Playing On Air: Short Audio Plays

Playing on Air
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Hear short, contemporary stage plays with first-rate casts. Playing on Air brings together award winners and emerging young talent, and each play is followed by a conversation with the playwrights and cast. Tune in for great American plays with great American actors, hosted and produced by Claudia Catania.

  1. 1D AGO

    FATHER'S SIN by Maleek Rae

    Today, we are proud to premiere the inaugural MC Libby Commission, "Father's Sin" by Maleek Rae with music by Xander Browne. "Father's Sin" is Directed by POA Alum, Goldie E. Patrick Jezelle the Gazelle and Revelations)   Welcome back to another episode of Playing on Air! Last month, we premiered "73, SK." by Else Went, directed by Emma Rosa Went, and "The Corner Cafe" by Charles Mee, directed by Tom Dugdale.  We've got 5 plays for the '25 - '26 Season, 4 of which are new plays, and 3 of those new plays are commissions.    The cast of "Father's Sin" features Maleek Rae and POA Alum, Frankie Faison  Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones.  ABOUT THE PLAY, "FATHER'S SIN": FATHER'S SIN is an audio offering that captures a father on death row making his final phone call to his son. Through this brief yet powerful piece, it explores the passing of generational legacies—the good, the bad, and the divine. Using music and poetic language, FATHER'S SIN is a hand reaching out with hope, seeking connection and understanding across the divides of time and circumstance. Featuring original music by Maleek Rae and Xander Browne, the piece highlights how music can step in during moments when words fail us and we struggle to express what we truly feel. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording by John Kilgore   Audio editing and sound design by John Kilgore and Xander Browne   Our Theme Music is by Tom Kochan.   "Father's Sin" music composed by Xander Browne   Lyrics Maleek Rae   "Father's Sin" audio play mixing by John Kilgore "Father's Sin" song mixing by Xander Browne   Piano, Xander Browne  Viola and Violin, LeiOra Hughes, viola and violin Rap, Maleek Rae Vocals, Murphy Lorenzo Applin Jr. Season Key Art: Tylar Greer-Travis Visit our website, www.playingonair.org for more information and to support our programming. Subscribe, Like, Follow, Review or leave a comment! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

    21 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    THE CORNER CAFE by Charles Mee

    Welcome back to another episode of Playing on Air! Playing on Air is back for a new season!  We've got 5 plays for the '25 - '26 Season, 4 of which are new plays, and 3 of those new plays are commissions.  Two weeks ago, we premiered "73, SK." by Else Went.  Today, we drop our 2nd episode of the season, "The Corner Cafe" by Charles Mee, directed by Tom Dugdale.   "The Corner Cafe" features the largest cast ever assembled for a Playing on Air recording!    The cast includes some POA Alums and some actors making their debut with us! We are thrilled to both welcome and say "hello again" to: Vandit Bhatt, Sasha Diamond, Ethan Dubin, Peter Friedman, Elijah Jones, Francis Jue, Matthew Maher, Katie Martucci, Barrie Lobo McLain, Jo Mei, Maryann Plunkett, Jon Norman Schneider, Constance Shulman and Claire Siebers Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones.  ABOUT THE PLAY, "THE CORNER CAFE": Society talk. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording, editing and sound design by John Kilgore Theme Music by Tom Kochan Guitar and Music Arrangement for "The Corner Cafe" by Katie Martucci and Barrie Lobo McLain   "The Corner Cafe", performed by Barrie Lobo McLain and Katie Martucci.   Music by Tom  Dugdale.   Lyrics by Tom Dugdale and Charles Mee Season Key Art: Tylar Greer-Travis Visit our website, www.playingonair.org for more information and to support our programming. Subscribe, Like, Follow, Review or leave a comment! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

    23 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    73, SK. by Else Went

    Playing on Air is back for a new season!  We've got 5 plays for '25 - '26 Season, 4 of which are new plays, and 3 of those new plays are commissions.  First up, is "73, SK." by Else Went, directed by Emma Rosa Went. "73, SK" features a company of actors each making their Playing on Air debut! We are thrilled to welcome: Olivia Rose Barresi, Paul Joseph Bernardo, Zachary Desmond, Chukwudi Iwuji and Joe McGurl. Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones.  ABOUT THE PLAY, "73, SK.": In the Central Coast of California, a community exists over the airwaves, an obscure group of radio operators who key up to discuss the minutiae of their lives and the county's goings on. When an unfortunate event reduces their number, the remaining members mourn, and return to life with renewed purpose. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording, editing and sound design by John Kilgore Theme Music by Tom Kochan Radio jingle composed and arranged by John Kilgore "Side by Side" Music and lyrics by Harry M. Woods.  Arrangement by Charlie Rosen Featuring Vocal Trio: The New York Nightingales: Katy Lombardi, Brianna Barnhart & Natasha Bergman.  The New York Nightingales was Founded by Jennifer Mergele. Season Artwork: Tylar Greer-Travis Visit our website, www.playingonair.org for more information and to support our programming.

    46 min

  4. TRAILER

    Playing on Air '25 - '26 Season Announcement

    Playing on Air's Leadership team, Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones ‪announce the '25 - '26 Season! Their 1st season together! ​ This new season includes 5 plays, 4 of which are World Premieres and 3 of which are commissions and 1 Playing on Air regular! • 73, SK. Written by Else Went, Directed by Emma Rosa Went • THE CORNER CAFE Written by Charles Mee, Directed by Tom Dugdale • A HEADSPACE MEDITATION Written by Mara Nelson-Greenberg, Directed by Sarah Lunnie • FATHER'S SIN Written by Maleek Rae, Directed by Goldie E. Patrick • THE RED COAT Written and Directed by John Patrick Shanley   WATCH the '25-'26 Announcement Here! ​ Visit our website: www.playingonair.org/2526-season to learn more about the season and SUBSCRIBE to Listen to our upcoming season! ​

    7 min

  5. 12/29/2024

    A STICKY MEMENTO by Ken Urban

    When Dee–a forty-something from Rockford, Illinois–visits Harvard's namesake statue, she discovers a legacy student, hiding from his parents in the bushes. What could this recently suspended nerd have in common with a Midwestern working-class divorcee? Parents! College! Rules and regulations! Gay or not gay. Gay meanies. What's a poor little rich boy to do?   A Sticky Memento is a world premiere written by Ken Urban (A Guide for the Homesick) and directed by Knud Adams (Primary Trust, English). The two-hander stars Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm in the Middle") and Taylor Trensch (Dear Evan Hansen).    Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air's founder, Claudia Catania.   Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you'll find our complete collection of audio plays.

    34 min

  6. 12/29/2024

    SHEILA: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF by Kirsten Greenidge

    It's not easy living with a zealot. Or being at the local supermarket where he prowls. Suppose you like bacon? Suppose disposable diapers? There is interference in the air.   Sheila: A Year In The Life Of is a world-premiere James Stevenson commission from Playwright Laureate of Boston Kirsten Greenidge (Milk Like Sugar). Melia Bensussen (Artistic Director of Hartford Stage) directs a terrific ensemble of Seret Scott, Postell Pringle, Nikkole Salter, Brittany Allen, Mary Bacon, Marchánt Davis, and Lee Wilkof.    Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air's founder, Claudia Catania.   Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you'll find our complete collection of audio plays.

    38 min

  7. 12/29/2024

    CRISIS PLANNING by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb

    What's with these birthdays that end in a zero? How is it that a mere multiple of ten can wield such power? A touch of wit and love language can help.    Crisis Planning is a world premiere James Stevenson commission from Bay Area-playwright Peter Sinn Nachtrieb (The Making of a Great Moment). Directed by Jason Eagan (Founding Artistic Director of Ars Nova), the play features Andrew Garman (The Holdovers, "The Gilded Age") and PoA legend April Matthis (Mary Jane, The Piano Lesson).   Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air's founder, Claudia Catania.   Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you'll find our complete collection of audio plays.

    33 min

  8. 12/29/2024

    DISNEY/FUKIJAWA BY Lloyd Suh

    It's 1942. WWIl is raging. Mr. Walt Disney is in New York to discuss another propaganda film requested by the US government to boost the wartime effort. At the moment, though, he is in a meeting with a former illustrator from his early days. It's Gyo Fujikawa. Disney/Fujikawa comes from the mind of 2023 Pulitzer Prize Finalist Lloyd Suh (The Far Country, Franklinland). Directed by Ralph Peña (Among the Dead, ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME), this audio premiere features the talents of Michi Barall (Peer Gynt and The Norwegian Hapa Band) and PoA veteran Steven Boyer (Hand to God, "Trial & Error").   Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air's founder, Claudia Catania.   Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you'll find our complete collection of audio plays.

    44 min
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Hear short, contemporary stage plays with first-rate casts. Playing on Air brings together award winners and emerging young talent, and each play is followed by a conversation with the playwrights and cast. Tune in for great American plays with great American actors, hosted and produced by Claudia Catania.

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