American Theatre Offscript

The playwright and director from Hawaii and Nevada discusses ‘Death Play,’ ‘Sumo,’ yearning, loneliness, and the wisdom of accepting loss.

The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.  Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement. Our fifth episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Chad Bauman, the Ellen & Joe Checota Executive Director of Milwaukee Repertory Theate. From their website: "Milwaukee Rep ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity." This episode was originally recorded on April 16, 2026. The Bridge is supported by the Wallace Foundation, and grounded in their research report, "In Search of the Magic Bullet: Results from the Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative."

The comic actor talks about his role in August Wilson's 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone,' director Michael Arden and designer Dane Laffrey talk vampire musicals, and Gemma Wilson gives us the Seattle 411.

The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.  Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement. Our fourth episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company from Washington, DC. From their website: "Woolly Mammoth produces courageous and invigorating new work to radically redefine theatre as a catalyst for an equitable, creative, and engaged society." In this episode, you'll hear from Kimberly E. Douglas (managing director), Kristen B. Jackson (associate artistic director, director of connectivity), and Josh Feldman (former director of marketing). This episode was originally recorded on August 21, 2025. The Bridge is supported by the Wallace Foundation.

The playwright and founding artistic director of a site-specific theatre discusses going from studying computer science at MIT to honing in on his artistry.

This month Willem Dafoe tells us about his programming for the Venice Teatro Biennale, and critics Helen Shaw and Emily Nussbaum compare notes on their new posts

The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.  Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement. Our third episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with TheatreSquared from Fayetteville, AR. From their website: "TheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting has driven its growth to become the state’s largest theatre, welcoming more than 80,000 community members to 350 performances and events each year. The company is Northwest Arkansas’s professional nonprofit theatre, offering a unique audience experience of immersive, professional productions in an intimate setting." In this episode, you'll hear from Shannon A. Jones (executive director), Robert Ford (artistic director), and Andrea Newby (director of marketing & communications). This episode was originally recorded on August 12, 2025.

The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuted on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.  Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement. Our second episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Florida Studio Theatre from Sarasota, FL. Florida Studio Theatre holds the following mission: To make theatre affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. To present theatre that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains. To create a public forum for the issues of our day that will foster positive change in our community and beyond. To operate within and for the public trust. In this episode, you'll hear from Richard Hopkins (producing artistic director, CEO), and Rebecca Hopkins (managing director). This episode was originally recorded on June 26, 2025.

The playwright, originally from Wisconsin, discusses her company, influences, exposure therapy, and the challenge of being an 'emerging' artist

The Bridge: Building Toward re(New)ed Theatre Audiences is a new special series hosted by AT Offscript. Produced with support from the Wallace Foundation, the series debuts on March 6, exploring how theatres are innovating to engage and sustain audiences amid the shifting realities of the field.  Amid the “polycrises” of the present moment, TCG’s most recent Theatre Facts report revealed an unexpected ray of hope: In contrast to pandemic-driven declines in overall attendance and ticket revenue, subscriptions and other loyalty models have shown renewed resilience. The Bridge will take listeners inside theatres that are bucking the decades-long trend of subscription decline, offering both visionary questions and practical strategies for audience engagement. Our first episode features Corinna Schulenburg, Co-Lead of TCG's Research Programs, in conversation with Mixed Blood from Minneapolis, MN. Using theatre to disrupt injustices, advance equity, and build community, Mixed Blood inspires the global village to create ripple effects of social change. In this episode, you'll hear from Mark Valdez (artistic director), Kate Warner (managing director), Alejandro Tey (associate artistic director), and Katy Vernon (communications & development associate). This episode was originally recorded in two parts on June 12, 2025 & June 26, 2025.

This month: Alia Shawkat on Clare Barron's 'You Got Older,' Robert Kaplow on his Oscar-nominated screenplay for 'Blue Moon,' and Joriah Kwamé on his TikTok-hit-turned-musical, 'Little Miss Perfect.'

The playwright, screenwriter, and musician talks about juggling various projects, how to manage the emotional ups and downs in an unpredictable career path, and the value of teaching.

On this jam-packed episode, we talk to the star and director of 'Hedda Gabler' at the Old Globe, the writer and co-director of a new take on 'Pal Joey' at D.C.'s Arena Stage, and the writer of a key story in our new training issue

This month we talk to the new artistic director of Dallas Theater Center and to the co-editors of a new online publication covering Off-Broadway

The playwright behind ‘Committed,’ ‘Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You too August Wilson),’ and more shares shares her journey from aspiring corporate defense attorney to playwright.

This ten-year anniversary special turns the tables: Playwright Crystal Skillman interviews our host Brian James Polak about the podcast, playwriting, and redefining success.

Our 2025 holiday stocking is stuffed: We chat with the writer/star of 'Ain't No Mo' and 'Oh Happy Day!,' with the director and star of the Alley's 'Night Shift Before Christmas,' and with award-winning critic-producer Citlali Pizarro

The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconic projects.

On this episode we speak to the writer and director of the new play 'Mother of Exiles,' and talk arts funding and community engagement with author Donna Walker-Kuhne 

A life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, The Kilroys, joy, and loss on this episode of “The Subtext.”

In this monologue by Gethsemane Herron, performed by Candace Boahene, we hear from the Harlem Renaissance writer, artist, and journalist

In this monologue by Kevin Renn, we hear from the legendary fashion designer who gave the world the Playboy Bunny costume, as performed by Marjorie Johnson

From playwright Darnell Lamont Walker, a monologue about the legendary Harlem crime boss, performed by Keith Randolph Smith

In this monologue by Tanya Everett, performed by Nedra Marie Taylor, we hear from the legendary blues and jazz singer-songwriter who wrote "Downhearted Blues"

On this episode the editors dive deep into our fall AT issue with dramaturg/journalist Dezi Tibbs, then dig into Latin American representation with 'Other Americans' playwright-performer John Leguizamo

The editors unveil AT's annual Top 10 Most Produced Plays and Top 20 Most Produced Playwrights lists and chat with Irene Sankoff, David Hein, and the ubiquitous Gunderson

The Bronx-born playwright talks Fornés, trauma-informed writing, and parenthood as a writer.

This month we talk to the playwright and the director Dexter Bullard, who's helming his new play, and we check in with two contributors to our Summer edition

The Minneapolis-based playwright discusses the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.

For this special edition (also on video), we gathered 4 smart NYC theatre folks to talk about their visions and recommendations for our art form and industry 

To honor her recent passing, Brian reshares his conversation from last fall with the Minneapolis-based writer/director, whom he first met in Poland years ago

Brian talks with the Los-Angeles-based, Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and close artistic relationships.

This month's guests are Shakina Nayfack, Ashley Robinson, and Dan Gillespie Sells, who have turned an iconic 1970s play into a musical, and theatre journalist Billy McEntee 

Brian talks to the Minneapolis-based playwright about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice

This month we talk to 2 Tony-nominated directors who specialize in new plays, and catch up with tireless critic Chris Jones about the Broadway season

The writer of 'Funny, Like an Abortion' and 'The Night Witches' talks about long commutes, writing science plays, and the parts she wishes she'd been able to play in school

The versatile actor and artist talks about their role in 'Curious Incident,' about solidarity and kindness in a time of struggle, and about why intersectional representation matters

This month we talk to the 6-time Tony-winning director about 'Gypsy' and his miraculous career, and the editors introduce our Spring print issue

The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities

This month, Woodzick talks with Erin Rollman and Brian Colonna of Buntport Theater Company, a non-hierarchical collective known for imaginative, campy adaptations.

In this episode, Gabriela talks to the Pulitzer-winning playwright about his new triple-play in Miami, and Rob checks in with LA Times arts reporter Ashley Lee

This month Brian talks with award-winning playwright Tim J. Lord about how he went from technician to playwright, and finding the “human story” behind a real, historic event.

In this episode, Woodzick talks with the Seattle-based creative about returning to acting, creating caring classrooms, and seeing the 'whole picture' as a director.

This month we speak to the playwright and director of a new play at the Huntington, and check in with NY Times critic at large Maya Phillips

This month Brian talks with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.

This episode features a chat on the stage of Manhattan Theatre Club with playwright Jonathan Spector, and a check-in with Seattle Times arts writer Gemma Wilson

This month, Woodzick talks with drag superstar Monét X Change about her solo Life be Lifin’, collaborating on music with BenDeLaCreme, sources of queer joy, and Broadway aspirations.

This month Brian talks with playwright and producer Kelley Nicole Girod about her experiences living in Louisiana and New York, balancing many endeavors, and weaving drama with history.

For our final podcast of the year, Gabriela visits with the merry makers behind 'Rudolph' at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, and Rob chats with critic Bill Hirschman about the state of South Florida theatre

This month Brian talks to the Southern-born writer about her journey through acting to playwriting, what her parents taught her, and her own parenting