SDCF Podcast Series

In Conversation with... Susan Stroman: Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director's vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title. In July 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Susan Stroman in her office in Manhattan. They discuss her early exposure to the theatre and her impulse to pursue directing and choreographing professionally. The conversation also includes the importance of creating one's own opportunities, the unique aspects of touring productions, and the necessity of deep collaboration when creating theater. Originally recorded - July 1, 2011. Running Time - 56:02 © 2011 SDCF

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director's vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title. In June 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Jason Moore (Avenue Q, Shrek, Tales of the City) at Moore's apartment in Manhattan. Topics range from developing a new musical to the process of transferring Off-Broadway productions to Broadway without losing the immediacy of the initial production. They also address the challenge of maintaining longer running productions to ensure they consistently feel vibrant and fresh. Originally recorded - June 1, 2011. Running Time - 57:17 © 2011 SDCF

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director's vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title. In June 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Peter and the Starcatcher) at the SDC Offices. Their discussion explores how they followed their respective impulse to start their own theater company, and delves into the challenge of creating new work. They also address their inspirations and those who have influenced them as directors. Originally recorded - June 1, 2011. Running Time - 1:04:56 © 2011 SDCF

2002 Symposium: Hal Prince: At its 2002 Symposium, Director of Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, Joe Miloscia, welcomed everyone to the symposium and introduced then Executive Director of SSDC Barbara Hauptman. Barbara introduced the two speakers: V.P. and Managing Director of The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation Rob Marx who moderated a talk with accomplished director and producer Hal Prince. The conversation focused on Hal's personal take on the making of new musicals and the fostering of new talent. Topics covered include the importance of mentorship, artistic process, how the relationship between producers and directors has changed, and what institutions are supporting the development of new musicals. This conversation with a true master gives incredible insight into the history and current innovation in musical theatre. Originally recorded - June 1, 2002. Running Time - 1:20:46 © 2002 SDCF

2003 Symposium: Keynote by Scott Elliott: At its 2003 Symposium SDCF invited Scott Elliott, freelance director and Artistic Director of The New Group, to give a keynote speech on directing in multiple mediums, running a theatre company, and life as an artist. SDC Observer of Scott Elliott, Mark Robinson, moderated the talk. Topics include why Elliott shifted from performing to directing, how New Group got its start, the evolution of work done at New Group, what he looks for when hiring a director, working with independent vs. commercial producers, and process. This thought-provoking conversation covers the diverse aspects of artistic leadership. Originally recorded - June 1, 2003. Running Time - 1:09:50 © 2003 SDCF

SDCF hosted a Symposium on Musical Theatre in 2003 moderated by Daniella Topol, then the National Alliance Musical Theatre's New Works Program Director. The panel featured Urinetown director John Rando, then Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Works Thomas Cott, then Artistic Director of North Shore Music Theatre Jon Kimbell, General Manager Nancy Gibbs, Choreographer of Zanna, Don't! Devanand Janki, and Director Gabriel Barre. The panel discussed how new musicals are developed and ways institutions and artists can work together to foster the future of musical theatre. Each member provides a different perspective on new musicals and their life in New York to Regional and International stages. This dialogue sheds light on the current landscape of musical theatre. Originally recorded - June 1, 2003. Running Time - 56:54 © 2003 SDCF

2010 DCN: Directors Programs Applications: At its October 2010 Director-Choreographer-Network, SDC Director of Member Services Barbara Wolkoff moderated a panel featuring SDCF's Director of Foundation Ellen Rusconi, Theatre Communications Group's Director of Artistic Programs Emilya Cachapero, and The Drama League's Artistic Director Roger Danforth. Topics cover programs offered, what constitutes a successful candidate and application, interview tips, plus insider advice from previous program applicants who were awarded the opportunity. This conversation is an exciting and clear look into a successful application process. Originally recorded - October 26, 2010. Running Time - 1:22:21 © 2010 SDCF

2011 Emerging Artists Symposium: Opportunities: At its 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium, SDCF hosted a panel moderated by Ellen Rusconi and featuring Ars Nova's Artistic Director Jason Eagen, Manhattan Theatre Club's Artistic Line Producer Lisa McNulty, Playwrights Horizons' Artistic Staff Associate Briel Steinberg, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Program Manager Haowen Wang, and Brooklyn Arts Council's Regrant Director Ethany Uttech. The discussion centers on various opportunities for emerging directors and choreographers in New York City. The opportunities covered include grants, internships, assistantships, residencies, and festivals. Each panel member discussed in detail how emerging artists can get involved with their institution, interview tips, information sessions at BAC & LMCC, and what makes a successful program participant. This conversation gives fantastic practical advice on how to get involved with great institutions as an emerging artist. Originally recorded - June 6, 2011. Running Time - 43:07 © 2011 SDCF

At its 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium, SDCF hosted a panel moderated by Ellen Rusconi and featuring established freelance theater artists Jeremy Dobrish, Sarah Maxfield, Daniel Talbott, and Wendy Seyb. Topics cover the career trajectories of these established freelance artists from start to the current moment, the term "emerging" versus "established" artist, how they got jobs at the start of their career vs. how they get jobs now, agents, what constitutes a successful collaboration, and everyday steps early career artists can take to further their career. This conversation is an inspiring window into how to get started and sustain a career as a working artist. Originally recorded - June 6, 2011. Running Time - 59:16 © 2011 SDCF

In May 2011 SDCF hosted a One on One Conversation with freelance director David Cromer and Artistic Director of Writers' Theater Michael Halberstam. The conversation covers how they come to their projects, previews and reviews, the danger of facing no obstacles in a process, and their artistic approach. Michael and David shed light on collaboration, the role of director and artistic director, new work vs. classics, and the differences between theatre in Chicago and theatre in New York City. This lively discussion between two good friends, who often collaborate, provides an honest look at creative methods and artistic leadership. Originally recorded - May 7, 2011. Running Time - 1:26:36 © 2011 SDCF