The Yay w/Norman Gee & Reg Clay

Allan Samson Manalo is back in the guest chair for The Yay. When Allan was last with us (Episode 237), we talked about good times and the wonderful history of Bindlestiff Studios. Today, he talks about his show, In Bituin, the show he has created in loving memory of his late wife Joyce. We talk about how theatre can help in the act of recovery and healing – and reflection. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: The Day The Sky Turned Orange (SF BATCO) Sept 5 – Oct 5 Julius Rea is a part of the writing team https://www.sfbatco.org/orange?_gl=1*hw20cb*_gcl_au*MTM3MjExODcyMi4xNzQ2ODkxNzQ0*_ga*MTQ1MDQyNzIxNS4xNzQ2ODkxNzQ0*_ga_J4D8M8TLG0*czE3NDY4OTE3NDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NDY4OTE3NDQkajYwJGwwJGgw Sweet Charity (San Jose Stage) June 4 – 29 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) and Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/sweet-charity Daryo's All American Diner (Oakland Asian Cultural Center) May 18th – 2pm free with registration Jake Fong, Joe Cascasan (Episode 196), and Earlina Somera (Episode 151) are in the reading Conrad Panganiban (Episode 16) wrote the play and Mallory Somera (Episode 151, 249) is directing the reading https://oacc.cc/event/daryos-all-american-diner/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Marin Shakespeare Company) June 13 – July 13 Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.marinshakespeare.org/midsummer/ The Book of Will (Ross Valley Players) May 9 – June 8 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) and Marty Pistone (Episode 261) are in the show https://www.rossvalleyplayers.com/the-book-of-will/ In Bituin (Bindlestiff Studio) May 22 – 24 Alan Manalo (Episode 237) wrote, directed and is in the play https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=282100&fbclid=IwY2xjawKMTg9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFseFk1c1V1WU1sTlFHUWVWAR6CdftUYtTSD_UIM6wG4Kby8SeIzAJ9x2YzzacdCSmB94UboJc3VUT17sRANw_aem_euNrVBGfmx1aBi7kQWYYjQ The Future That Liberals Want (Eclectic Box SF) May 2 – 24 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 and 268) is in the play https://awesometheatre.org/2025/03/31/the-future-that-liberals-want-or-resume-building-post-apocalypse/ Yellow Face (Shotgun Players) May 10 – June 8 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29, 233) and Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/YELLOW-FACE/ Pacific Overtures (Kunoichi Productions at Brava Theatre) May 30 – June 15 Eiko Moon Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225 is in the show) https://www.kunoichiproductions.org/pacific-overtures Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I have been very busy but we're back! And our good friend Julius Rea is back as well – his musical (based on his book), The Day The Sky Turned Orange, will be premiering on September 5th. We last had Julius on three years ago, when we talked about his play, Sarafael, and we can't wait to talk about this new project. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 THE SHOWS: The Day The Sky Turned Orange (SF BATCO) Sept 5 – Oct 5 Julius Rea is a part of the writing team https://www.sfbatco.org/orange?_gl=1*hw20cb*_gcl_au*MTM3MjExODcyMi4xNzQ2ODkxNzQ0*_ga*MTQ1MDQyNzIxNS4xNzQ2ODkxNzQ0*_ga_J4D8M8TLG0*czE3NDY4OTE3NDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NDY4OTE3NDQkajYwJGwwJGgw Sweet Charity (San Jose Stage) June 4 – 29 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) and Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/sweet-charity Daryo's All American Diner (Oakland Asian Cultural Center) May 18th – 2pm free with registration Jake Fong, Joe Cascasan (Episode 196), and Earlina Somera (Episode 151) is in the reading Conrad Panganiban (Episode 16) wrote the play and Mallory Somera (Episode 151, 249) is directing the reading https://oacc.cc/event/daryos-all-american-diner/ The Book of Will (Ross Valley Players) May 9 – June 8 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) and Marty Pistone (Episode 261) are in the show https://www.rossvalleyplayers.com/the-book-of-will/ In Bituin (Bindlestiff Studio) May 22 – 24 Alan Manalo (Episode 237) wrote, directed and is in the play https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=282100&fbclid=IwY2xjawKMTg9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFseFk1c1V1WU1sTlFHUWVWAR6CdftUYtTSD_UIM6wG4Kby8SeIzAJ9x2YzzacdCSmB94UboJc3VUT17sRANw_aem_euNrVBGfmx1aBi7kQWYYjQ The Future That Liberals Want (Eclectic Box SF) May 2 – 24 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 and 268) is in the play https://awesometheatre.org/2025/03/31/the-future-that-liberals-want-or-resume-building-post-apocalypse/ Yellow Face (Shotgun Players) May 10 – June 8 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29, 233) and Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/YELLOW-FACE/ Pacific Overtures (Kunoichi Productions at Brava Theatre) May 30 – June 15 Eiko Moon Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225 is in the show) https://www.kunoichiproductions.org/pacific-overtures Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

It's been a while but we're back! And our next guest is teacher, lecturer and playwright Terry Boero. We learn about her upbringing her work at SF State, any new works she's working on now, and her future. Terry can be contacted directly via Instagram at @merriberriterri and on Bluesky: Terry-Boero.bsky.social Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Exotic Deadly (SF Playhouse) Jan 30 – March 8 Nicole Tung (Episode 314) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/exotic-deadly-or-the-msg-play/ Froggy (Center Rep) LAST SHOW TOMORROW (March 2) Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Cuckoo Edible Magic (SF BATCO) Feb 13 – March 8 Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show https://www.sfbatco.org City of Angels (Pinole Community Players) March 7 – 23 Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.pinoleplayers.org/cityofangels Wild With Happy (NCTC) March 7 – April 6 ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org Fat Ham (San Francisco Playhouse) March 20 – April 19 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show Khary Moye (Episode 45) is an understudy for the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/fat-ham/ Simple Mexican Pleasures (NCTC) April 4 – May 11 https://nctcsf.org/event/simple-mexican-pleasures/ SF Fringe Festival (SF State) April 4-8 Terry Boero and Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) is coordinating the event https://gateway.sfsu.edu/public/webcalendar/event/56218 Government Housing (Lower Bottom Playaz) April 4 – 29 Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) wrote and directed the show https://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Jersey Boys (Palo Alto Players) April 18 – May 4 Lauren Jiang & James Jones (Episode 245) are in the show Danny Martin (Episode 71) is in the show https://paplayers.org Pacific Overtures (Kunoichi Productions at Brava Theatre) May 30 – June 15 Eiko Moon Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225 is in the show) https://www.kunoichiproductions.org/pacific-overtures Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Aaron Seymour is our next guest for The Yay. He is an actor who has worked at the Eclectic Box Theatre and last worked with Jake Fong doing A Soldier's Story. Jake and I talk about Aaron's upbringing, his thoughts on bay area theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Aaron can be contacted directly via Facebook Messenger. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Exotic Deadly (SF Playhouse) Jan 30 – March 8 Nicole Tung (Episode 314) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/exotic-deadly-or-the-msg-play/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Daisy (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 23 – Feb 9 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org/daisy/ Froggy (Center Rep) Feb 9 – March 2 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Cuckoo Edible Magic (SF BATCO) Feb 13 – March 8 Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show https://www.sfbatco.org Fat Ham (San Francisco Playhouse) March 20 – April 19 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show Khary Moye (Episode 45) is an understudy for the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/fat-ham/ Government Housing (Lower Bottom Playaz) April 4 – 29 Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) wrote and directed the show https://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps ShawnJ West (Episode 146), along with Elizabeth Jones and Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a part of a new and exciting theatre podcast called Creatively Shaded. Check them out on any podcast app. Will Hammond (Episode 9) has a new podcast called Will Wonders Why – a podcast where he explores his adventures in music, food and seeking out the answers to random thoughts – you can find it exclusively on Spotify. Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Our next guest is Ryan Marchand, an actor who has worked with Theatre Yugen, the San Francisco Opera and Handful Players. Ryan was last seen on stage at Theatre Yugen, doing A Noh Christmas. Jake and I learn about Ryan's background, his work in bay area theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Ryan can be reached directly by Instagram: gone_aw_ry Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Exotic Deadly (SF Playhouse) Jan 30 – March 8 Nicole Tung (Episode 314) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/exotic-deadly-or-the-msg-play/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Daisy (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 23 – Feb 9 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org/daisy/ Forbidden City (SAG-AFTRA SF-NC Conservatory Screenplay Reading Series) Feb 7 – one night only Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the reading Email SF@sagaftra.org for more info Froggy (Center Rep) Feb 9 – March 2 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Cuckoo Edible Magic (SF BATCO) Feb 13 – March 8 Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show https://www.sfbatco.org Fat Ham (San Francisco Playhouse) March 20 – April 19 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show Khary Moye (Episode 45) is an understudy for the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/fat-ham/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Nicole Tung is an actress and choreographer and she's our next guest on a special two episode Yay. Nicole is the former director and choreographer at South Bay Musical Theatre. Jake and I learn about Nicole's upbringing, her work at South Bay Musical Theatre and what she's doing these days. Nicole can be reached directly via Instagram: @nicole__tung Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: The Him of His Garment (California Theatre Pittsburg) January 25 – one night only Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com/upcoming-events A Bright Room Called Day (Madrone Art Bar) January 22 – one night only Katherine Park (Episodes 246 and 250) is in the show https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-bright-room-called-day-by-tony-kushner-free-staged-reading-tickets-1135092254489 J'Accuse (SF Sketchfest) Jan 29th only Chuck Lacson (Episode 184) is in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/schedule-and-tickets/ Daisy (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 23 – Feb 9 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org/daisy/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Cuckoo Edible Magic (SF BATCO) Feb 13 – March 8 Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show https://www.sfbatco.org Froggy (Center Rep) Feb 9 – March 2 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Richard Perez, the artistic director at Town Hall Theatre, is our next guest on The Yay. I have had wonderful memories performing at Town Hall and it's an honor to have Richard on. Jake and I listen as Richard talks about his upbringing, his education at Arizona State University, his leadership at Town Hall and where he sees himself in the future. Richard can be reached directly via email: Richard.perez@townhalltheatre.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: The Him of His Garment (California Theatre Pittsburg) January 25 – one night only Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com/upcoming-events A Bright Room Called Day (Madrone Art Bar) January 22 – one night only Katherine Park (Episodes 246 and 250) is in the show https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-bright-room-called-day-by-tony-kushner-free-staged-reading-tickets-1135092254489 Waitress (SF Playhouse) LAST SHOW TONIGHT (Jan 18) Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ J'Accuse (SF Sketchfest) Jan 29th only Chuck Lacson (Episode 184) is in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/schedule-and-tickets/ Daisy (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 23 – Feb 9 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org/daisy/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Cuckoo Edible Magic (SF BATCO) Feb 13 – March 8 Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show https://www.sfbatco.org Froggy (Center Rep) Feb 9 – March 2 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps ShawnJ West (Episode 146), along with Elizabeth Jones and Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a part of a new and exciting theatre podcast called Creatively Shaded. Check them out on any podcast app. Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I welcome Tory Williams, an actor who worked with Jake when they did A Soldier's Story. Tory talks about his upbringing in Little Rock, Arkansas; his time as an actor in the bay and where he sees himself in the future. Tory can be contacted directly via Instagram: @torywofficial SHOWS: The Oracle (The Lost Church SF) LAST SHOW Jan 11! Diana Brown (Episode 242) is in the show https://thelostchurch.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/ Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ J'Accuse (SF Sketchfest) Jan 29th only Chuck Lacson (Episode 184) is in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/schedule-and-tickets/ Daisy (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 23 – Feb 9 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org/daisy/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Cuckoo Edible Magic (SF BATCO) Feb 13 – March 8 Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show https://www.sfbatco.org Froggy (Center Rep) Feb 9 – March 2 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps ShawnJ West (Episode 146), along with Elizabeth Jones and Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a part of a new and exciting theatre podcast called Creatively Shaded. Check them out on any podcast app. Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Joey Alvarado is our next guest as we welcome in 2025! Joey is a veteran actor who's last show was A Noh Christmas at Theatre of Yugen. Joey has also worked with the Pear Theatre and Z Space, among other companies. Jake and I talk about Joey's upbringing, how he got into theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Joey Alvarado can be reached directly via Instagram: @tito_sexty Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) LAST SHOW TONIGHT (1/4) Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Oracle (The Lost Church SF) Jan 10 & 11 Diana Brown (Episode 242) is in the show https://thelostchurch.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/ Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps ShawnJ West (Episode 146), along with Elizabeth Jones and Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a part of a new and exciting theatre podcast called Creatively Shaded. Check them out on any podcast app. Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

This is the end of the year and it's altogether fitting that we bring Norman Gee back as our guest for the last Yay of 2024. We'll give an assessment of how the year has been, what Norman has set for the future and we'll give Norman the proper send off and thanks for being a magnificent host of the Yay from 2017-2024. Norman can be reached directly via Instagram: @whosyrhoosier Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 4! Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) LAST SHOW Dec 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org The Oracle (The Lost Church SF) Jan 10 & 11 Diana Brown (Episode 242) is in the show https://thelostchurch.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/ Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps ShawnJ West (Episode 146), along with Elizabeth Jones and Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a part of a new and exciting theatre podcast called Creatively Shaded. Check them out on any podcast app. Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Actor, editor and color grader Mark Anthony joins Jake and I as our next guest on The Yay. Mark is a graduate of SF State University and has been on many stages in the bay area like Town Hall Theatre, Theatre Rhinoceros and the Altarena, where Jake and Mark shared the stage. We talk about Mark's upbringing, studying at SF State, how theatre in the bay has treated him and where he sees himself in the future. You can contact Mark directly via Instagram: @markanthonythethespian You can learn more about Mark via his LinkTree page: https://linktr.ee/staringmarkanthony?fbclid=IwY2xjawHS7cxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTuu4LxrpKkgS_q0zPzgyo4TAeM9sQLCpJTrAqYsEyxhHV-4LsXo776niw_aem_8YxutzQqEcpyl94QFlrq-A Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: A Christmas Carol (CenterREP) LAST SHOW DEC 22 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 4! Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) LAST SHOW TONIGHT Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org The Oracle (The Lost Church SF) Jan 10 & 11 Diana Brown (Episode 242) is in the show https://thelostchurch.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/ Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I introduce Devon LaBelle as our next guest. Devon is a prop master and scenic designer who has worked with Crowded Fire, Shotgun Players and the Contra Costa Civic Theatre. She is a two time TBA award winning props designer for her work on Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike (CCCT) and Eurydice (Shotgun Players). We talk to her about her upbringing, her studies at SF State and where she sees herself in the future. Devon can be reached directly via Facebook and Tiktok: @madprops Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: A Christmas Carol (CenterREP) Dec 12 – 22 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Leili & Majnun (Central Stage) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306) is in the show Torange Yeghiazarian (Episode 167 & 286) wrote and is directing the show https://centralstage.org/leili-%26-majnun Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) Nov 16 – Dec 22 Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show Julian Lopez-Morillas (Episode 217) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Bessie Zolno is our next guest on The Yay! Bessie is an actress, fight coordinator and an intimacy/violence choreographer – she was the former director of Center Stage. We talk about her background, her views on intimacy on the stage and where she sees herself in the future. You can contact Bessie directly via Instagram: @bessiezolno You can learn more about Bessie Zolno via her personal webpage: https://www.bessiezolno.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: A Christmas Carol (CenterREP) Dec 12 – 22 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org Leili & Majnun (Central Stage) Dec 5 - 15 Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306) is in the show Torange Yeghiazarian (Episode 167 & 286) wrote and is directing the show https://centralstage.org/leili-%26-majnun Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) Nov 16 – Dec 22 Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story Word for Word: The Strange Library (Z Below) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Chuck Lacson & Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show http://www.zspace.org A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show Julian Lopez-Morillas (Episode 217) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup In Love and Warcraft (CityLights Theatre) Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) is in the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251 & 293) is directing the show https://cltc.org/event/warcraft/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I are doing two Yays this weekend! Yesterday we had fight choreographer Brandon DiPaola – today we have actor Sean Purcell, who last performed with Jake in A Soldier's Play two years ago. We talk to Sean about his upbringing, his studying at Buffalo State University, his life as a bay area actor and what he's doing now. Sean can be reached directly via Instagram: @purcsn12 Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Leili & Magnun (Central Stage) Dec 5 - 15 Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306) is in the show Torange Yeghiazarian (Episode 167 & 286) wrote and is directing the show https://centralstage.org/leili-%26-majnun Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) Nov 16 – Dec 22 Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story Word for Word: The Strange Library (Z Below) Nov 13 – Dec 8 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Chuck Lacson & Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show http://www.zspace.org A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show Julian Lopez-Morillas (Episode 217) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) LAST SHOW SUNDAY DECEMBER 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving ;) Jake and I welcome Brandon DiPaola, an actor and fight coordinator. Brandon talks about his upbringing, his career in the bay, and where he sees himself in the future. You can follow Brandon via Instagram: @dipaola.brandon Brandon's resume can be found online here: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/brandondipaola Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Thirty-Six (Shotgun Players) Nov 16 – Dec 22 Lauren Garcia (Episode 207) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story Word for Word: The Strange Library (Z Below) Nov 13 – Dec 8 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Chuck Lacson & Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show http://www.zspace.org A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show Julian Lopez-Morillas (Episode 217) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) LAST SHOW SUNDAY DECEMBER 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

Brady Morales-Woolery is our next guest on the Yay. Brady is an actor who was last seen on stage in the ACT production, Private Lives. Brady talks about his upbringing, studying at UC Berkeley and where he sees himself in the future. You can follow Brady via Instagram: @bradalius You can learn more about Brady via his website: https://www.bradymwoolery.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story Government Housing (Lower Bottom Playaz) LAST WEEKEND Gyselle Garcia (Episode 290) is in the play Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the play Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) wrote and directed the play https://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Word for Word: The Strange Library (Z Below) Nov 13 – Dec 8 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Chuck Lacson & Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show http://www.zspace.org A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) Nov 15 – Dec 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) LAST WEEKEND Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ The Curious Savage (Encore Players) LAST WEEKEND Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Natasha Adorlee is our next guest on The Yay – she is an actress and choreographer who recently won the Grand Prize at the Palm Desert Choreography Festival. Jake and I ask Natasha about her background, working with actors in choreography and where she sees herself in the future. Natasha can be contacted directly via Instagram and Threads: @natashaadorlee Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story Government Housing (Lower Bottom Playaz) Nov 14 – 24 Gyselle Garcia (Episode 290) is in the play Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the play Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) wrote and directed the play https://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Word for Word: The Strange Library (Z Below) Nov 13 – Dec 8 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Chuck Lacson & Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show http://www.zspace.org A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) Nov 15 – Dec 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ The Curious Savage (Encore Players) Nov 16-24 Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

I had the pleasure of watching an amazing production of The Engine of Our Disruption, done a year ago at Central Works. Pat Milton, the playwright (Episode 270) is our guest host and the star of that production is our next guest, Chelsea Bearce. Chelsea and Pat has collaborated several other times and Chelsea just did a stint at the Flash Comedy Show last night in Hayward. Chelsea talks about acting and comedy career, where she started and where she's headed. You can learn more about Chelsea via her webpage: http://www.chelseabearce.com Chelsea can be reached directly via Instagram: @chocnilla We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: The Contest (Central Works) Oct 19 – Nov 17 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org/the-contest/ Four Seasons in the Political Landscape (part of Playground 2024 Innovator's Showcase) Nov 4 – 24 Judicial Process (written & directed by Reg Clay) Cinquo de Mayo Compared to What (written by Richard Talavera, directed by Norman Gee) The Stick and the Ball (written and directed by Neil Harkins) UNTITLED (written and directed by Kristi Lin Billun) https://playground-sf.org/incubator/ Everybody (UC Berkeley Theatre Department) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Aejay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) choreographed the show https://tdps.berkeley.edu/everybody Every Christmas Story Ever Told – And Then Some (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 7 – 21 Cecilia Palmtag (Episode 34) is in the play https://www.townhalltheatre.com/every-christmas-story Government Housing (Lower Bottom Playaz) Nov 14 – 24 Gyselle Garcia (Episode 290) is in the play Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the play Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) wrote and directed the play https://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Word for Word: The Strange Library (Z Below) Nov 13 – Dec 8 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Chuck Lacson & Julie Kuwabara (Episode 184) is in the show http://www.zspace.org A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) Nov 15 – Dec 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ The Curious Savage (Encore Players) Nov 16-24 Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

Sinjin Jones, the former artistic director of the Pear Theatre, is our next guest on The Yay. I had the pleasure of working with Sinjin while I acted in Pear Slices two years ago. Sinjin shares with Jake and I his background, how the Pear is doing, why he stepped down as the artistic director and what his plans for the future are. Sinjin can be reached directly via Instagram: @sinjinjones You can learn more about Sinjin via his website: https://www.sinjinjones.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: The Contest (Central Works) Oct 19 – Nov 17 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org/the-contest/ Pickpocket (Musical Café) November 3 & 4 https://www.playcafe.org/performances Four Seasons in the Political Landscape (part of Playground 2024 Innovator's Showcase) Nov 4 – 24 Judicial Process (written & directed by Reg Clay) Cinquo de Mayo Compared to What (written by Richard Talavera, directed by Norman Gee) The Stick and the Ball (written and directed by Neil Harkins) UNTITLED (written and directed by Kristi Lin Billun) https://playground-sf.org/incubator/ A Sherlock Carol (San Jose Stage) Nov 20 – Dec 15 Li-Leng Au (Episode 189) is in the show https://www.thestage.org A NOH Christmas (Theatre Yugen) Dec 4 – 29 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.theatreofyugen.org A Pickwick Christmas (Magic Theatre/Rainbow Zebra) Dec 9 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) directs the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) Nov 15 – Dec 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ Yaga (Marin Theatre) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.marintheatre.org/show-details/yaga The Curious Savage (Encore Players) Nov 16-24 Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

Our next guest is David Maier, fight coordinator who has last worked with the Marin Theatre and their show Yaga. Jake and I interview David as he talks about the world of combat on stage, his upbringing and where he sees himself in the future. You can reach out to Dave directly via Instagram: @duelingartsdave Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director – creator of Women's Will, the all-female Shakespeare group that ran from 1998-2009, who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: The Contest (Central Works) Oct 19 – Nov 17 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org/the-contest/ Pickpocket (Musical Café) November 3 & 4 https://www.playcafe.org/performances Four Seasons in the Political Landscape (part of Playground 2024 Innovator's Showcase) Nov 4 – 24 Judicial Process (written & directed by Reg Clay) Cinquo de Mayo Compared to What (written by Richard Talavera, directed by Norman Gee) The Stick and the Ball (written and directed by Neil Harkins) UNTITLED (written and directed by Kristi Lin Billun) https://playground-sf.org/incubator/ My Brother's Gift (New Conservatory Theatre Center) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the play https://nctcsf.org/event/my-brothers-gift-matinee/ Ghostrave (Magic Theatre) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is the vocal director for the show https://magictheatre.org/calendar/ghostrave Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) Nov 15 – Dec 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ Yaga (Marin Theatre) October 10 – Nov 3 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.marintheatre.org/show-details/yaga Choir Boy (Shotgun Players) LAST SHOW TONIGHT Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the choreographer Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Curious Savage (Encore Players) Nov 16-24 Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

We're back – and we have a special announcement. Jake Fong is the new permanent co-host of the Yay! Jake has been a guest and a guest host for many episodes and, as Norman redirects his focus on family and future projects, Jake has the permanent 2nd chair. And our guest for episode 300 is Miranda Liu, an actress who is now in the Loose Knit, a show that just had its opening last week at the Masquers. Miranda talks about her background, her working at Costal Rep, TheatreWorks (where she received an award for Excellence in Playwrighting) and where she sees herself in the future. You can contact Miranda directly on Instagram: @_miranda_liu Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Erin Merritt (Episode 191) is a gifted actress and director who is suffering from ALS. She has been a blessing to the bay area theatre community and this is an opportunity to be a blessing for her. Her GoFundMe page link is below – please consider giving to help with her medical needs. Even a little bit counts. Erin Merritt's Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/e85e9f04 SHOWS: The Contest (Central Works) Oct 19 – Nov 17 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org/the-contest/ Pickpocket (Musical Café) November 3 & 4 https://www.playcafe.org/performances My Brother's Gift (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Oct 6 – 27 Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the play https://nctcsf.org/event/my-brothers-gift-matinee/ Ghostrave (Magic Theatre) Oct 17 – 27 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is the vocal director for the show https://magictheatre.org/calendar/ghostrave Death of a Salesman (Actor's Ensemble) Nov 15 – Dec 1st Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is Willy Loman https://www.aeofberkeley.org Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2024-2025-season/waitress/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ Yaga (Marin Theatre) October 10 – Nov 3 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.marintheatre.org/show-details/yaga Choir Boy (Shotgun Players) Sept 24 – October 26 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the choreographer Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Curious Savage (Encore Players) Nov 16-24 Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net The Breakup – A Latina Queer Torch Song Dec 6 – 15 Tina D'Elia (Episode 268) wrote and is the star of her one woman show https://www.brava.org/all-events/thebreakup

Ciera Eis is our next guest on The Yay – she's the director of Pickpocket, a new musical written by Sandy Kasten and Billy Wolfe, produced by Musical Café. The staged reading will be on November 3rd and 4th at 7pm. Jake and I will talk about Ciera's venture into theatre, her work with Musical Café and where she sees herself in the future. You can reach out to Ciera directly via Instagram: @eis_to_meet_you You can also learn more about Ciera here: https://cieraeis.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: Pickpocket (Musical Café) November 3 & 4 https://www.playcafe.org/performances Roots Intertwined (Z Space – Theatre Bay Area) October 7 Participants: Margo Hall (Episode 166); Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139 & 279); Zoe Chien (Episode 285); Richard Jennings (Episode 269); Jon Tracy (Episode 169); Kathleen Antonia Tarr (Episode 41) and Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153). Fifty Five Woman, the Erin Merritt Song (inspired by Erin Merritt – Episode 191) will be performed – written by Jen Coogan (Episode 239) https://www.theatrebayarea.org/tbacon-schedule/#Racial-Justice My Brother's Gift (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Oct 6 – 27 Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the play https://nctcsf.org/event/my-brothers-gift-matinee/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ Yaga (Marin Theatre) October 10 – Nov 3 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.marintheatre.org/show-details/yaga The Contest (Central Works) October 19 – Nov 17 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is the writer and director https://centralworks.org/the-contest/ Choir Boy (Shotgun Players) Sept 24 – October 26 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the choreographer Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Curious Savage (Encore Players) Nov 16-24 Steven McCloud (Episode 144) is directing the play https://encoreplayers.net Spoiled – Part of Reading Series Extravaganza (Magic Theatre) October 14 – one day only Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229

Jeannie Barroga has been on The Yay more times than any other guest - Episodes 18, 32, 221, 243 (with Raisa Donato) and 279 (with Ely Sonny Orquiza). There's a reason why: we love her so much. Talented writer whom Stanford has honored by having a section of their library dedicated to her, for her work on uplifting Filipino theatre - both in the bay area and throughout the United States. She and her lovely husband, Tony Williams, are moving to Oregon and we couldnt' let her go without saying goodbye. Norman and I share memories we've had with Jeannie; Tony shares their love story; and they talk about their future plans.

I've been dying to get this incredible actress in our chair for a while now and she's finally here! Equity actress Jeunee Simon is our next guest – she finished up playing Richard II at the Magic Theatre. Jeunee talks about her experiences in the bay area theatre scene, her education and background and where she sees herself in the future. You can learn more about Jeunee via her website: https://www.jeuneesimon.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid SHOWS: Roots Intertwined (Z Space – Theatre Bay Area) October 7 Participants: Margo Hall (Episode 166); Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139 & 279); Zoe Chien (Episode 285); Richard Jennings (Episode 269); Jon Tracy (Episode 169); Kathleen Antonia Tarr (Episode 41) and Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153). Fifty Five Woman, the Erin Merritt Song (inspired by Erin Merritt – Episode 191) will be performed – written by Jen Coogan (Episode 239) https://www.theatrebayarea.org/tbacon-schedule/#Racial-Justice Eureka Day Reading (Aurora Theatre) September 23 Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this play that will have its Broadway Debut in December Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the reading https://www.auroratheatre.org My Brother's Gift (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Oct 6 – 27 Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is an understudy in the play https://nctcsf.org/event/my-brothers-gift-matinee/ The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ Always.. Patsy Cline (Douglas Morrison Theatre – Hillbarn Theatre Company) THIS WEEKEND ONLY Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the play https://douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com/events/235184 Stories High XXIV (Bindlestiff Studios) Sept 12 – Sept 28 Jessica Fong (Episode 289) is fight coordinator for the show https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/storieshigh24 Yaga (Marin Theatre) October 10 – Nov 3 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.marintheatre.org/show-details/yaga The Contest (Central Works) October 19 – Nov 17 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is the writer and director https://centralworks.org/the-contest/ Choir Boy (Shotgun Players) Sept 24 – October 20 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the choreographer Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp Mourning Becomes Electra (Eugene O'Neill House) Sept 14 – Sept 29 (all performances sold out) Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://eugeneoneill.org/productions/festival/ As You Like It (Cal Shakes) Sept 12 – Sept 29 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the show Jed Parsario (Episode 63 & 186) is in the show https://calshakes.org/calshakes50_pr/ Spoiled – Part of Reading Series Extravaganza (Magic Theatre) October 14 – one day only Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Legally Blonde (Ray of Light Theatre) Sept 7 – 29 CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/legally-blonde Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

We had Cary Ann Rosko (Episode 77) back in August of 2018 – six years later, we bring her back on! Cary is rehearsing for The Thanksgiving Play, which will open at the Altarena on October 25 through Nov 24th, directed by the venerable Kimberly Ridgeway. You can learn more from Cary Ann Rosko via her website: https://www.caryannrosko.com Bridgette Dutta Portman (Episodes 75 & 136)'s play, Coffee Lady, has been published by Brooklyn Publishers! Jameelah Lane has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: The Thanksgiving Play (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 25 – Nov 24 Cary Ann Rosko is in the play Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the play https://www.altarena.org/2024-season-announcement/the-thanksgiving-play/ The Imaginary Invalid (Actor's Ensemble of Berkeley) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org As You Like It (Cal Shakes) Sept 12 – Sept 29 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the show https://calshakes.org/calshakes50_pr/ Spoiled – Part of Reading Series Extravaganza (Magic Theatre) October 14 – one day only Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Legally Blonde (Ray of Light Theatre) Sept 7 – 29 CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/legally-blonde Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Bridgette Dutta Portman (Episodes 75 & 236), now a faculty member of UC Berkeley and a member of the Pear's Board join The Yay once again as a guest host, and we welcome Brian Freeman, a veteran actor who has decades of experience as an actor in the bay area. Brian and I was part of the development of the Baldwin Project and he goes back to the days of Thick Description, a theatre group that resided where Playground SF now resides. We talk about Brian's past, the state of bay area theatre in the ‘80's and ‘90's, and what he's been doing now. Bridgette's play, Coffee Lady, has been published by Brooklyn Publishers! Jameelah Lane has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: Inventory: James Baldwin Abroad (Oakland Public Theatre) August 23-Sept 1 Norman Gee is directing; Reg Clay, Jake Fong (Episodes 228 & 289) are in the show https://tickets.playground-sf.org/TheatreManager/1/online?event=378 The Imaginary Invalid (Actor's Ensemble of Berkeley) August 24 – Sept 8 Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org As You Like It (Cal Shakes) Sept 12 – Sept 29 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the show https://calshakes.org/calshakes50_pr/ Spoiled – Part of Reading Series Extravaganza (Magic Theatre) October 14 – one day only Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Legally Blonde (Ray of Light Theatre) Sept 7 – 29 CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/legally-blonde Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

It's been a while but the Yay is back and Norman and I are happy to welcome Bruce Kaplan on as our next guest. Bruce is a veteran actor who shared the stage with me back in 2013 when we did 110 In The Shade. Bruce is currently in The Imaginary Invalid, which opens tonight at the John Hinkel Park Ampitheatre tonight. Bruce and I talk about his upbringing, our reflections on working at the DMT, the future of bay area theatre and what his plans are for the future. Bruce can be reached directly via Facebook. Jameelah Lane aka Jameelah Love has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: Inventory: James Baldwin Abroad (Oakland Public Theatre) August 23-Sept 1 Norman Gee is directing; Reg Clay, Jake Fong (Episodes 228 & 289) are in the show https://tickets.playground-sf.org/TheatreManager/1/online?event=378 The Imaginary Invalid (Actor's Ensemble of Berkeley) August 24 – Sept 8 Bruce Kaplan is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org As You Like It (Cal Shakes) Sept 12 – Sept 29 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the show https://calshakes.org/calshakes50_pr/ Spoiled – Part of Reading Series Extravaganza (Magic Theatre) October 14 – one day only Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.classy.org/event/reading-series-extravaganza/e590229 Legally Blonde (Ray of Light Theatre) Sept 7 – 29 CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/legally-blonde Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Episode 293a Live at Camp Monologa (Better Quality) by The Yay w Norman Gee & Reg Clay

Norman and I just finished recording our first live podcast - at the beautiful Camp Monologa in Castro Valley! We hosted a panel of directors, to talk about "How to Nail Your Next Acting Gig", with guests Wynne Chan, John Maio, Kimberly Ridgeway and Salim Rizawi. Wynne Chan has worked all over the bay area, most recently with The Pear Theatre, directing The Chinese Lady this past spring; John Maio is a veteran director in the bay, having worked at Altarena, Hillbarn Theatre, Douglas Morrison Theatre and many others; Kim Ridgeway, who has been on the Yay many times, is currently directing Pat Milton's play The Accused, playing now until August 11; and Salim Rizawi is the casting director at Shotgun Players and has directed for many companies in the bay area. We touched on: mistakes made during auditions; doing your homework as an actor (know the play and the company you're auditioning for); and being realistic - knowing who you are as an actor and what you can and can't do. Since this was a live show, we didn't touch at all on current events or birthdays or upcoming shows (speaking of which, please check out Inventory: Baldwin Abroad, playing at Playground SF August 1-4 and at the BAM House August 22 - Sept 1st). Our focus is to help Plethos Productions, a company that means so much to Norman and I. Karin Richey has done a tremendous job in the 7 years of Plethos' existence, creating wonderful stories and creating opportunities for new actors and directors. Having a residence in Hayward is the next step for Plethos and we want to help them achieve that goal. You can help! Please go to https://givebutter.com/letsplethos and help Plethos continue to create wonderful theatre.

Actor. Playwright. Activist. Griot. He is all of these things and Norman and I are happy to have him on as our next guest. He is Biko Eisen-Martin, the bay area playwright of Pac & Biggie Are Dead, currently playing at the BAM House by the Lower Bottom Playaz until June 30. We talk about Biko's writings, the need to create theatre that pushes knowledge and challenges the audience, the enlightenment of the artist to be true to theirselves and Biko's plans for the future. Biko can be contacted directly via Instagram/Threads: @saybiko Biko also has a webpage where you can learn more about him: https://www.bikoeisenmartin.com. Jameelah Landry has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Pac & Biggie Are Dead (Lower Bottom Playaz) June 6 - 30 Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show Cat Brooks (Episode 283), Spence Stevens and Gyselle Garcia (Episode 290) are in the show Reg Clay is stage managing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Third and Palou (Bayview Opera House) Staged Reading - June 19 – 7pm Biko Eisen-Martin is the playwright Gyselle Garcia (Episode 290) is in the reading https://www.eventbrite.com/o/bayview-opera-house-1053373357 Crows Landing Gently, Gently (Magic Theatre) Part of the Rainbow Zebra New Works Series June 16 – one day only – free admission Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) is directing the reading Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120, 225) is in the reading https://magictheatre.org/calendar/readings The Glass Menagerie (SF Playhouse) May 2 – June 15 Jake Fong is understudying for the show Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) is directing the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/ Legally Blonde (Ray of Light Theatre) Sept 7 – 29 CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/legally-blonde

Norman and I are back and we have a treasured guest, Richard Talavera – talented playwright and veteran actor in the bay area. We had Richard on back in December of 2017 and a lot has changed in the last seven years since. We catch up with him to see what he's doing, the state of political theatre in the bay area and Richard's foray into teaching improvisation and the sociology of improv. Richard can be contacted directly via Facebook. Jameelah Landry has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Pac & Biggie Are Dead (Lower Bottom Playaz) June 6 - 30 Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show Cat Brooks (Episode 283), Spence Stevens and Gyselle Garcia are in the show Reg Clay is stage managing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Clyde's (City Lights Theatre) Running until June 9 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251), Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43), Damaris Divito (Episode 190) and Fred Pitts (Episode 256) are in the show https://cltc.org/event/clydes/ Crows Landing Gently, Gently (Magic Theatre) Part of the Rainbow Zebra New Works Series June 16 – one day only – free admission Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) is directing the reading Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120, 225) is in the reading https://magictheatre.org/calendar/readings The Glass Menagerie (SF Playhouse) May 2 – June 15 Jake Fong is understudying for the show Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) is directing the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/ Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios) LAST SHOW TONIGHT! Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2 Legally Blonde (Ray of Light Theatre) Sept 7 – 29 CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/legally-blonde Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

We've been delayed with projects, but we're back and we have two fantastic guests: Spence Stevens and Gyselle Garcia, two great actors who will be in the Lower Bottom Playaz' new show Pac & Biggie Are Dead – the show opens June 6th. Spence is a bay area beat maker – you can buy his beats here: linktr.ee/bosslifebigspence. Gyselle is a talented actress originally from Maryland. Both of them share their theatre experience here in the bay area, they talk about the upcoming show and what they have planned next in the future. Spence is on Instagram and you can follow him here: @bosslifebigspence Gyselle can be followed on Instagram here: @arcoisis_ Fellow Castmate Jameelah Landry has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Pac & Biggie Are Dead (Lower Bottom Playaz) June 6 - 30 Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show Cat Brooks (Episode 283), Spence Stevens and Gyselle Garcia are in the show Reg Clay is stage managing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Clyde's (City Lights Theatre) Running until June 9 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251), Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43), Damaris Divito (Episode 190) and Fred Pitts (Episode 256) are in the show https://cltc.org/event/clydes/ Crows Landing Gently, Gently (Magic Theatre) Part of the Rainbow Zebra New Works Series June 16 – one day only – free admission Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) is directing the reading Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120, 225) is in the reading https://magictheatre.org/calendar/readings The Glass Menagerie (SF Playhouse) May 2 – June 15 Jake Fong is understudying for the show Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) is directing the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/ Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios) May 16 – June 1 Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2 Best Available (Shotgun Players) May 18 – 31 Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) is the writer Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is the director Kimberly Ridgeway is the associate director https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=024EF838-9D32-4E17-9E72-50E57B566E5F&menu_id=686B151A-1B30-41FF-A109-52758163E164

It's been a while but Norman and I are back and we have Jake Fong – Jake has been on Episodes 228, 235 and 287 – I always love having Jake on as a guest host. Jake is currently understudying for the Glass Menagerie, now playing at SF Playhouse. Now he comes with his lovely wife and actress Jessica Fong, who just finished doing Sol, the Musical. Jessica shares her origin story, what theatre means to her and where she sees herself in the future. Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: The Glass Menagerie (SF Playhouse) May 2 – June 15 Jake Fong is understudying for the show Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) is directing the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/ Blue Door (Aurora Theatre) April 19 – May 19 Michael J. Asberry (Episode 183) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/blue-door The Fillmore Eclipse (Walking Cinema) May 3 – 12 Pete Fitzsimmons (Episode 65) and Jay Krohnengold (Episode 105) is in the show https://www.walkingcinema.org/projects/eclipse The Tutor (New Conservatory Theatre Company) April 5 – May 12 Torange Yeghiazarian wrote the play https://nctcsf.org/event/the-tutor/ Pac & Biggie Are Dead (Lower Bottom Playaz) June 1 - 30 Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show Reg Clay is stage managing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Nan (part of the 2024 Bay Area Playwright's Festival) May 6-12, streaming On Demand Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) will be in the play Jeannie Barroga (Episodes 18, 32, 221 & 243) is the dramaturg https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2024-bay-area-playwrights-festival/ The Chinese Lady (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform as Afong Moy on April 20 (8pm); April 25 (7:30pm); April 28 (2pm); May 4 (8pm) and May 12 (2pm) https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing Love Letters (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 11 Fred Pitts (with his lovely wife Kelly Rinehart) will perform May 10, 8pm Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform May 3rd, 2pm https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios) May 16 – June 1 Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2 As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Norman is back and we have a dear friend of mine, Linda Huang, on the Yay! Linda is a light board operator and all around tech person – she and I worked many shows for Off-Broadway West – Master Harold & The Boys, Life x 3 and The Birthday Party. She has always been someone I could rely on as a stage manager. Linda tells us what she's doing these days, what she enjoyed working tech and how she got into technical theater. Linda can be contacted directly on Facebook. Norman and I have been working diligently on the Baldwin Project, where our eventual play will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one black's great poet laureates, James Baldwin. Check out new readings and updates here: https://www.baldwincentennialproject.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: The Tutor (New Conservatory Theatre Company) April 5 – May 12 Torange Yeghiazarian wrote the play https://nctcsf.org/event/the-tutor/ Pac & Biggie Are Dead (Lower Bottom Playaz) June 1 - 30 Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show Reg Clay is stage managing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com Nan (part of the 2024 Bay Area Playwright's Festival) May 6-12, streaming On Demand Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) will be in the play Jeannie Barroga (Episodes 18, 32, 221 & 243) is the dramaturg https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2024-bay-area-playwrights-festival/ The Chinese Lady (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform as Afong Moy on April 20 (8pm); April 25 (7:30pm); April 28 (2pm); May 4 (8pm) and May 12 (2pm) https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing Love Letters (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 11 Fred Pitts (with his lovely wife Kelly Rinehart) will perform May 10, 8pm Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform May 3rd, 2pm https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shotgun Players) Plays through April 27 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 & 268) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Pride of Lions (Theatre Rhinoceros) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://www.therhino.org/the-pride-of-lions Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios) May 16 – June 1 Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2 King Liz (City Lights Theater Company) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Demaris DeVito (Episode 190) and Fred Pitts (Episode 256) are in the show https://cltc.org/wp-signup.php?new=cltc.org. As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Reg Clay (Instagram: @Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (Instagram: @whosyrhoosier)

Norman is away this weekend, so Jake Fong has jumped back in the co-host's chair. We have two special guests – married couple Michaela Hlinkova and Rama Mahesh Hall – both of whom are professional dancers in the bay area. Rama is a member of the Embodiment Project, a company that seeks to bring depth, narrative, beauty and fierce dedication to movement building work. Michaela is a member of See Through Soul, a company that uses movement to express self, seek truth and examine relationship dynamics. The Embodiment Project's website is here: https://www.embodimentproject.org See Through Soul's website is here: https://www.seethroughsoul.org Rama & Michaela can be followed on Instagram: @universoul_dance We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: The Tutor (New Conservatory Theatre Company) April 5 – May 12 Torange Yeghiazarian wrote the play https://nctcsf.org/event/the-tutor/ Nan (part of the 2024 Bay Area Playwright's Festival) April 14 & 19th in person at the Magic Theatre May 6-12, streaming On Demand Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) will be in the play Jeannie Barroga (Episodes 18, 32, 221 & 243) is the dramaturg https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2024-bay-area-playwrights-festival/ The Chinese Lady (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform as Afong Moy on April 20 (8pm); April 25 (7:30pm); April 28 (2pm); May 4 (8pm) and May 12 (2pm) https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing Love Letters (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 11 Fred Pitts (with his lovely wife Kelly Rinehart) will perform May 10, 8pm Eiko Moon-Yamamoto will perform April 27, 2pm https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shotgun Players) Plays through April 27 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 & 268) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Pride of Lions (Theatre Rhinoceros) Playing through April 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://www.therhino.org/the-pride-of-lions Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios) May 16 – June 1 Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2 King Liz (City Lights Theater Company) Playing until April 21 Demaris DeVito (Episode 190) and Fred Pitts (Episode 256) are in the show https://cltc.org/wp-signup.php?new=cltc.org. As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/

Norman and I are back to open up year 8 of The Yay and we bring back Torange Yeghiazarian, Fulbright Specialist, playwright and founder of Golden Thread. We had Torange on last in Sept of 2020 (Episode 167) and we welcome her back, as she promotes her latest play, The Tutor, now playing at the New Conservatory Theatre. We talk about the play, where Golden Thread is these days and her views on what's happening in the world, four years later. The New England Foundation for the Arts wrote a wonderful biography on Torange – you can learn more about her here: https://www.nefa.org/torange-yeghiazarian. Torange's personal website is here: https://torangeyeghiazarian.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: The Tutor (New Conservatory Theatre Company) April 5 – May 12 Torange Yeghiazarian wrote the play https://nctcsf.org/event/the-tutor/ The Chinese Lady (The Pear Theatre) April 19 – May 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.thepear.org/whats-playing A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shotgun Players) Plays through April 27 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 & 268) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp The Pride of Lions (Theatre Rhinoceros) Playing through April 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://www.therhino.org/the-pride-of-lions Boss McGreedy (Central Works) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) has written and directed the show https://centralworks.org/boss-mcgreedy/ The Divine Sarah (Ross Valley Players) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Anna Joham (Episode 87) is in the show http://www.rossvalleyplayers.com/the-divine-sarah/ Darkheart (Bindlestiff Studios) May 16 – June 1 Golda Sargento aka Rebel Maria (Episode 220) wrote the musical https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA2MzY2 King Liz (City Lights Theater Company) Playing until April 21 Demaris DeVito (Episode 190) and Fred Pitts (Episode 256) are in the show https://cltc.org/wp-signup.php?new=cltc.org. As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Best Available (Shotgun Players) May 18 – 31 Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) is the writer Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is the director Kimberly Ridgeway is the associate director https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=024EF838-9D32-4E17-9E72-50E57B566E5F&menu_id=686B151A-1B30-41FF-A109-52758163E164 Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Zoe Chien is our next guest on The Yay. I had the pleasure of working with Zoe, working on Cat Brooks' Tasha, the one woman show about the tragic death of Natasha McKenna – it played at Z Below in 2023. Zoe is the Associate Director of 3 Girls Theatre, a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and is a Playground Producing Fellow. Today, we talk about Zoe's upbringing, her delving into both acting and the managerial side of theatre and what her plans are for the future. Zoe is on Instagram at @thezoechien and you can learn more about Zoe on her website: www.zoechien.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Pipeline (African American Shakespeare Company) March 16 – 31 Gary Moore (Episode 278) is in the show https://www.african-americanshakes.org Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Extended to March 9 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ Legally Blonde (Foothill Musical Theatre) March 1 – 17 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://foothill.edu/theatre/productions/legally_blonde.html Boss McGreedy (Central Works) March 2 – 31 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) has written and directed the show https://centralworks.org/boss-mcgreedy/ The Divine Sarah (Ross Valley Players) March 15 – April 7 Anna Joham (Episode 87) is in the show http://www.rossvalleyplayers.com/the-divine-sarah/ Manhatta (Aurora Theatre) Feb 9 – March 10 Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/Manahatta Big Data (ACT) Feb 15 – March 10 Norman Gee is an understudy in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Measure for Measure (ACT – The Strand) Mar 15 – 17, March 19-30 (School & Community Tour) Evan Held (Episode 226) is in the show https://www.act-sf.org/community/for-students/a-c-t-out-tour/measure-for-measure/ Staged Reading of There's Something Wrong In There (3 Girls Theatre) April 21st Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) is directing the staged reading https://www.3girlstheatre.org Staged Reading of The Marriage Bind (Berkeley City Club) March 4 Jamie Greenblatt (Episode 173) wrote the piece https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/9700976913 Staged Reading of Kudzu 2012: A Gentrification Tale (The BAM House) March 1-3 Cat Brooks (Episode 283) wrote the piece https://www.aeofberkeley.org Unpacking in P'Town (New Conservatory Theatre Center) March 1 – 31 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Norman and I welcome back to The Yay an old friend, Scott Munson. Scott was on Episodes 13 and 53. The son of a Hollywood B movie actor, Scott received his education at UCLA. the W.B. Yeats School in Sligo, Ireland, and Harvard University. Scott and I were long time members of Eastenders Repertory Company and our last project was the Brecht Project, taking Brecht's work and adapting it to the events of the Trump Administration. That was in 2020 – four years later, here we are again. We'll talk about what's changed (if any) in four years, the future of playwrighting – specifically, do young people even want to write anymore? We'll also talk about what Scott's been up to recently. Scott can be reached directly via Facebook. We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Pipeline (African American Shakespeare Company) March 16 – 31 Gary Moore (Episode 278) is in the show https://www.african-americanshakes.org People Where They Are (San Jose Stage) Jan 31 – Feb 25 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/people-where-they-are Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Feb 10 – March 2 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ A Little Night Music (South Bay Musical Theatre) LAST NIGHT TONIGHT! Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://southbaymt.com/shows/ticket-sales/a-little-night-music/ Legally Blonde (Foothill Musical Theatre) March 1 – 17 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://foothill.edu/theatre/productions/legally_blonde.html Not Therapy – part of Mixed Metaphors show (Cutting Ball) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 and 268) is doing the one woman show Kieran Beccia (Episode 88) is also in the show https://cuttingball.com Boss McGreedy (Central Works) March 2 – 31 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) has written and directed the show https://centralworks.org/boss-mcgreedy/ Manhatta (Aurora Theatre) Feb 9 – March 10 Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/Manahatta Big Data (ACT) Feb 15 – March 10 Norman Gee is an understudy in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Unpacking in P'Town (New Conservatory Theatre Center) March 1 – 31 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Playwright, actress, politician, activist – Cat Brooks has made a huge impact in the Oakland community and we're pleased to have her as our next guest. I had the pleasure of stage managing her one woman show Tasha that played last year at Z Below, and now Bottled Spirits, a film written by her, directed by Elizabeth Carter and starring Margo Hall, will be showing at the New Parkway Theatre (474 24th Street in Oakland) on February 18th. We talk with Cat about Activist Theatre, her upbring and what new plans she has in the future. You can purchase tickets for Bottled Spirits here: https://www.stellartickets.com/o/black-lives-black-words-international-project/events/films-for-the-people-bottled-spirits/occurrences/0975d3e1-5829-4ef9-b652-2ae5cfebbe34 Cat has her own Wikipedia page – you can view it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_Brooks You can learn more about Cat from her personal website: https://www.catbrooks.org We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: People Where They Are (San Jose Stage) Jan 31 – Feb 25 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/people-where-they-are Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Feb 10 – March 2 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ A Little Night Music (South Bay Musical Theatre) Jan 27 – Feb 17 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://southbaymt.com/shows/ticket-sales/a-little-night-music/ Legally Blonde (Foothill Musical Theatre) March 1 – 17 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://foothill.edu/theatre/productions/legally_blonde.html Not Therapy (Cutting Ball) Feb 16-18 Radhika Rao is doing the one woman show https://cuttingball.com Boss McGreedy (Central Works) March 2 – 31 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) has written and directed the show https://centralworks.org/boss-mcgreedy/ Manhatta (Aurora Theatre) Feb 9 – March 10 Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/Manahatta Big Data (ACT) Feb 15 – March 10 Norman Gee is an understudy in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Unpacking in P'Town (New Conservatory Theatre Center) March 1 – 31 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

It's a full house for today's Yay! Jake Arky, his wife, Sam DiSalvo and Justin Hudnall are part of the So Say We All: Vamp Nonfiction Showcase, which was featured at the SF Sketchfest Thursday night. We'll learn about So Say We All, what brought the group together, and their future plans. You can learn more about the group So Say We All at their website: https://www.sosayweallonline.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: People Where They Are (San Jose Stage) Jan 31 – Feb 25 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/people-where-they-are Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Feb 10 – March 2 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ A Little Night Music (South Bay Musical Theatre) Jan 27 – Feb 17 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://southbaymt.com/shows/ticket-sales/a-little-night-music/ Legally Blonde (Foothill Musical Theatre) March 1 – 17 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://foothill.edu/theatre/productions/legally_blonde.html Misery (Palo Alto Players) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ Not Therapy (Cutting Ball) Feb 16-18 Radhika Rao is doing the one woman show https://cuttingball.com Manhatta (Aurora Theatre) Feb 9 – March 10 Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/Manahatta Big Data (ACT) Feb 15 – March 10 Norman Gee is an understudy in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Unpacking in P'Town (New Conservatory Theatre Center) March 1 – 31 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Best Available (Shotgun Players) May 18 – 31 Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) is the writer Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is the director Kimberly Ridgeway is the associate director https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=024EF838-9D32-4E17-9E72-50E57B566E5F&menu_id=686B151A-1B30-41FF-A109-52758163E164 Katherine Park (Episodes 246 and 250) will be performing in the San Francisco International Arts Festival on April 17 and possibly May 9 – the event is called the Last Supper Party https://www.sfiaf.org/2024_lsp_apr_17 Katherine is also in the movie Sorry, We're Dead – and it's performing at the Roxie Theater House on February 10th https://roxie.com/film/sf-indiefest-sorry-were-dead/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

It's always good to have Norman Gee back in his old seat – and our next guest is Brennan Pickman-Thoon, an actor, who is a fellow alumni of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Brennan has worked with ACT, the Berkeley Rep, Marin Theatre, Cal Shakes and Word for Word (where Norman knows him from). We'll talk about Brennan's journey into theatre, what's he's up to now and where he'll be going in the future. You can learn more about Brennan on his website: https://www.brennanpickmanthoon.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Feb 10 – March 2 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ A Little Night Music (South Bay Musical Theatre) Jan 27 – Feb 17 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://southbaymt.com/shows/ticket-sales/a-little-night-music/ Legally Blonde (Foothill Musical Theatre) March 1 – 17 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://foothill.edu/theatre/productions/legally_blonde.html Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ South Asian AF (SF Sketchfest 2024) Feb 1 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 & 268) is in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Not Therapy (Cutting Ball) Feb 16-18 Radhika Rao is doing the one woman show https://cuttingball.com Manhatta (Aurora Theatre) Feb 9 – March 10 Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/Manahatta Big Data (ACT) Feb 15 – March 10 Norman Gee is an understudy in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Unpacking in P'Town (New Conservatory Theatre Center) March 1 – 31 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Best Available (Shotgun Players) May 18 – 31 Jonathan Spector is the writer Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is the director Kimberly Ridgeway is the associate director https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=024EF838-9D32-4E17-9E72-50E57B566E5F&menu_id=686B151A-1B30-41FF-A109-52758163E164 Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Norman is away, so Jake Fong (from Episodes 228 and 235) will take over the co-host seat. Our guests are playwrights Jonathan Spector and Ipsheeta Furtado (co-creator of NFX Theater, a new theatre company that Mike Tuton – also co-creator of NFX (Episode 271) talked about when he was on our show. They both talk about their start in theatre, what's next with NFX Theatre and what their future looks like. Ipsheeta's Instagram contact is here: @_ipsheeta John's Instagram contact is here: @spectorama You can also find out more about Jonathan Spector through his website: http://www.jonathanspector.org You can check out NFX Theater's Substack here: https://nfxtheater.substack.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair Plethos Productions (run by Karin & Jon Richey – Episode 185) has a fundraiser going on to create a new theatre space in downtown Hayward! As part of the fundraising campaign, Plethos is hosting a retreat at Camp Monologa on the weekend of July 26-28. Along with a host of teaching classes by some of the best bay area theatre artists, The Yay will be hosting a live episode taping, plus gourmet kid-camp inspired food by Mad Creationz served at the Mess Hall, a swimming hole, wine and paint night, plus and so much more! You can find more about the fundraiser and give a donation here: https://givebutter.com/letsplethos SHOWS: Making Magic: Masterclass (Magic Theatre) Saturday, January 27 – 10am to 1pm Margo Hall (Episode 166) and Ely Sonny Orquiza will be teachers https://magictheatre.org/calendar/masterclass Representation Matters: A Theatre Artists Bootcamp (Balay Kreative) Sunday Jan 28 – 4pm to 6pm Ely Sonny Orquiza will be the teacher https://balaykreative.com/event-calendar/representation-matters The Laramie Project (Stage Bridge) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing the show https://www.stagebridge.org Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Feb 10 – March 2 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ South Asian AF (SF Sketchfest 2024) Feb 1 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 & 268) is in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Manhatta (Aurora Theatre) Feb 9 – March 10 Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show https://www.auroratheatre.org/index.php/shows-events/20232024-season/Manahatta Big Data (ACT) Feb 15 – March 10 Norman Gee is an understudy in the show https://sfsketchfest.com/2024-lineup/ Unpacking in P'Town (New Conservatory Theatre Center) March 1 – 31 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) is directing the show https://nctcsf.org As You Like It (SF Shakes) Feb – May in various areas Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is part of the musical creative team for this show https://sfshakes.org/tour/ Best Available (Shotgun Players) May 18 – 31 Jonathan Spector is the writer Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is the director Kimberly Ridgeway is the associate director https://shotgunplayers.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=024EF838-9D32-4E17-9E72-50E57B566E5F&menu_id=686B151A-1B30-41FF-A109-52758163E164

Our next guest is Ely Sonny Orquiza, who was last on in January 2020 (Episode 139) – since then, he's become Magic Theatre's Director of Education, created the Chikahan Company, created the Living Document, placing a spotlight to companies that has issues with diversity in casting and storytelling. To say that Ely has made an impact on Bay Area theatre is an understatement – he's made a name for himself as a director, an actor and a queer filipino creative. Joining us is the incredible Jeannie Barroga, established filipina playwright, whose works have been archived at Stanford University. And she's only the second person we've had on the Yay who has her own Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeannie_Barroga You can find more information on Ely on his personal website: https://www.elysonnyorquiza.org We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: Making Magic: Masterclass (Magic Theatre) Saturday, January 27 – 10am to 1pm Margo Hall (Episode 166) and Ely Sonny Orquiza will be teachers https://magictheatre.org/calendar/masterclass Representation Matters: A Theatre Artists Bootcamp (Balay Kreative) Sunday Jan 28 – 4pm to 6pm Ely Sonny Orquiza will be the teacher https://balaykreative.com/event-calendar/representation-matters The Laramie Project (Stage Bridge) Jan 19 – 21, 2024 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing the show https://www.stagebridge.org Monday Night Playground: The Shakespeare Multiverse Jan 15 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 115 & 251) and Christian Wilburn (Episode 198) has written pieces for the show https://playground-sf.org/monday/ Aren't You.. (The Marsh) Feb 10 – March 2 Fred Pitts (Episode 256) wrote and is acting in his popular one man show https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/fred-pitts-arent-you/ Mixed Metaphors (Cutting Ball Theatre) Feb 2 – 18, 2024 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21 & 131) is in the show https://cuttingball.com/productions/variety-pack-24 Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Our wonderful consulting producer Mallory Somera (Episode 151) produces two podcasts for KCBS radio: As Prescribed, a weekly conversation with leading medical experts at UCSF Medical Center; and Bay Current, a weekly news podcast, hosted by Mallory Somera. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Happy 2024 to everyone and thanks for listening once again! This will be year eight of The Yay and our first guest of this year is a gifted young actor, Gary Moore. Gary is a bay area actor and an illustrator that owns his own printing company, Chasing Greatness Prints. Gary worked with Norman and I on the Baldwin Project, where he read as James Baldwin, when we did our presentation at Playground SF. Gary talks about his upbringing, what brought him to theatre, and where he sees himself in the future. Gary is on Facebook and Instagram (@gmooreproductionz); You can also find out more about Chasing Greatness and buy his prints here: https://payhip.com/ChasingGreatnessPrints?fbclid=IwAR0ruyOcFj3IFsAcy2wxC36j6vNEqtWbF0Ecgl2Ncx5-00Isxjkj-uBtu3w We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book an appointment online here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: The Laramie Project (Stage Bridge) Jan 19 – 21, 2024 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing the show https://www.stagebridge.org Mixed Metaphors (Cutting Ball Theatre) Feb 2 – 18, 2024 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21 & 131) is in the show https://cuttingball.com/productions/variety-pack-24 Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Our wonderful consulting producer Mallory Somera (Episode 151) produces two podcasts for KCBS radio: As Prescribed, a weekly conversation with leading medical experts at UCSF Medical Center; and Bay Current, a weekly news podcast, hosted by Mallory Somera. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

This is our end of the year Yay and Norman and I are so grateful for all of the support from our listeners and those who have contributed to our podcast. For our end of the year episode, we have Gary Graves, who was last on in Episode 24 (on the podcast I said it was Ep 23 - my mistake) in July 2017 – he is the artistic director for Central Works and is, of course, our sponsor. We talk about the events of 2023, the bay area shows we've worked on, artists who have impressed us, and any thoughts on 2024. We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book your appointment here: https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: The Laramie Project (Stage Bridge) Jan 19 – 21, 2024 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing the show https://www.stagebridge.org Mixed Metaphors (Cutting Ball Theatre) Feb 2 – 18, 2024 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21 & 131) is in the show https://cuttingball.com/productions/variety-pack-24 Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) LAST SHOW TONIGHT Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120 and 225) and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Our wonderful consulting producer Mallory Somera (Episode 151) produces two podcasts for KCBS radio: As Prescribed, a weekly conversation with leading medical experts at UCSF Medical Center; and It's Generational, a deep dive on how each generation looks at things differently. Each episode features subject matters from perspectives of the Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Check out As Prescribed and It's Generational on all podcast apps. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief – check it out on all podcast apps. Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Reg Wilkins is a veteran actor of the stage, commercials and film, who has been in the bay area for many years, and is a long time collaborator with Lower Bottom Playaz. I had the pleasure of stage managing him when played Old Joe in Radio Golf this summer. Norman and I have Reg as our next guest and Reg shares his upbringing, how he got into acting and where he sees himself in the future. Reg can be contacted directly via Facebook or his email: suiteblack@yahoo.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. Book your haircut today at https://www.cbb.hair SHOWS: A Christmas Carol (ACT) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2023-24-season/a-christmas-carol/?gad_source=1 The Laramie Project (Stage Bridge) Jan 19 – 21, 2024 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing the show https://www.stagebridge.org Mixed Metaphors (Cutting Ball Theatre) Feb 2 – 18, 2024 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21 & 131) is in the show https://cuttingball.com/productions/variety-pack-24 Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) Dec 1 – 30 Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120 and 225) and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Our wonderful consulting producer Mallory Somera (Episode 151) produces two podcasts for KCBS radio: As Prescribed, a weekly conversation with leading medical experts at UCSF Medical Center; and It's Generational, a deep dive on how each generation looks at things differently. Each episode features subject matters from perspectives of the Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Check out As Prescribed and It's Generational on all podcast apps. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Deborah Cortez (Episode 98 & 238) has a podcast called Let's Talk About Grief And Your Loved One– check it out on all podcast apps – here's a link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Syu4c9gOELYvDSe0AQsNu?si=Y2A4qgE0T3KkjaiB-zLWIw Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. MERRY CHRISTMAS / POST HAUNAKKAH / KWANZAA / FESTIVUS HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE AND THANK YOU FOR LISTENING ;) Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Cris Cassell is our next guest on The Yay – she is a director that has worked with many companies in the bay area. I last worked with her for the Texas Chainsaw Musical, done for the Fringe Festival in 2009. Cris talks about what led her to theater, what's she's been doing now and what her future projects will be. Cris can be reached directly via Facebook and via LinkedIn. We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. SHOWS: A Christmas Carol (ACT) Dec 6 – 24 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2023-24-season/a-christmas-carol/?gad_source=1 It's A Wonderful Life (Ross Valley Players) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Evan Held (Episode 226) is in the show http://www.rossvalleyplayers.com/its-a-wonderful-life/ The Laramie Project (Stage Bridge) Jan 19 – 21, 2024 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing the show https://www.stagebridge.org Mixed Metaphors (Cutting Ball Theatre) Feb 2 – 18, 2024 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21 & 131) is in the show https://cuttingball.com/productions/variety-pack-24 Misery (Palo Alto Players) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is directing the show https://paplayers.org/event/misery/ A Very Hitchcock Christmas (Playground SF) LAST SHOWS TONIGHT AND TOMORROW Norman Gee is directing “Life Sleigh – Like Lifeboat, but with a Sleigh, Get It?” Jim Kleinmann (Episode 178) is directing “Santa On A Rope” Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) has written “A Stranger on a Holiday Train” Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is directing “How the Bates Almost Stole Christmas” Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is directing “A Stranger on a Holiday Train” Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing “A Window-ful Christmas” Krystle Piamonte (Episode 97), Letitia Duarte (Episode 119), Gwen Loeb (Episode 73) Maryssa Wanlass (Episode 93) and Khary Moye (Episode 45) are in the show https://playground-sf.org/hitchcockchristmas/ Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) Dec 1 – 30 Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120 and 225) and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ The Man Who Saved Christmas (Chanticleers Theatre) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Curtis Manning aka CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.chanticleers.org Home For The Holidays (Contra Costa Civic Theatre) LAST SHOW TONIGHT AND TOMORROW Lamont Ridgell (Episode 122) and Anita Viramontes (Episode 121) are in the show https://ccct.org The Play That Goes Wrong (San Jose Stage) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show John Rhys Williams (Episode 158) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/the-play-that-goes-wrong Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Norman and I welcome a great bay area actor, Adam KuveNiemann, who was last seen in New Conservatory Theatre Center's Before The Sword, a wonderful show that reminded me a great deal of the Dead Poet's Society. Adam is now in ACT's A Christmas Carol and we're happy he took time to be with us. Adam talks about his upbringing, his connection to theatre, and where he sees himself in the future. We also want to congratulate Adam for being a recent member of Actor's Equity! You can find out more about Adam via his website: https://www.adamkuveniemann.com You can also reach him on Instagram: @adam.kuveniemann We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. SHOWS: A Christmas Carol (ACT) Dec 6 – 24 Adam Kuveniemann is in the show https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2023-24-season/a-christmas-carol/?gad_source=1 It's A Wonderful Life (Ross Valley Players) Nov 17 – Dec 17 Evan Held (Episode 226) is in the show http://www.rossvalleyplayers.com/its-a-wonderful-life/ A Very Hitchcock Christmas (Playground SF) Dec 10, 16-17 Norman Gee is directing “Life Sleigh – Like Lifeboat, but with a Sleigh, Get It?” Jim Kleinmann (Episode 178) is directing “Santa On A Rope” Jeffrey Lo (Episode 153) has written “A Stranger on a Holiday Train” Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is directing “How the Bates Almost Stole Christmas” Linda Amayo-Hassan (Episode 83) is directing “A Stranger on a Holiday Train” Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episode 139) is directing “A Window-ful Christmas” Krystle Piamonte (Episode 97), Letitia Duarte (Episode 119), Gwen Loeb (Episode 73) Maryssa Wanlass (Episode 93) and Khary Moye (Episode 45) are in the show https://playground-sf.org/hitchcockchristmas/ Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) Dec 1 – 30 Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120 and 225) and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ The Man Who Saved Christmas (Chanticleers Theatre) Dec 1 – 17 Curtis Manning aka CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.chanticleers.org Home For The Holidays (Contra Costa Civic Theatre) Dec 8-10 and 15-17 Lamont Ridgell (Episode 122) and Anita Viramontes (Episode 121) are in the show https://ccct.org The Play That Goes Wrong (San Jose Stage) Extended until Dec 17th Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show John Rhys Williams (Episode 158) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/the-play-that-goes-wrong Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Luchan Baker is our next guest. I had the pleasure of directing this disciplined actor when Lower Bottom Playaz in Radio Golf – Luchan is meticulous, always ready for work, and really breathed life in the character Sterling, the blue collar classmate of the upper class Harmond. Norman and I talk to Luchan, finding about his upbringing, his views on theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Luchan can be contacted directly via Facebook and Instagram: @bro.luchan SHOWS: Playground Innovators Showcase (Potrero Stage) Nov 25 26 Latinex Mafia's staged reading of BUSCANDO AL ULTIMO HOMBRE GAY Letitia Duarte (Episode 119) is in the reading Kunoichi Productions' staged reading of Throw Away Temple https://playground-sf.org/incubator/ The Legend of Georgia McBride (Center Rep at the Lesher Center for the Arts) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Elizabeth Carter (Episodes 159) is directing the show https://www.lesherartscenter.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/15629/3149 Joe Turner's Come And Gone (Lower Bottom Playaz) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com We Are Continuous (New Conservatory Theatre Center) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Shawnj West (Episode 146) is directing the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer of the show https://nctcsf.org The Umbrella Play (Phoenix Theatre) Nov 11 – Dec 2nd Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote the play https://www.phoenixtheatresf.org Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) Dec 1 – 30 Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120 and 225) and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ The Man Who Saved Christmas (Chanticleers Theatre) Dec 1 – 17 Curtis Manning aka CJ Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.chanticleers.org Home For The Holidays (Contra Costa Civic Theatre) Dec 8-10 and 15-17 Lamont Ridgell (Episode 122) and Anita Viramontes (Episode 121) are in the show https://ccct.org The Play That Goes Wrong (San Jose Stage) Nov 15 – Dec 10 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show John Rhys Williams (Episode 158) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/the-play-that-goes-wrong Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out! The Black Man's Heart On Spotify and all your podcast apps Our wonderful consulting producer Mallory Somera (Episode 151) produces two podcasts for KCBS radio: As Prescribed, a weekly conversation with leading medical experts at UCSF Medical Center; and It's Generational, a deep dive on how each generation looks at things differently. Each episode features subject matters from perspectives of the Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Check out As Prescribed and It's Generational on all podcast apps. Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app. Our good friend Aaron Henne is the artistic director of Theatre Dybbuk in LA and they have their podcast – The Dybbokast. Through a combination of performed readings and interviews with artists and scholars, The Dybbukast brings these creations and their historical contexts to life, all while revealing their relationships to issues still present today Also, Bindlestiff Studios has a podcast called the Fobcast, exploring Filipino American immigrant stories. Check out The Fobcast in any podcast app. Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Norman and I next host Cory Bytof, the musical composer of Texas Chainsaw Musical (co-written with Christopher Minori), which has seen many productions: The Blank Canvas Theatre in Cleveland; the Barnstormers Theatre in New Hampshire; and it was featured at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, way back in 2009 (which I stage managed). Cory talks about his upbringing in Wisconsin, his music tastes, what brought him to the bay, the future of Texas Chainsaw and where he sees himself in the future. You can learn more about Cory and Texas Chainsaw Musical, on his website: https://texaschainsawmusical.com We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. SHOWS: Playground Innovators Showcase (Potrero Stage) Nov 6 – 26 Featuring: Oakland Public Theatre (Led by Norman Gee); Chikahan Company (led by Alan Quismorio [Ep. 201], Krystle Piamonte [Ep. 97] and Ely Sonny Orquiza [Ep. 139]); Network Effects Theatre Company (led by Mike Tuton [Ep. 271]); Analog Theater (led by Jed Parsario [Ep. 63 & 186]); Poltergeist Theatre Project Native Writers' Theatre; and City Street Artists https://playground-sf.org/incubator/ Group Therapy (Theatre Rhino) Nov 16 - Dec 3 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is directing the show https://www.therhino.org The Legend of Georgia McBride (Center Rep at the Lesher Center for the Arts) Nov 4 – 26 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Elizabeth Carter (Episodes 159) is directing the show https://www.lesherartscenter.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/15629/3149 The Engine of Our Disruption (Central Works) Oct 14 – Nov 19 Gary Graves (Episode 24) is directing the show Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-engine-of-our-disruption/#showtab=details Joe Turner's Come And Gone (Lower Bottom Playaz) Nov 2 – 26 Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is directing the show http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com We Are Continuous (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Oct 20 – Nov 26 Shawnj West (Episode 146) is directing the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer of the show https://nctcsf.org Citizen (Z Space) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Carolina Morones (Episode 197) is in the show Letitia Duarte (Episode 119) is in the show http://www.zspace.org Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) Dec 1 – 30 Eiko Yamamoto and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)

Our next guest is Michael Tuton, one of the four fantastic actors in The Engine of Our Disruptions, the play currently playing at Central Works. Mike does an amazing job as X-topher, the CEO and prime mover of the fictional company Bubbles. Mike is also a main fixture at Playground SF, where his plays have been prominently featured. Mike talks about his upbringing, his forays in advertising, how he brings those skills to theatre and where he sees himself in the future. You can learn more about Mike's theatre company, NFX Theater, on their website: https://nfxtheater.substack.com We want to congratulate Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155, 251) for being selected for this year's TBA Arts Leadership Residency at Central Works! Kim is a fantastic actress, director and an amazing playwright who has been working non stop on her craft. We're proud to have had the pleasure of interviewing her twice and we want to celebrate her and Central Works for selecting her ;) We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It's a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they'll even serve you a complimentary drink. Charles is also selling men's hair products on his website https://cbbgroominingproducts.myshopify.com Hair Gels, Pomades, Shampoos and Conditioners. Hop online, give the products a try and support minority businesses like my man Charles Blades. SHOWS: The Engine of Our Disruption (Central Works) Oct 14 – Nov 19 Gary Graves (Episode 24) is directing the show Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-engine-of-our-disruption/#showtab=details The Legend of Georgia McBride (Center Rep at the Lesher Center for the Arts) Nov 4 – 26 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show Elizabeth Carter (Episodes 159) is directing the show https://www.lesherartscenter.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/15629/3149 Joe Turner's Come And Gone (Lower Bottom Playaz) Nov 2 – 26 http://www.lowerbottomplayaz.com We Are Continuous (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Oct 20 – Nov 26 Shawnj West (Episode 146) is directing the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer of the show https://nctcsf.org Citizen (Z Space) Oct 18 – Nov 12 Carolina Morones (Episode 197) is in the show Letitia Duarte (Episode 119) is in the show http://www.zspace.org Disenchanted (San Jose Playhouse) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Eiko Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) will be in this show https://sanjoseplayhouse.org/disenchanted/ Sleeping Beauty (Presidio Theatre) Dec 1 – 30 Eiko Yamamoto and Sharon Shao (Episode 176) will be in this show https://www.presidiotheatre.org/show/2023sleepingbeauty/ Nollywood Dreams (SF Playhouse) LAST SHOW TONIGHT! Angel Adedokun (Episode 147) and Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) are in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2023-2024-season/nollywood-dreams/ Reg Clay (@Reg_Clay) Norman Gee (@WhosYrHoosier)