Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Evil Thespian

Today we are joined by Sarah Groustra!!! Sarah Groustra is the editor-in-chief of 1319 Press, an indie play publisher that platforms emerging playwrights and advocates for newplay development! In this episode, Sarah tells us all about the publishing process at 1319 Press, and how she got into play distribution. We talk about the challenges of play distribution, the benefits of getting work published early, and the idea of play curation as an art form.

Submit your play to 1319 Press today! Visit their website here!

Visit their instagram here!

Visit Sarah's Instagram here!

David Roussève is a Guggenheim Fellow, magna cum laude Princeton graduate, and Distinguished Professor of Choreography at UCLA, whose work has travelled across the US, Europe, South America, and Great Britain, including major commissions by BAM’s Next Wave Festival and Jacob’s Pillow. He’s received top honors such as the "Bessie" Award, Creative Capital and Herb Alpert Awards, three Horton Awards, and many NEA Fellowships.

In this episode, David Roussève joins us to unveil his first full-length solo piece in over 20 years—Becoming Daddy AF

Becoming Daddy AF  intricately weaves personal and cultural narratives—revisiting 600 years of ancestry, a decades-long journey with HIV, and the profound loss of a partner—while interrogating identity, resilience, and the layers of selfhood as a queer African American artist. Roussève’s perspective on legacy, mortality, and reimagining virtuosity at 64. Listen now to hear this exciting conversation on David's work as he creates dialogue around the nature of love, and the meaning of existence.

Becoming Daddy AF  will be running September 26-27 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh and October 17-18 at The Nimoy, UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance in Los Angeles.

Visit David's Website HERE to learn more!

Anastasia West is an actor, playwright, and theater educator. In this episode, Anastasia discusses her experience writing a play that explores themes of generational differences and the impact of social media on young people. She explained her decision to write a play outside the traditional "living room" format, aiming to portray a more authentic and gritty depiction of Gen Z life, including the characters' struggles with being doxxed, being in an apartment, and being from here.

Follow @fromhere_play today !!!!

Daniel Holzman is a New York City based playwright! In this episode, I sit down with Daniel and discuss his journey into theater and playwriting. Many things inspire his unique storytelling, including his education, family dynamics, and cultural observations in NYC. While discussing his artistic background, Daniel also shares details about his play "Berlindia!", a psychedelic drama which explores themes of family dynamics, escapism, and surreal, geographical ambiguity! The conversation covers all aspects of the unconscious, and we delight in the fact that sometimes our dreams are almost too good not to be written down. Topics also include: commerce, clubbing, bakeries, Berlin, commercial eroticism, and so much more!

Follow Daniel today! IG: @hellanovella

Checkout his website HERE!

Purchase Berlindia! HERE!

This week, we’re joined by the thoughtful Sam Frye—a New York-based actor who transitioned from an anticipated career in marketing to fully embracing his passion for performance. In this episode, Sam shares his journey of building confidence through theater, navigating the challenges of auditions, and exploring the complexities of portraying characters with dark and intimidating given circumstances. Our conversation also dives into the deeper layers of the craft—how theater reflects and critiques society, the power of artistic expression, and the ways historical context shapes character interpretation.

Book Sam today! IG: @zefryeguy

AJ Daniels is a filmmaker, poet, playwright, and stand-up comedian whose latest project is as brilliant as it is unhinged. And it’s called Hot Pussy Time Machine.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to create something that’s both wildly absurd and deeply grounded. AJ opens up about growing up in New York, finding his artistic footing in Savannah, and why writing should only happen once it starts “buzzing in your rib cage.” It’s smart, it’s chaotic, it’s sincere—and very Evil Thespian. Listen today!

GET TIX to HOT PUSSY TIME MACHINE today!
It's running JULY 17th, JULY 18th, JULY 19th, JULY 20th at SOHO PLAYHOUSE

On stage and in the classroom, Joanna brings a fearless sensitivity to her craft. An actress, educator, and singer living in Brooklyn, Joanna is someone who carries story like a memory—personal, porous, and alive.
In this episode of Evil Thespian, we talk about Torito, a new play by Dakota Silvey directed by Dougie Robbins, and Joanna’s role in bringing its textured world to life. We get into what it means to collaborate, how teaching and performing overlap, and why community is everything.

Follow Joanna today! IG: @joannaromerocher

Get TIX to TORITO HERE

On the heels of his grad program at the Actors Studio Drama School, TJ Boudreau is a playwright stepping boldly into New York City living, sparking stories that refuse to sit still.
In this episode, TJ discusses his play, "If I Cleaned Everything: An Exorcism". It’s about two former high school sweethearts, brought together by a shared tragedy. TJ and I talk about why this piece is so personal to him, and how it’s been in the works for almost two years to make its current home at the Gene Frankel beginning May 21st. Can old flames reunite under garish circumstances? Listen to today to find out, and learn more about what's next for TJ!

GET TIX TO IF I CLEANED EVERYTHING X TORITO HERE

Follow TJ today! IG: @thomas_james_writes

Lourdés Zamora is a comedian, actress, singer, and most importantly, a public facing, cabaret hostess extraordinaire.
In this episode, Lourdes discusses her documentary Anatomy of a Showgirl, which chronicles her peak year hosting a weekly cabaret show in the east village. She shares her experience filming the documentary, including but not limited to, being vulnerable, editing footage for the first time, and defending her ideas fiercely. Topics include: breath work, anxiety, being nervous, not driving, seeing ghosts, and so much more!

Follow Lourdés today! IG: @lourdeszamora

Visit Lourdés' Website HERE

Dougie Robbins is a director and choreographer who is giving me life right now now! Dougie really brings enthusiasm, sincerity, and impeccable energy to the floor. In this episode, we discuss how drama is expressed through Dougie’s directorial framework, and, in parallel, talk about two 45 minute plays he’s currently working on.

Topics include: good lighting, code switching, furniture arranging, and so much more!

Follow Dougie today! IG: @dougie.robbins

TORITO x IF I CLEANED EVERYTHING will be at the Gene Frankel Theatre May 21st - May24th

GET TICKETS HERE

Jeremy Wechsler is Theater Wit's Producing Artistic Director. On this episode, Jeremy joins us to discuss his direction of Prayer for the French Republic by Joshua Harmon, co-produced with Northlight Theatre. The play, set in 1944 and 1945, during the Vichy Government's fall, and in 2016 and 2017, delves into the complexities of personal relationships to their Jewish identity and the challenges of navigating cultural expectations. Throughout the episode, Jeremy and I discuss the play's themes of safety, belonging, and individual choices in the face of uncertainty.  Don’t miss the Chicago premiere of this powerful play, blending sharp humor and profound drama in a story as timely as it is timeless.

Prayer for the French Republic runs through May 18th!

BUY TIX HERE

Follow Theater Wit here: @theaterwit

Follow Northlight Theatre here: @northlightthtr

Frank Mosley is an actor and filmmaker from Texas, now living in Los Angeles. He is an alumnus of the 2015 Berlinale Talents, the 2017 NYFF Artist Academy at Lincoln Center, and Black Factory Cinema’s 2016 Auteur Workshop led by Abbas Kiarostami in San Antonio de los Banos, Cuba. He participated as an actor in the 2016 Austin Film Society Artist Intensive under the direction of Charles Burnett.
Most notably, Frank is also the curator for Required Reading, a staged reading series in Los Angeles that highlights new work from both emerging and established playwrights.
In this episode, we talk about his take on the classic table read, and how Required Reading is taking live readings to the next level.

FOLLOW REQUIRED READING IG: @requiredreading.la

VISIT FRANK'S WEBSITE HERE

Jersey City Theater Center is producing CRIMES OF THE HEART in collaboration with Motherfather productions. Presented by Jersey City Theater Center.

In this episode, we are joined by actor Audrey Rose Arnold and international film and theater director Albert Rudnitsky to discuss this play, in all of its paradoxes, and complexities.

GET TIX HERE

A RED UMBRELLA IN THE CRYSTAL WHITE SNOW is a play written by Jack Dyville. Two different people from two different generations and two different walks of life form a friendship that transcends life itself. Challenged by declining conditions, the story is a testament to the resilience of human connection. In this episode, we are joined by director and producer Julia Genoveva, actors Candice Brown, Gus Ferrari, and stage manager Katy Fuller to discuss this truly wholesome play!

GET TIX HERE

PERFORMANCES

FRI 3/21, 6PM

SAT 3/22, 6PM

SUN 3/23 3PM

THE PRODUCERS CLUB-ROYAL THEATER

358 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

*one short flight of stairs up-no elevator

Leah is an Irish actor!

Leah's is playing the role of "yellow" in Dakota Silvey's The Maker: A Play on Words directed by Dougie Robbins. It's a new absurdist play about labels, the way we perceive them, and society at large, which often prescribes them to us. It follows characters who represent a spectrum of three colors, assigned to them by an omnipotent "Maker". As the play progresses, they navigate labels amongst themselves, each other, and they explore what makes them unique and what unifies them and come to a realization. The Maker : A Play on Words is open on January 23rd at the AMT Theatre.

She also wears her heart on her sleeve in Dakota Silvey’s The Maker: A Play on Words which opens on January 23rd at the AMT Theatre.
In this episode, Eliza and I talk about self-defined roles as a means of self expression. How do our lived experiences inform our identity? Moreover, how do we communicate our identity to others?
Eliza describes the play as absurd but also existential. There’s a playfulness that invites the audience to wonder, explore, and find joy.

Follow Eliza today! IG: @elizavann

Visit Eliza's Website

GET TIX TO THE MAKER HERE

Dakota Silvey is a playwright, pyrotechnician, an EMT, prior USAF, and former firefighter.

Dakota's new play is called The Maker: A Play on Words directed by Dougie Robbins. It's a new absurdist play about labels, the way we perceive them, and society at large, which often prescribes them to us. It follows characters who represent a spectrum of three colors, assigned to them by an omnipotent "Maker". As the play progresses, they navigate labels amongst themselves, each other, and they explore what makes them unique and what unifies them and come to a realization. The Maker : A Play on Words is open on January 23rd at the AMT Theatre. Tickets here!

Follow The Maker today! IG: @themakerplay

Follow Dakota Silvey today! IG: @dakotasilvey

She’s also a director, teaching artist, digital editor, consultant, and founder of the Let’s Make a Play playwriting program for kids and adults.
Her first full-length play is called Agency for the Lost and it’s coming out at The Tank this January.
The play deals with the dynamics of parental abandonment, work culture, and chasing elusive rewards, through a Twilight zone lens. In this episode, Serena and I discuss topics like work/creative balance, being subversive, being existential, being a mother, and so much more!

GET TICKETS TO AGENCY FOR THE LOST HERE

Follow Agency for the Lost today! IG: @agencyforthelost

Follow Serena today! IG: @serenanorrcreative

Visit Serena's Website HERE

Stephee Bonifacio (pronounced stevie) is an actor who recently found her artistic community within the past two years, which has helped her connect with other artists across different disciplines, describing how seeing others' creative projects motivates her to pursue her own "next big thing." In this episode, Stephee and I discuss learning styles in acting, and ways to observe the self in the effort to drive growth as an actor. Topics also include: being shy at first, experiencing your first big break, acting in new environments, and so much more!

Follow Stephee Here! IG: @stepheebonifacio

Also Here is her iconic website

In this episode, Producer Sophia Castuera and Director and Playwright Spencer Whale join us to talk about Making Our Space Theatre Company's inaugural production of Kin by Bathsheba Doran. Esteemed members of a company dedicated to creative communal spaces, they touch on the many things that make this play so contemporary. It's told through a series of scenes that might otherwise be found on the cutting room floor of a romantic comedy, and aims to bring a universal through the vehicle of two extremely unique characters. Sophia and Spencer talk about what their journey has been like bridging these worlds together, and how audiences can expect to be moved by the play's universality.

Get Tickets to see KIN HERE

And use the code PULLPEOPLECLOSER for 15% off your tix!

Grayce Toon is a writer and actor. She's starring in Phil Carroll’s Failsafe, set to premiere at The Tank in New York City on December 8th. A contemporary take on grisly last ditch efforts, Grayce describes this play as pitch black comedy. It's a play that calls for a lot of emotional processing, and considering Grayce's balanced technical approach, she's confident that audiences will experience a wide range of emotional disorder. In this episode, we get to know Grayce, the character she plays, and discuss our love of the living an intellectual life without getting too intellectual. Topics also include: laughing through pain, being a water sign, things happening for no reason, not trying to be mean, and so much more!

Follow Failsafe! @failsafetheplay

Follow Grayce! @graycetoon

GET TIX to Failsafe at The Tank HERE: https://thetanknyc.org/calendar-1/2024/12/8/failsafe

Failsafe on BroadwayWorld:  https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/regional/Failsafe-4285332 

Mari Sitner is an actor and playwright, currently living in Inwood. Originally from the Detroit area, she is an exemplar of Midwestern sincerity and earnestness. Her new play, Nebraska, is a kitchen sink comedy that takes a turn for the grotesque, exploring the dark, hidden corners of family dynamics and desperation. In this episode, we dive into the inspiration behind Nebraska, discuss the play’s blend of humor and horror, and explore Mari’s creative process as a playwright. 

Follow Mari today: IG: @marisitner

See Nebraska here! : @nebraskanyc

Samuel Vita is a theatrical and screen actor born and raised in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. Samuel moved to New York City in 2015 to obtain his B.F.A in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. There, he trained at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute and Stonestreet Studios. After graduating, Samuel continued to develop his craft at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio and Matt Newton Acting Studio. In this episode, Samuel talks about all the things he loves about acting, the things he's challenged by, and the philosophies he's led by.

Follow Samuel today! IG: @samvitamin

Visit Samuel's website!

In this episode, I am joined by actress, producer, and fellow podcaster Michelle Moriarty! Michelle just finished shooting a film with our friend Juan, and presently, is preparing for an unannounced play that you can see in January in Bushwick (So chic). Michelle and I discuss the importance of scene study, and why it's important to stay in tune with natural impulses. If ever there were a single guiding principle every actor must follow, Michelle says it's to say your lines like they're true. Together, we exchange ideas on staying consistently truthful in acting, and revel in our shared taste in music.

Follow Michelle today! IG: @michellecmoriarty

Also listen to Michelle co-host Good Judgement

Makeup artist Caitlyn Piccirillo and Costumer Grace Wylie are working together on City Gate Production's New York premiere of Frankenstein, a new adaptation by Vincent S. Hannam. They join us today to discuss the makeup and costume design process, and we learn how it's being made an essential part of this show. Tasked against an 1830s backdrop, their creative collaboration calls for an ambitious amount of brocades, bruising, blood, and gore. Perfect way to ring in the fall season! If you like puffy sleeves and padded shoulders, this episode, and this show, will be right up your alley.

Follow Caitlyn today!: @caitlynpicc

Caitlyn's Website: http://caitlynpiccirillo.com

Follow Grace today!: @gracemwylie

Get your tickets to Frankenstein here!

Max Stewart is a true testament to the actor's journey, showcasing a career defined by unwavering excellence and unparalleled work ethic. Now, he's making his Steppenwolf debut in Noises Off. In this episode, we delve into the highs and lows of Max's journey, and offer an inspiring look into what it takes to succeed as an actor, staying focused, calm and confident in your craft. Topics also include: overcoming imposter syndrome, put things into existence, living your best life, Chicago in the summer, and so much more!

Follow Max here: @maxflash4

Get tickets to Noises Off here: https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2024-25/noises-off/

Cael Sullivan is an artist, filmmaker, and playwright joining us to discuss his play, Boutonniere: A Drama On Queer Themes. Characters Max and Josh must practice their first dance as a married couple. As the clock ticks and wine is poured, their impending union brings up old traumas, secrets, and shame. Their last night of unmarried life is made un-easy when their ideas about their gayness and the tradition of marriage, and the relationship between the two, combat one another’s. All the while, someone won't stop knocking on their door.

Cael talks about how the story reflects his own experience, and the underestimated amount of drama involved in the aging process. Topics also include: institutional blueprints, managing partners, Twink Death, film vs. theatre, and so much more!

Boutinniere has its first reading August 22nd at The Tank at 9:30PM! GET TICKETS HERE!

Follow Cael today! IG: https://www.instagram.com/cael.sullivan/

Argia Coppola is an Italian actress, scholar, and playwright currently workshopping her play Cursed. Cursed is an adaptation of the Joyce Carol Oates novel Love is Blonde. Argia has been developing this play for years, and was so kind to share space with me to talk about its upcoming workshop. Starring Annie Hägg ,Cursed is a bold, breathless, tragic and timely play for an actress and a four-man jazz band, in which music becomes a character in and of itself. It’s profound, fast-paced, employs unique theatrical conventions, and depicts the life of the Blonde Actress as never seen before.

⁠GET TICKETS TO CURESED HERE⁠

Cast and Crew:

Playwright: Argia Coppola

Performer: ⁠Annie Hägg⁠

Dramaturg: ⁠Shari Perkins⁠

Director: Arseniy Fariatiev

Producer: Hilarie Spangler

Seth Myers: The Director on Bass

Izaak Mills: Arthur Miller on Clarinet

Pat Brennan: JFK on Guitar

Also starring Michael Pallas as Joe DiMaggio on Trombone.

Stage Manager: Dakota Silvey

Julia Genoveva is an actor, write, director, and the driving force behind her powerhouse of of a play, ELAINE. This play is extremely personal to Julia and I was honored that the cast of Elaine could join us to discuss these characters in parallel! This play explores complex relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters. Throughout the conversation, we delved into the actor's personalities and responses of their respective characters. Topics include: the importance of forgiveness, perseverance, shifting attitudes towards parenting, being at rock bottom, and so much more! What happens when you meet your mother and it goes completely wrong?? Get tickets to Elaine today and find out!

Cast members are as follows:

Alexis Tandit as Elaine

Mary Sheridan as Vivian

Paul Fraccalvieri as Charles

Gus Ferrari as Ricardo

PERFORMANCES
​THURSDAY AUG 22ND, 6:30PM

FRIDAY, AUG 23RD, 6:30PM

SATURDAY AUG 24TH 2PM SHOW & 6:30PM SHOW

GET TICKETS TO ELAINE HERE

Runs August 22nd-24th

Check out Julia's website, too! https://www.juliagenoveva.com

Today I am here with producer director, arts manager, and applied theatre practitioner MARENA FAYE. In what seems to be a blossoming Sapphic vibe shift in pop culture, we take this special moment to talk about NYC’s premiere sapphic playwriting competition and play festival, SAPPHEST. Celebrating the works of queer women and sapphic-identifying individuals, Sapphest will feature five 10 minute plays each inspired by a classic sapphic pop song. We're talking about it!! Marena shares her vision for Sapphest, and in addition, we cheer on some of our favorite Sapphic pop artists. (Kehani and Tinashe to name a few) This first manifestation Sponsored by the Terry knickerbocker studio, Sappiest will b held august 3rd, from 8 - 9:30 pm at 68th W 34th St. Industry City, Brooklyn.

Get tickets to Sapphest here! (Saturday is sold out!)

Follow Sapphest today! IG: @sapphestnyc

Follow Marena today! IG: @marenafaye

Join the Sapphest Patreon!

Real life licensed therapist, storyteller, and improviser Jude Treder-Wolff joins us to talk about her hit solo show FASTER. The limited Off-Broadway engagement plays at Playhouse 46 and is part of the Turn the Lights On! Festival. The play which had its World Premiere at The NYC Fringe Festival in the Spring, runs Saturday, July 6 at 4:30pm and Sunday, July 7 at 3pm. FASTER tackles the world speeding up and the mental ramifications it has on us. Longtime collaborator Suzanne Bachner directs.

Through true stories about trying to understand her partner’s opposite approach to change, she frames a narrative about the impact of constant uncertainty as the pace of change picks up speed and transforms the world faster - and more often - than our brains are built to process. 

Follow Jude today! IG: @lifestage_inc

Get your tickets to FASTER, HERE

Today we are joined by actor Katy Shafer and Sivan Raz of Needs More Work Productions! They're here to talk about their upcoming production titled ANTI-GONE, a reimagined, site-specific, immersive take on an old classic. Think Antigone, but extremely meta. And staged outdoors, of course. Actor Katy plays the role of Antigone, strong willed and laser focused. Katy and Sivan, co-director of Needs More Work Productions, discuss their combined efforts to create a version of Antigone that is centered in character building, while also surfacing some of the core political topics the play calls into question. Listen now!

Reserve tickets to ANTI-GONE here!

Follow @needsmoreworkproductions

Follow Sivan! @razsiv

Follow Katy! @katyshafer

We're in the presence of an MFA, people! Today on Evil Thespian we are joined by the ICONIC Rabiah Rowther! Rabiah is a director, screenwriter, and occasional producer currently based in New York City. Additionally, she is also a screening committee member for the Hampton's International Film Festival. Rabiah recently graduated from The Actor's Studio Drama School MFA program's directing track. So we're talking about directing in this one! There's a lot to cover - composition, actor-director communication, staging, owning the vision, and so much more. Rabiah offers us some serious expertise you don't want to miss out on. In addition, we also share observations on current trends in playwriting, and how new works seem to be branching out creatively for the better.

Follow Rabiah today!!! IG: @rabiahrowther

Today on Evil Thespian we are joined by Jaclyn Bethany and Lin Gathwright, Co-Artistic Directors of The Fire Weeds. As a new female focused theatre company offering bold interpretations, their upcoming production is titled Outraged Hearts. A new immersive take on Tennessee Williams, Outraged Hearts features two early prototypes for The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar named Desire (Pretty Trap and Interior: Panic). It comes to NYC after a successful run in New Orleans in association with The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival, and is being co-produced in NYC by Tony nominated Future Home Productions. We're here to talk about it! Listen for an excellent conversation on all things Ten, along with some excellent insight into a production that makes itself culturally significant both in artifice and honesty. This is gonna be a special one, folks!

Get tickets to OUTRAGED HEARTS HERE

Follow The Fire Weeds today! IG: @thefireweeds

Follow Jaclyn Bethany! IG: @jaclyn_bethany

Follow Lin Gathwright! IG: @lingathwrightbunnylove

Terry Knickerbocker is the artistic director of the Terry Knickerbocker studio, a prestigious professional acting studio in Brooklyn. Equipped with over 25 years of training and teaching under William Esper, Terry is dedicated to helping ambitious actors express themselves at the highest level of their abilities. In this episode, Terry tells all about his approach to training, and how the use of Meisner unlocks a place artistically where anything can be expressed.

And guess what? If you are interested in registering for Terry's Summer Acting intensive, use this link here to apply: https://terryknickerbockerstudio.com/apply-here/?utm_source=evil+thespian&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=summer_intensive

When you mention EVILTHESPIAN at checkout, Your 175 dollar admin fee will be completely waived. :) Have fun!!!

Alida Rose Delaney joins us to talk about

ONE WINGED DOVE, skillfully penned and directed by Matthew Gasda, the narrative centers around Sam, a gifted young writer grappling with his inner demons. Alida takes on the role of Lydia, Sam's girlfriend, who delicately maneuvers through her own vulnerabilities, mirroring Sam's struggle with a pattern of self-destruction. Alida gives us a wonderful glimpse into the rich emotional complexity of these characters, while also discussing her unique and profound connection to the play.

ONE WINGED DOVE will play in the East Village on May 30th, and May31st in Tribeca. GET TICKETS HERE

Follow Alida today! IG: @kalidascopes

In this episode we are joined by Ava O'Dea, Emma Woodward, and Sarah Santamaria to discuss EVERYONE IN NEW YORK IS BEAUTIFUL. A new play written by Christian Flynn, directed by Emma Woodward. Drama and chaos ensues when two couples decide to open their relationship. Testing the waters and pushing each others boundaries, the couples uncover a newness in both their identity, and their partners. Topics discuss: Starbucks, Edging, Polyamory, Politics, Power, Tote Bags, and so much more!

GET TICKETS TODAY HERE

Follow Ava! IG: @avaodea

Follow Emma! @sage.emma

Follow Sarah! @sarah_santa

Susannah Yugler is a dancer, artist, and playwright. With a shared love of Greek melodrama, joins us to discuss her original upcoming play, CASSANDRA, which she is also directing. Inspired by Euripides' The Trojan Women, CASSANDRA is a satyr play –– musing on New York as a Trojan symbol coping with the weight of impending disaster. Susannah talks about her inspiration for this play, and how placing emphasis on composition can make for some powerful statements.

Topics also include: The use of narrative in the dance world, women's intuition, being 30, taking up space, casts of characters, acting with objects, and so much more!

Follow Susannah today! IG: @_s00ze_

Elliot Schiff is a Chicago-based playwright and comedian. Currently pursuing their MFA at Northwestern University, Elliot joined me on this lovely day to chat and talk about their most recent reality-show inspired play I'm Not Here To Make Friends. Elliot details their intrepid MFA journey, and the virtue they've discovered in embracing their own messiness along the way. Elliot is absolutely brilliant, incredibly discerning, and a stand out testament to the collaborative spirit of the Chicago theatre community. Topics also include: Feeling beautiful, talking to people, working agile, staying hydrated, and so much more!

Follow Elliot today! @schiffy123

Paige Esterly is a writer, producer, and creator of F*cked Up Play Fest! NYC's best and only play festival that is also a drinking game!!! So this an absolute genius idea. I myself am a loyal steward of creative debauchery, and was keen on learning how this festival originally came to be - Paige tells us how it all began from the initial idea, to forging a community, to watching it grow into the most jovial of all theatre environments. We learn about the drama, the drinking game, and discuss the unique ways it's brought non-theatre people to the theatre. Topics also include: flip phones, social media, bop-Its, bumping into people, live streaming, and so much more!

Follow Paige today! @poutywriter

Follow FUPF today! @fckedupplayfest

And most importantly....

Get tickets to the next cycle of FUPF HERE!!!

We are joined by Nicholas Turturro and Michael Ortiz of SERIALS. Serials is an episodic short-play competition featuring the hottest actors, directors, and playwrights in indie theatre! Nicholas Turturro is an actor, participating artist and marketing director of Serials, and Michael Ortiz is a producer, and host of Serials. Valiantly carrying the Serials torch, we discuss their shared efforts to build out the industry in ways that celebrate and champion creative spontaneity. Topics also include: scarcity of rental spaces, vulnerability, the phrase "up-and-coming", low-budget prop solutions, and so much more!!

Catch Serials March 28th, 29th, and 30th at the Tank! GET TICKETS HERE

Follow Serials today! @serialsnyc

Follow Michael today! @mctease

Follow Nicholas today! @nickturturro01

Grace Sallee is a multidisciplinary artist with a contagious, vibrant passion for powerful storytelling. Grace stops by Evil Thespian to discuss her character in FLIGHT RISK (now opening in one week!) detailing her experience playing a character she describes as living on borrowed time. Flight Risk calls into question our collective relationship with unexpected tragedy, and we talk about how paranoia and resiliency seem to function as key themes. In parallel, Grace shares some great stories about the work she's put in to get to this point, how we relish in the times our minds and bodies are put to the ultimate test in voice and speech class.

Follow Grace today! IG: @graceychanel

Get tickets to FLIGHT RISK today!: CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Sophia Englesberg is an actor and a producer, and she is having an incredible year. Winding down Zoomers at The Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research, we catch up on this episode to align on key takeaways from Zoomers discourse, and learn about some exciting projects Sophia has in store for the future. Sophia talks about her background and approach as an actor, having trained in Meisner technique. We discuss diallectcellectuals, culture reporting, being of service, and so much more! Sophia is extremely in touch with her intuition - not only does that make her a great actor, but it's what's allowed her to forge her own path with strength and confidence. Listen to this excellent episode on trusting your gut and standing tall in your convictions because, when you know, you know.

Follow Sophia today! IG: @sophengles

Go to BCTR today! IG: @bkcentertheatreresearch

Follow Zoomers the play today! IG: @zoomersnyc

Please keep you hands and feet inside the podcast at all times! In this episode, actor Conor Andrew Hall stops by to give us more on FLIGHT RISK, a new play by Dakota Silvey that now opens in less than two weeks! I was lucky to catch Conor moments before rehearsal to talk with him about the bombastic character he's bringing to life. We get to hear about Conor's journey as an actor, and the emotional preparation that powers his performance with depth, texture, and brevity. Topics also include: Being from the midwest, global warming, boxing, moisture wicking athleisure, and so much more!

Follow Conor today! IG: @conorandrewhall

FLIGHT RISK will run March 6th-March 10th at the Gene Frankel

theatre. ⁠Click Here⁠ and buy tickets to Flight Risk today!! Do it!! 

Logan Berry is the author of Casket Flare (Inside the Castle), Run-off Sugar Crystal Lake (11:11 Press), and Transmissions to Artaud (Selffuck). He’s a playwright and theatre director. He lives in Chicago. Website: https://logan-berry.com/about. Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgnbrry

Santiago Mallan is an actor, playwright, and visual artist. Not only is he a classical trained actor, but he's also a very good at drawing! In this episode, Santiago joins us discuss his upcoming play HOMUNCULUS, his writing process, and the environment he pulls his inspiration from. In addition, we also talk about theatre community vibes, the many layers of one's self consciousness, and the function of self perception both online and in person. Santiago contains multitudes. Listen now!

Follow Santiago today! : @santiagomallan

Shae Sennett is a writer, playwright, journalist, poet, and thespian. Introspective as much as she is ambitious, her heel-turn into playwrighting and theater making has us chewing on some important social observations. We discuss her writing background, inspirations, and her process making Last Night Was a Play. In addition, with our big brains combined, we discover the true of the origins of mumblecore.

Follow Shae today! @4sha.e

In this episode, we're joined by three dynamic guests from THE SPADE, a performance collective that's disrupting norms and embracing the anarchic spirit of being unapologetically punk. Theatre by the people, for the people! Our guests are founders Lydia Brinkman, Sarah Norcross, and Christian Flynn. As the heartbeat of the collective, each bring their unique perspectives to the table, carving a niche for themselves and infusing their work with raw, unbridled passion of punk aesthetics and values.

Listen for an awesome episode wherein we discuss the indie theatre world, the virtue in being resourceful, and making plays to remember.

Follow THE SPADE today!

THE SPADE @thespadenyc

Lydia Brinkman @lydia.nbrinkmann

Sarah Norcross @norcrossmusic

Christian Flynn @christianfuckingflynn

Justin Kline is an actor and high school theatre teacher!!! Justin and I are lifelong friends and I'm so happy to finally have him on the show. In this episode, Justin shares how he originally got into theatre and what drove him towards teaching high school. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, being active in your community, and needing someone to believe in you. Justin is so inspiring and what he does is truly beyond words. Theatre educators are so essential, and they're shaping the next generation of theatre practitioners. Listen up!

Follow Justin Today! IG: @jkline__

Special Thanks to Magic Mind for sponsoring this episode.

You can get Magic Mind at https://www.magicmind.com/evilt with the code EVILT20 for 20% off both one time purchases and subscriptions.

In this episode, we’re joined by comedic actress and performer, Ruby McCollister, who sits us down and absolutely schools us in theatre history. If you don’t know, now you know. Gracing stages far and wide, Ruby was kind enough to stop by the pod before her fabulous trip to the Czechia where she will perform her one-woman show “Tragedy”. Join us for an enlightening and soul-stirring conversation on Ruby’s thespian roots, the transformative allure of tragic women, and the irreplaceable role theatre holds in our in our cultural tapestry. Also Ruby has a fabulous perfume! Which you can purchase HERE!!

Follow Ruby today! IG: @ruby.mccollister

Special thanks to Magic Mind for sponsoring this episode.

You can get Magic Mind at https://www.magicmind.com/evilt with the code EVILT20 for 20% off both one time purchases and subscriptions. Buy Magic Mind today! (👍 ❛︡ ͜ʖ ❛︠ )👍