Theater Forward: Recent Episodes
Jen Uphoff Gray, Julie Swenson, and Mike Fischer | Forward Theater Company
From Forward Theater Company, a podcast featuring Jen Uphoff Gray, Julie Swenson and Mike Fischer as they discuss theater issues on a local, regional, and national level.
Summertime means outdoor theater! We discuss the productions we're excited to see at some of our favorite summer theaters. We also dive into the 2025-26 season announcements from Wisconsin theaters, and share what we'll be checking out in the year to come.
We tackle the sudden and rapidly-shrinking landscape of government arts funding - and what it means for organizations trying to stay afloat without compromising their values. From disappearing grants to the risks involved for the artists and companies that are sitting out (and speaking out), this conversation is candid, urgent, and eye-opening.
But amid the challenges, we also take a hopeful look toward solutions to help change the tide. A tough topic, but one worth confronting - the future of the arts may depend on it.
It's season announcement time for theaters across the country, and we're excited to share our slate for the 2025-26 season! A common question we get is, "how do you choose your plays?" We talk about the decision process behind selecting these four productions, and how they fit together in the grand scheme.
The 2025-26 season at Forward Theater. Season tickets now available at ForwardTheater.com.
PRIMARY TRUST by Eboni Booth
Directed by Mikael Burke
September 4-21, 2025
GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! by Scott Brown & Anthony King
Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray
November 6-23, 2025
IRONBOUND by Martyna Majok
Directed by Marcella Kearns
Jan 29 - Feb 15, 2026
LADY DISDAIN by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray
April 9-26, 2026
Jen Uphoff Gray welcomes Kait Kerrigan and Nathan Tysen, writer and lyricist of Broadway's THE GREAT GATSBY! In this episode, this musical power couple shares their insight into the broken pipeline of musical theater development, which leaves countless new works stuck in limbo. We discuss the roadblocks that prevent fresh stories from reaching American audiences and why regional theaters hesitate to take the leap.
But it’s not all bad news - we also explore real solutions for making the pipeline more accessible, sustainable, and artist-friendly. A candid, insightful conversation about the future of musical theater and what it will take to get new voices heard.
Bonus:
Kait and Nathan reference the types of grants and financial assistance that keeps many writers afloat while they create America's next musical sensation. Here's a link to the Dramatists Guild resource directory of Grants & Fellowships.
This episode was inspired by a VERY spirited conversation we recently had, centered around a particular play and whether it would be a good choice for a future season. This debate required us to evaluate our relationship with our audiences - how do we meet them where they are, and how do we bring them along with challenging material while creating a welcoming and community-centered environment?
As theaters across the country work toward building new audiences, what's the best balance between leading and listening?
*This episode went missing late last year! It is officially Episode 113. Enjoy!
Despite the fact that theater is back to being live and in-person, many theaters (including ours) have discovered great value in offering a streaming option for their productions. As arts companies strive to become more accessible, digital theater has become an oasis for many patrons.
In this episode, we revisit this topic that preoccupied the theater world just a few years back. What's happening with digital theater now? Are we using what we learned during COVID, and if so, how?
Happy Holidays! Enjoy our end-of-year episode, in which we share everything we loved about 2024, including stellar productions and films, the support of our amazing audiences, and the brilliant artists that continue to make the theater an inspiring and life-affirming experience.
We LOVE mailbag episodes, and this one was a treat. Join us as we talk about theater spaces, share our own play selection process, and bring the heat on playwrights and productions we never need to see again.
Our take on the top 10 most-produced plays and top 20 most-produced playwrights in America this season, based on the annual list generated by American Theater Magazine. We discuss what we expected, what surprised us, and how this list reflects the current state of theater in America. Here are the lists so you can follow along!
Top 10 most-produced plays in America in 2024-25
Top 20 most-produced playwrights in America in 2024-25
Inspired by the Summer Olympics and our upcoming production of KING JAMES by Rajiv Joseph, the team steps up to the plate to talk about their favorite sports-themed plays, and the exciting parallels between these two dynamic art forms. A spirited conversation for sports and theater lovers alike.
Each year, theatermakers from across the country attend the biennial Theatre Communications Group (TCG) Conference to learn, share, and network. But lately, this gathering has become less practical (and educational) for small companies looking for new and better ways to do business. We share our mixed experience with this year's meeting of the minds, and how it might better serve local regional theaters in America.
From educational programs to full productions, there have never been more opportunities for young adults and children to participate in a theater experience. We sit down with two of Wisconsin's most prominent leaders to talk about the ever-changing world of TYA and the impact these experiences have on future generations.
This episode features First Stage (Milwaukee) Artistic Director Jeff Frank and Children's Theater of Madison Artistic Director Brian Cowing as we discuss the state of theater for young audiences in America.
Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some of our most treasured theater artists and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or simply blew their minds. This episode features:
Cody Estle - Artistic Director of Next Act Theatre
James Carrington - Actor and Associate Director of Engagement at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Lisa Schlenker - Scenic Designer
Mikael Burke - Director
Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some our most treasured theater artists and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or simply blew their minds. This episode features:
Cody Estle - Artistic Director of Next Act Theatre
James Carrington - Actor & Associate Director of Engagement at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Lisa Schlenker - Scenic Designer
Mikael Burke - Director
It's our favorite time of the year! Theaters across the country are announcing their productions for the 2024-25 season, and we've got a LONG list of shows that we want to see. In this episode, we discuss the shows we're looking forward to locally, regionally, and across the country.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! This is when theater companies across the country announce their upcoming seasons, which means that theater is alive in America. In this episode, the team breaks down (and geeks out about) the lineup for Forward Theater's 2024-25 season:
KING JAMES by Rajiv Joseph
MURDER GIRL by Heidi Armbruster
SUMMER, 1976 by David Auburn
A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD by Samuel D. Hunter
Learn more about these plays at ForwardTheater.com.
Mike Fischer interviews Forward Theater Artistic Director (and fellow host) Jen Uphoff Gray! Jen discusses the valuable role of mentors in the arts, while reflecting on her formative relationship with Tony award-winning director Michael Blakemore. A thoughtful conversation about how we cultivate a new generation of theater directors, with a few juicy showbiz tales that include David Mamet and Woody Allen for good measure.
Also mentioned in this episode: Forward Theater's Wisconsin Directors Lab - an inclusive workshop for the education and career development of emerging directors, scheduled for January 2025.
What happens after a play moves on from its shiny status as a World Premiere?Playwright Samuel Hunter joins us to discuss the journey of a play, from its exciting life as a World Premiere through its crucial 2nd and 3rd productions. A brilliant conversation that provides insight into the world of creating (and supporting) new works in American theater.
We look back at the theatrical highlights of 2023, and dive into our favorite experiences over the last year. We also take a moment to applaud the productions and artists that continue to take theater to the next level, and inspire us to keep looking forward.
We sit down with Forward Theater Director of Development Sarah Milestone to talk about every theater's favorite word: REVENUE.
Making money in theater is a delicate dance. We dive into the world of donors, events, and the (lack of) government support for an artform that relies on more than just ticket sales to thrive.
Correction at 18:56:
Economic impact of the arts in the state of Wisconsin is $930 million and in Dane County it is $350 million according to the most recent research from Americans for the Arts. It was mistakenly reported at $400 million for the state.
Theater season is here, and we're all just kids in a candy store. We share the productions we can't wait to see in the 2023-24 season - nationally, regionally, and in our own backyard.
Making theater accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patrons is in high demand. We sit down with Amy Free and Tim Mumm, professional sign language interpreters and educators, to put a spotlight on this overdue priority for theaters. Amy and Tim share a behind the scenes look at what they do, and how theaters can make ASL-interpreted performances an integrated part of their productions.
A transcript of this episode can be found HERE.
It's been a summer. After a deluge of national press about a crisis in American theater amid closings and layoffs, we take some time to cool things down with a tall, refreshing glass of "theater is not dead, folks."
While it's important to note the massive change that is happening in the theater world right now (and it can be shocking), it's vital to recognize that some organizations are not only surviving - they're rebuilding a path to thriving again after a dangerous twist in the road.
There's a growing concern regarding the lack of new technical artists and designers in American theater, causing many companies to reconsider (and change) how they build a season of productions.
We sit down with Sarah Ross, Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and Brian Gill, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at University of Wisconsin - Parkside to talk about how they're cultivating a next generation of technical artists in an effort to support a new era of theatermaking.
Clarification - This is our original Episode 97! Found in the vault and now live. We will re-release our interview on the new generation of technical artists as Episode 99, coming soon.
The team discusses the ways in which current events can impact a production, specifically plays that touch on issues of women's bodily autonomy. We explore how these works are resonating differently with artists and audiences in a post-Dobbs decision era in America.
There's a growing concern regarding the lack of new technical artists and designers in American theater, causing many companies to reconsider (and change) how they build a season of productions.
We sit down with Sarah Ross, Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and Brian Gill, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at University of Wisconsin - Parkside to talk about how they're cultivating a next generation of technical artists in an effort to support a new era of theatermaking.
Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some amazing Wisconsin arts leaders and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or just generally rocked their world. This episode features:
Jacob Janssen - Artistic Director of Third Avenue PlayWorks
Laura Braza - Associate Artistic Director of Milwaukee Rep
Sheri Williams Pannell - Playwright, Director, & Asst. Professor at UW-Milwaukee/Peck School of the Arts
Deanie Vallone - Literary & New Play Development Consultant at Milwaukee Rep
In theater, a "world premiere" seems easy to define, right? But some licensing agents are gatekeeping this title for promotional purposes, rather than granting it to the companies that invest time and money into producing a brand new play. We share our experience (and frustration) with an east coast "world premiere production" that left our theater company in the cold.
It's that time of the year! Theaters are announcing their upcoming seasons and wrangling their subscribers to renew. We discuss the four plays on tap for Forward Theater's 2023-24 season, and share the process of curating a season that brings joy to ourselves and our audiences.
Our 23-24 season:
The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle
Clyde's by Lynn Nottage
The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk by Daniel Jamieson
What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck
More info: https://forwardtheater.com/show/the-2023-24-season
We were thrilled to sit down with Lauren Gunderson, one of America's most produced playwrights and author of our upcoming world premiere of ARTEMISIA at Forward Theater Company. Get a deep dive into the process of this prolific writer, as well as insight into the creation of this exciting new production. This is a MUST LISTEN for artists and audiences.
Finding understudies used to be the last item on a long to-do list for producers. But with ongoing safety protocols this hard-to-fill role is now front and center. As a result, more and more artists are jumping into performances at the last minute to keep productions afloat.
A candid and funny look at this brave "sport," thanks to our special guests Kailey Azure Green (they/them) and Rána Roman (she/her), who offer backstage tales from two of Wisconsin's biggest theaters.
We dive into the debut of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals, March 1 - June 30. Originally conceived by our very own Jen Uphoff Gray, this event is one-of-a-kind. We go in-depth on what it took to create the festival, including the collaboration of over 50 Wisconsin theaters that have made this idea a reality.
We welcome educator and scenic designer Neil Mills, and Orion Risk, a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Theater Studies. In this interview, we discuss the "tipping point" of awareness and inclusion of transgender and non-binary artists and stories, and gain insight into how American theater institutions can expand their perspectives even further.
A deep dive with Mallory Metoxen and Jake Penner, two emerging directors that share their personal journeys and insight about developing a career as a director, as well as how to cultivate a new generation of artists. Hosted by Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray.
In our end-of-year episode, we reflect on the highlights, the lowlights, and the things we'll remember most about a very interesting season in the world of theater.
Amidst the recent fallout at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, we examine the role of the Board of Directors and the changing relationship they have with theater administrators and staff.
We are joined by Guthrie Theater Accessibility Coordinator Robyn DeCourcy and our very own Director of Audience Development Samara Safarik to talk about the ongoing journey to make the arts accessible to all, and the innovative ways theaters are leading the charge in America.
We are joined by Khalid Y. Long, PhD (University of Georgia) and Marcella Kearns (UW-Milwaukee). These powerhouse arts educators give us a revealing look at post-pandemic arts education, and how the future crop of artists are rising to the challenge and approaching their craft.
American Theatre Magazine has released its list for the first time in two years, and we break it all down. FYI the #1 most-produced title is shared by a playwright we are partnering with in spring of 2023...
Legendary actress Linda Stephens discusses her 50+ year career with an open-hearted, remarkably honest look at what it means to dedicate your life to a profession that demands so much and can give back so little. Her new memoir, There is No Backstage, is a vulnerable, wise and compelling account of a full life lived on the stage.
We discuss the hot topic of copyright and licensing rules in the arts, on the heels of two high-profile cases: the unauthorized 'Hamilton' production in Texas and unofficial 'Bridgerton' musical on TikTok.
Learn more about the 'Hamilton' production: https://bit.ly/3e836BD
Learn more about the 'Bridgerton' musical: https://bit.ly/3czs3FR
We check in with our outdoor theater friends, Sara Young (Managing Director) at American Players Theatre and Jeff Herbst (Artistic Director) at Northern Sky Theater. A great conversation about both companies and insight into how theater makers are faring this summer.
Ten Chimneys is the holy grail attraction for theater lovers. We had the privilege to learn more about this historic estate from President/CEO Randy Bryant, with an inside look at their evolution as an organization.
The Broadway/Regional divide, Union beefs, the challenges of expanding a season, dream productions, and a beautiful perspective on talkbacks make this a perfect summer mailbag episode.
Live events are back to normal, but theaters and artists are struggling in the wake of COVID. From show cancellations to lagging ticket sales, we dive into our experience as well as what we're hearing from theaters across the country as they try to recover from the last two years.
An in-depth look at our biennial new play festival, Wisconsin Wrights. This unique festival features three new works by WI playwrights, showcased in professionally-produced readings and talkbacks with audiences. The 2022 WI Wrights festival runs May 18-21.
We discuss each of our four plays for 22-23, and share the process of building a complete theater season. A behind-the-scenes look from a company that produces newer work, fresh from Broadway and beyond.
In the wake of the cancellation of the Humana Festival of New Plays, we talk about new work in theater, why it's important to us, and how we (and you) can best support it.
Make no mistake, we LOVE talkbacks. But this polarizing topic has entered the chat again, and it has theaters buzzing. We offer our take on the new (and necessary) conversation about the role and impact of postshow discussions.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we share our favorite plays and theatrical experiences dealing with LOVE. From the conventional to the unconventional and classic to modern, we discuss the stories, songs, moments and relationships that inspire our theater-loving hearts.
As theatermakers, we dive into what in blazes is going on in the theater world in relation to COVID - what our fellow producers are doing, what we're talking about in our spaces, and what we anticipate in the not-too-distant future.
It's back! Another round of stories from WI artists about the productions that changed their lives. Volume 5 features Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, Actress Jennifer Vosters, Actress Colleen Madden, and Playwright Marie Kohler.
It was an important year for the arts in America, and we recap our experience as both theatermakers and theatergoers - reflecting on our struggles, our successes, and when we were just plain lucky.
Social media skills are vital for performers (and theaters). But what happens when an artist's fanbase becomes a measuring stick for casting? The team addresses this growing trend in show business, as part of a candid discussion about the role of social media in modern theatermaking.
It's that time of year where we reflect on where we are, how we got there, and what helped us along the way. In this episode the team discusses the things that make us feel thankful, including our return to live theater (and the audiences that followed us), the institutions that support us, and the artists that inspire us each day.
Countless shows were cancelled in the COVID spring/summer of 2020. Many of those productions are being revived this season, and we sit down with cast members of 'The Amateurs' to talk about the process of returning to the stage and what it means to bring this relevant comedy back to life. Featuring Matt Daniels, Emily Glick, Josh Krause, and Kat Wodtke.
We go to the mailbox for this episode! Topics include: gender parity in theater, cultivating new theatergoers in a pandemic, and the good things we're taking from the 20-21 lockdown.
Budgets are a definitive expression of values for a theater company, but how often do we get to see and understand them? We discuss the growing trend of financial transparency by theaters, and deep dive into a realm that goes unexplored by the average theatergoer.
We sit down with Dramaturg Khalid Y. Long, PhD and dive into the what/how/why of dramaturgy in theatermaking. We also discuss the world and work of Adrienne Kennedy, playwright of 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?', playing in Madison, WI in September 2021.
We go in-depth with two artists that are bringing to life Adrienne Kennedy and Adam Kennedy's 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?' - Actress Marti Gobel and Director Baron Kelly.
Theater artists across Wisconsin share stories about productions that had a profound impact on them as an audience member or as a creator. Volume 4 features Stage Manager Jacqueline Singleton, Director & Educator Tyler Marchant, Actress & Advisory Company Member Rána Roman, and Actress Angela Iannone.
When is an oldie no longer a goodie? We talk about the often-problematic classic Broadway musical, and how it fits into our contemporary thoughts about programming.
Wisconsin theater artists share more great stories about inspiring productions. In this installment, we sit down with Educator/Director Dr. Baron Kelly, Director/Actor Mary MacDonald Kerr, Voice & Speech legend Susan Sweeney, and Director Joseph Hanreddy.
Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. America is returning to in-person theater at a breakneck speed, amidst ambiguous safety protocols and union rules. We discuss our return to the stage and what it means for artists and audiences.
Wisconsin theater artists share more stories about productions that made an impact on them as an artist. This episode features Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Artistic Director Brent Hazelton, American Players Theatre company member Brian Mani, Composer & Sound Designer Joe Cerqua, and Actor/Director/Producer DiMonte Henning.
We dive into one of our beloved-but-much-ignored assets in theater: the monologue. We talk about the role monologues serve, what makes them great, and which ones we love. We also give a nod to our upcoming monologue festival, 'Within These Walls: Stories of Home,' presented June 24-27 at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI.
Our first in a series of summer podcasts that feature WI theater artists sharing stories about productions that made an impact on them, as an artist or as a creator. This episode features stories and conversation with Noele Stollmack, Laura Gordon, Jim Pickering, and Jo Chalhoub.
We sit down with Chicago theater pioneers and former Neo-Futurists Chloe Johnston, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Bilal Dardai, and Andy Bayiates - and discuss the creation of their genre-bending look at gender, race, and everything else your history teacher never taught you about America.
We take a detour to discuss Forward Theater's recent announcement of their 2021-22 season, which includes plays by Adrienne Kennedy and Adam P. Kennedy, Jordan Harrison, Quan Barry, and Sarah Gancher.
The directors of 'Lewiston/Clarkston' discuss the unique process of creating this back-to-back theater experience in-person, confronting the challenges that theatermakers face as they return to the stage.
The inside scoop from Carrie Hitchcock and Josh Krause, who describe the rigorous safety protocols required by Actors' Equity Association to rehearse and perform 'Lewiston/Clarkston' by Samuel D. Hunter. Presented as a stage-to-film production by Forward Theater Company.
The team debates whether an artistic urban/rural divide exists in America. From the types of plays that get produced outside of New York to playwrights that find great success in the absence of critical acclaim - does this divide exist, how does it play out, and why does it matter?
We share our thoughts on a recent article on "identity-conscious" casting, which looks beyond the concepts of color-blind and color-conscious casting and reimagines the lens through which we create. The article we discuss features an insightful conversation between Lavina Jadhwani and Victor Vasquez, which can be viewed here.
It's a big question. After being knocked off our path due to COVID, what's in store for theater as we look at the months and years ahead? In this episode, we speculate wildly about the future of performing arts, and the role that digital/streaming will play in our industry going forward.
We join nationally-recognized arts administrator and writer Howard Sherman to discuss his new book, "Another Day’s Begun: Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in the 21st Century." Of course, being theater nerds we end up talking about all sorts of stuff. A must-listen for stage fans.
A chat with Christie Chiles Twillie, Composer/Sound Designer for 'The Niceties' at Forward Theater. We get to know this musical does-it-all, and gain some fascinating insight into her process of creating the themes for this intimate drama.
In the face of a painful year for artists and arts organizations, this episode celebrates the bright spots in 2020, focusing on reasons for optimism and the opportunities that lie ahead for all of us.
Michael Cotey is one of Chicago's most innovative new directors, and we were excited to sit down to discuss his new project, #Enough: Plays to End Gun Violence. This virtual festival of plays was written by high schoolers, selected by some of America's best playwrights, and performed by professional actors.
You asked, we listened. This episode digs into questions we've received from our listeners, and we had a blast talking about everything from comedy, casting, and the future of unions to what historic productions we would time-hop to see.
On the date of this interview (10/28), Milwaukee Rep was one of the first companies in the US to create a health and safety program that would grant them the ability to perform for live audiences. However, due to increasing COVID cases in WI their production will now be digital only (announced 11/5). This interview highlights the planning process of a company working around the clock to create live theater in the midst of a pandemic.
With the 2020 election just around the corner, this is the perfect time to dive into our favorite political plays, and the thought process behind producing them for the general public.
We dish about plays that made it to the top of our wish lists, but that we never ended up producing. Learn about the myriad of reasons that prevent a show from reaching the stage, regardless of how passionately a theater may want to produce it.
Interview with the artistic team that coordinated, rehearsed, and recorded a fully remote production of 'The Lifespan of a Fact.' We discuss the entire project, from storyboards and rehearsal logistics to home recording rigs for actors. Insight for any theater looking to produce during the pandemic.
In honor of the centennial of the 19th Amendment, we explore what's necessary to truly achieve gender parity in theater. Where has progress been robust, and where do we still have work to do?
We sit down with DPT Artistic Director Courtney Burkett to discuss a company that has quickly become an artistic touchstone for Detroit artists and audiences. From commissioned plays headed to Broadway, to the inclusion of playwrights Dominique Morisseau and Noah Haidle in their Board of Directors, Detroit Public Theatre is making a splash for all the right reasons.
We sit down with a group of artists immersed in all levels of theater education in quarantine, from teaching artists to college professors to a student entering their sophomore year at Juilliard. A spectacular conversation about how the arts continues to adapt and educate, even in the confines of a pandemic.
Guests include: David Daniel, Education Director at American Players Theatre Marcy Kearns, Instructor at Carthage College and First Stage Milwaukee
Chantae Miller, Actress and student at The Juilliard School
It's crunchtime for theaters that are surviving the pandemic. In this episode we discuss the myriad of questions that arts orgs try to answer as our collective season approaches. Creating safe rehearsal and performance spaces, presenting digital productions, and choosing appropriate (and budget-friendly) plays for 2021-22 are just a few of the pickles that theaters find themselves in.
We interview Michael Barakiva, Artistic Director of Hangar Theatre! Michael not only helped create an open dialogue among American theaters during the COVID-19 crisis, but he is also leading his Ithaca, NY company through a summer season of virtual productions. Get ready to take some notes, fellow producers.
Check out their virtual summer season of plays and concerts: Hangar Theatre Company
In this episode, we take a break from our own voices and share an episode of a podcast that we love. 'Blacker the Berry' is produced by Di'Monte Henning and Lights! Camera! Soul! in Milwaukee, and features stories that celebrate and explore the Black experience. Highly recommended. Check it out HERE.
Preface: We recorded this episode prior to the events surrounding the murder of George Floyd, and prior to the collective (and hopefully permanent) shift in focus within the American theater community. We assure you that future episodes will address this conversation.
The ethereal and impermanent nature of theater is, well, THE THING, right? It's why we love it, it's why we return to the experience every chance we get. In this episode, the team shares their favorite live theater experiences, from obscure storefronts to big-time Broadway blockbusters.
Just kidding, we have no idea. But we break down the COVID-19 puzzle from a regional theater standpoint, share what we're seeing from other theaters in America, and dream of plays we hope we'll be reading (and producing) in 2021-22.
In this episode, we celebrate the current online theater phenomenon and share our favorite arts-in-quarantine content, created by brilliant artists and organizations worldwide.
Quick links to the content we discuss in this episode:
NY Times Sondheim Birthday Review Play at Home Geffen Playhouse "Stayhouse" Arizona Theatre Company Digital Backstage Milwaukee Rep at Home
In this episode, we sit down with Broadway dynamo and Tony Award winner Karen Olivo, who shares her experience during the initial COVID-19 crisis. We also discuss the pressure on artists to create during this time, and what this "intermission" may provide as they prep for their return to the stage.
In our first episode following the COVID-19 crisis, the team discusses our new normal, how other theaters are responding, and what the future might hold for the arts organizations worldwide.
Mike Fischer sits down with 'The Amateurs' cast members Emily Glick and Matt Daniels to discuss their dual lives as educators and actors, and what role the arts can play when times get tough.
In this episode, the team discusses the elusive nature of religion on American stages. Although there is no shortage of plays that represent faith in modern life, we dive into the issues that keep us from producing them.
There are a lot of great new plays in theater right now that feature characters (and entire casts) that are younger or older than the average age of the casting pool. In this episode, the team discusses the exciting opportunities these plays provide and the challenge they present to producers.
In this episode, the team discusses the ways in which theaters collaborate to create and cultivate productions and projects. But this budget friendly practice is now bringing under-produced voices to larger audiences on bigger stages.
We go behind the scenes of 'Every Brilliant Thing' at Forward Theater for an interview with actor David Daniel and Director Tyler Marchant. Get some insight into their rehearsal process, as well as the inspiration behind transforming our thrust stage into a theater-in-the-round for this unique production.
What's akin to "going to the gym" for theater makers? The team tries to answer that question with some theater resolutions in 2020. There are some doozies in here, from addressing cultural appropriation to deciding to read the entire canon of Caryl Churchill.
In no other business is pro bono work so prevalent than the arts. The team puts this accepted (and many times expected) practice under the microscope and looks for ways to change how we value and compensate artists in America.
This holiday bonus may not be a swimming pool, but it's better than a jelly of the month membership. It's selections from our bi-annual monologue festival! Timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Wisconsin’s ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, our 2019 monologue festival theme was Two Steps Forward, which encompassed a wide variety of perspectives on and interpretations of our state’s long progressive tradition.
Happy Holidays! In this episode, the team shares their favorite holiday gifts for the theater fans in their lives. From repurposed Broadway scenery to some brilliant book ideas, there are some real show-stoppers in here. It will be hard to remember this is the season of giving, not "getting for yourself."
In this episode, the team gets grateful for all things theater in 2019. We thank our favorite regional theaters and theater makers, give high fives to some great critics, and send a love letter to the current American theater scene.
The team discusses the current trend of theatrical stage effects and magic, how plays are utilizing this technology to tell compelling stories, and offers an inside look at our experience with flying technology in our current production of 'For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday' by Sarah Ruhl.
The team shares their thoughts on how we deal with work that comes from a "cancelled" artist, and whether we can ever truly separate the artistry from the source.
The A-list has just been published, and the team discusses this year's most-produced playwrights in America. Special nod to the plays of Lauren Gunderson, which we've deemed "the potato chips of American theater."
The team dives into the ever-changing landscape of audience expectations in theater, how it affects what you see on stage, and what it means for the future of playwriting (can we get an intermission, please?).
Meet 'Mary Jane' actress Clare Arena Haden and director Mary MacDonald Kerr, and get their insight into the play, their process, and the ups and downs of a career in professional theater.
Join us around the campfire as we share our summer theater stories! From 'Moulin Rouge' on Broadway to Stratford, from Chicago to northern Wisconsin and our own backyards, we saw a LOT of theater. Get the scoop on the best things we saw on stage this summer season.
In this episode, the team puts ticket prices under the microscope to understand new trends in ticket pricing, what the deal is with "convenience fees," and why you're taking out a second mortgage for good Broadway seats.
In this episode, the team discusses the growing shortage of theater critics in America, and what theaters around the country are doing to supplement this vital marketing and ticket-selling resource.
In this episode, the team discusses the growing trend of playwrights writing for both stage and screen, the impact this has on scripts we consider (or don't), and what it means for the future of both art forms.
It's musical season! From Broadway openings to summerstock gigs, now is the time to sing. In this delightful piece of audio candy, we talk about the current state of musicals, from recent Broadway remounts to our first-ever musical at Forward Theater - Fun Home starring Tony Award-winner Karen Olivo.
In an art form that serves to surprise and challenge its audience, how does a theater address and present gun violence on stage in today's society? In this episode, the team discusses the ways in which our approach has changed in recent months, what other theaters are doing, and what issues we face when presenting productions that deal with this problematic yet common topic.
It's Tony Award season (our favorite time of the year)! But it's also award season for many theater communities around the country. In our latest episode, the team heads to the podium to express their views on various theater awards, both locally and around our region.
In this episode, the team lets it all hang out and shares what they would "go to the barricades for" in the world of theater. Good and (really) bad, our list covers the things we love as well as the things we simply cannot abide.
In this episode, we debate the use of Intimacy Design in the rehearsal process, which works to assist with the choreography of intimate or emotionally sensitive moments on stage. It doesn't take long for the team to go to the mat over this unique trend in American theater.
In this episode, we discuss the power and popularity of post-show talkbacks, and tell David Mamet to go kick rocks.
In this episode, the team gives their "can't wait to see" lists for 2019, including productions in Wisconsin, the midwest, and Broadway.
In this episode, the group announces the 2019-20 season for Forward Theater Company, and discusses the process involved in choosing each production.
On this episode, the group discusses the use of a resident performing company and its impact on area professionals. Forward Theater is used as an example as well as two other highly successful regional theaters in Wisconsin, American Players Theatre and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
The team talks about the choice to produce as a union-based company, how unions influence careers in Wisconsin and the Midwest, and the recent end to the AEA/Broadway League strike.
In this introductory episode, the team explains the foundation of Forward Theater Company, a unique professional theater in Madison, WI.