FEATURED

Jessica Lubin’s Good Karma Studio : Balancing Mindful Practice with Performance Arts

February 20, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

I met Jessica Lubin (Good Karma Studio) last year as part of my interim leadership gig at the CCIAC (Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center) for the 2024 season. She took down the big top tent for a student showcase and ended up with an overflow crowd and sold out show. This woman owned, for profit business sits at the crossroads of holistic health and the performance arts. Jessica’s programming rides the forefront of new understandings regarding the value of integrating creative arts as a tool in physical wellness and mental health.

Jessica Lubin (*Center*) with the Good Karma Entertainment Team | Image: Provided

Please state your name, company and title. Feel free to elaborate a bit about your story, the how you got here…its a good one.

My name is Jessica Lubin and I am the Owner / Founder of Good Karma Studio, Good Karma Entertainment and Good Karma Hypnotherapy.

I graduated from University of Rhode Island with an early childhood education degree and moved to NYC in 2001. After 1 year, I realized that in-classroom education was in fact not inspiring to me. I took my creative passion and landed a job in the jewelry industry / diamond district for the next 8 years. It was glamorous, exciting, and fulfilling…yet too corporate for me.

A lover and devoted practitioner, yoga was a huge savior for me during some really challenging times in my life. It helped keep me grounded amongst the hustle and busyness of the city and a demanding corporate job. One of my greatest teachers during my 10 years living in NYC admired my serenity and slight obsession with inversions. (You could always find me in a headstand at the back of the room after class!)

“Have you been to this new, ‘floating yoga‘ from a swing?” he asked. In one visit… I was hooked!

Jessica Lubin on a Lyra at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

When I decided to leave the city, there was no doubt in my mind I wanted to become a yoga teacher. Like most, I thought I had to follow the ‘plan‘ of life. Graduate, get a job, get married, have kids…but that just wasn’t me. I wanted to travel & explore. I was scared but I took the leap spending time internationally specifically in Guatemala and India. You don’t know your own strength until you’re backpacking through India and the train breaks down in a small village where no one speaks a word of English…HA! When I moved back to my hometown of Albany, I wanted to give others the chance to heal through yoga. Many people are afraid to try aerial yoga specifically, but find that it’s actually extremely accessible. I have worked with students who are blind, deaf, and amputees. I love instilling confidence & bravery while giving people the opportunity to overcome their fears.

In 2011 I opened Good Karma Studio. In 2013, Good Karma expanded to two studios within one building. Then in 2018, another expansion creative the Capital Regions only aerial, circus arts, and yoga school. With three studio spaces in one building, we began to offer OMazing classes seven days a week for everyBODY, age, and ability.

Jessica Lubin Teaches a Yoga Class at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

Your business is at a cross section of wellness-based practice (Yoga) and entertainment (Circus Arts). What made you decide to combine the two and how do they synergize each other?

Combining the wellness-based practices of yoga with circus arts is a creative and powerful fusion! Both disciplines are deeply rooted in movement, mindfulness, and body awareness. They each offer different dimensions of experience and expression. Yoga, with its focus on breath, balance, and flexibility, helps individuals cultivate mental clarity, physical strength, and emotional well-being. It’s about grounding, alignment, and finding inner peace. Circus arts, on the other hand, are thrilling, dynamic, and often push physical limits, requiring agility, coordination, and creativity. They have an inherent element of performance and playfulness.

When combined, they create a unique synergy that offers the best of both worlds. Yoga can enhance circus performers’ flexibility, balance, and focus, allowing them to execute complex routines with precision. Circus arts, meanwhile, bring a sense of joy, creativity, and exhilaration, reminding individuals that wellness doesn’t always have to be serious or quiet — it can also be fun and filled with wonder.

Together, they provide a holistic approach to fitness, mental clarity, and creative expression.

Aerial Silks Class at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

Classes / education are a big part of what you do, can you share a bit about your approach to that across all your offerings?

Education and classes are at the heart of what we do, and our approach is designed to be inclusive, transformative, and adaptable to all levels. Whether someone is new to yoga or circus arts, or looking to deepen their practice, we strive to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Our program does this in a variety of ways:

Holistic Learning: Integrating mindfulness, mental focus, and creative expression into each class.

Personalized Experience: Recognizing that every student is different, so we tailor our classes to meet varying needs.

Community-Focused: Learning is more enriching when it’s shared. We cultivate a community atmosphere where students support one another.

Emphasis on Playfulness & Creativity: Especially in circus arts, play is an essential part of the learning process. We encourage students to explore, experiment, and embrace their creativity.

Mind-Body Integration: Emphasizing the mind-body connection in all classes, helping students find rhythm, release tension, and build both physical and mental resilience.

Progressive and Adaptive: Both yoga and circus arts can be challenging, so we ensure our curriculum is progressive.

Inspiring Personal Growth: The ultimate goal is to help students grow, both as performers and as individuals. We foster an environment that celebrates progress, however big or small.

In essence, our approach is about creating a nurturing space for learning where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to be their best selves.

Guest Instructor Brenna Bradbury Performs on the Lyra | Image: Provided

Can you discuss more about your circus arts related classes, what are your goals in this area?

My goal with the circus arts side of the business is Making Circus Accessible. Traditionally, circus arts can feel very intimidating, often requiring a level of strength, flexibility, or skill that may seem out of reach for beginners. Starting with the basics we provide step-by-step guidance, so students don’t feel overwhelmed. Circus arts are about much more than just physical skill—they’re about fostering creativity, building community, and encouraging students to push their own limits. Whether you’re trying a aerial apparatus for the first time, or preparing for your first big gig, the goal is always the same: to have fun, explore, and grow. It’s a place where performance and play intersect, and where students can feel like part of something larger than themselves—whether they’re on the mat or up in the air!

In our studio, students are constantly cheering each other on and celebrating one another’s victories, it so heart warming and definitely what inspires and drives me forward. In such a chaotic world right now, watching adults bond with their peers and work together, brings a sense of community and shared growth, which is really special.

Performance Run at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

Running a dynamic business can be challenging, what’s a typical day look like for you? Any recommendations to others who are thinking about opening a studio?

Here’s a snapshot of what a typical day might look like: I start with private sessions every morning, followed by morning group classes, This part of the day is energizing and keeps me grounded in the experience of what we offer. Ruben, our studio therapy dog, and I then go for a nice long walk before heading home for my ‘not so favorite‘ administrative work. This might involve updating the website, handling finances, collaborating with my studio manager, planning marketing strategies, and scheduling classes or organizing upcoming events (such as workshops or performances). Depending on the day, I may also be teaching an evening class or hosting a special event. The evenings tend to bring in students who are working professionals – together, we unwind and find balance after a busy day.

As for opening a studio, prioritize self-care: running a business can be overwhelming and burnout is real. Make sure you take time for your own well-being. For me it’s practicing yoga, doing something creative, or simply taking a break. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your health and energy are vital to the success of your studio and personal well being.

It takes time to build momentum and grow. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if things don’t take off immediately. Consistency, dedication, and passion will pay off over time. At the end of the day, running a studio is a labor of love. It’s about creating a space for people to grow, have fun, and experience something truly transformative. When you keep your focus on your mission and the people you serve, the rest will naturally fall into place.

Good Karma Studio Team | Image: Provided

Extra Credit: Anything we should know about that you have coming up or in the pipeline?

Good Karma Studio & Peak Music will be closing out the Albany EGG’s last weekend before renovations on Saturday, June 28th🎉🎉 It will be a GKS student showcase. My performance students have worked so hard, giving them this opportunity, on this type of a stage, feels so rewarding! I can’t wait to share their hard work and dedication with the Capital Region. Come to enjoy the show, let it inspire you to runaway with the circus… or at least to Good Karma Studio for a class!

WEB: www.thegoodkarmastudio.com | IG: @goodkarmastudio

ALN’S Steve Lawrence : All the Things, All the Time

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

My first introduction to Arts Letters & Numbers was through ACE! Our previous ED, Maureen Sager had set up for us to do a ‘Creative Networking’ event there (2019). My first impression was very similar to that of Salem Art Works, who I had done a bit of consulting with when I first left my corporate job in real estate. A hyper creative, renegade spirit with an alluring joie de vivre that attracts highly creative minds and makers. Recently, I went to an opening there and Founding Director, David Gersten invited me to stay for dinner which would be at their newest campus acquisition, La Perla Restaurant. The conversation was rich. David and Steve Lawerence, the Associate Director started passionately telling me about the educational programming and creatively fluid campus style that is developing. I had to share. This type of experiential programming really gets me excited and I am hoping it will inspire you to consider new and innovative approaches to what you do.

Steve Lawrence, Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers in Avrill Park, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

I’m Steven Lawrence, and I currently serve as the Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers (ALN) in Averill Park, NY. My journey here has been shaped by a blend of being a tradesman, artist, educator, and psychologist. I ended up at Arts Letters & Numbers because I changed the heating system during a stint of contracting after retiring from the classroom and working on post-grad work.

After high school, I found my way into the trades as a plumbing and heating contractor. I ran my own company for several years before transitioning into becoming a licensed NYS teacher in 2009. I spent 12 years abroad teaching History, English, and Psychology across international schools in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China. Whatever the system I was teaching in, I focused on creating learning environments that nurture both intellectual and emotional growth. I quickly found that of all that I “taught”, the teaching of meditative practices to students was by far the most important. Through this, and my work outside the classroom in therapeutic settings, I’m now pursuing my PhD in Psychology at Saybrook University (C.A.) specializing in transpersonal psychology and the hermeneutics of meditative expressions as viable treatment.

I’ve always been passionate about the power of craft and the arts in shaping the future. At ALN, I’m working to bridge the worlds of arts, trades, and academics, helping students connect with opportunities that are both practical and creative. The skills students develop in these fields will play a crucial role in shaping their future – just as they did for me.

Arts Letters & Numbers – Resident Artist / Dancer Emma Bäcklund | Image: Zelé Angelides

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at ALN? Also, maybe a bit about the diversity of programming you have going on…

My days are a mix of community engagement, creative collaboration, and facility and program development. As Associate Director, I work on fostering connections with local educators and organizations, helping to expand our hands-on learning opportunities across arts, trades, and experiential programs. We have the privilege of a wonderfully supportive team and community that play a critical role in the success of any project associated with ALN.

A big part of my role is supporting artist residencies, where we provide them with space to create and collaborate. These residencies are about fostering the artistic experience, connecting artists with the community, and creating a space for cross-disciplinary exchange. Additionally, the maintenance of facilities could take an afternoon or two, keeping up houses, apartments, studios and the Mill.

La Perla Restaurant and the Gregory House Inn, Part of ALN’s Growing Campus | Image: Provided

La Perla Restaurant, which was opened under the ALN banner in August 2024, has been an exciting addition to the project. The restaurant brings in not only local people from the community, but musicians, poets, and guests that stay at at the Gregory House Inn.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop / Educational Programming | Image: Provided

I am always struck by the quality of offerings that I see happening at ALN, real intellectual stuff juxtapositioned nicely with get your hands dirty, maker oriented programming. What’s the organizational philosophy that you have to drive the selection and balance?

Our philosophy centers on the belief that intellectual exploration and hands-on creativity are most impactful when combined. We intentionally balance thought-provoking programs with maker-oriented experiences to create a dynamic, holistic learning environment. Our aim is to balance thinking with making.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop on Campus | Image: Zelé Angelides

Our approach is interdisciplinary, connecting different fields to foster deeper understanding, while also encouraging collaboration across disciplines, enriching both intellectual and creative work. We prioritize personalization, offering opportunities for participants to engage in both deep reflection and tactile creation, to explore their passions in diverse ways. Add to that our moto: “Yes, in advance.” and “If we know what it’s going to be we don’t do it”. Very often that’s all anyone needs, it’s so remarkably simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

We also ensure that our programs have a community impact, providing real-world relevance and opportunities to engage with the local environment.

Art Letters & Number Mural Project for Doors of Hope with Partners: Rensselaer County Mental Health Student Assistance Program (SAP), and the Nopiates Committee | Image: Provided

I am especially interested in your pursuit of educational integration, IE working with non-campus based populations, academic institutions and other arts organizations. Can you sketch out what the ALN vision is there, and how you are continuing to expand that approach?

Our vision is to create a network where learning is not confined to traditional settings but extends into the broader community. Our approach is centered on connecting students and artists with real-world opportunities that span across any discipline imaginable. We are committed to collaborating with local schools, such as Big Picture Learning in Schenectady, the Averill Park School District and Berlin Central, to bring experiential learning out of the classroom through internships and hands-on programs. We also have a strong connection in secondary education with R.P.I., Russell Sage College, The Cooper Union in New York, as well as a range of international institutions. These connections are a testament of the life and career of David Gertsten, the Founding Director and President of ALN.

Arts Letters & Numbers Founding Director David Gertsten Does TEDx | Image: Provided

2018 ALN Collaboration : ‘Future Unknown’ Chancellor’s Summit held at
The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China | Image: Provided

We’re deepening these collaborations to develop more integrated programs that connect craftsmanship, creativity, and theory as a sort of global exchange. This allows us to create rather unconventional pathways to learning and individual development. ALN is evolving into a truly interdisciplinary and transnational model. I wouldn’t say we’re building a school, it’s more like we’re working to supplement a learning experience that students want and typical schools can’t always provide. Schools have been open to working together. Generally, any hurdles are pragmatic, working through a system one issue at a time and sticking with it. ‘No’ can’t be an answer, sometimes.

Arts Letter & Numbers Film Project Collaboration with Youth FX and the
Albany High School’s Social Justice Theater Program | Image: Provided

It’s all very collaborative, what would you recommend to other institutions who may have an interest in expanding their footprint to have a greater yet practical impact? Thoughts on how to do that sustainably from a resource perspective?

When working with other institutions towards the same ends, it’s essential to focus on creating genuine partnerships that bring real value. Find the people that ‘get it’ and work with them. Starting small with pilot programs or focused collaborations can help you see what works before expanding. It’s also important to find synergies between different partners—whether that’s through sharing resources like space and staffing or finding common goals to work towards. Sustainability comes from creating partnerships that are mutually beneficial, where the collaboration strengthens the work of everyone involved.

When partnering with local schools, businesses, or other arts organizations, we look for opportunities to build programs that are aligned with our style of approach. It’s important to note that these discussions often take months—sometimes even a year—before a project fully comes to fruition. This long timeline is the reality of creating great programs. While planning and discussing future initiatives, we’re also actively carrying out the programs that are already in motion. Patience is essential. It’s important to manage both long-term development and the work happening right now.

We’re always keen to open the space for folks to venture out into their artistic pursuits. Recently a local woodworker took up shop here to get his furniture business off the ground. As ‘compensation’ he lends a hand, using his skill sets to support us where he can. There are ways to be creative about developing transactional relationships.

Arts Letters and Numbers – Teaching Time | Image: Zelé Angelides

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

We’re continuing to work closely with local schools and developing community projects that students can be involved in. These initiatives take on many forms, from community-based murals to a community table-building project for the Poestenkill Town Park.

Our residency seasons run from January 15-March 15 and April 15-June 15, where we invite artists from various disciplines to create, collaborate, and engage with the local community. Many are scheduled to arrive, and our application process is still open. You can learn more by visiting our residency page.

We’re also excited to be running our Craft 1o1 project again this year in July and August 2025. It’s our second year running, and we had a remarkable time last year. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals to engage experiences unlike anything I’ve seen, where we engage masters of craft in upwards of 15 different disciplines – from music to masonry, poetry to plumbing. That is to say, musicians learn masonry and masons learn to play music, poets plumb and plumbers write poetry. It’s rather remarkable. We’ll be announcing the open registration for that soon, otherwise folks can plan ahead and join the residency which allows them to participate.

Food Prep at Arts Letters & Numbers | Image: Zelé Angelides

There are a few other exciting projects in development that I’m not quite ready to announce, but you can stay updated on all of our upcoming initiatives by following our newsletter. It’s the best way to stay in the loop and hear about what we’re up to.

For more info –
WEB: artslettersandnumbers.com | IG/FB : @artslettersandnumbers

Joshua Gruft’s Paper Moon : Diverse International Flavor and Happening Community Vibes

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Joshua Gruft has shown up everywhere over the last couple of years. DJ gigs for cool parties and burlesque shows, bar based magazine release events, and now…he even has an old school rare book and magazine store called Paper Moon in Troy, NY that has a killer roster of community based music and literature happenings. I caught up with him to get the latest and man, was I out of the loop as to just how cool and diverse a programming calendar PM has going on! We talked about the above and also chatted about leaving a day gig to go full time into the full time entrepreneurial business, creative lifestyle.

Joshua Gruft : Owner at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

My name is Joshua Gruft, and I’m the owner of Paper Moon Bookstore, which opened in March 2024. I hold a BA in Music and Education from City College of New York, and I’ve spent the past 20 years working as a professional musician, promoter, and artistic director.

MC Event at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. I have worked with you in the past as DJ Mercy. Do you plan on spinning there?

When I launched my own magazine, I noticed how few places offered magazine selections. I wanted to change that and bring something unique to downtown Troy. Paper Moon is a bookstore and magazine shop that features hard-to-find titles and showcases local art.

Paper Moon in Troy, NY has an Amazing Selection of Rare Zines, Books and Magazines | Image(s): Instagram

I have a symbiotic relationship with DJ Mercy, so whenever I’m working in the shop, I’m also spinning. The current shop mix contains tracks from the Jazz is Dead series by Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhamed, albums from the Smiling C record label, a healthy dose of Donald Byrd & RinseFM.

Event Crowd at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

The size of the space and format reminds me of things I was seeing in Tokyo a few years ago. Can you dive a little into the current and long term vision for the retail space product mix and social programming?

The shop began as a space for cool books and magazines, inspired by Gagosian Shops’ high-art style and Casa Magazines’ floor-to-ceiling setup. My goal is to maximize every inch to showcase art, host events, and foster community. I’m already bringing together poetry nights, local punk bands, free improv/jazz, noise performances, book talks, and art shows. I’m a promoter by trade, so throwing unique events is my passion—they also help transform the shop’s aesthetics and give local creatives a home.

Sample of Event Flyers for Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image(s): Instagram

Setting up a retail shop is financially challenging. How were you able to pull that off? Did you have to bring in partners? I am always interested in how folks make these things a reality, so many creatives have dreams of doing creative businesses but don’t know where to start.

Opening Paper Moon was indeed financially challenging. I used part of my retirement savings from my last corporate job to make it happen. I don’t have a team of partners, but I’ve leaned on friends, family, and other local indie business owners for emotional support. I’m also grateful to have Marc Arsenault as my one employee—he’s been running Wow Cool comics distro since 1988, so it’s incredible to fill 40% of the shop with his extensive back catalog of comics spanning different eras and genres.

WOW Cool Selection of Rare Books,Graphic Novels and Comics at Paper Moon | Image(s): Instagram

Poetry Reading at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Marc Arsenault of WOW Cool via Facebook

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about?

The holidays are coming up! Come by and let me help you find something unique and fun for your friends and family. Make sure to tell me you heard about us in the ACE! Newsletter!

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Paper Moon Troy

Prince UFO Catchers : Young Creative Entrepreneurs Laying It On the Line

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I met Danbi Yu and Bradley Alverez through a co-producer (Guinevere of the Dentist Office) for a pop up cyberpunk market that I have worked on with the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Not only do I find them to be some of the most attractive / positive and kind people, but I loved the passion they bring to share Japanese arcade culture with the region. I have worked with them on a few projects and am really excited to share their new entrepreneurial endeavor!

Bradley Alverez and Danbi Yu : Owners and Founders at Prince UFO Catchers | Photo: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

Danbi Yu and Bradley Alvarez, Co-Founders of Prince UFO Catchers.

Bradley and I attended SUNY Potsdam. There, I majored in English Writing and Philosophy. Bradley majored in Spanish and minored in Art. We studied abroad in Japan in the last semester of our 4-years in college, in a countryside prefecture called Akita and at an international school called Akita University. During this time, we have had the opportunity to explore various prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. We also had the chance to meet locals and become friends with the Japanese students there. But most of our free time, I admit that we spent at Japanese arcades playing for anime figures and gigantic plushies. After the study abroad experience, I quickly jumped into the publishing industry as an editor and Bradley launched a start-up resell business called Shop.De.Alvarez. While I honed my professional writing, editing, project management, and administrative work skills, Bradley became familiar with the entrepreneurial process of making connections, buying merchandise, researching market value, and finding selling platforms.

Catching Plushies at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

I have worked with you in the past at different pop up events. Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. Any additional programming ideas for the space?

We have had an interest in claw machines/Japanese-style arcades ever since we studied abroad in Japan in 2018. We were blown away by the Japanese arcades because of their focus on claw machines, their customer service, the level of quality prizes inside the machines, and the aesthetics of the entire environment that catered to not only Japanese people but foreigners like us. They had token machines at every corner that converted cash into satisfyingly sounding 100 yen coins. They had anime figures, a variety of creative plushies, and rhythm games at every level of the arcade.

At the beginning of our entrepreneurial journey, we started off with vending mini claw machines inside of restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, etc. and we eventually started to participate in various events. We luckily landed a vending spot at Colonie Center Mall and began to have a relationship with the leasing people there. They were actually the ones who suggested that we should do a physical location because claw machine arcades were becoming popular throughout the world but there was nothing like that around the capital region of New York. And so, we thought if we were going to do this, we wanted to recreate our experiences in Japan as close as possible. Claw machines, high-quality prizes, fair winnings, attention to detail to the smallest things, and customer service that would cater to the audience by adjusting the prizes as many times as possible if needed and giving advice on how to win quicker.

Mary and Friend Show Off Their Winnings at Prince UFO Catchers | Image: Corey Aldrich

In the near future, we are planning to have more rhythm games, like Dance Dance Revolution and/or Taiko no Tatsujin, and of course a monthly-bimonthly rotation of the prizes inside the claw machines. We are also planning to host events within the space. We are entertaining a Rhythm Game Competition or even a Speed Dating Event, but that would all be TBD and TBA on our Instagram page.

Keychain Characters at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

What type of research did you do to decide what type of machines and products you would have? What drove your product theme?

Our product theme varies. Our original focus was anime, like One Piece, J ujutsu Kaisen, SpyxFamily, etc., but we thought it shouldn’t be so niche because children would love things like Pokemon, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, etc. Another thing we liked about Japanese arcades was that they didn’t just have plushies or keychains. They also have food products like chips, sodas, chocolates, etc. They had practical things like mini hand towels, pillows, bags, pencil case holders, and whatever you could imagine. This way, I thought we could cater to not only the plush fans, anime fans, a collector, or a certain age group but to all people who might just want to walk in and try something they haven’t seen before.

Of course, when we were still vending, we tried to learn as much about claw machines and the sources from which we get our merch as possible, to vet out quality prizes from not-so-quality, and we are still in this learning process but a lot better than we were a year ago.

Japanese Imported Beverages / Snacks at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall : Image: Corey Aldrich

To be honest, the financial part was the trickiest part on our end. We tried exploring so many loan options but quickly found that no bank would entertain a start-up business despite my fully fleshed-out 25-page business proposal and many financial projection sheets. We tried a private loan but were daunted by the idea of having 40% interest rates that we would have to pay back in less than five years. We even reached out to the Chamber of Commerce in Albany and the Community Loan Fund for small business loans, but found that they couldn’t do anything for us since we were considered a fresh business. As a last resort, Bradley and I sold our one and only investment property in Troy that we had managed to buy back in 2020, and this was what helped fund us at the start of this journey.

But I would like to add that we were relentless in this. It was very unrealistic at the beginning of this journey, financially, but I knew that this was something we wanted to do. Whatever the method, whether it was seeking out a family loan or calling up private investors all over the country, we wanted to make this a reality. Luckily for us, we were able to sell the house for a good price at the right time, but I truly believe that we would’ve found another method if this hadn’t been the case. What I’m trying to get at is that obstacles are always present when we are chasing something that seems bigger than ourselves at that moment, but it is also up to us to determine whether those obstacles make our reality or whether we can create a reality that is beyond those obstacles. I believe we chose the latter because we had a strong desire to share our love for Japanese arcades in America.

Deep in Game Play at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about? Can folks still talk to you about getting a machine in their location?

We do try to participate in some events here and there, like the card show in Albany or the Anime Night in Troy, but it honestly depends on the date + time. We try to participate in these events because it is a nice way to meet other vendors, coordinators, and customers, but at the same time, running a business has proven to be very time/energy consuming. As for vending, we still do them, but it’s only in Westchester due to the help we receive from Bradley’s family. For upstate NY, we are familiar with other people who do vending so always feel free to reach out to us if you’d like a claw machine in your business!

Fun Fact: The name of our arcade originates from our cat’s name, Prince, and what the Japanese call claw machines “UFO Catchers.”

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Prince UFO Catchers

Prince the Cat Logo for Prince UFO Catchers | Image: Corey Aldrich

1UpState GAME EXPO IS BACK FOR YEAR 2 with Expanded Programming and Participation

October 9, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Super excited to be helping to get the word out on this exciting and growing video gaming conference. Expo Founder Anthony Rossi reached out to ACE! and Discover Albany when 1UpState was just a long shot idea about a year in advance of the 2023 inaugural event. His passion was contagious and he was building excitement in small to mid-sized regional studios and regional educational institutions for his idea. Last year was a great success and the vibe was on point. This year is building on that progress with great vendors, presenters and a headline sponsorship from Warner Bros. Games. I spoke with Anthony and this years keynote speaker Jason Dela Rocca to get a better idea of what we can expect and how our region can better position itself in the gaming industry.

Jason Dela Rocca : *Investor, Game Funding Advisor and Ecosystem Strategist* / *Event Keynote*
Anthony Rossi : *Co-Producer and Organizer at 1UpState* | Photo(s): Provided

Can you both share / sketch out a bit about your background and how you came to be involved in the gaming industry?

ANTHONY: My current favorite joke is that “I have been playing Final Fantasy since before it had a number in the title!” So really, I grew up with gaming as a hobby and just simply never gave it up. After I graduated college, I started to dip into what would be known now as being a “Content Creator“, with my most endeavor being a podcaster under the title, “Videogame Crosstalk” where I would interview people who work in the tech or science industry or involved in the gaming community. As for the gaming industry in my current capacity, it really started when I posed the question to the community of the Tech Valley Game Space as to whether or not people would want to put together a larger local showcase event. Turns out one had been started, but never gained enough traction to be brought into being. They graciously invited me into the group to try to revive it, off we went! I currently work in Project Management as my day job, so for the entire process of organizing 1UpState my role is purely to be the organizer. This is what allowed me to view the endeavor as a whole, break down the aspects into manageable parts, and direct those who do have a deeper understanding in game development to guide decisions to better serve our audience.

JASON: I’ve been in the game industry for nearly 30 years! In the mid-90s there were no game schools or degrees, barely a book or two on making games, and the Internet barely existed. It always seemed like games were made by robots in Tokyo.

My education is a mix of business and tech, but I never really had the pure game making skills to actually make games. So, I have mostly worked in a supporting role, helping build community and support structures that enable game developers to succeed. I was the Executive Director of the IGDA (International Game Developers Association) for 9 years. I co-founded the first venture-backed game incubator in the world, called Execution Labs. We invested in 25 indie game studios and nurtured them to make awesome games. I also do a bunch of advisory/consulting work with governments around the world on how best to invest, grow and support their local game ecosystem.

All that said, I do have a few credits to my name. One of my first credits was a “Special Thanks” in the original Baldur’s Gate back in 1998!

Anthony, you have a pretty demanding day job, what made you decide to invest the time and effort to create 1UpState? I know it’s pretty time-consuming planning an event of this scale!

ANTHONY: I wanted it to be done RIGHT. When you go to enough of them, you begin to see the commonalities of their setup and design, and what does or does not work. As gaming has become more popular, I noticed organizers were still treated gaming as an activity for children while completely ignoring the fact that people are holding on to gaming as their personal downtime hobby later in life, and that games have matured into a full art form of their own.

As for the time aspect, the main thing to understand is that I am not organizing this by myself. I am working with a full team to help organize all of this! Internally, I have been working with Jamey Stevenson, Chris Spahn, and Lilly McAvoy. Additionally, I am working with Richard Lin of Agora Media, Dane Jennings for sponsorship solicitation, Andrew Bugenis for videography, and of course the amazing staff of the Albany Capital Center to manage all the other many, MANY details! And of course, the many volunteers to help work the event itself to make sure the exhibitors have what they need and that everything runs smoothly.

What would you say are some of the challenges to creating critical mass in a region that is trying to build a sustainable gaming economy?

JASON: One of the big challenges is properly supporting/nurturing entrepreneurship. Many regions are full of talented and passionate game makers, but they often remain on the sidelines, tinkering away as hobbyists or weekend warriors. That’s wonderful and great to see. But, how do you enable those folks (at least the ones that want to) make the leap to becoming professional game makers and earning a living?

This is compounded by the fact that most schools teaching games do not offer any business/marketing related courses, and generally try to funnel graduates to entry level jobs at big studios…. often out of state. So, when a region doesn’t have a large employer base, the schools are reinforcing brain drain rather than enabling entrepreneurship and pushing graduates to create new studios… effectively making their own jobs!

Last year seemed pretty successful for a 1st year initiative. I found the programming to be diverse and inclusive. How is this year shaping up? What can folks expect experientially if they attend the conference?

ANTHONY: 1UpState is a “bridge” between the consumer focused convention style event, such as the various Comic-Cons or Geek Fests, and the professional Conferences. This will be the key point to keep in mind as you plan your attendance to the event. After you pass by the registration tables, the main hall will be several rows of exhibitors. These exhibitors will be mainly small, local game developers, whether they are showcasing the game that they have built by themselves, with a small team, or they may be a student team from a local university. There will also be other supporting organizations that helped bring 1UpState into its current state, such as Tech Valley Game Space, Empire State Development, Retro Game Con, and others. And finally, since everyone enjoys them, there will be a few crafters putting up their gaming centric wares for sale.

As for panel discussions, there will be a variety of topics covered, and they will mostly be 30min micro-talks. Topics covered will be more developmental focused, intended for those between the beginner/student to intermediate level game developer. This way the topics are accessible to those who are interested in game development while still being interesting enough for those who have some experience on their resume. We also pay special attention to diversity and representation when accepting panel and speaker applications. We want to be sure that our selection of speakers and topics matches the representation of the gaming community, even if it means declining some pretty great sounding applications.

At the current time, we plan to have about 38 exhibitor tables and 9 panel sessions, including a Keynote speaker. There will also be concessions during the duration of the event and a “Quiet Room” where attendees can take a break from the lights and noises without having to leave the venue.

Anything you particularly excited about this year?

ANTHONY: Absolutely! Aside from some of the amazing speakers, we are also adding two very special items to the program! First, we will be having a small business workshop conducted by Destiny Watkins from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. The workshop will focus on understanding business finances and setting yourself up as a business entity. This will help those who are interested in starting their own game development studio or company to set themselves up for success from the beginning. The other item we have will be a separate play-testing area for board game developers. In the back of Meeting Room 2C, there will be a set of tables set up and managed by a local board gaming group, Spielbany. Here, attendees will be able to play board games that are currently being created and provide feedback to the designers themselves, in real time, as they play!

Jason, what recommendations would you make to folks like Anthony and the 1UpState team who are trying to build that synergy?

JASON: Keep pushing! Consistency is critical. Look for opportunities to always mix in business/marketing in the content. Game makers love to talk about their craft — and that’s important — but we need chances to feed them their business broccoli as well 😉 Further, case studies are always inspiring. Bringing in folks that have made that leap, to share their stories, to advise and inspire others. It becomes more relatable than just a grizzled veteran like me sharing wisdom.

Ultimately, it requires the 1UpState team to think deeply about what the local community needs to succeed, and then try to fill those gaps as much as possible.

Is there still time for folks to get involved? What is the best way for individuals to find out more about the schedule and programming?

ANTHONY: At this point, we are simply finalizing the last remaining bits and pieces of the event and sending info out to have our program designed and printed. All information is being added to our main webpage, 1upstate.com, which also includes links to all of our socials. We’ll be making announcements as things get finalized, so be on the lookout for those and more!