Theater District

Arts journalist Rebecca Ritzel discusses her journey from early childhood storytelling to becoming a first-rate journalist and critic, adept at reviewing a wide range of performing arts as well as investigative and preview articles. A brilliant setter of scenes, Rebecca invites her readers into the theater with her, to experience the work from her point of view. Our conversation includes her persp...

No one has likely welcomed more audience members to DC theaters than Joy Johnson, and certainly no one has done it with more humor, grace, and compassion than Joy. A patron services professional in the District for almost 20 years--first at Shakespeare Theatre and now the Folger Library--she knows what makes a good box office employee, the supportive and risk-taking nature of DC audiences, how gat...

Shonali Burke is the Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Arena Stage, one of the largest and most prominent theater companies in the District. Trained as an actor and director in her native India, Shonali is today one of the best in the business of understanding and applying analytics. Adept in all things PR and marketing, she discusses content development, how data crunching is a form of list...

Kathryn Chase Bryer is a director, dramaturg, teacher, and administrator with a storied career at Imagination Stage, one of the country's largest and most innovative children's theater companies. Theater for Young Audiences has been central to Kate's career, which includes work at Missoula Children's Theatre, Round House's "Street 70" program, and Wolf Trap. At Imagination Stage, she has developed...

James J. Johnson has been bringing his blend of charm, poise, and humor to roles across DMV stages for almost 30 years, working at companies such as the African Continuum Theatre, Arena Stage, Imagination Stage, Woolly Mammoth, Theater J, and Keegan. Now making his name as a playwright--with his play , Wannabe , debuting at the 2024 Capital Fringe Festival and Central Time with Mosaic's H Street O...

Chani Wereley is one of the most versatile and talented performers in the DMV. After attending Young Artists of America in Maryland and Catholic University in DC, they've racked up an astonishing number and variety of projects, from new musicals to classic plays to her own cabaret triptych, HARD TIMES. Currently starring as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Ford's Theatre, Chani is without a dou...

Danielle Preston is a DC-based costume designer who has worked her way up and all around the DMV theater scene. She has brought her keen eye, steady hand, and agile mind to thought-bold, provoking productions at companies from Avant Bard to Theater J to Washington National Opera. She talks about her early days as a fellow at Kennedy Center and Arena Stage, learning the freelancing life, how design...

Aria Velz is a director, dramaturg, sound designer, teaching artist, and an emerging lesbian media critic.  She has worked at a long list of DMV theaters, including Signature Theatre, NextStop Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Imagination Stage, Flying V, Mosaic Theater, and Theater Alliance. Aria is as enthusiastic to watch plays as she is to make them, and we talk about the plays and musica...

Lizzi Albert and Gerrad Alex Taylor are DMV actors, directors, and educators. Longtime colleagues, they now serve as co-artistic directors of Perisphere Theater, a professional company which "produces plays that examine personal and collective history and the notion of history itself." The two discuss their careers, including tenures at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, the roles of exploration and...

Nova Y. Payton is one of the DMV's brightest stars. Known for her amazing voice, gracious presence, and serious acting chops, she has worked in theaters across the region, with a special connection with Virginia's Signature Theater, where she has performed in shows such as Into the Woods, The Color Purple, and Dream Girls. A multiple Helen Hayes Award nominee and winner, Payton discusses the impor...

Kate Kenworthy is an actor in Washington, DC. They performed in two of 2023's most acclaimed productions with Rorschach Theatre and Spooky Action Theater, as well as other play readings and projects. They have no shortage of charisma and enthusiasm on stage, and the same goes for off stage. They discuss how they broke into DC theater, the need to be mindful of the projects one takes on, the power...

Zavier Augustus Lee Taylor is a projection designer, artist, and filmmaker based in Washington, DC.  He graduated from UMD-College Park in 2022 with an MFA in Media & Projection Design, and runs the multimedia production and design company ZALT Productions. He shares his thoughts on the differences between New York and DC theater, sustainability efforts in the theater, "conceptual responses im...

Jordan Friend is an actor, director, and musician who founded and led the  4615 Theatre Company from 2013 until its closing in 2023. Jordan discusses the company's origins, mission, and operations, as well as provides insights into running a small company and being a multi-faceted artist.  Send Dex a text! Be sure to follow and connect with the show on Instagram: @theater_district

Hi! It's Dex! Learn what you need to know about Theater District--a podcast about the people who make Washington, DC one of the best theater cities in the world--in just 30 seconds.  Send Dex a text! Be sure to follow and connect with the show on Instagram: @theater_district