Theater Forward

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.

We sit down with Dramaturg Khalid Y. Long, PhD and dive into the what/how/why of dramaturgy in theatermaking. We also discuss the world and work of Adrienne Kennedy, playwright of 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?', playing in Madison, WI in September 2021. 

We go in-depth with two artists that are bringing to life Adrienne Kennedy and Adam Kennedy's 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?' - Actress Marti Gobel and Director Baron Kelly. 

Theater artists across Wisconsin share stories about productions that had a profound impact on them as an audience member or as a creator. Volume 4 features Stage Manager Jacqueline Singleton, Director & Educator Tyler Marchant, Actress & Advisory Company Member Rána Roman, and Actress Angela Iannone.

When is an oldie no longer a goodie? We talk about the often-problematic classic Broadway musical, and how it fits into our contemporary thoughts about programming. 

Wisconsin theater artists share more great stories about inspiring productions. In this installment, we sit down with Educator/Director Dr. Baron Kelly, Director/Actor Mary MacDonald Kerr, Voice & Speech legend Susan Sweeney, and Director Joseph Hanreddy.

Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. America is returning to in-person theater at a breakneck speed, amidst ambiguous safety protocols and union rules. We discuss our return to the stage and what it means for artists and audiences. 

Wisconsin theater artists share more stories about productions that made an impact on them as an artist. This episode features Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Artistic Director Brent Hazelton, American Players Theatre company member Brian Mani, Composer & Sound Designer Joe Cerqua, and Actor/Director/Producer DiMonte Henning.

We dive into one of our beloved-but-much-ignored assets in theater: the monologue. We talk about the role monologues serve, what makes them great, and which ones we love. We also give a nod to our upcoming monologue festival, 'Within These Walls: Stories of Home,' presented June 24-27 at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI.