The Talkback

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A podcast where we talk about the art form we love, it's issues, and other topics that affect the community. Through interviews and general discussions The Talkback will dissect, address, and discuss a wide range of theatrical topics - interviewing artists in both the Broadway and DC theatre communities.

Zachary Leo Harris


    • Feb 19, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 31 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Talkback

    30. Why Adaptations?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 22:30


    On today’s episode we explore Broadway’s obsession with works based on movies, and why this type of work is produced at a higher rate. #TheTalkbackPodcast

    29. The Good and Bad of TikTok Musicals

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 24:33


    On today’s episode we examine TikTok musicals and what it could potentially mean for the industry, the discourse around it, and where we go from here. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly

    27. The Tony Awards?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 20:54


    On today’s episode we talk about the mess that is this year’s Tony Awards in light of the newly announced voting window in 2021, and the desire to have the ceremony line up with the reopening of Broadway. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly

    27. On Fellowships, Opportunities, and Balance (ft. Des’ree Brown)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 63:15


    Today we talk with Director/Producer Des’ree Brown about her journey as an artist and her experiences she has had inside and outside of educational spaces. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    26. From Theatre to SoulCycle (ft. Grace Whitlock)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 51:35


    On this week's episode our co-producer Sara Reilly chats with Grace Whitlock about her journey from theatre to SoulCycle, along with how she's carried her skills from the stage to the podium. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    25. What Does It Take?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 35:19


    On today’s episode we ask the question of what it takes for someone to be considered fireable or unhireable in the industry in reaction to recent developments within the Broadway/Regional communities. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    24. Looking Forward to 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 15:12


    On today’s episode we outline some of the things we’d like to see from the theatre community during 2021, along with discussing some of the current events on the books for the year. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    23. A Curtain Call for 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 6:18


    On today’s episode we take a moment to reflect on our 2020 as we conclude the first calendar year our podcast has been a part of. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.  

    22. New Voices: Macy Schmidt (The Broadway Sinfonietta)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 52:25


    On this week’s episode we chat with the incredible Macy Schmidt - an Arranger/Orchestrator, Copyist, and Music Director based out of New York who is also the founder of The Broadway Sinfonietta; an all women orchestra uplifting the existence, excellence, & equity of female BIPOC musicians on Broadway. The Broadway Sinfonietta instagram: @thebroadwaysinfoniettayoutube: https://youtu.be/yjR0Yj7J4ZA Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    21. Ratatouille, the Musical?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 25:45


    On today’s episode we focus on the TikTok phenomenon known as Ratatouille, the Musical, along with some recent developments for the project. Our Christmas Offering: https://t.co/0kEOFZzOu6?amp=1 Ratatouille Musical: https://www.playbill.com/article/ratatouille-the-tiktok-musical-streaming-concert-to-benefit-the-actors-fund Original 'Ode to Remy": https://youtu.be/ISnEdfa7OEA Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.    

    20. The Importance of Musical Films and TV Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 27:36


    On today’s episode we talk about the good, the bad (CATS), and everything else that comes with musical films and TV shows. How important are these filmed attempts of theatre/musicals? Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    19. An Unorthodox Path (ft. Caroline Tyson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 39:56


    On today’s episode we talk with Caroline Tyson about their path to a career in design, their educational journey, and some advice about the next steps in your career.

    18. On Working With Your Peers (ft. Mercedes Blankenship, Cole Friedman, and Abigail Olshin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020 69:00


    On today’s episode we chat with three up and coming artists about their experiences working with peers, the obstacles, and lessons learned along the way. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    17. Our Favorite Quarantine Things (ft. Sara Elizabeth Reilly and Emily Alvarado)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 42:05


    On today's episode, we talk with co-producer Sara Elizabeth Reilly and friend of the podcast Emily Alvarado about their top 3 favorite theatre-related things to do/consume during quarantine! PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/great-performances/ Jingle Jangle: https://youtu.be/aYPUYVgwLWY What The Consitution: https://youtu.be/P2zSRdVanDY Hamilton: https://youtu.be/DSCKfXpAGHc Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    16. The Black Artist Coalition (ft. Vaughn Ryan Midder)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 74:06


    On today’s episode we sit down with Vaughn Ryan Midder (@vaughn_ryan_) of The Black Artist Coalition (@theblackartistcoalition) to discuss the organization's mission, goals, and the needs of the black community within the institution of theatre. The Black Artist Coalition: Instagram - @theblackartistcoalitionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackArtistCoalition Email - theblackartistcoalition@gmail.com Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    15. Inclusivity, Community, and Education (ft. Jake Young)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 38:54


    On today's episode we are so excited to have our dear friend and collaborator Jake Young on the show to chat about inclusivity! https://www.art-stream.org/ Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    14. ZAPI Artists (ft. Cindy Tsai)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 83:58


    On today’s episode we talk with @cindyctsai of @zapiartists (gen z, asian/pacific islander artists) to discuss their social media platform, activism, and issues within the arts community. ZAPI Artists: https://www.instagram.com/zapiartists/ See Our Truths https://www.instagram.com/seeourtruths/ Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    13. Writing for Zoom and the [untitled] MARTYR project (ft. Agyeiwaa Asante)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 43:51


    On today's episode we chat with playwright, Agyeiwaa Asante, about adapting to Zoom, the new normal, and her recent work '!  Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    12. New Voices: Joriah Kwamé (Little Miss Perfect, Write Out Loud)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 68:55


    Today’s episode features the incredible Joriah Kwamé (@joriahkwame), writer of “Little Miss Perfect”! https://www.actoraesthetic.com/ https://www.joriahkwame.com/ Little Miss Perfect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZIikh-z7g&ab_channel=WriteOutLoud Callie Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2V9nZ465Co Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    11. The Black Theatre Coalition (ft. T. Oliver Reid)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 42:16


    On today’s episode we chat with @toliverreid (Once on this Island, Hadestown) about the @blacktheatrecoalition, a non-profit focused on removing the “ILLUSION OF INCLUSION” by building a sustainable roadmap that will increase employment opportunities for Black theatre professionals. Instagram: @blacktheatrecoalition & @toliverreid Twitter: @Blacktheatreco1 & @toliverreid https://blacktheatrecoalition.org/ Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.  

    10. Swinging for Gun & Powder (ft. Kylie Clare Smith)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 52:33


    On today's episode we have Kylie Clare Smith joining the show to discuss her experience being a swing for the world premiere production of the (100% Broadway-bound) musical Gun & Powder at Signature Theatre in Virginia. This musical starred Broadway veterans such as Solea Pfeiffer, Emmy Raver-Lampman (also of The Umbrella Academy), Dan Tracy, Donald Webber Jr., and Marva Hicks and was directed by the amazing Robert O'Hara (Slave Play). Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly. ArtsCentric https://www.artscentric.org/ Gun & Powder https://www.sigtheatre.org/events/201920/gun-and-powder/

    09. Godspell with Berkshire Theatre Group (ft. Dan Rosales)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2020 51:42


    On today's episode we chat with the wonderful Dan Rosales, a cast member of Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of Godspell - one of Equity's first approved live theatrical events to happen during the pandemic. We chat about their unique rehearsal process, safety protocols, and the outlook for theatre moving forward in the COVID-19 world.   Brad Gibson's song FOOL: https://youtu.be/MiHQ3JcmqMw

    08. Virtual Stage Management (ft. Sara Elizabeth Reilly)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 31:20


    On today's episode our co-producer Sara Elizabeth Reilly joins us to share her experiences working as a stage manager during the time of COVID-19. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    07. On Casting (ft. Dani Ebbin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 61:56


    On today's episode, we talk with the wonderful Dani Ebbin about her journey into casting, her work in a multitude of casting spaces, and some conventions in the world of casting. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    06. Landless Theatre Co. and Prog Metal Sweeney (ft. Andrew Baughman)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 30:46


    On today's episode we sit down with Andrew Baughman to chat about his artistic journey, Landless Theatre Company, and his work on the Prog Metal version of Sweeney Todd. Music for this Episode is by Carner and Gregor The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly Landless Theatre company application https://www.landlesstheatre.com/companyapplication?fbclid=IwAR1FBPlkHiRs-Qx8PANb2Wc8myBHfYn2IMIsHmcJfGZo6HjBsyIjyj3awhE    

    05. Theatre Activism and Your Community (ft. Rikki Howie Lacewell)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 54:24


    On today's episode we have multi-talented artist Rikkie Howie Lacewell to chat about her community based activism during quarantine.  Music for this Episode is by Carner and Gregor The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly We See You W.A.T. https://www.weseeyouwat.com/ Anti-racism packet https://docs.google.com/document/d/16tuiRYmXO7-O4A52A0oUBy3l5TBgbLifJ7TZIhEJHqY/edit?usp=sharing Article by Tonya Pinkins https://link.medium.com/XsTIp5QKE8  

    04. Bootlegs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 22:39


    Our Host (Zachary Leo Harris) talks about the wonderful world of bootlegs - the good, the bad, and the arguments that come with the discussion. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song. The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

    03. So you want to be a Music Assistant? (ft. Sasha Bartol)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 22:57


    In today's episode we talk to Broadway Music Assistant, Sasha Bartol (Beetlejuice). We cover her journey into the field and how that came to be, along with tips and tricks from someone who is actively working in the field.  The Liz Swados Project: https://open.spotify.com/album/5U8YMbm8Mnc9ZhxERg35B8?si=hwJ7eq-DQlCEv_lN9oypfg follow us on instagram and twitter @thetalkbackpod Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly  

    02. Anti-Racism and Creating Space for Self (ft. Jasmine Mitchell)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 26:59


    In today's episode we chat with Jasmine Mitchell, an amazing creator from the DMV, about her anti-racism packet and her experiences making space for herself in white institutions. Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly We See You W.A.T. https://www.weseeyouwat.com/ Anti-racism packet https://docs.google.com/document/d/16tuiRYmXO7-O4A52A0oUBy3l5TBgbLifJ7TZIhEJHqY/edit?usp=sharing

    01. Race and Representation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 29:25


    Today's Episode has no guest, however our Host (Zachary Leo Harris) addresses the issue of race and representation in theatre on the community, educational, and professional levels. follow our host Zachary Harris @zacharyleo34 follow us on instagram and twitter @thetalkbackpod We See You White American Theatre https://www.weseeyouwat.com/ Theatre in Color https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gxunt32q79sifkk/AAAyUN80-5-eRwi5VVNW5I3Ca?dl=0 Musical Theatre Educators Blog https://www.musicaltheatreeducators.org/blog/diversity-in-the-traditional-musical Playbill article https://www.playbill.com/article/5-steps-toward-making-theatre-more-diverse Lin-Manuel Miranda video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQEtqkwDTkI&t=66s

    Welcome to The Talkback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 3:57


    Here is our introduction to the podcast and it's host, Zachary Harris. We'll cover the who and why of this podcast here: The Talkback is a podcast that's focused on talking about theatre, the problems within the community, and engaging with industry experts to continue the dialogue about the art for we love.

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