American Theatre Offscript: Recent Episodes
American Theatre magazine
What has he learned after leading Minneapolis's flagship theatre for the last 11 years, and what's next? Plus: a Pittsburgh check-in with Sharon Eberson
The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, 2026, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.
Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement.
Our sixth episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Ariel Fristoe, founder and artistic director of Out of Hand Theater. From their website: "Out of Hand works at the intersection of art, social impact, and civic engagement. We help create a more just world through programs that combine theater and film with information and conversation."
The Bridge is supported by the Wallace Foundation, and grounded in their research report, "In Search of the Magic Bullet: Results from the Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative."
This month Brian talks to the author of 'Light Switch' and 'Berrywild' about autism, mentorship, and learning to live alongside cringe
In a conversation recorded at the TCG Conference in San Juan in June, writer Miranda Purcell is joined by Puerto Rican theatremakers Sylvia Bofill and Georgina Borri
This month Brian talks to the peripatetic playwright about her craft, her sensibility, and why she's been yelled at by Jews in theatre lobbies
ACT's outgoing artistic director talks about the joys and challenges of an artistic home, and an author/critic explains how yesterday's culture wars paved the way for today's.
The playwright and director from Hawaii and Nevada discusses ‘Death Play,’ ‘Sumo,’ yearning, loneliness, and the wisdom of accepting loss.
The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.
Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement.
Our fifth episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Chad Bauman, the Ellen & Joe Checota Executive Director of Milwaukee Repertory Theate. From their website: "Milwaukee Rep ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity."
This episode was originally recorded on April 16, 2026. The Bridge is supported by the Wallace Foundation, and grounded in their research report, "In Search of the Magic Bullet: Results from the Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative."
The comic actor talks about his role in August Wilson's 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone,' director Michael Arden and designer Dane Laffrey talk vampire musicals, and Gemma Wilson gives us the Seattle 411.
The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.
Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement.
Our fourth episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company from Washington, DC. From their website: "Woolly Mammoth produces courageous and invigorating new work to radically redefine theatre as a catalyst for an equitable, creative, and engaged society."
In this episode, you'll hear from Kimberly E. Douglas (managing director), Kristen B. Jackson (associate artistic director, director of connectivity), and Josh Feldman (former director of marketing).
This episode was originally recorded on August 21, 2025. The Bridge is supported by the Wallace Foundation.
The playwright and founding artistic director of a site-specific theatre discusses going from studying computer science at MIT to honing in on his artistry.
This month Willem Dafoe tells us about his programming for the Venice Teatro Biennale, and critics Helen Shaw and Emily Nussbaum compare notes on their new posts
The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.
Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement.
Our third episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with TheatreSquared from Fayetteville, AR. From their website: "TheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting has driven its growth to become the state’s largest theatre, welcoming more than 80,000 community members to 350 performances and events each year. The company is Northwest Arkansas’s professional nonprofit theatre, offering a unique audience experience of immersive, professional productions in an intimate setting."
In this episode, you'll hear from Shannon A. Jones (executive director), Robert Ford (artistic director), and Andrea Newby (director of marketing & communications).
This episode was originally recorded on August 12, 2025.
The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.
Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement.
Our second episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Florida Studio Theatre from Sarasota, FL. Florida Studio Theatre holds the following mission:
- To make theatre affordable and accessible to as many people as possible.
- To present theatre that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains.
- To create a public forum for the issues of our day that will foster positive change in our community and beyond.
- To operate within and for the public trust.
In this episode, you'll hear from Richard Hopkins (producing artistic director, CEO), and Rebecca Hopkins (managing director).
This episode was originally recorded on June 26, 2025.
The playwright, originally from Wisconsin, discusses her company, influences, exposure therapy, and the challenge of being an 'emerging' artist
The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuts on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.
Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement.
Our first episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Mixed Blood from Minneapolis, MN. Using theatre to disrupt injustices, advance equity, and build community, Mixed Blood inspires the global village to create ripple effects of social change. In this episode, you'll hear from Mark Valdez (artistic director), Kate Warner (managing director), Alejandro Tey (associate artistic director), and Katy Vernon (communications & development associate). This episode was originally recorded in two parts on June 12, 2025 & June 26, 2025.
This month: Alia Shawkat on Clare Barron's 'You Got Older,' Robert Kaplow on his Oscar-nominated screenplay for 'Blue Moon,' and Joriah Kwamé on his TikTok-hit-turned-musical, 'Little Miss Perfect.'
The playwright, screenwriter, and musician talks about juggling various projects, how to manage the emotional ups and downs in an unpredictable career path, and the value of teaching.
On this jam-packed episode, we talk to the star and director of 'Hedda Gabler' at the Old Globe, the writer and co-director of a new take on 'Pal Joey' at D.C.'s Arena Stage, and the writer of a key story in our new training issue
This month we talk to the new artistic director of Dallas Theater Center and to the co-editors of a new online publication covering Off-Broadway
The playwright behind ‘Committed,’ ‘Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You too August Wilson),’ and more shares shares her journey from aspiring corporate defense attorney to playwright.
This ten-year anniversary special turns the tables: Playwright Crystal Skillman interviews our host Brian James Polak about the podcast, playwriting, and redefining success.
Our 2025 holiday stocking is stuffed: We chat with the writer/star of 'Ain't No Mo' and 'Oh Happy Day!,' with the director and star of the Alley's 'Night Shift Before Christmas,' and with award-winning critic-producer Citlali Pizarro
The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconic projects.
On this episode we speak to the writer and director of the new play 'Mother of Exiles,' and talk arts funding and community engagement with author Donna Walker-Kuhne
A life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, The Kilroys, joy, and loss on this episode of “The Subtext.”
In this monologue by Gethsemane Herron, performed by Candace Boahene, we hear from the Harlem Renaissance writer, artist, and journalist
In this monologue by Kevin Renn, we hear from the legendary fashion designer who gave the world the Playboy Bunny costume, as performed by Marjorie Johnson
From playwright Darnell Lamont Walker, a monologue about the legendary Harlem crime boss, performed by Keith Randolph Smith
In this monologue by Tanya Everett, performed by Nedra Marie Taylor, we hear from the legendary blues and jazz singer-songwriter who wrote "Downhearted Blues"
On this episode the editors dive deep into our fall AT issue with dramaturg/journalist Dezi Tibbs, then dig into Latin American representation with 'Other Americans' playwright-performer John Leguizamo
The editors unveil AT's annual Top 10 Most Produced Plays and Top 20 Most Produced Playwrights lists and chat with Irene Sankoff, David Hein, and the ubiquitous Gunderson
The Bronx-born playwright talks Fornés, trauma-informed writing, and parenthood as a writer.
This month we talk to the playwright and the director Dexter Bullard, who's helming his new play, and we check in with two contributors to our Summer edition
The Minneapolis-based playwright discusses the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.
For this special edition (also on video), we gathered 4 smart NYC theatre folks to talk about their visions and recommendations for our art form and industry
To honor her recent passing, Brian reshares his conversation from last fall with the Minneapolis-based writer/director, whom he first met in Poland years ago
Brian talks with the Los-Angeles-based, Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and close artistic relationships.
This month's guests are Shakina Nayfack, Ashley Robinson, and Dan Gillespie Sells, who have turned an iconic 1970s play into a musical, and theatre journalist Billy McEntee
Brian talks to the Minneapolis-based playwright about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice
This month we talk to 2 Tony-nominated directors who specialize in new plays, and catch up with tireless critic Chris Jones about the Broadway season
The writer of 'Funny, Like an Abortion' and 'The Night Witches' talks about long commutes, writing science plays, and the parts she wishes she'd been able to play in school
The versatile actor and artist talks about their role in 'Curious Incident,' about solidarity and kindness in a time of struggle, and about why intersectional representation matters
This month we talk to the 6-time Tony-winning director about 'Gypsy' and his miraculous career, and the editors introduce our Spring print issue
The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities
This month, Woodzick talks with Erin Rollman and Brian Colonna of Buntport Theater Company, a non-hierarchical collective known for imaginative, campy adaptations.
In this episode, Gabriela talks to the Pulitzer-winning playwright about his new triple-play in Miami, and Rob checks in with LA Times arts reporter Ashley Lee
This month Brian talks with award-winning playwright Tim J. Lord about how he went from technician to playwright, and finding the “human story” behind a real, historic event.
In this episode, Woodzick talks with the Seattle-based creative about returning to acting, creating caring classrooms, and seeing the 'whole picture' as a director.
This month we speak to the playwright and director of a new play at the Huntington, and check in with NY Times critic at large Maya Phillips
This month Brian talks with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.
This episode features a chat on the stage of Manhattan Theatre Club with playwright Jonathan Spector, and a check-in with Seattle Times arts writer Gemma Wilson
This month, Woodzick talks with drag superstar Monét X Change about her solo Life be Lifin’, collaborating on music with BenDeLaCreme, sources of queer joy, and Broadway aspirations.
This month Brian talks with playwright and producer Kelley Nicole Girod about her experiences living in Louisiana and New York, balancing many endeavors, and weaving drama with history.
For our final podcast of the year, Gabriela visits with the merry makers behind 'Rudolph' at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, and Rob chats with critic Bill Hirschman about the state of South Florida theatre
This month Brian talks to the Southern-born writer about her journey through acting to playwriting, what her parents taught her, and her own parenting
This month, Woodzick chats with multi-hyphenate filmmaker Vera Drew about cultivating joyful spaces for trans audiences, the process around parody superhero film The People’s Joker, and working with “DIY” and “summer stock theatre” aesthetics.
In a recent conversation with Kelundra Smith, the 'Yellow Face' playwright talked about progress in representation and the unfairness of criticism.
This month Brian speaks with the playwright, a recipient of an Apollo Theater new work commission, about how his experiences as as a social worker, student, actor, playwright, husband, and father have informed one another.
In this month’s Christmas-Halloween mashup, Woodzick chats with drag icons Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme about their seventh annual holiday show, as well as Seattle-based playwright Kelleen Conway Blanchard about horror and true crime-inspired projects.
This month, Gabriela discusses international collaborations with Edward Hall, Tamara Harvey, and Jorge Valdivia, in the midst of an expansive Chicago Shakes season. Later, Rob speaks with Christie Snyder about Critical Insight, a new partnership between AT and Pittsburgh Public Theater.
This month Brian speaks with interdisciplinary artist and writer Rachel Jendrzejewski, a Playwrights' Center core writer and co-artistic director of Red Eye in Minneapolis, about happenstance encounters that fueled her playwriting career and how a diagnosis changed her relationship with future thinking.
On this episode we broke the news of which plays will be the most produced this season. Heidi Shreck's What the Constitution Means to Me will be the most-produced title of the season, and playwrights Kate Hamill and Rajiv Joseph tied for most-produced playwrights. Listen in on a conversation between the editors and these great playwrights on hopes for new work development.
This month Woodzick and musician and artist Sandy Sahar Gooen dream of gender-expansive revivals, from trans Assassins, to Follies "but sapphic." Together they "nerd out" on musical parody, queer and trans storytelling, and inclusive vocal pedagogy
This month, the editors talk with the acclaimed actor about modernized classics, language, and how "Oppenheimer" led him back to the stage
This month Brian talks to the acclaimed actor about the ups and downs of her career, why and how she wrote her first play, and whether she feels she can claim the title 'playwright'
This month Woodzick talks to the Chicago actor about their wide-ranging résumé, roles they'd still like to play, and a death-grip-defying audition
This month we talk to the writers of 'N/A' and 'The Ask,' 2 new plays about intergenerational conflict and common ground among liberals and progressives
This month Brian talks to the writer of 'Alma' and 'In His Hands' about narration, inspiration, family ties, and Julio Cortázar
This month Woodzick talks with the cabaret star about what makes an actual weirdo, how to give comfort without hope, and what's on their bucket list
On June 22, AT hosted a panel at the TCG conference in Chicago highlighting our new Ford Foundation-sponsored series of essays, moderated Lane Sugata, with panelists Jocelyn Prince, Martine Kei Green-Rogers, PennyMaria Jackson, and Charlique Rolle
This month Brian talks to the busy playwright and TV writer about sketch comedy, grad school, and the audition that changed her path
Woodzick talks to the multi-hyphenate performer about his love of movie musicals, his creative instincts, and how he honed the art of cabaret.
On this special episode, Kelundra and Gabriela talk to some of their favorite drag performers and check in with journalist Naveen Kumar.
This month Brian speaks with Samuel D. Hunter about dramatizing Idaho, promoting the film adaptation of 'The Whale,' and working on a new play at Steppenwolf.
Woodzick talks to the performer and composer about developing his queer superhero musical 'Lizard Boy,' rooting for underdogs, and blending artistic genres.
This special podcast episode featuring panelists Shepsu Aakhu, Myesha-Tiara, and Xavier Custodio, moderated by Carla Stillwell, was recorded live from The Understudy in Chicago.
On this Broadway-themed episode, Rob and Alli check in with busy critic Brittani Samuel and talk to choreographer siblings Rick and Jeff Kuperman about their innovative work on 'The Outsiders.'
This month Brian talks to the writer and producer about pivoting from teaching, feeling stuck in play development, and championing local storytellers.
Woodzick talks to the nonprofit leaders about meeting each other through theatre, founding an inclusive organization, and empowering autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
On this Chicago-themed episode, Rob and J.R. talk to the actor-director duo about staging August Wilson's solo play, 'How I Learned What I Learned,' and check in with arts journalist Mike Davis.
This month Brian talks to playwright Mashuq Mushtaq Deen about building a writing career, pushing audiences out of their comfort zone, and finding his place in the theatre.
Woodzick talks to the Denver theatremaker about performing original practices Shakespeare, centering LGBTQ artists in 'The Laramie Project,' and working with CSF's educational Shakespeare and Violence Prevention program.
On this episode, Rob talks to the writer-composer team about their new horror-comedy musical 'Teeth,' which runs at Playwrights Horizons through April 14, and checks in with critic David John Chávez.
This episode features a monologue by Raquel Almazan, performed by Jose Febus, dramatizing Young Lords organizer Jose Jiménez's community advocacy.
This month Brian talks to the Mexican American playwright about his educational path, his early years in New York, and his process for writing poetic plays.
On this episode, 3 playwrights discuss their development experience as past winners of the Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition.
This episode features a monologue by C. Quintana, performed by Sol Marina Crespo, dramatizing how Lillian fell in love with the library.
ICONS is a podcast series of personal monologues based on figures from the Harlem Renaissance curated and directed by CTH’s literary director, Shawn Rene Graham and developed by The Classical Theatre of Harlem in partnership with Venus Radio Theater. The 2nd season focuses on Hispanic and Latinx voices. ICONS 2: El Barrio Lives! explores the rich history of East Harlem, by commissioning four writers of Latinx descent to breathe life into lesser known figures from Latin America and the Caribbean, whose impact on the Harlem community from the early part of the 20th century resonates today.
This episode features the monologue For The Salud of Our Seniors by Christin Eve Cato, performed by Annie Henk, which imagines a meeting between Puerto Rican activist Petra Allende and an elected official.
ICONS is a podcast series of personal monologues based on figures from the Harlem Renaissance curated and directed by CTH’s literary director, Shawn Rene Graham and developed by The Classical Theatre of Harlem in partnership with Venus Radio Theater. The 2nd season focuses on Hispanic and Latinx voices. ICONS 2: El Barrio Lives! explores the rich history of East Harlem, by commissioning four writers of Latinx descent to breathe life into lesser known figures from Latin America and the Caribbean, whose impact on the Harlem community from the early part of the 20th century resonates today.
On this episode, Woodzick talks to the multi-hyphenate theatre artist and musician about interrogating androgyny, self-mythologizing, and making their web series 'Sad Han.'
This episode features the monologue 'Super Barretto' by Nelson Diaz-Marcano, performed by Hiram Delgado and inspired by the life of Puerto Rican American percussionist and bandleader Raymundo 'Ray' Barretto Pagán.
ICONS is a podcast series of personal monologues based on figures from the Harlem Renaissance curated and directed by CTH’s literary director, Shawn Rene Graham and developed by The Classical Theatre of Harlem in partnership with Venus Radio Theater. The 2nd season focuses on Hispanic and Latinx voices. ICONS 2: El Barrio Lives! explores the rich history of East Harlem, by commissioning four writers of Latinx descent to breathe life into lesser known figures from Latin America and the Caribbean, whose impact on the Harlem community from the early part of the 20th century resonates today.
This month Brian talks to Katie Ka Vang about reconnecting with her Hmong-American community, managing cancer while in graduate school, and learning to be content in the moment.
On this episode, the playwright and director-choreographer team discuss their new "Illinoise" musical, plus New Yorker critic Helen Shaw surveys the theatre festival lineup.
This month Brian talks to writer and director Eric Simonson about his Midwestern roots, his writing journey, and his artistic collaborations.
On this episode, Woodzick talks to theatremaker Rodney Hicks, who will direct "Passing Strange" at Portland Playhouse this Spring.
On this episode, Rob and J.R. talk to Topher Payne about Hallmark and holiday traditions, plus Kelundra interviews longtime critic Linda Armstrong.
This month Woodzick talks to the Bay Area playwright about political disillusionment, the liberation of basic income, and the sacred space of theatre
The writer of 'Stereophonic' talks about his obsessions with detail and destruction, and North Carolina correspondent Lauren Van Hemert fills us in on the Research Triangle theatre scene
This month Brian talks to a writer inspired by the music his parents made when he was young, as well as by the diverse biographies and interests of the playwrights he admires
This month Woodzick talks to mutli-hyphenate performer Michael Urie ahead of his return to Broadway in “Spamalot.”
This month Brian talks to Charly Evon Simpson about discovering theatre, learning to be vulnerable, and becoming a playwright on paper and in life.
On this episode, Rob and Gabriela celebrate this season's most-produced plays and playwrights with surprise guests Heidi Schreck and Selina Fillinger.
This month Woodzick talks to the Seattle-based director about creating a safe yet accountable rehearsal room, taking Shakespeare off a pedestal, and embracing body hair.
This month Brian talks to Nathan Alan Davis about growing up with performer parents, learning through parenthood, and discovering his passion for playwriting.
On this episode Kelundra and J.R. talk to playwright Pearl Cleage about Chicago's month-long celebration in her honor, the value of community-driven storytelling, and her new play "Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard."
This month Woodzick talks to performer and producer Danny Marin about telling stories with nuance and advocating for a better industry.
This month Brian joins playwright Nancy Garcia Loza at Chicago's Understudy book shop to talk about writing, family, and holding on to memories.
On this episode we talk to playwright Mike Lew and director Moritz von Stuelpnagel about taking 'tiny father' from audio to audience and catch up with critic J. Wynn Rousuck about the Contemporary American Theater Festival.
This month Woodzick talks to writer and educator Seayoung Yim about self love, care-filled casting, and America’s recent obsession with Korean culture.
This month Brian talks to MJ Kaufman, the co-writer of 'A Transparent Musical,' about their evolving sense of home, their creative instincts, and their dog, Milkshake.
This month we host a special conversation about the search process that led NYC's Rattlestick Theatre to hire its new artistic director, Will Davis.
This month Woodzick talks to queer and trans performer Sav Souza about reviving '1776,' developing a nonbinary rom-com musical, and honoring their trans experience onstage.
Brian talks to the NYC-based theatremaker about the intersection of writing and directing, what his family thinks of his plays, and differences between the U.S. and Canada
On this special pre-Tony Awards edition, we talk to the playwrights nominated for COST OF LIVING and BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, and to Playbill's Diep Tran
This month Brian talks to the Bay Area playwright about the writing process, battling imposter syndrome, and redefining success.
This month Woodzick talks to the Southern storyteller and social impact strategist about the clear parallels between making theatre and making a difference
On this episode we talk to writer/director/trickster Ty Defoe about directing 'Rent' for the next generation, building community ties, and moving beyond land acknowledgements.
This month Woodzick talks with Chicago theatremaker Will Wilhelm about taking up more space as a trans non-binary artist, centering gender-imaginative stories in the historical canon, and finding resilience through the work.
The D.C. columnist and playwright talks about how writing is like making cotton candy, how 'MILF Manor' is like Greek drama, and how an editor can help you find the parade
The Omaha-based director talks about theatre's collective brain, doing queer art on Catholic campuses, and how to break through the gender binary in casting
This month Brian talks to the 'Fat Ham' playwright about the art-loving family he came from and the communities he's found in theatre and in Philly
The playwright of 'Montag' and 'THUNDERBODIES' talks about insisting on sustainability, identifying as a writer, and the art of listening
This month Woodzick talks with the writer of 'Amani' about Black futures, expansive visions of gender, and how an archivist can be an activist
This month Woodzick talks to Denver-based director and playwright Mykai Eastman about EDI work, directorial philosophy, and audience engagement.
This month Brian talks to playwright and screenwriter Eric Reyes Loo about his educational and familial journeys, and the elusive definition of success.
This month Woodzick talks to the leader of Boulder's square product theatre, who also teaches theatre at Hamilton College, about making and training for theatre without perpetuating damage
This month Brian talks to Vichet Chum, writer of 'Bald Sisters' at Steppenwolf, about how Texas's competitive culture shaped him and about how his Cambodian American parents feel about his work
This month Woodzick talks with the singer-songwriter-dancer about his new show and album 'English With an Accent,' an allegory about immigration and transformation
This month Brian talks to the author of 'tokyo fish story' and 'brownsville song (b-side for tray)' about panic, curiosity, and the earned laughs average
A conversation with Joel Grey, Tovah Feldshuh, Caissie Levy, Michael Arden, and Bess Wohl about portrayals of Jewishness and antisemitism on New York stages
This month Woodzick talks to the singer-songwriter about growing up gay, her musical and artistic influences, and her new musical, 'F*ck7thGrade'
This month Brian talks to the busy writer-director about his background, the supportiveness of Chicago's theatre scene, and his penchant for large casts
In this episode, Brian talks to a longtime friend and colleague about her circuitous path from and back to the Pine Tree State, and what that journey has meant for her as a writer
On this episode we broke the news that Nottage's 'Clyde's' will be the most-produced play of the season, then welcomed her and fellow prolific scribe Gunderson on to talk shop
This month Woodzick talks to the multi-hyphenate, multi-spirited Nigerian American poet and performer about their new book 'Black Body Amnesia'
On this episode we talk to the outgoing (in all senses) artistic director of Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage as she enters her 25th and final season
On this episode we talk to actor/playwright Daniel K. Isaac about his epic new play 'Once Upon a (Korean) Time' and about the untold histories that inspired it
On this episode, Woodzick talks to 2 non-binary actors currently performing in repertory at Utah Shakespeare Festival
This month Brian talks to the writer/performer of 'Where We Belong,' inspired by her experiences as a Native person loving, studying, then questioning Shakespeare
Offscript is back after a July break with an with the writer-director-performer of 'The Noseblood'
This month Brian talks to the former NYU playwriting professor about growing up in Texas, intuition vs. intellect, and the elusive art of the 10-minute play
This week, our live session with Steel City arts journalist Sharon Eberson, City Theatre co-artistic director Monteze Freeland, and Quantum Theatre founder Karla Boos
Brian talks to the 'Yoga Play' writer about the absurdism of real life and how her globally forged voice meets contemporary American life
This month Woodzick talks to the founder of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret about her origin story, gender cannibals, and the fine art of hosting
This week we talk with the playwright of 'Alma' and 'In His Hands' about intimacy, religion, and poetic realism
This month Brian talks to the prolific and decorated playwright about her early struggles and triumphs, and how she found her voice and her subject
On this episode, we talk to Alison Leiby ('Oh God, a Show About Abortion') and Justice Hehir ('the wish: a manual for a last-ditch effort to save abortion in the united states through theater')
This month Woodzick talks to the administrator, activist, and casting professional about amplifying trans talent, rethinking the canon, and prioritizing mental health
This month Brian talks to Jeremy Cohen, producing artistic director of Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis, about supporting writers, following a unicorn, and teaching doctors to write
For this episode we talk to playwright Karen Hartman, who currently has 3 plays making NYC premieres in 59E59's first VOLT Festival
For this special reported episode, Brian goes deep on the actor-writer and her very personal new play, 'Tomorrow Will Be Sunday'
This week our guest is TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's artistic director Tim Bond, now directing August Wilson's 'Gem of the Ocean' there
In this reboot of their podcast for American Theatre magazine, Woodzick talks to Seattle-based writer-performer Sara Porkalob, who will next appear in '1776'
The editors talk with Jack Reuler, founding artistic director of the Minneapolis theatre, and Mark Valdez, who will succeed him this summer
Brian sits down with the author of 'August: Osage County' and 'The Minutes' to talk about acting, writing, Chicago, and Oklahoma
In this special episode, recorded live in Madison, Wisc., Brian interviews the poet/playwright who wrote 'The Mytilenean Debate' for Forward Theater
On this episode the editors talk to the director of the drama '7 Minutes' about labor, management, and new-play development
This special episode compiles messages from theatre artists in the U.S., the U.K., Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine
On this episode the playwright, joined by director Laurie Woolery, discusses her new play about sisterhood, real estate, and reality TV
This month Brian talks to the writer of 'Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo' about war, sports, and writing what you want
The editors speak to the playwright of 'Amerikin,' a new play about white supremacy, now onstage Houston's Alley Theatre after repeated pandemic delays
Brian talks to the Queens-based playwright about her New England roots and her approach to balancing work and mental health
The editors speak to the longtime artistic director New York Theatre Workshop about his long and influential tenure there as he heads for the exit in June
The editors speak to the new artistic director of Southwest Shakespeare in Arizona about claiming the classics for all people
This month Brian talks to the creator of Jomama Jones about the books and music that saved him as a child, and how they led to the books and music he's making now
Peter Marks and Elisabeth Vincentelli gather one more time to remember their recently departed co-host, Terry Teachout
This week we say farewell to associate editor Jerald Raymond Pierce and talk to Steppenwolf Theatre's new co-artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis
For the final episode of 2021, Brian talks to the writer of 'Suicide Forest' about roles that are different than, and closer to, their true self
For the final podcast of the year, the editors plumb the year-end thoughts and feelings of critics from the New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle
For the critics' final episode, they consider the life and legacy of Sondheim and reflect on how theatre has grown and changed in the 4 years they've been podcasting
This month Brian talks to the writer of 'Doubt' and 'Moonstruck' about his early days and first breaks in the business
The stars of 'Dana H' and 'Is This a Room' talk about their approach to 2 very different but similarly challenging real-life characters
This month Brian talks to the Brooklyn-based playwright about fighting back against abuse, hustling past gatekeepers, and finding her authentic voice
This episode the editors talk to the artistic director of Atlanta's True Colors Theatre about the city, the theatre, and the art form
This week the editors talk with the playwright of 'Middletown,' 'Thom Pain,' and a new Ibsen adaptation, 'Gnit'
This month the critics talk to the star of 'Hadestown' about darkness and empathy, and share their theatregoing highlights
The editors are joined by NY Times critic Maya Phillips and Bay Area critic David John Chavez to talk about what the return to in-person theatre feels like and means
This month, Brian talks with the playwright and audio dramatist about 'The Honeycomb Trilogy,' podcasts, and 'Doctor Who'
This week the editors talk to the artistic director of the West Coast powerhouse about the years just past and what's ahead
This month Brian talks to the Philly writer of 'Babel' and 'The Arsonists' about parenting, playwriting, and risk
This week the critics talk to James Lapine about 'Putting It Together,' his book about making 'Sunday in the Park With George' with Sondheim
This week our guest, the resident playwright of Dallas's Cara Mía Theatre, talks about her urgent manifesto 'Your Healing Is Killing Me'
This week we look back on a busy month of theatre news and talk to playwright travis tate about their play 'Queen of the Night.'
The critics happily return to talking about actual live, in-person theatre, as well as the vagaries of variants and vaccination policies
A dialogue with Tamilla Woodard, chair of acting at Yale Drama School, and Carl Cofield, chair of grad acting at NYU Tisch
After a hiatus, the critics return with a look back at a tumultuous year and a look ahead to reopening on Broadway and beyond
This month Brian talks to a playwriting legend as two of his most apocalyptic works get audio podcast treatment
This month Brian talks to the author of M BUTTERFLY and SOFT POWER about Joe Papp, hate crimes, and getting over depression
This month Brian talks to the writer of 'Water by the Spoonful' and 'In the Heights' about her new memoir, 'My Broken Language'
This month: a survey of playwrights, critics, dramaturgs, and directors about the plays they just can't shake
The critics mark the one-year anniversary of theatres shutting, respond to listener letters, and look tentatively ahead to a post-virus future
This month Brian talks with the playwright of 'The Moors' and 'Collective Rage' about how writing for TV inspired her write a novel about the theatre
The hosts talk gatekeeping and pandemic-era criticism with award-winning colleague Soraya Nadia McDonald
In a sequel to an episode from March 2020, Brian checks back in with playwrights about how they've survived the last 10 months
This month the critics talk to actor Samira Wiley and actor/writer Kate Hamill about staying creative in quarantine.
This month, Brian talks to the actor/playwright behind a series of popular Austen adaptations about her inspirations and her original work
Should the government create an arts and culture ministry? And what happens when there' s no one to laugh along with?
On this month's episode the critics discuss the recent Tony noms, as well as controversial plans to partly reopen some theatres
On this week's episode, Brian talks to playwright and author David Adjmi about family pressure, falling behind, and filling a niche.
This week: the steep and rocky road back to normalcy for ntheatres of all sizes, and the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's lifelong love for the arts
This month Brian talks to the Chicago-based playwright and organizer about her life and career
This week the critics talk to the grass-roots campaign Be An Arts Hero and discuss shows they've seen, including last week's Democratic convention
This month Brian James Polak hands the mic over to Jeremy Cohen at Playwrights Center, who moderates a discussion about writers finding inspiration in other media
In this short solo episode, Brian reflects on the podcast's origins, frets about the future, and finds hope in an elder's advice
The critics return to consider when theatre will return, how to cover it when it does, and how not to succumb to Zoom despair
The critics talk to Tamilla Woodard, co-artistic director of Working Theater, about her experience of racism in the theatre and how it can be fought
This pre-pandemic conversation with the exciting helmer behind 'Endlings' and radical stagings of 'Ragtime' and 'Carmen' holds hope for the art form
The award-winning playwright records her life on a farm in rural Oregon during the pandemic lockdown
The critics talk with Jeremy Wein of Play-PerView, a new livestreaming company, take a question about theatre safety, and recommend shows they've viewed
This week the critics hash out the debate over streamed and recorded theatre, and dip into the reader mailbag
This month, Brian has collected scenes and monologues from 15 plays whose premieres were cut short by COVID-19
This week the critics talk to Woolly Mammoth's Maria Manuela Goyanes about the age of COVID-19 and debate the rise of online theatre
This week the critics record a remote podcast to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on theatre, and what they're doing with no shows to see
A special bonus episode features voicemails from playwrights all over the country about this extraordinary historical moment and how they're faring
Jose talks to the playwright about her (now closed) show 'Endlings' and to Wai Ching Ho, who starred in it
The playwright of 'Plano' and 'Heroes of the Fourth Turning' talks about Dallas theatre, existential crisis, and the difference between love and empathy
The critics talk with the 'Girl From the North Country' playwright about his work and its meanings, and discuss 'Mockingbird' at MSG, a new take on 'Dracula,' and a James Baldwin revival in D.C.
Jose talks with the 'Wicked' star, currently doing a cabaret residency and soon to star in the musical 'Lempicka'
This week the topic is how personal experiences inform criticism, as the critics touch on 'Mac Beth' at Hunter Theatre Project, 'Gun and Powder' at Signature Theatre, and 'Medea' at BAM
This week Jose sits with Mamie Parris and Mauricio Martínez, stars of Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber at Paper Mill Playhouse
This month Brian James Polak talks to the playwright of 'graveyard shift' about football, spoken-word poetry, and finding a home in the theatre
This week Jose records an episode live from BroadwayCon, joined by playwrights Jordan E. Cooper (Ain't No Mo), and Zora Howard (Stew)
Jose talks to musical theatre star Laura Michelle Kelly about her upcoming Carnegie Hall concert and her self-care practices between shows.
The writer of 'All the Natalie Portmans' talks about her Louisiana upbringing, starting out in fan fiction, and why she writes about cornered women.
The critics look back on a decade of change in the American theatre, and discuss 'Greater Clements,' 'Sing Street,' and the 'My Fair Lady' tour
The critics chat with the acclaimed Idahoan dramatist, and compare notes on Stephen Adly Guirgis, Harry Connick Jr., and Lauren Gunderson.
Jose talks with 'Slave Play's' Irene Lucío, and gathers 2019 reflections from Young Jean Lee, Aleshea Harris, Jaime Lozano, and others.
Brian James Polak talks to the playwright of 'Dance Nation' and 'You Got Older' about memory, pain, and first drafts.
Jose speaks to playwright Donja R. Love and actor Leland Fowler of one in two, a new play about HIV among the Black community.
The critics discuss Chicago vs. Broadway theatre with the Tribune's Chris Jones, and discuss the shows 'Jagged Little Pill,' 'Fefu and her Friends,' and 'Sleeping Car Porters.'