Theater Forward

A deep dive with Mallory Metoxen and Jake Penner, two emerging directors that share their personal journeys and insight about developing a career as a director, as well as how to cultivate a new generation of artists. Hosted by Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray.

In our end-of-year episode, we reflect on the highlights, the lowlights, and the things we'll remember most about a very interesting season in the world of theater. 

Amidst the recent fallout at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, we examine the role of the Board of Directors and the changing relationship they have with theater administrators and staff. 

We are joined by Guthrie Theater Accessibility Coordinator Robyn DeCourcy and our very own Director of Audience Development Samara Safarik to talk about the ongoing journey to make the arts accessible to all, and the innovative ways theaters are leading the charge in America. 

We are joined by Khalid Y. Long, PhD (University of Georgia) and Marcella Kearns (UW-Milwaukee). These powerhouse arts educators give us a revealing look at post-pandemic arts education, and how the future crop of artists are rising to the challenge and approaching their craft. 

American Theatre Magazine has released its list for the first time in two years, and we break it all down. FYI the #1 most-produced title is shared by a playwright we are partnering with in spring of 2023... 

Legendary actress Linda Stephens discusses her 50+ year career with an open-hearted, remarkably honest look at what it means to dedicate your life to a profession that demands so much and can give back so little. Her new memoir, There is No Backstage, is a vulnerable, wise and compelling account of a full life lived on the stage.

We discuss the hot topic of copyright and licensing rules in the arts, on the heels of two high-profile cases: the unauthorized 'Hamilton' production in Texas and unofficial 'Bridgerton' musical on TikTok. 

Learn more about the 'Hamilton' production: https://bit.ly/3e836BD

Learn more about the 'Bridgerton' musical: https://bit.ly/3czs3FR

We check in with our outdoor theater friends, Sara Young (Managing Director) at American Players Theatre and Jeff Herbst (Artistic Director) at Northern Sky Theater. A great conversation about both companies and insight into how theater makers are faring this summer. 

Ten Chimneys is the holy grail attraction for theater lovers. We had the privilege to learn more about this historic estate from President/CEO Randy Bryant, with an inside look at their evolution as an organization.