Theater Forward

Summertime = Musicals

It's musical season! From Broadway openings to summerstock gigs, now is the time to sing. In this delightful piece of audio candy, we talk about the current state of musicals, from recent Broadway remounts to our first-ever musical at Forward Theater - Fun Home starring Tony Award-winner Karen Olivo.

Triggered: Gun Violence on Stage

In an art form that serves to surprise and challenge its audience, how does a theater address and present gun violence on stage in today's society? In this episode, the team discusses the ways in which our approach has changed in recent months, what other theaters are doing, and what issues we face when presenting productions that deal with this problematic yet common topic.

Woo hoo! It's Award Season.

It's Tony Award season (our favorite time of the year)! But it's also award season for many theater communities around the country. In our latest episode, the team heads to the podium to express their views on various theater awards, both locally and around our region. 

To the Barricades: Our Love/Hate Master List

In this episode, the team lets it all hang out and shares what they would "go to the barricades for" in the world of theater. Good and (really) bad, our list covers the things we love as well as the things we simply cannot abide. 

Wrestling With Intimacy

In this episode, we debate the use of Intimacy Design in the rehearsal process, which works to assist with the choreography of intimate or emotionally sensitive moments on stage. It doesn't take long for the team to go to the mat over this unique trend in American theater. 

Don't Tell David Mamet - Talkbacks are Awesome

In this episode, we discuss the power and popularity of post-show talkbacks, and tell David Mamet to go kick rocks. 

What We're Excited to See in 2019

In this episode, the team gives their "can't wait to see" lists for 2019, including productions in Wisconsin, the midwest, and Broadway. 

Choosing our 19-20 Season

In this episode, the group announces the 2019-20 season for Forward Theater Company, and discusses the process involved in choosing each production. 

Resident Companies

On this episode, the group discusses the use of a resident performing company and its impact on area professionals. Forward Theater is used as an example as well as two other highly successful regional theaters in Wisconsin, American Players Theatre and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Going Pro: Working With Unions From a Producing vs. Performing Perspective

The team talks about the choice to produce as a union-based company, how unions influence careers in Wisconsin and the Midwest, and the recent end to the AEA/Broadway League strike.