Off and On: A New York Theatre podcast

163: Francis Benhamou

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 18:37:52 +0000

Francis Benhamou stops by for an emergency podcast to promote The Collective: 10.5, a night of short plays running through Nov 12! We also talk about looping, identifying as American, how being pregnant affects your performance and more theatre talk!

162: Susan Soon He Stanton

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 21:37:47 +0000

Playwright Susan Soon He Stanton stops by to talk about writing submissions, knowing when a play is ready, growing up in Hawaii, the Yale crew and transitioning into TV and Film. Check out her two plays running in NYC by visiting https://susanstanton.wordpress.com/

161: Sergio Castillo

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 05:29:35 +0000

Playwright/Actor Sergio Castillo stops by to talk about political theatre, why he thinks we need to produce our own work, disagree with Bernardo on pacifism, and many other things. Check out his new play Radical playing at Theatre Under St. Marks

160: Courtney Flores

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 03:58:38 +0000

Costume Designer Courtney Flores stops by the podcast to talk about how she got into costumes and design, her work at Cafe Onda and Howlround, close calls, the goals she still has for her career and theatre in the Bay Area

159: Janio Marrero

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 00:42:14 +0000

Co-AD of The Cherry Lane Theatre Janio Marrero stops by to talk about his fundraiser for Mexico and Puerto Rico "Indestructible" happening Oct 22nd at The Cherry Lane. We also talk about taking over a theatre with so much history, why he doesn't just cast himself in every play and about the theatre companies that inspire him.

158: David Mendizábal

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 00:15:00 +0000

Director David Mendizábal stops by to talk about how he picks projects, how to direct a reading, growing up without anyone like you on TV and much more. Check out his website: www.davidmendizabal.com

157: Raul Abrego

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:22:01 +0000

Set Designer Raul Abrego stops by to talk about being shy, growing up in South Texas and how he found his way to being a set designer. Plus we talk having a big mouth, your signature as a designer, and keeping it real with your friends.

156: Maggie Bofill

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 15:54:23 +0000

Actor/Playwright Maggie Bofill stops by the podcast to talk about the nerves of a writer vs the nerves of an actor, going to Cuba for the first time, the early days of LABrynth Theater and much more!

155: Heidi Griffiths & Jordan Thaler

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:33:45 +0000

The Casting Directors from the Public Theatre stop by the podcast to talk about all things casting and auditions! We talk what not to do in the room, why your reputation matters, and what got them into casting!

Episode 154: Charise Castro Smith

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 16:59:40 +0000

Playwright/Actor Charise Castro Smith stops by the podcast to talk about her love of Shakespeare, writing plays when you are busy writing for TV, the process of getting your pilot sold and then made, and much more! Produce her plays Feathers and Teeth and The Hunchback of Seville!

Episode 153: Dana Ivey

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 05:15:37 +0000

Actress Dana Ivey stops by the podcast to talk about why she loves the rehearsal process, why shoes matter for an audition, preparing for your "big break", feeling like you belong, and why theatre helps us understand our world. Follow her on Twitter @hekasia

Episode 152: Donaldo Prescod

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 16:40:25 +0000

Actor/Writer Donaldo Prescod comes on the show to talk about watching old productions of plays that you are about to be in, posting on Facebook about your achievements, growing up in a Military family, the balance of narcism and delusion and more! Get tickets to Topdog/Underdog at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2665882

Episode 151: Zak Berkman

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 00:25:13 +0000

Playwright/Dramaturg/Producer Zak Berkman stops by the podcast to talk about juggling his many theatre hats, starting a theatre company during a crazy election, how to curate a successful talkback, balancing being a parent with being a theatre person, his role as Producing Director at the People's Light and more! Produce his plays, read him on HowlRound and find him on Facebook!

Episode 150: Stephen Adly Guirgis

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 06:37:36 +0000

Playwright/Actor Stephen Adly Guirgis stops by the podcast to talk about enjoying opening nights, making your own deadlines, growing up in New York City, why auditions remind him how much he loves actors, the early days of Labyrinth Theater Company, and finding the theatre in all the work you do. Watch his latest show The Get Down on Netflix.

Episode 149: Ricardo Gutierrez

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:56:29 +0000

Artistic Director/Actor Ricardo Gutierrez stops by the podcast to talk about running a Latino theatre in Chicago, balancing directing and acting with running a company, supporting new playwrights by reading all of their work and how a kid from Guanajuato ended up running a theatre company in Chicago. Support his company at www.teatrovista.org

Episode 148: Matt Barbot

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 21:44:43 +0000

Playwright/Actor Matt Barbot stops by the podcast to talk about figuring out what makes a "Latino" play, what kind of plays regional theatres want to prodcue, having Kevin Spacey read your writing, moving to L.A. to try and climb a different mountain and much more! Follow Matt on twitter for all updates @barbotrobot

Episode 147: May Adrales

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 03:40:31 +0000

Director May Adrales stops by the podcast to talk about choosing a script, growing up in an immigrant family in Virginia, getting the right people in the audience, finding theatre in church, and wanting to make theatre a part of your life and not all of it, and more! Visit her website at www.mayadrales.net

Episode 146: Christopher Gabriel Nuñez

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 05:10:24 +0000

Playwright/Actor/Rapper Christopher Gabriel Nuñez stops by the podcast to talk about why he decided to go to Yale for Playwriting, why he changed his hustle in order to be happy, why his plays are strongly worded arguments, writing for people who fall through the cracks. Follow him at www.christophergabrielnunez.com

Episode 145: Julia Cho and Nicholas Pilapil from Artists at Play

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 03:41:25 +0000

Julia Cho and Nicholas Pilapil from Artists at Play stop by the podcast to talk about producing Asian American theatre in Los Angeles. Plus we chat about how to keep audiences engaged year round, why being a theatre person in L.A. matters, and their production of Carla Ching's latest play The Two Kids Who Blow Shit Up.

Buy your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2570097

Episode 144: Jerry Richardson

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:11:39 +0000

Actor Jerry Richardson has performed at theatres all over the country. He stops by the podcast to talk about the balance of art and commerce as an actor, struggling with defining your "type", considered Plan B's, and wanting your family to understand your career. Follow Jerry at www.jerry-richardson.com

Episode 143: David Lozano

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 06:34:07 +0000

Artistic Director/Performer David Lozano stops by the podcast to talk about running a Latino theatre company in Dallas, Texas. We also talk about mask work, why the language taught at American universities can inhibit creativity, finding your audience and much more! Follow his company at www.caramiatheatre.org

Episode 142: Michael Henry Harris

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 02:00:04 +0000

Artistic Director/Playwright/Actor Michael Henry Harris stops by the podcast to talk about co-running a theatre for 10 years in New York. Moving to Atlanta, fearing that you were never good enough, being a father, and what he wants from theatre now. Support his theatre company Inviolet Theater at inviolettheater.com and sign up fro Second Monday Social

Episode 141: Deena Selenow

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 03:42:08 +0000

Director Deena Selenow stops by the podcast to talk about finding the joy in the piece, why a director needs to find what an actor excels at, not choking the piece to death, growing up biracial, and why she loves being in the room. Check out her website www.deenaselenow.com

Episode 140: Ari Boyland

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 05:10:31 +0000

Actor Ari Boyland stops by to talk about being a Power Ranger, working as a teenager in Television, being an actor in New Zealand, his work with Ammunition Theatre Company, and moving to L.A. to pursue his dream. Follow him on instagram at @arirayboy.

Episode 139: Liz Richards

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 02:48:36 +0000

Stage Manager/Podcaster Liz Richards stops by the podcast to talk about what makes someone want to be a stage manager, the role of theatre in activism, theatre podcast land, growing up in Texas, and much more!

Episode 138: Trevor Boffone

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 01:50:21 +0000

Trevor Boffone stops by the pod to talk about his work on Howlround, the Latino Theater Commons, the 50 playwrights project, being white and being an activist for diversity, why larger companies can benefit from collaboration with smaller ones and much more!

Episode 137: Michael Ray Escamilla

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 16:17:07 +0000

Actor/Director Michael Ray Escamilla stops by the pod to talk about what the differences are as an actor in New York and in Los Angeles, missing the stage, being present in your career, deciding to leave New York, and directing film.

Episode 136: Jess Chayes

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 05:56:08 +0000

Director Jess Chayes stops by the podcast to talk about bringing her play to Los Angeles from New York for the first time, creating a room where everyone has a voice, activism, her company The Assembly, marriage, her Jewish identity and more! Buy tickets to her play Homesick here http://www.assemblytheater.org/

Episode 135: Monet Hurst Mendoza

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 06:03:48 +0000

Playwright Monet Hurst Mendoza stops by the podcast to talk about loving musicals, whether theatre should be run as a democracy or a dictatorship, discovering her identity later in life, working with Rising Circle Theater Collective, getting chosen to be a part of the Emerging Writers Group at The Public and more! Follow her @monetsimone

Episode 134: Daniella Topol

Mon, 30 May 2016 06:18:37 +0000

Artistic Director Daniella Topol stops by the podcast to talk about being named the A.D. of Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, the comfort of having a home in New York, continuing on a legacy while creating your own, her early days as a director, and finding your voice in the room. Support the amazing work done at Rattlestick http://www.rattlestick.org/

Timmy Wood The Ghost

Tue, 17 May 2016 18:02:52 +0000

Timmy Wood, a comedian, writer, one-time Ralph Lauren Model, and New York City's resident "Man of Mirth," passed away on Sunday, May 15th in his home in Brooklyn, New York at the age of 32.

Timmy loved Halloween and telling spooky stories around the campfire, so we are absolutely positive that Timmy Wood is now a ghost.

Timmy Wood The Ghost's chief unfinished business will be to watch over his wife Julie, who once swore that she and Timmy would never, ever date. They recently celebrated five years of marriage and the only blemish on their relationship was a rather lackluster performance on television's "The Newlywed Game." Timmy Wood The Ghost will also be with his mother Terryanne, his sister Rebekah, and his brother John.

Even in the afterlife, Timmy Wood The Ghost will lovingly tend to his pet candles Howie Cand-el and Lebron Flames. ("Candles are the new pets.")

Timmy Wood The Ghost's spooky spirit will always be felt at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, where he was a beloved performer. It is said that if you listen closely after late Thursday night shows, you can still hear him uttering his annual comedy catchphrases, including "Suck it down, Charlie Brown," "Uhhhhhhhhhh…check please!" "HOLD THE SLAW," and "DAH FOOK?!?" Even in death, Timmy Wood The Ghost still stands by his controversial, nearly career-ending 2015 catchphrase "I'll have one more picky for my ticky."

Now that he has shuffled off this mortal coil (Shakespeare, baby!), Timmy Wood The Ghost will have more time to tinker with his comprehensive ranking of Bond movie theme songs, create insane games with made-up rules that only he can understand, finally watch a regular season Houston Rockets game, research Illuminati conspiracy theories on the internet, defend Yeezus as his favorite Kanye West Album, and drink Shinerbock in one of his many New York City "secret spots."

Timmy will be missed dearly and even though his time with us was far too short, his life gets a perfect five out five big, beautiful, man-beards.

A celebration of Timmy will be held at TK. In the spirit of his life of seemingly boundless love and positivity, all those present will get one high-five.

Episode 133: David Marcus

Mon, 09 May 2016 06:18:08 +0000

Artistic Director/Actor David Marcus stops by the podcast to talk about how the grant model of theatre is failing, theatre as a for profit business, how he found his way to The Flea in New York, being a Republican in the theatre, writing for The Federalist, and the election. Follow him on Twitter @blueboxdave

Episode 132: Malcolm Barrett

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 05:02:41 +0000

Actor/Rapper/Poet Malcolm Barrett stops by the podcast to talk about growing up in New York, preparing as much as the material demands, performing at The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, why he continues to do theatre in L.A., being "The Black Guy", getting to have a voice on set, and why he's only a third of the way through his career. Follow his band at thesincitylp.com, and him on twitter @malcolmbarrett

Episode 131: Leah Nanako Winkler

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 02:50:55 +0000

Playwright Leah Nanako Winkler stops by the pod to talk about her new play Kentucky at EST, writing in rehearsals, growing up in a bicultural home, the Mikado controversy, and her hopes for this production. Follow her on twitter @leahnanako

Episode 130: Julian Mesri

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:52:49 +0000

Director/Playwright/Composer Julian Mesri stops by the podcast to talk about reframing the conversation about diversity, what is a "latino" play, growing up in a New York Theatre family, theatre culture in other cities and much more! Support his theatre company Sans Comedia and follow him on twitter @enemyofthestage

Episode 129: Nandita Shenoy

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 05:27:10 +0000

Playwright/Actor Nandita Shenoy stops by the pod to talk about critics and comedy, growing up in an Indian family in Buffalo, what happens after your show closes, having to write yourself a role in order to play a love interest and more!

Episode 128: Amanda Duarte

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 05:25:31 +0000

Writer/Performer Amanda Duarte stops by the podcast to talk about what happens when your facebook status goes viral, wishing you lived in "Old" New York, giving your dead darlings another life, finding a voice through social media and more. Support her show Dead Darlings on facebook!

Episode 127: Tina Huang

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:27:20 +0000

Actress Tina Huang stops by the podcast to talk about The Chris Rock Oscars Controversy, why "good" stereotypes can be hurtful, being an actor in New York, San Francisco and L.A., and being born at the wrong time. Follow her on twitter @tinahuang

Episode 126: John Concado

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 05:46:40 +0000

Actor John Concado stops by the podcast to talk about being an Argentine in the Latino Theatre World, being a fat kid, coming to acting late in life, and why asking for help can be a good thing. Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by to talk about theatre in March. Follow him @newyorktheater

Episode 125: The Election and Theatre People

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 04:41:41 +0000

This week's episode is dedicated to the 2016 Election. Bernardo talks to theatre people about what they are thinking about during this crazy election cycle. The guests in order of their appearance; Playwright Bixby Elliot, Actor Jorge Cordova, Playwright/Actor Karina Richardson, Actor/Playwright/Advocate Christine Toy Johnson, A.D. Lou Moreno, A.D. Kwame Kwei-Armah, Blogger/Podcast Host Liz Richards, and A.D. David Marcus. They talk Bernie vs Hillary, Ted Cruz, The Media, Fox News and of course Donald Trump.

Episode 124: Laura Force Scruggs

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 07:13:23 +0000

Actress/Writer/Podcast Host Laura Force Scruggs comes on the podcast to talk about how her one woman show Punk Grandpa became a play, growing up in a world where you don't fit in, the theater festival scene and her amazing grandfather. Check out her show Punk Grandpa now playing at The Frigid NYC Festival. Plus friend of the podcast Bixby Elliot stops by the show to talk about what's going on in NYC.

Episode 123: Molly Anne Coogan

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 07:36:24 +0000

Actress/Writer Molly Anne Coogan, stops by the podcast to talk about creating her own webseries, her journey as a stage actor in New York, taking a break from your dream when health issues take over, and much more! Support her campaign for Things I Hate here: https://www.seedandspark.com/studio/things-i-hate

Episode 122: Marguerite Stimpson

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 02:07:44 +0000

Actress Marguerite Stimpson stops by the podcast to talk about doing Elephant Man on Broadway and in London, saying your goals out loud, her early days in New York, getting replaced in a show, being in a relationship with an actor and much more! Plus the show joins The Folio Group. Check us out http://www.foliogroup.net/

Episode 121: Karla Mosley & Arjun Gupta from Ammo Theatre Company

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 05:42:12 +0000

Actress/Singer Karla Mosley (Bold & The Beautiful) and actor/producer Arjun Gupta (The Magicians) stop by the podcast to talk about starting a theatre company in Los Angeles, the difference between acting on screen and on stage, their days in New York, why they moved to Los Angeles and much more! Go to their website ammotheatre.com and check out their production of The Judgment of Fools opening on February 18th! Plus Jonathan Mandell from newyorktheater.me stops by the intro to talk about NYC theatre in February.

Episode 120: Susan Louise O'Connor

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 04:01:29 +0000

Actress Susan Louise O'Connor stops by the podcast to talk about her amazing career in the theatre. From Off Off Broadway to Broadway Susan has done it all. We chat about what she learned from Angela Lansbury, finding a home in new work, deciding to move to L.A. and creating online content.

Episode 119: Liza Fernandez

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 08:16:17 +0000

Actress/Filmmaker Liza Fernandez stops by the podcast to talk about growing up Chilean in Australia, wanting to win an Oscar, discovering theatre, getting distracted by the hustle in New York, getting a short film into Tribeca Film Festival and much more! Follow her film company @SubwayTokenFilms

Episode 118: Melanie Maras

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:51:35 +0000

Playwright/Comedienne Melanie Maras stop by the podcast to talk about why she misses her New York community, growing up in Indonesia, manifesting, starting a stand up career, finding out she was Asian when she moved to America and more!

Episode 117: Xochitl Romero

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 07:28:51 +0000

Actress/Improvisor Xochitl Romero stops by the podcast to talk about why she never stayed in New York, growing up with a parent who suffers from addiction, always wanting to make the best joke in the room, not being "Latina" enough, and much more!

Episode 116: 2015- The Year in Review

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 06:58:24 +0000

In this special podcast I splice together some of my favorite moments from the #theatre pod in 2015. If you wanna follow along this is the order of people who I remixed from 2015: Sheila Callaghan, Gilbert Cruz, Florencia Lozano, Octavio Solis, Marcus Gardley, Paul Thureen, Jack Doulin,, Migdalia Cruz, John Clinton Eisner, Samuel Hunter, Tlaloc Rivas, Raul Castillo, Halley Feiffer, Gerardo Rodriguez, Mando Alvarado, Stephanie Ybarra, and Kwame Kwei-Armah. #newplay

Episode 115: Mayra Leal

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 17:36:19 +0000

Actress Mayra Leal stops by the pod to talk about growing up in Houston, dealing with insecurities, the challenges of learning on film, handling nudity on set, coming to terms with her addiction, and recovery. Follow her on Twitter @Mayrajleal!

Episode 114: Madhuri Shekar

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 20:47:42 +0000

Playwright Madhuri Shekar stops by the podcast to talk about growing up in India, why a playwright would live in Los Angeles, the pros and cons of grad school, the theatre culture in India and much more! Follow her @madplays and visit her website www.madhurishekar.com to support her webseries Titus and Dronicus.

Episode 113: J. Julian Christopher

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 06:51:54 +0000

Playwright/Actor J. Julian Christopher stops by the podcast to talk about growing up in church, discovering his latino pride later in life, coming out in high school, why he hates first drafts, writing a webseries about Bear culture, and much more. Follow him on twitter @JulianChristo. Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by the podcast to talk about his 10 ten shows of the year. Follow him @newyorktheater

Episode 112: Drunk Pod Cuatro- David Ryan Smith & Matt Citron

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 06:31:03 +0000

Actors David Ryan Smith and Matt Citron come on the podcast to have some drinks and talk about acting in The Mobile Unit at The Public, what they wish they had known when they started out in theatre, the roles they enjoy playing, goals for the future, reading reviews and much more!

Episode 111: Lucas Caleb Rooney

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 05:39:54 +0000

Actor Lucas Caleb Rooney stops by the pod to talk about his amazing career. From Broadway, to his work in Madagascar, Lucas talks about why he wants to be "fucking around" before he steps on stage, losing weight mid career, clowning, and much more! Please donate to his charity Zara Aina. Go to www.zaraaina.org and support!

Episode 110: Maeve and Mikai from Before Your Very Eyes

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:05:44 +0000

Maeve and Mikai are two of the starts of Before Your Very Eyes at The Public Theater and they are kids! They come on the podcast to talk about why doing acting gets boring, why they thought their play was a comedy, what they want to be when they grow up, we freestyle rap and much more!!!!

Episode 109: Gerardo Rodriguez

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:44:22 +0000

Actor/Director GerardoRodriguez stops by the podcast to talk about having specific goals, growing up on the border, why he's afraid of writing, studying in Russia, balancing marriage and acting, and more!

Episode 108: Kwame Kwei-Armah

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:50:31 +0000

Director/Playwright/Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Amah stops by the podcast to talk about his amazing journey. We talk growing up in an immigrant family in England, his career in music, why theatre allowed him to meet Prime Ministers, balancing work and children and more! Go to www.centerstage.org for more!

Episode 107: Zuzanna Wanda Szadkowski

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 15:18:02 +0000

Actress Zuzanna Wanda Szadkowski comes by the podcast to talk about doing theatre after a long break, being your own worst enemy at callbacks, her role on Gossip Girl, and growing up in a Polish home. Follow her on instagram and twitter @zuzannawanda. Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by again for a November preview. Follow him @newyorktheater

Episode 106: Meiyin Wang

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 02:32:42 +0000

Director/Producer Meiyin Wang stops by the podcast to talk about seeing theatre all over the world for The Under The Radar Festival, growing up in Singapore, how motherhood has changed her relationship to theatre and more! Go see The Under The Radar Festival at The Public Theatre www.publictheatre.org

Episode 105: Rob Weinert-Kendt

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 01:34:05 +0000

American Theatre Magazine's Editor-in-chief Rob Weinert-Kendt stops by the podcast. We talk about the backlash to his editorial about The Mikado controversy, his apology and what he learned from the week. Plus we talk about the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Translation Project. Go to americantheatre.org for more!

Episode 104: Topher Payne

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 03:10:54 +0000

Playwright Topher Payne stops by the podcast to talk about his new play Perfect Arrangement at Primary Stages. We talk New York vs Atlanta, growing up in Mississippi, reaching new audiences in the regional world, why working backstage helped his career, and having his play make it to New York the old fashioned way.

Episode 103: Flor De Liz Perez

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 02:46:28 +0000

Actress Flor De Liz Perez stops by the podcast to talk about working in London, being religious in the theatre world, keeping it fresh night after night, and starting out in New York. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @flordeliz_perez Plus Jonathan Mandell from newyorktheater.me stops by to give us his October preview.

Episode 102: Stephanie Ybarra

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 00:32:52 +0000

Producer Stephanie Ybarra comes on the podcast to talk about how you can tell if a play has been produced well, being told she "stood out" too much as an actor, why she choses projects based on people, and about her work with The Mobile Shakespeare Unit at The Public Theater. Follow her on Twitter @saybarra

Episode 101: Halley Feiffer

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:39:24 +0000

Actress/Playwright Halley Feiffer comes on the podcast to talk about how to differentiate between a problem in the script and a problem in the production, the challenges of choosing directors, growing up in a home of artists, how being released by your agent can be the best thing to happen to your career and more! Follow her on Twitter @HalleyFeiffer

Episode 100: Mando Alvarado

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 04:01:27 +0000

First ever guest of the pod, playwright Mando Alvarado, comes back on the podcast after 3 and a half years. He talks about having a child, moving to Los Angeles, and writing for TV. He and Bernardo talk about selfish choices, getting thinner skin the longer your career goes on, and what gives them pure joy. This is obviously Bernardo writing this and I want to thank each and every single one of you for listening. Here's to 100 more.

Episode 99: Stephen Brackett

Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:14:14 +0000

Director Stephen Brackett comes on the podcast to talk about how directors find their next project, how to "network" with artists whose work you love, what happens when a show becomes a hit, the journey of Buyer and Cellar and much more. See Stephen's latest show Sommerfugl buy your ticktes at www.inviolettheater.com Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by the into again to preview the Fall Season and discuss his article "In Praise of Cell Phone Users"

Episode 98: Zakiyyah Alexander

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 03:17:14 +0000

Playwright Zakiyyah Alexander comes by the podcast to talk about how her Twitter rant about the MTC season announcement ended up in The New York Times. We also talk gender parity, the dangers of "the slot" in the theatre, The Killroys, writing for Grey's Anatomy and more! Follow her on Twitter @model_minority

Episode 97: Mariah MacCarthy

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:16:03 +0000

Playwright/Actor/Producer Mariah MacCarthy stops by the podcast to talk about the challenges of juggling her many theatre hats. We talk about why producing is about trusting others, why she still has to keep a 40 hour a week day job, and why she identifies mostly with being a playwright. Go see her new play Magic Trick. Buy tickets at capslocktheatre.com

Episode 96: John Dias

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 01:51:30 +0000

Artistic Director John Dias of Two River Theater stops by the podcast to talk about all the things that keep an Artistic Director up at night. We talk keeping your audience happy, satisfying your artistic goals, how to reach the audiences that don't believe they belong in a theatre, dramaturgy and much more. Follow Two River Theatre on Twitter @TwoRiverTheater

Episode 95: Laura Gómez

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 03:34:22 +0000

Actress Laura Gómez stops by to talk about when she realized Orange is The New Black was a hit, the power of social media, why she felt the need to go to film school, taking initiative in your career and about working with David Simon on Show Me A Hero. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter lg_lauragomez

Episode 94: Raul Castillo

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:09:32 +0000

Actor and Playwright Raul Castillo stops by the podcast to talk about balancing writing and acting, how he considered following his plan B, the success of the show Looking on HBO, why he thinks fear is a good thing. Plus Bixby Elliot and Jonthan Mandell stop by the intro.

Episode 93: Jake Cannavale

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:05:58 +0000

Actor/Writer Jake Cannavale stops by the podcast to talk about his Broadway debut, how he learned that following in his family's footsteps was cool, his role on Nurse Jackie, and why he thinks 20 year olds should live like adults. Follow his film company @blacktonguefilm

Episode 92: Alfredo Narciso

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 02:57:07 +0000

Actor Alfredo Narciso comes on the podcast to talk about his 17 year career on the New York Stage. From his early days as a Bat at The Flea, to his first agent, we talk about manuevering through the unpredictable path of an actor. Plus we talk getting fired, what we wish we knew, and how much are we actually willing to give up for this career. Follow Alfredo on Twitter @alfredonarciso2

Episode 91: Russell G. Jones

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 02:22:56 +0000

Actor Russell G. Jones stops by the podcast to talk about how sobreity helped him become a better actor, what "whiteness" means, about his amazing career in the theatre and working with Louie C.K. Check out his project The Blind Spot, http://blindspotproject.tumblr.com, and his actor website, http://russellgjones.com

Episode 90: Zabryna Guevara

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 01:11:08 +0000

Actress Zabryna Guevara stops by the pod to talk about how meditation helped her career, balancing family and work, why not to get frustarted when your career changes, and how she landed a role on the hit show Gotham. Follow her on twitter @ZabrynaGuevara. Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by the pod to give us a July theater preview

Episode 89: Hilary Bettis

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 02:43:09 +0000

Playwright Hilary Bettis stops by the podcast to talk about having three plays on the Kilroys List, her nomadic childhood, what happens when you steal a truck, and who is allowed to write what. Go to her website www.hilarybettiswriter.com and follow her on Twitter @HilaryBettis

Episode 88: Tlaloc Rivas

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 16:13:21 +0000

Playwright, Director, Activist Tlaloc Rivas stops by the podcast to talk about diversity in the theatre, cultural appropriation, his work at The Latino Theatre Commons, Cafe Onda, and HowlRound and much more. Follow all of his work at tlalocrivas.com

Episode 87: Samuel D. Hunter

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 04:07:21 +0000

Playwright Samuel D. Hunter stops by the podcast to talk about finding your voice, not worrying about what others think of your work, the reactions you can't control and much much more! Follow him on twitter @SamuelDHunter

Episode 86: Serials at The Flea w/ Crystal Arnette & Cleo Gray

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 03:44:26 +0000

Producers/Actors Crystal Arnette and Cleo Gray stop by the podcast to talk about Serials at The Flea. We talk about how much the landscape has actually improved for women in theatre, why they think being a Bat at the Flea is worthwhile, and much more! Go see Serials at The Flea by visiting theflea.org. And friend of the pod Shaun Leisher stops by the intro to plug his new blog about women in theater. http://ilovetheaterladies.tumblr.com

Episode 85: Marisela Treviño Orta

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 01:45:51 +0000

Playwright Marisela Treviño Orta stop by the podcast to talk about her recent success, finding playwrighting later in life, why she is going to grad school as her plays get done all over the country and why she continues on in this profession. Follow her on twitter at @MariselaTOrta. Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by to talk theatre awards.

Episode 84: John Clinton Eisner

Mon, 25 May 2015 16:18:08 +0000

Artistic Director John Clinton Eisner stops by the pod to talk all things The Lark and New Play. We talk whether or not there is such a thing as a "new idea", the challenges of fundraising when you don't "produce", and how the Lark became the go to destination for playwrights. Support The Lark at www.larktheatre.org. Plus Juan Francisco Villa stops by the intro to plug his new show Don Chipotle!

Episode 83: Jack Doulin

Mon, 18 May 2015 02:23:05 +0000

Casting Director Jack Doulin stops by the podcast to talk about his career in the theatre. We talk how easy it is to tell if an actor is nervous, whether ot not to be off book, how he stumbled into casting, and about the "Not Yet" of theatre. Support his amazing work at New York Theatre Workshop www.newyorktheatreworkshop.org Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by the intro to recommend some shows and talk political theat"er".

Episode 82: Paul Thureen

Mon, 11 May 2015 00:11:30 +0000

Paul Thureen from The Debate Society stops by the pod! We talk about his reacurring character on Letterman, finding his artistic soul mate, producing and acting in your own work, and much more! Go see their new play this summer at New York Stage and Film. Visit their website http://thedebatesociety.org

Episode 81: Migdalia Cruz

Mon, 04 May 2015 00:55:05 +0000

Playwright Migdalia Cruz stops by the podcast to talk about her amazing career. We talk about why she finds most theatre boring, what she learned from Maria Irene Fornes, her place in theatre history and her daughter makes a cameo! Like her Facebook page Migdalia Cruz!

Episode 80: Marcus Gardley

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 04:06:02 +0000

Playwright Marcus Gardley stops by the podcast to talk about being compared to August Wilson, why his plays are political, learning which notes to take, and his latest piece An Issue of Blood now playing at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago. Go to victorygardens.org for tickets!

Episode 79: Kristoffer Diaz and Sean Daniels

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 03:44:53 +0000

Pulitzer Prize Finalist Kristoffer Diaz and Artistic Director Sean Daniels stop by the pod for a three man weave. We talk rollercoaster theatre weeks, the expectations our work creates, building honest relationships and of course playoff basketball. Go see Kris' new play The Upstairs Concierge at The Goodman www.goodmantheatre.org and visit Sean Daniels' new home Merrimack Rep www.mrt.org

Episode 78: Octavio Solis

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 02:33:24 +0000

Playwright Octavio Solis comes on the podcast to talk about his 30 plus year career. We talk about why having a play produced in New York feels different than anywhere else, being told that his plays don't fit here, growing up with a view of the Rio Grande, and much more! See his play "Se Llama Cristina" now playing at Intar. www.intartheatre.org and read his work at octaviosolis.net

Episode 77: The Brothers Phillips and Their Mom and Dad

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 05:25:35 +0000

John and Stephen Phllips are brothers and actors. They bring their Mom and Dad by the podcast to talk about coming to terms with your chlldren becoming actors, the support of your family, and all thing theatre degree/family. Watch their hilarious webseries at https://www.youtube.com/user/brothersphillips

Episode 76: Florencia Lozano

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 23:29:32 +0000

Actress/Playwright Florencia Lozano stops by the pod to talk about ballet, having your play read for the first time, the early days of LAByrnth Theatre Company, the challenges of working on a soap opera and more! Go see her in the play Placebo at Playwrights Horizons http://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/placebo/

Episode 75: Rising Phoenix Rep w/ Charlotte Miller, Sam Soule, Sarah Shaefer, & MacLeod Andrews

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 06:45:00 +0000

Members of Rising Phoenix Rep stop by the podcast to talk about their play Theives by Charlotte Miller, now playing in Los Angeles! They talk about what happens in the week leading up to previews, rethinking your choices, sacrificing your ego for the greater good and what happens when you have to write a whole new play ten days before your first rehearsal. Buy tickets to see the play at risingphoenixrep.org and follow them on twitter and facebook! Plus Jonathan Mandell stops by to recommend all the great shows to see end of March in NYC. Follow him @newyorktheater

Episode 74: Carla Ching

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 02:25:33 +0000

Playwright Carla Ching stops by the pod to talk about being told she writes "like a man", why the playwright is not always "king", how notes can make your play unrecognizable and more. Produce her plays people! www.carlaching.com

Episode 73: Gilbert Cruz

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:54:51 +0000

Actor Gilbert Cruz has been in the business for over 40 years. We talk about his days studying with Stella Adler, why he likes auditioning now, why he chose career over family, the things he stilll hopes to acheive in his career and his new show at the Roundabout Theatre, Little Chldren Dream of God. Buy tickets at roundabouttheatre.org

Episode 72: Anna Gabriella Jones & Jamel Shawn Daval

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 07:37:10 +0000

Yale Grads Anna Gabriella Jones & Jamel Shawn Daval have lived in New York, London and L.A. They come onto the pod to talk about New York Theatre vs London Theatre, how a married couple manages to work together for over 8 years, and about the pros and cons of being a free spirited director. Check out their amazing work at nylonprojects.org!

Episode 71: Will Rogers

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 07:48:01 +0000

Actor Will Rogers stops by the podcast to talk about audition routines, getting to work with Steven Speilberg, why he misses doing theatre, and that time he auditioned for Martin Scorsese. Follow Will on Twitter @wllmrogers

Episode 70: Bekah Brunstetter

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 07:14:14 +0000

Playwright Bekah Brunstetter stops by the podcast to talk about worrying about being self centered, The Secret (the book and her film adaptation), and why she doesn't want to lose her faith. Watch the TV show she writes for Switched at Birth and check out her awesome and hilarious blog http://blog.bekahbrunstetter.com

Episode 69: Drunk Pod Tres- Roland Ruiz and Brandon Ruiter

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 07:43:57 +0000

Roland Ruiz (Boyhood, Machete) and Brandon Ruiter (Crisis, Into The Storm) stop by the podcast to have a few drinks and talk all things acting. They talk moving from towns you are having success in, whether or not they have regrets, and why they keep at it. Follow Brandon on Twitter @RuitErRong and like Roland's page on facebook Roland Ruiz.

Episode 68: Jon Caren

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:26:37 +0000

Playwright Jon Caren stops by the pod to talk about theatre in L.A., why having children is scary, and how a playwright prepares to pitch a TV pilot. Follow Jon Caren on twitter @jonthecaren. Plus Jonathan Mandell from newyorktheater.me stops by at the top to preview theatre in Febuary. follow jonathan @newyorktheater

Episode 67: Janine Nabers

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 04:40:15 +0000

Yale Drama Series Prize Winner Janine Nabers stops by the pod! We talk the pros and cons of writing plays on commisson, her play inspired by the recent Bill Cosby news and that time she was washing dishes for her boss and got a call that she was moving to Los Angeles. Follow her on Twitter @J9Nabers.

Episode 66: Sarah Nina Hayon

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:45:39 +0000

Sarah Nina Hayon is a three time Drama Desk Award Nominee, a LABrynth Theatre Company Member and an an amazing actress, and she just left New York. Sarah comes on the pod to talk about motherhood, losing roles that you help develop, and why she left a succesful career in New York to move to San Francisco.

Episode 65: Sheila Callaghan

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 05:26:38 +0000

Playwright Sheila Callaghan stops by the pod to talk about being adopted, L.A. vs New York, why it's great to write for TV, and why she needs theatre people in her life. Check out all three of her plays coming up this year! Go to http://sheilacallaghan.com/upcoming.html and buy tickets now!