Theater Forward Jen Uphoff Gray, Julie Swenson, and Mike Fischer | Forward Theater Company

Our favorite summer stories are back! We sit down with some of our most treasured theater artists and ask them to share a story about a play or musical that "stayed" with them, inspired them, or simply blew their minds. This episode features:
Cody Estle - Artistic Director of Next Act Theatre
James Carrington - Actor and Associate Director of Engagement at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Lisa Schlenker - Scenic Designer
Mikael Burke - Director

It's our favorite time of the year! Theaters across the country are announcing their productions for the 2024-25 season, and we've got a LONG list of shows that we want to see. In this episode, we discuss the shows we're looking forward to locally, regionally, and across the country. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! This is when theater companies across the country announce their upcoming seasons, which means that theater is alive in America. In this episode, the team breaks down (and geeks out about) the lineup for Forward Theater's 2024-25 season:
KING JAMES by Rajiv Joseph
MURDER GIRL by Heidi Armbruster
SUMMER, 1976 by David Auburn
A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD by Samuel D. HunterLearn more about these plays at ForwardTheater.com.

Mike Fischer interviews Forward Theater Artistic Director (and fellow host) Jen Uphoff Gray! Jen discusses the valuable role of mentors in the arts, while reflecting on her formative relationship with Tony award-winning director Michael Blakemore. A thoughtful conversation about how we cultivate a new generation of theater directors, with a few juicy showbiz tales that include David Mamet and Woody Allen for good measure. Also mentioned in this episode: Forward Theater's Wisconsin Directors Lab - an inclusive workshop for the education and career development of emerging directors, scheduled for January 2025.  

What happens after a play moves on from its shiny status as a World Premiere?Playwright Samuel Hunter joins us to discuss the journey of a play, from its exciting life as a World Premiere through its crucial 2nd and 3rd productions. A brilliant conversation that provides insight into the world of creating (and supporting) new works in American theater. 

We look back at the theatrical highlights of 2023, and dive into our favorite experiences over the last year. We also take a moment to applaud the productions and artists that continue to take theater to the next level, and inspire us to keep looking forward.