The Scene Podcast

This week on The Scene Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed playwright Anna Ziegler, whose work explores identity, memory, and the intimate collisions between the personal and political. From Photograph 51 to Actually and The Wanderers, Anna shares how her background in poetry shaped her voice, how she approaches ambiguity on stage, and why she's drawn to characters who exist in tension with themselves. It's a thoughtful, layered conversation that celebrates quiet power in theatrical storytelling. Episode NotesGuest:Anna Ziegler – @icanbakecakesTopics Covered:The evolution of Anna's writing from poetry to playwritingCrafting morally complex charactersThe resonance of silence, subtext, and restraintThe journey of Photograph 51 and portraying Rosalind FranklinBalancing emotional intimacy with large thematic questionsHow The Wanderers wrestles with faith, authorship, and connectionAnna Ziegler Plays :Photograph 51ActuallyThe WanderersA Delicate ShipBoy The Scene Team Leah Barker - Producer & Talent CoordinatorJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

This week on The Scene Podcast, we're joined by the dynamic writing duo Carrie McCrossen and Ian McWethy, partners in both life and theatre. Known for their sharp wit and genre-blending scripts, the pair shares how their collaborative process evolved from comedy sketches to critically acclaimed plays. We talk about teaching theatre, navigating adaptations, and what it's really like to co-write with your spouse. Plus, we debut a brand-new segment inspired by Letterboxd's “Four Favorite Films”, but this time, it's all about the plays that shaped us.Episode NotesGuests:Carrie McCrossen – @carriemccrossenIan McWethy – @ianmcwethyRelease Date: May 17, 2025Topics Covered:Writing as a duo: humor, compromise, and creative alignmentTheir approach to youth theatre and educational licensingNavigating tone in farce, satire, and social commentaryThoughts on adaptations and writing for the stage todayDebut segment: “Four Favorite Plays”—inspiration, nostalgia, and chaosWorks Referenced:Bad Auditions by Bad ActorsThe Ten Best Worst Things About High School#CensoredPlus, selections from their “Four Favorite Plays” listListen: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsFollow Us: @thescene_news on Instagram and TikTok The Scene Team Leah Barker - Producer & Talent CoordinatorJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

In this special bonus episode of The Scene Podcast, we're joined by theatre commentators and content creators Liz Gutridge, Ashley Hufford, and Maggie Hill for a lively roundtable breaking down the 2025 Tony Award nominations. From thrilling surprises to frustrating omissions, we dig into the major trends, record-setting shows, and rising stars shaping this year's Broadway honors. Plus, we highlight past Scene guests who are now Tony nominees, celebrating their achievements and discussing their standout contributions to the season. Episode NotesTopic: The 2025 Tony Award NominationsRelease Date: May 3, 2025 Guests:Liz Gutridge – @lizgutridgeAshley Hufford – @ashley_huffordMaggie Hill – @themaggiehill Official 2025 Tony Nominees – tonyawards.comFollow Us: @thescene_news on Instagram and TikTok The Scene Team Leah Barker - Producer & Talent CoordinatorJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

Season 3 premieres with boundary-pushing storyteller Kate Douglas—playwright, librettist, composer, and creator of The Apiary. Kate's work spans music, immersive theatre, and environmental advocacy, making space for stories that are deeply human and defiantly unconventional. In this episode, she opens up about her early artistic journey, the personal and ecological inspirations behind The Apiary, and her recent research trip to Poland exploring physical therapy through movement. Plus, we dig into her analog immersive project Wilderness Neo, and her alt-folk-infused music that bridges chamber opera and indie soul. Episode NotesGuest: Kate Douglas (Playwright, Librettist, Creator of The Apiary, The Ninth Hour)Topics Covered:The evolution from musician to multidisciplinary theatre-makerWriting The Apiary and its journey to Off-BroadwayHow environmentalism shapes Kate's creative lensWilderness Neo: blending analog mystery with youth engagementStudying physical therapy through movement in PolandKate's genre-fluid music across theatre and solo workReferenced Works:The Apiary (Off-Broadway, 2024)Wilderness NeoThe Ninth HourThe Lucky Few Centuries The Scene Team Leah Barker - Producer & Talent CoordinatorJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

The Scene Podcast is back for Season 3, and we're raising the curtain on a brand-new lineup of bold voices, breakout talent, and behind-the-scenes brilliance. From Tony-winning writers to rising playwrights shaking up the stage, this season is packed with unfiltered conversations, career insights, and the craft behind the curtain. Whether we're live from the International Thespian Festival or diving into the future of Broadway, this season isn't just about what's onstage—it's about who's creating the scene.Season Premiere: April 19, 2025Guests this Season: Kate Douglas, James Ijames, John Cameron Mitchell, Anna Ziegler, Ngozi Anyanwu, and many moreSpecial Episodes:The 2025 Tonys RoundtableLive from the International Thespian FestivalBonus episode with John CarianiRelease Schedule: Bi-weeklySubscribe now so you don't miss a single conversation – tell your scene partners! The Scene Team Leah Barker - Producer & Talent CoordinatorJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

The second part of our 2024 Texas Thespians coverage! New episodes of The Scene podcast are coming soon.Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

It's the first part of The Scene Texas Thespians episode. Join us for interviews with the Scene team and special guests from the conference floor. Plus, we'll offer some plays that would be perfect for the UIL One-Act play competition! Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An Exclusive Interview with Lauren Gunderson Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Michael Cotey (ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence) Hosted by Justin BorakProduced, edited, and mixed by KJ LamparCo-Produced by Leah BarkerAdditional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSZoë DyckMelissa KlineJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Candrice JonesHosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Kate HamillHosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Jaclyn BackhausHosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Alvaro Saar Rios. Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Sandy RustinHosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Brooke Maxwell & Jacob Richmond (Ride the Cyclone Team)Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits, Fraggle Rock) Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Zoë Dyck Melissa Kline Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Jeanna de Waal (Diana: The Musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter

Justin lists three more plays you should know, including Max Posner's Sisters on the Ground. Plus, a crash course on Broadway's most iconic musical duo. We'll wrap up the show with an extensive list of auditions that are perfect for a range of theatre people, featuring Play to Z's Erika Kuhn. Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter

Justin gives his thoughts on Describe the Night by Rajiv Joseph as well as goes well beyond a minute talking about his favorite French playwright, Moliere.Hosted by Justin Borak Produced, edited, and mixed by KJ Lampar Co-Produced by Leah Barker Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter

Music Credits (in order of appearance)Trendy Hip Hop by LoopsLabThe Great Inspiration by matsteinerFunny Sitcom Theme by AGsoundtraxShow Me the Money by JBlanksMotivational Dream by matsteiner Music and Sound Effects Licenses acquired by Envato Elements

Music Credits (in order of appearance)Trendy Hip Hop by LoopsLabThe Great Inspiration by matsteinerFunny Sitcom Theme by AGsoundtraxShow Me the Money by JBlanksMotivational Dream by matsteiner Music and Sound Effects Licenses acquired by Envato Elements

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Scene! Gather your chestnuts and get cozy by the open fire. We've got a festive line-up you won't want to miss. And who knows? We may have brought a few guests home for the holidays...

Dipika Guha's dramedy is highlighted in this week's Shows You Should Know. Plus, Justin shares a quick history lesson in William Shakespeare as well as a few of his favorite Broadway pro shots.

This week, we're discussing a new play that examines an American classic through a contemporary lens. Plus, we're going to give the ultimate history lesson for the Tony Awards in under a minute. 

It's the season premiere of your new favorite theatre podcast! Join Justin Borak as he unveils the weekly segments you can expect with every episode. (Shows You Should Know, Theatre in a Minute). Plus, Erika Kuhn (Play to Z, Kill the Bird) is our first featured guest for our rotating segment, Playdate. 

Join Justin Borak as we give you a sneak peek into your new favorite theatre podcast. The Scene Podcast premieres November 6th, with new episodes dropping every Monday!