Theater Forward

Mentors (a Michael Blakemore tribute)

Mike Fischer interviews Forward Theater Artistic Director (and fellow host) Jen Uphoff Gray! Jen discusses the valuable role of mentors in the arts, while reflecting on her formative relationship with Tony award-winning director Michael Blakemore. A thoughtful conversation about how we cultivate a new generation of theater directors, with a few juicy showbiz tales that include David Mamet and Woody Allen for good measure. 

Also mentioned in this episode: Forward Theater's Wisconsin Directors Lab - an inclusive workshop for the education and career development of emerging directors, scheduled for January 2025.  

No Longer a World Premiere...Now What? - Interview w/ Samuel Hunter

What happens after a play moves on from its shiny status as a World Premiere?Playwright Samuel Hunter joins us to discuss the journey of a play, from its exciting life as a World Premiere through its crucial 2nd and 3rd productions. A brilliant conversation that provides insight into the world of creating (and supporting) new works in American theater. 

The Best of 2023

We look back at the theatrical highlights of 2023, and dive into our favorite experiences over the last year. We also take a moment to applaud the productions and artists that continue to take theater to the next level, and inspire us to keep looking forward. 

The Art of Making Money in Theater

We sit down with Forward Theater Director of Development Sarah Milestone to talk about every theater's favorite word: REVENUE. 

Making money in theater is a delicate dance. We dive into the world of donors, events, and the (lack of) government support for an artform that relies on more than just ticket sales to thrive.

Correction at 18:56:
Economic impact of the arts in the state of Wisconsin is $930 million and in Dane County it is $350 million according to the most recent research from Americans for the Arts. It was mistakenly reported at $400 million for the state. 

What We’re Looking Forward to in 2023-24

Theater season is here, and we're all just kids in a candy store. We share the productions we can't wait to see in the 2023-24 season - nationally, regionally, and in our own backyard. 

Accessibility & ASL Interpretation

Making theater accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patrons is in high demand. We sit down with Amy Free and Tim Mumm, professional sign language interpreters and educators, to put a spotlight on this overdue priority for theaters. Amy and Tim share a behind the scenes look at what they do, and how theaters can make ASL-interpreted performances an integrated part of their productions.

A transcript of this episode can be found HERE.  

Hot Take: We Are Surviving (and Thriving).

It's been a summer. After a deluge of national press about a crisis in American theater amid closings and layoffs, we take some time to cool things down with a tall, refreshing glass of "theater is not dead, folks."

While it's important to note the massive change that is happening in the theater world right now (and it can be shocking), it's vital to recognize that some organizations are not only surviving - they're rebuilding a path to thriving again after a dangerous twist in the road. 

Where is the Next Generation of Technical Artists?

There's a growing concern regarding the lack of new technical artists and designers in American theater, causing many companies to reconsider (and change) how they build a season of productions.

We sit down with Sarah Ross, Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and Brian Gill, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at University of Wisconsin - Parkside to talk about how they're cultivating a next generation of technical artists in an effort to support a new era of theatermaking.

Producing in a Post-Dobbs Decision Era

**Clarification** - This is our original Episode 97! Found in the vault and now live. We will re-release our interview on the new generation of technical artists as Episode 99, coming soon. 

The team discusses the ways in which current events can impact a production, specifically plays that touch on issues of women's bodily autonomy. We explore how these works are resonating differently with artists and audiences in a post-Dobbs decision era in America.

The Plays That Stay 2023, Vol. 1

Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some amazing Wisconsin arts leaders and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or just generally rocked their world. This episode features:

Jacob Janssen - Artistic Director of Third Avenue PlayWorks 

Laura Braza - Associate Artistic Director of Milwaukee Rep

Sheri Williams Pannell - Playwright, Director, & Asst. Professor at UW-Milwaukee/Peck School of the Arts

Deanie Vallone - Literary & New Play Development Consultant at Milwaukee Rep