Theater Forward

Summertime means outdoor theater! We discuss the productions we're excited to see at some of our favorite summer theaters. We also dive into the 2025-26 season announcements from Wisconsin theaters, and share what we'll be checking out in the year to come. 

We tackle the sudden and rapidly-shrinking landscape of government arts funding - and what it means for organizations trying to stay afloat without compromising their values. From disappearing grants to the risks involved for the artists and companies that are sitting out (and speaking out), this conversation is candid, urgent, and eye-opening. But amid the challenges, we also take a hopeful look toward solutions to help change the tide. A tough topic, but one worth confronting - the future of the arts may depend on it.

It's season announcement time for theaters across the country, and we're excited to share our slate for the 2025-26 season! A common question we get is, "how do you choose your plays?" We talk about the decision process behind selecting these four productions, and how they fit together in the grand scheme. The 2025-26 season at Forward Theater. Season tickets now available at ForwardTheater.com. PRIMARY TRUST by Eboni Booth Directed by Mikael Burke September 4-21, 2025 GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! by Scott Brown & Anthony King Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray November 6-23, 2025 IRONBOUND by Martyna Majok Directed by Marcella Kearns Jan 29 - Feb 15, 2026 LADY DISDAIN by Lauren Gunderson Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray April 9-26, 2026 

Jen Uphoff Gray welcomes Kait Kerrigan and Nathan Tysen, writer and lyricist of Broadway's THE GREAT GATSBY! In this episode, this musical power couple shares their insight into the broken pipeline of musical theater development, which leaves countless new works stuck in limbo. We discuss the roadblocks that prevent fresh stories from reaching American audiences and why regional theaters hesitate to take the leap. But it's not all bad news - we also explore real solutions for making the pipeline more accessible, sustainable, and artist-friendly. A candid, insightful conversation about the future of musical theater and what it will take to get new voices heard. Bonus: Kait and Nathan reference the types of grants and financial assistance that keeps many writers afloat while they create America's next musical sensation. Here's a link to the Dramatists Guild resource directory of Grants & Fellowships. 

This episode was inspired by a VERY spirited conversation we recently had, centered around a particular play and whether it would be a good choice for a future season. This debate required us to evaluate our relationship with our audiences - how do we meet them where they are, and how do we bring them along with challenging material while creating a welcoming and community-centered environment? As theaters across the country work toward building new audiences, what's the best balance between leading and listening? 

*This episode went missing late last year! It is officially Episode 113. Enjoy! Despite the fact that theater is back to being live and in-person, many theaters (including ours) have discovered great value in offering a streaming option for their productions. As arts companies strive to become more accessible, digital theater has become an oasis for many patrons. In this episode, we revisit this topic that preoccupied the theater world just a few years back. What's happening with digital theater now? Are we using what we learned during COVID, and if so, how?

Happy Holidays! Enjoy our end-of-year episode, in which we share everything we loved about 2024, including stellar productions and films, the support of our amazing audiences, and the brilliant artists that continue to make the theater an inspiring and life-affirming experience.

We LOVE mailbag episodes, and this one was a treat. Join us as we talk about theater spaces, share our own play selection process, and bring the heat on playwrights and productions we never need to see again. 

Our take on the top 10 most-produced plays and top 20 most-produced playwrights in America this season, based on the annual list generated by American Theater Magazine. We discuss what we expected, what surprised us, and how this list reflects the current state of theater in America. Here are the lists so you can follow along! Top 10 most-produced plays in America in 2024-25 Top 20 most-produced playwrights in America in 2024-25

Inspired by the Summer Olympics and our upcoming production of KING JAMES by Rajiv Joseph, the team steps up to the plate to talk about their favorite sports-themed plays, and the exciting parallels between these two dynamic art forms. A spirited conversation for sports and theater lovers alike.

Each year, theatermakers from across the country attend the biennial Theatre Communications Group (TCG) Conference to learn, share, and network. But lately, this gathering has become less practical (and educational) for small companies looking for new and better ways to do business. We share our mixed experience with this year's meeting of the minds, and how it might better serve local regional theaters in America. 

From educational programs to full productions, there have never been more opportunities for young adults and children to participate in a theater experience. We sit down with two of Wisconsin's most prominent leaders to talk about the ever-changing world of TYA and the impact these experiences have on future generations.  This episode features First Stage (Milwaukee) Artistic Director Jeff Frank and Children's Theater of Madison Artistic Director Brian Cowing as we discuss the state of theater for young audiences in America.

Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some of our most treasured theater artists and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or simply blew their minds. This episode features: Cody Estle - Artistic Director of Next Act Theatre James Carrington - Actor and Associate Director of Engagement at Milwaukee Repertory Theater Lisa Schlenker - Scenic Designer Mikael Burke - Director

Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some our most treasured theater artists and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or simply blew their minds. This episode features: Cody Estle - Artistic Director of Next Act Theatre James Carrington - Actor & Associate Director of Engagement at Milwaukee Repertory Theater Lisa Schlenker - Scenic Designer Mikael Burke - Director

It's our favorite time of the year! Theaters across the country are announcing their productions for the 2024-25 season, and we've got a LONG list of shows that we want to see. In this episode, we discuss the shows we're looking forward to locally, regionally, and across the country. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! This is when theater companies across the country announce their upcoming seasons, which means that theater is alive in America. In this episode, the team breaks down (and geeks out about) the lineup for Forward Theater's 2024-25 season: KING JAMES by Rajiv Joseph MURDER GIRL by Heidi Armbruster SUMMER, 1976 by David Auburn A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD by Samuel D. Hunter Learn more about these plays at ForwardTheater.com.

Mike Fischer interviews Forward Theater Artistic Director (and fellow host) Jen Uphoff Gray! Jen discusses the valuable role of mentors in the arts, while reflecting on her formative relationship with Tony award-winning director Michael Blakemore. A thoughtful conversation about how we cultivate a new generation of theater directors, with a few juicy showbiz tales that include David Mamet and Woody Allen for good measure.  Also mentioned in this episode: Forward Theater's Wisconsin Directors Lab - an inclusive workshop for the education and career development of emerging directors, scheduled for January 2025.  

What happens after a play moves on from its shiny status as a World Premiere?Playwright Samuel Hunter joins us to discuss the journey of a play, from its exciting life as a World Premiere through its crucial 2nd and 3rd productions. A brilliant conversation that provides insight into the world of creating (and supporting) new works in American theater. 

We look back at the theatrical highlights of 2023, and dive into our favorite experiences over the last year. We also take a moment to applaud the productions and artists that continue to take theater to the next level, and inspire us to keep looking forward. 

We sit down with Forward Theater Director of Development Sarah Milestone to talk about every theater's favorite word: REVENUE.  Making money in theater is a delicate dance. We dive into the world of donors, events, and the (lack of) government support for an artform that relies on more than just ticket sales to thrive. Correction at 18:56: Economic impact of the arts in the state of Wisconsin is $930 million and in Dane County it is $350 million according to the most recent research from Americans for the Arts. It was mistakenly reported at $400 million for the state. 

Theater season is here, and we're all just kids in a candy store. We share the productions we can't wait to see in the 2023-24 season - nationally, regionally, and in our own backyard. 

Making theater accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patrons is in high demand. We sit down with Amy Free and Tim Mumm, professional sign language interpreters and educators, to put a spotlight on this overdue priority for theaters. Amy and Tim share a behind the scenes look at what they do, and how theaters can make ASL-interpreted performances an integrated part of their productions. A transcript of this episode can be found HERE.  

It's been a summer. After a deluge of national press about a crisis in American theater amid closings and layoffs, we take some time to cool things down with a tall, refreshing glass of "theater is not dead, folks." While it's important to note the massive change that is happening in the theater world right now (and it can be shocking), it's vital to recognize that some organizations are not only surviving - they're rebuilding a path to thriving again after a dangerous twist in the road. 

There's a growing concern regarding the lack of new technical artists and designers in American theater, causing many companies to reconsider (and change) how they build a season of productions. We sit down with Sarah Ross, Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and Brian Gill, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at University of Wisconsin - Parkside to talk about how they're cultivating a next generation of technical artists in an effort to support a new era of theatermaking.

**Clarification** - This is our original Episode 97! Found in the vault and now live. We will re-release our interview on the new generation of technical artists as Episode 99, coming soon.  The team discusses the ways in which current events can impact a production, specifically plays that touch on issues of women's bodily autonomy. We explore how these works are resonating differently with artists and audiences in a post-Dobbs decision era in America.

There's a growing concern regarding the lack of new technical artists and designers in American theater, causing many companies to reconsider (and change) how they build a season of productions. We sit down with Sarah Ross, Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and Brian Gill, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at University of Wisconsin - Parkside to talk about how they're cultivating a next generation of technical artists in an effort to support a new era of theatermaking. 

Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some amazing Wisconsin arts leaders and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or just generally rocked their world. This episode features: Jacob Janssen - Artistic Director of Third Avenue PlayWorks  Laura Braza - Associate Artistic Director of Milwaukee Rep Sheri Williams Pannell - Playwright, Director, & Asst. Professor at UW-Milwaukee/Peck School of the Arts Deanie Vallone - Literary & New Play Development Consultant at Milwaukee Rep  

In theater, a "world premiere" seems easy to define, right? But some licensing agents are gatekeeping this title for promotional purposes, rather than granting it to the companies that invest time and money into producing a brand new play. We share our experience (and frustration) with an east coast "world premiere production" that left our theater company in the cold. 

It's that time of the year! Theaters are announcing their upcoming seasons and wrangling their subscribers to renew. We discuss the four plays on tap for Forward Theater's 2023-24 season, and share the process of curating a season that brings joy to ourselves and our audiences.  Our 23-24 season: The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle Clyde's by Lynn Nottage The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk by Daniel Jamieson What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck More info: https://forwardtheater.com/show/the-2023-24-season

We were thrilled to sit down with Lauren Gunderson, one of America's most produced playwrights and author of our upcoming world premiere of ARTEMISIA at Forward Theater Company. Get a deep dive into the process of this prolific writer, as well as insight into the creation of this exciting new production. This is a MUST LISTEN for artists and audiences.   

Finding understudies used to be the last item on a long to-do list for producers. But with ongoing safety protocols this hard-to-fill role is now front and center. As a result, more and more artists are jumping into performances at the last minute to keep productions afloat. A candid and funny look at this brave "sport," thanks to our special guests Kailey Azure Green (they/them) and Rána Roman (she/her), who offer backstage tales from two of Wisconsin's biggest theaters.

We dive into the debut of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals, March 1 - June 30. Originally conceived by our very own Jen Uphoff Gray, this event is one-of-a-kind. We go in-depth on what it took to create the festival, including the collaboration of over 50 Wisconsin theaters that have made this idea a reality. 

We welcome educator and scenic designer Neil Mills, and Orion Risk, a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Theater Studies. In this interview, we discuss the "tipping point" of awareness and inclusion of transgender and non-binary artists and stories, and gain insight into how American theater institutions can expand their perspectives even further. 

A deep dive with Mallory Metoxen and Jake Penner, two emerging directors that share their personal journeys and insight about developing a career as a director, as well as how to cultivate a new generation of artists. Hosted by Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray.

In our end-of-year episode, we reflect on the highlights, the lowlights, and the things we'll remember most about a very interesting season in the world of theater. 

Amidst the recent fallout at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, we examine the role of the Board of Directors and the changing relationship they have with theater administrators and staff. 

We are joined by Guthrie Theater Accessibility Coordinator Robyn DeCourcy and our very own Director of Audience Development Samara Safarik to talk about the ongoing journey to make the arts accessible to all, and the innovative ways theaters are leading the charge in America. 

We are joined by Khalid Y. Long, PhD (University of Georgia) and Marcella Kearns (UW-Milwaukee). These powerhouse arts educators give us a revealing look at post-pandemic arts education, and how the future crop of artists are rising to the challenge and approaching their craft. 

American Theatre Magazine has released its list for the first time in two years, and we break it all down. FYI the #1 most-produced title is shared by a playwright we are partnering with in spring of 2023... 

Legendary actress Linda Stephens discusses her 50+ year career with an open-hearted, remarkably honest look at what it means to dedicate your life to a profession that demands so much and can give back so little. Her new memoir, There is No Backstage, is a vulnerable, wise and compelling account of a full life lived on the stage.

We discuss the hot topic of copyright and licensing rules in the arts, on the heels of two high-profile cases: the unauthorized 'Hamilton' production in Texas and unofficial 'Bridgerton' musical on TikTok.  Learn more about the 'Hamilton' production: https://bit.ly/3e836BD Learn more about the 'Bridgerton' musical: https://bit.ly/3czs3FR

We check in with our outdoor theater friends, Sara Young (Managing Director) at American Players Theatre and Jeff Herbst (Artistic Director) at Northern Sky Theater. A great conversation about both companies and insight into how theater makers are faring this summer. 

Ten Chimneys is the holy grail attraction for theater lovers. We had the privilege to learn more about this historic estate from President/CEO Randy Bryant, with an inside look at their evolution as an organization.

The Broadway/Regional divide, Union beefs, the challenges of expanding a season, dream productions, and a beautiful perspective on talkbacks make this a perfect summer mailbag episode. 

Live events are back to normal, but theaters and artists are struggling in the wake of COVID. From show cancellations to lagging ticket sales, we dive into our experience as well as what we're hearing from theaters across the country as they try to recover from the last two years. 

An in-depth look at our biennial new play festival, Wisconsin Wrights. This unique festival features three new works by WI playwrights, showcased in professionally-produced readings and talkbacks with audiences. The 2022 WI Wrights festival runs May 18-21. 

We discuss each of our four plays for 22-23, and share the process of building a complete theater season. A behind-the-scenes look from a company that produces newer work, fresh from Broadway and beyond. 

In the wake of the cancellation of the Humana Festival of New Plays, we talk about new work in theater, why it's important to us, and how we (and you) can best support it.

Make no mistake, we LOVE talkbacks. But this polarizing topic has entered the chat again, and it has theaters buzzing. We offer our take on the new (and necessary) conversation about the role and impact of postshow discussions.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we share our favorite plays and theatrical experiences dealing with LOVE. From the conventional to the unconventional and classic to modern, we discuss the stories, songs, moments and relationships that inspire our theater-loving hearts. 

As theatermakers, we dive into what in blazes is going on in the theater world in relation to COVID - what our fellow producers are doing, what we're talking about in our spaces, and what we anticipate in the not-too-distant future.