LIGHTS UP!

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 the writer's responsibility to portray truth, even in fictional narratives.Play Starts (0:47)Join New Play Exchange to follow along.Conversation with Audrey (8:41)Actors:Tyler: Eric "Red" WyattChloe: Jessica WeaverDirected by Garry Lee PoseySoundscape by Eric "Red" WyattLinks to follow Audrey:New Play ExchangeIMDBLinkedIn

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 playwright, Mark Blankenship is a seasoned arts journalist and editor. His contributions have appeared in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Variety, and American Theatre. Mark's multifaceted career also includes roles as a dramaturg and filmmaker, underscoring his diverse impact on the arts community.Play Starts (1:01)Conversation with Mark (10:44)Actors:Tom Baxter: SJ LesterWick Wallace: Joel Sanchez-AvantesGreg Hughes: Caleb SextonDirected by Garry Lee PoseySoundscape by Eric "Red" WyattLinks to follow Mark:Website: markgblankenship.com/bylines Twitter/Instagram: @IAmBlankenship​Bluesky: markblankenship.bsky.socialSubstack: lostsongs.substack.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blankenship-0118776/

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 amid ongoing conflict.Play Starts (1:09)Visit Ukrainian Drama Translation Library to follow alongInterview with Anna (21:30)Cast:I-Body: Deb MeeksI-Soul: Jessica WeaverDirected by Garry Lee PoseySoundscape by Eric "Red" WyattAdditional links to learn more about Anna:Ukrainian Drama Translations Library World Literature TodayInstagramFacebookSeason 5 is brought to you in partnership with the Center for International Theatre Development: CITD.us

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 Lab to follow along.Interview with Dmytro (40:54)Cast:Maryna: Karen HendersonMaksym: Jason RussellTasia: Claire BartlettMark: Eric WyattDirected by Garry Lee PoseySoundscape by Eric "Red" WyattAdditional Audio:Don Carlo Act I: “Dio, che nell'alma infondere”Credit: "Rebuild Ukraine" Charity Gala; April 24th, 2024Additional links to learn more about Dmytro:American Theatre InterviewCraft Magazine InterviewFacebookSeason 5 is brought to you in partnership with the Center for International Theatre Development: CITD.us

Music by BensoundArtist: Benjamin Tissot

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 made this season possible—leading into episodes 1 and 2, featuring Ukrainian playwrights Dmytro Ternovyi and Anna Halas. This conversation underscores the urgent need for artistic solidarity and the profound ways theater amplifies voices that must be heard.To learn more about CITD's initiatives and discover ways to connect, support or host a staged reading, please explore:• Worldwide Ukrainian Play Readings• Theatre of Playwrights, Kyiv• Linkages-UkraineAlso referenced in this episode:• The podcast adaptation of the acclaimed anthology A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions in a Time of War• AMERICAN THEATRE speaks to Philip Arnoult

BROKEN by James McLindonBe sure to visit his website or facebook!(join New Play Exchange and follow along, BROKEN)A: SJ LesterB: Chase ParkerDirected by Joel Sancez-AvantesSoundscape by Eric "Red" WyattAdditional Audio:Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5Urban Art Commission - Humanities TN Sharp Recipient Spotlight

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 PoseySoundscape by Eric "Red" WyattAdditional Audio:Stock Music provided by SoundPhenomenon, from Pond5Stock Music provided by RickyValadez, from Pond5Wolf Gap - Humanities TN Sharp Recipient Spotlight