Theater Forward

”There is No Backstage” - Interview w/ Linda Stephens

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.

The ’Hamilton’ Debacle - Copyright Takes the Spotlight

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

Summer Lovin’ - Interview with American Players Theatre and Northern Sky

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. 

Interview w/ Ten Chimneys’ Randy Bryant

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.

Our Hot Summer Mailbag Episode

The Broadway/Regional divide, Union beefs, the challenges of expanding a season, dream productions, and a beautiful perspective on talkbacks make this a perfect summer mailbag episode. 

Theater Needs a Check-Up

Live events are back to normal, but theaters and artists are struggling in the wake of COVID. From show cancellations to lagging ticket sales, we dive into our experience as well as what we're hearing from theaters across the country as they try to recover from the last two years. 

All About Our WI Wrights New Play Festival

An in-depth look at our biennial new play festival, Wisconsin Wrights. This unique festival features three new works by WI playwrights, showcased in professionally-produced readings and talkbacks with audiences. The 2022 WI Wrights festival runs May 18-21. 

Announcing Our 2022-23 Season

We discuss each of our four plays for 22-23, and share the process of building a complete theater season. A behind-the-scenes look from a company that produces newer work, fresh from Broadway and beyond. 

Desperately Seeking (New) Scripts

In the wake of the cancellation of the Humana Festival of New Plays, we talk about new work in theater, why it's important to us, and how we (and you) can best support it.

The Talkback Strikes Back

Make no mistake, we LOVE talkbacks. But this polarizing topic has entered the chat again, and it has theaters buzzing. We offer our take on the new (and necessary) conversation about the role and impact of postshow discussions.