Into the Fire at Burning Coal Theatre

We are thrilled to be joined by the playwrights of this year's KidsWrite Festival! Tune in as we learn more about the person behind the story. Nine talented young playwrights, nine new plays, one unforgettable festival. We'll see you there! Kidswrite Festival dates: May 29 - 30, 2026 @ 7pm Find out more and get your tickets available here: https://burningcoal.org/kidswrite-festival/

My Fair Lady shines the spotlight on language and sounds, and so will we in this interview between artistic director Jerome Davis and the talented Natalie Blackman. Listen to this fascinating interview to find out more about how Natalie got involved with Voice & Accent Coaching, the importance of accent work, and of course, languages and sounds.

Artistic director Jerome Davis takes us behind the scenes of our current production of My Fair Lady. He is joined by the talented Natalie Reder, who plays Eliza Doolittle to find out more about her career and experience playing this iconic role. 

This is an audio recording of the program for MY FAIR LADY by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. My Fair Lady runs at Burning Coal Theatre April 9 – 26, 2026.

Artistic director Jerome Davis is joined by Prof. Dominic Broomfield-McHugh from the University of Sheffield, for an insightful look into the world of My Fair Lady and musical theatre. My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe is based on  George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion and will run at Burning Coal Theatre from Apr. 9-26.

This is an audio recording of the program for RED PITCH by Tyrell Williams. Red Pitch runs at Burning Coal Theatre February 5 - 22, 2026.

As Burning Coal opens Red Pitch, a play about gentrification and urban housing needs, as well futbol… artistic director Jerome Davis talked with DHIC President and CEO, Yolanda Winstead about DHIC’s extraordinary work in that field (not futbol)!

Artistic director Jerome Davis talks with Tyrell Williams about our upcoming production of his play Red Pitch, about his work, where he draws inspiration, and how his early years influenced his path toward becoming one of England’s hottest young playwrights.

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, and actors Chip Carey and Andrew Goins as they discuss their characters (Elia Kazan and Arthur Miller) in our current play, HERE IN AMERICA. 

This is an audio recording of the program for HERE IN AMERICA by David Edgar. HERE IN AMERICA runs at Burning Coal Theatre December 4 - 21, 2025.

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, is joined by the award-winning historian and New York Times reporter, Clay Risen, in a thrilling discussion about the historical context of our upcoming play, Here in America. Clay is also the author of the book Red Scare: Blacklists, McCarthyism, and the Making of Modern America (published 2025).  

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, is joined by media historian and University of Oregon professor, Carol Stabile, for a deep dive into the historic context of our upcoming production, Here in America. 

Artistic Director, Jerome Davis, is joined by playwright, David Edgar, to discuss the US premiere of his play, HERE IN AMERICA, which will run from Dec. 4-21, 2025 at Burning Coal Theatre!

​Dive into the world of stage management as artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with stage manager, Rebecca Peace, about the duties of a stage manager and how she got into stage managing. Rebecca is the stage manager for ONCE, now showing at Burning Coal Theatre. 

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Nathalie Ray (director of ONCE) about the history of this toe-tapping, heartwarming musical and how she relates to the story and its characters.   

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, as he talks with Tushar Mathew, Becca Finney and Lucius Robinson from Otherland Theatre Ensemble about their play, 'Forgive Us, Gustavito!', which is now playing at Burning Coal Theatre's Wait 'Till You See This Second Stage Series! 

Join us for today's podcast as artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Bronwen Carson, about her life, her transition into writing and directing, and her creative process. Bronwen is the playwright of 'The Mansion of Many Apartments' which opened at Burning Coal on 06/14/2025! 

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Tamara Kissane about her new play, SEA CHANGE, which will premiere during Burning Coal’s Second Stage Series. An experience not to be missed!

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, director, Susan Gross, and the playwrights of this year's KidsWrite Festival as they talk about where their inspiration comes from and the amazing lineup of new productions that will soon be brought to life on the Burning Coal Theatre stage! 

Jerome Davis talks with Byron Jennings II, Natalie Reder, and Daniel Ryder, about what inspired their performance careers, musical theatre, Stephen Sondheim, and Merrily We Roll Along. Don't miss experiencing these talented artists in our current production of Merrily We Roll Along!

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, in a conversation with the talented director, actor, and writer, Lonny Price who was the original Charley in Merrily We Roll Along. Tune in as Lonny talks about his life, career, and working with giants in the theatre world, such as Stephen Sondheim and Athol Fugard. 

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with the esteemed theatre critic, Frank Rich! A fascinating discussion about his life, Stephen Sondheim, and Merrily We Roll Along.  

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Jarred Pearce who stars as Chaka in BEING CHAKA, created by TÉA Artistry. Now showing at Burning Coal Theatre until March 30th 2025.

This is an audio recording of the program for Being Chaka, created by TÉA Artistry; written by Tara Amber, Chuk Obasi, and Nalini Sharma. Being Chaka runs at Burning Coal Theatre March 13 - 30, 2025. For more information and tickets, visit our website at https://burningcoal.org/being-chaka/

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, and the directors of BEING CHAKA, Vieve Price and Chuk Obasi, for a captivating discussion about their careers and BEING CHAKA created by TÉA Artistry. 

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Monica Hoh and Ali Goins who will be making their Burning Coal Theatre debuts in our upcoming play, PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE by Chelsea Woolley! Don't miss Monica and Ali's heartfelt performance as Cecelia and her estranged father, Jules.  PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE runs January 30th - February 16th at Burning Coal Theatre! 

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Montreal-based actor and director, Mike Payette about his life, the arts, and PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE. Mike is the artistic director of the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, Canada, where our upcoming play, PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE by Chelsea Woolley, premiered. 

Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with the talented Chelsea Woolley, a playwright and arts educator native to Toronto. She is the author of several plays, including Paint Me this House of Love which will have its U.S. Premiere at Burning Coal Theatre on January 30th - February 16th, 2025.  Come experience PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE at Burning Coal Theatre. Tickets available here: https://burningcoal.org/paint-me-this-house-of-love/

Jerome Davis talks with Steven Roten, director of THE RAINMAKER, long time Burning Coal actor, and educator at Meredith College.  Come see The Rainmaker:  🗓️ Dates: December 5 - 22, 2024 🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/the-rainmaker/  

This is the audio recording of the digital program for Burning Coal Theatre's production of The Rainmaker, by N. Richard Nash.

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, and scholar and author, Matthew Booker, for an insightful dive into the historical and environmental context of our upcoming play, THE RAINMAKER.    The Rainmaker runs at Burning Coal Theatre from Dec. 5th-22nd, 2024. Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/the-rainmaker/    

Join Artistic Director, Jerome Davis, and Dublin-based playwright, Colin Murphy, for a dive into his play, Haughey/Gregory, currently showing at Burning Coal!    Don't miss this hilarious and brilliantly HOPEFUL play about a moment in time when the least expected thing happened, and the world changed for the better. 🗓️ Limited Dates: Oct 14th-23rd, Mon-Wed Evenings @ 7:30pm 🎟️ Tickets: $20 ($10 for students).  Available: https://burningcoal.org/haughey-gregory/ #BurningCoalTheatre #wakearts  #downtownraleigh #fyp #USPremiere #Ireland

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, and the talented Flora Bare (director of Haughey/Gregory) as they discuss her background, physical theatre, and our upcoming production of Haughey/Gregory.    Don't miss this hilarious and brilliantly HOPEFUL play about a moment in time when the least expected thing happened, and the world changed for the better.  Limited Dates: Oct 14th-23rd, Mon-Wed Evenings @ 7:30pm  Tickets: $20 ($10 for students).  Available: https://burningcoal.org/haughey-gregory/ #BurningCoalTheatre #wakearts  #raleighnc #bonus #USPremiere #Ireland

This is an audio recording of the program for Copenhagen, by Michael Frayn. Presented by Burning Coal Theatre, October 10 - 27, 2024.

Join Artistic Director, Jerome Davis, for a captivating discussion with Conall Morrison - the ORIGINAL director of HAUGHEY/GREGORY when it played in Dublin presented by the company Fishamble.   Come experience HAUGHEY/GREGORY! 🗓️ Limited Dates: Oct 14th-23rd, Mon-Wed Evenings @ 7:30pm 🎟️ Tickets: $20 ($10 for students).  Available: https://burningcoal.org/haughey-gregory/

Join Artistic Director, Jerome Davis, and THE Michael Frayn in an insightful discussion about our upcoming production of COPENHAGEN by Michael Frayn!  You don't want to miss this! 🗓️ Dates: Oct 10 – 27, 2024 🎟️ Get your tickets today: https://burningcoal.org/copenhagen/

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, physicist Dr. Marc Kastner, and the cast of our upcoming production, COPENHAGEN, for an insightful conversation about the science behind Copenhagen.  Don't miss your chance to see COPENHAGEN: October 10 – 27, 2024 Get your tickets today: https://burningcoal.org/copenhagen/

Join the two creative minds behind Burning Coal Theatre's A HOUSE (after Ibsen's Ghosts), artistic director Jerome Davis and the multi-talented Baltimore-based (but Raleigh native) writer/actor Lucius Robinson.  Don't miss your chance to see A HOUSE:  June 21st @ 7:30PM and June 22nd @ 4:30PM.   Get your tickets today: https://burningcoal.org/second-stage/ 

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, as he talks with the talented Dani Coan about her production EX-BOYFRIENDS, now showing at Burning Coal Theatre.  Don't miss your chance to see Ex-Boyfriends: June 12th at 7:30 pm; June 15th at 4:30 pm; June 22nd at 2 pm; June 23rd at 4:30 pm.  Get your tickets today: https://burningcoal.org/second-stage/ 

Introducing the talented young writers of Burning Coal Theatre's upcoming KidsWrite Festival 2024 productions! Come experience these amazing new works, only at Burning Coal Theatre May 24-25. Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/kidswrite-festival/

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, as he talks with KidsWrite directors, Susan Gross and Johannah Edwards, about their lives, original works they've created (such as Susan's Ruby and Johannah' Flee This Place), and Burning Coal Theatre's upcoming KidsWrite Festival. Come see amazing new works by young writers at Burning Coal's KidsWrite Festival 2024! Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0S3u000008BAEpEAO      

Join artistic director, Jerome Davis, as he talks with the talented Alec Donaldson about his life, his involvement in the Arts, law, serving on boards, and of course, Stephen Sondheim and A Little Night Music. Don't miss Alec Donaldson's portrayal of Lindquist in Burning Coal Theatre's last production of the season, A Little Night Music! Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/a-little-night-music/

As we near our final mainstage show for the season, A Little Night Music, artistic director Jerome Davis talks with the talented Margaret-Ellen Christensen about her life, career, her time in New York, and the great Stephen Sondheim.  Come experience Margaret-Ellen Christensen as Petra in A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. 🗓️ April 4 – 21, 2024 🎟️ https://burningcoal.org/a-little-night-music/  

Join Burning Coal Theatre's Artistic Director, Jerome Davis, in a lovely discussion with the director of HYMN, marcus d. harvey as they talk about marcus's life, background, and take a deeper dive into the more serious themes in HYMN. Now showing at Burning Coal Theatre Jan. 25 – Feb. 11, 2024.  https://burningcoal.org/hymn-2/.  

Award-winning playwright and actress, Lolita Chakrabarti, whose extensive career encompasses television, film, and stage (such as her adaptations of LIFE OF PI, INVISIBLE CITIES, and HAMNET), talks with Burning Coal Artistic Director Jerome Davis about her life, career, her play RED VELVET, and HYMN which will show at Burning Coal Theatre January, 25th - February, 11th.  

Byron Jennings, who has appeared with Burning Coal in ART by Yasmina Reza, STUFF HAPPENS by David Hare (playing Colin Powell), UNTIL THE FLOOD by Dael Orlandersmith and THE PRISONER'S DILEMMA by David Edgar, talks with Burning Coal Artistic Director Jerome Davis about their recent triumph with Tom Stoppard's ARCADIA, his upcoming role in HYMN by Lolita Chakrabarti and their mutual love for Stephen Sondheim, among other things.

Audio described program for Burning Coal's 2023 production of ARCADIA by Tom Stoppard.

In this episode, Ayal Prouser and Elliott Ghittelsohn of TIME FLIES CIRCUS discuss directing the Summer Theatre Conservatory at Burning Coal and their new adult workshop. Registration for the adult circus workshop open here! Ayal founded Time Flies in Brooklyn, NY with his partner, Claire, after traveling the world as a circus performer. He has since taught thousands of students in the wondrous arts of aerial silks, trapeze, and juggling. Elliott is also a world-renowned performer and a specialized contortionist. Have you ever seen a cat mid-air? Click here for tickets to the 2023 STC production of CATS. 

An audio recording of the program for OR as read by Jalen Bynum, including additional descriptions of costume and set. At the end is a history of Burning Coal Theatre and our space the Murphey School Auditorium provided by Artistic Director Jerome Davis. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Welcome 0:07 - About the Play 0:46 - About the Production(Directors Note from Charles Machalicky) 2:37 - Thank you to STC Sponsors and BCTC Sponsors 3:00 - Creative Team and Crew 3:33 - Thank you to BCTC Volunteers 3:45 - Or Set Description 4:31 - Actor/Costume Description 6:09 - Dedication/Acknowledgements 6:26 - History of Burning Coal and the Murphey School Auditorium  

In this episode, Laurel Ullman breaks down her performance as Aphra Behn in this year's Second Stage production of Or, (co-produced by Switchyard Theatre Company).