Theater Forward

Social media skills are vital for performers (and theaters). But what happens when an artist's fanbase becomes a measuring stick for casting? The team addresses this growing trend in show business, as part of a candid discussion about the role of social media in modern theatermaking. 

It's that time of year where we reflect on where we are, how we got there, and what helped us along the way. In this episode the team discusses the things that make us feel thankful, including our return to live theater (and the audiences that followed us), the institutions that support us, and the artists that inspire us each day. 

Countless shows were cancelled in the COVID spring/summer of 2020. Many of those productions are being revived this season, and we sit down with cast members of 'The Amateurs' to talk about the process of returning to the stage and what it means to bring this relevant comedy back to life. Featuring Matt Daniels, Emily Glick, Josh Krause, and Kat Wodtke.

We go to the mailbox for this episode! Topics include: gender parity in theater, cultivating new theatergoers in a pandemic, and the good things we're taking from the 20-21 lockdown.

Budgets are a definitive expression of values for a theater company, but how often do we get to see and understand them? We discuss the growing trend of financial transparency by theaters, and deep dive into a realm that goes unexplored by the average theatergoer.

We sit down with Dramaturg Khalid Y. Long, PhD and dive into the what/how/why of dramaturgy in theatermaking. We also discuss the world and work of Adrienne Kennedy, playwright of 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?', playing in Madison, WI in September 2021. 

We go in-depth with two artists that are bringing to life Adrienne Kennedy and Adam Kennedy's 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?' - Actress Marti Gobel and Director Baron Kelly. 

Theater artists across Wisconsin share stories about productions that had a profound impact on them as an audience member or as a creator. Volume 4 features Stage Manager Jacqueline Singleton, Director & Educator Tyler Marchant, Actress & Advisory Company Member Rána Roman, and Actress Angela Iannone.

When is an oldie no longer a goodie? We talk about the often-problematic classic Broadway musical, and how it fits into our contemporary thoughts about programming. 

Wisconsin theater artists share more great stories about inspiring productions. In this installment, we sit down with Educator/Director Dr. Baron Kelly, Director/Actor Mary MacDonald Kerr, Voice & Speech legend Susan Sweeney, and Director Joseph Hanreddy.