Podcasts about dramatists guild

In this episode of the Journey of My Mother's Son podcast, I talk with Santo Marabella. I was honored to have the opportunity to have my old friend from Berks County, Santo, on my show.  We have been friends for over fifteen years now.  We first got to know each other when we both served on the board of the Berks County Visitors Bureau and through volunteering with the Reading Filmfest.  However, I never really knew Santo's story of how he arrived in the United States until recently.  It is an incredible story, and again, I feel honored to be able to give Santo a place at my table, and help tell a little bit of his story on my show. Santo D. Marabella, MBA, DSW, The Practical Prof® is an author, playwright, filmmaker, speaker and educator with writing, directing and producing credits for books, television pilots, a musical, short films and plays. He is the co-founder ReadingFilmFEST and the ReadingFilm Office, for which he served as ReadingFilm Commissioner (2006-2018). Recent projects include writer/director of the play Rocky Road Ain't Always Sweet, (2024). producer, AVA (2023); producer, FLASHLIGHT (2023); director/co-producer, workshop for Love Is Afoot!, an original musical (2023); writer/producer/director, THE CAREGIVER (2022). Marabella, Professor Emeritus of Management, Moravian University, is a member of The Lambs®, The Dramatists Guild of America and Theatre Communications Group. His newest film, Il Mio Posto a Tavola (My Place at the Table) is a first-person documentary which examines our universal need to belong, as seen through the heart of the filmmaker. Born in a Catholic orphanage in Aosta, Italy, and flown to the United States just one week shy of his first birthday, Santo D. Marabella was one of over 3700 Italian born children adopted by Italian American parents between 1951 and 1969. Known as the “Baby Scoop” era, tens of thousands of Italian unwed mothers were forced to give their children up for adoption, leaving behind generations of children devastated by their perceived abandonment. Though he was the treasured only child of his adoptive parents, Santo was bullied by his peers and struggled from an early age to fit in and connect with others. Growing up, the realization that he was gay further deepened this isolation, straining his relationship with the Church to which he was so dedicated and the parents he so loved. Despite self-doubt and fear, he refused to be stopped. He tried harder and achieved more, carving out a life as a caregiver, educator, writer and artist. But he was still on the outside. In this journey to belonging, Santo returns to Italy to find his place at the table (posto a tavola) To find out more about the film, check out its website at https://ilmiopostofilm.com/.

Richard C. WalterBOOK, MUSIC, LYRICSA composer-lyricist who has studied and worked in genres including musical theatre, choral, a cappella, pop, jazz, and film scoring. His show Madame Clicquot (co-written with Lisette Glodowski), has had two developmental readings in New York, and was part of New York Theatre Barn's New Works Series in 2020. Richard has been a guest composer at Columbia University, and was commissioned by NYU to team up with his Madame Clicquot collaborator Lisette Glodowski, to write the song "Go Ahead" for the Tisch School of The Arts 2020 graduation ceremony at Radio City Music Hall. Richard has been honored to volunteer as a composer with the 52nd Street Project in NYC, writing new songs and plays with kids. Richard received his B.A. in music from University of Chapel Hill and his MFA in Musical Theatre Writing at NYU's Tisch School. of the Arts. www.richardcwalter.comLISETTE GLODOWSKIBOOK, MUSIC, LYRICSLisette Glodowski is an award-winning composer-lyricist, actor, choreographer and educator. She has performed on stages coast to coast, written numerous musicals and plays, choreographed for regional houses, coached many broadway singers, and earned her MFA at The Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, NYU Tisch School of the Arts | BFA in Musical Theatre/Acting at East Carolina University. Current writing credits with collaborator Richard C. Walter: Madame Clicquot: A Revolutionary Musical –– Studio Cast Recording, The sold-out concert at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (2021), Industry Readings and more–– Tambora: The Lost Kingdom (Industry Reading at NYU) and Escrow! A New Musical. Lisette's other shows include Velvet Over Steel, The Adventures of Atalanta, Much A Cruise About Nothing, Starving Artist: A Song Cycle, Call Me Coppelia and more. Proud member of The Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, AEA, SDC, and the recipient of the Dramatists Guild Foundation Grant in 2020. For more info on her other artistic hats, visit www.lisetteglodowski.com

The stupendous publication of Edna Ferber's Giant in 1952 set off a storm of protest over the novel's portrayal of Texas manners, money and mores with oil-rich Texans threatening to shoot, lynch or ban Ferber from ever entering the state again.In Giant Love, Julie Gilbert writes of the internationally best-selling Ferber, one of the most widely read writers in the first half of the 20th Century – her evolution from mid-west maverick girl-reporter to Pulitzer Prize winning, beloved American novelist, from her want-to-be actress days to becoming Broadway's acclaimed prize-winning playwright whose collaborators – George S. Kauffman and Moss Hart, among them, were, along with Ferber, herself, the most successful playwrights of their time.bout the AuthorJULIE GILBERT was born in New York City and was educated at Boston University. She is the author of four books, among them a biography of her great aunt, Edna Ferber, Edna Ferber and Her Circle and Opposite Attraction: The Lives of Erich Maria Remarque and Paulette Goddard, Gilbert is a member of The Dramatists Guild, The Writers Guild of America, East, The Authors Guild, Actors' Equity, and League of Professional Theater Women. She has taught Creative Writing at New York University's School of Continuing Education and currently heads The Writers Academy at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida where she lives part time, as well as in New York City.For more info on the book click HERE

Send us a textPlaywrights Lisa Rosenbaum and Ronda Spinak sat in the Playwright's Spotlight to discuss the evolution of their play The Violin Maker from its Sydney, Australia production to its US premiere from its origin from The Violins of Hope through its process up to rehearsals. We delve into the styles of salons, approaching flashbacks and overwriting, respect and valuing while collaborating, getting to the emotion and infusing your writing with heart, stage directions as road maps and using stage directions in dialogue, and the elements of a good director. They offer great insight the playwrights of any level will benefit from. Enjoy!For tickets to The Violin Maker at International City Theatre in Long Beach, CA from April 23rd through May 11th, visit - https://internationalcitytheatre.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=813Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum is a writer and dramaturg at  the LA based theater and arts company The Braid, where she also develops and moderates programs that give voice to diverse and compelling Jewish voices. Stories from the Violins of Hope, her play about Israeli violin maker who restored instruments that survived the Holocaust, drew from her lengthy interviews with Amnon Weinstein himself. She is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild.Ronda Spinak is a writer, producer, and founder and artistic director of The Braid, a 17-year-old global nonprofit theater company. She develops and produces The Braid's signature Salon Theatre Series, curating more than 80 original Jewish-themed programs and adapting many of the pieces performed. She has developed six one-person shows, including Not That Jewish, which played 16 months in Los Angeles, then went to Off Broadway for nearly a year. Other plays include Stories from the Fringe and Oscar Wilde's Wife. She is a graduate of Stanford University, and holds degrees from and MBA from UCLA and a Masters in Writing from USC. She is also on the board of the Alliance for Jewish Theatre and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.To watch the video format of this episode, visit - https://youtu.be/HfmBP1d-M2gLinks to resources mentioned in this episode -The Braid - https://the-braid.orgInternational City Theatre - https://ictlongbeach.orgWebsite and Socials for The Braid -The Braid - https://the-braid.orgYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBraidStoriesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebraidstories/IG - @thebraidstoriesWebsites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk 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

Pamela Weiler GraysonPam's musical, Urban Momfare (composer/lyricist/co-book writer), won a Best Musical award, at the New York International Fringe Festival, garnered four stars and a Critics Pick from Time Out, and also played at the Fringe Encore Series. Pam's award-winning plays and musicals have been seen on stages throughout New York and nationally, including Primary Stages, Naked Angels, Theatre Now New York, The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre (North Hollywood, CA), Southwest Theatre Productions (Austin, TX - Blue Ribbon Winner of their Rising Artists Series), Arts on the Lake (Kent Lakes, NY), Cincinnati Lab Theatre, Emerging Artists Theatre (NYC - multiple works), and The Chain Theatre (NYC). Her play Observant was the recipient of a 2024 grant from The New York State Council on the Arts and a SemiFinalist in the Jewish Plays Project's 12th National Jewish Playwriting Contest. Her play The Club was one of three prize-winning plays of the Word Wave Lake Tahoe One Act Play Competition. She is the co-writer, with Alice Jankell, of Cicadas, The Musical, featured on Season 2 of the top-rated Amazon streaming series, The Other F Word. Pam's songs have been performed at The Metropolitan Room, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Duplex, and Don't Tell Mama. She has written for The New York Times and The New York Observer, among others. Pam is a member of Kate Moira Ryan's advanced playwriting workshop and a board member of Emerging Artists Theatre. She was a writer-in-residence at Kervigo Ensemble Theatre (NY), for the 2020–2021 season and is an inaugural member of Theatre Now New York's International Musical Writers Lab. Dramatists Guild member. Education: Brown University, Fordham Law School, New York Theatre Workshop, and The BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. Pam is on the New Play Exchange. See her page at newplayexchange.org/user.Alice JankellAlice is a director, writer actress as well as the Artistic Director of The Philipstown Depot Theatre.​For Disney, Alice helped to create and develop new Broadway musicals.  As Associate Artistic Director of The Williamstown Theatre Festival, her directing work included AS YOU LIKE IT,  DINAH WAS, and ENOUGH ROPE, the special event on Dorothy Parker starring Elaine Stritch.  Alice has worked and learned in venues as varied as the Mark Taper, the L.A. Opera, The Public Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, La Mama, and City Theater, among many others, as well as in film and TV.  Alice was the Creative Director of F.A.B. Women (For, About, and By Women) under The Barrow Group's Off-Broadway umbrella, helming the company of 125 professional female writers, actors and directors.  During her tenure, F.A.B. Women generated and produced 48 new plays.With Putnam Theatre Alliance, Alice co-created Freedom Project, directed and filmed MORE BEAUTIFUL, a brand new play by Craig Lucas, and co-created and directed DIRT.  Alice is currently preparing to direct Martha Pichey's new play, ASHES & INK, Off-Broadway this fall.Alice's own scripts have appeared across the country, and a collection of her plays has been published by Leicester Bay Theatricals.  Her play, THE SWEET SPOT, opened at Off-Broadway's 59E59 Theaters last winter, and her musical (with Pam Weiler Grayson) about urban motherhood (Director/Co-Writer), won a Best Musical Award from the NY International Fringe Festival, was a Critic's Choice, and garnered 4 stars from Time Out. Her many favorite acting roles include a solo performance, backed by the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and a lead in the Off-Broadway premier of Arlene Hutton's LETTERS TO SALA.   Alice has taught acting at Carnegie Mellon.Alice is a founding member of Putnam Theatre Alliance, a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect, member of The Actors Studio PDW and PDU, and The National Musical Theatre Workshop, founding member Putnam Theatre Alliance.

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with composer and orchestrator Julie Richardson about balancing multiple personal and professional roles, redefining the boundaries of womanhood, finding a creative process that works for you and a creative community that inspires you, and more. We also highlight Lesya Ukrainka as part of our Women's History Month Playwrights You Should Know series, in partnership with Expand the Canon. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Julie RichardsonMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Space by L M Feldman at Central Square TheatreCheck out Julie's pumpkin carving and other amazing projects on her website!Musical Theatre Writing CollectiveHello Sunshine - Reese WitherspoonMake Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John ZeratskyWomen's History Month:Expand the Canon - Stone Host by Lesya UkrainkaTrailblazers of the Week:Molly MarinikChloe GellerOther:Donate to the Collective Transformation fundraiser for Transgender Law Center!Guest Bio:Julie Richardson (she/her) Jis a Boston-based musical theater composer, orchestrator, music director and sound designer. Her musical HACK, PUNT, TOOL, written with collaborators Daniel Levine, Rachel Bowens-Rubin, Zara Barryte, and Danbee Kim, was produced in 2012 by the MIT Musical Theater Guild and had a revival with the same group with a revised book and score in 2017. Julie orchestrated the world premiere production of JACK & AIDEN by Tova Katz and Lane Michael Stanley at Ground Floor Theatre in Austin, TX in 2023. She is currently composing the music for an adaptation of Virginia Woolf's TO THE LIGHTHOUSE with collaborator Amy Andrews. Julie is also a YouTube creator with a channel called Finishing the Score, in which she invites viewers to follow along with her songwriting journey and learn new skills along the way. Her video topics range from composition and lyric techniques to music software and audio gear. She is a proud founding member of the Musical Theater Writing Collective, as well as a member of The Dramatists Guild, Maestra, ASMAC and Ring of Keys.Find Julie Online:Visit Julie's websiteFollow Julie on InstagramFollow To the Lighthouse on InstagramCheck out Julie's YouTube channelThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

Why Fresh Hell Works: Dialogue that Sizzles and Makes You Laugh This week's Your Creative Table Read with Playwright Brian Cern and Actors Julie Brandon, Barry Wallace, and Izolda Trakhtenberg. Brian Cern, Playwright Brian Cern is a Twin Cities-based actor and playwright whose work has won numerous awards and contests throughout North America. A member of the Dramatists Guild, he received his training at Cardinal Stritch University, where his theatre and writing studies led him to a deep appreciation for the stories that unite us in the human condition. As parables, his work has been called “imaginative,” “beautifully soulful,” and “thought-provoking.” Of all the credits to his name, however, it is “Teaching Artist” for local children's theaters that he treasures the most. He lives with his wife and son in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota.       Julie Brandon as Mom Julie Brandon is s playwright, poet, short story writer and lyricist. Her work has appeared in Bewildering Stories, Altered Reality, Detangled Brain, Corner Bar Magazine, Poetica Magazine, Fresh Words, Mini Plays Review and many others. Julie's poetry collection, My Tears Like Rain, was published June 2024. Her short plays have been produced nationally. Julie's plays are available on  Broken Art Entertainment 2024 series Summer Vibes and The Future and on several Theatrical Shenanigans podcast shows. A short play will be produced by RubySky productions in 2025. Julie lives near Chicago, IL. Julie's New Play Exchange  https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon For Theatrical Shenanigans - "Pulled From a Hat" https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/two-year-anniversary-special/ https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/mini-shenanigans-episode-3-can-you-get-there-from-here-by-julie-brandon/ Broken Art Entertainment -   Summer Vibes Anthology - The Astronomy Lesson and The Future Anthology - Someone's Lucky Day Barry Wallace as Dad Barry Wallace has worked in Knoxville, TN community and professional theatre for over 30 years as a director, music director, actor and playwright. His original full-length play, THE SNALLYGASTER, is part of Tennessee Stage Company's 2025 New Play Festival, and his short play, BLACK BALLOONS, won Best Screenplay at the 2022 "The Ten Show" Film Festival.   Social Media, etc: Facebook: @Barry.Wallace1 Instagram: @barrywallace NPX: https://newplayexchange.org/users/69726/barry-wallace   Izolda Trakhtenberg, Stage Directions Izolda Trakhtenberg is a playwright, scriptwriter, author, and voice actor who brings stories to life across stage, screen, and sound. Her plays Expiration Date (Off Broad Street Play Festival semifinalist) and A Slice of Democracy (produced by Nomad Theatre) challenge and engage audiences. She narrates corporate projects, animations, and commercials, with audiobook credits including The Ghost Next Door and Ocean City Lowdown. As host of The Your Creative Mind Podcast, she explores creativity's power to transform lives. A published author of fiction and non-fiction, her works include Die By The Sword, book one in the Cassie Belmont Tarot Card Thrillers. Izolda blends storytelling and communication expertise to create work that resonates long after the final word.   Connect with Izolda Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg     Ready to "wow" the people you speak with? Work with me. This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm*, my book on how to become a stellar communicator, Speak From Within, and this podcast's host, Podbean (Get a one-month free trial of Podbean with this affiliate link. https://www.podbean.com/CreativeSolutions).  Leave me a voice message.   == BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It's also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you've been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee. Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |  

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. 

Send us a textThis is a very important episode shining light onto a subject a lot of us don't realize our fellow creatives are struggling with and how it may affect their craft - disabilities. Peter Anthony Fields sat in the Playwright's Spotlight and shared his experience fighting Parkinson's and how his diagnosis changes his creative pursuit. We discuss not only the physical afflictions of the disease but also the mental symptoms, his transition from filmmaker to playwright, advice for other creatives whom might be trying to overcome a disease or disability and the tools to help them cope but, also, the gifts having a disability may offer. We talk about self publishing and promotion, facets of playwriting playwright's shouldn't burden themselves with, how minute direction can change a piece, and the ramifications of a character's action. It was certainly an insightful interview that I hope you take something away from to encourage other artists who might be holding themselves back from the creativity brewing inside. Peter Anthony Fields has written numerous stage plays that have been read or performed in Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri, and London, U.K. The self-published edition of his full-length stage play, That Guy, was awarded the top prize in the Performing Arts category of the 2020 Best Book Awards, sponsored by American Book Fest. The Invited, a whodunit mystery, was self-published in September of 2022 and is a 2024 Red Ribbon Award winner from The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. His 10 minute play, See, Invisible, was performed at the Columbus Black Theatre Festival in Columbus, Ohio also in 2022. His plays, About Michael, Monster, and The Parking Lot, are published and licensed by Lazy Bee Scripts. He has a BA in Theatre Studies from Kent State University and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.To watch the video format of this episode, visit -            https://youtu.be/Ds5QWyPxf44Links to resources mentioned in this episode -Playwright's Corner -                                     https://www.youtube.com/@PeterFields18Lazy Bee Scripts -                                                            https://www.lazybeescripts.co.ukThe Wishing Shelf Book Awards -                                              https://www.thewsa.co.ukAmazon Self Publishing -                                                             https://kdp.amazon.comWebsite and Socials for Peter Anthony Fields -www.peteranthonyfields.comPeter Anthony Fields' Amazon Page -               https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-Anthony-Fields/author/B07SHJG5SG?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-anthony-fields-3a188a182/                Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PeterFields007                                               IG - @peteranthonyfieldsSupport the show

Emily Simonian Book, Music, and LyricsEmily Simonian is an acoustic pop singer-songwriter, published author, and a musical theatre composer, lyricist, and librettist. Raised on a steady diet of 90's pop, Beatles, Disney movies and classic musicals, she earned a merit-based scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music, and finished her degree at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, earning a B.F.A. in Contemporary Music.Emily has released two acoustic pop EPs and has been recognized with awards, grants, and finalist placements in new works festivals. Her artistic vision has garnered multiple visionary sponsorships from benefactors who believe in her work, supporting her latest musical theatre project, When Two of Us Meet. Early reviewers in the theatre community have hailed the musical as "a Broadway-worthy stage production."​In September 2024, Emily received the Laurel Karabian Fund for the Arts Grant from the Armenian International Women's Association for her current musical project. When Two of Us Meet  is currently in development and will receive a concert reading at The Green Room 42 in New York City on March 22, 2025, sponsored by the Armenian International Women's Association. (Read more at BroadwayWorld.com). When Two of Us Meet is a top 12 finalist in the Florida Festival of New Musicals 2025, and a top 10 finalist in Colorado's New Musical Project 2025. ​In addition to writing music, Emily has a Masters Degree in Psychology and utilizes music and art therapies. Her contributions to mental health conversations have reached a broad audience through media outlets like TIME magazine, The Washington Post, Huff Post, Newsweek, Healthline, Cosmopolitan, Instyle, and Women's Health. ​Simonian is an active member of The Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, Maestra Music, and Musical Writers Academy. Emily serves as a volunteer at D.C. fashion nonprofit, Suited For Change, and also gives back to the arts community by dedicating her time as a Theater Tour Greeter, Lounge Host, and Friend of The Kennedy Center. When Two of Us Meet tells the story of a spirited family's turbulent journey from Armenia to America in the early 20th century, emphasizing the pivotal roles of faith, hope, and love in their personal, familial, and cultural evolution. 

Brian Cern's Beautifully So: The creative shift—when a script moves from page to performance. What happens when a script jumps off the page and into the voices of live actors? In this special episode of Your Creative Mind, we're launching a brand-new series featuring table reads of original plays! You'll hear a fresh script performed for the first time, experiencing the raw energy of actors bringing characters to life in real time. After the read, I sit down with the playwright and actors to talk about the creative process—how the words transformed, what surprised them, and what this experience meant for them. Whether you're a writer, performer, or just love great storytelling, this episode gives you a front-row seat to creativity in action. Plus, stay tuned for Monday's interview with author Aaron Ryan and another play table read next Friday. Hit play and join the magic!   Brian Cern, Playwright Brian Cern is a Twin Cities-based actor and playwright whose work has won numerous awards and contests throughout North America. A member of the Dramatists Guild, he received his training at Cardinal Stritch University, where his theatre and writing studies led him to a deep appreciation for the stories that unite us in the human condition. As parables, his work has been called “imaginative,” “beautifully soulful,” and “thought-provoking.” Of all the credits to his name, however, it is “Teaching Artist” for local children's theaters that he treasures the most. He lives with his wife and son in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota.   Lela Olson as Emma Lela Olson caught the acting bug in kindergarten when she played the peddler in a class dramatization of Caps for Sale. She's been acting ever since on various stages in the Minneapolis area as a pastime. Favorite roles have included Hero (Much Ado About Nothing), Betsy Linder/Lindsey (Clybourne Park), and Marilla Cuthbert (Anne of Green Gables). Away from the stage, Dr. Olson has worked as a teacher, school principal, and nonprofit leader. She also enjoys traveling internationally and serving her community as a volunteer civil mediator.   Alan Fessenden as Christopher Alan Fessenden is a writer, performer, creator living in Brooklyn, New York. He has performed on stages all over the country as an improviser, actor and clown and now hosts the original award wanting podcast They Just Keep Talking an eclectic mixtape of conversation. Alan has written and performed three solo shows and most recently completed work on his first full length clown show The HelpFulls; Now and Forever. He's also finished two novellas for a trilogy he's working on and is developing his first full length play.  (alanfessenden.com) https://www.instagram.com/alanfessenden/ https://www.tiktok.com/@alan_fessenden https://bsky.app/profile/tjkt.bsky.social https://www.tiktok.com/@theyjust.keeptalk     Barry Wallace, Stage Directions Barry Wallace has worked in Knoxville, TN community and professional theatre for over 30 years as a director, music director, actor and playwright. His original full-length play, THE SNALLYGASTER, is part of Tennessee Stage Company's 2025 New Play Festival, and his short play, BLACK BALLOONS, won Best Screenplay at the 2022 "The Ten Show" Film Festival.   Social Media, etc: Facebook: @Barry.Wallace1 Instagram: @barrywallace NPX: https://newplayexchange.org/users/69726/barry-wallace   Ready to "wow" the people you speak with? Work with me. This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm*, my book on how to become a stellar communicator, Speak From Within, and this podcast's host, Podbean (Get a one-month free trial of Podbean with this affiliate link. https://www.podbean.com/CreativeSolutions).  Leave me a voice message.   == Connect with Izolda BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It's also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you've been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee. Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |  

Michael Wolk is a Broadway producer (Once Upon A Mattress, The Hills of California, Job, Prince of Broadway, Pacific Overtures, and the forthcoming The Karate Kid), and he has also produced in the U.K. (Kenrex), at Lincoln Center (Musashi and Temple of the Golden Pavilion), Kennedy Center (Up In The Air), BAM (MacBeth) and in Central Park (Japan Day @ Central Park 2007-2017). His nonprofit All For One Theater (www.AFO.NYC) has staged over 50 solo shows Off-Broadway since 2011. He is also the author of the new cyber thriller DevilsGame, and the mystery novels The Beast on Broadway and The Big Picture. He wrote the play Femme Fatale (Broadway Play Publishing) and wrote the book, music and lyrics for Deep Cover (New York Musical Theatre Festival) and Ghostlight 9 (Cherry Lane Theatre), and wrote the book for the musical, THE PILOT AND THE LITTLE PRINCE, which premiered in Fall 2024 at Poland's Katowice Miasto Ogrodow.   He directed the award-winning documentary You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story, which screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center (Plexifilm DVD). He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and works and lives in Times Square.  Make sure to check out this author @wolk_michael

Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian, and creator and author of The Musical Theatre Report. His book, The American Musical: Evolution of an Art Form (Routledge, 2024), chronicles a detailed and comprehensive history of the art form's artistic evolution. He created twenty “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series. West has spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award.

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Jacquelyn Jordan from the Dramatists Guild Foundation. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Jacquelyn Jordan, Dramatists Guild FoundationMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Dramatists Guild Foundation website DGF Catalyst Fellowship RISE Theatre network partners About Dramatists Guild Foundation: Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) is a national charity that fuels the future of American theater by supporting the writers who create it. DGF fosters playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists at all stages of their careers. DGF sponsors educational programs; provides awards, grants, and stipends; offers free space to create new works; and gives emergency aid to writers in need of immediate support. In 2024, DGF received a 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre for their life-changing support of theater writers. By supporting and nurturing the creators of today, we protect the stories of tomorrow. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

Send us a textAfter high praise from Ellen Geer a few episodes, we were able to get Jennie Webb to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight and share her experiences as a playwright, dramaturg, and overseer of workshops. We explored her transition from acting into playwriting, her assistance in developing new works from "living voices", the benefits of asking questions, knowing the origin of a moment and earning it as pushing boundaries and whether or not there is a formula for playwriting. We also touch on her love of language, her process, submitting to outside markets especially oversees, defining success and accepting rejection, giving oneself parameters, and the benefits of going for a walk. Another episode chock of great advice and insight. We had a lot of fun. Enjoy.Jennie Webb is an LA-based playwright and dramaturg having created and ran the new play development program, Seedlings, at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum and co-creating EST/LA's Ignite Project. Her work includes “Yard Sale Signs,” “Smiling Cat Candy Heart,” "On Tuesday," "It's Not About Race," “Rebecca on the Bus,” “Brand New Script” and "Buying a House". National recognition include Finalist for O'Neill Playwrights Conference, Gulfshore Playhouse, and City Theatre Short Play Festival as well as Semi-Finalist for the O'Neill Playwrights Conference, PlayPenn, Athena Project,  and Trustus Theatre Festival. She is the recipient of Max K. Lerner Playwriting Fellowships and a Women in Theatre Red Carpet Award and is a member of the Playwrights Union, EST/LA, Honor Roll!, Dramatists Guild. She is also co-founder of LA Female Playwrights Initiative.For information for Jennie's reading of Wound Care on October 18th, visit -https://www.companyofangels.org/new-works-fest-rsvp-1To watch the video format of this episode, visit -https://youtu.be/l0z5Yj3qqDgLinks to resources mentioned in this episode -O'Neill Playwrights Conference -https://www.theoneill.org/npcPlay Penn -https://www.playpenn.orgWill Geer Theatricum Botanicum -https://theatricum.comEST/LA -https://www.estlosangeles.orgLA Female Playwrights Initiative -https://lafpi.comPlaywrights Union -https://playwrightsunion.comActors Gang -https://theactorsgang.comHollywood Fringe -https://www.hollywoodfringe.orgWebsite and Socials for Jennie Webb -www.jenniewebbsite.comIG - @jenniewebbsiteFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/jenniewebbsiteX/Twitter - @jenniewebbsiteWebsites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk 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

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with musical theatre writing team abs wilson and Veronica Mansour about the recent success of their show LIGHTHOUSE, the joy of collaborating with women to tell nuanced women-forward stories, the importance of practicing gratitude, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: abs wilson and Veronica MansourMusic: Chloe Geller Episode Resources: National Theater Institute (NTI) NYU Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program LIGHTHOUSE at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) Festival of New Musicals Guest Bios: abs wilson (she/her) is a playwright & lyricist originally from Minnesota and now based in NYC. She's a recipient of the 2024 Richard Rodgers Award, selected writer for the National Musical Theatre Alliances's New Musical Festival (2024), Eugene O'Neill National Music Theater Conference winner (2024), selected writer for the musical theater Rhinebeck Writer's Retreat (2024), selected writer for the Syracuse New Works New Voices program (2024), Write Out Loud Contest winner for her and Veronica Mansour's song “Runaway Girl" (2023), National Musical Theater Conference Finalist (2023), NAMT finalist (2023), recipient of the Vanguard Theater New Works Festival Commission (2023), THE SEVEN New Works winner (2023), finalist for the Olney Theater Center Vanguard Arts Fund (2023), featured on the NAMT playlist, semi-finalist for SheNYC (2022), and finalist for the David Einhorn Prize (2022). She's had work done with Theatre Barn at Playwright's Horizons, Paper Kraine, the Tank, the Brick, Fusion Theater, Syracuse University, and St. Olaf College, with songs performed at 54 Below, Joe's Pub, the Composers Concordance Marathon, and a play published in Some Scripts Literary Magazine. She got her MFA from NYU Tisch's Musical Theater Writing Program and her passion for theater at the National Theater Institute's 2020 Summer Intensive theatermaking program. abs is a member of the Dramatists Guild & ASCAP. Veronica Mansour (she/her) is a composer/lyricist/artist. She is a 2024 Richard Rodgers Award Winner and Jonathan Larson Grant winner, was recently nominated for a Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award (Musical Theatre Composition), selected as one of four writers for DreamWorks Theatricals, MTI & NBCUniversal Emerging Writers Program (currently commissioned to write How To Train Your Dragon Jr.), and one of three 2023 Write Out Loud Contest Winners for her song “Runaway Girl” (performed by Jessica Vosk, written with abs wilson). Current works: LIGHTHOUSE (NAMT Winner 2024, Eugene O'Neill NMTC Winner 2024 & Finalist 2023, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat 2024, Syracuse NWNV 2024, Olney Theatre Center Vanguard Arts Fund Finalist 2023, New York Theatre Barn New Works Series 2023, Vanguard Theater New Works Festival Commission 2023, St. Olaf College World Premiere 2024, NAMT Finalist/Playlist) and The Dark Lady (Eugene O'Neill NMTC Winner 2023, Syracuse NWNV Finalist, 2024 Musical Theatre West New Works Festival, 2024 Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, 2024 South Carolina New Play Festival). Find abs and Veronica Online: LIGHTHOUSE Website LIGHTHOUSE on Instagram abs Website Veronica Website Follow abs on Instagram Follow Veronica on Instagram Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

MEET THE AUTHOR Podcast: LIVE - Episode 175Originally aired LIVE Wednesday September 25,2024Featuring Author RUTH F STEVENSABOUT RUTH: Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make you laugh and cry. Author of three novels and two stage plays, Ruth is a former public relations professional (NYC and LA) and current member of the Dramatists Guild of America, the Women's Fiction Writers Association, and AlzAuthors. She has been writing professionally for her entire career—including advertising campaigns and hundreds of articles for magazines, newspapers, and journals—but creative writing is her passion. Her eclectic interests include hip-hop, Broadway musicals, hiking, and wine-tasting.Links to watch or listen to all episodes at:https://indiebooksource.com/podcast

AngelPirate Productions presents:the Are We Free Yet? projectbased on the book by Tina Strawncurated, written & directed by TS HawkinsThrough sound and verse, we sojourn in an afro-future encapsulated within a Sunday dinner unpacking decades and dynasties of epigenetic memories. Will the future ever progress against the past? Sauté and serenade with ANTIQUITY and DESTINEÉ as they prepare a table of life, love, and a longing to still be free.COMMUNITY EVENTS130PM: Creative Chatback after the matinee reading7PM: Champagne Celebration to follow the evening readingCAST/CREW/CREATIVESCynda Purnell as ANTIQUITYMaria Genao Beltre as DESTINEÉJordan Simone reading stage directionsTina Strawn - author of Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America (Row House Publishing)TS Hawkins - playwright, director, curator & dramaturg, marketing manager, and stage managerAngelPirate Productions - producerGabrielle Corsaro - assistant stage managerElla Namour - light & sound operatorNaBrayah Jones - still photographyPrime Act Media LLC - videographerABOUT THE PLAYThrough sound and verse, we sojourn in an afro-future encapsulated within a Sunday dinner unpacking decades and dynasties of epigenetic memories. Will the future ever progress against the past? Sauté and serenade with ANTIQUITY and DESTINEÉ as they prepare a table of life, love, and a longing to still be free.ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTORTS HAWKINS (they/them) is an international author, performance poet, art activist, playwright, trauma-informed & award-winning educator, and member of the Dramatists Guild. Plays, short works, and books include Seeking Silence, sweet bread peaches (formerly, Cartons of Ultrasounds), Too Late to Apologize, In Their Silence (formerly, They'll Neglect to Tell You), #RM2B, The Secret Life of Wonder: a prologue in G, AGAIN, #SuiteReality, “don't wanna dance with ghosts...”, #SuiteTea, the Are We Free Yet? project, Sugar Lumps & Black Eye Blues, Confectionately Yours, Mahogany Nectar, Lil Blaek Book: all the long stories short, The Hotel Haikus, and Becoming Saturn: a collection of rhymes, roses, and resistance. Hawkins' works and powerful performances have been praised by the Barrymore Awards - Victory Foundation for Excellence in Theatre Education recipient, Philadelphia Magazine - Best of Philly, BroadwayWorld, Philly Voice, NPR, WHYY, WURD Radio, Philadelphia Weekly, Chicago Tribune, The Dramatist, and dosageMagazine. Featured playwriting opportunities include the Frank Moffett Mosier Fellowship for Works in Heightened Language Semifinalist & Dramatists Guild Foundation National Fellowship Finalist for 2024-25. Ongoing interactive projects: TrailOff, Community Capital: an Afrofuturism South Philly Walking Experience, and Becoming Saturn; Hawkins's first studio poetry album with HawkHatt Music.ABOUT THE AUTHORTINA STRAWN (she/they) is a joy and liberation advocate, activist, author of Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America, and the owner and host of the Speaking of Racism podcast. The heart of her work is leading Legacy Trips, immersive antiracism experiences where participants visit historical locations such as Montgomery and Selma, AL, and utilize spiritual practices as tools to affect personal and collective change. Tina has three adult children, an ex-husband, an ex-wife, and an ex-country. She has been a full-time minimalist nomad since February 2020. Tina travels the globe speaking, writing, teaching, and exploring where on the planet she can feel safe and free in her/their queer, Black, woman-identifying body.FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.tspoetics.com/2024/07/event-are-we-free-yet-project-by-ts.html

Rachel Bykowski, a Chicago playwright, writes to explore the many facets of the female identity. Her full-length, 28 Light Years From Now, is the winner of 2020 Getchell New Play Award. Her full-length play, Tight End, has been featured with The National New Play Network (NNPN) in a workshop at the Kennedy Center for the MFA Playwrights' Festival in 2016, was a top 20 finalist for CulturalDC's Source Theatre Festival in 2017, and received Honorable Mention for the Jane Chambers 2017 Student Playwriting Award. Her full-length play, Rev, was the runner-up for the 2018 Todd McNerney Playwriting Award, the winner of the 2019 SETC/Stage Rights Ready to Publish Award, and is now available for purchase on Amazon. Rachel's other plays have been produced and featured in festivals across the United States. Rachel is a playwriting alumna with NNPN and a member of the Dramatists Guild. She received her BFA in playwriting from the Theatre School at DePaul University and her MFA from Ohio University. Make sure to connect with with @tachelbykowskiplays

Jaime Lozano is a musical theatre composer who has been heralded as the “next big thing” on Broadway by Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda. A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Jaime earned his BFA in Music and Composition from the School of Music at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and was the recipient of a full scholarship to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he has the distinction of being the first Mexican to be accepted to and earn an MFA from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Jaime is one of the five artists selected for the 2020-2022 Joe's Pub Working Group residency and one of the artists selected as part as The Civilians R&D Group 2020-2021.  ​ A prolific composer, Jaime's works have been produced at venues such as the Minskoff Theatre (Broadway), Lucille Lortel Theatre (Off-Broadway), The Pearl Theatre (Off-Broadway), The Players Theatre (Off-Broadway), Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (Off Broadway), Goodspeed Opera House, The Juilliard School of Music, The Triad Theatre, Theatre for the New City Jaime's works include El Otro Oz, formerly known as The Yellow Brick Road (music and lyrics with Tommy Newman, book by Mando Alvarado), which premiered Off-Broadway premiere in 2011 to critical acclaim highlighting “its accessible melodies and robust harmonies” (New York Times). That production was followed by a successful national tour. Jaime's musical Children of Salt; A New Latin Musical (book and lyrics by Lauren Epsenhart) made its New York City debut as part of the New York Musical Festival 2016 (NYMF), where it won the “Best of Fest” Production Award. Jaime also co-wrote the one-act musical Lightning Strikes Twice (book and lyrics by Noemi de la Puente), which premiered Off-Broadway at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre in 2010. Lightning Strikes Twice was translated into Spanish in 2015 and continued on to have a very successful run in Venezuela, which led to its return to New York City as part of the inaugural season of Teatro SEA MicroTheater. The Yehuatl (book and lyrics by Sara Cooper) recieved readings at NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and at the Dramatists Guild before receiving a production at the Lee Strasberg Institute in 2009. The Yehuatl later became the first act of the musical tryptich מיתוסים . Mitos . Kamanalis / Myths (book and lyrics by Sara Cooper, additional lyrics in Spanish by Jorge Castilla), which had its World Premiere in 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico. Jaime is the composer and librettist of the musical Tlatelolco, which premiered in 2001 in Monterrey, Mexico, and was revived in 2002, 2004, and 2013.  Florencia Cuenca is a brown Mexican immigrant singer, actress, and songwriter based in New York City. “A voice that is rich, lush and sensual” (Times Square Chronicles) She made her first album Aquí - Los Nuevos Standards produced by husband Jaime Lozano which BwayTunes.com calls “One of the most unique cover albums of recent memory,” and subsequently toured all around Mexico, Latin America and New York City, performing in some of the most prestigious jazz venues and festivals and being awarded with the Hot House Jazz Award 2016 for Best New Jazz Artist. She has performed Off-Broadway in numerous shows, including Children of Salt (NYMF 2016 Best of Fest) and A Never-Ending Line (album released by Grammy award winner label Broadway Records).

Janine Robledo – Book/Music/Lyrics is a New York City based creative. Originally from Miami, Florida, she is a Cuban-American librettist /composer/lyricist, and classically trained pianist. She holds an M.F.A. from the Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. from Florida Atlantic University where she studied piano performance. A recipient of the Paulette Goddard Award, Janine is a member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and Maestra Music. Her musical comedy "The Curious Contents of Christie's Wastebasket" (composer Aden Kent Ramsey) has had a reading at NYU, and with Two River Theater in Red Bank. It also received a workshop with the Berklee Theater Arts Collaborative in Boston and was presented as part of the 2019 Emerging Artist's Theater New Works Series at Tada Theater. Janine was previously a writer in residence for 2 years with Three Act Theater Company which culminated in two workshop performances of her musical "Chaundria and the Giant" (composer Micha Joel) at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center. Héctor Flores Jr. (he/him) is a multi-hyphenate Latino theatre professional whose work meets at the intersection of art and advocacy. Héctor was born in New Jersey and raised by his Puerto Rican grandmother and his single mom. Luckily his mother believes in cultural enrichment & education which instilled a hunger for knowledge, art and change within him. The artform that chose him, however, wasn't made in his image. After being a first-generation college graduate Flores embarked on a career in musical theatre that continues to inspire him to find new ways to break barriers for Latinx people.  Eddie Noel Rodríguez is a proud Puerto Rican performer who has lived and worked as a professional artist since he was 14 years old, starting with the folkloric dance company Gíbaro de Puerto Rico traveling the world representing his culture. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón with a specialty in telecommunications and theater. He's collaborating with different Broadway artists to bring musical theater workshops to the artists living in Puerto Rico. Eddie appeared in his second national tour with the family of Hadestown. Tour: On Your Feet! (Emilio). Regional: Godspell (Jeffrey), Man of la Mancha (Dr. Carrasco), La Cage Aux Folles (Hanna), Footloose (Willard), Rent (u/s Roger), Piaf (Ensemble), Hair (Ensemble). Ghost in the Machine In a secluded lab nestled in the Argentinian mountains, an inventor named Victor creates Cynthia, an android to save his son's life. When Cynthia meets Victor's son, Carlo, an everlasting bond is formed. On a quest to keep Carlos alive and to free herself from the psychological imprisonment of her creator, Cynthia ponders the creation of her own invention. Janine Robledo's original musical Ghost and the Machine is part rom-com, part sci-fi thriller in the vein of Frankenstein meets Edward Scissorhands.

Send us a Text Message.Tom Jacobson swung into the Playwright's Spotlight in the midst of his coinciding plays The Bauhaus Project and Crevasse to discuss the correlation to both of the pieces and the subject matter of fascism and anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany. While discussing the historical influence of the Bauhaus, we explore previews and changes within coinciding pieces, writing trilogies and their process and presentation, standalones within trilogies, jumping timelines in historical works, balancing historic events and relationships, and taking creative license. We also discuss research, outlining, and when to start writing, breaking down structure, layering characters with and for the actor, table work and the role of the playwright, doubling and tripling up actors, writing complex sets with simplicity, stage magic on the play, and the benefits of academia as well as relationships and how they can help land productions. It's a wonderful conversation with a few technical hiccups that you might find entertaining, but you'll walk away with some education in history in addition to some insight in the craft of playwriting. As always... Enjoy!Tom Jacobson has penned more than 50 plays and has had more than 100 productions of his works performed around the world. His play The Twentieth-Century Way premiered at The Theatre @ Boston Court and the New York International Fringe Festival garnering five Ovation Award nominations, four Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle nominations, one GLAAD Award nomination, a Fringe Festival Award for Outstanding Production of a Play, a PEN Center Award for Drama and then moved Off Broadway to Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre. He has been a co-literary manager of The Theatre @ Boston Court, a founding member of Playwrights Ink, and a board member of Cornerstone Theater Company and The Theatre @ Boston Court. His most recent play The Bauhaus Project opened at the Atwater Village Theatre and will be running simultaneously with his play Crevasse at the The Victory Theatre here in the Los Angeles area. Both pieces focus on the relationship of art and artists to the rise of fascism, anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany.For tickets for The Bauhaus Project and Crevasse through August 18th, 2024 -https://glamgical.com/the-bauhaus-project-and-crevasse/For the video format of this episode, visit -https://youtu.be/sNg7rH8QzQELinks to resources mentioned in this episode -Dramatists Guild -https://www.dramatistsguild.comMoving Arts - https://movingarts.orgWebsite and Socials for Tom Jacobson -www.tomjacobsonplaywright.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/tom.jacobson3Websites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk 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.

The Kaidankai is based on the Japanese version of campfire stories. I narrate a story weekly, but this month offers authors the chance to narrate their own stories. Like sitting around the campfire, you never know what you're going to hear. Each Wednesday, I'll still present the weekly podcast, so be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform because every story is worth listening to. "Poltergeists on President Street" is written by LindaAnn LoSchiavo and narrated by Linda Gould. LoSchiavo is a Native New Yorker and Elgin Award winner, She is a member of the British Fantasy Society, Horror Writers Association, Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association, and The Dramatists Guild -- and a spooky Scorpio who loves Hallowe'en. Current books:  “Messengers of the Macabre,” “Vampire Ventures,” “Always Haunted: Hallowe'en Poems” [Wild Ink, 2024], “Apprenticed to the Night” [UniVerse Press, 2024], and “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” [Ukiyoto Publishing, 2024]."Always Haunted: Hallowe'en Poems" on NetGalley -- https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/437468 "Always Haunted: Hallowe'en Poems" on BookSirens -- https://booksirens.com/book/V2LHTGL/XKERWXXClick here for LoSchiavo's bibliography.Website: kaidankaistories.comFollow us on: Twitter/XInstagramFacebook

Douglas J Cohen Doug received the 2010 Fred Ebb Award for Musical Theatre Songwriting and won two Richard Rodgers Awards for writing book, music, and lyrics for NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY (produced twice off-Broadway resulting in over 100 productions worldwide; an upcoming NY commercial production in-the-works through producer Larry Hirschhorn) and THE GIG (O'Neill National Music Theatre Conference, Manhattan Theatre Club Stage II, Goodspeed, York Theatre Company concert on CD and reading in conjunction with the Noël Coward Prize, and Sacramento Music Circus). Doug is the composer/lyricist of THE BIG TIME (book by Douglas Carter Beane) which debuted at the NYMF Festival; plans are underway for a Broadway-bound production. Nominated for a 2005 Drama Desk Award (Outstanding Lyrics, CHILDREN'S LETTERS TO GOD), he penned co-book, music, and lyrics for THE OPPOSITE OF SEX (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and received a Jonathan Larson Grant for composing BARNSTORMER, which has recently been optioned for New York by producer Lawrence Poster. Doug is the composer of GLIMMERGLASS (NAMT Conference 2000, readings through the Village Theatre and Melting Pot, productions at Goodspeed at Chester, Spirit of Broadway – Best Production of 2008) and A CHARLES DICKENS CHRISTMAS (produced by Theatreworks/USA and licensed through MTI). He also penned book and lyrics to VALENTINO'S TANGO (with music by Howard Marren, choreographed/directed by Chet Walker) and contributed original songs to JACKIE COLLINS' HOLLYWOOD LIES, and BOOZY (Robert Moses), the latter produced by Les Freres Corbusier and directed by Tony nominee Alex Timbers, which enjoyed runs at both the Ohio Theatre and Culture Project. His latest musicals are NINE WIVES with collaborator Dan Elish (which has been optioned by producers Larry Hirschhorn and Jayson Raitt and selected for the 2013 Goodspeed Festival of New Artists) HELEN OF TROY written with future West End lyricist/ playwright Zoe Samuel and workshopped at Coastal Carolina University, and BRIDGES, commissioned by The Berkeley Playhouse written with BARNSTORMER collaborator, Cheryl L. Davis. His new play, LOVELY SEND ANYWHERE, a finalist for the Laurents-Hatcher Award, has been developed at the Lark Play Development Center and received a reading in October 2012 starring Santino Fontana and Condola Rashad. A graduate of Amherst College, Doug recently joined the faculty of the Neighborhood Playhouse where he teaches the 2nd year students in song interpretation. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. How to Survive a Killer Musical: Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway When the young composer-lyricist Douglas Cohen first secured the musical rights to the novel No Way to Treat a Lady by William Goldman—the acclaimed author of The Princess Bride and Marathon Man—he hoped it would be his big break, the first step on a gilt path to artistic triumph and commercial success in the form of a hit Broadway musical. What happened after that, while memorable, was anything but. How to Survive a Killer Musical chronicles Cohen's decade-long quest to bring that musical to the stage—writing, re-writing, and shepherding it across the US and Europe amidst all manner of adversity and plain rotten luck. It's a fascinating portrait of passion, persistence, and resilience—a coming-of-age story populated with famous mentors and formidable adversaries, told with refreshing honesty and humor.

Send us a Text Message.Gearld and I discuss writing and his latest release Preacher Stalls the Second Coming, cults, and so much more. ***Gerald Everett Jones lives in Santa Monica. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and Women's National Book Association, as well as a board member of the Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC). He is a Film Independent (FILM) Fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the College of Letters, Wesleyan University, where he studied under novelists Peter Boynton (Stone Island), F.D. Reeve (The Red Machines), and Jerzy Kosinski (The Painted Bird, Being There).”Gerald says…When I was in high school, my chemistry teacher approached me and asked with a sly grin, “You interested in mining?” I told him absolutely not. I was going to be a writer. Little did I suspect that he wanted to send me to a student conference on metallurgy where I could seek the fellowship of like-minded teens on a minimally supervised road-trip to the Big City. Undeterred by my abrupt negative response, he grumbled, “Well, you're interested in mining your own business, aren't you?” And he sent me anyway. Now I realize I should've listened more carefully to everything he said.I write mystery-thrillers and literary fiction for adult readers who seek insight, fascination, and delight in the adventures of their own lives.I've been a professional writer all my working life. I host GetPublished! Radio and I've been a regular book reviewer on KRLA-AM in Los Angeles. My book reviews have been syndicated by Splash Magazines Worldwide (splashmagazines.com), and I'm a top reviewer at Goodreads.com.I studied screenwriting with John Truby and Lew Hunter (UCLA), and my screenplay Christmas Karma was honored by the WGAW Diversity Program in 2016.In 2020 I won six book awards, and then another six in 2021, in the categories of Mystery and Literary Fiction, and one in Business. The third novel in my Evan Wycliff series will be Preacher Raises the Dead, which will deal with issues of euthanasia and near-death experience.Website: https://geraldeverettjones.com/****If you would like to contact the show about being a guest please email us at Dauna@bettertopodcast.comThis episode is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/So-AWiCmggEFollow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedomHave a question or want to be a guest on the podcast email: dauna@bettertopodcast.comHave a question for our producer Rich Zei contact him at rich.zei@thirdearaudio.comIntro and Outro music compliments of Fast SuziTo see upcoming guests click here: https://www.dmneedom.com/better-topodcast©2024 Better To...Podcast with D. M.NeedomSupport the Show.

Larceny & Last ChancesSometimes, it's about doing the right thing. Sometimes, it's about getting even. Sometimes, it's about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it's your last, best chance. Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk and featuring stories by Christina Boufis, John Bukowski, Brenda Chapman, Susan Daly, Wil A. Emerson, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, Molly Wills Fraser, Gina X. Grant, Karen Grose, Wendy Harrison, Julie Hastrup, Larry M. Keeton, Charlie Kondek, Edward Lodi, Bethany Maines, Gregory Meece, Cate Moyle, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Kevin R. Tipple, and Robert Weibezahl.Robert Weibezahl.A playwright, novelist, occasional poet, and book critic.His play, And Lightning Struck: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Creation, was commissioned by Lit Live and presented at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in California in 2017; his short play, “Mission,” debuted as part of the TENx10 Festival at the Bendigo Theatre Company in Australia in 2018; and he had full-length plays selected for staged readings in both 2018 (Which Way the Wind Blows) and 2019 (Hold On) as part of the Palisades Playwrights Festival in Los Angeles. Most recently, Which Way the Wind Blows was a finalist for the Dayton Playhouse's FutureFest 2019.Weibezahl has published two novels, The Wicked and the Dead and The Dead Don't Forget, and two non-fiction books, A Taste of Murder and A Second Helping of Murder (for which he is a two-time Agatha Award finalist and two-time Macavity Award finalist). His poems have appeared in LI Quarterly, The Caterpillar (Ireland), Tipton Poetry Journal, The Fifty-Two, Enjambed, and Brushfire, and his short stories in Futures Mysterious Anthology Magazine, CrimeSpree, Mouth Full of Bullets, Beat to a Pulp, and the anthology, Deadly by the Dozen. He was a finalist for the Short Mystery Fiction Society's 2010 Derringer Award for “Identity Theft.”Since 2002, he has written the monthly review column “Well Read” for BookPage. His reviews and cultural reporting have appeared in the Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Reader, Ventura County Star, Mystery Readers Journal, Bikini, Irish America, and many other national and regional publications.Weibezahl was the Co-Founder and former Co-Producing Artistic Director of the Thousand Oaks, CA-based Panic! Productions, for which he produced, directed, and/or acted in more than a dozen shows and wrote the scripts for three musical revues, Too Old, Too White, Too Male; The Panic! Holiday Radio Hour; and Coming Distractions. He has also worked as a play reader and associate producer for the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble in Los Angeles and various production capacities on feature films and television movies.Robert Weibezahl lives in southern California and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.About – Robert Weibezahl (wordpress.com)Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a Text Message.Olivia Sawatzki came by Playwright's Spotlight after the West Coast Premiere of her play Being Alive (& other big jokes) at the Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood.We discuss seeing your work onstage, writing strategies, evolving as a playwright, being influenced and deconstructing playwrights' works, the process of revision, writing tricks and rituals as well as breaking habits. We also talk about confidence, finding motivation, character descriptions, detailed stage directions, and living an artists life. As an emerging playwright, Olivia has some wonderful information that any playwright at whatever stage in the career can benefit from. Enjoy! Olivia Sawatzki is a Los Angeles-based playwright. Originally from Columbus, Ohio. She is an alumna of Ohio State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Theatre in 2020. She won the 2019 Gerald R. Black Prize for Recognition of Excellence in Playwriting. Her plays have been produced in Ohio and California and include Men of Might, LZRDGRL, Bleed Me Dry, and for sale, baby shoes. Most recently, her play Being Alive (& other big jokes) sold-out its West Coast Premiere run at in Los Angeles, CA, and she is a member of the Dramatists Guild. To watch the video format of this episode, visit -https://youtu.be/MEG5VRKejqQLinks to resources mentioned in this episode -Stuart Rogers & Theatre Tribe -https://stuartrogersstudios.com/la-theatre/New Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.orgDramatists Guild -https://www.dramatistsguild.comPlaywrights' Center - https://new.pwcenter.orgNYCPlaywrights -https://www.nycplaywrights.orgWebsite and Socials for Olivia Sawatzki -IG - @olivsawaWebsites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk 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.

Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian. His book, The American Musical, chronicles a detailed and comprehensive history of the art form's artistic evolution. Ben also created 20 “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway, that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021, and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists.He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series. Ben has spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award.

Barry M. Putt, Jr. beamed into the Playwright's Spotlight from New Jersey to discuss the medium of the audio drama, a throwback and homage to radio plays of the 30s and 40s. We breakdown the differences in elements of traditional playwriting vs the audio drama, i.e., setting up the scene, dialogue, sound effects, music, etc. We also talk about converting plays from stage to audio drama, the process of writing them as well as compensation and the opportunities in that market. We also touch on length, episodic vs feature, beats and silences in the medium, the hiring process for staff writers, popular genres, writing good suspense and character as well as establishing character flaws and adapting from other sources such as dime magazines. We wrap things up by touching on some of the traditional aspects of playwriting. Whether its audio dramas or traditional stage plays, Barry offers insight that I think you will find beneficial, and as always... Enjoy!  Barry M. Putt, Jr.'s plays have been performed in Canada, France, the UAE, and throughout the U.S and his comedy, “A Different Blend of Friendship” won the New Jersey Wordsmiths Award. Other plays include – Seafood Salad, The Grumbletonians, Inside Out, and Gutter Rat. He has also scripted more than 50 audio-drama productions for companies including Colonial Radio Theatre, Radio Theater Project, and Voices in the Wind Audio Theatre. His book on the craft of audio-drama writing entitled "Stories Told through Sound" is published by Applause Books. He is a member of the Witherspoon Circle, the Dramatists Guild, and the Authors Guild and has a degree in Dramatic Writing from NYU and in English Literature from Centenary University.The video format of this episode can be viewed at -https://youtu.be/y2hIkY8sbTsLinks to resources mentioned in this episode -Shoestring Radio Theatre -https://www.shoestring.orgNext Stage Press -https://www.nextstagepress.comVoices in the Wind -https://www.voicesinthewind.caRichard Wade, U.S. Marshal -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/richard-wade-u-s-marshal/id1549613880Website and Socials for Barry M. Putt, Jr. -Website -https://www.barrymputtjr.comFB - https://www.facebook.com/barry.m.puttIG - @barrymputtjr         @puttbarryX - @bmputtWebsites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk 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.

POSTPARTUM: The Mother had a baby a month ago. Her Husband knows something is wrong. And the baby monitor keeps making these weird noises... Written by Jillian Blevins Directed by Jonathan Cook Performed by Marian Thibodeau as "Mother" and Matt Hoffman as "Husband". Intro/Outro music: JK/47 About the writer: Jillian Blevins is a playwright and theatre artist whose short plays have been performed in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, New Haven CT, Providence RI, Portland ME, and New York City. In 2020/21, she conceived and produced 'Digital Dionysia', a six-week online new works festival which featured her plays 'Izzy at Zoom Therapy' and 'Be The Bacchae' along with 24 other new plays from around the globe. In the summer of 2023, her one-act ‘The Bed Trick' was a participating play in Valdez Alaska's Last Frontier Theatre Conference, and her 10-minute Jewish sci-fi comedy ‘Space Laser, in Space!' was a finalist at the Samuel French Off Off Broadway New Play Festival. Her queer historical dramedy, 'Romeo & Her Sister' will premiere in June 2024 at the New Hampshire Theatre Project, closing their season and in celebration of Pride Month. Proud member of the Dramatists Guild. You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications) If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com) If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app! For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winnie Holzman's so-called writing career began innocently enough, writing and performing sketch material with the comedy group “Serious Bizness.” Next came an MFA from NYU in musical theatre, as well as a musical: “Birds of Paradise,” which was produced Off-Broadway and directed by her teacher, Arthur Laurents.  She soon shifted gears, (and coasts) joining the writing staff of the ground-breaking television series “thirtysomething” and then creating theseries, “My So-Called Life,” which starred Claire Danes and which, thanks to MTV (and now HULU) has been seen all over the world.  She collaborated “once and again” with her mentors Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz on their critically acclaimed series “Once and Again;” and later collaborated with her daughter Savannah Dooley on their one hour drama series “Huge;” as well as with Cameron Crowe on the Showtime series “Roadies.”   She is the book writer of the international hit musical Wicked, which has a score by the acclaimed composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Wicked celebrated 20 years on Broadway this past fall.  She recently completed both screenplays for the film adaptation of Wicked. Her play Choice, an early version of which had its world premiere at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, in 2016, will be produced this spring at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey.  She is a proud member of the Writers Guild of America West, and the Dramatists Guild, and has been married to the wonderful character actor Paul Dooley for only 39 years. Paul Dooley is an actor, writer, and comedian, and has appeared in hundreds of movies, TV shows, and plays. His films include Breaking Away, Sixteen Candles, Runaway Bride, Popeye, Insom-nia, Waiting for Guffman, and the Cars franchise. His television appearances include roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm, My So-Called Life, Star Trek, Dream On (Emmy-nominated), and The Practice (Emmy-nominated). He lives in Burbank, California, with his wife Winnie Holzman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode, meet Nora Louise Syran. Nora is a first-generation Norwegian-American poet, playwright, lyricist, songwriter, translator, and educator. A child of immigrants, she was struck early by wanderlust and has spent years living overseas, teaching, traveling, and producing theatre. She is a member of the SACD (Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques), the Dramatists Guild, and the Honor Roll! She studied under poet Brigit P. Kelly and mezzo-soprano Sylvia Stone at the University of Illinois. While currently based in Chicagoland, she is at home in the USA and France.

David Johann Kim stopped by Playwright's Spotlight to discuss his two new simultaneous running plays and the process in which they were developed, their similarities surrounding the same historical event, and the collaborative process working with two different troupes and directors and his "overnight" success. We also discuss the value of workshops, recording notes opposed to writing them, fighting with structure, the Joint-Stock Method, discoveries from table work, writing rituals, and embracing rejection letters. It's a fascinating conversation about a unique situation. I hope you enjoy the talk.David Johann Kim is an actor and playwright. His plays PANG SPA and TWO STOP were awarded the 2022 Los Angeles New Play Project Award and Grant. TWO STOP was recently workshopped at The Inkwell Theater and PANG SPA was a semifinalist for the 2018 O'Neill National Playwrights Conference, Ashland New Play Festival and Bay Area Playwrights Festival and the final round of Dennis and Victoria Ross Foundation Playwrights Program. He holds an MFA from UC San Diego and is a member of The Dramatists Guild, The Playwrights Union, EST/LA's Playwrights Unit, Chalk Rep's Writers group, Playwrights ThinkTank and cofounder of EST/LA's Ignite Project.To watch the video format of this episode, visit -https://youtu.be/N4oPK8ZBt5MFor tickets for both Two Stop (May 2 – June 9, 2024) and Pang Spa (May 16th - June 9th), visit -https://www.estlosangeles.org/two-stop-world-premiereLinks to resources mentioned in this episode -Los Angeles New Play Project -https://lanpp.orgEST/LA (Ensemble Studio Theatre) -https://www.estlosangeles.orgChalk Repertory Theatre -https://www.chalkrep.comThe Magic -https://magictheatre.org/Asian American Theatre Company -https://naatco.orgNew Works Now -https://downtownla.com/do/new-original-works-now-festivalLark Play Development -https://www.nyc-arts.org/organizations/lark-play-development-center/Inkwell Workshop -https://www.inkwellretreats.orgCircle X Writers -https://www.circlextheatre.org/new-page-2Evolving Playwrights -https://www.circlextheatre.org/evolving2023Ignite Project -https://www.estlosangeles.org/ignite-projectNew Play Exchange -https://newplayexchange.org/Website and Socials for David Johann Kim -IG - @d.yo_hankimFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/david.j.kim.982Websites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk 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.

 My guest again this week is author BEN WEST who returns for the fourth and final segment of our conversation in regard to his exceptional new book The American Musical – Evolution of an Art Form.  As you will hear, in today's episode, we move into what I call the Modern Era of Broadway from the 1970s right up to today and detail the major changes in the way musicals are made over the last 50 years. Our discussion touches on such shows as Hair, Your Own Thing, Rent, The Wiz, Jelly's Last Jam, Hamilton, The Band's Visit, and more! If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021, spotlighting more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series. He has lectured and spoken at Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR: Deutero-Fung, a mold spore with big ideas, attempts to rally his fellow mold spores into blooming immediately and take over the apartment-verse, but Hyphae-Fung, a mold spore with even bigger ideas, warns the community that blooming early will be a mistake. Look out! Cuz it's Happening in your Refrigerator! Written by Greg Kotis Directed by Jonathan Cook Performed by Sol Baird as "Deutero-Fung"; Brad King as "Hyphae-Fung"; and the cast of Urinetown the Musical at Le Chat Noir Theatre as the mold spore community. Intro/Outro music: JK/47 About the writer: GREG KOTIS is a two time Tony™ Award winning author of many plays and musicals including Urinetown (Book/Lyrics), The End of All Flesh, I Am Nobody, The Truth About Santa, The Sting (Lyrics), Lunchtime, Give the People What They Want, Michael von Siebenburg Melts Through the Floorboards, Yeast Nation (Book/Lyrics), Pig Farm, Eat the Taste, and Jobey and Katherine. His work has been produced and developed in theaters across the country and around the world, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Conservatory Theater, American Theater Company, The Apollo (West End), The Brick, the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Conference, The Geva Center, Goodspeed, Musicals, Henry Miller's Theatre (Broadway), Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Stage and Film, New Line Theatre, The Old Globe, Perseverance Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, Soho Rep, South Coast Rep, The Saint James (Off West End), The Tank, and Village Theatre, among others. Future projects include ZM, an original musical about teenaged fast-food workers trying to survive a zombie plague. Greg co-founded Theater of The Apes with his wife Ayun Halliday (www.theater-of-the-apes.com), and is a member of the Neo-Futurists, the Cardiff Giant Theater Company, ASCAP, and the Dramatists Guild. He grew up in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, lives in New York City, and is the proud father of India and Milo. You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications) If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com) If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app! For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the third segment of my conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. As you will hear this book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical from its origins in the 19th Century right up to the turn to the 21st Century. Along the way Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists. If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level member, Bob Braun. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 362 - Gerald Everett Jones - mystery-thrillers and literary fiction for adult readers who seek insight, fascination, and delight in the adventures of their own livesGerald Everett Jones lives in Santa Monica. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and Women's National Book Association, as well as a board member of the Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC). He is a Film Independent (FILM) Fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the College of Letters, Wesleyan University, where he studied under novelists Peter Boynton (Stone Island), F.D. Reeve (The Red Machines), and Jerzy Kosinski (The Painted Bird, Being There).”I write mystery-thrillers and literary fiction for adult readers who seek insight, fascination, and delight in the adventures of their own lives.I've been a professional writer all my working life. I host GetPublished! Radio and I've been a regular book reviewer on KRLA-AM in Los Angeles. My book reviews have been syndicated by Splash Magazines Worldwide (splashmagazines.com), and I'm a top reviewer at Goodreads.com.I studied screenwriting with John Truby and Lew Hunter (UCLA), and my screenplay Christmas Karma was honored by the WGAW Diversity Program in 2016.In 2020 I won six book awards, and then another six in 2021, in categories Mystery and Literary Fiction, and one in Business.The third novel in my Evan Wycliff series will be Preacher Raises the Dead, which will deal with issues of euthanasia and near-death experience.https://geraldeverettjones.com/Support the Show.https://livingthenextchapter.com/Want to support the show and get bonus content?https://www.buzzsprout.com/1927756/subscribe

Today's episode is the second part of my recent conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his his exceptionally comprehensive new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. This book traces the American Musical's creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way, Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists. If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. As our previous episode ended Ben and I were discussing the revue form, especially the annual revues such as the Ziegfeld Follies and Earl Carroll's Vanities. Today we pick up conversation with some of the other forms of musical theater that Ben explores in Part Two of his book, a section that he titles Birth Of An Art Form. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is author BEN WEST, who joins me to discuss his exceptional new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. This book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical that traces the form's creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way Ben sheds new light on a myriad of authors, directors, and craftspeople who worked on Broadway and beyond. In a similar way to this podcast, this book actively addresses the form's often-overlooked female and African-American artists. It also goes beyond the strict boundaries of Broadway to explore such outside influences as minstrelsy, vaudeville, nightclubs, and burlesque as well as the dynamic relationship between the American Musical and and the consciousness of its country that gave it birth. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delight in the surprising journey of Ruth Stevens, from crafting a stage play to penning a heartfelt novel about Alzheimer's. Delve into the unexpected twists and turns as Ruth shares her personal experiences and the emotional impact of her work. Stay tuned for eye-opening insights on turning personal stories into fiction and a sneak peek into her upcoming duology. Get ready to be captivated by Ruth's incredible journey, as she shares the highs and lows of her creative process. For our March installment of Books & Chit Chat, our monthly Book Club collaboration with Aging & Amazing, we talk with Ruth Stevens, a former public relations professional from New York City and LA, and the author of the debut novel "Stage Seven," inspired, in part, by her personal experience dealing with her mother's Alzheimer's disease and decline. A fiction story acquisitions editor with AlzAuthors and a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and Women's Fiction Writers Association, Ruth brings a unique perspective to her writing, infusing humor and tenderness into a difficult topic. Her storytelling abilities, honed through a career in creative writing, advertising campaigns, and numerous articles for magazines, newspapers, and journals, shine through in her work, offering a compelling and relatable portrayal of Alzheimer's and its impact on family dynamics. Like enjoying a performance of her play, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn a lot. Have a listen. Quote:  “I feel like your play gave me permission to move on with my life”. - Audience member In this episode, you will:  Explore real-life Alzheimer's caregiving experiences and gain insights into navigating the challenges with compassion and understanding.Discover the art of turning personal stories into compelling fiction, finding inspiration from the heart-wrenching yet beautiful moments of caregiving.Uncover the captivating journey within the novel "Stage Seven" by Ruth Stevens, delving into the emotional landscape of Alzheimer's and its impact on families.Understand the profound impact of Alzheimer's on family dynamics, gaining new perspectives on how to navigate relationships and support systems during difficult times. After the Podcast Buy the Book Stage Seven Find more about Ruth Stevens at https://ruthfstevens.com/ Listen to Ruth on on the Hilarity for Charity (HFC) and AlzAuthors Summer Book Club Follow Ruth on Social Media: Instagram  Facebook Goodreads  Blog  About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don't miss a word. If our authors' stories move you, please leave a review. And don't forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer's and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here's what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

National Playwriting Month is approaching, and that means it's time for End of Play.®, the Dramatists Guild's annual month-long writing challenge for Playwrights, Composers, Lyricists, and Librettists! This is a segment of the End of Play.® interview Melissa had last year with Lily Dwoskin and Jordan Stovall from the Dramatists Guild.Resources MentionedEpisode 23End of Play.®Dramatists GuildAbout Our GuestsLily Dwoskin is a bookwriter, lyricist, & playwright based in New York. She is a graduate of NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Her bookwriter/lyricist credits include Off Broadway: Turtle On A Fencepost at Theater 555 & The Scarlet Savior at St. Luke's Theatre. Other credits include: Hyena in Petticoats and The Aviatrix. Originally, Lily is from the greater Philadelphia region. Lily's work has been performed at St. Luke's, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Greenroom 42, Hedgerow Theatre Company, various universities and more. Lily works for & is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America and has worked as a director, dramaturg, teaching artist & stage manager.Jordan Stovall is a playwright, arts administrator, & drag artist known as Wanda Whatever. They presently serve as the Director of Outreach & Institutional Partnerships for the Dramatists Guild, where they have worked since 2016. Their plays have been shortlisted & selected as Finalists for the Eugene O'Neill Playwrights Festival and Relentless Award, with productions in London and the US. As a drag artist, they are the founding producer of Time Out London Award-Nominated cabaret Boulangerie; and Fussy, a series of queer community gatherings. They can be seen on Pistol and Meet the Richardsons. They have performed in Bushwig Berlin & NYC, Sink the Pink, Clapham Grand, Royal Vauxhall Tavern, & other notable venues across London, NYC, & the US.Follow the Dramatists Guild on Facebook, Twitter & InstagramConnect 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).

New on this week's podcast: check out Stephen Kaplan, an acclaimed playwright with productions both off-Broadway and in theaters across the nation. With an MFA from Point Park University and membership in the Dramatists Guild, he's an authority in his field. As the Northeastern Regional Representative on the DG National Council, Stephen's insights are invaluable. Tune in as he shares strategies to bring your brilliant ideas to fruition and techniques Bio: Stephen Kaplan is an award-winning playwright who's been writing plays since he was 15 and has been produced across the country including a recent NNPN Rolling World Premiere. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and currently serves as the Northeastern Regional Representative for the DG National Council as well as co-chair for the Guild's Education committee. He also has an MFA in writing for stage and screen and has been theatre since 1998. We are sponsored by Point Park University's MFA program in writing for stage and screen.

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Chickasaw playwright, producer, and performer Nicolette Blount about her musical Savage, lifting up authentic female voices and stories, increasing accessibility and opportunity for writers of new musicals, parenting as a spiritual practice, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Nicolette BlountMusic: Chloe Geller Episode Resources: Native Theatre Artists Savage the Musical Museum of Broadway Oklahoma Native Alliance Against Violence Learn more about the Chickasaw Nation Guest Bio: Nicolette Blount (she/her) is a member of the Chickasaw tribe, a playwright, producer, and performer who is currently a fellow for the Dramatist Guild Foundation's National Musical Theatre Fellowship. She is the co-writer, composer and lyricist for Savage: The Unconquerable Wanda Savage. Savage is currently a semifinalist for NMTC O'Neil 2024. Savage received Honorable Mention in the 2022 American Playwriting Foundation's Relentless Award. Nicolette produced an EP and singles for Savage (Savage the Musical Original Cast) that have garnered 43K streams. Through her LLC, Take My Shot Productions, Nicolette co-produced Off Broadway's A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet and is currently co-producing In Pieces (in development). Nicolette started nativetheatreartists.com to help highlight Natives in the Broadway industry. Nicolette's music has been featured at Laurie Beechman Theatre (NYMF 2019), 54 Below at Women of the Wings, and at the Ring of Keys Gala at Joe's Pub. She is a member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, Society of Composers and Lyricists, Songwriters Guild of America, TRU, MUSE, RISE, and Maestra. Find Nicolette Online: Website: nicoletteblount.com  Savage the Musical Take My Shot Productions Instagram TikTok Facebook Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY (aka THE BREAD PLAY): After getting the unlimited bread deal at an Italian restaurant, Arlo and Val are both stuffed and ready for the check. But their server doesn't bring them their check. He brings them more bread. He keeps ... bringing them more bread. He won't stop. He won't ever stop. The bread is unlimited. And there is no escape. A romantic horror comedy about the hard truth that nothing lasts forever, except maybe bread. Written by Daniel Prillaman Directed by Jonathan Cook Performed by Roshelle Simpson as "Val", John D. Nelson as "Arlo", Valentin Angel Fernandez as "Server", and Jacquie Floyd and Jonathan Cook as the "Advertisement Announcers" Intro/Outro music: JK/47 About the writer: Daniel (he/him) is a neurodivergent ginger Virginian currently based out of Northern Ohio (with his creative partner and wife, Allisyn). He has a special fondness for absurdism, folklore, and horror, but ultimately loves plays about honest people (or talking animals) in situations he hasn't seen before. When not gleefully giving his "soul" to artistic endeavors and projects, he legitimately enjoys long walks on the beach, a video game with a glass of wine, and biscuits. His plays include "A Pirate Carol," "The Ashen Crown," and "You See Them in the Corners of Your Eyes," which have been produced in camp workshops and schools across the United States. His cosmic horror, "In the Slush," was a Finalist for the 2023 Princess Grace Award. Daniel is an alumnus of the University of Virginia and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Gather by the Ghost Light merch available at Home | Gather by the Ghost Light (bigcartel.com) If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com) If you are associated with a theatre and would like to perform this play, please send an email to info@gatherbytheghostlight.com to get connected with the playwright. If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app! Gather by the Ghost Light Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for reading Superpowers School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Steve Multer, a professional corporate storyteller, talks about how storytelling can help product managers enhance product connection, communication and user engagement. Steve touches on how the human brain processes information, and how this affects marketing practices today. Steve speaks in detail about how product leaders can create differentiation, clear obstacles from a customer's path, and motivate them to take action. Additionally, he shares insights on how product managers at various brands, including John Deere, Apple, Tesla, and Andrex have leveraged storytelling for marketing success.Download Steve's free 5 Paths to Passionate Storytelling eGuide and to sign up for Tuesday Tips & Tricks:https://corporatestorytelling.com/guide  code: soldtold2300:00 Introduction and Personal Update00:40 Guest Introduction: Steve Multer01:53 The Superpower of Corporate Storytelling01:57 The Need to Abolish Corporate Speak03:34 The Charm of Chicago: A Personal Perspective06:22 The Power of Books and Reading09:27 The Art of Corporate Storytelling17:25 The Impact of AI on Careers23:19 The Power of AI in Storytelling29:31 The Impact of Technology on Traditional Methods29:44 The Evolution of Animation: From Hand-Drawn to Digital30:38 The Role of AI in Animation and Gaming Industries31:00 The Power of AI in Tech Sphere and Cloud Transition32:28 The Evolution of Human Behavior with Technology32:53 The Changing Landscape of Storytelling33:42 The Impact of Technology on Human Attention Span37:00 The Art of Engaging Audience in Storytelling38:46 The Power of Human Stories in Marketing40:24 The Role of Emotion in Product Differentiation45:45 The Impact of Community Building and Visual Learning51:47 The Power of Experiential Learning in Marketing56:33 Conclusion: The Power of Human Connection in StorytellingThanks for reading Superpowers School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Steve Multer (Corporate Storytelling)Steve Multer has delivered more than 20,000 onstage and on camera presentations to over 2.5 million audience members across the Americas, Europe, and Asia for global brands that include Cisco, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Siemens, AGFA, Volvo, Philips, Xerox, HP, and Bayer. Fortune corporations trust Steve to reveal their core value, passion, and connection to customers, partners, and media analysts. Steve is also a leader in executive presence and winning communication training and speaker coaching. He partners with multinational organizations including Splunk, Spirent, RingCentral, Florida International University, and Lufthansa to uplevel their brand stories, and is recognized by C-Suites and sales teams for personalized, engaging programs that bring out the very best in each presenter, at any level in their career. Steve's new book, Nothing Gets Sold Until the Story Gets Told: Corporate Storytelling for Career Success and Value-Driven Marketing, is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook from Amazon and all retailers. Steve is a Professional member of the National Speakers Association and the Dramatists Guild, an avid foodie, world traveler, travel planning expert, happy husband, lucky dad to two amazing daughters, and proud non-native Chicagoan.

In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Tracey Matisak Paul Alexander's bestselling and acclaimed biographies include portraits of James Dean, Sylvia Plath, John McCain, and J. D. Salinger, the last of which served as the basis of a documentary that appeared on HBO, PBS, and Netflix. Alexander's nonfiction has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including the Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Nation, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, as well as numerous literary journals. He is also the author of several stage plays and screenplays. A writing teacher at Hunter College in New York City and a former fellow at the Hoover Institution, he holds memberships at the PEN American Center, the Dramatists Guild, and the Academy of American Poets. In Bitter Crop, the first new biography of Billie Holiday in more than 20 years, Alexander presents a transcendently soaring look at the legendary jazz singer's last year of life.   Because you love Author Events, please make a donation to keep our podcasts free for everyone. THANK YOU! The views expressed by the authors and moderators are strictly their own and do not represent the opinions of the Free Library of Philadelphia or its employees. (recorded 2/13/2024)

Anot Gerald Everett Jones lives in Santa Monica. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and Women's National Book Association, as well as a board member of the Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC). He is a Film Independent (FILM) Fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the College of Letters, Wesleyan University, where he studied under novelists Peter Boynton (Stone Island), F.D. Reeve (The Red Machines), and Jerzy Kosinski (The Painted Bird, Being There). Make sure to check out this episode

Stephanie Kline is a playwright from Arlington, VA. She is a Marine Corps veteran, former Air Force dependent, and served as an Army civilian and defense contractor. Her short plays have won multiple competitions and festival selections, including selection to the NYC Players' Theatre 2021 Short Play Festival with a four-night, off-Broadway run of ‘Torture Chamber.' Her first full-length stage play-in-progress, a drama about the military's treatment of servicemembers with PTSD, was selected for the 2023 Chicago Dramatists' Scene Showcase. Stephanie is a Dramatists Guild member and studied playwriting at the Kennedy Center, DC's Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Chicago Dramatists.

A Tony-honored, Obie, Rosetta LeNoire, JACL, and Asian American Arts Alliance award-winning writer, actor, director, filmmaker and advocate for inclusion. Christine's plays and libretti have been developed with the Roundabout Theatre Company, The O'Neill Theater Center, Prospect Theater Company, National Women's Theatre Festival, Village Theatre, Ars Nova, Greater Boston Stage Company, the Abingdon, Crossroads Theatre, Leviathan Lab, Diverse City Theatre Company, Barrow Group, Weston Playhouse, Gorilla Rep, CAP21 and are included in the Library of Congress Asian Pacific American Performing Arts Collection, and published by NoPassport Press, Smith & Kraus, Rowman & Littlefield, and Applause Books. In 2016, she won a fellowship in the Meryl Streep/IRIS Screenwriting Lab. As a performer, she has been breaking the color barrier in non-traditionally cast roles for over 30 years, and has been featured extensively on Broadway, off-Broadway, in regional theatres across the country, in film, television, and concerts worldwide. Christine serves as Treasurer of the Dramatists Guild and as chair of the Guild's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access committee. She is a founding steering committee member of AAPAC (Asian American Performers Action Coalition) and has received multiple grant awards in support of her work from The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (11), The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program (4), The Puffin Foundation (3), The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (3), Asian Women Giving Circle, The Open Meadows Foundation, and The Boomerang Fund for Artists. Christine is the host of The Dramatists Guild's podcast TALKBACK, distributed on the Broadway Podcast Network.

Jason and Brett's love for books and Broadway come together in this exciting episode!  They talk to musical book writer and lyricist Kait Kerrigan about adapting The Great Gatsby for the stage, Merri Sugarman about the casting process and her new book From Craft to Career, and Matthew Chisling (aka @mattyandthebooks) about book adaptations coming to Broadway. A behind-the-scenes conversation you won't want to miss!Kait Kerrigan is an award-winning lyricist, book writer, and playwright. She is an alumnus of Barnard College and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Off Broadway: book and lyrics for The Mad Ones, and Henry & Mudge. Regional: The Great Gatsby (Paper Mill Playhouse), plays (Father/Daughter and Imaginary Love) and musicals (Justice, Earthrise, and Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends). Digital credits include: A Killer Party. Her immersive house party The Bad Years (book and lyrics) had two sold-out pop-up productions in Brooklyn. Awards include: Kleban Award for libretto, Jonathan Larson Award for lyric-writing, Most Promising Lyricist Award from the Theatre Hall of Fame, Edgerton Award, and residencies at Page 73, Dramatists Guild Fellows, Rhinebeck, Goodspeed's Johnnie Mercer Project, and MacDowell.Initially an actress (Les Misérables, Aspects of Love), Merri Sugarman found herself in L.A. where she quickly made a name for herself at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting working on such shows as Seinfeld, HBO's Band of Brothers, and the feature film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, to name a few. Following that, at Dreamworks Studios, Merri was the Casting Executive in charge of TV Pilots and Series. She is a Senior Casting Director at Tara Rubin Casting. Credits: Ain't Too Proud, Jersey Boys, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Miss Saigon and A Bronx Tale. Off Broadway: Clueless and Trevor. Matthew Chisling has worked for a decade in the professional theatre space as a marketer, producer, ticketing manager and strategist. He is currently a senior director of campaign marketing at TodayTix Group, a technology company in the performing arts space. Matt is an avid reader and runs an instagram account called @mattyandthebooks**BOOKS!** Check out the list of books discussed on each episode on our Bookshop page:https://bookshop.org/shop/gaysreading | By purchasing books through this Bookshop link, you can support both Gays Reading and an independent bookstore of your choice!Join our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Purchase your Gays Reading podcast Merch! Follow us on Instagram @gaysreading | @bretts.book.stack | @jasonblitmanWhat are you reading? Send us an email or a voice memo at gaysreading@gmail.com