Ghostlight

Summary In this episode of Ghost Light, host Benjamin Reed engages with the Honey Dewdrops, Kagey and Laura, as they discuss their journey as musicians, their roots in Virginia, and the evolution of their music and storytelling. They share insights into their songwriting process, the impact of their relocation to Staunton, and how the music industry has changed over the years. The conversation als...

This conversation celebrates the power of storytelling and live theater, from classical stage work at the American Shakespeare Center to the adventure of touring with Harry Potter . Along the way, it explores what success really looks like in today’s theater world and how artists can build careers that are both meaningful and sustainable. At its heart, the episode is a reminder of why theater matt...

In this conversation with Jim Warren , artistic director and longtime builder of theatre companies, we explore what it means to build a theatre organization that can grow, adapt, and endure. From the early inspiration behind founding a company to the practical realities of expansion and long-term sustainability, Jim shares hard-won insights from decades of leadership in the field. The discussion h...

This conversation examines the growing difficulty of sustaining a long-term career in the performing arts. We reflect on the transition from full-time artist to part-time professor as both a practical adaptation and an emotional experience. Together, we interrogate the audition-based labor model, the effects of market saturation, and an industry that increasingly struggles to support the people it...

Jesse Lilis discusses the journey of Starling Shakespeare, a nonprofit theater company, and its vision for the future. The conversation delves into the challenges of operating as a nonprofit, the company's revenue model, and the potential for digital content creation in the performing arts industry. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of digital content creation for theaters...

Episode Overview This conversation is for artists and music industry professionals who want to build sustainable careers while staying true to their creative work . It starts with the experience a lot of musicians know well: touring hard, putting records out, and working to balance passion and practicality. We talk honestly about how streaming changed the math & why touring feels unnavoidable....

In this episode of the Stageable State of the Stage podcast, Benjamin Reed interviews David Lee Huynh, a first-generation theater artist from Louisiana. David shares his journey into the world of theater, the founding of a theater company aimed at supporting Vietnamese artists, and the importance of balancing the business side of acting with artistic expression. He offers valuable advice for young...

In this episode of the Stageable State of the Stage podcast, host Benjamin Reed interviews actor and audiobook narrator Josh Innerst. They discuss Josh's artistic journey, his transition from classical theater to audiobook narration, and the challenges of balancing family life with a freelance career. Josh shares insights into his audiobook process, daily work schedule, and the impact of the pande...

In this episode of State of the Stage , host Benjamin Reed speaks with actor and English professor James Keegan about balancing a career in academia with life on stage. They explore the role of theater in society, sustaining artistic passion, and the evolving performance landscape. Their conversation touches on the balance between artistic integrity and commercial pressures, the resurgence of comm...

In this episode of the Stageable State of the Stage podcast, Benjamin Reed and Kelly Burdick discuss the evolution of the performing arts, Kelly's transition from theater to agriculture, and the importance of collaboration in fostering creativity. They explore the differences between nonprofit and for-profit models in the arts, the role of donations, and the changing landscape of philanthropy. The...

In this episode of the Stageable: State of the Stage podcast, host Benjamin Reed sits down with veteran actor and theater educator David Rainey for a wide-ranging conversation on sustainability in the performing arts. They explore Rainey’s decades-long career, including his recent performance in Death of a Salesman , his work to build community resources for actors in Houston, and the evolving rol...

In this dynamic episode, host Benjamin Reed sits down with multi-hyphenate artist and director Constance Swain to dive into the evolving world of live performance in the digital age. Constance shares her artistic journey, including her recent directorial work on Little Women and Art , and reflects on the transition from performing to directing. Together, they explore: • The impact of technology on...

On this episode of State of the Stage , Greg Brostrom shares insights about his life as a performer and the challenges faced by artists in America. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on his career, the nature of acting roles in television, and the evolving landscape of live performance in a digital age. The conversation also touches on the societal perception of artists and the importance of...

This week on State of the Stage, Benjamin interviews Jim Warren, the founding artistic director of the American Globe Center. Jim discusses the challenges and opportunities in modern theater, particularly the need for audience engagement and the importance of creating a community through live performances. Jim also talks about his current project to build a Shakespeare campus in Connecticut, with...

In this episode of the Stageable State of the Stage podcast, Benjamin Reed speaks with Amelia Fischer, the artistic director of North Georgia Shakespeare. They discuss the evolution of theater in the digital era, the challenges of engaging new audiences, and the importance of financial sustainability in the performing arts. Amelia shares her journey in theater, the innovative approaches her compan...

In this episode of the  State of the Stage , host Benjamin Reed sits down with musician and composer David Deaton to discuss the evolving landscape of live performance and the challenges artists face in 2025. David shares his journey from touring musician to film composer, including his work on the independent film  Between Giants . The conversation explores the struggles of independent artists in...

Patrick Earl and I discuss his work at Endstation Theatre and the sustainability of live performance as the industry progresses into the digital era.