The Scene Podcast

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The Scene is a supplement to the popular newsletter. Playwright and host Justin Borak provides an entertaining and informative look at theatre and theatre education.

Justin Borak, Zach Dulli, KJ Lampar


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 32 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Scene Podcast

    An Interview With Anna Ziegler (Photograph 51)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 30:03


    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

    An Interview with Ian McWethy and Carrie McCrossen (Mascots)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 55:27


    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

    Tony Awards 2025 Nominations (Reactions & Predictions)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 142:44


    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

    An Interview with Kate Douglas (The Apiary)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 43:21


    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

    SEASON 3 ANNOUNCEMENT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 6:16


    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

    Texas Thespians Part 2: Dulli, Don, & Dorf

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 34:32


    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

    The Scene at Texas Thespians (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 36:00


    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 Interview with Lauren Gunderson (The Book of Will)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 35:30


    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 Interview with Michael Cotey (ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 38:30


    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 Interview with Candrice Jones (Flex)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 35:22


    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 Interview with Kate Hamill (Pride and Prejudice)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 32:49


    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 Interview with Jaclyn Backhaus (Men on Boats)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 41:50


    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 Interview with Alvaro Saar Rios (On the Wings of a Mariposa)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 37:58


    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 Interview with Sandy Rustin

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 36:19


    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 Interview with Brooke Maxwell & Jacob Richmond (Ride the Cyclone Team)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 26:11


    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 Interview with Douglas Lyons

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 35:02


    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 Interview with Jeanna de Waal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 32:33


    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

    Sisters on the Ground, Rodgers and Hammerstein & Finding the Perfect Monologue with Erika Kuhn

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 28:03


    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

    Rajiv Joseph, Moliere, & StarKid Productions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 20:10


    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

    Isaac's Eye, Brown University, & 2024 Broadway Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 26:06


    Gracie Gardner, Henrik Ibsen, & New Play Exchange

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 18:02


    Emma: A Pop Musical, Playwright Horizons, & Lynn Nottage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 18:10


    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

    Comeuppance, Neil Simon, & Atlanta's Alliance Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 14:48


    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

    Hot Girl Plays You Should Read, Wicked, & Oh, Hello On Broadway

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 19:04


    Liz Gutridge, Annie Baker, & Guthrie Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 19:21


    The Scene Holiday Special (2023)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2023 34:49


    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...

    Hype Man a break beat play, August Wilson, & Pigpen Theatre Co.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 16:25


    The Cherry Orchard, Paula Vogel, & Play to Z

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 22:11


    Blown Youth, William Shakespeare, & Broadway Pro Shots

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 24:52


    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.

    John Proctor is the Villain, The Tony Awards, & Everyman Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 16:24


    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. 

    Back to the Future, Anton Chekov, & Erika Kuhn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 18:30


    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. 

    Welcome to The Scene Podcast!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 8:40


    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!

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