Kayla Pecchioni

About the GuestsKayla Pecchioni - National Tour: The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi), SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Duckling Donna). International Tour: Dreamgirls (South Korea). NYC: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regional: Signature Theatre: A Chorus Line (Maggie); Circa ’21: Legally Blonde (Pilar). Northern Kentucky University: BFA in Musical Theatre.LinksParadise Square WebsiteConnect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the GuestsKayla Pecchioni - National Tour: The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi), SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Duckling Donna). International Tour: Dreamgirls (South Korea). NYC: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regional: Signature Theatre: A Chorus Line (Maggie); Circa ’21: Legally Blonde (Pilar). Northern Kentucky University: BFA in Musical Theatre.Links<a href="https://www.paradisesquaremusical.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Paradise Square Website</a>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

A Conversation with Paradise Square's Kayla Pecchioni

Jason Odell

The North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre staged reading of CHURCH AND STATE, which will benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Moms Demand Action, will be June 27 in North Raleigh. To register for the free reading, click here.LinksJason Odell Williams' WebsiteNorth Raleigh Arts and Creative TheatreMoms Demand ActionStudents Demand ActionSandy Hook PromiseChurch and State Play WebsiteSafer CountryBrady UnitedMarch for Our LivesConnect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

The North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre staged reading of CHURCH AND STATE, which will benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Moms Demand Action, will be June 27 in North Raleigh. To register for the free reading, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiAT2ylespC6-fugCN1H7cxEctyAkcCM7Kjti9fTUykuNWpA/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>.Links<ul><li><a href="http://www.jasonodellwilliams.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Odell Williams' Website</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nract.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre</a></li><li><a href="https://momsdemandaction.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Moms Demand Action</a></li><li><a href="https://momsdemandaction.org/students/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Students Demand Action</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Sandy Hook Promise</a></li><li><a href="https://www.churchandstatetheplay.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Church and State Play Website</a></li><li><a href="https://safercountry.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Safer Country</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bradyunited.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Brady United</a></li><li><a href="https://marchforourlives.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">March for Our Lives</a></li></ul>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

Gun Sense, Art, and Activism with Jason Odell Williams

About the GuestTelly Leung is an American actor, singer and songwriter. He is known for his work in musical theatre on Broadway and for his role as Wes, a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee. In 2011, he starred in the Broadway revival of Godspell at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Leung was named one of 12 Faces to Watch in 2012: Dance, Theater, Architecture, and Art by the Los Angeles Times.LinksTheatre RaleighTelly Leung WebsiteAsian American Performers Action CoalitionBroadwayConConnect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the GuestTelly Leung is an American actor, singer and songwriter. He is known for his work in musical theatre on Broadway and for his role as Wes, a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee. In 2011, he starred in the Broadway revival of Godspell at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Leung was named one of 12 Faces to Watch in 2012: Dance, Theater, Architecture, and Art by the Los Angeles Times.Links<ul><li><a href="https://theatreraleigh.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Theatre Raleigh</a></li><li><a href="https://www.tellyleung.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Telly Leung Website</a></li><li><a href="http://www.aapacnyc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Asian American Performers Action Coalition</a></li><li><a href="https://www.broadwaycon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">BroadwayCon</a></li></ul>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

A Conversation with Telly Leung

Randy Redd

About the GuestRandy Redd made his Broadway debut in PARADE at Lincoln Center directed by Harold Prince. Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include MAY WE ALL, Max Vernon's THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, ALLEGRO at Classic Stage Company directed by John Doyle, Alain Boublil’s MANHATTAN PARISIENNE directed by Graciela Daniele, and PUMP BOYS &amp; DINETTES at City Center Encores. Other credits include MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, RING OF FIRE directed by Richard Maltby, Jr., Randy Newman’s FAUST, THE BURNT PART BOYS, Terrence McNally's SOME MEN, the American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's BY JEEVES directed by Alan Ayckbourn, David Greig's MIDSUMMER, LUCKY STIFF, ONE MAN BAND with James Lecesne, and SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. Film and TV credits include “Beautiful Creatures” and “The Last 5 Years” directed by Richard LaGravenese, “After The Storm” directed by Hilla Medalia, "Kinsey" directed by Bill Condon, “From Broadway With Love” (PBS), “All-American New Years” (FOX), "The Wright Verdicts", Good Morning America, the Today Show, the Tony Awards, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Wynonna Judd, and Show Biz After Hours with Frank DiLella, a monthly variety show at Birdland. He has worked as an actor, writer, musician, and director at Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center Theater, Classic Stage Company, Tectonic Theater, Atlantic Theater Company, Naked Angels, Second Stage, New York Musical Theater Festival, The Kennedy Center, Goodspeed, Geffen Playhouse, Primary Stages, York Theater, Emelin Theater, City Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park, New Stage Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Charlotte Repertory Theater, the Flat Rock Playhouse, the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Stamford Center For The Arts, the Arden Theater, New World Stages, the Cape Playhouse, the Actor's Playhouse, and more. Recordings: SHOWFOLK with Tony Award-winner Rachel Bay Jones, Robin Skye's HOUSE OF LOVE, LUCKY STIFF, NEO, Jason Robert Brown's WEARING SOMEONE ELSE’S CLOTHES and the Original Cast Recordings of PARADE, RING OF FIRE, THE BURNT PART BOYS and THE VIEW UPSTAIRS. In concert: Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Symphony Space, Cooper Union, St. John the Divine, Feinstein’s, Ars Nova, Birdland and Joe's Pub.LinksNorth Carolina TheatreRandy Redd's WebsiteConnect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the GuestRandy Redd made his Broadway debut in PARADE at Lincoln Center directed by Harold Prince. Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include MAY WE ALL, Max Vernon's THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, ALLEGRO at Classic Stage Company directed by John Doyle, Alain Boublil’s MANHATTAN PARISIENNE directed by Graciela Daniele, and PUMP BOYS &amp; DINETTES at City Center Encores. Other credits include MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, RING OF FIRE directed by Richard Maltby, Jr., Randy Newman’s FAUST, THE BURNT PART BOYS, Terrence McNally's SOME MEN, the American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's BY JEEVES directed by Alan Ayckbourn, David Greig's MIDSUMMER, LUCKY STIFF, ONE MAN BAND with James Lecesne, and SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. Film and TV credits include <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1HQ5OP9E8c" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">“Beautiful Creatures”</a> and “The Last 5 Years” directed by Richard LaGravenese, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJjmpO8k9m0" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">“After The Storm”</a> directed by Hilla Medalia, "Kinsey" directed by Bill Condon, “From Broadway With Love” (PBS), “All-American New Years” (FOX), "The Wright Verdicts", Good Morning America, the Today Show, the Tony Awards, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Wynonna Judd, and Show Biz After Hours with Frank DiLella, a monthly variety show at Birdland. He has worked as an actor, writer, musician, and director at Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center Theater, Classic Stage Company, Tectonic Theater, Atlantic Theater Company, Naked Angels, Second Stage, New York Musical Theater Festival, The Kennedy Center, Goodspeed, Geffen Playhouse, Primary Stages, York Theater, Emelin Theater, City Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park, New Stage Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Charlotte Repertory Theater, the Flat Rock Playhouse, the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Stamford Center For The Arts, the Arden Theater, New World Stages, the Cape Playhouse, the Actor's Playhouse, and more. Recordings: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/showfolk/id305047066" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">SHOWFOLK</a> with Tony Award-winner Rachel Bay Jones, Robin Skye's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/robin-skye/id383949971" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">HOUSE OF LOVE</a>, LUCKY STIFF, NEO, Jason Robert Brown's WEARING SOMEONE ELSE’S CLOTHES and the Original Cast Recordings of PARADE, RING OF FIRE, THE BURNT PART BOYS and THE VIEW UPSTAIRS. In concert: Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Symphony Space, Cooper Union, St. John the Divine, Feinstein’s, Ars Nova, Birdland and Joe's Pub.Links<ul><li><a href="North Carolina Theatre " rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">North Carolina Theatre</a></li><li><a href="http://www.randy-redd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Randy Redd's Website</a></li></ul>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

A Conversation with Randy Redd

About the GuestsDavid Blakely is a playwright, director, actor, musician, songwriter, and the Playwright-in-Residence emeritus for Heller Theatre Company. His plays include Trade Privileges, Four Ways to Die, The Light Fantastic, For Your Examination, Frankenstein, Tales of Shoogilly, Hank the Cow Dog and Monkey Business (based on John R. Erickson’s book), and short plays: … The Oceans Would Be Full, Ars Longa Vita Ferris, The Next Blue Moon, and 7 Doorways/7 Stories. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Playwrights Workshop. He is Theatre Program Director at Rogers State University, and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Nassim Soleimanpour is an Iranian playwright, theatre maker and the Artistic Director of the Berlin Based Theatre company Nassim Soleimanpour Productions. His plays have been translated into more than 30 languages and performed globally in over 50 countries. Best known for his play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, written to travel the world when he couldn’t, his work has been awarded the Dublin Fringe Festival Best New Performance, Summerworks Outstanding New Performance Text Award and The Arches Brick Award (Edinburgh Fringe) as well as picking up nominations for a Total Theatre and Brighton Fringe Pick of Edinburgh Award. White Rabbit Red Rabbit had a 9 month Off-Broadway run casting celebrated actors like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Martin Short, Bobby Cannavale, Wayne Brady, F. Murray Abraham, Cynthia Nixon and etc. Soleimanpour is currently living in Berlin with his beautiful wife and dog and is busy finalising his new play for the audiobook platform Audible, and a new play for Grob Theatre in Denmark.  https://www.nassimsoleimanpour.com/homeLinksThe Justice Theater Project (Enemy of the People)Other Only Windows (White Rabbit, Red Rabbit)Connect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the GuestsDavid Blakely is a playwright, director, actor, musician, songwriter, and the Playwright-in-Residence emeritus for Heller Theatre Company. His plays include Trade Privileges, Four Ways to Die, The Light Fantastic, For Your Examination, Frankenstein, Tales of Shoogilly, Hank the Cow Dog and Monkey Business (based on John R. Erickson’s book), and short plays: … The Oceans Would Be Full, Ars Longa Vita Ferris, The Next Blue Moon, and 7 Doorways/7 Stories. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Playwrights Workshop. He is Theatre Program Director at Rogers State University, and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Nassim Soleimanpour is an Iranian playwright, theatre maker and the Artistic Director of the Berlin Based Theatre company Nassim Soleimanpour Productions. His plays have been translated into more than 30 languages and performed globally in over 50 countries. Best known for his play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, written to travel the world when he couldn’t, his work has been awarded the Dublin Fringe Festival Best New Performance, Summerworks Outstanding New Performance Text Award and The Arches Brick Award (Edinburgh Fringe) as well as picking up nominations for a Total Theatre and Brighton Fringe Pick of Edinburgh Award. White Rabbit Red Rabbit had a 9 month Off-Broadway run casting celebrated actors like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Martin Short, Bobby Cannavale, Wayne Brady, F. Murray Abraham, Cynthia Nixon and etc. Soleimanpour is currently living in Berlin with his beautiful wife and dog and is busy finalising his new play for the audiobook platform Audible, and a new play for Grob Theatre in Denmark.  <a href="https://www.nassimsoleimanpour.com/home" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nassimsoleimanpour.com/home</a>Links<ul><li><a href="http://www.thejusticetheaterproject.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Justice Theater Project</a> (Enemy of the People)</li><li><a href="https://www.otheronlywindows.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Other Only Windows</a> (White Rabbit, Red Rabbit)</li></ul>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

Dear Performer, a Conversation with Two Playwrights

About the GuestDavid Loud (NYC) occupies a unique place in Broadway history. In addition to his distinguished career as one of Broadway’s most respected music directors and arrangers, he originated three Broadway roles as an actor, including his appearance in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary failure (and cult classic) Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Harold Prince. In a career spanning several decades, he served as music director for the original Broadway productions of Ragtime, Curtains, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Visit, The Scottsboro Boys, A Class Act, The Look of Love, and Steel Pier, as well as revivals of She Loves Me, and Company. The extraordinary cast of characters in his life also includes John Kander, Fred Ebb, Angela Lansbury, Chita Rivera, Roger Rees, Marin Mazzie, Scott Ellis, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, Garth Drabinsky, and Barbara Cook, among others. LinksFacing the Music Publisher PageParkinson's FoundationMusic CreditOpening written and performed by Huck Borden. Instagram @huck_borden.Connect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the GuestDavid Loud (NYC) occupies a unique place in Broadway history. In addition to his distinguished career as one of Broadway’s most respected music directors and arrangers, he originated three Broadway roles as an actor, including his appearance in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary failure (and cult classic) Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Harold Prince. In a career spanning several decades, he served as music director for the original Broadway productions of Ragtime, Curtains, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Visit, The Scottsboro Boys, A Class Act, The Look of Love, and Steel Pier, as well as revivals of She Loves Me, and Company. The extraordinary cast of characters in his life also includes John Kander, Fred Ebb, Angela Lansbury, Chita Rivera, Roger Rees, Marin Mazzie, Scott Ellis, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, Garth Drabinsky, and Barbara Cook, among others. Links<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Facing-the-Music/David-Loud/9781682451915" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facing the Music Publisher Page</a><a href="https://www.parkinson.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson's Foundation</a>Music CreditOpening written and performed by Huck Borden. Instagram @huck_borden.Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

A Conversation with Music Man David Loud

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams' one-woman show, Me, Myself, and Shirley, is touring the country. It will play the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh on April 16. For more information visit https://www.memyselfandshirley.com/.About the GuestBorn in Van Nuys, California, Cindy became interested in acting during high school. After graduation she attended L.A. City College where she majored in Theatre Arts. After leaving college, she landed her first television roles on Room 222, Nanny and the Professor and Love, American Style. Some guest-starring roles include Law &amp; Order: SVU, 7th Heaven and 8 Simple Rules. Other appearances include starring in an episode of The Odd Couple for CBS, A Dream of Christmas for Hallmark Channel and Sam and Cat for Nickelodeon. Cindy’s stage credits include the national tour of Grease playing Miss Lynch, the national tour of Deathtrap with Elliot Gould, The Female Odd Couple with Joanne Worley, Steel Magnolias as Ouiser Boudreaux and, in 2007, she made her Broadway debut in the role of Mrs. Tottendale in the award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. She also appeared as Rev. Mother Mary Regina in Nunsense and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show. Cindy appeared in Menopause: The Musical in Las Vegas for three years, then reprised her role at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. She also co-starred in the premiere of Middletown with Don Most, Didi Conn and Adrien Zmed at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas and at The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Cindy has enjoyed the privilege of working with extraordinary directors. Her first film was for Roger Corman in GAS-S-S-S with Talia Shire and Ben Vereen. She appeared in Travels with My Aunt with Maggie Smith, directed by George Cukor, and The Conversation with Gene Hackman, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Next, she co-starred with Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss and Harrison Ford in American Graffiti directed by George Lucas, a low-budget film that went on to become a box office smash and film classic. Among her favorite honors are her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, her TV Land award for Fan Favorite as well as winning Best Actress at the L.A. Comedy Film Festival for the Indy film Stealing Roses. Cindy also garnered a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) nomination for best supporting actress in American Graffiti. Unfortunately, she was beat out by Ingrid Bergman. Cindy still wonders how the heck that happened. Cindy’s book Shirley, I Jest!: A Storied Life was released to much critical acclaim and is available in paperback.Connect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

Cindy Williams' one-woman show, Me, Myself, and Shirley, is touring the country. It will play the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh on April 16. For more information visit <a href="https://www.memyselfandshirley.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.memyselfandshirley.com/</a>.About the GuestBorn in Van Nuys, California, Cindy became interested in acting during high school. After graduation she attended L.A. City College where she majored in Theatre Arts. After leaving college, she landed her first television roles on Room 222, Nanny and the Professor and Love, American Style. Some guest-starring roles include Law &amp; Order: SVU, 7th Heaven and 8 Simple Rules. Other appearances include starring in an episode of The Odd Couple for CBS, A Dream of Christmas for Hallmark Channel and Sam and Cat for Nickelodeon. Cindy’s stage credits include the national tour of Grease playing Miss Lynch, the national tour of Deathtrap with Elliot Gould, The Female Odd Couple with Joanne Worley, Steel Magnolias as Ouiser Boudreaux and, in 2007, she made her Broadway debut in the role of Mrs. Tottendale in the award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. She also appeared as Rev. Mother Mary Regina in Nunsense and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show. Cindy appeared in Menopause: The Musical in Las Vegas for three years, then reprised her role at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. She also co-starred in the premiere of Middletown with Don Most, Didi Conn and Adrien Zmed at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas and at The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Cindy has enjoyed the privilege of working with extraordinary directors. Her first film was for Roger Corman in GAS-S-S-S with Talia Shire and Ben Vereen. She appeared in Travels with My Aunt with Maggie Smith, directed by George Cukor, and The Conversation with Gene Hackman, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Next, she co-starred with Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss and Harrison Ford in American Graffiti directed by George Lucas, a low-budget film that went on to become a box office smash and film classic. Among her favorite honors are her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, her TV Land award for Fan Favorite as well as winning Best Actress at the L.A. Comedy Film Festival for the Indy film Stealing Roses. Cindy also garnered a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) nomination for best supporting actress in American Graffiti. Unfortunately, she was beat out by Ingrid Bergman. Cindy still wonders how the heck that happened. Cindy’s book Shirley, I Jest!: A Storied Life was released to much critical acclaim and is available in paperback.Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

In Conversation with Cindy Williams

Patrick Clanton

The national tour of Oklahoma! runs through April 3 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. About the GuestPatrick Clanton - National Tours: School of Rock, Sister Act. Regional: Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Casa Mañana, North Shore Music Theatre, Ivoryton Playhouse. BFA: Elon University. Thanks to the Oklahoma! team, The Price Group, Jamesha, and Jameson. LinksDPACOklahoma Tour PagePatrick Clanton's Web PageConnect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

The national tour of Oklahoma! runs through April 3 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. About the GuestPatrick Clanton - National Tours: School of Rock, Sister Act. Regional: Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Casa Mañana, North Shore Music Theatre, Ivoryton Playhouse. BFA: Elon University. Thanks to the Oklahoma! team, The Price Group, Jamesha, and Jameson. Links<ul><li><a href="https://www.dpacnc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">DPAC</a></li><li><a href="https://oklahomabroadway.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Oklahoma Tour Page</a></li><li><a href="http://patrickclanton.weebly.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick Clanton's Web Page</a></li></ul>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

In Conversation with Oklahoma's Patrick Clanton

Melda Beaty

For more information on Agape Theatre Project's production of Front Porch Society, visit About the GuestMelda is a passionate playwright. Her first play, Front Porch Society, delves into the complex and connected lives of four elderly black women in rural Mississippi Delta on the eve of the 2008 presidential election. What is the significance of our country’s first Black president to women who have lived through Jim Crow, The Civil Rights Act, and the senseless killings of Black boys? The play enjoyed a world premiere at The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, TX (2017), and most recently, a mainstage production at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC (2019). The play is traveling across the country gathering rave reviews. Her second play, Coconut Cake, was accepted into the New Works Reader’s Series at the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival and had a 2017 staged reading during ReadFest in Houston, TX. Her most recent stage play, Thirty, is an explosive look at a generation of Black women trying to make sense of family secrets. Melda was commissioned by The Ensemble Theatre for their 2021-2022 season. Her upcoming short film, Cupcake, chronicles the divide mental illness creates between a mother and her daughter. In addition, Melda is an author of two books and freelance contributor to Black Masks magazine. Her first book, My Soul to His Spirit: Soulful Expressions from Black Daughters to Their Fathers won the 2006 National Fresh Voices Award. It is a diverse and cathartic compilation of non-fiction writings by black women from across the United States. Her debut novel, Lime, is hailed as “America’s Next Top Model” meets “Burning Bed.” Both books are available on Amazon.com. For more information visit https://meldacreates.com/.Connect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

For more information on Agape Theatre Project's production of Front Porch Society, visit About the GuestMelda is a passionate playwright. Her first play, Front Porch Society, delves into the complex and connected lives of four elderly black women in rural Mississippi Delta on the eve of the 2008 presidential election. What is the significance of our country’s first Black president to women who have lived through Jim Crow, The Civil Rights Act, and the senseless killings of Black boys? The play enjoyed a world premiere at The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, TX (2017), and most recently, a mainstage production at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC (2019). The play is traveling across the country gathering rave reviews. Her second play, Coconut Cake, was accepted into the New Works Reader’s Series at the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival and had a 2017 staged reading during ReadFest in Houston, TX. Her most recent stage play, Thirty, is an explosive look at a generation of Black women trying to make sense of family secrets. Melda was commissioned by The Ensemble Theatre for their 2021-2022 season. Her upcoming short film, Cupcake, chronicles the divide mental illness creates between a mother and her daughter. In addition, Melda is an author of two books and freelance contributor to Black Masks magazine. Her first book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976562413/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">My Soul to His Spirit: Soulful Expressions from Black Daughters to Their Fathers</a> won the 2006 National Fresh Voices Award. It is a diverse and cathartic compilation of non-fiction writings by black women from across the United States. Her debut novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Melda-Beaty/dp/1475090714" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Lime</a>, is hailed as “America’s Next Top Model” meets “Burning Bed.” Both books are available on <a href="http://Amazon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. For more information visit <a href="https://meldacreates.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://meldacreates.com/</a>.Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

In Conversation with Melda Beaty

Glynn Turman

LinksIvy Park Rodeo Campaign VideoCamp Gid-D-UpConnect with UsFacebook @beltlinetbroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadway

Links<ul><li><a href="https://youtu.be/0sHzA-Fn-08" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ivy Park Rodeo Campaign Video</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ixwindsranch.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Camp Gid-D-Up</a></li></ul>Connect with Us<ul><li>Facebook @beltlinetbroadway</li><li>Twitter @beltlinetobway</li><li>Instagram @beltlinetobroadway</li></ul>

A Conversation with Glynn Turman

Based inside the beltline in Raleigh, North Carolina, Lauren Van Hemert is an award-winning podcaster who has been covering regional theater for over three years. She has been called a "pioneer" for her community-based approach to cultural arts reporting and candid conversations about diversity and inclusion in the theater industry. Her guests have included Tony Award-winners, Broadway veterans, international recording artists, and television icons, including Eric Woodall, Lauren Kennedy, Robert Hartwell, Karen Ziemba, and Ed Asner. Van Hemert is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, Society for Professional Journalists, and the Broadway Makers Alliance.

No idea we had local theater celebrities and what an amazing story!

Great conversation!

I love this new podcast! The host is prepared and clearly loves this theater community!

Informative & entertaining

Beltline to Broadway

Jason Robert Brown

Hal Prince

Hear what Jason Robert Brown has to say to about his music, shows, and Hal Prince, the man he called a role model and friend.About the GuestThe New York Times refers to Jason as “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical.” Jason’s score for THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY received two Tony Awards (for Best Score and Orchestrations). HONEYMOON IN VEGAS opened on Broadway in 2015 following a triumphant production at Paper Mill Playhouse. A film version of his epochal Off-Broadway musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS was released in 2015, starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and directed by Richard LaGravenese. Other major musicals as composer and lyricist include: 13, PARADE (Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best New Musical, Tony Award for Original Score); and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, a theatrical song cycle directed by Daisy Prince, which played Off-Broadway in 1995. Future projects include a new chamber musical created with Daisy Prince and Jonathan Marc Sherman called THE CONNECTOR; an adaptation of Lilian Lee’s FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE, created with Kenneth Lin and Moisés Kaufman; and a collaboration with Billy Crystal, Amanda Green, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel on a musical of MR. SATURDAY NIGHT. For the new musical PRINCE OF BROADWAY, a celebration of the career of Harold Prince, Jason was the musical supervisor and arranger. Other New York credits as conductor and arranger include URBAN COWBOY the MUSICAL on Broadway; DINAH WAS, off-Broadway and on national tour; WHEN PIGS FLY off-Broadway; William Finn’s A NEW BRAIN at Lincoln Center Theater; the 1992 tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall (recorded by RCA Victor); Yoko Ono’s NEW YORK ROCK at the WPA Theatre; and Michael John LaChiusa’s THE PETRIFIED PRINCE at the Public Theatre. Jason orchestrated Andrew Lippa’s JOHN AND JEN, Off-Broadway at Lamb’s Theatre. Additionally, Jason served as the orchestrator and arranger of Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’s score for a proposed musical of STAR WARS. As a soloist or with his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, Jason has performed concerts around the world. For the past four years (and ongoing), his monthly sold-out performances at New York’s SubCulture have featured many of the music and theater world’s most extraordinary performers. His newest collection, “How We React and How We Recover”, was released in June 2018 on Ghostlight Records.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.com

Hear what Jason Robert Brown has to say to about his music, shows, and Hal Prince, the man he called a role model and friend.About the GuestThe New York Times refers to Jason as “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical.” Jason’s score for THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY received two Tony Awards (for Best Score and Orchestrations). HONEYMOON IN VEGAS opened on Broadway in 2015 following a triumphant production at Paper Mill Playhouse. A film version of his epochal Off-Broadway musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS was released in 2015, starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and directed by Richard LaGravenese. Other major musicals as composer and lyricist include: 13, PARADE (Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best New Musical, Tony Award for Original Score); and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, a theatrical song cycle directed by Daisy Prince, which played Off-Broadway in 1995. Future projects include a new chamber musical created with Daisy Prince and Jonathan Marc Sherman called THE CONNECTOR; an adaptation of Lilian Lee’s FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE, created with Kenneth Lin and Moisés Kaufman; and a collaboration with Billy Crystal, Amanda Green, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel on a musical of MR. SATURDAY NIGHT. For the new musical PRINCE OF BROADWAY, a celebration of the career of Harold Prince, Jason was the musical supervisor and arranger. Other New York credits as conductor and arranger include URBAN COWBOY the MUSICAL on Broadway; DINAH WAS, off-Broadway and on national tour; WHEN PIGS FLY off-Broadway; William Finn’s A NEW BRAIN at Lincoln Center Theater; the 1992 tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall (recorded by RCA Victor); Yoko Ono’s NEW YORK ROCK at the WPA Theatre; and Michael John LaChiusa’s THE PETRIFIED PRINCE at the Public Theatre. Jason orchestrated Andrew Lippa’s JOHN AND JEN, Off-Broadway at Lamb’s Theatre. Additionally, Jason served as the orchestrator and arranger of Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’s score for a proposed musical of STAR WARS. As a soloist or with his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, Jason has performed concerts around the world. For the past four years (and ongoing), his monthly sold-out performances at New York’s SubCulture have featured many of the music and theater world’s most extraordinary performers. His newest collection, “How We React and How We Recover”, was released in June 2018 on Ghostlight Records.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 31: Jason Robert Brown Talks About His Music, Shows, and the Legendary Hal Prince

Elizabeth Doran

Eric Woodall

Hear what North Carolina Theatre's Elizabeth Doran (President/CEO) and Eric Woodall, Producing Artistic Director, have to say about NC Theatre’s the decision-making process, as it pertains to licensing, casting, and building an entire season from scratch. For more information about NC Theatre, visit https://nctheatre.com/.About the GuestsELIZABETH DORAN joined NC Theatre in March 2017. With over 15 years of experience as an arts leader and theatre producer, Elizabeth has successfully led several arts organizations serving as the CEO of San Diego Theatres, executive director of The Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, and as managing director of The Actors’ Gang. Along with producing theatre internationally in Europe and South America, Elizabeth has worked on the development side of major Broadway-bound shows such as JERSEY BOYS and ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, and has presented many Broadway touring shows including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and THE LION KING. Beyond her depth of experience in producing and presenting the arts, Elizabeth’s focus on education, audience development, and diversity and inclusion have attracted millions of dollars of funding to support programs which break down barriers by merging the arts into schools, universities, prisons, underserved and new-immigrant neighborhoods, and businesses. Elizabeth has an MBA in strategy and entrepreneurship from Rensselaer (RPI).ERIC WOODALL has a long history with NC Theatre; as an actor, teacher, and director. As a high school student, he performed in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and GEORGE M! at NC Theatre. After successful years on stage and television, Eric returned to NC Theatre in the late ’90s to direct and help cultivate the existing Summer Theatre Arts School program into the NC Theatre Conservatory. For the past16 years, Eric worked as one of New York’s top casting directors in the office of Tara Rubin Casting. Through casting and developing new musicals, Eric has been lucky enough to work alongside Stephen Sondheim, Cameron Mackintosh, William Finn, Sir Richard Eyre, Stephen Daldry, Susan Stroman, Stephen Schwartz, Casey Nicholaw, James Lapine, Phyllida Lloyd, and Hal Prince. A few of his Broadway casting credits include SUNSET BOULEVARD, ALADDIN, FALSETTOS, LES MISERABLES, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS, THE LITTLE MERMAID, and MAMMA MIA! (Broadway, National tour.) Past NC Theatre directorial credits include GYPSY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MARY POPPINS, BILLY ELLIOT, DRIVING MISS DAISY, and STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Other directing credits include NEXT TO NORMAL, WEST SIDE STORY, BIG RIVER, ON GOLDEN POND (Casa Manana); BIG FISH, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, PARADE, AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY and VIOLET (Theatre Raleigh); AMADEUS (Memphis’ Playhouse on the Square), and HAY FEVER (Playmakers Repertory.) As a guest lecturer, Eric has taught at universities and training programs around the country including NYU, Baldwin Wallace, and Elon. Internationally, Eric was invited to lead workshops in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia through Actors Equity of Australia. Last year, American Theatre named Eric one of the “People You Should Watch” in its “Role Call: Six Theatre Workers You Should Know” series. Eric is a drama graduate of Carnegie Mellon-University and is a member of SDC and CSA. He is grateful to be “home” at NC Theatre.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.com

Hear what North Carolina Theatre's Elizabeth Doran (President/CEO) and Eric Woodall, Producing Artistic Director, have to say about NC Theatre’s the decision-making process, as it pertains to licensing, casting, and building an entire season from scratch. For more information about NC Theatre, visit <a href="https://nctheatre.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://nctheatre.com/</a>.About the GuestsELIZABETH DORAN joined NC Theatre in March 2017. With over 15 years of experience as an arts leader and theatre producer, Elizabeth has successfully led several arts organizations serving as the CEO of San Diego Theatres, executive director of The Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, and as managing director of The Actors’ Gang. Along with producing theatre internationally in Europe and South America, Elizabeth has worked on the development side of major Broadway-bound shows such as JERSEY BOYS and ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, and has presented many Broadway touring shows including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and THE LION KING. Beyond her depth of experience in producing and presenting the arts, Elizabeth’s focus on education, audience development, and diversity and inclusion have attracted millions of dollars of funding to support programs which break down barriers by merging the arts into schools, universities, prisons, underserved and new-immigrant neighborhoods, and businesses. Elizabeth has an MBA in strategy and entrepreneurship from Rensselaer (RPI).ERIC WOODALL has a long history with NC Theatre; as an actor, teacher, and director. As a high school student, he performed in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and GEORGE M! at NC Theatre. After successful years on stage and television, Eric returned to NC Theatre in the late ’90s to direct and help cultivate the existing Summer Theatre Arts School program into the NC Theatre Conservatory. For the past16 years, Eric worked as one of New York’s top casting directors in the office of Tara Rubin Casting. Through casting and developing new musicals, Eric has been lucky enough to work alongside Stephen Sondheim, Cameron Mackintosh, William Finn, Sir Richard Eyre, Stephen Daldry, Susan Stroman, Stephen Schwartz, Casey Nicholaw, James Lapine, Phyllida Lloyd, and Hal Prince. A few of his Broadway casting credits include SUNSET BOULEVARD, ALADDIN, FALSETTOS, LES MISERABLES, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS, THE LITTLE MERMAID, and MAMMA MIA! (Broadway, National tour.) Past NC Theatre directorial credits include GYPSY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MARY POPPINS, BILLY ELLIOT, DRIVING MISS DAISY, and STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Other directing credits include NEXT TO NORMAL, WEST SIDE STORY, BIG RIVER, ON GOLDEN POND (Casa Manana); BIG FISH, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, PARADE, AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY and VIOLET (Theatre Raleigh); AMADEUS (Memphis’ Playhouse on the Square), and HAY FEVER (Playmakers Repertory.) As a guest lecturer, Eric has taught at universities and training programs around the country including NYU, Baldwin Wallace, and Elon. Internationally, Eric was invited to lead workshops in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia through Actors Equity of Australia. Last year, American Theatre named Eric one of the “People You Should Watch” in its “Role Call: Six Theatre Workers You Should Know” series. Eric is a drama graduate of Carnegie Mellon-University and is a member of SDC and CSA. He is grateful to be “home” at NC Theatre.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 32: Building a Season from Scratch with NC Theatre CEO Elizabeth Doran and Producing Artistic Director Eric Woodall

Jesse Gephart

Susan Steadman

Today’s podcast is divided into two parts, two conversations with two theater-makers who couldn’t be more different. But the commonality that ties these two together is the subject of representation both on stage and in the theater industry. First up, I chat with Triangle theater-maker Jesse Gephart who is directing the upcoming Theatre Raleigh production of Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play I AM MY OWN WIFE. Based on a true story and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, this play tells the story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime while living openly as a transgender woman. Following my conversation with Jesse, I interview Susan Steadman, a playwright based in Wilmington who has spent a lot of time researching and writing about feminism and the theater. Her upcoming play, (ANTI-)MATERIAL(ISM) is being produced as part of the NC 10 by 10 Festival, which features 10 short plays by North Carolina playwrights.About the GuestsJesse Gephart has been performing in the Raleigh-Durham area since 1998 and has been seen in over 35 productions. He has been fortunate enough to have been cast in many different types of roles, from working in the ensembles of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUES IN TEXAS AND ROBBER BRIDEGROOM; supporting parts in DISTRACTED, AVENUE Q, AND AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY; to leading roles in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, SLEUTH, and SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Since 2007, he’s directed over 20 productions, including the recent production of GODSPELL at Theatre in the Park. After the Theatre Raleigh production of I AM MY OWN WIFE, Gephart begins work on the North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre production of BE MORE CHILL.Susan M. Steadman, a longtime Dramatists Guild member, has written for and about the stage for several decades. Her 15 produced and/or published plays include THE THING WITH FEATHERS, a finalist in the LaBute Festival, performed at the St. Louis Actors Theatre (2014) and slated for the Eden Prairie Players in September 2019; (ANTI-)MATERIAL(ISM), taking stage in NC 10 x 10 in summer 2019; THE CINDERELLA CHRONICLES (YouthPLAYS), produced in six countries, and WHAT DOESN’T KILL ME…, three one-acts examining women’s roles in society, staged in both metro-Atlanta and Wilmington, NC (2014). She has also contributed to and shaped the production COMMON PLACE, UNCOMMON ENCOUNTERS, which included short work by several playwrights in 2017; penned two audience participation murder mysteries, coauthored with her daughter; and spearheaded several partially devised touring shows for children. In addition, an excerpt from the full-length LOVE IS A SEVEN-LETTER WORD, performed in GA in 1993, was published in BEST SCENES FOR KIDS (2015), and there have been many performances of her ten-minute plays, both fully produced, including NEW AGE FAREWELLS and MUCH MUCH LATER at Onion Man Productions (GA), and in staged readings. Susan has directed over 70 productions and headed two improv troupes. Author of the critically lauded reference work, DRAMATIC RE-VISIONS, which examines theatre and feminism, she has contributed to journals, magazines, and books. She holds a Ph.D. in theatre from LSU and currently serves as Executive Director of the Port City Playwrights’ Project in Wilmington, NC. Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.com

Today’s podcast is divided into two parts, two conversations with two theater-makers who couldn’t be more different. But the commonality that ties these two together is the subject of representation both on stage and in the theater industry. First up, I chat with Triangle theater-maker Jesse Gephart who is directing the upcoming Theatre Raleigh production of Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play I AM MY OWN WIFE. Based on a true story and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, this play tells the story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime while living openly as a transgender woman. Following my conversation with Jesse, I interview Susan Steadman, a playwright based in Wilmington who has spent a lot of time researching and writing about feminism and the theater. Her upcoming play, (ANTI-)MATERIAL(ISM) is being produced as part of the NC 10 by 10 Festival, which features 10 short plays by North Carolina playwrights.About the GuestsJesse Gephart has been performing in the Raleigh-Durham area since 1998 and has been seen in over 35 productions. He has been fortunate enough to have been cast in many different types of roles, from working in the ensembles of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUES IN TEXAS AND ROBBER BRIDEGROOM; supporting parts in DISTRACTED, AVENUE Q, AND AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY; to leading roles in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, SLEUTH, and SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Since 2007, he’s directed over 20 productions, including the recent production of GODSPELL at Theatre in the Park. After the Theatre Raleigh production of I AM MY OWN WIFE, Gephart begins work on the North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre production of BE MORE CHILL.Susan M. Steadman, a longtime Dramatists Guild member, has written for and about the stage for several decades. Her 15 produced and/or published plays include THE THING WITH FEATHERS, a finalist in the LaBute Festival, performed at the St. Louis Actors Theatre (2014) and slated for the Eden Prairie Players in September 2019; (ANTI-)MATERIAL(ISM), taking stage in NC 10 x 10 in summer 2019; THE CINDERELLA CHRONICLES (YouthPLAYS), produced in six countries, and WHAT DOESN’T KILL ME…, three one-acts examining women’s roles in society, staged in both metro-Atlanta and Wilmington, NC (2014). She has also contributed to and shaped the production COMMON PLACE, UNCOMMON ENCOUNTERS, which included short work by several playwrights in 2017; penned two audience participation murder mysteries, coauthored with her daughter; and spearheaded several partially devised touring shows for children. In addition, an excerpt from the full-length LOVE IS A SEVEN-LETTER WORD, performed in GA in 1993, was published in BEST SCENES FOR KIDS (2015), and there have been many performances of her ten-minute plays, both fully produced, including NEW AGE FAREWELLS and MUCH MUCH LATER at Onion Man Productions (GA), and in staged readings. Susan has directed over 70 productions and headed two improv troupes. Author of the critically lauded reference work, DRAMATIC RE-VISIONS, which examines theatre and feminism, she has contributed to journals, magazines, and books. She holds a Ph.D. in theatre from LSU and currently serves as Executive Director of the Port City Playwrights’ Project in Wilmington, NC. Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 26: Jesse Gephart on Directing Theatre Raleigh’s ‘I Am My Own Wife’ and Susan Steadman on NC 10 by 10

Ethel Waters

Phyllis Morrison

Kenneth Hinton

Ethel Waters was a pioneer who broke down barriers on Broadway, in films, and on television. She was the first to sing the song “Stormy Weather” at the famed Cotton Club in 1933. In fact, her recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame nearly 70 years after she recorded it and in 2004, The Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry. But behind Waters’ soft smile, was pain and sadness. Phyllis Morrison and Kenneth Hinton introduce us to the woman behind the music. Morrison is playing Waters in the Agape Theatre Project production of ‘Sweet Mama Stringbean, the Life and Times of Ethel Waters’ which Hinton is directing. About the GuestsKenneth Hinton is an educator, actor, stage and video director, and playwright. He directs plays at Shaw University, NCCU and community theatre. Mr. Hinton has won three national CASE awards for his documentary television work in 1988, 1989, and 1991 from Ford Motor Company. Mr. Hinton is an expert directing multi-camera video productions. Directing credits include: “You Ain’t My Daddy” by Ken Hinton, Chris Glover, “Homegirls” by Karen K.D. Evans,” and “Steal Away” by Romano King, “The Amen Corner” by James Baldwin, “Anatomy of a Woman Abused” by Jaison McMillian, “Ceremonies in Dark in Old Men” by Lonne Elder, and “Trouble in Mind” by Alice Childress. Acting Credits: Mr. Roberts, “The Watsons go to Birmingham,” Alphonso in the staged reading of Samm Art-Williams’ play, “Last of the Line,” Ozelle Graham in the play “Wise Ones,” Rev. Luke Roberts in the play “A Heart Divided,” Gerald in the Robin Armstrong play “Smoldering Embers,” and Randolph in the Sam Art-Williams play “Dance on Widow’s Row” at the Raleigh Little Theatre. Mr. Hinton is on the Board of Directors of the Durham Regional Theatre. He is currently the owner of The Media Group video productions and Artistic Director of Agape Theatre Project.Phyllis (Pia) Morrison is a relative newcomer to the theater. Although her list of acting credits isn’t extensive, she is making her mark on the stage. You may have seen her in “Sister Act” (as Deloris Van Cartier – Gallery Players – Burlington, NC), “Curve of Departure” (as Linda – Bulldog Theater Company – Durham, NC), or “You Ain’t My Daddy” (as Judge Jocelyn Beckett – Agape’ Theater Project) to name just a few. Phyllis’ passion is singing. She wrote and co-wrote several tunes that were performed in the Ovens Auditorium (Charlotte, NC), The Carolina Theatre (Durham, NC) and North Carolina Central University for the stage play, “Butterfly Wings.” This singer/songwriter/actor is most excited to now be the front person for her own R&amp;B/Soul performing band, PM Groove. Phyllis studied and graduated from Georgia Southern University (Bachelor of Science degree in Education); North Carolina Central University (M.A. Educational Media); and East Carolina University (M.A. Ed Instructional Technology).Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.comMusic Credits‘Saint Louis Blues’ – Words and music by William C. Handy and Rosamond Johnson, Handy Bros. Music Co. Inc., ASCAP, used with permission. Sung by Phyllis Morrison.‘Supper Time’ – Words and music by Irving Berlin, Irving Berlin Music Corp., ASCAP, used with permission. Sung by Phyllis Morrison.‘Taking a Chance on Love’ – Words and music by Vernon Duke, Ted Fedder, and John Latouche, EMI Miller Catalog, Inc. and Taking a Chance on Love Music Company, ASCAP used with permission. Performed live by Ethel Waters, Armed Forces Radio Service, Jubilee!, July 17, 1945.

Ethel Waters was a pioneer who broke down barriers on Broadway, in films, and on television. She was the first to sing the song “Stormy Weather” at the famed Cotton Club in 1933. In fact, her recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame nearly 70 years after she recorded it and in 2004, The Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry. But behind Waters’ soft smile, was pain and sadness. Phyllis Morrison and Kenneth Hinton introduce us to the woman behind the music. Morrison is playing Waters in the Agape Theatre Project production of ‘Sweet Mama Stringbean, the Life and Times of Ethel Waters’ which Hinton is directing. About the GuestsKenneth Hinton is an educator, actor, stage and video director, and playwright. He directs plays at Shaw University, NCCU and community theatre. Mr. Hinton has won three national CASE awards for his documentary television work in 1988, 1989, and 1991 from Ford Motor Company. Mr. Hinton is an expert directing multi-camera video productions. Directing credits include: “You Ain’t My Daddy” by Ken Hinton, Chris Glover, “Homegirls” by Karen K.D. Evans,” and “Steal Away” by Romano King, “The Amen Corner” by James Baldwin, “Anatomy of a Woman Abused” by Jaison McMillian, “Ceremonies in Dark in Old Men” by Lonne Elder, and “Trouble in Mind” by Alice Childress. Acting Credits: Mr. Roberts, “The Watsons go to Birmingham,” Alphonso in the staged reading of Samm Art-Williams’ play, “Last of the Line,” Ozelle Graham in the play “Wise Ones,” Rev. Luke Roberts in the play “A Heart Divided,” Gerald in the Robin Armstrong play “Smoldering Embers,” and Randolph in the Sam Art-Williams play “Dance on Widow’s Row” at the Raleigh Little Theatre. Mr. Hinton is on the Board of Directors of the Durham Regional Theatre. He is currently the owner of The Media Group video productions and Artistic Director of Agape Theatre Project.Phyllis (Pia) Morrison is a relative newcomer to the theater. Although her list of acting credits isn’t extensive, she is making her mark on the stage. You may have seen her in “Sister Act” (as Deloris Van Cartier – Gallery Players – Burlington, NC), “Curve of Departure” (as Linda – Bulldog Theater Company – Durham, NC), or “You Ain’t My Daddy” (as Judge Jocelyn Beckett – Agape’ Theater Project) to name just a few. Phyllis’ passion is singing. She wrote and co-wrote several tunes that were performed in the Ovens Auditorium (Charlotte, NC), The Carolina Theatre (Durham, NC) and North Carolina Central University for the stage play, “Butterfly Wings.” This singer/songwriter/actor is most excited to now be the front person for her own R&amp;B/Soul performing band, PM Groove. Phyllis studied and graduated from Georgia Southern University (Bachelor of Science degree in Education); North Carolina Central University (M.A. Educational Media); and East Carolina University (M.A. Ed Instructional Technology).Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>Music Credits‘Saint Louis Blues’ – Words and music by William C. Handy and Rosamond Johnson, Handy Bros. Music Co. Inc., ASCAP, used with permission. Sung by Phyllis Morrison.‘Supper Time’ – Words and music by Irving Berlin, Irving Berlin Music Corp., ASCAP, used with permission. Sung by Phyllis Morrison.‘Taking a Chance on Love’ – Words and music by Vernon Duke, Ted Fedder, and John Latouche, EMI Miller Catalog, Inc. and Taking a Chance on Love Music Company, ASCAP used with permission. Performed live by Ethel Waters, Armed Forces Radio Service, Jubilee!, July 17, 1945.

Ep. 36: Sweet Mama Stringbean, The Life and Times of Ethel Waters with Phyllis Morrison and Kenneth Hinton

Nicole Williams

Last week, Bill Maher made a comment, “Fat-shaming needs to make a comeback.” As an actor, educator, and combat artist, Tara Nicole Williams, has experienced fat-shaming and bullying and has a lot to say about body image, typecasting, and representation on stage. About the GuestTara Nicole Williams is an actor, educator, and combat artist raised, right here, in Raleigh, NC. She has trained with the Society of American Fight Directors for the last 10 years, specializing in German Longsword and high fantasy choreography. She has also facilitated the introduction of intimacy choreography to the Triangle community; organizing workshops and special events. Currently, she is pursuing her Intimacy Director status with Intimacy Directors International. Along with her own training, she manages the Stage Combat Academy of North Carolina, assisting Fight Director Jeff A.R. Jones. Tara also teaches stage combat, acting, and movement with universities, schools, and organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. Her work focuses on empowering actors to own their unique physicality – using movement to tell intricate stories. Most recently she has appeared on stage in Raleigh Little Theatre’s production of DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, for which she won a Cantey Award as Suzette. Tara is currently in Honest Pint Theatre’s production of THE METROMANIACS as Lucille. Her previous fight/intimacy choreography credits include: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE (Honest Pint Theatre), BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY (Raleigh Little Theatre), JULIUS CAESAR (William Peace University), CARMEN (NC Opera), THE MIRACLE WORKER (Seed Art Share), and SHE KILLS MONSTERS (Meredith College). She will be revisiting SHE KILLS MONSTERS this month with the University of Nebraska. For more information visit https://www.taranicolewilliams.com/.LinksJames Corden’s Response to Bill Maher’s Fat-Shaming CommentsHowlround: Body-Shaming, the Epidemic Plaguing Collegiate Theatre ProgramsConnect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.com

Last week, Bill Maher made a comment, “Fat-shaming needs to make a comeback.” As an actor, educator, and combat artist, Tara Nicole Williams, has experienced fat-shaming and bullying and has a lot to say about body image, typecasting, and representation on stage. About the GuestTara Nicole Williams is an actor, educator, and combat artist raised, right here, in Raleigh, NC. She has trained with the <a href="https://safd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Society of American Fight Directors</a> for the last 10 years, specializing in German Longsword and high fantasy choreography. She has also facilitated the introduction of intimacy choreography to the Triangle community; organizing workshops and special events. Currently, she is pursuing her Intimacy Director status with <a href="https://www.teamidi.org/theatre" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Intimacy Directors International</a>. Along with her own training, she manages the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stagecombatacademync/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stage Combat Academy of North Carolina</a>, assisting Fight Director Jeff A.R. Jones. Tara also teaches stage combat, acting, and movement with universities, schools, and organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. Her work focuses on empowering actors to own their unique physicality – using movement to tell intricate stories. Most recently she has appeared on stage in Raleigh Little Theatre’s production of DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, for which she won a Cantey Award as Suzette. Tara is currently in Honest Pint Theatre’s production of THE METROMANIACS as Lucille. Her previous fight/intimacy choreography credits include: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE (Honest Pint Theatre), BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY (Raleigh Little Theatre), JULIUS CAESAR (William Peace University), CARMEN (NC Opera), THE MIRACLE WORKER (Seed Art Share), and SHE KILLS MONSTERS (Meredith College). She will be revisiting SHE KILLS MONSTERS this month with the University of Nebraska. For more information visit <a href="https://www.taranicolewilliams.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.taranicolewilliams.com/</a>.Links<ul><li><a href="https://youtu.be/Ax1U04c4gaw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Corden’s Response to Bill Maher’s Fat-Shaming Comments</a></li><li><a href="https://howlround.com/body-shaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Howlround: Body-Shaming, the Epidemic Plaguing Collegiate Theatre Programs</a></li></ul>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 37: Tara Nicole Williams on Body Image, Fat-Shaming, and Typecasting in the Theater

In 2016, Mia Self's play TEA WITH AGATHA premiered during NC State University Theatre's TheatreFest. Sadly, TheatreFest this summer has been canceled, however, NC State's University Theatre has announced its season for next year. Celebrate the centennial anniversary of Agatha Christie's first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and all things TheatreFest, by listening to a reading of Self's play, TEA WITH AGATHA, followed by a virtual talkback with Self and Gus Allen Sunday evening, April 19th at 7 pm on Facebook Live.Special thanks to The Sweetest Things for their support.RDU on Stage has been nominated for three Indy Week Best of the Triangle Awards: Best Local Blog/Website, Best Local Podcast, and Best Twitter Feed. Click here to vote for all of your favorite businesses and organizations.About the GuestsMia Self (Playwright and Agatha) is the Assistant Director of Acting, Directing, and Academics at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has an MFA from the University of Mississippi and a BA from Catawba College with an emphasis in performance and directing. Mia works as a director, actor, voice and text coach in addition to her periodic jaunts into writing and devising. Tea with Agatha was written to celebrate the 2016 TheatreFEST season devoted to Agatha Christie. She’s slated to direct Small Mouth Sounds with Honest Pint at the end of summer and Almost, Maine at NC State at the top of the fall semester. Gus Allen, originally from Minnesota, has acted in over 50 productions across the Triangle as has written and directed for several others. Gus has been a lifelong Agatha Christie fan, always leaping at the chance to act in her plays. So far he's gotten to be in six of them and will continue to do as many as possible. Gus was an avid reader Christie novels and Sherlock Holmes stories as a teenager and considers himself lucky to bring life to those same characters on stage years later. CreditsZapSplat Sound EffectsFreesound Sound EffectsRunning in High-Heels on Tile by scriotxstudios | License: AttributionGirl walking in heels.wav by CyrileneRossouw | License: Attribution NoncommercialNewspapers.wav by NebbiaOne | License: Attribution NoncommercialBoite a musique 02 (Hawaian Waltz).ogg by Glaneur de sons | License: Attribution Page Turn by notKlaatu | License: AttributionConnect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.com

In 2016, Mia Self's play TEA WITH AGATHA premiered during <a href="https://theatre.arts.ncsu.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NC State University Theatre's</a> TheatreFest. Sadly, TheatreFest this summer has been canceled, however, NC State's University Theatre has announced its season for next year. Celebrate the centennial anniversary of Agatha Christie's first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and all things TheatreFest, by listening to a reading of Self's play, TEA WITH AGATHA, followed by a virtual talkback with Self and Gus Allen Sunday evening, April 19th at 7 pm on Facebook Live.Special thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesweetestthingsnc/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sweetest Things</a> for their support.<a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/2020-Best-of-the-Triangle-Final-Ballot/gallery/226131827" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDU on Stage has been nominated for three Indy Week Best of the Triangle Awards: Best Local Blog/Website, Best Local Podcast, and Best Twitter Feed. Click here to vote for all of your favorite businesses and organizations.</a>About the GuestsMia Self (Playwright and Agatha) is the Assistant Director of Acting, Directing, and Academics at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has an MFA from the University of Mississippi and a BA from Catawba College with an emphasis in performance and directing. Mia works as a director, actor, voice and text coach in addition to her periodic jaunts into writing and devising. Tea with Agatha was written to celebrate the 2016 TheatreFEST season devoted to Agatha Christie. She’s slated to direct Small Mouth Sounds with Honest Pint at the end of summer and Almost, Maine at NC State at the top of the fall semester. Gus Allen, originally from Minnesota, has acted in over 50 productions across the Triangle as has written and directed for several others. Gus has been a lifelong Agatha Christie fan, always leaping at the chance to act in her plays. So far he's gotten to be in six of them and will continue to do as many as possible. Gus was an avid reader Christie novels and Sherlock Holmes stories as a teenager and considers himself lucky to bring life to those same characters on stage years later. Credits<a href="http://zapsplat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ZapSplat Sound Effects</a><a href="https://freesound.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Freesound Sound Effects</a><ul><li><a href="https://freesound.org/people/scriotxstudios/sounds/348749/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Running in High-Heels on Tile</a> by <a href="https://freesound.org/people/scriotxstudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">scriotxstudios</a> | License: Attribution</li><li><a href="https://freesound.org/people/CyrileneRossouw/sounds/407564/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Girl walking in heels.wav</a> by <a href="https://freesound.org/people/CyrileneRossouw/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CyrileneRossouw</a> | License: Attribution Noncommercial</li><li><a href="https://freesound.org/people/NebbiaOne/sounds/408238/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newspapers.wav</a> by <a href="https://freesound.org/people/NebbiaOne/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NebbiaOne</a> | License: Attribution Noncommercial</li><li><a href="https://freesound.org/people/Glaneur%20de%20sons/sounds/104970/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boite a musique 02 (Hawaian Waltz).ogg</a> by <a href="https://freesound.org/people/Glaneur%20de%20sons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glaneur de sons</a> | License: Attribution</li><li> <a href="https://freesound.org/people/notKlaatu/sounds/166078/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Page Turn</a> by <a href="https://freesound.org/people/notKlaatu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">notKlaatu</a> | License: Attribution</li></ul>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 67: Tea with Agatha

About the GuestA Raleigh native, Charles Phaneuf has over 15 years of experience in arts management. His career began in management at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. before serving as the Managing Director at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland and then at RLT as Executive Director since 2012. Charles is admired across the Triangle arts community for his leadership, vision, commitment, and participation. He succeeds Eleanor Oakley, who retired after serving the United Arts Council for 18 years.RDU on Stage has been nominated for three Indy Week Best of the Triangle Awards: Best Local Blog/Website, Best Local Podcast, and Best Twitter Feed. Click here to vote for all of your favorite businesses and organizations.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.comRDU on Stage Merch (proceeds benefit the NC Artist Relief Fund)

About the GuestA Raleigh native, Charles Phaneuf has over 15 years of experience in arts management. His career began in management at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. before serving as the Managing Director at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland and then at RLT as Executive Director since 2012. Charles is admired across the Triangle arts community for his leadership, vision, commitment, and participation. He succeeds Eleanor Oakley, who retired after serving the United Arts Council for 18 years.<a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/2020-Best-of-the-Triangle-Final-Ballot/gallery/226131827" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDU on Stage has been nominated for three Indy Week Best of the Triangle Awards: Best Local Blog/Website, Best Local Podcast, and Best Twitter Feed. Click here to vote for all of your favorite businesses and organizations.</a>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/rdu-on-stage/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDU on Stage Merch</a> (proceeds benefit the NC Artist Relief Fund)</li></ul>

Ep. 65: All Passes, Art Endures

Hear what North Carolina Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Eric Woodall has to say about the short and long term effects of this pandemic on theater companies big and small.NC Theatre recently announced its schedule for the remainder of this season as follows:Memphis: July 28-August 2, 2020The Sound of Music: October 13-18, 2020Edges: November 6-15, 2020Next season will begin with Sister Act in February 2021. For more information visit the NC Theatre website at https://nctheatre.com/.RDU on Stage has been nominated for three Indy Week Best of the Triangle Awards: Best Local Blog/Website, Best Local Podcast, and Best Twitter Feed. Click here to vote for all of your favorite businesses and organizations.About the GuestEric Woodall is the Producing Artistic Director of North Carolina Theatre. In addition to his NC Theatre directorial credits including Gypsy, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Steel Magnolias, Woodall has worked locally in the Triangle directing for companies like Theatre Raleigh and PlayMakers Repertory, as well as traveled the country putting his spin on shows like West Side Story, Big River, and On Golden Pond at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, Texas and Amadeus at the Memphis Playhouse on the Square. Prior to joining NC Theatre full time in November as producing artistic director, he spent 16 years in New York City working as one of the top casting directors at Tara Rubin Casting. For more information visit: http://ericwoodall.com/.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.comRDU on Stage Merch (proceeds benefit the NC Artist Relief Fund)

Hear what North Carolina Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Eric Woodall has to say about the short and long term effects of this pandemic on theater companies big and small.NC Theatre recently announced its schedule for the remainder of this season as follows:<ul><li>Memphis: July 28-August 2, 2020</li><li>The Sound of Music: October 13-18, 2020</li><li>Edges: November 6-15, 2020</li></ul>Next season will begin with Sister Act in February 2021. For more information visit the NC Theatre website at <a href="https://nctheatre.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://nctheatre.com/</a>.<a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/2020-Best-of-the-Triangle-Final-Ballot/gallery/226131827" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDU on Stage has been nominated for three Indy Week Best of the Triangle Awards: Best Local Blog/Website, Best Local Podcast, and Best Twitter Feed. Click here to vote for all of your favorite businesses and organizations.</a>About the GuestEric Woodall is the Producing Artistic Director of North Carolina Theatre. In addition to his NC Theatre directorial credits including Gypsy, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Steel Magnolias, Woodall has worked locally in the Triangle directing for companies like Theatre Raleigh and PlayMakers Repertory, as well as traveled the country putting his spin on shows like West Side Story, Big River, and On Golden Pond at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, Texas and Amadeus at the Memphis Playhouse on the Square. Prior to joining NC Theatre full time in November as producing artistic director, he spent 16 years in New York City working as one of the top casting directors at Tara Rubin Casting. For more information visit: <a href="http://ericwoodall.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ericwoodall.com/</a>.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/rdu-on-stage/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDU on Stage Merch</a> (proceeds benefit the NC Artist Relief Fund)</li></ul>

Ep. 64: The High Cost of a Pandemic

June Guralnick

June Guralnick spent the last two years working on her 15th play LITTLE WOMEN. However, her premiere staged reading was thwarted by COVID-19. Hear what she has to say about the play, the state of playwrighting in North Carolina, and gender parity in the theater industry.About the GuestJune Guralnick is an award-winning playwright. For four decades, she's created plays, performance projects, and multi-media installations, as well as directing new works, classic plays, and developing community cultural programs. Her works have been performed at venues including the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement Theatre (N.Y.), Spirit Square (N.C.), Equity Library Theatre (N.Y.), Popular Theatre (Cal.), Burning Coal Theatre (N.C.), Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (N.C.), AS220 (R.I.), North Carolina Museum of Art – and beamed to the Space Station. Visit https://juneguralnick.com/ for more information.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

June Guralnick spent the last two years working on her 15th play LITTLE WOMEN. However, her premiere staged reading was thwarted by COVID-19. Hear what she has to say about the play, the state of playwrighting in North Carolina, and gender parity in the theater industry.About the GuestJune Guralnick is an award-winning playwright. For four decades, she's created plays, performance projects, and multi-media installations, as well as directing new works, classic plays, and developing community cultural programs. Her works have been performed at venues including the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement Theatre (N.Y.), Spirit Square (N.C.), Equity Library Theatre (N.Y.), Popular Theatre (Cal.), Burning Coal Theatre (N.C.), Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (N.C.), AS220 (R.I.), North Carolina Museum of Art – and beamed to the Space Station. Visit <a href="https://juneguralnick.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://juneguralnick.com/</a> for more information.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 62: Debunking the Myth of ‘Little Women’ with Playwright June Guralnick

A candid conversation with local theater producers on how COVID-19 is affecting their bottom line.About the GuestsTimothy E. Locklear, Managing Artistic Director, NRACTDavid Henderson and Susannah Hough, Co-Artistic Directors, Honest Pint TheatrePatrick Torres, Artistic Director, Raleigh Little TheatreLauren Kennedy Brady, Producing Artistic Director, Theatre RaleighJohannah Maynard Edwards, Executive Director, Women's Theatre FestivalMelissa Zeph, Executive Producer, The Justice Theater ProjectPeggy Taphorn, Producing Artistic Director, Temple Theatre (Sanford)Gavan Pamer, Marketing/Development Director, Temple Theatre (Sanford)Malissa Borden, Educator/Military Outreach, Cape Fear Regional TheatreResourcesDurham Artist Relief FundNC Artist Relief FundOrange County Arts Relief FundConnect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

A candid conversation with local theater producers on how COVID-19 is affecting their bottom line.About the Guests<ul><li>Timothy E. Locklear, Managing Artistic Director, <a href="http://www.nract.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NRACT</a></li><li>David Henderson and Susannah Hough, Co-Artistic Directors, <a href="https://www.honestpinttheatre.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honest Pint Theatre</a></li><li>Patrick Torres, Artistic Director, <a href="https://raleighlittletheatre.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raleigh Little Theatre</a></li><li>Lauren Kennedy Brady, Producing Artistic Director, <a href="https://theatreraleigh.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theatre Raleigh</a></li><li>Johannah Maynard Edwards, Executive Director, <a href="https://www.womenstheatrefestival.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's Theatre Festival</a></li><li>Melissa Zeph, Executive Producer, <a href="http://www.thejusticetheaterproject.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Justice Theater Project</a></li><li>Peggy Taphorn, Producing Artistic Director, <a href="https://www.templeshows.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Temple Theatre (Sanford)</a></li><li>Gavan Pamer, Marketing/Development Director, <a href="https://www.templeshows.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Temple Theatre (Sanford)</a></li><li>Malissa Borden, Educator/Military Outreach, <a href="http://www.cfrt.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cape Fear Regional Theatre</a></li></ul>Resources<ul><li><a href="https://www.northstardurham.com/artistrelief" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Durham Artist Relief Fund</a></li><li><a href="https://vaeraleigh.org/artist-relief-fund" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NC Artist Relief Fund</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/orange-county-arts-relief-fund" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orange County Arts Relief Fund</a></li></ul>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 61: COVID-19, When the Show Can’t Go On

Wonder

Enloe Magnet High School is the first school (and regional/community theater) to produce Jack Murphy and Frank Wildhorn's musical WONDERLAND anywhere.The Enloe Magnet High School production of WONDERLAND is postponed TBA. For more information visit the Enloe Theatre website.About the GuestsKoko Thornton - After graduating from the Wake County Public School System in 1993, Miss Thornton received the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship to UNC-Charlotte where she received her BCA in Theatre Education and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997. While in college, she worked as an actor and professional costumer including being a dresser for the National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. After teaching theatre at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte where she was the recipient of an NCTC award for Outstanding Direction, Miss Thornton returned home to Raleigh and served on the NC Department of Public Instruction’s committee to rewrite the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Theatre Education. The 2018-2019 school year marks her 19th year teaching Theatre at Enloe Magnet High School. Some of her directing credits include: SWEENEY TODD (2007 Capital Award for Outstanding Musical), LITTLE WOMEN (2008 Capital Award for Outstanding Direction), ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (2013 TRS Award for Best Musical), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (2014 TRS Award for Best Ensemble), MISS SAIGON, INTO THE WOODS (2016 TRS Award for Best Musical), and RAGTIME (2018 TRS Award for Best Musical). She is double certified in theatre and music and is a certified mentor teacher. She loves to sing, play the piano, bake, and serve at her church. In what little free time she has, she may be found hanging out with her 18 nieces and nephews at Lake Gaston and riding a jet ski. Miss Thornton is the immediate past President of the North Carolina Theatre Arts Educators and the Arts Department Chair at Enloe Magnet High School. She is also the North Carolina Theatre Arts Educators 2017 Teacher of the Year.Lauren Kennedy is the Producing Artistic Director at Theatre Raleigh, where she has directed such shows as DRIFT, TRUE WEST, VANITIES, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, THE WOLF and more! As an actress, Lauren appeared on Broadway in SPAMALOT (Lady of the Lake), LES MISERABLES (Fantine), SIDESHOW (Daisy Hilton, original cast), SUNSET BLVD. (original cast). Off-Broadway: VANITIES (Mary/Second Stage), GOOD OL’ GIRLS. National Tour and London: SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie Forbush), SUNSET BLVD. (Betty Schaefer). Favorite Original Work: THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy), THE RHYTHM CLUB (Petra/Helen Hayes Award nom. for Best Lead Actress), WHITE CHRISTMAS (Judy Haines), and ZELDA (Barrymore Nomination for Best Actress/Flat Rock Playhouse/LENAPE). Recordings: VANITIES, SOUTH PACIFIC (Original London Cast), SUNSET BLVD, GOOD NEWS (with The London Symphony), THE PAUL SIMON ALBUM (Varese Sarabande). Ms. Kennedy’s solo recordings are available on the PS Classics. Visit laurenkennedy.comThe Theatre Raleigh production of BUD, NOT BUDDY runs March 13 through March 29 at The Kennedy Theatre. The Theatre Raleigh production of BUD, NOT BUDDY has been canceled.Chloe Calhoun is a senior at Enloe Magnet High School.Indy Week Award Nomination LinksClick any of the links below to help RDU on Stage make the shortlist of nominees in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle 2020 contest.Best Local PodcastBest Local Facebook PageBest Instagram AccountBest Twitter FeedBest Local Interest Website / BlogBest Kept SecretConnect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

Enloe Magnet High School is the first school (and regional/community theater) to produce Jack Murphy and Frank Wildhorn's musical WONDERLAND anywhere.The Enloe Magnet High School production of WONDERLAND is postponed TBA. For more information visit the <a href="https://enloetheatre.wixsite.com/enloetheatre/current-production" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enloe Theatre website</a>.About the GuestsKoko Thornton - After graduating from the Wake County Public School System in 1993, Miss Thornton received the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship to UNC-Charlotte where she received her BCA in Theatre Education and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997. While in college, she worked as an actor and professional costumer including being a dresser for the National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. After teaching theatre at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte where she was the recipient of an NCTC award for Outstanding Direction, Miss Thornton returned home to Raleigh and served on the NC Department of Public Instruction’s committee to rewrite the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Theatre Education. The 2018-2019 school year marks her 19th year teaching Theatre at Enloe Magnet High School. Some of her directing credits include: SWEENEY TODD (2007 Capital Award for Outstanding Musical), LITTLE WOMEN (2008 Capital Award for Outstanding Direction), ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (2013 TRS Award for Best Musical), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (2014 TRS Award for Best Ensemble), MISS SAIGON, INTO THE WOODS (2016 TRS Award for Best Musical), and RAGTIME (2018 TRS Award for Best Musical). She is double certified in theatre and music and is a certified mentor teacher. She loves to sing, play the piano, bake, and serve at her church. In what little free time she has, she may be found hanging out with her 18 nieces and nephews at Lake Gaston and riding a jet ski. Miss Thornton is the immediate past President of the North Carolina Theatre Arts Educators and the Arts Department Chair at Enloe Magnet High School. She is also the North Carolina Theatre Arts Educators 2017 Teacher of the Year.Lauren Kennedy is the Producing Artistic Director at Theatre Raleigh, where she has directed such shows as DRIFT, TRUE WEST, VANITIES, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, THE WOLF and more! As an actress, Lauren appeared on Broadway in SPAMALOT (Lady of the Lake), LES MISERABLES (Fantine), SIDESHOW (Daisy Hilton, original cast), SUNSET BLVD. (original cast). Off-Broadway: VANITIES (Mary/Second Stage), GOOD OL’ GIRLS. National Tour and London: SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie Forbush), SUNSET BLVD. (Betty Schaefer). Favorite Original Work: THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy), THE RHYTHM CLUB (Petra/Helen Hayes Award nom. for Best Lead Actress), WHITE CHRISTMAS (Judy Haines), and ZELDA (Barrymore Nomination for Best Actress/Flat Rock Playhouse/LENAPE). Recordings: VANITIES, SOUTH PACIFIC (Original London Cast), SUNSET BLVD, GOOD NEWS (with The London Symphony), THE PAUL SIMON ALBUM (Varese Sarabande). Ms. Kennedy’s solo recordings are available on the PS Classics. Visit <a href="http://laurenkennedy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">laurenkennedy.com</a>The Theatre Raleigh production of BUD, NOT BUDDY runs March 13 through March 29 at The Kennedy Theatre. The Theatre Raleigh production of BUD, NOT BUDDY has been canceled.Chloe Calhoun is a senior at Enloe Magnet High School.Indy Week Award Nomination LinksClick any of the links below to help RDU on Stage make the shortlist of nominees in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle 2020 contest.<ul><li><a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/og/0942cb52-bfc1-4c57-b189-8b8be1726b79/gallery/217735061" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Local Podcast</a></li><li><a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/og/0942cb52-bfc1-4c57-b189-8b8be1726b79/gallery/219932064" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Local Facebook Page</a></li><li><a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/og/0942cb52-bfc1-4c57-b189-8b8be1726b79/gallery/219931690" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Instagram Account</a></li><li><a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/og/0942cb52-bfc1-4c57-b189-8b8be1726b79/gallery/219932197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Twitter Feed</a></li><li><a href="b189-8b8be1726b79/gallery/219930860" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Local Interest Website / Blog</a></li><li><a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/og/0942cb52-bfc1-4c57-b189-8b8be1726b79/gallery/219934018" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Kept Secret</a></li></ul>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 60: The Wonder of Bringing the Musical ‘Wonderland’ Home

The Southeastern Theatre Conference's annual convention was in February in Louisville, Kentucky. Lauren Van Hemert reports live from the convention floor.Click here to vote for the RDU on Stage podcast in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle contest.LinksSETCUSITTBroadway Green AllianceCincinnati Playhouse in the ParkThe Magic of Cody ClarkActors Theatre of LouisvilleConnect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

The Southeastern Theatre Conference's annual convention was in February in Louisville, Kentucky. Lauren Van Hemert reports live from the convention floor.<a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/2020-Best-of-the-Triangle-Nominations/gallery/217735061/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to vote for the RDU on Stage podcast in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle contest.</a>Links<ul><li><a href="https://www.setc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SETC</a></li><li><a href="https://www.usitt.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">USITT</a></li><li><a href="https://www.broadwaygreen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Broadway Green Alliance</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cincyplay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park</a></li><li><a href="http://codyclarkmagic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Magic of Cody Clark</a></li><li><a href="https://www.actorstheatre.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1-3yBRCmARIsAN7B4H2auLMeyGg1BOtcqTdYvckTaWWYyUMu1LzKWi6x2doXW0mIwLexAW4aAsfcEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Actors Theatre of Louisville</a></li></ul>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 59: Highlights from the Southeastern Theatre Conference Convention

Laura Heywood

Click here to nominate the RDU on Stage podcast for Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Podcast.About the GuestOriginally from Oakland, CA, Laura Heywood began working as a commercial actor and print model as a young teenager, appearing in campaigns for Nintendo, Apple Computers, Constellation Brands, GTE Mobile Net, and the infamous Dove Campaign For Real Beauty. Laura attended college at the University of Puget Sound in Washington, where she studied Theatre Arts and writing and was active in LGBT causes and student media. In 2005 she was recruited to New York City for the launch of Sirius Satellite Radio’s MAXIM channel, based on the popular men’s magazine, as both a producer and co-host. In 2009, Laura created the Twitter account @BroadwayGirlNYC, to document her love of New York Theatre. 2010 saw the launch of “At the Stage Door with @BroadwayGirlNYC,” Laura’s weekly column on BroadwayWorld.com about life as a Broadway fan. Laura’s reveal as the force behind @BroadwayGirlNYC came in February of 2015 when she was invited to speak onstage at TEDxBroadway. The public “merging of her two lives,” as Laura put it, allowed her to launch a new company, Laura Heywood Media, to focus on both social media consulting and live appearances as a Broadway expert. Visit Laura online at www.lauraheywoodmedia.com. Hear Laura's TEDxBroadway talk on Practicing Happiness.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

<a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/2020-Best-of-the-Triangle-Nominations/gallery/217735061" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to nominate the RDU on Stage podcast for Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Podcast.</a>About the GuestOriginally from Oakland, CA, Laura Heywood began working as a commercial actor and print model as a young teenager, appearing in campaigns for Nintendo, Apple Computers, Constellation Brands, GTE Mobile Net, and the infamous Dove Campaign For Real Beauty. Laura attended college at the University of Puget Sound in Washington, where she studied Theatre Arts and writing and was active in LGBT causes and student media. In 2005 she was recruited to New York City for the launch of Sirius Satellite Radio’s MAXIM channel, based on the popular men’s magazine, as both a producer and co-host. In 2009, Laura created the Twitter account @BroadwayGirlNYC, to document her love of New York Theatre. 2010 saw the launch of “At the Stage Door with @BroadwayGirlNYC,” Laura’s weekly column on <a href="http://BroadwayWorld.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BroadwayWorld.com</a> about life as a Broadway fan. Laura’s reveal as the force behind @BroadwayGirlNYC came in February of 2015 when she was invited to speak onstage at TEDxBroadway. The public “merging of her two lives,” as Laura put it, allowed her to launch a new company, Laura Heywood Media, to focus on both social media consulting and live appearances as a Broadway expert. Visit Laura online at <a href="http://www.lauraheywoodmedia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.lauraheywoodmedia.com</a>. <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_heywood_practicing_happiness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hear Laura's TEDxBroadway talk on Practicing Happiness.</a>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 58: A Candid Conversation with Broadway Girl NYC, Laura Heywood

Ian Finley

Click here to nominate the RDU on Stage podcast for Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Podcast.About the GuestIan Finley is the former Director of Education for Burning Coal, having headed its WillPower (now Fuse) residency programs, its Summer Theatre Conservatories, New York &amp; London tours, and many other programs. He is author of 1960 (Burning Coal, 2009), Green Square, Suspense, Nightengale Song, and The Nature of the Nautilus (winner of the Kennedy Center’s Jean Kennedy Smith Award), as well as Burning Coal’s Oakwood cycle of plays. As an actor, he has performed in Burning Coal’s Twelfth Night, KidsWrite ’08, Inherit the Wind, 1776, Pentecost, The Taming of the Shrew, Accidental Death of an Anarchist and James Joyce’s The Dead. He holds an MFA from the NYU Tisch School of Arts and is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America. He was also named the NC Piedmont Laureate in Playwriting in 2012. He has taught at Southern Methodist University, as well for the OLLI programs at NC State University and Duke University. He currently serves as Chair of Fine Arts at Research Triangle High School.Ian’s play NATIVE is playing March 24 at Whirligig Stage in Greensboro. Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

<a href="https://indyweek.secondstreetapp.com/2020-Best-of-the-Triangle-Nominations/gallery/217735061" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to nominate the RDU on Stage podcast for Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Podcast.</a>About the GuestIan Finley is the former Director of Education for Burning Coal, having headed its WillPower (now Fuse) residency programs, its Summer Theatre Conservatories, New York &amp; London tours, and many other programs. He is author of 1960 (Burning Coal, 2009), Green Square, Suspense, Nightengale Song, and The Nature of the Nautilus (winner of the Kennedy Center’s Jean Kennedy Smith Award), as well as Burning Coal’s Oakwood cycle of plays. As an actor, he has performed in Burning Coal’s Twelfth Night, KidsWrite ’08, Inherit the Wind, 1776, Pentecost, The Taming of the Shrew, Accidental Death of an Anarchist and James Joyce’s The Dead. He holds an MFA from the NYU Tisch School of Arts and is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America. He was also named the NC Piedmont Laureate in Playwriting in 2012. He has taught at Southern Methodist University, as well for the OLLI programs at NC State University and Duke University. He currently serves as Chair of Fine Arts at Research Triangle High School.Ian’s play NATIVE is playing March 24 at Whirligig Stage in Greensboro. Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 57: Talking Arts Education, Alien, and More with Ian Finley

Joseph Anthony

When the North Carolina Theatre production of KINKY BOOTS opens this week, it won’t be the first time that Joseph Anthony Byrd puts on the red high-heeled boots as Lola. In fact, Byrd made his Broadway debut in Kinky Boots and was featured in the first national tour as Lola’s Understudy. Byrd, who graduated from Carnegie Mellon, told me that it’s another Carnegie Mellon alum, Billie Porter, who originated the role of Lola in Kinky Boots, who he has really looked up to and learned from over the years. Hear what he has to say about the show, his middle school drama teacher, and finding his joy.The North Carolina Theatre production of KINKY BOOTS runs February 11 through 16 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. For more information visit the NC Theatre website or the RDU on Stage Calendar Page.About the GuestJoseph Anthony Byrd will star as Lola/Simon, the fabulous drag queen, and performer who befriends Charlie. Byrd boasts previous KINKY BOOTS credits, as he starred in the original Broadway cast and the first national tour (Lola U/S). He previously performed in the Las Vegas production of MAMMA MIA! and the national tour of THE LION KING, in addition to numerous regional productions including Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and more. Byrd was also seen on the hit HBO show, BOARDWALK EMPIRE.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

When the North Carolina Theatre production of KINKY BOOTS opens this week, it won’t be the first time that Joseph Anthony Byrd puts on the red high-heeled boots as Lola. In fact, Byrd made his Broadway debut in Kinky Boots and was featured in the first national tour as Lola’s Understudy. Byrd, who graduated from Carnegie Mellon, told me that it’s another Carnegie Mellon alum, Billie Porter, who originated the role of Lola in Kinky Boots, who he has really looked up to and learned from over the years. Hear what he has to say about the show, his middle school drama teacher, and finding his joy.The North Carolina Theatre production of KINKY BOOTS runs February 11 through 16 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. For more information visit the <a href="https://nctheatre.com/shows/kinky-boots%20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NC Theatre</a> website or the <a href="https://rduonstage.com/calendar-5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDU on Stage Calendar Page</a>.About the GuestJoseph Anthony Byrd will star as Lola/Simon, the fabulous drag queen, and performer who befriends Charlie. Byrd boasts previous KINKY BOOTS credits, as he starred in the original Broadway cast and the first national tour (Lola U/S). He previously performed in the Las Vegas production of MAMMA MIA! and the national tour of THE LION KING, in addition to numerous regional productions including Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and more. Byrd was also seen on the hit HBO show, BOARDWALK EMPIRE.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 56: Joseph Anthony Byrd Talks ‘Kinky Boots’

Hear what Michael Larson, star of the Raleigh Little Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Patrick Torres, Artistic Director of Raleigh Little Theatre, have to say about the role community theater has in opening hearts and minds.About the GuestsPatrick Torres is RLT’s Artistic Director and has more than a decade of experience as a professional director and theatre educator. His work as a freelance director has been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Southwest Shakespeare Festival, Round House Theatre, The Source Festival, and the Hangar Theatre among others. In 2003, he was selected as a Drama League Directing Fellow and in 2005 was named a Young Leader of Color by the Theatre Communications Group. He has an MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Patrick will be directing the PlayMakers Repertory Company production of Native Gardens in April 2020.Michael Larson is a junior in high school. Some of his previous performances include: Into the Woods as Jack, Once Upon a Mattress as the Jester, Guys and Dolls as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Elf the Musical as Buddy, Thoroughly Modern Millie as Ching Ho, Urinetown as Officer Barrel. He is ecstatic to have the opportunity to play the role of Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He has performed in choir throughout school and has taken music lessons at Chapel Hill School of Musical Arts for even years. He plans to study performing arts in college.Zara Van Hemert (Co-Host) is a senior in high school. She is a competitive gymnast and hopes to be an elementary school teacher.ResourcesArts AccessConnect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb – www.rduonstage.com

Hear what Michael Larson, star of the <a href="https://raleighlittletheatre.org/shows/the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raleigh Little Theatre</a> production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Patrick Torres, Artistic Director of Raleigh Little Theatre, have to say about the role community theater has in opening hearts and minds.About the GuestsPatrick Torres is RLT’s Artistic Director and has more than a decade of experience as a professional director and theatre educator. His work as a freelance director has been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Southwest Shakespeare Festival, Round House Theatre, The Source Festival, and the Hangar Theatre among others. In 2003, he was selected as a Drama League Directing Fellow and in 2005 was named a Young Leader of Color by the Theatre Communications Group. He has an MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Patrick will be directing the <a href="http://playmakersrep.org/show/native-gardens/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PlayMakers Repertory Company</a> production of Native Gardens in April 2020.Michael Larson is a junior in high school. Some of his previous performances include: Into the Woods as Jack, Once Upon a Mattress as the Jester, Guys and Dolls as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Elf the Musical as Buddy, Thoroughly Modern Millie as Ching Ho, Urinetown as Officer Barrel. He is ecstatic to have the opportunity to play the role of Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He has performed in choir throughout school and has taken music lessons at Chapel Hill School of Musical Arts for even years. He plans to study performing arts in college.Zara Van Hemert (Co-Host) is a senior in high school. She is a competitive gymnast and hopes to be an elementary school teacher.Resources<a href="https://artsaccessinc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arts Access</a>Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web – <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 55: A Chat with the Beautiful Minds Behind RLT’s Production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

In 1999, two high school seniors went on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, killing 13 people and wounding 20 others before turning their guns on themselves. Since the Columbine shootings, over 200 people have been killed in school shootings in the United States. Tammy Matthews was a teacher working at a nearby elementary school when the Columbine shooting occurred. Little did she know then that nearly twenty years later another school shooting, this one in Parkland, Florida, would be the catalyst for the creation of the ensemble group Social Justice Theater of the Carolinas. Their inaugural production, columbinus, premiered a year ago in Pittsboro and is now touring the Triangle through March. For more information and a performance schedule, visit https://www.pittsboroyouththeater.com/social-justice-theater.About the GuestsTammy Matthews has over 50 years of experience in theater. She attended the prestigious Goodman School of Drama and holds a BA in both theater and elementary education. She also has a Masters degree in Education. “Miss Tammy” is the co-owner and artistic director of Pittsboro Youth Theater, The Social Justice Theater of the Carolinas and Chatham Community Players. She worked in theater in Chicago in various capacities before becoming a teacher. Since then, she has staged many performances in schools, camps and after-school programs across the country and can now be found directing at least 15 shows a year in Pittsboro!Jacqueline Anthenien was born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. She moved to North Carolina in 2006. She has been interested in theater for a long time, but only recently in an official capacity. She has been a part of the Technical Theater Crew at Northwood High School since her freshman year. As a sophomore she won the part of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods at Pittsboro Youth Theater. She caught the bug. Since then, she has portrayed MacDuff in Macbeth, Mary in The Crucible (both at Northwood), and been a part of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Hobbit at PYT. She can currently be seen as Eric Harris in columbinus and will appear in Baskerville,also at PYT, and in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Northwood. She is in her senior year and is looking forward to what college has to offer.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb - www.rduonstage.com

In 1999, two high school seniors went on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, killing 13 people and wounding 20 others before turning their guns on themselves. Since the Columbine shootings, over 200 people have been killed in school shootings in the United States. Tammy Matthews was a teacher working at a nearby elementary school when the Columbine shooting occurred. Little did she know then that nearly twenty years later another school shooting, this one in Parkland, Florida, would be the catalyst for the creation of the ensemble group Social Justice Theater of the Carolinas. Their inaugural production, columbinus, premiered a year ago in Pittsboro and is now touring the Triangle through March. For more information and a performance schedule, visit <a href="https://www.pittsboroyouththeater.com/social-justice-theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pittsboroyouththeater.com/social-justice-theater</a>.About the GuestsTammy Matthews has over 50 years of experience in theater. She attended the prestigious Goodman School of Drama and holds a BA in both theater and elementary education. She also has a Masters degree in Education. “Miss Tammy” is the co-owner and artistic director of Pittsboro Youth Theater, The Social Justice Theater of the Carolinas and Chatham Community Players. She worked in theater in Chicago in various capacities before becoming a teacher. Since then, she has staged many performances in schools, camps and after-school programs across the country and can now be found directing at least 15 shows a year in Pittsboro!Jacqueline Anthenien was born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. She moved to North Carolina in 2006. She has been interested in theater for a long time, but only recently in an official capacity. She has been a part of the Technical Theater Crew at Northwood High School since her freshman year. As a sophomore she won the part of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods at Pittsboro Youth Theater. She caught the bug. Since then, she has portrayed MacDuff in Macbeth, Mary in The Crucible (both at Northwood), and been a part of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Hobbit at PYT. She can currently be seen as Eric Harris in columbinus and will appear in Baskerville,also at PYT, and in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Northwood. She is in her senior year and is looking forward to what college has to offer.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web - <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>

Ep. 54: School Shootings, Columbinus, and the Role of Theater to Affect Change

Students from the Sanderson High School Theatre Ensemble in Raleigh are on their way to Louisville to represent the Triangle at the Southeastern Theater Conference. Their production of Oliver Lansley's play ERNEST AND THE PALE MOON is one of two productions selected to represent the state of North Carolina next month at the national competition in Kentucky. But as you will hear, this opportunity is just the icing on the cake for these students who have discovered who they are through the theater program.The students will present an encore production of ERNEST AND THE PALE MOON on January 30th. Proceeds from this production will benefit their trip. For more information or to support the Sanderson Theatre Ensemble, visit http://shstheatreensemble.weebly.com/.About the GuestsPeter Comperatore is an artist, educator, award-winning director, and improviser. He has been the theater teacher at Sanderson High School since 2010. He has also directed several shows at North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre (NRACT) since 2008.Camden Trimmer is a junior at Sanderson High School and has been involved in Sanderson Theatre and local community theatre for the past three years.Lissa Pope is a senior at Sanderson High School and is planning on pursuing a major in acting in college. She has been involved in Sanderson Theatre for four years.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.com

Students from the Sanderson High School Theatre Ensemble in Raleigh are on their way to Louisville to represent the Triangle at the <a href="https://www.setc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Southeastern Theater Conference</a>. Their production of Oliver Lansley's play ERNEST AND THE PALE MOON is one of two productions selected to represent the state of North Carolina next month at the national competition in Kentucky. But as you will hear, this opportunity is just the icing on the cake for these students who have discovered who they are through the theater program.The students will present an encore production of ERNEST AND THE PALE MOON on January 30th. Proceeds from this production will benefit their trip. For more information or to support the Sanderson Theatre Ensemble, visit <a href="http://shstheatreensemble.weebly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://shstheatreensemble.weebly.com/</a>.About the GuestsPeter Comperatore is an artist, educator, award-winning director, and improviser. He has been the theater teacher at Sanderson High School since 2010. He has also directed several shows at North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre (NRACT) since 2008.Camden Trimmer is a junior at Sanderson High School and has been involved in Sanderson Theatre and local community theatre for the past three years.Lissa Pope is a senior at Sanderson High School and is planning on pursuing a major in acting in college. She has been involved in Sanderson Theatre for four years.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li></ul>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a>

Ep. 53: High School Theater Program Sets Sights on Southeastern Theatre Conference

Raleigh Little Theatre's Executive Director Charles Phaneuf, Education Director Meredyth Pederson Cooper, and Women's Theatre Festival Executive Director Johannah Maynard Edwards talk about the evolution and importance of sensory-friendly performances and the upcoming production THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME.About the GuestsCharles Phaneuf is a Raleigh native who returned to the area and to RLT in 2012. He was previously Managing Director of Joe’s Movement Emporium, a multidisciplinary performing arts center located outside of Washington, DC, and Associate Managing Director at Shakespeare Theatre Company during the expansion into the Harman Center for the Arts. Charles is a founding member of the Capital Fringe Festival and Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, both in Washington. He is a UNC-Chapel Hill alumni, a board member of the Friends of the Gregg Museum at NCSU, and serves on the Dix Park Master Plan Advisory Committee. Charles was named “40 Under 40” by the Triangle Business Journal in 2014 and “Tar Heel of the Week” by the News &amp; Observer in 2018.Meredyth Pederson Cooper joined the staff of Raleigh Little Theatre as the Director of Education in March 2017. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Meredyth served as the Associate Education Director at Lexington Children’s Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky where she focused on creating meaningful partnerships with schools and creating engaging arts education experiences for youth and families. Meredyth holds her M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in Theatre from American University in Washington, DC. Meredyth is also currently the Managing Editor of TYA Today, the top trade publication for the field of Theatre for Young Audiences in the United States.Johannah Maynard Edwards is the Executive Director of the Women’s Theatre Festival based in Raleigh, NC. Johannah began making theatre when she was 15 and co-founded her first company, p.i.e., when she was 19. She has directed, devised, and produced countless theatrical productions in NYC, Minneapolis, and the Triangle. A passionate arts educator, Johannah has been a teaching artist at Raleigh Little Theatre for the past ten years and has taught at Arts Together, Sterling Montessori, LearningSpring, NC Governor’s School, through the America Reads program in NYC public schools, and most recently as the Interim Theatre Program Director at Longleaf School of the Arts. Johannah is a Chief Rep for PAAL, the Parent Artist Advocacy League for the Performing Arts and serves on the Arts Learning Community for Universal Access through the Office of Raleigh Arts. She’s an outspoken advocate and consultant for access and inclusion in theatre and has created a resource guide for presenting sensory-friendly theatre. She’s a contributor to RDU Onstage and is developing audio content for theatre practitioners and producers. Johannah is a graduate of NYU/Tisch School of the Arts/Playwrights Horizons Theatre School.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.comThe Raleigh Little Theatre production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” opens January 17. RDU on Stage's Lauren Van Hemert will be moderating a talkback with the cast after the January 26 performance. There is also a sensory-friendly performance scheduled for February 9. For more information visit https://raleighlittletheatre.org/.

Raleigh Little Theatre's Executive Director Charles Phaneuf, Education Director Meredyth Pederson Cooper, and Women's Theatre Festival Executive Director Johannah Maynard Edwards talk about the evolution and importance of sensory-friendly performances and the upcoming production THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME.About the GuestsCharles Phaneuf is a Raleigh native who returned to the area and to RLT in 2012. He was previously Managing Director of Joe’s Movement Emporium, a multidisciplinary performing arts center located outside of Washington, DC, and Associate Managing Director at Shakespeare Theatre Company during the expansion into the Harman Center for the Arts. Charles is a founding member of the Capital Fringe Festival and Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, both in Washington. He is a UNC-Chapel Hill alumni, a board member of the Friends of the Gregg Museum at NCSU, and serves on the Dix Park Master Plan Advisory Committee. Charles was named “40 Under 40” by the Triangle Business Journal in 2014 and “Tar Heel of the Week” by the News &amp; Observer in 2018.Meredyth Pederson Cooper joined the staff of Raleigh Little Theatre as the Director of Education in March 2017. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Meredyth served as the Associate Education Director at Lexington Children’s Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky where she focused on creating meaningful partnerships with schools and creating engaging arts education experiences for youth and families. Meredyth holds her M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in Theatre from American University in Washington, DC. Meredyth is also currently the Managing Editor of TYA Today, the top trade publication for the field of Theatre for Young Audiences in the United States.Johannah Maynard Edwards is the Executive Director of the Women’s Theatre Festival based in Raleigh, NC. Johannah began making theatre when she was 15 and co-founded her first company, p.i.e., when she was 19. She has directed, devised, and produced countless theatrical productions in NYC, Minneapolis, and the Triangle. A passionate arts educator, Johannah has been a teaching artist at Raleigh Little Theatre for the past ten years and has taught at Arts Together, Sterling Montessori, LearningSpring, NC Governor’s School, through the America Reads program in NYC public schools, and most recently as the Interim Theatre Program Director at Longleaf School of the Arts. Johannah is a Chief Rep for PAAL, the Parent Artist Advocacy League for the Performing Arts and serves on the Arts Learning Community for Universal Access through the Office of Raleigh Arts. She’s an outspoken advocate and consultant for access and inclusion in theatre and has created a resource guide for presenting sensory-friendly theatre. She’s a contributor to RDU Onstage and is developing audio content for theatre practitioners and producers. Johannah is a graduate of NYU/Tisch School of the Arts/Playwrights Horizons Theatre School.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>The Raleigh Little Theatre production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” opens January 17. RDU on Stage's Lauren Van Hemert will be moderating a talkback with the cast after the January 26 performance. There is also a sensory-friendly performance scheduled for February 9. For more information visit <a href="https://raleighlittletheatre.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://raleighlittletheatre.org/</a>.

Ep. 52: Sensory-Friendly Performances and A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a year since we launched RDU on Stage. Between us, we have reviewed over 90 shows in the Triangle (and beyond). Hear which shows and performances stood out to us over the past year in our first RDU on Stage Year-End Review.About UsLauren Van Hemert is a native of Miami, Florida. Her love of musicals started at the age of six when her dad took her to Radio City Music Hall to see a revival of the movie THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Prior to graduating from Indiana University-Bloomington, she hosted her own weekly talk show on Public Radio WDNA Miami and worked as a production intern for ‘As The World Turns.’ As the former Contributing Editor for Broadway World Raleigh, she covered over 50 shows in the Triangle. In January, she launched the RDU on Stage website to expand coverage of the Triangle theater community. She also hosts the weekly RDU on Stage podcast. Lauren is a proud member of the American Theatre Critics Association.Kim Jackson moved to Raleigh with her family just over two decades ago, and she has loved her life in the Triangle. When her children were younger, she made the rounds of family-fun events at the museums as well as kept busy with hockey, gymnastics and Irish dance. Now, her kids are in college (Go Pack!), one has graduated (Elon), and she has the opportunity to pursue other interests, like theater. Kim majored in history and English, also receiving advanced degrees in both, and held jobs where she wrote for various in-house publications. She is also a member of the American Theatre Critics Association.Connect with RDU on StageFacebook – @rduonstageTwitter – @rduonstageInstagram – @rduonstageWeb www.rduonstage.comFor a complete listing of the shows mentioned in this podcast episode, click here.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a year since we launched RDU on Stage. Between us, we have reviewed over 90 shows in the Triangle (and beyond). Hear which shows and performances stood out to us over the past year in our first RDU on Stage Year-End Review.About UsLauren Van Hemert is a native of Miami, Florida. Her love of musicals started at the age of six when her dad took her to Radio City Music Hall to see a revival of the movie THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Prior to graduating from Indiana University-Bloomington, she hosted her own weekly talk show on Public Radio WDNA Miami and worked as a production intern for ‘As The World Turns.’ As the former Contributing Editor for Broadway World Raleigh, she covered over 50 shows in the Triangle. In January, she launched the RDU on Stage website to expand coverage of the Triangle theater community. She also hosts the weekly RDU on Stage podcast. Lauren is a proud member of the American Theatre Critics Association.Kim Jackson moved to Raleigh with her family just over two decades ago, and she has loved her life in the Triangle. When her children were younger, she made the rounds of family-fun events at the museums as well as kept busy with hockey, gymnastics and Irish dance. Now, her kids are in college (Go Pack!), one has graduated (Elon), and she has the opportunity to pursue other interests, like theater. Kim majored in history and English, also receiving advanced degrees in both, and held jobs where she wrote for various in-house publications. She is also a member of the American Theatre Critics Association.Connect with RDU on Stage<ul><li>Facebook – @rduonstage</li><li>Twitter – @rduonstage</li><li>Instagram – @rduonstage</li><li>Web <a href="http://www.rduonstage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.rduonstage.com</a></li></ul>For a complete listing of the shows mentioned in this podcast episode, <a href="https://rduonstage.com/2020/01/04/2019-year-end-review/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>.

Ep. 51: RDU on Stage Year-End Review

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