The Yay w/Norman Gee & Reg Clay

Phil Wong is our next guest on The Yay – The rare triple threat of actor, singer and comedian, I last saw him in SF Playhouse's Into The Woods. He's worked with TheatreWorks, CalShakes, A Contemporary Theatre and the Berkeley Rep, among others. He was a guest artist in the Tony Award winning Freestyle Love Supreme. He's also an amazing cook! Jake and I talk about Phil's upbringing, his amazing multiple set of skills and where the future will take him. You can reach Phil directly via Instagram: @phillywongsteak In 2020, I was a part of the Brecht Project – a group of writers, actors and directors assembled by Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) and Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 and 284) – where we would reinterpret the one act plays of Bretold Brecht and adapt them in the age of Trump. You'd think we would be beyond that age after 2021 – well 2024 happened and Trump is back. And so we're back. In April 2026, the Brecht Project will present 10 new plays that will be performed online (including my piece, Judicial Process), and you can be a part of our production. The GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/fear-and-misery-of-the-fourth-reich) will greatly help us pay for actors and writers – and you'll help shed even more light to our most darkest time in American history. On the Yay, we often talk about mental and spiritual health, especially for us actors, because our emotions are our currency. My good friend Cary Ann Rosko (Episodes 77 and 296) is not only a great actress, but is a psychotherapist and she's opening up her business to the online community. She's offering virtual psychotherapy services to individual adults in California. Check out her website, https://www.caryannroskomft.com/what-i-offer, and take the first step in taking care of your personal health. Sometimes we need a hand to hold in healing, and Cary has her hand out, waiting to help you. SHOWS: Sunday In the Park With George (Shotgun Players) Extended until Feb 15th Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/ The Mountaintop (Oakland Theatre Project) Feb 5 – 15 James Mercer II (Episode 326) is a co-director of the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/mountaintop Julius Caesar (SF Shakes) Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details) Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/ What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 22 – Feb 8 Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org M Butterfly (SF Playhouse) Feb 5 – March 14 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/ Playground SF Solo Performance Festival Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8 Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show When You Are Called Feb 5, 7 & 8 Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show After Happy (Central Works) Feb 28 – March 29 Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre) March 12 – April 19 Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre) March 12 – April 12 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We are blessed to have Tony Award-winning director Pam MacKinnon, the woman who has been artistic director at ACT since 2018. This will be her last season at ACT. Jake and I will talk about Pam's amazing legacy, her views on what's happening with bay area theatre today and where she sees herself in the future. You can learn more about Ms. MacKinnon via her Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_MacKinnon .. and her IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5068999/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_pam%2520mackinnon Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Sunday In the Park With George (Shotgun Players) Extended until Feb 15th Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/ Julius Caesar (SF Shakes) Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details) Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/ What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 22 – Feb 8 Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org M Butterfly (SF Playhouse) Feb 5 – March 14 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/ Playground SF Solo Performance Festival Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8 Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show When You Are Called Feb 5, 7 & 8 Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show Clara Jan 17, 22, Feb 1 and 6 Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote and is performing this show https://playground-sf.org/solofest/ After Happy (Central Works) Feb 28 – March 29 Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre) March 12 – April 12 Nick Madracchia (Episode 43) is in the show Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I next welcome Richard Silberg, a voice actor and teacher that specializes in teaching English through storytelling. He has worked in Cambodia, Uzbekistan and Timor-Leste. We'll talk about his upbringing, his work overseas, the power of storytelling and his future. You can learn more about Richard via his website: https://www.richardsilberg.com Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 22 – Feb 8 Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org M Butterfly (SF Playhouse) Feb 5 – March 14 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/ Playground SF Solo Performance Festival Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8 Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show When You Are Called Feb 5, 7 & 8 Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show Clara Jan 17, 22, Feb 1 and 6 Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote and is performing this show https://playground-sf.org/solofest/ After Happy (Central Works) Feb 28 – March 29 Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Teri Whipple is our next guest on The Yay – she's an actress and a life coach. Teri has worked with SF Playhouse, among many other bay area theatre companies. We talk about her upbringing, her work in bay area theatre and where she sees herself in the future. Teri can be contacted directly via Instagram: @teriwhipp and @coachingwithteri Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre) Jan 22 – Feb 8 Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show https://www.hillbarntheatre.org Playground SF Solo Performance Festival Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8 Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show When You Are Called Feb 5, 7 & 8 Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show Clara Jan 17, 22, Feb 1 and 6 Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote and is performing this show https://playground-sf.org/solofest/ After Happy (Central Works) Feb 28 – March 29 Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

It's 2026 – hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and wishing everyone have a great year. Our first guest for 2026 is Liam Kirk, a stage manager at the New Conservatory Theatre Company – he last stage managed We Are Continuous, back in November. We talk about his upbringing, the ins and outs of stage managing and where he sees himself in the future. Liam can be contacted directly via Instagram: @director.liam Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ After Happy (Central Works) Feb 28 – March 29 Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details 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 last guest for the Yay is Jay Bordon – actor and lawyer. Jay was last seen on stage with Bindlestiff's Queer as Fuck VI in October. We talk about their upbringing, what theatre means to them and where they see themselves in the future. Jay can be contacted directly via Instagram: @thejaybordon Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Snowbound: A Holiday Tale (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 6 – Dec 20 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is co-playwright Richard Perez (Episode 314) is co-playwright Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the play Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/snowbound A Christmas Carol (CenterRep) Dec 10 – Dec 21 Alan Coyne (Episode 29 & 233) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episode 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/a-christmas-carol Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep) Nov 14 – Dec 21 Cassidy Jamahl Brown (Episode 59) is in the show https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/mother-of-exiles-sb2l Sunday in the Park with George (Shotgun Players) Nov 15 – Dec 30 Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the play Elizabeth Curtis (Episode 194) is in the play David Moschler (Episodes 137 and 254) is the musical director https://shotgunplayers.org Cabaret (Oakland Theatre Project) Nov 21 – Dec 14 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show James Mercer II (Episode 326) is in the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/cabaret Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Our next guest is Stan Stone, actor and writer – he's performed with Oui Be Negroes, a black improv/sketch group, and he's a founding member of Justifiable Dramacide and Out The Box. He currently works with film company Barewitness. Jake and I talk about Stan's upbringing in Philadelphia, how he came to the bay in 1985, what he's doing now and where he sees himself in the future. You can learn more about Stan and Barewitness at this website: https://barewitness.com/players/stan-stone/ Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Snowbound: A Holiday Tale (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 6 – Dec 20 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is co-playwright Richard Perez (Episode 314) is co-playwright Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the play Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/snowbound A Christmas Carol (CenterRep) Dec 10 – Dec 21 Alan Coyne (Episode 29 & 233) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episode 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/a-christmas-carol Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep) Nov 14 – Dec 21 Cassidy Jamahl Brown (Episode 59) is in the show https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/mother-of-exiles-sb2l Sunday in the Park with George (Shotgun Players) Nov 15 – Dec 30 Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the play Elizabeth Curtis (Episode 194) is in the play David Moschler (Episodes 137 and 254) is the musical director https://shotgunplayers.org Cabaret (Oakland Theatre Project) Nov 21 – Dec 14 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show James Mercer II (Episode 326) is in the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/cabaret Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday ;) We have two guests on The Yay: James Carpenter and Luisa Sermol. James and Luisa Sermol are with the Actor's Reading Collective and they just finished their production of Mary Jane (closed Nov 30). We talk about ARC, James and Luisa's upbring and their plans for the future. You can learn more about the Actor's Reading Collective via their website: https://www.arcstream.org Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Snowbound: A Holiday Tale (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 6 – Dec 20 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is co-playwright Richard Perez (Episode 314) is co-playwright Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the play Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/snowbound A Christmas Carol (CenterRep) Dec 10 – Dec 21 Alan Coyne (Episode 29 & 233) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episode 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/a-christmas-carol Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep) Nov 14 – Dec 21 Cassidy Jamahl Brown (Episode 59) is in the show https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/mother-of-exiles-sb2l Sunday in the Park with George (Shotgun Players) Nov 15 – Dec 30 Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the play Elizabeth Curtis (Episode 194) is in the play David Moschler (Episodes 137 and 254) is the musical director https://shotgunplayers.org Cabaret (Oakland Theatre Project) Nov 21 – Dec 14 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show James Mercer II (Episode 326) is in the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/cabaret Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I welcome actress and singer/songwriter Brittney Mignano, artistic director and creator of Goodfellow Theatre company. We talk about Brittney's upbringing, her career in the bay area and where she sees herself in the future. You can listen to her music on the BuffaloToadMusic Instagram Channel. You can contact Brittney directly via Instagram: @missbrittybritt Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Snowbound: A Holiday Tale (Town Hall Theatre) Dec 6 – Dec 20 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is co-playwright Richard Perez (Episode 314) is co-playwright Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the play Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/snowbound The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ A Driving Beat (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 29 – Nov 23 Jeffrey Lo is directing the show https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/a-driving-beat-2/ The Break-Up – A Latina Queer Torch Song (Theatre Rhinoceros) Nov 6 – Nov 23 Tina D'elia (Episode 268) wrote and is in the show https://www.therhino.org A Christmas Carol (CenterRep) Dec 10 – Dec 21 Alan Coyne (Episode 29 & 233) is in the show Jed Parsario (Episode 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/a-christmas-carol Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep) Nov 14 – Dec 21 Cassidy Jamahl Brown (Episode 59) is in the show https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/mother-of-exiles-sb2l Sunday in the Park with George (Shotgun Players) Nov 15 – Dec 30 Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the play Elizabeth Curtis (Episode 194) is in the play David Moschler (Episodes 137 and 254) is the musical director https://shotgunplayers.org Dada Teen Musical: The Play (Central Works) Oct 18 – Nov 23 Alan Coyne (Episode 29) is in the show Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is directing the show https://centralworks.org/dada-teen-musical-the-play/#showtab=details Cabaret (Oakland Theatre Project) Nov 21 – Dec 14 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show James Mercer II (Episode 326) is in the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/cabaret Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre Company) Oct 30 – Nov 23 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://purchase.marintheatre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=50001 Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Taylor Gonzalez, our next guest at The Yay, is the sound engineer at the SF Mime Troupe – he is the former sound engineer at the Berkeley Playhouse. Jake and I will talk about Taylor's upbringing, his education and where he sees himself in the future. You can contact Taylor directly via Instagram: @tgonz510 Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/. Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Diwa & Diwata (Bindlestiff Studios) Fundraiser – Nov 15th only Aureen Almario (Episode 156) is producing the fundraiser https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/new-page-38 The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ A Driving Beat (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 29 – Nov 23 Jeffrey Lo is directing the show https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/a-driving-beat-2/ The Break-Up – A Latina Queer Torch Song (Theatre Rhinoceros) Nov 6 – Nov 23 Tina D'elia (Episode 268) wrote and is in the show https://www.therhino.org Timon Of Athens (ACT) Nov 6 – Nov 22 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 and 268) is in the show Evan Held (Episode 226) is in the show https://www.act-sf.org/community/for-students/a-c-t-out-tour/timon-of-athens/ Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep) Nov 14 – Dec 21 Cassidy Jamahl Brown (Episode 59) is in the show https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/mother-of-exiles-sb2l Sunday in the Park with George (Shotgun Players) Nov 15 – Dec 30 Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the play Elizabeth Curtis (Episode 194) is in the play David Moschler (Episodes 137 and 254) is the musical director https://shotgunplayers.org Dada Teen Musical: The Play (Central Works) Oct 18 – Nov 23 Alan Coyne (Episode 29) is in the show Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is directing the show https://centralworks.org/dada-teen-musical-the-play/#showtab=details Cabaret (Oakland Theatre Project) Nov 21 – Dec 14 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show James Mercer II (Episode 326) is in the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/cabaret Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre Company) Oct 30 – Nov 23 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://purchase.marintheatre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=50001 Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Anyone who has been a part of the bay area theatre community in the last 20 years knows Jeffrey Lo – veteran playwright and director, who has worked with San Jose Stage, TheatreWorks, SF Playhouse and so many more companies. We had him on back in June of 2020 during the COVID pandemic, and we bring him back on, where he talks about A Driving Beat, a show he's directing at TheatreWorks. You can find out more about Jeffrey and his expansive career via his website: http://www.jeffreywritesaplay.com/ You can contact Jeffrey directly via Instagram: @theycallmejlo Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: A Driving Beat (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 29 – Nov 23 Jeffrey Lo is directing the show https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/a-driving-beat-2/ Pilgrimage (Golden Thread Productions) Oct 24 – Nov 9 Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the play Bridgette Dutta-Portman (Episode 75) is a co-playwright https://goldenthread.org/productions/pilgrimage/ The Break-Up – A Latina Queer Torch Song (Theatre Rhinoceros) Nov 6 – Nov 23 Tina D'elia (Episode 268) wrote and is in the show https://www.therhino.org Timon Of Athens (ACT) Nov 6 – Nov 22 Radhika Rao (Episodes 21, 131 and 268) is in the show Evan Held (Episode 226) is in the show https://www.act-sf.org/community/for-students/a-c-t-out-tour/timon-of-athens/ Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep) Nov 14 – Dec 21 Cassidy Jamahl Brown (Episode 59) is in the show https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/mother-of-exiles-sb2l Sunday in the Park with George (Shotgun Players) Nov 15 – Dec 30 Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the play Elizabeth Curtis (Episode 194) is in the play David Moschler (Episodes 137 and 254) is the musical director https://shotgunplayers.org Dada Teen Musical: The Play (Central Works) Oct 18 – Nov 23 Alan Coyne (Episode 29) is in the show Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is directing the show https://centralworks.org/dada-teen-musical-the-play/#showtab=details Cabaret (Oakland Theatre Project) Nov 21 – Dec 14 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show James Mercer II (Episode 326) is in the show Dr. Stephanie Johnson (Episode 177) is the lighting designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/cabaret Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre Company) Oct 30 – Nov 23 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://purchase.marintheatre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=50001 Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center) Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026 Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Chris Smith, our next guest, has a wonderful show – Mine for the Tribe – that's been showcased at Playground SF as well as other venues. I had the pleasure of seeing it and I had to have Chris on the show. Jake and I talk about Chris' upbringing, what compelled him to tell such a powerful story and where he sees himself in the future. You can follow Chris and his future projects on via Instagram: @strongeyeproductions Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Chicken & Biscuits (African American Shakespeare Company) Oct 18 – Nov 3 Brittany Sims (Episode 328) is in the show https://african-americanshakes.org/chicken-biscuits/ Pilgrimage (Golden Thread Productions) Oct 24 – Nov 9 Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the play Bridgette Dutta-Portman (Episode 75) is a co-playwright https://goldenthread.org/productions/pilgrimage/ Dada Teen Musical: The Play (Central Works) Oct 18 – Nov 16 Alan Coyne (Episode 29) is in the show Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is directing the show https://centralworks.org/dada-teen-musical-the-play/#showtab=details Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre Company) Oct 30 – Nov 23 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://purchase.marintheatre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=50001 Noises Off (San Francisco Playhouse) Sept 25 – Nov 8 Vivienne Truong (Episode 338) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/noises-off/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Our next guest, Adam Torrian, is a bay area actor who has worked with Jake in combat and weapons training. We talk about Adam's upbring, his work in the bay area and where he sees himself in the future. Adam can be reached directly via Instagram: @adamtorrian Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Pilgrimage (Golden Thread Productions) Oct 24 – Nov 9 Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the play Bridgette Dutta-Portman (Episode 75) is a co-playwright https://goldenthread.org/productions/pilgrimage/ Dada Teen Musical: The Play (Central Works) Oct 18 – Nov 16 Alan Coyne (Episode 29) is in the show Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is directing the show https://centralworks.org/dada-teen-musical-the-play/#showtab=details Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre Company) Oct 30 – Nov 23 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://purchase.marintheatre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=50001 Noises Off (San Francisco Playhouse) Sept 25 – Nov 8 Vivienne Truong (Episode 338) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/noises-off/ McNeal (San Jose Stage) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) LAST SHOW TOMORROW Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/

It's been a while but we're back and our next guest is Vivienne Truong, a local actress who studied at San Jose State, where she also studied Psychology as well as theatre. Jake and I talk about her upbring, her career in the bay area and where she sees herself in the future. Vivienne can be contacted directly via Instagram: @viviennasausage Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Enough! Play to End Gun Violence (SF Mime Troupe) Oct 6 – one day only Jake & Jessica Fong (Ep 289), Khary Moye (Ep 45), Brian Rivera (Ep 154), Carolyn Doyle (Ep 56), Zoe Chien (Ep 285) and Chuck Lacson (Ep 184) is in the play Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is a director for one of the plays https://www.sfmt.org/event-details/ytp-presents-enough-plays-to-end-gun-violence McNeal (San Jose Stage) Sept 24 – Oct 19 Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ The Day The Sky Turned Orange (SF BATCO) LAST SHOW TOMORROW 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I bring on Light/Set designer Colin Johnson as a guest on The Yay. I've worked with Colin when we both worked on Life x 3, back in 2014. Colin has since been working mostly with Theatre Rhino and last worked on John Fisher's one act play The Doodler. We talk about Colin's upbringing, his life in tech, and what's next for him. The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar SHOWS: Othello (Theatre Rhinoceros) Sept 26 – 28 (one weekend only) John Fisher (Episode 30) is directing and is in the show https://www.therhino.org oya: un/drowned (Counterpulse Groundworks Festival) Sept 18 & 19 This is Jeunee Simon's (Episode 297) one woman show https://counterpulse.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FPO000002G91N2AS Stories High XXV (Bindlestiff Studios) Sept 11 (Community Night), Sept 12 – 20 Lo Ordesta (Episode 334) is a co-producer Joe Cascasan (Episode 196) is one of the directors https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/storieshigh25 Indecent (Center Rep) Sept 9 – 28 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/indecent Two Gentlemen of Verona (SF Shakes) Sept 6 – 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is the assistant director Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Maya Herbsman (Episode 145) is the intimacy coordinator Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is the musical director/sound designer https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/ McNeal (San Jose Stage) Sept 24 – Oct 19 Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook (The Yay Podcast) and on Bluesky. Instagram: Reg_Clay and Jking510

We have another unusual Yay podcast, on a Tuesday! Jake and I welcome Dean Linnard, who is playing Hamlet at the Oakland Theatre Project – it's been getting massive reviews on the SF Chronicle (https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/oakland-theater-project-hamlet-review-20805880.php), the Marin Independent Journal (https://www.marinij.com/2025/08/27/ambitious-production-of-hamlet-coming-to-san-rafael-theater/), and a glowing review by Lily Janiak, specifically on Dean's acting (https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dean-linnard-hamlet-20805060.php). Jake and I talk about Dean's upbring, his rise in the theatre and where he sees himself in the future. You can find out more about Dean via his personal website: https://deanlinnard.com The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Stories High XXV (Bindlestiff Studios) Sept 11 (Community Night), Sept 12 – 20 Lo Ordesta (Episode 334) is a co-producer Joe Cascasan (Episode 196) is one of the directors https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/storieshigh25 Indecent (Center Rep) Sept 9 – 28 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/indecent Two Gentlemen of Verona (SF Shakes) Sept 6 – 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is the assistant director Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Maya Herbsman (Episode 145) is the intimacy coordinator Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is the musical director/sound designer https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/ McNeal (San Jose Stage) Sept 24 – Oct 19 Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We have a rare Sunday Yay – Jake and I welcome bay area actress, drama therapist and DJ Champagne Hughes. Champagne was in Les Blancs at the Oakland Theatre Project (along with Jeunee Simon – Episode 297, and Brittany Sims, Episode 328) earlier this year. Champagne has her MA in Psychology. Champagne talks about her upbringing in Hayward, her DJ'ing, her acting in the bay area and where she sees herself in the future. You can learn more about DJ Champagne Hughes via her website: https://www.djchampagne.com/about You can contact Champagne directly via Instagram: @heydjchampagne and on Tiktok: @champagnehughes The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/. Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Stories High XXV (Bindlestiff Studios) Sept 11 (Community Night), Sept 12 – 20 Lo Ordesta (Episode 334) is a co-producer Joe Cascasan (Episode 196) is one of the directors https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/storieshigh25 Indecent (Center Rep) Sept 9 – 28 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/indecent Two Gentlemen of Verona (SF Shakes) Sept 6 – 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is the assistant director Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Maya Herbsman (Episode 145) is the intimacy coordinator Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is the musical director/sound designer https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/ McNeal (San Jose Stage) Sept 24 – Oct 19 Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ 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 The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Surprise, surprise – we have a 2nd Yay today! Jake and I bring on Lo Ordesta, the co-producer of Stories High XXV, which premiers on September 12 and will go on until the 20th. Lo, the partner of Joe Cascasan (Episode 196), is promoting Stories High XXV – we'll talk about the legacy of Stories High, Lo's upbring and her theatre journey. You can reach Lo directly via her Instagram: @lo_fo_sho The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Stories High XXV (Bindlestiff Studios) Sept 11 (Community Night), Sept 12 – 20 Lo Ordesta (Episode 334) is a co-producer Joe Cascasan (Episode 196) is one of the directors https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/storieshigh25 Indecent (Center Rep) Sept 9 – 28 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/indecent Two Gentlemen of Verona (SF Shakes) Sept 6 – 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is the assistant director Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Maya Herbsman (Episode 145) is the intimacy coordinator Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is the musical director/sound designer https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/ McNeal (San Jose Stage) Sept 24 – Oct 19 Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jonathan Amores is our next guest on The Yay. Jonathan last worked with Jake on Cyrano last year. We talk about Jonathan's upbringing, John's bay area acting career, and where he sees himself in the future. Jonathan can be reached directly via Instagram: @jofum The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/. Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Indecent (Center Rep) Sept 9 – 28 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://www.centerrep.org/what-s-on/25-26-season/indecent Two Gentlemen of Verona (SF Shakes) Sept 6 – 21 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is the assistant director Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Maya Herbsman (Episode 145) is the intimacy coordinator Jen Coogan (Episode 239) is the musical director/sound designer https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/ McNeal (San Jose Stage) Sept 24 – Oct 19 Nicole Sarich Tung (Episode 315) is in the show https://www.thestage.org/mcneal Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I welcome Julliard graduate and bay area actress Gabriella (Gavi) Goldstein, who was last seen as Queen Elizabeth in Silicon Valley Shakes' Richard III. Gavi has also been on television (So Nova, Canapes and Bury ‘Em Deep). We talk about her upbringing, her education, her views on acting on stage vs on the small screen, and where she sees herself in the future. You can learn more about Gavi via her website: https://www.gabriella-goldstein.com/ You can reach out to Gavi personally via Instagram: @thegavigoldstein The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/. Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Two Trains Running (Lower Bottom Playaz) LAST WEEK! Reg Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is the director https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-lower-bottom-playaz/67be8abea24e940f61dd4990 Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Maria Marquis is our next guest on The Yay – Maria is a local actress who has worked with the Palo Alto Players, Cutting Ball, the Custom Made Theatre Company and City Lights Theatre. Jake and I ask about Maria's upbringing, how the theatre bug bit her and how bay area theatre life is treating her. Maria can be found on Instagram: @soundslikemarquis Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Two Trains Running (Lower Bottom Playaz) Aug 8 – 31 Reg Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is the director https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-lower-bottom-playaz/67be8abea24e940f61dd4990 The Return (Golden Thread) August 7 – 24 Wynne Chan (Episode 327) is a part of the production company https://goldenthread.org/productions/the-return/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Our next guest, Alexis Green, is a former actress who has performed at the Darkroom and has been a member of the former group KT Comedy (also known as Kamikazi Theory) – she has now transitioned into focusing on mental and spiritual health, and she's created a business called Clarity Journal. Jake and I talk about Alexis' life in theatre, her focus on mental health and where she sees herself in the future. You can find out more about Clarity Journals here: https://clarity-journals.com/ You can reach Alexis directly via her email: alexismgreen@gmail.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Two Trains Running (Lower Bottom Playaz) Aug 8 – 31 Reg Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is the director https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-lower-bottom-playaz/67be8abea24e940f61dd4990 Mac Both (Eclectic Box SF) LAST DAY TODAY! Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show https://www.eclecticboxsf.com/event-calendar The Return (Golden Thread) August 7 – 24 Wynne Chan (Episode 327) is a part of the production company https://goldenthread.org/productions/the-return/ Man of Tomorrow (part of Free Play Festival) August 17 (8pm) Zoe Chien (Episode 285), Jake & Jessica Fong (Episode 289), Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Tony Daniel (Episode 240), Sylvia Kratins (Episode 141) are in the show Reg Clay wrote and directed the show; Neil Harkins (Episode 222) is the assistant director https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Monique Crawford is our next guest on The Yay. Monique is an actress who has worked with Crowded Fire, ACT, Sacramento Theatre Company and Central Works - She talks about her upbringing, her work in bay area theatre and where she sees herself in the future. Monique is traveling to England to continue her MFA theatre studies – and she has a GoFundMe page, where all of us can support her. Please make a donation by using this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-monique-study-acting-in-england?_gl=1*1qxgx50*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gbraid=0AAAAADj5gICJ_iPNpUBqZxhW-vwodwXSo Monique can be reached directly via Instagram: @monique.c.rawford 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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Queer as Fuck VII: Resistance and Rebellion (Bindlestiff Studios) August 8 - 16 Jessica Fong (Episode 289) is one of the directors of the show https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/qaf7resistandrebel Two Trains Running (Lower Bottom Playaz) Aug 8 – 31 Reg Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is the director https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-lower-bottom-playaz/67be8abea24e940f61dd4990 Mac Both (Eclectic Box SF) Aug 14 – 16 Alan Coyne (Episodes 29 & 233) is in the show https://www.eclecticboxsf.com/event-calendar The Return (Golden Thread) August 7 – 24 Wynne Chan (Episode 327) is a part of the production company https://goldenthread.org/productions/the-return/ Man of Tomorrow (part of Free Play Festival) August 15 (6pm), August 17 (8pm) Zoe Chien (Episode 285), Jake & Jessica Fong (Episode 289), Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Tony Daniel (Episode 240), Sylvia Kratins (Episode 141) are in the show Reg Clay wrote and directed the show; Neil Harkins (Episode 222) is the assistant director https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We have a rare Sunday Yay, where Jake and I bring on Brittany Sims, an actress who has worked with the Custom Made Theatre, the Oakland Theatre Project and the African American Shakespeare Company. She talks about her upbringing, her work in bay area theatre and where she sees herself in the future. Brittany can be contacted directly via Instagram: @iluvbritbrat89 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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Les Blancs (Oakland Theatre Project Extended through August 3 Brittany Sims (Episode 328) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/blancs The Return (Golden Thread) August 7 – 24 Wynne Chan (Episode 327) is a part of the production company https://goldenthread.org/productions/the-return/ Man of Tomorrow (part of Free Play Festival) August 2 (6pm), August 3 (8pm) August 15 (6pm), August 17 (8pm) Zoe Chien (Episode 285), Jake & Jessica Fong (Episode 289), Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Tony Daniel (Episode 240), Sylvia Kratins (Episode 141) are in the show Reg Clay wrote and directed the show; Neil Harkins (Episode 222) is the assistant director https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ La Cucaracha (part of Free Play Festival) August 1 (6pm); August 2 (2pm); August 3 (2pm) Richard Perez (Episode 314) is directing the show https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ Disruption: A Musical Farce (San Francisco Mime Troupe) July 4 – August 3 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.sfmt.org/ The Last Goat (Central Works) June 28 – July 27 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 227) wrote and directed the play Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-last-goat/ Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

I had the pleasure to talk to Wynne Chan a year ago when we did our live Yay at Camp Monologa for Plethos' fundraiser – now Jake and I get the chance to speak to her one on one. Wynne Chan is the managing director at Golden Thread Productions and has worked with other companies like the Pear Theatre, Plethos Productions, the Masquers Playhouse and SDC Productions. You can find out more information about Wynne on her website: https://www.wynnechan.info/ 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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: The Return (Golden Thread) August 7 – 24 Wynne Chan (Episode 327) is a part of the production company https://goldenthread.org/productions/the-return/ Man of Tomorrow (part of Free Play Festival) August 2 (6pm), August 3 (8pm) August 15 (6pm), August 17 (8pm) Zoe Chien (Episode 285), Jake & Jessica Fong (Episode 289), Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Tony Daniel (Episode 240), Sylvia Kratins (Episode 141) are in the show Reg Clay wrote and directed the show; Neil Harkins (Episode 222) is the assistant director https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ La Cucaracha (part of Free Play Festival) August 1 (6pm); August 2 (2pm); August 3 (2pm) Richard Perez (Episode 314) is directing the show https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ Disruption: A Musical Farce (San Francisco Mime Troupe) July 4 – August 3 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.sfmt.org/ The Last Goat (Central Works) June 28 – July 27 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 227) wrote and directed the play Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-last-goat/ Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

James Mercer II is our next guest on The Yay – James is a veteran actor, who has worked with ACT, Berkeley Rep, African-American Shakespeare Company, Irish Rep, and Arden Theatre Company. Jake and I talk about James' Philly roots, his work in the bay area and where he sees himself in the future. James can be reached directly via email: jwdlmercer2@gmail.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. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Marin Shakespeare Company) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Adrian Deane (Episodes 82 & 266) is in the show https://www.marinshakespeare.org/midsummer/ Man of Tomorrow (part of Free Play Festival) August 2 (6pm), August 3 (8pm) August 15 (6pm), August 17 (8pm) Zoe Chien (Episode 285), Jake & Jessica Fong (Episode 289), Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Tony Daniel (Episode 240), Sylvia Kratins (Episode 141) are in the show Reg Clay wrote and directed the show; Neil Harkins (Episode 222) is the assistant director https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ La Cucaracha (part of Free Play Festival) August 1 (6pm); August 2 (2pm); August 3 (2pm) Richard Perez (Episode 314) is directing the show https://playground-sf.org/freeplay/ Disruption: A Musical Farce (San Francisco Mime Troupe) July 4 – August 3 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.sfmt.org/ The Last Goat (Central Works) June 28 – July 27 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 227) wrote and directed the play Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-last-goat/ Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Our second half of our double Yay features artistic director and co-founder of Kunoichi Productions, Nick Ishimaru. We talk about Nick's upbringing, his studies at Colorado State University, his first stint in the bay area working with Theatre Yugen, and where he sees himself in the future. 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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Sweat (Palo Alto Players) Closing Weekend – June 28-29 ShawnJ West (Episode 146) directed the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show https://paplayers.org/ Doodler (The Marsh) May 31 – July 6 A One Man show by John Fisher (Episode 30) https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/john-fisher-doodler/ Buried Child (The Magic Theatre) June 30 – a reading Khary Moye (Episode 45) is in show Chuck Lacson (Episode 184) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) is directing the show https://magictheatre.org/calendar/magic-classics Disruption: A Musical Farce (San Francisco Mime Troupe) July 4 – August 3 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.sfmt.org/ The Last Goat (Central Works) June 28 – July 27 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 227) wrote and directed the play Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-last-goat/ True West (Town Hall Theatre) June 7 – 28 Linda Amayo Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is directing the show David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight choreographer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/true-west 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 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/ Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We have a double Yay this weekend! Our first guest is Nikki Menez – she's an actress, director and curatorial director at Z Space. Her last project was directing The Future that Liberals Want, at the Eclectic Box SF. Jake and I talk to Nikki about her upbringing, her next project and what plans she has for the future. 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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Sweat (Palo Alto Players) Closing Weekend – June 28-29 ShawnJ West (Episode 146) directed the show Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show https://paplayers.org/ Doodler (The Marsh) May 31 – July 6 A One Man show by John Fisher (Episode 30) https://themarsh.org/shows_and_events/marshstream/john-fisher-doodler/ Buried Child (The Magic Theatre) June 30 – a reading Khary Moye (Episode 45) is in show Chuck Lacson (Episode 184) is in the show Andrea Gordon (Episode 255) is directing the show https://magictheatre.org/calendar/magic-classics Disruption: A Musical Farce (San Francisco Mime Troupe) July 4 – August 3 Jed Parsario (Episodes 63 & 186) is in the show https://www.sfmt.org/ The Last Goat (Central Works) June 28 – July 27 Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 227) wrote and directed the play Jan Zvaifler (Episode 170) is in the show https://centralworks.org/the-last-goat/ True West (Town Hall Theatre) June 7 – 28 Linda Amayo Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is directing the show David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight choreographer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/true-west 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 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/ Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We've been dying to have Ed Mabasa on The Yay and we finally got him! Ed Mabasa is no stranger to anyone who's been a part of Bindlestiff – he's been an actor, writer, producer, tech guy – he's the very modest guy who keeps Bindlestiff going and he is truly beloved there. We talk about his upbringing, his presence at Bindlestiff and what his future looks like. This show is dedicated to the incredible life of Erin Merrit, who passed away May 31st. 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 Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Oriental or 1001 Ways to Tie Yourself in Knots (Golden Thread) June 7 & 8 reading Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the reading Torange Yeghiazarian (Episodes 167 & 286) is the dramaturg https://goldenthread.org True West (Town Hall Theatre) June 7 – 28 Linda Amayo Hassan (Episode 83) is in the show Katja Rivera (Episode 168) is directing the show David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight choreographer https://www.townhalltheatre.com/true-west 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 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/ 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 Lifeline (being performed at the Castillos Winery) June 27 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) wrote and is acting in the show https://castilloswinery.com/index.html Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Tirumari Jothi is an actor and playwright who's play, The Future That Liberals Want or; Résumé-Building in the Apocalypse, just finished up at the Eclectic Box SF. Jake and I talk to him about his background, what future projects he's working on and his views of bay area theatre. You can see Tirumari perform every Saturday at 8pm at Critical Hit! Live Stand Up Comedy, located at It's Your Move Games – 4920 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Check out a link to buy a ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/critical-hit-live-stand-up-comedy-tickets-160863008589 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: Oriental or 1001 Ways to Tie Yourself in Knots (Golden Thread) June 7 & 8 reading Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the reading Torange Yeghiazarian (Episodes 167 & 286) is the dramaturg https://goldenthread.org 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 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/ 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 Lifeline (being performed at the Castillos Winery) June 27 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) wrote and is acting in the show https://castilloswinery.com/index.html Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

On this Memorial Day episode of The Yay, Jake and I welcome Nicolas Logue, actor and fight coordinator – he's also the associate professor at Winward Community College and Fight Director at Dueling Arts International. We talk about Nic's upbringing, how he got into fight coordinating and where he sees himself in the future. Nic can be reached directly by email: logue@hawaii.edu 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: Oriental or 1001 Ways to Tie Yourself in Knots (Golden Thread) June 7 & 8 reading Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is directing the reading Torange Yeghiazarian (Episodes 167 & 286) is the dramaturg https://goldenthread.org 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 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/ 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 Lifeline (being performed at the Castillos Winery) June 27 Miranda Liu (Episode 300) wrote and is acting in the show https://castilloswinery.com/index.html Seeds of Time Festival (Marin Shakes) July 15 – August 3 Ae'Jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is the festival curator Torange Yeghiazarian has written “Leili and Magnun” to be performed July 26 & 27 Julius Rea (Episodes 227 & 319) has written “Othello.exe” to be performed Aug 2 & 3 https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/ 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 Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

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