Oh, the Drama!

David Geffen School of Drama at Yale
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

David Geffen School of Drama at Yale celebrates its centennial with a ten-episode podcast exploring 100 years of the extraordinary productions, sensational student stories, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped the iconic institution we know today. Join host Courtney B. Vance as artists across all disciplines taught at the Geffen School show us what it takes to put on a show.

Episodes

  1. Dramaturgy & Dramatic Criticism: “Think Like a Critic”

    23h ago

    Dramaturgy & Dramatic Criticism: “Think Like a Critic”

    Critics can get a bad rap amongst artists. But imagine having a critic with savvy research skills and extensive knowledge of theater history at your side throughout production to help make your show the best it can be. Learn how Oscar-winning actor Frances McDormand, HBO showrunner Rolin Jones, and Bad Robot Productions executive Rachel Rusch Rich have each been influenced by dramaturgs, and how dramaturgs’ keen analytical abilities sometimes lead to incredible discoveries... *** This episode features Marcus Gardley (‘04, Faculty), Eric Glover (Faculty), Rolin Jones (‘04), James Magruder ('88, D.F.A. '92), Thando Mangcu (‘27), Nia Robinson (‘27), Rachel Rusch Rich (‘05, D.F.A. ‘08), and Catherine Sheehy ('92, D.F.A. '99). *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon (‘26). Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat. *** Clip used from the Columbia Masterworks recording of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot (1957), directed by Herbert Berghof. Recordings: Paul Walsh at the meet and greet for Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of ⁠Hedda Gabler⁠ (2026) directed by James Bundy; and backstage of ⁠King Lear (La Noche Llegará)⁠, a Shakespeare Repertory Project production adapted by Héctor Flores Komatsu and Thando Mangcu and directed by Héctor Flores Komatsu. Other shows referenced include the Yale Repertory Theatre production of Zora Neale Hurston’s ⁠Spunk⁠ (2025), the 2024 David Geffen School of Drama production of Jordan Cooper’s play Ain’t No Mo directed by Kemar Jewel (‘25), and Berkeley Rep’s production of Macbeth (2016) directed by Daniel Sullivan.

    48 min
  2. Technical Design & Production: “...Made Possible”

    Jul 1

    Technical Design & Production: “...Made Possible”

    Ideas are one thing. Reality is another.  It takes tools, materials, and feats of engineering for clever people to translate those ideas into 3D reality on stage. TD&P students confront ever-changing technologies and unchanging laws of physics. They translate artistic concepts into tangible production elements, keeping teams safe onstage and backstage as they do. *** This episode features Shaminda Amarakoon (Faculty), David Budries (Former Faculty), Shannon Dodson (‘26), Ella Egan (‘28), Anna Glover (Faculty), Jennifer McClure (Faculty), Jon Reed (‘07, Faculty), Anthony Robles (‘26), Meredith Wilcox (‘27), and Jennifer Yuqing Cao (‘26).  *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon (‘26). Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat. *** Learn more from Jen McClure by reading her book Bloody Brilliant: How to Develop, Execute, and Clean Up Blood Effects for Live Performance.  Recordings featured from Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of Furlough’s Paradise (2026) directed by abigail jean-baptiste. Other shows referenced include Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of Arcadia (2014) directed by James Bundy and the 2017 David Geffen School of Drama production of Death of Yazdgerd directed by Shadi Ghaheri (‘17).

    50 min
  3. Design: "The Impossible..."

    Jun 24

    Design: "The Impossible..."

    Sets. Lighting. Costumes. Sound. Projections. Designers create everything you see and everything you hear at the theater. What goes into bringing impossible worlds to life on stage? And what happens when there is no stage? *** This episode features Oana Botez (Faculty), Jill BC Du Boff (Faculty), Wendall K. Harrington (Faculty), Riccardo Hernández (‘92), Donald Holder (‘86, Faculty), Camilla Tassi (‘22), Jennifer Tipton (Former Faculty), Michael Yeargan (‘72, Faculty), and Jennifer Yuqing Cao (‘26). *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon (‘26). Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat. -   Recordings featured from Yale Repertory Theatre’s productions of Battle of Black and Dogs (2010) and Rhinoceros (2026).

    1h 3m
  4. Stage Management: "All the Wheel's a Stage"

    Jun 10

    Stage Management: "All the Wheel's a Stage"

    The show must go on! Or must it…? After the director and the designers all leave and the house lights go down, the theater is the stage manager’s domain. They’re an air traffic controller and flight attendant in one. And without them, a production can quickly go south. When glass shatters on stage, when the stage floor must stay a spotless white night after night, when the director is re-blocking the show all the way up to opening night, how does the stage manager keep the plane in the air?  *** This episode features Narda E. Alcorn (‘95, Faculty), Payton Gunner (‘27), A.K. Howard (‘13), Taylor Oliva (‘28), and Ben Pfister (‘17, Faculty). *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon (‘26). Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat: -   Recordings from backstage of King Lear (La Noche Llegará), a Shakespeare Repertory Project production adapted by Héctor Flores Komatsu and Thando Mangcu and directed by Héctor Flores Komatsu. Other shows referenced include the 2025 David Geffen School of Drama production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, directed by Destyne R. Miller, and the 2026 Yale Repertory Theatre production of Hedda Gabler, directed by James Bundy.

    47 min
  5. Directing: "It's Alive!"

    Jun 3

    Directing: "It's Alive!"

    What makes a good director? Bringing a play to life from the page to the stage is the spiritual work of a lifetime. Follow Yale directors as they unearth life in a text, inspire and guide actors’ performances, and translate visions from imagination to reality. Plus, hear the story of a subversive take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew starring a young Lupita Nyong'o (‘12).  *** This episode features Lileana Blain-Cruz (‘12, Former Faculty), Jasmine Brooks (‘26), Tess Cruz (‘28), Liz Diamond (Faculty), Ethan Heard (‘13, YC ‘07, Former Faculty), and incoming dean Evan Yionoulis. *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon. Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat. Live recordings from the Yale Repertory Theatre productions of Zora Neale Hurston’s Spunk (2025) and Jasmine Brooks's Directors’ Thesis Production of Aleshea Harris’s Is God Is (2026).

    47 min
  6. Theater Management: "The People Industry"

    May 27

    Theater Management: "The People Industry"

    Art shapes culture, so theater managers are often at the forefront of change. That’s because the business of theater is the business of people, from the cast and crew to the audience. At DGSD, students craft AI policy, uphold institutional promises of anti-racism, and shape the theater landscape. In this episode, Carmen Morgan gets a call from Dean James Bundy. DGSD was about to change. *** This episode features Josh Borenstein (‘02, Faculty), Raekwon Fuller (‘27), Chloe Knight (’24), Reynaldi Lindner Lolong (‘13), Shaunda Miles McDill (‘04), Carmen Morgan (Faculty), and Maya Simon (‘28). Read about Carmen’s organization Arts Equity and learn more about Phamaly, the Denver-based theater where Raekwon did his fellowship. *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon (‘27). Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/surf-turf License code: YOO2VOFWQZI7VRY8 https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/dancing-in-kotor License code: E3IOIDD2YQMHPGW9 https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/dancing-in-kotor License code: E3IOIDD2YQMHPGW9 https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/gossip License code: ZKFGQMFJTV7FHCHD https://uppbeat.io/t/future-forests/tides License code: UOPWWXASTQK15FAH https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/to-valhalla License code: DYHO2ZI4VF8ZEHO7 https://uppbeat.io/t/vocalista/spread-the-light License code: FJFZJAPL7ZXZOMGN https://uppbeat.io/t/vocalista/mind-maps License code: GWNDNDHJBGBW5REK https://uppbeat.io/t/anthem-falls/polaroid-memoirs License code: OBRD3QUMOE3QYVNS https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/magical-playground License code: ZLXGS49T5QNSP1JW https://uppbeat.io/t/the-magical-egg/creeping-around-absurdly License code: MT0JZARJNTR4OKTM https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/marshmallow License code: 18FE7SJWRGBWVFHL

    44 min
  7. Playwriting: "A Work in Progress"

    May 20

    Playwriting: "A Work in Progress"

    A good script  is powerful: it can change hearts and open minds. The secret? Playwriting is a team sport. Learn how Yale playwrights like Sarah Ruhl, Marcus Gardley, and Interview with a Vampire showrunner Rolin Jones use workshopping and collaboration to sharpen their scripts and hone their artistic voices. *** This episode features Emily Breeze (‘26), Marcus Gardley (‘04, Faculty), Rolin Jones (‘04), Nia Robinson (‘27), and Sarah Ruhl (Faculty). *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon. Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Upbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/floor-model/hogeweyk License code: WYYEPPFXBWCZQKEZ https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/also-sprach-zarathustra License code: A3TWWW9HPGALRLUF https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/particles-and-waves License code: CDWT3UCCF4WMT29Y https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/summer-the-four-seasons-vivaldi License code: K75THUY0SYZUAFFJ https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/dance-of-the-hours-ponchielli License code: TDCPTJTTGAZWSNEH https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/lovely-waltz License code: YEQHKB6X2XQZVGIT https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/eine-kleine-nachtmusik-mozart License code: CRMMKRH2GKJRSJJS https://uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/impressionist License code: SMBRMLKLWUMNHY6U https://uppbeat.io/t/airstream/bashin-it License code: YEY2CZAJPRJCOVV8 https://uppbeat.io/t/the-magical-egg/creeping-around-absurdly License code: WLPOLX15GB9NEMNH https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/planting-seeds License code: QJNDMRPLBXAZNDKT https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/vienna-blood-waltz-johann-strauss-ii License code: GSESNBWD51HKSHG3 https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/chopin-nocturne-no-2-in-e-flat License code: WFXSR3OPXOUPPF1R

    40 min
  8. Opening Night: "Revolution is Always in the Air"

    May 13

    Opening Night: "Revolution is Always in the Air"

    Change is a constant at Yale's David Geffen School of Drama. Legendary leaders, restless students, and a midnight meeting that led to the birth of Yale Repertory Theatre - this is the story of how DGSD became what it is, as told by actor Courtney B. Vance ('86). *** This episode features James Magruder ('88, D.F.A. '92), Catherine Sheehy ('92, D.F.A. '99), and Irene Lewis ('66). Read James's book The Play's the Thing: Fifty Years of Yale Repertory Theatre for more on Yale's theatrical past, and be on the lookout for Catherine's upcoming book for a comprehensive history of the school. *** Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson. Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy. Episode art by Kiki Gordon. Original music by James Harrison Monaco. Additional music from Uppbeat: Puzzle Pieces, Albert BeharHidden Signs, SoundrollTicking Tension, Albert BeharDon't Misbehave, SoundrollFantasia, Monument MusicComplex World, All Good FolksGravity of Us, DADAAlpenglow, Hvegel

    41 min
  9. Trailer: Oh, the Drama!

    Trailer

    Trailer: Oh, the Drama!

    Celebrate 100 years on stage with an original ten-part podcast from David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Host Courtney B. Vance ('86) takes you behind the curtain, exploring how the Geffen School has trained a century of artists across theatrical disciplines. Hear sensational student stories, learn from Geffen School faculty, and listen to award-winning alumni reminisce on Oh, the Drama! The first episode is out soon.

    2 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

David Geffen School of Drama at Yale celebrates its centennial with a ten-episode podcast exploring 100 years of the extraordinary productions, sensational student stories, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped the iconic institution we know today. Join host Courtney B. Vance as artists across all disciplines taught at the Geffen School show us what it takes to put on a show.

Information

  • Creator
    David Geffen School of Drama at Yale
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Geffen School of Drama at Yale
  • Show Website
    Oh, the Drama!

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