Play-Mates: Find Your New Favorite Play!

In this episode, Brynn is missing her cohost Lee-- but never fear, they'll return next month! Brynn talks to Lily Welsh about her play, Cope In Wonder! They discuss memes, queer identity, and how her Jewish heritage influenced this play. Erin Proctor reads a monologue as Hildy. Go support Lily Welsh by seeing the in person show for Cope In Wonder on October 30, 2022 at 6:30pm at the New York City...

We're back from a LONG hiatus, and we're ready to PARTY! New co-host, Lee Harrison Daniel, is introduced via their play "Betta Oh: A Play About Dead Things". Brynn and Lee talk about betta fish, quarter life crises, and mental illness, and how there is always a light at the end of the tunnel (which may or may not be the pipe that leads to the ocean). Liza Bretsher and Jarrett Cordeiro lend their b...

In this episode, Brynn talks about Dear Galileo by Claire Willett. We learn about Galileo, the Vatican's involvement in astrophysics, and the main points of both creationism and evolution. We hear a lovely performance from Lily Welsh as Haley, and discuss why a play that values the interconnectedness of all beings is so needed right now.  Lily Welsh: lilywelsh1212@gmail.com Email: thepla...

In this episode, Brynn discusses the Pulitzer Nominated play, The Wolves by Sarah Delappe, with dramaturg and actor Grace Walker. We learn about the history of women's soccer in America, sexism within the sport, and more! Lily Welsh gives a rousing performance as #25, and Grace tells us all about the many layers that make this play so amazing that it became a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Dra...

In this Spooky Season episode, Brynn talks about a play full of terrifying ghosts and ghouls-- Scary Mary and the Nightmares Nine by Amy Escobar. We learn about the intricacies of depression and the difficulties of starting a journey towards healing; Heather McConnell gives a rousing performance as the Librarian; and we discuss the power and resiliency exhibited every day by ordinary people suffer...

In this episode, Brynn talks to playwright Erin Proctor about her play, "Alternative Canon", a matriarchal retelling of the Sarah and Abraham story. Brynn tells us all about Jewish Apocalyptic Scripture and the quote unquote "real" story of Sarah and Abraham; Lily Welsh gives a stunning performance as maidservant Hagar; and Brynn and Erin discuss spirituality, humor, and what it means to be a quee...

It's the Season 3 premiere! In this episode, Brynn talks about something very close to her heart-- adoption--through the lens of the play, CHILD by Abbey Fenbert. We learn the basic history of adoption in America, common adoption traumas, and the evolution of the family; Edie Pierce gives a heartfelt and hilarious performance as Lady; and we confront our ideas of love, ritual, culture, and family...

In the Season 2 finale, Brynn discusses "beth" by Alex Lin with the playwright herself! We learn about the origins of the Macbeth story and the details of the Intel (now Regeneron) International Science and Engineering Fair, and hear new actor to the podcast, Nina Ki, give a stunning performance as Beth. Alex and Brynn have a rousing discussion about adapting Shakespeare, writing dark stories for...

In this episode, Brynn talks about the play "For Leonora, or Companions" by Hayley St. James! We learn about one of the few women Surrealist painters, Leonora Carrington as well as how autism presents in AFAB people. Edie Pierce, an autist herself, gives a nuanced performance as Nora, and we talk about why plays about the autistic and queer experience are so important. If you like queer theatre, s...

We take a break from the dark topics of the past few episodes to talk about a rom-com for the stage--"to fall in love with anyone..." by Jordan Elizabeth Henry! We learn about the history of the rom-com and some of the problematic tropes, Edie Pierce gives a stunning performance as Roni, and the playwright herself tells us how this play advocates for love, both of self and of others. If you like r...

In this episode, Brynn talks about the pseudoscientific theory that this play is named after, the Dust Bowl, and more! Amelia Bethel gives a beautiful performance as Ingrid, and we discuss dystopian literature that's a little too imaginable for comfort, the connections between toxic masculinity and extreme nationalism, and the radical idea of quiet revolution. If you like sci-fi dystopian stories,...

In this episode, Brynn talks to Florida-based director, playwright, and theater maker, Monica Cross, about 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. Multiple amazing actors collaborate with Brynn to make a beautiful audio piece of one of the scenes, and Monica talks to us about the playwright, staging experimental work, and how to navigate theatre that discusses difficult topics. If you like poetry, experimen...

In this episode, Brynn discusses a modern interpretation of Faustus called "Fruit in Winter" by Emily Atkinson. Lily Welsh performs as Melody, the demoness, and we learn all about the original Dr. Faustus, queer undertones made overtones, and how societal expectations of success can lead to poor self-esteem. If you like the paranormal, queer theory, and really REALLY dark stories, this one's for y...

In this episode, Brynn gets to talk to the playwright herself, Alyssa Haddad, about her play, Off-White, or The Arab House Party Play. We learn about the culture of early 2000s teens, the rise and fall of Myspace and AIM, and the racism that Arab-Americans faced after the events of 9/11, and we get a special treat from Breaking and Entering Theater Collective-- an audio clip from their recent prod...

In this episode, Brynn talks about Scooby Doo, alien abductions, and the stress of teenagerhood all through the lens of M Sloth Levine's The Interrobangers. We hear a lovely performance from new actor to the podcast, Lee Harrison Daniel, and discuss why this play got to Brynn in a very special way. If you like mysteries, the paranormal, and the found family trope, this one's for you! Lee Harr...

In this episode, Brynn covers the one-act audio drama, Three Women by Sylvia Plath, with guest Amanda Card. Heather McConnell returns to the podcast with a tear-jerking performance as the Third Voice, while Brynn and Amanda talk about the virtues of poetry and feminine anger. If you like poetry, emotionally stunning moments, and celebrating femininity regardless of gender, this one's for you!...

In this episode, Brynn shares what she has learned about basketball and enforced poverty through the play, Flex by Candrice Jones. We get a moving reading from Jehan Young as Starra Jones and discuss how this play honestly portrays the realities of teenage girlhood and growing up. If you like basketball, strong and opinionated characters, and seeing hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odd...

In this episode, Brynn talks to playwright Andrea Staats about her comedy play, OMG We Ate A Guy! Edie Pierce gives a hilarious performance as Timberlee, and we learn about Mormonism, vengeful ghosts, and what it means to be a queer or BIPOC person in Mormonism. If you like the paranormal, quirky and strong female characters, and dark humor, this one's for you! Andrea Staats: instagram- @uss_...

It's Black History Month! As such, this episode covers a play by a member of the Black community.  In this week's episode, Brynn takes us to a town just outside her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA--Aliquippa, PA --through the play Aliquippa by Lydia Valentine. New actor to the podcast, Chanel Blanchett, gives an outstanding performance as Naomi, and we talk about how the citizens of once-booming steel...

This week, Brynn takes us into the world of the 1869 Colorado River expedition through Jaclyn Backhaus's Men on Boats! Edie Pierce gives a stunning performance of the closing monologue of the play as Mr. Asa, and Anne Karyna Bakan returns to share with us the intricacies of being a dramaturg for a play based on history. If you like adventure and modern retellings of history, this one's for you! An...

It's the beginning of Season 2! By popular demand, the first episode of 2021 is a Q&A episode. Brynn and a few past guests answer some of your burning questions about theater and the plays covered last season. Hope you enjoy it, and Happy New Year! Guests:  Anne Karyna Bakan: annkarynabakan.com Karen Loewy Movilla: karenloewymovilla.com Email: theplaymatespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @pla...

Happy Holidays! It's the official holiday episode and finale of Season 1! This week, Brynn talks about a short and sweet holiday play called "Yule Be Merry or Else" by Natalie Ann Valentine, Jared Richardson regales us once again as James the Jolly Janitor (who may or may not be Santa Claus), and we learn about the history of online dating and love in this modern-day of swiping. If you like rom-co...

This week, Brynn discusses the science fiction play, Walden, with it's author, Amy Berryman! We learn about the future of space exploration and climate change, hear a fantastic rendition of Stella's monologue by Heather McConnell, and talk to Amy about what inspired her to write this amazing play. If you like space, environmentalism, and sci-fi, this one's for you! Amy Berryman: www.amy-berry...

This week, Brynn discusses another Shakespeare based play, this one following characters from A Winter's Tale. We hear a monologue from Act 1 of the play from Jared Richardson as The Bear, and we learn about how modern writers can and are utilizing Shakespeare to talk about issues in our current society. If you like Shakespeare, talking animals, and women drop-kicking the patriarchy, this one's fo...

In this episode, Brynn and guest Karen Loewy Movilla talk about Europa by Sarah Saltwick; Edie Pierce gives a moving performance as Alma; and Karen tells us about why this play's take on sexual assault is important. If you like plot twists, surprising friendships, and the concept of ending the cycle of violence, this one's for you! Karen Loewy Movilla: kloewymovilla@gm.slc.edu Edie Pierce: missemi...