Theater Forward

Interview w/ Writers of '46 Plays for America's First Ladies'

We sit down with Chicago theater pioneers and former Neo-Futurists Chloe Johnston, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Bilal Dardai, and Andy Bayiates - and discuss the creation of their genre-bending look at gender, race, and everything else your history teacher never taught you about America. 

The 2021-22 Season at Forward Theater

We take a detour to discuss Forward Theater's recent announcement of their 2021-22 season, which includes plays by Adrienne Kennedy and Adam P. Kennedy, Jordan Harrison, Quan Barry, and Sarah Gancher.

Interview w/ Jen Uphoff Gray & Jake Penner

The directors of 'Lewiston/Clarkston' discuss the unique process of creating this back-to-back theater experience in-person, confronting the challenges that theatermakers face as they return to the stage. 

Rehearsing In-Person: Interview w/ Cast of Lewiston/Clarkston

The inside scoop from Carrie Hitchcock and Josh Krause, who describe the rigorous safety protocols required by Actors' Equity Association to rehearse and perform 'Lewiston/Clarkston' by Samuel D. Hunter. Presented as a stage-to-film production by Forward Theater Company.

Flyover Country (or The Urban/Rural Divide)

The team debates whether an artistic urban/rural divide exists in America. From the types of plays that get produced outside of New York to playwrights that find great success in the absence of critical acclaim - does this divide exist, how does it play out, and why does it matter?

Identity-Conscious Casting

We share our thoughts on a recent article on "identity-conscious" casting, which looks beyond the concepts of color-blind and color-conscious casting and reimagines the lens through which we create. The article we discuss features an insightful conversation between Lavina Jadhwani and Victor Vasquez, which can be viewed here. 

Where Do We Go From Here?

It's a big question. After being knocked off our path due to COVID, what's in store for theater as we look at the months and years ahead? In this episode, we speculate wildly about the future of performing arts, and the role that digital/streaming will play in our industry going forward. 

Interview w/ Howard Sherman

We join nationally-recognized arts administrator and writer Howard Sherman to discuss his new book, "Another Day’s Begun: Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in the 21st Century." Of course, being theater nerds we end up talking about all sorts of stuff. A must-listen for stage fans. 

Interview w/ Christie Chiles Twillie

A chat with Christie Chiles Twillie, Composer/Sound Designer for 'The Niceties' at Forward Theater. We get to know this musical does-it-all, and gain some fascinating insight into her process of creating the themes for this intimate drama. 

Best of 2020 (no, really)

In the face of a painful year for artists and arts organizations, this episode celebrates the bright spots in 2020, focusing on reasons for optimism and the opportunities that lie ahead for all of us.