From The Book of Mormon.

Go backstage with one of Broadway’s hottest actors from Broadway’s biggest show. NY1′s Frank DiLella interviews The Book of Mormon star Andrew Rannells in the latest Downstage Center. From Hairspray and Jersey Boys to The Book of Mormon‘s Elder Price, Nebraska native Mr. Rannells relishes his time in the hottest show in town. Inspired by Into the Woods and The Who’s Tommy, he somehow found a way to keep a straight face during each hilarious performance on his way to his first Tony Award nomination in 2011. Listen to how he ended up in the current production and pranks his co-star Josh Gad on stage, what real Mormons think of his work, working with Trey Parker and Matt Stone and the sometimes controversial subject matter of their humor, and what happens when Oprah visits him after the show.

Original airdate – February 1, 2012.
Running time – 30:33.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to Downstage Center’s Andrew Rannells program page.

You can also download directly the Andrew Rannells program (mp3).

Casting Directors David Caparelliotis, Tara Rubin and Daniel Swee and moderator Patrick Pacheco discuss the role of the casting director; their collaboration with directors; recasting shows; and whether stars are necessary for success on Broadway today.

Original airdate – February 3, 2012.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s Casting Directors 2012 program page.

You can also download directly the Casting Directors 2012 program (mp4).

In 2001, Michael Lupu, senior dramaturg for the Guthrie Theatre, provided directors at the “Directing Shakespeare Symposium” with a brief lesson he called “Shakespeare 101.” In this twenty-minute discussion Lupu talks about audience expectations in the Elizabethan period, the history of Shakespeare’s company “Lord Chamberlain’s Men,” and how the shifting of Shakespeare’s theatre midway through his career may have affected his writing. Lupu enlists the help of designer Ming Cho Lee to explain the type of theatre in which Shakespeare was working, and how the intimate, single-room performance space of the Globe Theatre shaped almost every moment in Shakespeare’s work. Other topics discussed include: Shakespeare’s plays coming from the stage to the page and not vice versa, A Winter’s Tale being published after Shakespeare’s death, and the place of a poet in the theatre. This brief but incredibly thorough overview is a great recap for Shakespeare fans and a perfect introduction for those just getting started.

Originally recorded on – April 28, 2001.
Running time – 20:02.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s Directing Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s Theatre program page.

You can also download directly the Directing Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s Theatre program (mp3).

From Relatively Speaking.

Marlo Thomas and Lisa Emery share the stage in Broadway’s Relatively Speaking (an evening of one-acts written by Elaine May, Woody Allen, and Ethan Coen). In the Wing’s latest Downstage Center they get together to swap stories on the craft they love and how they got where they are today. Ms. Thomas begins as the interviewer but soon a conversation ensues about mutual director horror stories, women in the theatre, pre-show rituals, the inspiration they receive from hearing the audience entering the empty space, and, of course, Relatively Speaking and working with Elaine May’s words and John Turturro’s direction. They wrap it up discussing their “big breaks” – Ms. Thomas with Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park and Ms. Emery with Lanford Wilson’s Burn This.

Original airdate – January 18, 2012.
Running time – 31:03.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to Downstage Center’s Marlo Thomas and Lisa Emery program page.

You can also download directly the Marlo Thomas and Lisa Emery program (mp3).

Playwrights Lydia R. Diamond, David Henry Hwang and Suzan-Lori Parks discuss their work and other American playwrights and how they influenced them; the moment each was aware they wanted to be writers; their process; experiencing their work on Broadway for the first time; and the role mentors played in their lives and their role as mentors.

Original airdate – January 15, 2012.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s The Playwrights’ Voice 2012 program page.

You can also download directly the The Playwrights’ Voice 2012 program (mp4).

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director’s vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title.


In July 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Moisés Kaufman at the SDC offices. In this exchange, Thomas and Moisés traverse career beginnings, varying paths of directors, and the struggles involved with telling stories rooted in historical events on stage.

Originally recorded on – July 1, 2011.
Running time – 58:59.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s In Conversation With… Moisés Kaufman program page.

You can also download directly the In Conversation With… Moisés Kaufman program (mp3).

From Follies.

What happens when Follies star Elaine Paige sits down to interview her co-star Ron Raines? Listen now to the lively discussion about everything Follies and Sondheim: his lyrics, Sondheim as teacher, and the difficulty in performing Sweeney Todd, among other topics. Sondheim isn’t the only show in town. Paige and Raines also talk about balancing life and art, musical theatre vs. opera, the economics of Broadway, career longevity in the theatre, The King and I, transitioning from film/television acting to acting on the stage, and Paige’s most embarrassing stage moment while performing in Evita. Of course, it all goes back to Follies and its cast and why it’s so hard for Raines to follow Paige’s showstopper “I’m Still Here!”

Original airdate – January 4, 2012.
Running time – 29:56.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to Downstage Center’s Elaine Paige and Ron Raines program page.

You can also download directly the Elaine Paige and Ron Raines program (mp3).

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director’s vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title.

In June 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Joe Mantello backstage at the Golden Theater. From Mantello’s dressing room, their conversation traces his arc from actor to director and back, and the responsibility of taking risks to continue to evolve throughout a career.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2011.
Running time – 59:48.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s In Conversation With… Joe Mantello program page.

You can also download directly the In Conversation With… Joe Mantello program (mp3).

Producers Jean Doumanian and Daryl Roth talk about creating a supportive environment for artistic teams bringing shows to the stage; collaborating with other producers; the benefits and challenges of casting stars in a show; and the economics and creative process of producing off Broadway vs. on Broadway.

Original airdate – December 18, 2011.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s Producers: A Creative Approach program page.

You can also download directly the Producers: A Creative Approach program (mp4).

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director’s vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title.


In July 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Susan Stroman in her office in Manhattan. They discuss her early exposure to the theatre and her impulse to pursue directing and choreographing professionally. The conversation also includes the importance of creating one’s own opportunities, the unique aspects of touring productions, and the necessity of deep collaboration when creating theater.

Originally recorded on – July 1, 2011.
Running time – 56:02.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s In Conversation With… Susan Stroman program page.

You can also download directly the In Conversation With… Susan Stroman program (mp3).

Our guests — representatives from theatres receiving the American Theatre Wing 2011 National Theatre Company Grants: Buntport Theater Company, FUSION, Mo´olelo Performing Arts Company, Pig Iron Theatre Company, Rude Mechanicals, Synchronicity Theatre, TheatreSquared, TimeLine Theatre, Transport Group and Watts Village Theater Company — discuss the challenges they face in tough economic times; their community outreach; and the creativity and diversity in the works they present.

Original airdate – December 4, 2011.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s Regional Theatre program page.

You can also download directly the Regional Theatre program (mp4).

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director’s vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title.

In June 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Jason Moore (Avenue Q, Shrek, Tales of the City) at Moore’s apartment in Manhattan. Topics range from developing a new musical to the process of transferring Off-Broadway productions to Broadway without losing the immediacy of the initial production. They also address the challenge of maintaining longer running productions to ensure they consistently feel vibrant and fresh.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2011.
Running time – 57:17.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s In Conversation With… Jason Moore program page.

You can also download directly the In Conversation With… Jason Moore program (mp3).

Directors rarely get the opportunity to spend time and share ideas in a room with other directors. This new one-on-one conversation series was conceived by director Thomas Kail to give himself, and his peers, an opportunity to do just that. This series of conversations explores topics that stretch from finding the spark in their work, making a life as a director, and how they landed on this side of the table. Each director’s vision is distinct, and their way of working is their own, but this series also addresses all they have in common beyond the shared title.

In June 2011, Thomas Kail sat in conversation with Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Peter and the Starcatcher) at the SDC Offices. Their discussion explores how they followed their respective impulse to start their own theater company, and delves into the challenge of creating new work. They also address their inspirations and those who have influenced them as directors.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2011.
Running time – 1:04:56.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s In Conversation With… Alex Timbers program page.

You can also download directly the In Conversation With… Alex Timbers program (mp3).

Thomas Schumacher talks with guests, Ben Cameron and Kevin McCollum, about the state of theatre today in a wide ranging conversation that highlights how theatre can survive during difficult economic times; whether celebrities can affect sales and audiences; and dealing with government and foundation funding.

Original airdate – November 13, 2011.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s The State of Theatre: Institutions and Producers program page.

You can also download directly the The State of Theatre: Institutions and Producers program (mp4).

At its 2002 Symposium, Director of Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, Joe Miloscia, welcomed everyone to the symposium and introduced then Executive Director of SSDC Barbara Hauptman. Barbara introduced the two speakers: V.P. and Managing Director of The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation Rob Marx who moderated a talk with accomplished director and producer Hal Prince. The conversation focused on Hal’s personal take on the making of new musicals and the fostering of new talent. Topics covered include the importance of mentorship, artistic process, how the relationship between producers and directors has changed, and what institutions are supporting the development of new musicals. This conversation with a true master gives incredible insight into the history and current innovation in musical theatre.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2002.
Running time – 1:20:46.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2002 Symposium: Hal Prince program page.

You can also download directly the 2002 Symposium: Hal Prince program (mp3).

At its 2003 Symposium SDCF invited Scott Elliott, freelance director and Artistic Director of The New Group, to give a keynote speech on directing in multiple mediums, running a theatre company, and life as an artist. SDC Observer of Scott Elliott, Mark Robinson, moderated the talk. Topics include why Elliott shifted from performing to directing, how New Group got its start, the evolution of work done at New Group, what he looks for when hiring a director, working with independent vs. commercial producers, and process. This thought-provoking conversation covers the diverse aspects of artistic leadership.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2003.
Running time – 1:09:50.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2003 Symposium: Keynote by Scott Elliott program page.

You can also download directly the 2003 Symposium: Keynote by Scott Elliott program (mp3).

Disney Theatrical President and Producer Thomas Schumacher takes us behind the curtain and gives us an up close and personal view of how things work backstage. We’ll meet the make up people from The Lion King, share secrets from a premiere Broadway wig designer, watch just how those quick changes happen in Mary Poppins, meet the man behind the puppets in The Lion King and hear one member of The Lion King orchestra as he demonstrates those signature sounds.

Original airdate – October 23, 2011.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s Behind The Curtain program page.

You can also download directly the Behind The Curtain program (mp4).

SDCF hosted a Symposium on Musical Theatre in 2003 moderated by Daniella Topol, then the National Alliance Musical Theatre’s New Works Program Director. The panel featured Urinetown director John Rando, then Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Works Thomas Cott, then Artistic Director of North Shore Music Theatre Jon Kimbell, General Manager Nancy Gibbs, Choreographer of Zanna, Don’t! Devanand Janki, and Director Gabriel Barre. The panel discussed how new musicals are developed and ways institutions and artists can work together to foster the future of musical theatre. Each member provides a different perspective on new musicals and their life in New York to Regional and International stages. This dialogue sheds light on the current landscape of musical theatre.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2003.
Running time – 56:54.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2003 Symposium: Musical Theatre program page.

You can also download directly the 2003 Symposium: Musical Theatre program (mp3).

At its October 2010 Director-Choreographer-Network, SDC Director of Member Services Barbara Wolkoff moderated a panel featuring SDCF’s Director of Foundation Ellen Rusconi, Theatre Communications Group’s Director of Artistic Programs Emilya Cachapero, and The Drama League’s Artistic Director Roger Danforth. Topics cover programs offered, what constitutes a successful candidate and application, interview tips, plus insider advice from previous program applicants who were awarded the opportunity. This conversation is an exciting and clear look into a successful application process.

Originally recorded on – October 26, 2010.
Running time – 1:22:21.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2010 DCN: Directors Programs Applications program page.

You can also download directly the 2010 DCN: Directors Programs Applications program (mp3).

At its 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium, SDCF hosted a panel moderated by Ellen Rusconi and featuring Ars Nova’s Artistic Director Jason Eagen, Manhattan Theatre Club’s Artistic Line Producer Lisa McNulty, Playwrights Horizons’ Artistic Staff Associate Briel Steinberg, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Program Manager Haowen Wang, and Brooklyn Arts Council’s Regrant Director Ethany Uttech. The discussion centers on various opportunities for emerging directors and choreographers in New York City. The opportunities covered include grants, internships, assistantships, residencies, and festivals. Each panel member discussed in detail how emerging artists can get involved with their institution, interview tips, information sessions at BAC & LMCC, and what makes a successful program participant. This conversation gives fantastic practical advice on how to get involved with great institutions as an emerging artist.

Originally recorded on – June 6, 2011.
Running time – 43:07.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium: Opportunities program page.

You can also download directly the 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium: Opportunities program (mp3).

At its 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium, SDCF hosted a panel moderated by Ellen Rusconi and featuring established freelance theater artists Jeremy Dobrish, Sarah Maxfield, Daniel Talbott, and Wendy Seyb. Topics cover the career trajectories of these established freelance artists from start to the current moment, the term “emerging” versus “established” artist, how they got jobs at the start of their career vs. how they get jobs now, agents, what constitutes a successful collaboration, and everyday steps early career artists can take to further their career. This conversation is an inspiring window into how to get started and sustain a career as a working artist.

Originally recorded on – June 6, 2011.
Running time – 59:16.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium: Get Your Work On program page.

You can also download directly the 2011 Emerging Artists Symposium: Get Your Work On program (mp3).

In May 2011 SDCF hosted a One on One Conversation with freelance director David Cromer and Artistic Director of Writers’ Theater Michael Halberstam. The conversation covers how they come to their projects, previews and reviews, the danger of facing no obstacles in a process, and their artistic approach. Michael and David shed light on collaboration, the role of director and artistic director, new work vs. classics, and the differences between theatre in Chicago and theatre in New York City. This lively discussion between two good friends, who often collaborate, provides an honest look at creative methods and artistic leadership.

Originally recorded on – May 7, 2011.
Running time – 1:26:36.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s David Cromer and Michael Halberstam program page.

You can also download directly the David Cromer and Michael Halberstam program (mp3).

Actors Nina Arianda, Nikki M. James, Arian Moayed and Bobby Steggert share what drew them to the theatre; the difference between training and actually being on stage; the audition process; what they learn from more experienced actors; what they look for in roles and their relationship with the director.

Original airdate – August 15, 2011.
Running time – 1:00:00.

For more information, to watch online, or to download the episode go to Working in the Theatre’s Challenges and Triumphs: Actors 2011 program page.

You can also download directly the Challenges and Triumphs: Actors 2011 program (mp4).

This 2003 panel discussion includes artistic leaders Clinton Turner Davis, Diane Paulus, Sabrina Peck, Neil Pepe (Atlantic Theater Company), Scott Elliot (The New Group), and Tisa Chang (Pan Asian Repertory). The discussion centers on challenges and opportunities for artistic leaders. Topics cover how economics affect artistic choices, how to sustain a creatively fulfilling career, and projections on what issues the next wave of artistic leaders will face. This conversation gives stimulating insight into artistic leadership as it is now and where it is heading.

Originally recorded on – June 1, 2003.
Running time – 1:25:11.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to SDCF Masters of the Stage’s 2003 Symposium: Now What? program page.

You can also download directly the 2003 Symposium: Now What? program (mp3).

Tony Award Winning Scenic Designer.

Eugene Lee, resident designer for Rhode Island’s Trinity Rep since 1967, set designer for Saturday Night Live (SNL) since its inception, and three-time TONY Award winner, talks about the realistic set of Sweeney Todd; growing up in Wisconsin and his early theatre memories and experiences; why he dislikes proscenium stages; what led SNL‘s Lorne Michaels to hire him; working with Hal Prince on Sweeney Todd, Candide, Merrily We Roll Along, and Showboat; how he got involved in Wicked; working with Gordon Edelstein at Long Wharf Theatre; working with playwright Athol Fugard; and his love of teaching.

Original airdate – July 27, 2011.
Running time – 53:59.

For more information, to listen online, or to download the episode go to Downstage Center’s Eugene Lee program page.

You can also download directly the Eugene Lee program (mp3).