SPOTLIGHT: The American Stage Podcast

Join American Stage Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, as he has a conversation with leading actor Alex DeLeo about his role as Ren McCormack in Footloose. Alex shares his experience coming back to the stage after an ankle injury and how this connects him to the character. 

Join American Stage Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, as he has a conversation with stars of the stage and screen Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and Jennifer Leigh Warren to discuss their careers and current roles in "School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play."

Join American Stage Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, as he has a holiday conversation with the production team of American Stage's 80s punk twist on Tom Mula's "Jacob Marely's Christmas Carol." Assistant Director Hannah Hockman, Sound Designer Paul Edward Wilt, and Set and Lighting Designer Phillip Franck share insights about the power of redemption and how they took this classic Christmas story and gave it a punk spin. Come see American Stage's production of "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" running from December 8 – January 2, 2022! For more information visit: www.americanstage.org

Join American Stage Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, as he has a soul-stirring conversation with guest director of our revival of the hilarious,  Tony Award Winning Comedy The Odd Couple, Adam Mace, and leading man, Michael Burgess, who plays the iconic character, Felix Unger. They share insights about the power of comedy in our world today and how representation in the American Theatre matters. Come see American Stage's production of The Odd Couple running from October 29 – November 21! For more information visit: www.americanstage.org

American Stage's Associate Artistic Director Kristin Clippard speaks with Josh Odsess-Rubin and Kiara Hines about playing Romeo and Juliet in our return to live performances. This tragedy gets a new happy ending, and the actors share their insight into why this story and these characters still enthrall us today. Romeo and Juliet in America play at Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg July 21 - August 1, 2021.

Associate Artistic Director Kristin Clippard interviews director Ted Lange and actor L. Peter Callender about their working relationship, personal connections and building the production. Ted and Peter talk about Louis Armstrong and how Satchmo's story informs their own.

A conversation moderated by Associate Artistic Director Kristin Clippard featuring this year's playwrights: Amber Palmer, Cris Eli Blak, Meghan Maugeri, and Arlene Hutton. The playwrights discuss their plays, their writing style and career paths, as well as their dreams for the future of theater.

A conversation moderated by CEO/Producing Artistic Director Stephanie Gularte featuring April Lott, CEO of Directions for Living; Donna Sicilian, LCSW, EdS, Executive Director, Student Services of Pinellas County Schools; Beth Houghton, Executive Director of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County; Jeff Undestad, Chief of Police of the Largo Police Department; and Reverend Kenneth Irby, Pastor, Bethel AME Church discussing the state of mental health in our community, including the sharing of resources, and an examination of how we can work to destigmatize mental illness.

NOSOTROS LA GENTE is a new commissioned play by Jerry Montoya, and features actors Diana Garle and Daniel Llaca. Associate Artistic Director and Co-Director of the play, Kristin Clippard, talks with this real life couple about the age of digital theater, an unorthodox creative process, and the beauty of building a life in the desert of California. In this episode, listeners will get a behind-the-scenes glance at this new play. NOSOTROS LA GENTE is available to stream, December 4 - 20, 2020.

American Stage's second digital production is Kate: The Unexamined Life of Katharine Hepburn by Rick Foster and performed by the indomitable Janis Stevens. Associate Artistic Director Kristin Clippard talks with Janis about how the show came to be and what it's been like to play an iconic celebrity.

This episode, hosted by Associate Artistic Director Kristin Clippard, features a discussion with the playwright and cast of LETTERS TO KAMALA by Rachel Lynett.  The conversation takes a deeper look into this new piece of theater, the historical figures therein, and the democratic voting process. Special guests include playwright Rachel Lynett, and cast, Renata Eastlick, Dee Selmore and Mia Tagano. Watch the virtual performance of LETTERS TO KAMALA available October 21-November 8. 

In this series American Stage's CEO/Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, meets with our virtual community to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond. In today's episode, Stephanie is joined by American Stage’s Director of Education and Outreach, Tiffany Ford, and Jeanne Reynolds, the Performing Arts Specialist for Pinellas County Schools, to talk about the value of arts education experiences and the challenges & opportunities in delivering arts experiences to young people during the pandemic.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

This episode is the final installment of Virtual New Shorts. It features excerpts from HEAR ME ROAR by Jennifer Blackmer and REAL AMERICAN DINNER PARTY by Jen Silverman, followed by a conversation that takes a deeper dive with the playwrights into why they wrote these pieces and the exciting, challenging and dynamic world of live virtual theater.  These shorts were directed by Tiffany Ford and performed by Janis Stevens, Renata Eastlick, Rose Hahn, Kate Berg, Alicia Thomas, Jovon Jacobs, and Jim Sorenson. Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

In this series American Stage's CEO/Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, meets with our virtual community to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond.  In this conversation Stephanie is joined by AS's 2019-2020 apprentices (Alyssa Baumgardner, Kianna Jackson, Skye Lindberg, John Perez, Lyle Sweppenheiser) for a conversation about how the current realities in our world are informing the priorities of our emerging theatre professionals. How will these young artists, arts educators and arts leaders use their experiences in the present moment to shape the future of live theatre?  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

This series features our July Virtual Stage series of New Shorts.  This episode features excerpts from PICK ME UP by Rachel Lynett and INDELIBLE by John Bavoso, followed by a conversation that takes a deeper dive with the playwrights into why they wrote these pieces and the exciting, challenging and dynamic world of live virtual theater.  These shorts were directed by Brian Balcom and performed by Ben Ismail, Xavier Reyes, Kara Sotakoun, Jessica Moraton.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

This series features our July Virtual Stage series of New Shorts.  This episode features excerpts from THREE RINGS, NO DIAMONDS by D.W. Gregory and YOUR SONG REMAINS THE SAME OLD SONG SUNG BLUE by Hal Borden, followed by a conversation that takes a deeper dive with the playwrights into why they wrote these pieces and the exciting challenging and dynamic world of live virtual theater.  These shorts were directed by Benjamin Ismail and performed by Imani Mitchell, Brock Vickers, and John Perez. Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

In this series American Stage's CEO/Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, meets with our virtual community to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond. In this conversation Stephanie is joined by Robyn Rusignuolo, American Stage's Board Chair to discuss the priorities and strategies of the American Stage Board of Trustees during this time of incredible change for live theatre. Join us for our live creative conversations every other Monday in July and August at 6pm. Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

This new series will feature our New Summer Shorts series, where each Thursday in July at 8pm, we bring you trivia and cocktail recipes pre-show and a performance of 2 short pieces of theater, followed by a chat back with the playwrights and cast.  Today’s episode features excerpts from THE MAGICIANS USED TO GO HERE by Emily Dendinger and SURVIVAL STRATEGY by Donna Hoke, followed by a conversation that takes a deeper dive with the playwrights into why they wrote these pieces and the exciting, challenging and dynamic world of live virtual theater. These shorts were directed by L. Peter Callender and performed by Josh Odsess-Rubin and Margee Sapowsky.   Audio production: Sadie Lockhart 

This new series will feature our New Summer Shorts series, where each Thursday in July at 8pm, we bring you trivia and cocktail recipes pre-show and a performance of 2 short pieces of theater, followed by a chat back with the playwrights and cast.  Today’s episode features excerpts from FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Rick Rubin  and YOU’RE OUT! by Deborah Zoe Laufer, followed by a conversation that takes a deeper dive with the playwrights into why they wrote these pieces and the exciting, challenging and dynamic world of live virtual theater. These shorts were directed by Kristin Clippard and performed by Matt Acquard and Sadie Lockhart.   Audio production: Sadie Lockhart 

This is the final installment of our June Shakespeare Lite series.  This episode is all about Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT, as performed on American Stage's virtual stage. In this episode you will hear from the director L. Peter Callender, a performer from the production, Camille Upshaw , the prologue delivered before the performance by Skye Lindberg, a scene  from the performance itself, and the chat back conversation with the cast.   Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

In this series American Stage's CEO/Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, meets with our virtual community to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond. In this conversation Stephanie is joined by Actor’s Equity Association members, Renata Eastlick and Richard Watson for a conversation about navigating the intimacy of live performance in a COVID world.  Join us for our live creative conversations every other Monday in July and August at 6pm.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

Spotlight on FIVE TIMES AROUND In today's episode we meet our 2019-2020 Apprentice Cohort of American Stage.   The discussion includes a day in the life as apprentices, their newly devised piece of theater entitled FIVE TIMES AROUND, and what will stay with them, from their experience this season, on their next adventure.  You can find more information about their piece on our website and Youtube channel.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

In this series American Stage's CEO/ Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, meets with our virtual community to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond. In this podcast Stephanie begins an honest conversation about American Stage’s commitment to anti-racism now and in the future.  American Stage is committed to listening, to learning and to acting in support of a more just world. You can watch these creative conversations live each Monday during the month of June at 6pm.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart

The Shakespeare Lite series will be highlighted on our podcast throughout the month of June. This episode is all about Shakespeare's OTHELLO, as performed on American Stage's virtual stage. In this episode you will hear from L. Peter Callender who played Othello in this production, the director Benjamin Ismail, the prologue delivered before the performance by Kianna Jackson, a scene  from the performance itself, and the chat back conversation with the cast.   You can join us for a live performance of Shakespeare Lite each Sunday in June at 2pm.  Audio production: Sadie Lockhart 

In this series American Stage's Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, meets with a guest in our virtual community roundtable to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond.  In this conversation she is joined by Chris Steinocher, the CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber, for a conversation about reimagining our City of the Arts the “St. Pete Way.”  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart

The Shakespeare Lite series will be highlighted on our podcast throughout the month of June.  This episode is all about Shakespeare's THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, as performed on American Stage's virtual stage.  In this episode you will hear from the director Chris Crawford, a prologue delivered before the performance by Lyle Sweppenheiser, an excerpt from the performance itself and the chat back conversation with the cast.   You can join us for a live performance of Shakespeare Lite each Sunday in June at 2pm.  Audio production: Sadie Lockhart 

This spotlight series conversation dives into the process and transition of performing and directing in a virtual theater space.  We are joined by Benjamin Ismail,  Dee Selmore, Enoch King and Roxanne Fay, all artists who have performed with us before on our in-person stage and are now featured in our virtual Shakespeare Lite series.  You can join us for our Shakespeare Lite series each Sunday in June at 2pm.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart

In this series our Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, mets with a guest in our virtual community roundtable to discuss live theatre during the pandemic and beyond.  In this conversation she is joined by John Collins, Executive Director of the St. Pete Arts Alliance, to share perspectives on staging a creative comeback in St. Pete and to answer the question, "what role can the arts play in creating a post-COVID renaissance in our community?" Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart

The Shakespeare Lite series will be highlighted on our podcast throughout the month of June.  This episode is all about Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET, as performed on American Stage's virtual stage.  In this episode you will hear from the director Kristin Clippard, a prologue delivered before the performance by John Perez, an excerpt from the performance itself and the chat back conversation with the cast.   You can join us for a live performance of Shakespeare Lite each Sunday in June at 2pm.  Audio production: Sadie Lockhart 

Join American Stage’s Associate Artistic Director, Kristin Clippard, Director of Education and Outreach, Tiffany Ford and Director of Production, Jerid Fox as they discuss how American Stage is working to connect with our community through online programming and the process of creating both our virtual stage and virtual academy.  Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

This episode features a conversation between Stephanie Gularte, Producing Artistic Director of American Stage in Florida and Michael Stevenson, Producing Artistic Director of Capital Stage in California.  Their conversation discusses the partnership between these two companies, the co-production that was planned for this season, Joshua Harmon’s ADMISSIONS, and what it is like to lead an arts organization in the middle of a pandemic in 2020.  www.capstage.org Audio Production: Sadie Lockhart 

A conversation with Rachel Harrison, American Stage's production stage manager, as she discusses her journey to stage management, her role in the company, the Stage Management Association and the Year of the Stage Manager. Learn more about these programs by visiting stagemanagers.org or join the "Year of the Stage Manager 2020" group on Facebook.  Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

As a part of our 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival, American Stage's Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte sits down with Nan Barnett, the Executive Director of the National New Play Network for a live panel discussion.  The conversation delves into the importance of new play development, what the New Play Exchange is, and the blossoming world of theatre right here in Florida. Produced by: Sadie Lockhart

As a part of our 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival, Associate Artistic Director, Kristin Clippard interviews the playwrights whose scripts received a stage reading at our February 2020 festival.  Featuring: L. Peter Callender (STRANGE COURTESIES); Hal Borden (DON MISTERIOSO); Taylor Leigh Lamb (YOU TOO?); John Bavoso (MLM IS FOR MURDER); Jennifer Blackmer (PREDICTOR).  Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

Across the country, theater companies are looking for ways to move through the current crisis and envision the future of theater. American Stage's Associate Artistic Director (AAD), Kristin Clippard, holds a virtual discussion with other theater arts producers, including: Dawn Monique Williams, AAD at Aurora Theater Co. (CA); Nathan Halvorson, Associate Director at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (CO); Tamara Winters, AAD at Know Theater (OH); Sarah Hankins, AAD at Triad Stage (NC). Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

During the current stay-at-home climate, how are performing arts organizations in St. Petersburg, FL working to sustain their companies, and stay connected with their community? American Stage's Producing Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte, leads a virtual panel with local arts leaders to discuss the impact of the pandemic on organizations in the area and how they can continue to achieve the artistic objective to serve as a point of connection among people, while we are all physically apart. She is joined in this conversation, by Chris Crawford of freeFall Theater, Paul Wilborn of the Palladium Theater, Bob Devin Jones of Studio 620, and Alex Harris of Arts Conservatory for Teens. Produced by: Sadie Lockhart   

Join us for a virtual conversation with our leadership team at American Stage (Stephanie Gularte, Kristin Clippard, Jerid Fox, and Tiffany Ford) as they discuss how American Stage is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on our company, and the connections we are striving to make with our community. Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

A live recording of our behind the scenes event for the world premiere of THE PEOPLE DOWNSTAIRS by Natalie Symons at American Stage.  A deeper dive into the development of the script, its themes, and the journey of this play.  The conversation features playwright, Natalie Symons and director, Chris Crawford.  Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

Spotlight on the American Stage school tour! A conversation with the Director of Education and Outreach about the importance and impact of theater for young audiences.  With special guests from THE WIND IN THE WILLOW school tour cast: Matt Acquard, Dylan Renfrow, Courtney McLaren, Donovan Whitney, and Sadie Lockhart.  Additional commentary from young guests who saw school tour this season!  Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

A live recording of our behind the scenes event for SKELETON CREW by Dominique Morisseau at American Stage. A deeper dive into the characters, artistry and themes of the script and our production.  The conversation features select members of the cast, Enoch King* and Dee Selmore*, and the director L. Peter Callender.  Special Guest Host: Wedeline Casimir Produced by: Sadie Lockhart  *Member of Actors' Equity Association

A spotlight on the the student matinee experience for American Stage's production of SILENT SKY.  Interviews with students who attended a pre-show workshop, visited our theater to experienced this production, and conversed in a post-show chat back.  Special guest host Lyle Sweppenheiser, our education and outreach apprentice, gives his thoughts on facilitating and designing the student matinee experience.   Produced by: Sadie Lockhart  

Jeremy Douglass, sound designer and original composer for American Stage's production of SILENT SKY, is revolutionizing the way the we experience underscoring, soundscapes,  and music in the theater.  This exclusive interview gives an in depth look into his work, process, and original compositions for SILENT SKY.   Check out his websites for more content and music at jeremydouglassmusic.com and floridabjorkestra.com.  You can also learn more about his work in the American Theatre Magazine.

A behind the scenes look into American Stage's production of SILENT SKY by Lauren Gunderson.  We are joined by director, Kristin Clippard, Sherri Smith-Dodgeson of Miss Science, and Tanja Diederich of Starsplitter Adventures as we discuss the intricate themes of the show and the incredible impact of Henrietta Leavitt's discovers on the world.   Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

A conversation with actor Vi Tran about his experience working on VIETGONE with musical selections and conversations about he and Mackenzie Goodwin Tran's original work, THE BUTCHER'S SON, a Vietnamese American Musical.   Instagram: @butcherssonmusical Twitter: @TBSmusical   Produced by: Sadie Lockhart

A live recording of our behind the scenes event for VIETGONE by Qui Nguyen at American Stage.  A deeper dive into the artistry, themes, and theatrical elements of our production.  The conversation features select members of the cast, Jeff Kim, Sami Ma*, Vi Tran*, and the director, Brian Balcom.  Produced: Sadie Lockhart  Join us for Behind the Scene for SILENT SKY on November 10th  *Member of Actors’ Equity Association 

How improvisational theatre impacts cognitive, emotional, and social development for individuals and communities. Special guests: Kathleen Taylor, Megan Felder, Jenna Felder, Eric Anderson, and Patrick A. Jackson.  Produced by: Sadie Lockhart

Spotlight on Artist Laura Spencer A conversation with Laura Spencer, artist of American Stage's 2019-2020 season artwork as she discusses her process in creating poster art and the key elements that she featured in the series.   Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

How provocative theatre can transform a community.  An interview with Stephanie Gularte about her play selection process and an in-depth look into the programming of our 2019-2020 season.  Produced by: Sadie Lockhart 

A conversation surrounding the musical's themes including: identity, inter-generational support, and more ways to be an inclusive community.  Host: Patrick A. Jackson  Conversation with: Jim Nixon (METRO Marketing Manager & LGBT Liaison); James Keane (METRO Division Director of Development); Ryan Williams-Jent (Tampa Bay Bureau Chief at Watermark); TeMonet - Nicole Levy (Co founder of Out and Loud Florida, Fundraising w /Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Florida TRANS MISSION MEDIA)   Produced by:  Sadie Lockhart

Spotlight on THE GAP AND THE GLUE A conversation featuring Stephanie Gularte about the next generation of theatre artists. And an interview with the current 18-19 apprentices (Donovan Whitney, Rose Hahn, Kaylie Horowitz, Dylan Renfrow, and Season Wong) as we get a behind-the-scenes look at their original work, THE GAP AND THE GLUE. Producer & Host: Sadie Lockhart   

A behind the scenes look into the vision and creation of FUN HOME at American Stage.  An exploration of what it is like to play Alison at 3 different points in her life.  Conversation featuring: Adrianne Hick*(Adult Alison), Mollie Posnik (Medium Alison), and Mercy Roberts (Small Alison).  *Member of Actors’ Equity Association  Host and Audio Producer: Sadie Lockhart