Podcasts about choreographers society

Award-winning director Michael Mayer has worked in a broad spectrum of media from theatre and opera to television and film. Current theatre: Swept Away, a new musical featuring songs of The Avett Brothers which opened November 19, 2024 on Broadway, the hit revival of Little Shop of Horrors now playing at the Westside Theatre, the national tour of his hit Broadway revival of Funny Girl (which starred Lea Michele) and the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, which recently ended its Broadway run.  Recent opera:  Jeanine Tesori and George Brant's new opera Grounded which opened the Metropolitan Opera season on September 23, 2024 with performances running until October 19. Upcoming opera: a new production of Aida at the Metropolitan Opera this season opening on December 31, 2024. Other Broadway credits include Adam Driver and Keri Russell in Burn This, Head Over Heels (featuring the songs of The Go-Go's), Neil Patrick Harris in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award, best musical revival, also National Tour), Spring Awakening (Tony Award/Best Musical and Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Director; also London, National Tour, Vienna, Tokyo, and Seoul productions); Green Day's American Idiot (also co-author, Drama Desk Award for Best Director; also US, UK and Asia tours); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award/Best Musical also London and National Tour), Side Man (Tony Award/Best Play also London and Kennedy Center Productions),  A View from the Bridge (Tony Award/Best Revival),  Michael Moore's The Terms of My Surrender, Everyday Rapture, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Triumph of Love; off-Broadway credits include Lin-Manuel Miranda's 21 Chump Street (BAM), Chess (Kennedy Center), Love, Love, Love (Roundabout), Brooklynite (Also co-author, Vineyard), Whorl Inside A Loop (with Dick Scanlan, Second Stage), 10 Million Miles (Atlantic): Angels in America. London: a record-breaking West End run of Funny Girl and a UK tour. Tokyo: As You Like It (Toho Theatre). Film: A Home at the End of the World (Excellence in filmmaking, National Board of Review, GLAAD nomination), Single All the Way for Netflix, Flicka, The Seagull. He was featured in both the documentaries Those You've Known on HBO and Broadway Idiot. Television credits Include: SMASH (Pilot, producing director: Season One), two seasons of Alpha House (Amazon), and producer for the HBO film WIG. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut with a celebrated new production of Rigoletto, followed by a co-production (with the English National Opera) of Nico Muhly's Marnie, and a new production of La Traviata, which broke box office records. He directed the world premiere of Jeanine Tesori's Grounded at the Washington National Opera. Grounded  opened the Met's 24/25 season on September 23, 2024, and his new production of Aida will premiere at the Met on New Year's Eve 2024.  Additional Awards and fellowships: the inaugural Daryl Roth Creative Spirit award, Drama League Founders Award, Jefferson, Ovation, Alan Schneider, and Carbonell awards;  Fox Foundation, Drama League and TCG/NEA Directing Fellowships.   He serves on the Boards of SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society) and the Arthur Miller. Photos by Sergio Villarini for Broadway.Com- assisted by BrookeBellPhoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thinking Cap Theatre's Artistic Director Nicole Stodard talks with Stephen Burdman,  founder of New York Classical Theatre about producing and directoring Shakespeare's problematic play The Taming of the Shrew. STEPHENS'S BIO Stephen Burdman founded New York Classical Theatre in 2000 and is the vision behind the creation of Panoramic Theatre. Originally from Los Angeles, he earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and planned to become a doctor. During college, Stephen auditioned for a production of Hamlet, and discovered his passion for Shakespeare. That experience completely changed the course of his life. Stephen founded NY Classical to give all people the chance to discover classical masterpieces as he did. Stephen has directed nearly half of Shakespeare canon. To date, he has directed 38 productions for NY Classical. Some of his favorites include: Cymbeline (performed by 7 actors), The Importance of Being Earnest (Two-Ways), Romeo & Juliet (6 actors), The Rivals, The Winter's Tale, Measure for Measure, The Seagull, A {15-Min!} Christmas Carol, Playing Moliere, Henry V (in The Battery and, via ferry boat, Governors Island), Hamlet, King Lear, Misalliance, Mary Stuart, Scapin, and The Triumph of Love. Stephen attended the National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and later received an MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of California, Irvine. In 1989, he was selected to participate in the first young theatre artist exchange with the (former) Soviet Union and has been a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society since 1994. Stephen received the 2022 Sidney Berger award from the Shakespeare Theatre Association for outstanding talent and commitment to the works of William Shakespeare. He has also been a panelist with the National Endowment for the Arts, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. He lives in Central Harlem with his wife, Adena, and son, Zeke. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-cap-theatre/support

Texas State University's Richard Robichaux, a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, joins the Big Ideas TXST podcast to discuss his career path, teaching acting for television and movies and his upcoming projects.   A native of East Texas, Robichaux George Pappas on David E. Kelley's “Big Shot” with John Stamos and Yvette Nicole Brown on Disney+. Later this year he will appear in the feature films “The Long Game,” which won the audience award at SXSW, as well as “Hit Man,” a new film with Glen Powell. Other film credits include “Ocean's 8” with an all-star cast and “Where'd You Go Bernadette?” with Cate Blanchett. Robichaux has worked on five films with award-winning director Richard Linklater, including “Boyhood,” which was nominated for six Academy Awards and won the Golden Globe for Best Picture. His theatre credits include the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., Yale Repertory Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and great theatres in New York, California and everywhere in between. Last fall he directed “The Thin Place” at the Zach Theatre in Austin. As a speaker and educator Robichauz is a passionate advocate for arts education. He has been a guest artist and teacher at many of the top programs in the country including Yale University, Juilliard, Pennsylvania State University and the University of California San Diego where he was the Arthur and Molli Wagner Endowed Chair in Acting. During his tenure at UCSD it was ranked the No. 3 program in the world by the Hollywood Reporter. He has delivered keynote addresses and conducted masterclasses for students and teachers at dozens of conferences, festivals and schools. He is also a judge for the College Television Awards presented by the Emmys. He is a member of the Television Academy, SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. FURTHER READING:Lone Star roots bring Richard Robichaux to Texas State theatre facultyRichardRobichaux.com

U Guys, this very special Bonus episode highlights the co-writers and director of the stunning new musical, FIGARO. Songwriter Ashley Jana and co-writer and director Will Nunziata come together to share their experience creating this new show, including recording an entire cast album, ahead of the show's world premiere concert on March 4th at the Greenroom 42 in New York City. Listen to the World Premiere Recording album streaming on all digital platforms starting March 1st. Ashley Jana is a singer/songwriter, producer, and engineer whose music has independently garnered over 60 million streams. Her original music has been featured on HBO, NBC, Showtime, Lifetime, Bravo, Vice, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, CNN, TLC, TNT, Oxygen and more. 20 of her original songs have been featured on the hit show "Dance Moms", and her song, "Feels So Good", co-produced with Grammy winner Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins was featured on the hit show "Empire". Will Nunziata is a NYC-based award-winning director, writer, and creator of theatre, concerts, television, and film. He is a proud member of The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and is a graduate with a B.A. in Theatre from Boston College. Follow Figaro on Instagram: @figaromusical Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleyjanamusic Follow Will on Instagram: @willnunzofficial Follow the pod on Instagram: @ohmypoduguys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For another installment of "When the Production is the Adaptation," Melissa is joined by Marcia Milgrom Dodge aka "MMD" to discuss her production and revival of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the Olney Theatre Center.   In this episode, we discuss:The origins of the "MMD" moniker"Smuggling in deeper meaning"Redesigning and imagining a Disney-branded showHow MMD has been a constant champion of diverse casting And more!Resources MentionedOlney Theatre's production directed by MMDDramaturgy and research for MMD's productionLicensing the musicalAbout Our GuestMarcia Milgrom Dodge is a Tony, Drama Desk & Astaire Award nominated director & choreographer for her “stirring & lovingly staged” Broadway/Kennedy Center revival of Ragtime. Most recently, MMD was the American Show Director for Tokyo Disneyland's 40th Anniversary Parade Harmony In Color! For Television, MMD appeared as herself in Disney+ Encore!; choreographed The Muppets in an Emmy-winning episode of Sesame Street and choreographed Elmo & The Noodle Family in Elmo's Wild West video, delighting children of all ages. MMD's bold new approaches to classic plays & musicals-- plus a few world-premiere musicals-- have been seen worldwide, from major regional theatres throughout the USA & Canada to Fredericia, Denmark to Seoul, S. Korea to Blackpool, England and even Muskat, Oman. Devoted to developing the next generation of theatre artists, her Directing Musicals workshops are geared for early-career Directors and Actors as well as for Theatre Lovers. MMD is also wife to Tony, mother to Natasha & a proud member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society. Connect with Our Guestmarciamilgromdodge.comRead & Recommend Tony Dodge's plays on New Play ExchangeInstagramConnect with host Melissa Schmitz***Sign up for the 101 Stage Adaptations Newsletter***101 Stage AdaptationsFollow the Podcast on Facebook & InstagramRead Melissa's plays on New Play ExchangeConnect with Melissa on LinkedInWays to support the show:- Buy Me a Coffee- Tell us your thoughts in our Listener Survey!- Give a 5-Star rating- Write a glowing review on Apple Podcasts - Send this episode to a friend- Share on social media (Tag us so we can thank you!)Creators: Host your podcast through Buzzsprout using my affiliate link & get a $20 credit on your paid account. Let your fans directly support you via Buy Me a Coffee (affiliate link).

This week, playwright, poet, and author Pearl Cleage discusses her life and career with Remy Bumppo Theatre Artistic Director Marti Lyons. Remy Bumppo staged Cleage's Blues for an Alabama Sky in the fall of 2023. This conversation originally took place September 26, 2023 and was recorded live via Zoom. AWM PODCAST NETWORK HOME More about the speakers: Pearl Cleage (she/her/hers) is an Atlanta-based writer whose plays include POINTING AT THE MOON, WHAT I LEARNED IN PARIS, FLYIN' WEST, BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, and BOURBON AT THE BORDER, commissioned and directed by Kenny Leon at the Alliance Theatre. She is also the author of A SONG FOR CORETTA, written in 2007 during Cleage's time as Cosby Professor in Women's Studies at Spelman College. Her play, THE NACIREMA SOCIETY REQUESTS THE HONOR OF YOUR PRESENCE AT A CELEBRATION OF THEIR FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS, was commissioned by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and premiered in 2010, in a joint production by the ASF and Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, directed by Susan Booth. Her plays have also been performed at Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Huntington Theatre, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Long Wharf Theatre, Just US Theatre, True Colors Theatre, Bushfire Theatre, the Intiman Theatre, St. Louis Black Repertory Company, and Seven Stages. She is also an accomplished performance artist, often working in collaboration with her husband, writer Zaron W. Burnett, Jr. They have performed at the National Black Arts Festival, the National Black Theatre Festival, and colleges and universities across the country. Cleage and Burnett also collaborated with performance artists Idris Ackamoor and Rhodessa Jones on the script for THE LOVE PROJECT, which premiered at the National Black Theatre Festival in 2008, and is currently touring the country. Cleage is also an accomplished novelist. Her novels include “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day,” a New York Times bestseller and an Oprah Book Club selection, “I Wish I Had a Red Dress,” “Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do,” “Babylon Sisters,” “Baby Brother's Blues,” “Seen It All and Done the Rest,” and “Till You Hear from Me.” She is also the author of “Mad at Miles: A Blackwoman's Guide to Truth,” a groundbreaking work of race and gender, and “We Speak Your Names,” a praise poem commissioned by Oprah Winfrey for her 2005 celebration of legendary African American women and written in collaboration with Zaron Burnett. Cleage has also written for magazines, including “Essence,” “Vibe,” “Rap Pages,” and “Ms.” In addition to her work as the founding editor of “Catalyst” magazine, a literary journal, she was a regular columnist for the Atlanta Tribune for ten years, winning many awards for her thought-provoking columns. She has also written for TheDefendersOnLine.com. Cleage has been awarded grants in support of her work from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fulton County Arts Council, the Georgia Council on the Arts, the Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, and the Coca-Cola Foundation. Her work has earned her many awards and honors, including an NAACP Image Award for fiction in 2008. Pearl Cleage is represented by Ron Gwiazda at Abrams Artists Agency in New York City. Her website is www.PearlCleage.net. She also maintains a Facebook fan page. www.pearlcleage.net. Marti Lyons (she/her/hers) most recently directed the world-premiere of Galileo's Daughter by Jessica Dickey at Remy Bumppo, Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberly at Northlight Theatre, Wife of a Salesman by Eleanor Burgess at Milwaukee Rep, Sense and Sensibility adapted by Jessica Swale at American Players Theatre and the world-premiere of John Proctor is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower at Studio Theatre in D.C. Marti's other productions include The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess at Writers Theatre; Cymbeline at American Players Theatre; The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe and both the stage and audio productions of Kings by Sarah Burgess at Studio Theatre; the world-premiere of How to Defend Yourself by liliana padilla, a Victory Gardens and Actors Theatre of Louisville co-production; Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee at Victory Gardens and City Theatre; Witch by Jen Silverman at Geffen Playhouse and Writers Theatre (LA Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Direction); Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías at Victory Gardens; Botticelli in the Fire by Jordan Tannahill at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company; I, Banquo at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Title and Deed by Will Eno at Lookingglass Theatre Company; Laura Marks' Bethany and Mine at The Gift Theatre. Marti is also an ensemble member at The Gift Theatre, and a member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. martilyons.com

This week on the podcast is part 2 of our interview with dancer and theatrical choreographer Martín Céspedes. He has performed on Broadway tours of shows such as Man of La Mancha, The King and I,  and South Pacific. He's also danced at the Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera, as well as in concert performances with Earth, Wind and Fire and The Bee Gees. As a choreographer his credits include musicals at Porthouse Theatre, Cleveland Musical Theatre, the Great Lakes Theater and the St. Louis Repertory Theater. If you have an interest in working professionally in dance and theatre, you'll want to hear Martín's positive message and approach to arts entrepreneurship!In this episode:Imagine stepping into the world of renowned choreographer Martín Céspedes, where art and entrepreneurship merge seamlessly. With our conversation revealing the secrets to his award-winning choreography, you'll find yourself immersed in his meticulous research process, influenced by music and the inspirations he draws from genres of dance to enhance his craft. Martín also talks about his associations with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and the Actors' Equity Association, shedding light on the crucial role they play in his profession.In the latter half, the spotlight turns to Martín's personal journey and the profound influence the classic musical West Side Story had on his career. You'll discover how this iconic show continues to shape modern theater trends. As we venture beyond the stage, Martín shares his experiences choreographing for other platforms such as animation and film, and discusses the role of different unions in these areas. We conclude our talk with his invaluable advice for budding artists and entrepreneurs, and a thoughtful discussion on making arts more accessible to a wider audience. Get ready for an enlightening and inspiring ride through Martín's world of dance, theater, and art entrepreneurship.Show Notes: https://www.artsentrepreneurshippodcast.com/episodes/229-martin-cespedes-dancer-and-choreographer-pt-2-of-2

Watch this and all episodes ad free by joining the ITBR Cafe for only $5 a month! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom Today we welcome a special theatrical guest, Cristina Duarte who joins Andrew in the ITBR! She is a director, actor, and instructor (SDC. SAG/AFTRA . AEA). She and her colleagues call her an “actor's director.” She was born in Portugal, and at the age of 7 immigrated to the U.S. with her mother. She has more than 20 years of professional experience. She is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. She has directed an array of productions in NYC and Santa Fe. As a director, she loves to tell stories about our complex and courageous humanity. She has taught acting and directing at Marymount Manhattan College, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, Queens College, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. She also performs in the ensemble for Saturday Night Live.  Cristina reveals what her career is like as an actor's director. She shares her days as a student in the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and how it has changed overtime now that she teaches there. She explains how as a teacher, she is there to guide her students to be working actors, and as a director, she is the eyes and ears of the audience.  Be sure to visit Cristina's website: https://www.cristinaduartedirector.com/ Support Cristina's YouTube Channel, @theactorsdirector: https://www.youtube.com/@theactorsdirector Follow Cristina on Instagram! @actorsdirector Head to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe, and enter promo code ITBR to receive a free copy with any print or digital subscription. Order from @mandeemadeit, mention ITBR, and with your first order you'll receive a free personalized gift! Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on Instagram, @thatolgayclassiccinema. Follow ITBR on IG, @ivorytowerboilerroom, TikTok, @ivorytowerboilerroom, and Twitter, @IvoryBoilerRoom! Thanks to the ITBR team! Andrew Rimby (Executive Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and our Spring 23 Interns (Andrea, Kaitlyn, Rosie, Sara, and Sheila) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivorytowerboilerroom/support

This week Melissa is joined by her brilliant friend Alex Mallory to talk about her original translation and adaptation of Frank Wedekind's German play, Spring Awakening, which she also produced as an MFA Directing student.  In this episode, we discuss:Why Alex decided to write this adaptation for her MFA Directing Lab (when she really didn't have to)What was missing from other English translations of Spring Awakening that prompted Alex to write her ownWhat German translations Alex wants to tackle in the futureHow community-building is the cornerstone of Alex's love of theatreAnd more!Resources MentionedThe Metal Shop Performance LabDE-CRUITAbout Our GuestAlex Mallory is the director of The Metal Shop Performance Lab, founded with the mission to create theatrical events that foster radical community-building and authentic exchange between artists and audiences. She uses intersectional, anti-oppressive rehearsal processes to create conditions for productive conversations on personal and collective histories of violence in both rehearsal and performance spaces. Alex's directing work investigates personal and political agency and examines the resilience of the mind and body through human connection. Alex also facilitates healing-centered engagement for military veterans as the Chicago Regional Coordinator for DE-CRUIT. She has worked with the veteran community for over a decade with the Veteran Artist Program, The Telling Project, and as director of Takeo Rivera's choreopoem Goliath, which toured for seven years in New York and California. Alex has served as Co-Artistic Director of Poetic Theater Productions and as Director of Culture Project's Women Center Stage Initiative. She has an MFA from Northwestern University and a BA from Stanford University. Alex is an Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.Connect with Our Guestalexmallory.com For Spring Awakening  inquiries, email alex@themetalshop.org Connect with host Melissa Schmitz***Sign up for the 101 Stage Adaptations Newsletter***101 Stage AdaptationsFollow the Podcast on Facebook & InstagramRead Melissa's plays on New Play ExchangeConnect with Melissa on LinkedInWays to support the show:- Buy Me a Coffee- Tell us your thoughts in our Listener Survey!- Give a 5-Star rating- Write a glowing review on Apple Podcasts - Send this episode to a friend- Share on social media (Tag us so we can thank you!)Creators: Host your podcast through Buzzsprout using my affiliate link & get a $20 credit on your paid account. Let your fans directly support you via Buy Me a Coffee (affiliate link).

Fresh in the middle of her trip from New York for the West Coast Premiere of her new play Broken Story, playwright Cyndy A. Marion stopped by a Playwright's Spotlight for an in-house interview. In this episode, we discuss transitioning from director to playwright, learning structure, taking creative license when writing about real life events, honesty in marketing, and what makes theatrical staging. We also talk about complex sets and inspiring designers as well as adding action to dialogue, musicality in a monologue, writing surprises, repping yourself, and making the work. This discussion is a great resource for playwrights who may be considering a bicoastal production as well as the usual approach to the craft. I hope you enjoy this episode.Cyndy A. Marion is the Producing Artistic Director of The White Horse Theater Company for which she recently directed the world-premiere production of her play YOU ARE PERFECT. She is a Board Member of The Players, Co-Founder of the Producers Circle and a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society as well of the The Dramatists Guild. Her new play, BROKEN STORY, is currently running its West Coast Premiere at The Sherry theater in the North Hollywood Arts District.To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below -https://youtu.be/64yZmoZuzh0Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Emily Owens Press Agent -http://www.emilyowenspr.comWhite Horse Theater Company -https://www.whitehorsetheater.com/The Sherry Theater -https://www.thesherry.org/New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/Dramatists Play Service -https://www.dramatists.comThe Players -https://theplayersnyc.org/Socials for Cyndy A. Marion -Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cymarionTwitter - @cymarionIG - @cyndy.marionWebsites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's SpotlightPunk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -Twitter - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                  - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show

Welcome Back Guys, to the Season Premiere of Season 2!!! It's been a long time coming.For the second season Russell sits down with some of his fellow classmates and teachers down at UNC Greensboro where he was finishing up his MFA.Up first on the list is directing student Karen Sabo. Karen and Russell discuss a little bit about the theatre directing process as a student as well as the importance of theatre education not only in the theatre but in everyday life also.Brought to you by Real Creative Heart. Like, Share, Review & Subscribe.Karen Sabo (she/her) is a director, teacher, writer, and actor. She has been a member of three resident acting companies, including the Barter Theater in Virginia where she was also a resident director, dialect coach, and eventually, director of education. Karen studied with the American Conservatory Theatre, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, the Saratoga International Theatre Institute, and Shakespeare & Company. She has a B.A. from Hampshire College, an M.A. from East Tennessee State University, and an MFA in Directing at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Her plays have been produced in New York, New Mexico, Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia, and she has had dozens of articles published in regional publications in the Southeast, including American Theatre and Southern Theatre Magazine. She is a 25-year member of Actors' Equity, and belongs to SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society), and to VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association). She is grateful to currently teach in the wonderful theatre program at Missouri State University. www.karensabo.com Instagram: @kabbasabesFacebook: @Karen Sabo

We are excited to bring you this podcast series, Choreographers in Conversation. This series will allow choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode, Maria Torres, Director/Choreographer/SDCF Trustee interviews Director/Choreographer, Jerry Mitchell to learn more about his career, what brought him to the theatre, the work that he is passionate about, the current state of our industry, and what he hopes for the future.  Jerry Mitchell: Jerry Mitchell (Director/Choreographer, Kinky Boots) made his Broadway and West End debuts as Director/Choreographer of Legally Blonde, which won the Olivier Award for Best Musical. He was also nominated for both the Tony® and Drama Desk Awards for his choreography for Legally Blonde, as well as the Drama Desk Award for his direction. A Tony® winner for his dazzling choreography created for the first revival of La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry was also nominated for that Award for choreographing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hairspray, Never Gonna Dance, and The Full Monty. For Broadway, Jerry also choreographed Catch Me If You Can, and revivals of Charlie Brown, Rocky Horror Show, and Gypsy (starring Bernadette Peters), and for Off-Broadway and film, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Jeffrey. Other film work includes In & Out, Camp, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and Scent of a Woman. Twenty years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Jerry proudly serves as a Board member of BC/EFA and annually as the Executive Producer of Broadway Bares, with a book, website and satellite productions in Las Vegas and London. Cumulative fundraising efforts have resulted in more than $10 million raised for the charity. Next up: directing and choreographing The Honeymooners on Broadway.   Maria Torres: Maria Torres' extensive career as director, choreographer, instructor, and Producer began as a critically acclaimed performer, contributing choreography while performing in the film Dance, with the six-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical Swing and Me!. Torres was nominated for a 2018 Ovation Award for Best Choreography for Luis Valdes' Zoot Suit, is a Lucille Lortel & Carbonell nominee of Four Guys named Jose', The Donkey Show and Celia, the musical based on the life of the late Cuban singer Celia Cruz. Torres received accolades as Associate Choreographer for the Broadway & Touring productions of On Your Feet, the Oscar-nominated film Enchanted, the musical film Idlewild, the showcase for the Tony Award-winning In The Heights, and as a resident choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance. Torres also co-conceived, choreographed, and directed the Magic Of Salsa Kingdom and Off-Broadway hit Latin Heat. Recently, she directed and choreographed the new musical Havana Music Hall, Sol of El Barrio, and served as dance consultant for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Broadway. Torres is an Artist in Residence at The Rosetta LeNoire Amas Musical Theater, Trustee of Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), a proud executive board member of the Stage Directors, and Choreographers Society, and the League of Professional Theatre Women. Her life is documented in the Dance Oral History Project at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

This week on Movement Guidance we have Rachel Leigh Dolan! She is a 2 time Helen Hayes Award Winning Choreographer.  As a choreographer, some of her favorite credits include Annie at Olney Theatre Center, James and the Giant Peach at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Carousel at Arena Stage, and working as an Associate Choreographer for Step One Dance Company on Holland America Cruise Line.  She is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, is a founding faculty member at the innovative private performing arts secondary school, The Academy at Metropolitan School of the Arts, and she is also the Founder and Artistic Director of best8.  You can also catch her teaching weekly at Broadway Dance Center.   Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @movementguidance

Geno Carr is a professional actor, singer, director and educator who starred in the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away on Broadway. He starred Off-Broadway in the musical satire Bush Wars and has been seen in the national tours of Grease, Phantom and The Buddy Holly Story. He has appeared in leading roles in numerous plays and musicals regionally at The Old Globe, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Lyric Opera San Diego, Maine Shakespeare Festival, Heritage Theatre Festival and many others. In addition to having served for two years as Assistant Professor of Theatre and Resident Artist at Stephens College in Columbia, MO, he has also taught at MiraCosta College in Oceanside, CA and currently serves on the Theatre Arts faculty at Grossmont College in San Diego, CA.  He is a summa cum laude graduate of Hartwick College with a dual BA in Music and Theatre Arts, holds an MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Matthew Gardiner is the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Tony Award winning Signature Theatre. The Washington Post has called him “One of the top young musical-theater directors in the land.” At Signature, Gardiner has directed or choregraphed over 25 productions including revivals of classic and contemporary musicals, new works, and world premieres and of course many musicals by Stephen Sondheim, as part of Signature's special commitment to producing the great master's work. Over the past year, amid a global pandemic that has made live performance nearly impossible, Matthew has worked to ensure Signature continues to engage audiences with bold and exciting new online content, while also actively working to expand its reach. Matthew is the recipient of three Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Director of a Musical and has been honored with over a dozen nominations. He holds a BFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Share this episode >>> Https://thisischelseajohnson.com/197 How do you want to impact the world as an artist? You are making waves, whether you acknowledge it or not. You get to decide the nature of the waves you make. Sometimes we can underestimate our impact and power as artists to effect change, and that is one of the biggest opportunities we can potentially miss on our artistic journey. This week, Director/ Teacher/ Advocate, David Connolly reminds us that change and awareness begin when we openly communicate and try to learn how others navigate through the world instead of forcing them into a mold. Conversations lead to understanding and that is where change begins. Is the fear of failure stopping you from venturing into this new chapter in your life? Is your goal more important than the feeling of being embarrassed? Being afraid that things wouldn't work out as planned is valid. David reiterates that sometimes healthy fear is a good thing, but we shouldn't let that stop us from pursuing something we are passionate about. Use your voice as an artist and bring your life experiences to create change! In this episode:  Inspiring someone means being part of the army that allows people to remember that we are more the same than we are different. Trauma is not what happened, it's how you're dealing with what happened. How having a support system impacts your success as an artist. The difference between diversity and inclusion is taking the time to break the mold and learn how others navigate the world. The importance of apprenticeship and continuously learning in improving as an artist. A little about David: David Connolly is a recipient of The Premier of Ontario's Award of Excellence in Applied Arts who holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre Performance from Sheridan College. Immediately upon graduating, David made his Broadway debut and became the first and only amputee to ever perform there. Thirty years later, the double below-knee amputee remains an optimistic, highly creative idea generator of whose life Dance Magazine wrote, “demonstrates the quintessential balancing act between career and community service.” ​ In January, 2020, David curated and moderated the first-ever disability inclusion panel at BroadwayCon in New York City to help develop actionable steps to improve disabled representation in arts. He is also an Ambassador for the Shriner's Hospital for Children, and the War Amps Child Amputee Program. For twelve-years, he served as Creative Producer for Fashion Cares in support of the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and has volunteered for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, Easter Seals, Project Angel Food and The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre for Children's Mental Health. As the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, he has led the creation and implementation of Drayton's Youth Education Program, an Actor's Fund of Canada Benefit Cabaret Series and helmed over thirty productions including the Canadian regional theatre premieres of Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Mama Mia! and Newsies. For the screen, David has directed and choreographed several series for CBC Kids as well as projects for CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS and two feature films by director, Deepa Mehta. He has collaborated with artists including Katy Perry, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, kd lang, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Brightman and many others. As an Educator, he has been an Adjunct Professor and Advisor to the Musical Theatre Performance Programs at Sheridan College, Randolph College, Fanshawe College, St Lawrence College and VanderCook College. He is a recipient of The Waterloo Region Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, and proud member of The Directors Guild of Canada, ACTRA, Equity and The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.  Follow David! Online: www.DavidWConnolly.com Facebook: DavidWConnollyTO Twitter: @DavidConnollyTO Instagram: DavidWConnolly

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 Business Manager/Financial Secretary Jason George to the show. He discussed his introduction to the labor movement, how the members of Local 49 adapted to the pandemic and how labor will be affected by the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The stage industry has been devastated by the pandemic, but is getting back on their feet. Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Executive Director Laura Penn provided an update on the state of the stage industry and the various ways it has changed since one year ago.

Internationally renowned theater choreographer and director, SERGIO TRUJILLO is the first ever Latinx recipient of the Tony Award for Best Choreography. He was honored with the Tony in 2019 for AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Additionally, he won the 2015 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for MEMPHIS. Sergio was previously nominated for several awards including a Tony Award for ON YOUR FEET!, Drama Desk Awards for HANDS ON A HARDBODY, LEAP OF FAITH, MEMPHIS, and JERSEY BOYS, a Lucille Lortel Award for SAVED, and received an Ovation Award for EMPIRE. He made his Broadway debut in 1999, dancing in JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY. As a dancer, he has performed on Broadway in GUYS AND DOLLS, VICTOR/VICTORIA, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, and FOSSE. Sergio made his choreographic debut in 2005 with Broadway’s ALL SHOOK UP. His success expanded from there with JERSEY BOYS — which continues to grow in popularity worldwide. In 2011, four of his productions ran simultaneously on Broadway: NEXT TO NORMAL (2010 Pulitzer Prize), THE ADDAMS FAMILY, MEMPHIS (Olivier Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, NAACP Award, Drama Desk Award nomination, Astaire Award nomination), and JERSEY BOYS (Greenroom Award, Olivier Award nomination, Drama Desk Award nomination, Dora Award nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination). Adding to his list of Broadway choreography credits are SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL (Chita Rivera Award, NAACP Award nomination), A BRONX TALE (Chita Rivera Award nomination), and GUYS AND DOLLS (Astaire Award nomination). Recent directing credits include Cirque Du Soleil’s PARAMOUR currently playing in Germany, ARRABAL for American Repertory Theater (Elliot Norton Award for best direction), the North American tour of FLASH DANCE THE MUSICAL, and the Broadway concert of GLORIA ESTEFAN & MIAMI SOUND MACHINE. Sergio is bringing a number of Latinx musicals aimed at bringing forth the stories of the Hispanic Culture in America. Some of his favorite future productions include: WAITING FOR SNOW IN HAVANA based on the book of the same title by Carlos Eire, LIVES IN LIMBO based on the book by Roberto Gonzales, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES based on the play by Josefina Lopez, and CASA DE LAS FLORES inspired the Netflix Series by Manolo Caro. He has introduced audiences to his choreography in many noteworthy Off-Broadway shows including INVISIBLE THREAD for Second Stage, ROMEO & JULIET for The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN and KISMET for New York City Center Encores!, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK for Dodger Stages, and BARE: A POP OPERA for the American Theatre for Actors. Sergio works and resides in New York City. He is proud to be the first choreographer ever invited to serve as a voting member of the American Theatre Wing’s Advisory Committee for the Tony Awards, is an avid supporter of and serves on the advisory boards of R.Evolution Latina and New York Theatre Barn, and is an active member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Sergio is Colombian born, and was raised in Toronto. He studied science at the University of Toronto, and later pursued further education by attending chiropractic school. Recently he was distinguished as one of the Top 100 Colombians in the world by President Juan Manuel Santos and was voted as one of the top 50 Creative Colombian Artists in the world by Forbes Magazine. Since 1990, he has been in a loving and inspiring relationship with actor Jack Noseworthy. They married in 2011 and were ecstatic to welcome their baby boy, Lucas Alejandro Truworthy, in March 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, the past and present of Yiddish theater collide as we explore the life and performance of renowned Yiddish musician and comedian Mickey Katz. We are joined by Ben Liebert, who is making his return to Folksbiene! Live on Thursday, October 8th with A Bisl Borscht: A Tribute to Mickey Katz. Ben Liebert is an actor, director, and business coach, based in New York City. He played Motl in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish and Boq in Wicked on Broadway and has directed such shows as Into the Woods and the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). He is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Ben gives us a breakdown on the life of Mickey Katz, from his musicianship, his yiddish parodies, and why his music is so important today. Later, Ben reflects on his time as a cast member in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, and discusses his time as a director during the COVID19 pandemic.

Nate Plummer is an internationally known actor’s coach whose clients appear upon on regional, national tour, and Broadway stages as well as in TV / film and national commercials. In 2015 he founded Stage Door Unlocked - an online actor training & resource business currently working with clients in 35 states and 8 countries. His e books and repertoire guides have sold all over the world and his workshops have over 5000 participants to date from all over North America. He is a contributing author to Full Voice Music’s Teacher’s Guide and is the resident production consultant and blogger for Grosh Backdrops and Drapery writing articles about directing and creating theatre in schools and community theatres. He is a frequent guest on numerous podcasts, serves as a clinician and adjudicator for several organizations around the country, and continues to actively direct theatrical productions around the Midwest. Mr. Plummer is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Musical Theatre Educators Alliance, The Voice Foundation, and is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (the national stage director’s union.)  More information can be found at: www.stagedoorunlocked.com Contact us here!https://linktr.ee/rachelsandlermusicFor podcast inquiries: aspiringartistpodcast@gmail.comFor music & lessons inquiries: rachelsandlermusic@gmail.com

Welcome to the first episode! In this episode, we'll chat with talented theatre director Georgette Verdin about tons of things: being an artistic director, managing ADHD at home, communication in relationships, working through shame, structure vs spontaneity, etc. Check it out!   Georgette is a Chicago-based director, theater and speech educator and arts integration specialist. She is also the proud Managing Artistic Director of Interrobang Theatre Project, a critically-acclaimed storefront theater known for its gutsy productions, tackling socially-relevant topics. In 2019, Interrobang was honored with the prestigious Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award. Georgette has taught kindergarten through college in her hometown of New Orleans, as well as Chicago where she has resided since 2009. She was the founding theater teacher at Polaris Charter Academy - an Expeditionary Learning School in Chicago's West Humboldt Park neighborhood - where she taught full-time for eight years. Select directing credits include TRIBES (Nina Raine), Jeff Awards recommended productions of OUT OF LOVE (U.S. Premiere, Elinor Cook), GRACE, RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS (Craig Wright) and TIME STANDS STILL (Donald Margulies), as well as the 2013 & 2016 Yale Drama Series winners, STILL (Jen Silverman) and UTILITY (Emily Schwend). Georgette has also worked with Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Facility, and Chicago Dramatists among others. Upcoming projects include associate directing Mat Smart's world premiere, EDEN PRAIRIE, 1971 (Raven Theatre) and directing the world premiere of SEXBOT (Interrobang Theatre Project). Georgette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA and a Master in Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She is an associate member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.   Check out Interrobang Theatre Project at www.interrobangtheatreproject.com     Original music for this trailer was composed by Christopher Aaron Knarr. You can find more of his work at www.ChristopherAaronKnarr.com. Podcast Artwork design by Joseph Ramski. For inquiries, please contact him directly at jramski3@gmail.com  

In this special podcast, we invite you to meet the new President of the Board of Trustees, Lucy Smith Conroy ’90. Mrs. Conroy is a La Jolla Country Day School “lifer” who joined the board in 2013 and became vice president of trustees in 2017. She was past president of the Alumni Leadership Council, Chair of the Committee on Trustees and a member of the Executive Committee. Mrs. Conroy is a freelance theater director and member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society whose work has been produced both in New York and at regional theaters across the country. She is the former resident dramaturg at Court Theatre in Chicago. Mrs. Conroy earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater and women’s studies from Trinity College and a Master of Fine Arts in directing from Columbia University. Mrs. Conroy and her husband, Ambrose, have three children, Ben '24, Keira '25 and baby Sara. In this podcast, Mrs. Conroy reflects upon her experiences at La Jolla Country Day School and shares her insights on the school. http://www.ljcds.org

Dominic Grijalva, independent graphic artist and Design Director for the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, kicks off the new Behind the Scenes Series on Laura Heywood Interviews, where we explore fascinating people outside the spotlight. Broadway fans will recognize Dom's work for TeeRico — Lin-Manuel Miranda’s personalized, family-based, philanthropic merchandise line. Other design work extends to logos and advertising for reputable regional theaters, for shows including Carrie, Heathers, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Rock of Ages, Dog Fight, Into the Woods, and In The Heights and many more. He’s a projection designer — having worked on regional productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Les Miserables, and even an Australian production of Phantom of the Opera! And his work expands into the world of  book covers and album art and, and award winning animation art.  

Emily Rollie (she/her,@emilyrollie) is a passionate artist-scholar and freelance yogi-director, Emily Rollie (she/her/hers) is an assistant professor at Central Washington University, where she teaches theatre pedagogy, dramatic literature, theatre history, directing, acting, women's and gender studies, and yoga. Her primary research areas are directing, feminist theory and performance, Canadian theatre, and the relationship between mindfulness, yoga, and creativity. In addition to her scholarly and teaching endeavors, Emily also is a freelance theatre director and an associate member of the SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society), for which she also serves as the associate book review editor of the SDC Journal Peer-Reviewed Section. Emily is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and maintains a regular home practice in the Ashtanga yoga method. She teaches a variety of yoga classes in several local studios as well as travels around the country leading workshops on yoga and creativity for artists.   Host: Emily Stamets (she/her, @theemilystamets) Original Music: Jaclyn S. O'Connor Graphics: Tiffany Spence

This episode will take an in-depth view of an interesting intersection of BBLVK St., Theatre, and Hip-Hop. Dr. Reliable Jewel brings on guest Dr. Nicole Hodges Persley. Dr. Hodges Persley is an Associate Professor of Theatre and the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a PWI in the midwest region. She teaches courses on Hip-hop, acting, auditioning, African American theater, critical race theory, improvisation, and transnational performance. Dr. Hodges Persley is a professional actor and director with credits in theater, film, and television. She is a member of SAG/AFTRA, AEA Equity, SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society), and the NTC (National Theatre Conference). Dr. Reliable Jewel and Dr. Hodges Persley talk about early experiences that influenced the development of their careers, as well as an interesting conversation about the uniqueness of being an artist within hip-hop culture.https://www.bblvkjewel.com/Link to information for Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowshiphttps://hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu/faq/nasir-jones-hiphop-fellowshipLink to information about the Kansas City MeltingPot theatrewww.kcmeltingpot.com/

This episode was recorded at a live event sponsored by both the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Stage Directors UK on February 24, 2019 in London. The event was the first ever SDC-SDUK member gathering, and the conversation, featured artistic directors Jeremy Herrin and Pam MacKinnon. It was moderated by SDUK Executive Director, Thomas Hescott.

Great discussion with Anne Galjour, playwright and actor, whose new play "Get Gandhi - A Seriously Radical Feminist Comedy", previews tonight at Z Below in San Francisco. All information is below. Special ticket DISCOUNT for Wave Radio Listeners: purchase yout tickets at http://www.zspace.org/getgandhi Enter the code "friend" at the time of purchase and get a $5 discount! The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits Theatre Collective https://www.thesisterhoodofthetravelingpantsuitstheatrecollective.com/ Opening Music by the fabulous CARLY OZARD http://carlyozard.com/   ----more---- Inspired by the writings of radical feminist philosopher and theologian Mary Daly, #GetGandhi - A Seriously Radical Feminist Comedy Is a world premiere, multi-character play written by award-winning playwright and actor Anne Galjour focusing on Mahatma Gandhi's infamous experiments in brahmacharya, or celibacy. Gandhi would have a young woman disrobe and sleep with him completely naked as a test to prove his seminal continence and his purity of spirit. Gandhi never saw anything wrong with this practice, but a small coven of old school bra-burning San Francisco feminists do. They plot to avenge these sex crimes. They set out for the Gandhi memorial statue, located on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, to rip it from its base, and drag it up Market Street in the middle of the night. The play focuses on the women, their families, the backlash from their Generation X children as well as the conflict that is fueled from opposing responses to the revered hero's celibacy experiments. To Bob, the male character who is a longtime practitioner of Gandhi's principles of nonviolence, his hero is flawed. To his female counterparts, this flawed prince of peace is an imposter and sexual abuser. #GetGandhi explores the themes of sexual assault and the removal of statues of historical figures once deemed heroic. #GetGandhi is extremely timely as it extends critical conversation on these issues. It is meant to be a forum that opens up dialogue in the Bay Area and beyond. As each character in the play views Gandhi's actions through a different lens it is hoped that diverse audiences will engage in the debate. #GetGandhi bring together some of the finest Bay Area theatrical writing and acting talent on one stage. SF favorite monologist and playwright & professor Anne Galjour (Alligator Tales, Hurricane) returns with this timely World Premiere, joined with gifted actors: Jeri Lynn Cohen (Word for Word, Magic), Patricia Silver (Word for Word, Z Collective), and Howard Swain (Aurora, ACT), Miranda Swain (ACT) and Lyndsy Kail* (Center Rep). (Miranda Swain is the daughter of Howard Swain and Nancy Carlin.) To top it off #GetGandhi is directed by renown director, actor and teacher Nancy Carlin (Shotgun, Marin Theatre Co.) We are all in for a treat with this playwright, director and stellar cast. * The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Z Below - 470 Florida St. (17th & Mariposa Sts.) in SF 94110 Tickets $25; $15 for Student with valid ID; - Fri. Aug. 10 - 8:00 pm (Low Priced Preview ($15); Wed. Aug. 15 - (pay what you can.) http://www.zspace.org/getgandhi?spektrix_bounce=true or 415- 218-5223 CAST - #GetGandhi - A Seriously Radical Feminist Comedy features Bay Area actors: Jeri Lynn Cohen* (Helen); Patricia Silver* (Miriam); Lyndsy Kail* (Rebecca); Howard Swain* (Bob); Miranda Swain (Maya). #GetGandhi is directed by Nancy Carlin**. * The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers USA. ** The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. TECH CREDITS: Toni Guidry (Stage Manager); John Mayne (Set Design); Kate Boyd (Lighting Design); Cliff Caruthers (Sound Design); Michelle Mulholland (Costumer); August 10 - 28, 2018 - Limited Engagement -- 13 Performances Only! Preview (1) Friday August 10 - 8:00 pm (No Press at Previews Please) Opening Night: Sat. Aug. 11, 2018 - 8:00 pm Performance Dates: August 10 - 26, 2018

Walter Bobbie is both an actor and a director of plays and musicals whose recent directing credits include Bright Star and Venus in Fur. His acting career began with the original cast of Grease and spans Shaw’s Getting Married at Circle in the Square to Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls. Formerly the Artistic Director of City Center’s Encores!, Mr. Bobbie directed the international hit Chicago. He is board member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and the recipient of Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony awards.Hosts: Beth Stevens, Paul Wontorek, Caitlyn Gallip

Mark Armstrong is a Brooklyn-based theater director and the Executive Director for The 24 Hour Plays, where he recently oversaw the 16th annual The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway.  Mark spent four years as the Director of New Work for off-Broadway’s Keen Company, where he created the Keen Playwrights Lab for mid-career playwrights and led Keen Teens. Mark spent three years as the Literary Director for Playscripts, Inc. His writing has appeared in American Theatre, HowlRound and the Brooklyn Rail. And, as Artistic Director of The Production Company, he directed premiere productions of Dan O’Brien’s The Angel in the Trees, Blair Singer’s Meg’s New Friend and The Most Damaging Wound, Alan Berks’ Goats, and many more. Mark is a proud member of Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Lincoln bCenter Theater Directors Lab. This post Bringing Together Artists to Create 24 Hour Plays appeared first on Talking Theater. Also, please click here to Subscribe. Thanks so much for listening!    

The King of DC Media, William Powell, welcomes playwright Rob Urbinati, who wrote the farcical British play Death By Design, which pays homage to both Noel Coward and Agatha Christie. William, who is producing the play at Greenbelt Arts Center, also welcomes various cast and crew members from the show, which runs until November 23rd. (Find out more at Greenbelt Arts Center. Read a review here.) Read more about Rob here (from http://queenstheatre.org/rob-urbinati): Rob is a freelance director and playwright based in New York City, and Director of New Play Development at Queens Theatre, where he curates the Immigrant Voices Project. He has directed at the Public Theatre, Culture Project, Abingdon Theatre, Classic Stage Company, Pearl Theatre, Queens Theatre, Lincoln Center Directors Lab, NYCFringe, New York Music Theatre Festival, New York University and theatres and universities across the country. Rob’s first play as a writer, Hazelwood Jr. High, was directed by Scott Elliott for the New Group. The play is published by Samuel French.  Miss Julie in Hollywood, his adaptation of the Strindberg play, was presented at the 78th Street Theatre Lab. His new play, Death by Design, opened in Houston in September 2011. His adaptation of Cole Porter’s Nymph Errant opens in New York City in July 2012. Rob has developed various projects for Disney Creative Entertainment, served on the Lark Theatre Playwrights Week Selection Committee, and contributed material for “Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum,” the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery at the United Nations. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Women in Chicago: On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society hosted a panel on women directors and choreographers in Chicago with Rachel Rockwell, Joanie Schultz, Kimberly Senior, and Leigh Silverman. This informal town-hall discussion explores the positive and negative experiences women may encounter while pursuing a career as a director or choreographer. The conversation includes deliberation on the unique challenges and opportunities facing women directors and choreographers in Chicago and across the country. Together, the panel and the audience strive to answer the question, "How can all of us, our collaborators, theatres, service organizations, etc., support growth/continuance of women as directors and choreographers?" Originally recorded - December 4, 2012. Running Time - 1:20:21 © 2012 SDCF

On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society hosted a panel on women directors and choreographers in Chicago with panelists Rachel Rockwell, Joanie Schultz, Kimberly Senior, and Leigh Silverman, moderated by Michael Halberstam. Together, the panel and the audience strive to answer the question, "How can all of us - our collaborators, theatres, service organizations - support the growth and furtherance of women as directors and choreographers?"