Arts for the MASSes

Every April, a hotel in Marlborough, Massachusetts transforms into something magical. We went inside the New England Folk Festival — one of America's longest-running folk festivals — to find out what keeps thousands of people coming back for over 80 years. From Bulgarian folk singing to Celtic Morris dancing, contra dancing to handmade crafts, NEFA is unlike any festival you've ever seen....

🎭 Dreaming of a BFA in Musical Theater or Acting? This Episode is for YOU! 🎬 Are you a high school student (or parent!) navigating the overwhelming world of college auditions for theater programs? You're not alone! In this episode of  Arts for the MASSes , host Ryan Malyar sits down with Gigi Watson and Sarah Muirhead, directors of  My College Audition , to break down everything you need to...

Join host Ryan Malyar for a heartfelt conversation with Paul Melendy, one of Boston's most beloved actors and an Elliot Norton Award winner. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from a pivotal Boy Scout sketch at age 10 to becoming a powerhouse on Massachusetts stages. Paul opens up about his impressive career, including his award-winning solo performance in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at...

🎭  Arts for the MASSes - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Join host Ryan Malyar for an exciting conversation about The Savoyard Light Opera Company's upcoming production of the beloved musical comedy,  How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying ! In this episode, Ryan sits down with director  Kendra Thyne  and actor  Christopher Govang , who plays the ambitious window-wa...

BOSTON, MA  – Local theatre company Yorick Ensemble honors its namesake by taking on one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays – Hamlet. Shakespeare’s  Hamlet  is a gripping tale of mystery, ambition, and the fragile line between reality and illusion. Set against the backdrop of a royal court shrouded in secrets, this timeless tragedy follows a young prince whose world is upended by a sudden loss and...

Join host Ryan Malyar in this special episode of Arts for the MASSes as he sits down with director Jamie Cook in the lobby of the Concord Players to discuss their upcoming production of Jason Robert Brown's "Songs for a New World." 🎭  About the Show : Discover why "Songs for a New World" is considered essential repertoire for musical theater performers, featuring powerful...

Interview with Director Jill Tokac and Producer Jim AnsartJoin host Ryan Malyar as he speaks with director Jill Tokac and producer Jim Ansart about The Footlight Club's upcoming production of "The Prom" in Jamaica Plain, MA. Discover why this heartwarming musical about inclusion, acceptance, and finding your community is becoming so popular in regional theaters across the country. In...

# Camp Fable: Where Heroes Are Made Through Live-Action Roleplay In a world dominated by screens and technology, there's a magical place in Charlton, Massachusetts where kids get to unplug, step through magical book gates, and transform into heroes. Camp Fable, run by The Story School, is revolutionizing the summer camp experience by blending traditional camp activities with live-action rolepl...

Transforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira Troilo | Arts for the Masses PodcastJoin host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Kira Troilo, an innovative EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) consultant revolutionizing the arts and theater spaces. In this powerful conversation, Kira breaks down her unique approach to creating more inclusive, compassionate, and connected artistic environment...

🚽 Musical Comedy Meets Social Commentary! 🎭 Join host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Shelby Art-Koljonen (Director) and Jamie Cook (Choreographer) to dive deep into the hilarious and thought-provoking musical "Urinetown"! In this episode of Arts for the Masses, we explore: The wild premise of a water-scarce world where using the bathroom costs money How this quirky musical balances c...

🎭 **Arts for the MASSes Podcast: Square One Players - Spotlight on "Moon Over Buffalo"** 🎭Welcome back to another exciting episode of *Arts for the MASSes*! In this episode, host Ryan Malyar sits down with Tara Alano and Joanne Smith from Square One Players, an incredible women-run theater company based out of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Join us as they share their inspiring journey of...

In a recent episode of "Arts for the Masses," host Ryan Malyar sat down with Sam Gould of Open Door Theater, to discuss their groundbreaking work in creating an inclusive theater space in Massachusetts. For over 45 years, this volunteer-driven company has been breaking down barriers and redefining what theater can be. Open Door Theater was founded in 1980 by two mothers at a bus stop who...

In this engaging episode of "Arts for the MASSes," host Ryan Malyar sits down with the multi-talented Ilana Ransom Toeplitz to discuss current theater trends in 2025. Toeplitz, a director, choreographer, writer, and teaching artist now based in Greater Boston, brings her extensive Broadway experience to the conversation. ## Guest Spotlight Ilana's impressive resume includes work on B...

Moonbox Productions presents "The Good Deli" & "Jonathan" Two original plays are being performed by Moonbox Productions in Boston, MA. Ryan speaks with the authors and directors to learn about these exciting premieres. Tickets and more info at https://www.moonboxproductions.com Recordered September 2022

Ryan Malyar is visited in studio by performers Elaine Crane, Brad Amidon, and Chris Van Liew who are all performing in the Stephen Sondheim musical A Little Night Music. Production runs June 6-9 2024 in Boylston, MA. https://www.greaterworcesteropera.org

"Well ya got trouble my friend!"Arts for the MASSes is hosted by Ryan MalyarSpecial guests Nick Miller and Kathryn Denney strike up the band to celebrate the upcoming production of The Music Man at Concord Players. Featuring a special duet version of "Trouble" with our dueling Harold Hills! The classic Broadway musical The Music Man is being revived by the talented team at Conc...

🎭 Gilbert & Sullivan Magic Comes to Massachusetts! 🧙‍♀️Join host Ryan Malyar as he talks with Brianna Bensenouci about the Sudbury Savoyards' upcoming production of "Ruddigore" (or "The Witch's Curse")!In this fascinating episode of Arts for the Masses, discover:The rich history of the Sudbury Savoyards, a Gilbert and Sullivan theater group with over 60 years of t...