American Theatre's Offscript

By AMERICAN THEATRE

What's American Theatre's Offscript about?

The official podcast of AMERICAN THEATRE, the national publication for the American not-for-profit theatre. Range of topics include playwright interviews, critical roundtable discussions and the latest shows coming up as recommended by our staff.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

American Theatre's Offscript episodes:

04.16.2024
Offscript: Harry Lennix & Ken-Matt Martin Rediscover August Wilson in Chicago
On this Chicago-themed episode, Rob and J.R. talk to the actor-director duo about staging August Wilson's solo play, 'How I Learned What I Learned,' and check in with arts journalist Mike Davis.
03.11.2024
Offscript: Michael R. Jackson & Anna K. Jacobs Write With Bite
On this episode, Rob talks to the writer-composer team about their new horror-comedy musical 'Teeth' and checks in with Bay Area critic David John Chávez.
02.21.2024
Offscript: Kendeda at 20 With Tarell Alvin McCraney, Madhuri Shekar, and a.k. payne
On this episode, 3 playwrights discuss their development experience as past winners of the Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition.
01.17.2024
Offscript: Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury Feel the ‘Illinoise’
On this episode, the playwright and director-choreographer team discuss their new 'Illinoise' musical, and New Yorker critic Helen Shaw surveys the theatre festival lineup.
12.18.2023
Offscript: Merry Y’allmark with Topher Payne
On this episode, Rob and J.R. talk to Topher Payne about Hallmark and holiday traditions, plus Kelundra interviews longtime critic Linda Armstrong.
11.17.2023
Offscript: David Adjmi in Stereo and 3 Dimensions
The writer of 'Stereophonic' talks about his obsessions with detail and destruction, and North Carolina correspondent Lauren Van Hemert fills us in on the Research Triangle theatre scene.
10.20.2023
Offscript: Heidi Schreck and Selina Fillinger, Women on Top
On this episode, Rob and Gabriela celebrate this season's most-produced plays and playwrights with surprise guests Heidi Schreck and Selina Fillinger.
09.19.2023
Offscript: Pearl Cleage Speaks Her Truth
On this episode Kelundra and J.R. talk to the Atlanta playwright about Chicago's month-long celebration in her honor, the value of community-driven storytelling, and her new play 'Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard.'
08.15.2023
Offscript: Revisiting the NICU with Mike Lew and Moritz von Stuelpnagel
On this episode we talk to playwright Mike Lew and director Moritz von Stuelpnagel about taking 'tiny father' from audio to audience and catch up with critic J. Wynn Rousuck about the Contemporary American Theater Festival.
07.25.2023
Offscript: Searching for the Future
This month we host a special conversation about the search process that led NYC's Rattlestick Theatre to hire its new artistic director, Will Davis.
06.11.2023
Offscript: Will Martyna Majok & Stephen Adly Guirgis Go to the Tonys?
On this special pre-Tony Awards edition, we talk to the playwrights nominated for 'Cost of Living' and 'Between Riverside and Crazy,' and to Playbill's Diep Tran.
05.15.2023
Offscript: Ty Defoe Is Planting the Seeds
We talk to writer/director/trickster Ty Defoe about directing 'Rent' for the next generation, building community ties, and moving beyond land acknowledgements. Plus: a check-in with Denver reporter John Moore.
11.18.2022
Offscript: How Is This Time for Jews Onstage Different From All Others?
A conversation with Joel Grey, Tovah Feldshuh, Caissie Levy, Michael Arden, and Bess Wohl about portrayals of Jewishness and antisemitism on New York stages.
09.27.2022
Offscript: Most-Produced With Lynn Nottage & Lauren Gunderson
On this episode we broke the news that Nottage's 'Clyde's' will be the most-produced play of the season, then welcomed her and fellow prolific scribe Gunderson on to talk shop.
09.12.2022
Offscript: Molly Smith and the Next Revolution
On this episode we talk to the outgoing (in all senses) artistic director of Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage as she enters her 25th and final season.
08.29.2022
Offscript: Daniel K. Isaac and the Tales We Tell
On this episode we talk to actor/playwright Daniel K. Isaac about his epic new play 'Once Upon a (Korean) Time' and about the untold histories that inspired it.
08.22.2022
The Subtext: Where Madeline Sayet Belongs
This month Brian talks to the writer/performer of 'Where We Belong,' inspired by her experiences as a Native person loving, studying, then questioning Shakespeare.
08.15.2022
Offscript: How Aya Ogawa Writes on Bodies in Space
After our July break, we return for an interview with the writer-director-performer of 'The Nosebleed.'
07.26.2022
The Subtext: More Than 10 Minutes With Gary Garrison
This month Brian talks to the former NYU playwriting professor about growing up in Texas, intuition vs. intellect, and the elusive art of the 10-minute play.
06.22.2022
Offscript: Live From Pittsburgh
This week, we share our live TCG conference session with arts journalist Sharon Eberson, City Theatre co-artistic director Monteze Freeland, and Quantum Theatre founder Karla Boos.
06.21.2022
The Subtext: Dipika Guha Is a Seeker
This month Brian talks to the 'Yoga Play' author about the absurdism of real life and how her globally forged voice meets contemporary American life.
06.17.2022
Theatrical Mustang: John Jarboe’s Genderful Performances
This month Woodzick talks to the founder of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret about her origin story, gender cannibals, and the fine art of hosting.
06.07.2022
Offscript: Benjamin Benne’s Questions of Faith
This week we talk to the playwright of 'Alma' and 'In His Hands' about intimacy, religion, poetic realism, and Mario Kart.
05.31.2022
The Subtext: Lynn Nottage, Learning From Every Job
This month Brian talks to the prolific and decorated playwright about her early struggles and triumphs, and that time she got stuck in the Lincoln Center bathroom.
05.23.2022
Offscript: What We Talk About When We Talk About Abortion
This week the editors discuss theatre's role in dispelling the fears and misconceptions surrounding abortion with Alison Leiby and Justice Hehir.
05.16.2022
Theatrical Mustang: Ada Karamanyan Would Like More, Please
This month we talk to the administrator, activist, and casting professional about amplifying trans talent, rethinking the canon, and prioritizing mental health.
05.10.2022
The Subtext: Jeremy Cohen’s Magical Gifts
This month Brian talks to the producing artistic director of Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis about supporting writers, following a unicorn, and teaching doctors to write.
05.10.2022
Offscript: Karen Hartman’s Triple Feature
For this episode we talk to playwright Karen Hartman, who currently has 3 plays making NYC premieres in 59E59's first VOLT Festival.
04.27.2022
The Subtext: In the Middle With Heather Raffo
For this special reported episode, Brian goes deep on the actor-writer and her very personal new play, 'Tomorrow Will Be Sunday.'
04.26.2022
Offscript: Tim Bond’s Healing Journey Through the American Century Cycle
This week our guest is TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's artistic director Tim Bond, now directing August Wilson's 'Gem of the Ocean' there.
04.13.2022
Theatrical Mustang: How Sara Porkalob Builds Power
In this reboot of their podcast for AT magazine, Woodzick talks to Seattle-based writer-performer Sara Porkalob, who will next appear in '1776.'
04.12.2022
Offscript: Mixed Blood Is in Good Hands
On this episode, the editors talk to the founding artistic director of Mixed Blood Theatre, Jack Reuler, and his soon-to-be successor Mark Valdez about leadership, social justice, and the future of theatre.
04.11.2022
The Subtext: Tracy Letts’s Moments of Recognition
This month the author of 'August: Osage County' and 'The Minutes' talks about acting, writing, the mystique of Chicago, and the heartbreak of Oklahoma.
03.29.2022
The Subtext: Live With Amy Quan Barry
In this special episode, recorded live in Madison, Wisc., Brian interviews the poet/playwright who wrote 'The Mytilenean Debate' for Forward Theater.
03.25.2022
Offscript: Mei Ann Teo Finds Strength in the Collective
On this episode the editors talk to the director of the drama '7 Minutes' about labor, management, and new-play development .
03.17.2022
The Subtext: Voices of Ukraine
For this special episode in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Brian compiles messages from theatre artists in the U.S., the U.K., Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine.
03.14.2022
Offscript: Eliana Pipes’s 3-Theatre ‘Dream Hou$e’
The editors speak to the playwright of ‘Dream Hou$e,’ a new play about gentrification, sisterhood, and reality TV, now onstage at Long Wharf Theatre.
02.28.2022
Offscript: Chisa Hutchinson Is Paying Attention
The editors speak to the playwright of 'Amerikin,' a new play about white supremacy, now onstage Houston's Alley Theatre after repeated pandemic delays.
02.22.2022
The Subtext: Class With Kari Bentley-Quinn
Brian talks to the Queens-based playwright about her New England roots and her approach to balancing work and mental health.
02.15.2022
Offscript: Jim Nicola’s Workshop Ethic
This week the editors talk to the artistic director of New York Theatre Workshop about his long and influential tenure there, which will end in June.
01.31.2022
Offscript: Debra Ann Byrd’s Bard
The editors speak to the new artistic director of Southwest Shakespeare in Arizona about claiming the classics for all people everywhere.
01.25.2022
The Subtext: Daniel Alexander Jones’s Library
This month Brian talks to the creator of Jomama Jones about the books and music that saved him as a child, and how they led to the books and music he's making now.
01.19.2022
Three on the Aisle: One More for Terry
Peter Marks and Elisabeth Vincentelli gather one more time to remember their recently departed co-host, Terry Teachout.
01.18.2022
Offscript: Steppenwolf’s Next Steps
This week we say farewell to associate editor Jerald Raymond Pierce and talk to Steppenwolf Theatre's new co-artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis.
12.21.2021
The Subtext: Toward Liberation With Haruna Lee
For the final episode of 2021, Brian talks to the writer of 'Suicide Forest' about roles that are different than, and closer to, their true self.
12.20.2021
Offscript: Ringing Out 2021 With Lily Janiak and Jesse Green
For the final podcast of the year, the editors plumb the year-end thoughts and feelings of critics from the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.
12.07.2021
Three on the Aisle: Move On
For the critics' final episode, they consider the life and legacy of Sondheim and reflect on how theatre has grown and changed in the 4 years they've been podcasting.
11.23.2021
The Subtext: John Patrick Shanley’s Dreams and Schemes
This month Brian talks to the author of 'Doubt' and 'Moonstruck' about the struggles of his early years and the hard-won wisdom of his later ones.
11.22.2021
Offscript: Real Talk With Deirdre O’Connell and Emily Davis
The stars of 'Dana H.' and 'Is This A Room' talk about their approach to 2 very different but similarly challenging real-life characters.
10.27.2021
The Subtext: What Makes Gina Femia Run
This month Brian talks to the Brooklyn-based playwright about fighting back against abuse, hustling past gatekeepers, and finding her authentic voice.

What's American Theatre's Offscript about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

American Theatre's Offscript episodes:

Offscript: Harry Lennix & Ken-Matt Martin Rediscover August Wilson in Chicago

Offscript: Michael R. Jackson & Anna K. Jacobs Write With Bite

Offscript: Kendeda at 20 With Tarell Alvin McCraney, Madhuri Shekar, and a.k. payne

Offscript: Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury Feel the ‘Illinoise’

Offscript: Merry Y’allmark with Topher Payne

Offscript: David Adjmi in Stereo and 3 Dimensions

Offscript: Heidi Schreck and Selina Fillinger, Women on Top

Offscript: Pearl Cleage Speaks Her Truth

Offscript: Revisiting the NICU with Mike Lew and Moritz von Stuelpnagel

Offscript: Searching for the Future

Offscript: Will Martyna Majok & Stephen Adly Guirgis Go to the Tonys?

Offscript: Ty Defoe Is Planting the Seeds

Offscript: How Is This Time for Jews Onstage Different From All Others?

Offscript: Most-Produced With Lynn Nottage & Lauren Gunderson

Offscript: Molly Smith and the Next Revolution

Offscript: Daniel K. Isaac and the Tales We Tell

The Subtext: Where Madeline Sayet Belongs

Offscript: How Aya Ogawa Writes on Bodies in Space

The Subtext: More Than 10 Minutes With Gary Garrison

Offscript: Live From Pittsburgh

The Subtext: Dipika Guha Is a Seeker

Theatrical Mustang: John Jarboe’s Genderful Performances

Offscript: Benjamin Benne’s Questions of Faith

The Subtext: Lynn Nottage, Learning From Every Job

Offscript: What We Talk About When We Talk About Abortion

Theatrical Mustang: Ada Karamanyan Would Like More, Please

The Subtext: Jeremy Cohen’s Magical Gifts

Offscript: Karen Hartman’s Triple Feature

The Subtext: In the Middle With Heather Raffo

Offscript: Tim Bond’s Healing Journey Through the American Century Cycle

Theatrical Mustang: How Sara Porkalob Builds Power

Offscript: Mixed Blood Is in Good Hands

The Subtext: Tracy Letts’s Moments of Recognition

The Subtext: Live With Amy Quan Barry

Offscript: Mei Ann Teo Finds Strength in the Collective

The Subtext: Voices of Ukraine

Offscript: Eliana Pipes’s 3-Theatre ‘Dream Hou$e’

Offscript: Chisa Hutchinson Is Paying Attention

The Subtext: Class With Kari Bentley-Quinn

Offscript: Jim Nicola’s Workshop Ethic

Offscript: Debra Ann Byrd’s Bard

The Subtext: Daniel Alexander Jones’s Library

Three on the Aisle: One More for Terry

Offscript: Steppenwolf’s Next Steps

The Subtext: Toward Liberation With Haruna Lee

Offscript: Ringing Out 2021 With Lily Janiak and Jesse Green

Three on the Aisle: Move On

The Subtext: John Patrick Shanley’s Dreams and Schemes

Offscript: Real Talk With Deirdre O’Connell and Emily Davis

The Subtext: What Makes Gina Femia Run