Singed” was written by Sophie Mallett…