We have another unusual Yay podcast, on a Tuesday! Jake and I welcome Dean Linnard, who is playing Hamlet at the Oakland Theatre Project – it’s been getting massive reviews on the SF Chronicle (https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/oakland-theater-project-hamlet-review-20805880.php), the Marin Independent Journal (https://www.marinij.com/2025/08/27/ambitious-production-of-hamlet-coming-to-san-rafael-theater/), and a glowing review by Lily Janiak, specifically on Dean’s acting (https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dean-linnard-hamlet-20805060.php). Jake and I talk about Dean’s upbring, his rise in the theatre and where he sees himself in the future.You can find out more about Dean via his personal website: https://deanlinnard.comThe Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA’s Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendarKehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/SHOWS: Stories High XXV (Bindlestiff Studios)Sept 11 (Community Night), Sept 12 – 20Lo Ordesta (Episode 334) is a co-producerJoe Cascasan (Episode 196) is one of the directorshttps://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/storieshigh25Indecent (Center Rep)Sept 9 – 28Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the showhttps://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/indecentTwo Gentlemen of Verona (SF Shakes)Sept 6 – 21Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the showKatja Rivera (Episode 168) is the assistant directorBrennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the showMaya Herbsman (Episode 145) is the intimacy coordinatorJen Coogan (Episode 239) is the musical director/sound designerhttps://www.sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/McNeal (San Jose Stage)Sept 24 – Oct 19Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the showhttps://www.thestage.org/mcnealFollow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)