SDCF Podcast Series

In November of 1986, legendary acting coach Ada Brown Mather sat down with Roderick Cook at Westside Arts Theatre to discuss his affinity for acting, directing and presenting the words and work of Noël Coward. During this interview Cook covers his relationship with Coward the man, the unlikely circumstance under which Cook's hit Oh Coward! was developed and then revived, and the experience of directing Coward shows on and off-Broadway with entertainment giants like Peter O'Toole in his American debut in Present Laughter. Originally recorded - November 25, 1986. Running Time - 1:08:10 ©1986 SDCF

In December of 2001, renowned director Jack O'Brien was interviewed by his former protégé, John Rando, as part of SDCF's One-on-One conversation series. In this 30-minute session Rando and O'Brien span the gamut of Jack's considerable artistic abilities. Jack O'Brien candidly and eloquently covers everything from his sense of competition and his love of discovery, to his artistic process, love of collaboration and management on the Old Globe theatre. Originally recorded - December 1, 2001. Running Time - 32:07 ©2001 SDCF

On November 28, 1988 Elinor Renfield sat down with Austin Pendleton at Westside Arts Theatre to discuss the experience of directing Michael Weller's Spoils of War. In this candid in-depth interview, Mr. Pendleton discusses this original piece from development to opening just eighteen days after Spoils premiered at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway. He covers the writing process with Weller, casting Kate Nelligan and Alice Playten and rehearsing the roles that would earn them a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk nomination, respectively. Originally recorded - November 28, 1988. Running Time - 1:21:16 ©1988 SDCF

In December of 1992 a conversation with David Mamet was presented in New York City at Marymount Manhattan College. In this candid discussion Mamet covers writing, directing, the critics and theatre's purpose to society. His incisive comments on the state of entertainment and culture demonstrate why he is one of the most sought after theatre artists working today. Originally recorded - December 1, 1992. Running Time - 1:00:12 ©1992 SDCF

Doug Hughes and Daniel Sullivan: In Spring of 2006, Tony-award winning directors Daniel Sullivan and Doug Hughes were both in the midst of mounting shows at the Manhattan Theatre Club and agreed to sit down with MTC director of Artistic Operations, Mandy Greenfield for what turned out to be an insightful, thought-provoking and witty conversation about their lives in the theatre. This is a recording of that lovely night on stage at New York City Center, Stage 1. Originally recorded - March 13, 2006. Running Time - 1:20:37 ©2006 SDCF

On February 9, 2004, Tony Award winning choreographer and director Kathleen Marshall sat down for a One-on-One Conversation with Ted Chapin, President and Executive Director of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, at the Beckett Theatre. The discussion traced her meteoric rise from Broadway gypsy, to assisting her brother Rob Marshall on Kiss of the Spiderwoman, to winning a Tony award for her choreography for the Broadway revival of Wonderful Town. The following is a recording of this wonderful conversation. Originally recorded - February 9, 2004. Running Time - 1:35:02 ©2004 SDCF

Susan Stroman: In June of 2000, just days after winning two Tony Awards for her spectacular work on the record-breaking hit, The Producers, in between her rehearsals for the national tour of Contact and the development of her new musical Thou Shalt Not, Susan Stroman took time out of her busy schedule to participate in SDCF's acclaimed One-on-One conversations series. Ms. Stroman was interviewed by her colleague and friend, Charles Repole, before a sold-out crowd. Together they discussed the genesis of Ms. Stroman's work, the foundation of her craft and the expert use of comedy in her work. Originally recorded - June 7, 2001. Running Time - 1:30:04 ©2001 SDCF

Gene Saks and Jerry Zaks: As part of the SDCF's Directing Comedy: A Serious Business symposium in April of 2000, the Foundation was privileged to host two master directors of comic plays and musicals for an in-depth discussion on the craft of directing comedy. Gene Saks and Jerry Zaks offered marvelous insights and expertise from their long and illustrious careers. This discussion features commentary on the stars with whom they've worked, collaboration with their favorite playwrights and what it takes to get a laugh. Originally recorded - April 6, 2000. Running Time - 1:31:03 ©2000 SDCF

In June of 2000, Hartford Stage's longtime Artistic Director Mark Lamos sat down with the SDCF for a One-on-One interview. In this conversation Lamos speaks candidly about a recent production of Edward II for A.C.T, his early career and his tenure at Hartford Stage, and the art and craft of directing for opera. Originally recorded - June 14, 2000. Running Time - 1:32:06 ©2000 SDCF

On March 12, 1997, eight months before the opening of Lion King on Broadway, Julie Taymor was interviewed by author and collaborator Alexis Greene at Fordham University. In this One-on-One conversation Ms. Taymor reflects on her history as a performer in the collaborative theatre companies of the late 60's and 70's. She speaks about her origins as a director and puppeteer and the development of her aesthetic through international study of eastern theatre. She remarks about the potential for commercial success with Lion King, and the freedom Disney producers were giving her to create a piece that wasn't simply putting the animated film on stage.