Theater Forward

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.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we share our favorite plays and theatrical experiences dealing with LOVE. From the conventional to the unconventional and classic to modern, we discuss the stories, songs, moments and relationships that inspire our theater-loving hearts. 

As theatermakers, we dive into what in blazes is going on in the theater world in relation to COVID - what our fellow producers are doing, what we're talking about in our spaces, and what we anticipate in the not-too-distant future. 

It's back! Another round of stories from WI artists about the productions that changed their lives. Volume 5 features Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, Actress Jennifer Vosters, Actress Colleen Madden, and Playwright Marie Kohler. 

It was an important year for the arts in America, and we recap our experience as both theatermakers and theatergoers - reflecting on our struggles, our successes, and when we were just plain lucky. 

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.