LIGHTS UP!

Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga
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  • PERFORMING ARTS
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LIGHTS UP!

A podcast celebrating playwrights, performers, and patrons. In Season 5, Executive Director Garry Posey and co-producer Caleb Sexton introduce theatre artists and creatives, delving into the storytelling and imagination of playwrights you may not have heard of—yet. lightsup@ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. ELEPHANTS WATER BONES by Noah Mannix

    JUN 17

    ELEPHANTS WATER BONES by Noah Mannix

    In our final episode of Season 5, we sit down with playwright Noah Mannix, a Philly-based Rising Playwright with Azuka Theatre. They unpack Elephants Water Bones, a twenty‑five‑minute absurdist exploration of ritual, grief, and human connection born from poetic ethnography. We also talk about staying connected to theatre in all its forms—from writing to building sets. Noah reflects on collaborative workshops, their exploration of creative mediums, and their journey from Azuka’s one‑act series to community-based theater. Play Starts (1:05) Join New Play Exchange to follow along. Conversation Starts (28:35) Actors: Amelia: Jessica Weaver Dad: Jason Russell Elephant/Meerkat: Caleb Sexton Flesh/Infant: Deb Meeks Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Noah: Noah's Website New Play Exchange Instagram Azuka Theatre Rising Writers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 34m
  2. CACTUS, TX by Dane Futrell

    JUN 2

    CACTUS, TX by Dane Futrell

    In this episode, we spotlight Cactus, Texas, a surreal one-act play by Dane Futrell, a recent MFA graduate in Dramatic Writing from Arizona State University. Set in a bizarre Northern Texas wasteland, the play follows two best friends whose encounter with a drifter sparks an existential unraveling. Dane shares insights into archetypes, absurdism, and storytelling post-pandemic. We explore themes of friendship, trust, and navigating uncertainty—with humor, heart, and the surreal. Play Starts (0:55) Join New Play Exchange to follow along. Conversation Starts (53:05) Actors: Lucie: Rachel Craig Kenny: Que Howard Eli: Deb Meeks Stranger: Rachel Craig Chad: Gage Miller Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Dane: New Play Exchange Instagram LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 26m
  3. RED IN THE MORNING by Dana Leslie Goldstein

    MAY 5

    RED IN THE MORNING by Dana Leslie Goldstein

    In this episode of Lights Up!, we welcome back award-winning playwright and lyricist Dana Leslie Goldstein to discuss her intimate two-hander, RED IN THE MORNING. Set against the stark quiet of a remote cabin, the play explores fractured family bonds and the high cost of survival. Dana reflects on the inspiration behind the piece, how grief shapes her characters’ voices, and the tension between escape and confrontation when the past refuses to stay buried. Keep an eye out for Dana's exciting works in development available for licensing! • LIBERTY: A MONUMENTAL MUSICAL – Off-Broadway cast recording available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and Broadway Records. Now available for licensing through Miracle or 2 Productions (NYC) • NATURAL, UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, and RED IN THE MORNING – available via Next Stage Press: nextstagepress.com/licensing • DAUGHTERS OF THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION – licensed outside NYC via Next Stage Press Play Starts (1:02) Conversation Starts (18:52) Actors: Mitch: Eric Wyatt Evan: Gage Miller Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Dana: Dana's Website New Play Exchange Facebook Instagram: @shadowlass18 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  4. MAKE MULCH FROM IT by Arianna Rose

    APR 16

    MAKE MULCH FROM IT by Arianna Rose

    Playwright, lyricist, and dramaturg Arianna Rose returns to Lights Up! for a heartfelt conversation about MAKE MULCH FROM IT, a 15-minute drama that tenderly explores the aftershocks of love lost, the ache of unresolved endings, and the longing to heal. Arianna reflects on how she turned heartbreak into art and honors the sacredness of memory. We also explore her process as a teacher and ever-evolving writer, and how she draws on history and personal experience to ground her work. Keep an eye for Arianna's other exciting works in development! • Musical: A Collectible Sensation—a bold, time-bending journey where the Cone sisters, Gertrude Stein, and Alice Toklas confront love, art, and the power of unapologetic selfhood. • Play: The Lesser Leyendecker—a rich, memory-driven play exploring art, addiction, and identity through the lives of illustrators Frank and Joe Leyendecker. Play Starts (1:00) Join New Play Exchange to follow along. Conversation Starts (18:34) Actors: Gordon: Joel Sanchez-Avantes Susan: Claire Bartlett Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Arianna: Arianna's Website SoundCloud Facebook Instagram:  @ariannarosewritesmusicals Bluesky: @ariannarose.bsky.social Threads: ariannarosewritesmusicals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  5. WHAT WE CAST OFF, WHAT WE KEEP by Judy Klass

    APR 7

    WHAT WE CAST OFF, WHAT WE KEEP by Judy Klass

    In this episode we welcome back Nashville-based playwright Judy Klass with her play WHAT WE CAST OFF, WHAT WE KEEP, a story rooted in metamorphosis and personal transformation. The conversation explores breakups, loss, and the complexities of navigating estrangement in relationships. We reflect on storytelling, unexpected collaboration, and the emotional growth that emerges from life’s most difficult transitions. Play Starts (0:55) Join New Play Exchange to follow along. Conversation Starts (30:34) Actors: Janet: Carrie Sutton Molly: Karen Henderson Stanley: Jason Russell Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Judy: Judy's Website New Play Exchange Vanderbilt University Faculty Bio Substack Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m
  6. FAIRIES by Adam Szudrich

    MAR 31

    FAIRIES by Adam Szudrich

    In this episode, we welcome returning Australian playwright and award-winning storyteller Adam Szudrich to discuss his creative journey from playwriting to filmmaking. Adam shares how personal experiences and cultural folklore influenced the themes of his play FAIRIES, exploring faith, fate, and defiance. We reflect on the privilege of storytelling, the balance between distraction and escapism in theater, and Adam's recent runaway success with the heartwarming short film Slow Dating, which has won over 50 international awards. Play Starts (1:12) Conversation with Adam (8:20) Actors: Teenager: Claire Bartlett Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Adam: adamszudrich.com New Play Exchange IMDB LinkedIn Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  7. BURIED by Audrey Webb

    MAR 24

    BURIED by Audrey Webb

    In this episode, we welcome Austin, TX based Audrey Webb, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter, to discuss her creative journey from acting to writing. Audrey shares how her background in improv—Theatre Sports at Vancouver’s Improv Centre and Toronto’s The Second City—influences her work, and dives into the themes of her play BURIED—exploring grief, using humor as a coping mechanism, and the writer's responsibility to portray truth, even in fictional narratives. Play Starts (0:47) Join New Play Exchange to follow along. Conversation with Audrey (8:41) Actors: Tyler: Eric "Red" Wyatt Chloe: Jessica Weaver Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Audrey: New Play Exchange IMDB LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  8. THE COFFIN MAKER by Mark Blankenship

    MAR 17

    THE COFFIN MAKER by Mark Blankenship

    In this episode of the Lights Up! podcast, Mark Blankenship shares his insights on creating immersive experiences, reflecting on the significance of movement in narrative influenced by his love of the Greek tragedy. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of theatre and the shared responsibility of storytellers and audiences in shaping demand for fresh perspectives. Beyond his work as a playwright, Mark Blankenship is a seasoned arts journalist and editor. His contributions have appeared in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Variety, and American Theatre. Mark's multifaceted career also includes roles as a dramaturg and filmmaker, underscoring his diverse impact on the arts community. Play Starts (1:01) Conversation with Mark (10:44) Actors: Tom Baxter: SJ Lester Wick Wallace: Joel Sanchez-Avantes Greg Hughes: Caleb Sexton Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Links to follow Mark: Website: markgblankenship.com/bylines Twitter/Instagram: @IAmBlankenship​ Bluesky: markblankenship.bsky.social Substack: lostsongs.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blankenship-0118776/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A podcast celebrating playwrights, performers, and patrons. In Season 5, Executive Director Garry Posey and co-producer Caleb Sexton introduce theatre artists and creatives, delving into the storytelling and imagination of playwrights you may not have heard of—yet. lightsup@ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga
  • Show Website
    LIGHTS UP!

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