BWW TV Exclusive: Konversations with Keeme: Chatting with Jillian Duffy

Fifteen year old Ajibola Tajudeen, better known as Keeme, is the host of New Paradigm Theatre's web series here on BroadwayWorld. "Konversations with Keeme" is show where Keeme interviews seasoned television and film professionals like Tamara Tunie of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Renee Lawless of Tyler Perry's The Have and the Have Nots, as well as Broadway veterans such as Emmy and Grammy winner, Paul Bogaev, and Broadway pros Christine Dwyer, Kelly Grant, Juwan Crawley and more.

The series follows Keeme's interviews as he receives advice on "the business", performing, and leadership from the pros in the performing arts industry. These interviews produced by NPT's youth crew with editing by Claire Rice and are released weekly on BroadwayWorld.

New Paradigm Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre promoting social responsibility and fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions. This series is one of the ways that NPT features their outstanding Youth Board of directors (all the production and on-camera work is facilitated by our Youth with some guidance from our Pros). Artistic Director and Broadway veteran, Kristin Huffman says, "New Paradigm is a theatre with a social conscience. We produce events and shows that not only entertain with Broadway pros, but that also connect directly to our community and teach youth leadership.

This series leads up to South Pacific: In Concert. New Paradigm Theatre, a company well-known for its inventive productions that are presented with multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-gendered casting and The Norwalk Symphony, a 80-year-old non-profit with a well-regarded professional orchestra, are co-producing this exciting production of South Pacific: In Concert.

In addition to presenting this beautiful music, the two organizations are committed to a "collective impact" production, bridging the gap between the arts and the local community by choosing NICE (Norwalk International Cultural Exchange), a local non-profit that echoes the theme of the show.

Jillian Duffy is a 22 year old studying Business and Marketing at Southern Connecticut State University. She has competed within the Miss America Organization since the age of eight and has held multiple titles within the organization. Jillian strongly believes in what this organization promotes and has continuously experienced growth within herself throughout her time in the organization. Jillian's social impact statement is entitled "Jillian's Journey: Pediatric Cancer Research and Awareness", the voice of a patient and the advocate of a survivor. Jillian's Journey not only raises awareness of the underfunding of pediatric cancer research but also focuses on the journey through cancer treatment and eventual triumph of an individual. As a survivor herself, Jillian shares her story of her battle and eventual victory over cancer to inspire others to face obstacles with a positive mindset and to always chase your dreams.