LIGHTS UP!

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 collaborati...

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 o...

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 es...

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-evol...

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 diffic...

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...

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...

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 play...

In this episode, we welcome Ukrainian playwright, theater translator, and scholar Anna Halas . We explore the impact of war on personal identity through her affecting play, CHRONICLES OF A LOST SOUL . After a powerful reading, we discuss with Anna the evolution of Ukrainian theater, the challenges of writing about trauma, and the importance of translating Ukrainian voices for a global audience ami...

In this episode, we sit down with Ukrainian playwright and theater manager Dmytro Ternovyi to discuss his play, ON THE EVE (EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT). Set against the backdrop of the days leading up to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the play offers an important exploration of ordinary lives on the brink of upheaval. Play Starts (1:48) Visit Ukrainian Drama Translation...

Music by Bensound Artist: Benjamin Tissot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special introductory episode kicking off our 5th season, we speak with John Freedman and Brandice Thompson from the Center for International Theatre Development (CITD) about the resilience of theater in Ukraine as the region marks three years of conflict. We discuss the enduring impact of war on artists, the vital legacy of founder Philip Arnoult , and how CITD’s Linkages Play Exchange has...

ONE NIGHT STAN by Adam Szudrich (Australia) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, ONE NIGHT STAN) Rachel: Juanita Castro-Ochoa (NY) Holly: Sadie Collins (TN) Marie: Savannah Talledo (PA) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Humanities Tennessee - Humaniti...

BROKEN by James McLindon Be sure to visit his website or facebook ! (join New Play Exchange and follow along, BROKEN) A: SJ Lester B: Chase Parker Directed by Joel Sancez-Avantes Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Urban Art Commission - Humanities TN Sharp Recipient Spotlight Hosted o...

COME BACK MISS CALLIOPE by Alan Kilpatrick (Belgium) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, COME BACK MISS CALLIOPE) Edward Phapp: Chase Parker (GA) Rainy Brightwater: Bronte Upshaw (NY) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Wolf Gap - Humanities TN Sharp R...

A ZILLION PIECES by Germaine Shames (join New Play Exchange and follow along, A ZILLION PIECES ) Simon: Joseph Watts (GA) Mihai: SJ Lester (TN) Audrey: Bronte Upshaw (NY) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Discovery Park of America - Humanities TN Sharp Rec...

THE PROPHET by Rebecca Dzida (DC) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, THE PROPHET ) Ty: Joseph Watts (GA) Sophie: Charlene Hong-White (TN) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Historic Cragfont, Inc - Humanities TN Sharp Recipient Spotlight Hosted on Ac...

TWANG by Cris Eli Blak (NY) (Stay up to date on what Cris Eli Blak's instagram ) Cash: Kenya White (TN) Lucille: Savannah Talledo (PA) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Southern Word, Inc - Humanities TN Sharp Recipient Spotlight Hosted on Acast. See acast...

THERAPEUTIC by Leticia Arbelo (ARGENTINA) Keep up to date on Leticia's book release! Follow along on Instagram ! Karina: Norma Meza (GA) Juli: Carla Costabile (NY) Directed by Joel Sancez-Avantes Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Campbell Culture Coalition - Humanities TN Sharp Recip...

WORDS TO THAT EFFECT by F.J. Hartland (PA) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, WORDS TO THAT EFFECT) Lavinia: Bronte Upshaw (NY) Neeley/Cornelius: Scott Harrison (NY) Directed by Joel Sanchez-Avantes Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 Museum Center at 5ive Points - Humanities TN...

ALASKAN ASSASSINS by Harrison Young (TN) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, ALASKAN ASSASSINS Also mentioned in the interview is ONLINE FIGHTING by Harrison Young and be sure to check out Next Rung Productions ) Anderson: Kenya White (TN) Detective Harrison: Sadie Collins (TN) Detective Garrison: Savannah Talledo (PA) Directed by Joel Sancez-Avantes Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional...

THREE SECONDS TO MIDNIGHT by John Mabey (GA) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, THREE SECONDS TO MIDNIGHT. Here's A COMPLICATED HOPE mentioned in John Mabey's interview) Bonnie: Charlene Hong-White (TN) Father Time: Scott Harrison (NY) Cupid: SJ Lester (TN) Directed by Joel Sanchez-Avantes Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 S...

SEAL ISLAND by John Patrick Bray (GA) (join New Play Exchange and follow along, SEAL ISLAND) Jessie: Sadie Collins (TN) Claire: SAvannah Talledo (PA) Jon: Brian Tichnell (CA) Sellers: Rachel Craig (TN) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 RISE - Humanities TN...

HANDS FROM THE FIRE by Cris Eli Blak (KY via TX soon to be NYC) (an article about the upcoming play at the Cherry lane Theatre in New York that Cris mentions in the interview) Warner: Peter Macklin (NYC) Carmen: Sehri Alese Wickliffe (NYC) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyVa...

THE MAMA AND THE PAPA by Rex McGregor (NZ) (join New Play Exchange and read any of the plays Rex mentioned in this podcast, including THE MAMA AND THE PAPA ) Papa: Daniel Meeks (CA) Mama: Kim Howard (TN) Directed by Garry Lee Posey Soundscape by Eric "Red" Wyatt Additional Audio: Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5 Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5 ART120 - Humanitie...