The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast
  • 4.3 (10)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

A podcasts in the bay about life in the theater and the Theater of life.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 378: Dev Cuny, Joyful Raven & Robyn DeGuzman

    Jake is out for this Yay, but I have three wonderful guests: Dev Cuny, Joyful Raven and Robyn DeGuzman. Robyn has a one woman show, Enough Free – and Dev has their show, Assigned at Birth: My Funeral Part 1, both directed by Joyful Raven and both are at the Marsh. Joyful also has her show, Tactical Frivolity, from Nov 6 to Dec 5. My guests talk about their upbringing, their shows and their future. Dev can be reached directly via Instagram: @devcuny Joyful Raven can be reached via Instagram: @joyfulraven Robyn can be also be reached directly via Instagram: @robyndeguzmanofficial Robyn also has her webpage: https://robyndeguzmanofficial.com On the Yay, we often talk about mental and spiritual health, especially for us actors, because our emotions are our currency. My good friend Cary Ann Rosko (Episodes 77 and 296) is not only a great actress, but is a psychotherapist and she’s opening up her business to the online community. She’s offering virtual psychotherapy services to individual adults in California. Check out her website, https://www.caryannroskomft.com/what-i-offer, and take the first step in taking care of your personal health. Sometimes we need a hand to hold in healing, and Cary has her hand out, waiting to help you. Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Assimilation: Stories by E. L. Doctorow & Tatyana Tolstaya (Z Space & Word for Word) Oct 14 - Nov 8 Brady Morales Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Bessie Zolno (Episode 308) is the intimacy/fight coordinator https://www.zspace.org/wfw-assimilation The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Dracula (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 7 – Nov 1 Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show Vivienne Troung (Episode 338) is in the show Max Tachis (Episode 370) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Come From Away (Royal Underground Theatre Company) Nov 13 – Dec 6 C. J. Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.theroyalunderground.org/#home Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  2. Sep 27

    Episode 377: Dedrick Weathersby

    Dedrick Weathersby is our next guest on The Yay. Dedrick is an actor, writer and producer – he’s the executive director and founder of Super Bad Theater Company and has written Tutti Frutti: The Musical, which will be performing on November 7th at the Guild Theatre in Sacramento. Jake and I talk about Dedrick’s upbringing, his work in the bay area and where he sees himself in the future. You can learn more about Dedrick via his website: https://www.dedrickweathersby.com You can learn about Tutti Frutti the musical here: https://www.tuttifruttithenewmusical.com/ Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Assimilation: Stories by E. L. Doctorow & Tatyana Tolstaya (Z Space & Word for Word) Oct 14 - Nov 8 Brady Morales Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Bessie Zolno (Episode 308) is the intimacy/fight coordinator https://www.zspace.org/wfw-assimilation Queer as F**k: Renegades (Bindlestiff Studios) 10th Anniversary Show LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Jessica Fong (Episode 289) wrote and directs a piece in the show Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) directed a piece in the show https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/queer-as-f**k-renegade Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) LAST SHOW TONIGHT! Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Dracula (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 7 – Nov 1 Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show Vivienne Troung (Episode 338) is in the show Max Tachis (Episode 370) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Come From Away (Royal Underground Theatre Company) Nov 13 – Dec 6 C. J. Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.theroyalunderground.org/#home Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  3. Sep 20

    Episode 376: Amanda Le Nguyen & Daniel Cardenas

    We always love to hear love stories, especially from artists who met while doing what they do best. Today’s guests are Amanda Le Nguyen and Daniel Cardenas, who are recently engaged! Dani is a regional actor and Amanda will be the director of Pear Slices next year and recently acted in We Will Rock You at San Jose Stage. We’ll hear about their upbringing, their work in the bay area, their love story, and where they see themselves in the future. You can follow Amanda and Dan directly via Instagram: @sillieamanda Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Assimilation: Stories by E. L. Doctorow & Tatyana Tolstaya (Z Space & Word for Word) Oct 14 - Nov 8 Brady Morales Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Bessie Zolno (Episode 308) is the intimacy/fight coordinator https://www.zspace.org/wfw-assimilation Queer as F**k: Renegades (Bindlestiff Studios) 10th Anniversary Show Sept 17 – 26 Jessica Fong (Episode 289) wrote and directs a piece in the show Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) directed a piece in the show https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/queer-as-f**k-renegade Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) LAST SHOW TONIGHT Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Dracula (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 7 – Nov 1 Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show Vivienne Troung (Episode 338) is in the show Max Tachis (Episode 370) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Come From Away (Royal Underground Theatre Company) Nov 13 – Dec 6 C. J. Strickland (Episode 216) is in the show https://www.theroyalunderground.org/#home Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  4. Sep 12

    Episode 375: Joanne Winter & Vanessa Flores Chacko

    Z Space Co-Artistic Directors Joanne Winter and Vanessa Flores Chacko are our next guests for The Yay! Some of the best bay area performances and events (like the TBA Conference last year) have come from Z Space and we’re excited to have these lovely ladies here ;) Joanne and Vanessa talk about their upbringing, how they came to work for Z Space and where their future lies. You can follow Z Space and learn about any future events via Instagram: @zspacesf You can follow Joanne directly via Instagram: @jo_jo3486 You can follow Vanessa directly via Instagram: @thisisvanessafloreschacko Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Assimilation: Stories by E. L. Doctorow & Tatyana Tolstaya (Z Space & Word for Word) Oct 14 - Nov 8 Brady Morales Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show https://www.zspace.org/wfw-assimilation Queer as F**k: Renegades (Bindlestiff Studios) 10th Anniversary Show Sept 17 – 26 Jessica Fong (Episode 289) wrote and directs a piece in the show Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) directed a piece in the show https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/queer-as-f**k-renegade The White Chip (Eclectic Box SF) Sept 11, 12 & 13 Aaron Seymour (Episode 317) is in the show Craig Souza (Episode 10) is directing the show https://www.eclecticboxsf.com Hairspray (SF Playhouse) LAST SHOW TONIGHT! Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Dracula (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Oct 7 – Nov 1 Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  5. Sep 5

    Episode 374: John Hutchinson

    John Hutchinson has been on the Yay more times than anyone else (perhaps aside from Jeannie Barroga) – he shared his life story on Episode 57, we celebrated the life of the late Jeff Thompson on Episode 103 and we brought him back on (with Norman Gee) on Episode 211. John Hutchinson, a beloved friend and former member of Eastenders Repertory Company, turns 90 on the 23rd, and Jake and I are at his home to celebrate his life and his contributions to theatre as an actor and a writer. The Hutch loves messages – you can directly message Hutch via Facebook. SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org The White Chip (Eclectic Box SF) Sept 11, 12 & 13 Aaron Seymour (Episode 317) is in the show Craig Souza (Episode 10) is directing the show https://www.eclecticboxsf.com Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ ROI (SF Playhouse) Aug 6 – Sept 5 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/roi-return-on-investment/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  6. Aug 22

    Episode 373: Dylan Russell & Anthony AJ Jefferson

    We have two guest today – Dylan Russell and Anthony “Chef” Jefferson. Dylan was the Associate Director at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Anthony is a poet, actor and writer who has worked with the Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project. AJ just finished his one man show, The Bumpy Road Less Traveled, at the Marsh – Dylan directed AJ. Jake and I talk about their background, their work in the bay area and their projects in the future. You can reach Dylan directly via Instagram: @dylanrussell613 You can reach Anthony directly via Instagram: @anthonymichaeljefferson Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Miss Thang! (Shotgun Players) August 24-26 Brittany Sims (Episode 328) is in the reading Ae’jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is directing the reading https://shotgunplayers.org/show/miss-thang/ Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ ROI (SF Playhouse) Aug 6 – Sept 5 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/roi-return-on-investment/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  7. Aug 12

    Episode 372: Dr. Austin Dean Ashford

    Jake and I next welcome Dr. Austin Dean Ashford – Latin Grammy nominated artist and playwright who’s one man show, Rap Monologues, is part of TheatreWorks’ New Works Festival – he next performs on Saturday (Aug 15th) at 8pm. Dr. Ashford has performed at the Kennedy Center and his show, Austin Dean Ashford Live, is on Amazon Prime Video. Jake and I talk about his background, his work in the bay area and where he’s going in the future. You can reach Dr. Ashford directly via Instagram: @draustindeanashford If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I’m sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  8. Aug 1

    Episode 371: Diana Lee

    Veteran musical director Diana Lee joins us this Yay. Diana Lee has been featured at the Hotel Nikko, Brava Theatre, the Hillbarn Theatre and many more. Jake and I talk about her upbringing, her career and where she sees herself in the future. You can reach Diana Lee directly via Instagram: @dianamusiclee If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I’m sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part I & II (Central Works) July 18 – Sept 6 (Pt I); Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Newsies (Castro Valley Arts Foundation) July 24 – Aug 9 Paul Plain (Episode 125) is in the show https://cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
10 Ratings

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A podcasts in the bay about life in the theater and the Theater of life.

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