SDCF Podcast Series artwork

SDCF Podcast Series

404 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratings

About: The SDCF Podcast series includes insightful and in-depth conversations about the working processes and experiences of directors and choreographers. This series features four decades of interviews and panel discussions with some of the field’s most distinguished luminaries, including Hal Prince and Lloyd Richards. Recent episodes include conversations with such notable artists as Anne Kauffman, Raja Feather Kelly, Seret Scott, Leigh Silverman, Twyla Tharp, and Mark Valdez. Dive into our archives to hear the story of the American theatre, told by those who helped create its history and are charting the course of its future.

Feel free to search for episodes using relevant search terms, or peruse the following categories:
● Awards
● Choreographers in Conversation
● Choreography
● Direction
● In Motion with Wendy Seyb
● Issues
● One-on-One Conversations
● Producing
● Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith
● Shakespeare/Classics
● Technical Theatre
● The Founder’s Series with Anne Kauffman
● Writing/Composition

Please note: The conversations in these podcasts date back to 1980 and may contain language that is not representative of the Foundation’s current ethos. We believe these conversations should be made available as an educational and informative resource for theatre artists. Due to the historical nature of this podcast archive, there may be outdated language or content. Therefore, we ask listeners to reach out to us if they feel any of our podcasts need additional review due to content. Additionally, we are happy to have any of our episodes transcribed upon request.

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Episodes

Choreographers in Conversation: Camden Gonzales & Sonya Tayeh

March 20, 2024 17:00 - 44 minutes - 69.3 MB

We are excited to bring you another episode in our podcast series Choreographers in Conversation.  This series allows choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode Choreographer Camden Gonzales interviews Choreographer Sonya Tayeh. They explore Sonya's choreographic process, philosophy around the importance and impact of choreography and danc...

The Art of Collaboration: Alex Timbers, Peter Hylenski, and Derek McLane

February 21, 2024 22:49 - 52 minutes - 82.4 MB

We are excited to bring you this new episode in our podcast series, The Art of Collaboration. This series focuses on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators on a specific production. This series explores the ins and outs of these processes, both the finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into a productive collaboration on a show. In the second episode of this two episode arc, Director Alex Timbers, Sound Designer Peter Hylenski, and S...

The Art of Collaboration: Alex Timbers, Justin Townsend, and Catherine Zuber

January 29, 2024 19:04 - 57 minutes - 92 MB

We are excited to bring you this new podcast series, The Art of Collaboration. This series will focus on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators on a specific production. This series will explore the ins and outs of these processes, both the finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into a productive collaboration on a show. In this inaugural episode, Director Alex Timbers, Costume Designer Catherine Zuber, and Lighting Designer Justin T...

Choreographers in Conversation: Camille A. Brown and Ellenore Scott

February 16, 2023 17:12 - 44 minutes - 73.1 MB

We are excited to bring you this podcast series, Choreographers in Conversation. This series allows choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode Choreographer and Creative Director Ellenore Scott interviews Choreographer Camille A. Brown to hear more about her career and where her love of dance and choreography comes from, what inspires her,...

A Conversation about the SDCF Professional Development Program – Special Podcast Episode

November 07, 2022 22:27 - 25 minutes - 16.9 MB

In this special podcast episode, SDCF Director Dani Barlow and SDCF Board of Trustees Member Seema Sueko discuss the revitalized Professional Development Program (formerly the SDCF Observership Program). You can visit SDCF’s website to learn more: https://sdcfoundation.org/professional-development-program/ SDCF’s revitalized Professional Development Program provides opportunities for early career directors and choreographers to observe and/or support experienced directors and choreographer...

Choreographers in Conversation: Annie-B Parson and Sam Pinkleton

October 13, 2022 15:34 - 59 minutes - 107 MB

We are excited to bring you this podcast series, Choreographers in Conversation. This series will allow choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode Sam Pinkleton interviews Annie-B Parson. The two discuss the experience of choreographing for musicians and opera, being a choreographer not a dancer, and how one collaborates or doesn’t with da...

Choreographers In Conversation: Maria Torres & Jerry Mitchell

July 29, 2022 15:44 - 48 minutes - 76.9 MB

We are excited to bring you this podcast series, Choreographers in Conversation. This series will allow choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode, Maria Torres, Director/Choreographer/SDCF Trustee interviews Director/Choreographer, Jerry Mitchell to learn more about his career, what brought him to the theatre, the work that he is passiona...

Choreographers In Conversation: Dan Knechtges & Twyla Tharp

July 29, 2022 15:44 - 36 minutes - 57 MB

We are excited to bring you a new podcast series, Choreographers in Conversation. This series will allow choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode to kick off the series, Dan Knechtges interviews Twyla Tharp. The two cover everything from Twyla’s legendary theatrical work including MOVIN' OUT to her book THE CREATIVE HABIT and discuss ho...

The Role of Broadway Associate/Resident Directors and Choreographers

July 29, 2022 15:43 - 1 hour - 53.5 MB

In this conversation we hear from associate directors and choreographers to learn what their jobs entail and how they navigate their work in the industry. This event will be in webinar format and ASL interpretation will be provided. The conversation is moderated by Benjamin Endsley Klein (Associate Director, Hairspray West End, The Ferryman, Carousel), and the panel includes Nancy Renee Braun (Resident Choreographer, Moulin Rouge & Associate Choreographer, Beetlejuice), Chika Ike (Associate D...

Returning to Rehearsal with Justin Emeka and Marya Sea Kaminski

July 29, 2022 15:42 - 1 hour - 37.4 MB

As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond to—namely the ongoing pandemic and calls for action for equity and inclusion. This series will elevate those conversations, hearing from a group of theater leaders, directors and choreographers about their experiences on returning. In the final installment of this series Justin Emeka, Resident Director at the Pittsburgh Public Theat...

Returning to Rehearsal with Raja Feather Kelly, Leigh Silverman, & Yuvika Tolani

July 29, 2022 15:41 - 57 minutes - 34.6 MB

As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond to—namely the ongoing pandemic and calls for action for equity and inclusion. This series will elevate those conversations, hearing from a group of theater leaders, directors and choreographers about their experiences on returning. In the second installment of this series Raja Feather Kelly, choreographer of SUFFS, Leigh Silverma...

One-on-One Conversation with Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Justin Emeka

June 30, 2022 20:45 - 1 hour - 207 MB

On November 5, 2015, Two Rivers Artistic Director John Dias sat down with actor, playwright, and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and actor, playwright, choreographer and director Justin Emeka to discuss their bodies of work and philosophical approaches to directing. Throughout the conversation Santiago-Hudson and Emeka touch on the importance of thoughtful casting, directing both Shakespeare and August Wilson, and the importance of representation. In this discussion, Santiago-Hudson and Eme...

One-on-One Conversation with Lear deBessonet and Thomas Kail

June 30, 2022 20:06 - 1 hour - 151 MB

In 2015, Thomas Kail and Lear Debessonet participated in a One-on-One conversation that focused on their experiences as  young directors. In this podcast, deBessonet shares her early interest in interdisciplinary work that led to her current role as Director of Public Works at the Public Theater. Throughout their conversation, Kail and deBessonet talk about various elements in an emerging director’s life—the importance of making work with friends, the advantages and disadvantages of assistin...

One-on-One Conversation with Leigh Silverman and Thomas Kail

June 30, 2022 20:04 - 1 hour - 147 MB

In 2015, Director Thomas Kail sat down with Director Leigh Silverman in a One-on-One conversation about craft, career, and professional trajectories. In their conversation, Silverman expresses her thoughts on the value of readings, how female directors have to prove themselves in a male-dominated industry, and the apparent stigma surrounding ambition in professional theater. Additionally, Silverman and Kail talk about ideal directorial skills and their thoughts on what it means to soak up id...

One-on-One Conversation with Rachel Chavkin and Thomas Kail

June 30, 2022 20:03 - 1 hour - 152 MB

In the summer of 2015, Director Thomas Kail sat down with Director Rachel Chavkin in a one-on-one conversation about Chavkin’s career and trajectory as a director. Throughout the discussion, Kail and Chavkin discuss a series of questions ranging from ‘how can directors balance running a company with a freelance lifestyle?’ to ‘How do you know when a piece is good?’ and ‘Should directors read reviews?’ In addition to discussing these questions, Chavkin discusses what shaped her career as a di...

One-on-One Conversation with Anne Bogart and Lear deBessonet

June 30, 2022 20:01 - 57 minutes - 131 MB

On February 6, 2015, SDCF held a One-on-One discussion with directors Anne Bogart and Lear deBessonet at New York’s National Opera Center. Throughout this brief conversation between mentor and mentee, community, collaboration, and inclusivity are listed as core values for a director, which are illustrated through some of their respective career highlights. Additional topics discussed include rehearsal techniques and methods for preparation; the relationship between actors and audiences; what...

SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal with Justin Emeka and Marya Sea Kaminski

March 09, 2022 15:27 - 37.4 MB

As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond to—namely the ongoing pandemic and calls for action for equity and inclusion. This series will elevate those conversations, hearing from a group of theater leaders, directors and choreographers about their experiences on returning. In the final installment of this series Justin Emeka, Resident Director at the Pittsburgh Public Theat...

SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal with Raja Feather Kelly, Leigh Silverman, & Yuvika Tolani

March 09, 2022 15:26 - 34.5 MB

As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond to—namely the ongoing pandemic and calls for action for equity and inclusion. This series will elevate those conversations, hearing from a group of theater leaders, directors and choreographers about their experiences on returning. In the second installment of this series Raja Feather Kelly, choreographer of SUFFS, Leigh Silverman,...

SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal with Estefanía Fadul & Paige Price

March 09, 2022 15:25 - 35.4 MB

As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond to—namely the ongoing pandemic and calls for action for equity and inclusion. This series will elevate those conversations, hearing from a group of theater leaders, directors and choreographers about their experiences on returning. In the first installment of this series we hear from Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theat...

Returning to Rehearsal with Estefanía Fadul & Paige Price

March 09, 2022 15:25 - 1 hour - 35.4 MB

As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond to—namely the ongoing pandemic and calls for action for equity and inclusion. This series will elevate those conversations, hearing from a group of theater leaders, directors and choreographers about their experiences on returning. In the first installment of this series we hear from Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theat...

2021 Zelda Fichandler Awardee Mark Valdez and Michael John Garcés In Conversation

March 04, 2022 21:30 - 33 minutes - 58.2 MB

In this episode, the SDCF 2021 Zelda Fichandler Award Winner, Mark Valdez is interviewed by Michael John Garcés and they discuss everything from the most beautiful theater and how art can influence policy to rethinking the need for traditional performance spaces and leavening heavy themes with silliness and surprises. This podcast took place in early February 2022, Mark is now the current Artistic Director for the Mixed Blood Theatre. The Zelda Fichandler Award recognizes directors and choreo...

SDCF Awards 2021

February 24, 2021 15:48 - 59 minutes - 104 MB

SDCF announced the honorees of this year’s Joe A. Callaway Awards, Gordon Davidson Award, and The Zelda Fichandler Award. The Awards were presented virtually on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 8pm ET. The Joe A. Callaway Awards was presented to Danya Taymor for her outstanding direction in Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Playwrights Horizons), and to Travis Wall for his outstanding choreography in The Wrong Man (MCC Theater). The finalists for this award are Knud Adams and Les Waters. The Joe A. C...

One-on-One Conversation with Sheldon Epps and Seret Scott

October 15, 2020 17:05 - 57 minutes - 32.7 MB

On Thursday, October 8th, 2020 SDCF Trustee Sheldon Epps continued his conversation on artistic leadership with Gordon Davidson Award recipient Seret Scott. Scott and Epps discussed her wide-ranging and inspiring achievements and her work with the Free Southern Theatre in the 1960s, her performances as an actress on Broadway and beyond, and her remarkable career as a freelance director across the country.

SDCF's Second Virtual Roundtable Conversation

September 08, 2020 16:12 - 1 hour - 53 MB

On August 25th, 2020 SDCF Trustee and Artistic Director Emeritus of Pasadena Playhouse Sheldon Epps moderated a second roundtable conversation with regional Artistic Directors new to their roles about facing the specific challenges of the moment. He was joined by Melia Bensussen (Hartford Stage), Tim Bond (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley), David Ivers (South Coast Repertory), Rob Melrose (Alley Theatre) and Sarah Rasmussen (McCarter Theatre Center).

SDCF's Second Virtual Roundtable Conversation

September 08, 2020 16:12 - 53 MB

On August 25th, 2020 SDCF Trustee and Artistic Director Emeritus of Pasadena Playhouse Sheldon Epps moderated a second roundtable conversation with regional Artistic Directors new to their roles about facing the specific challenges of the moment. He was joined by Melia Bensussen (Hartford Stage), Tim Bond (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley), David Ivers (South Coast Repertory), Rob Melrose (Alley Theatre) and Sarah Rasmussen (McCarter Theatre Center).

A conversation with financial behaviorist, Jacquette Timmons

August 04, 2020 17:01 - 58 minutes - 39.5 MB

On July 22, 2020 SDCF held a webinar with financial behaviorist, Jacquette Timmons. Jacquette spoke with us about financial planning during long-term unemployment and shared her unique blend of strategic budgeting advice coupled with candid talk about the ways our emotions play out in our financial lives.

Financial Planning with Jacquette Timmons

August 04, 2020 17:01 - 58 minutes - 39.5 MB

On July 22, 2020 SDCF held a webinar with financial behaviorist, Jacquette Timmons. Jacquette spoke with us about financial planning during long-term unemployment and shared her unique blend of strategic budgeting advice coupled with candid talk about the ways our emotions play out in our financial lives.

SDCF Virtual Roundtable Conversation

July 29, 2020 15:10 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

On July 9th, 2020 SDCF hosted a virtual roundtable conversation, moderated by Sheldon Epps, SDCF Trustee and Artistic Director Emeritus of Pasadena Playhouse. He led a conversation about the challenges and opportunities of leading a non-ethnic specific organization as a leader of color. Sheldon was joined by Artistic Directors Robert Barry Fleming (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Nataki Garrett (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Jacob Padrón (Long Wharf Theatre), Hana Sharif (Repertory Theatre of...

SDCF Podcast Series: The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman, Jonathan McCrory and Sade Lythcott

May 20, 2020 16:19 - 1 hour - 45.3 MB

We’re excited to share the second episode of The Founder’s Series with Anne Kauffman, as part of SDCF’s Masters of the Stage. In this episode, Anne speaks with Jonathan McCrory, Artistic Director and Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theatre. They discuss Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s revolutionary vision and the founding of Harlem’s National Black Theatre; how Jonathan joined the National Black Theatre team and how together, Sade and Jonathan have reimagined the theatre’s mission, audience ...

Masters of the Stage: The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman, Jonathan McCrory and Sade Lythcott

May 20, 2020 16:19 - 45.3 MB

We’re excited to share the second episode of The Founder’s Series with Anne Kauffman, as part of SDCF’s Masters of the Stage. In this episode, Anne speaks with Jonathan McCrory, Artistic Director and Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theatre. They discuss Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s revolutionary vision and the founding of Harlem’s National Black Theatre; how Jonathan joined the National Black Theatre team and how together, Sade and Jonathan have reimagined the theatre’s mission, audience ...

The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman: Jonathan McCrory and Sade Lythcott (Guests)

May 20, 2020 16:19 - 1 hour - 45.3 MB

We’re excited to share the second episode of The Founder’s Series with Anne Kauffman, as part of SDCF’s Masters of the Stage. In this episode, Anne speaks with Jonathan McCrory, Artistic Director and Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theatre. They discuss Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s revolutionary vision and the founding of Harlem’s National Black Theatre; how Jonathan joined the National Black Theatre team and how together, Sade and Jonathan have reimagined the theatre’s mission, audience ...

SDCF Podcast Series: The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman and Emily Mann

April 21, 2020 17:32 - 30.2 MB

The Founder's Series was created by Anne Kauffman, Artistic Director of Encores! Off Center at New York City Center, as part of SDCF’s Podcast Series. In this series, Anne interviews artistic directors and founders who have had a lasting impact on the nonprofit theater community around the country. In this episode Anne talks with Emily Mann, Artistic Director of the McCarter Theatre Center, about her career journey as a female director, the adversity she’s faced, and how she has navigated th...

The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman and Emily Mann

April 21, 2020 17:32 - 47 minutes - 30.2 MB

The Founder's Series was created by Anne Kauffman, Artistic Director of Encores! Off Center at New York City Center, as part of SDCF’s Podcast Series. In this series, Anne interviews artistic directors and founders who have had a lasting impact on the nonprofit theater community around the country. In this episode Anne talks with Emily Mann, Artistic Director of the McCarter Theatre Center, about her career journey as a female director, the adversity she’s faced, and how she has navigated th...

The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman: Emily Mann (Guest)

April 21, 2020 17:32 - 47 minutes - 30.2 MB

The Founder's Series was created by Anne Kauffman, Artistic Director of Encores! Off Center at New York City Center, as part of SDCF’s Podcast Series. In this series, Anne interviews artistic directors and founders who have had a lasting impact on the nonprofit theater community around the country. In this episode Anne talks with Emily Mann, Artistic Director of the McCarter Theatre Center, about her career journey as a female director, the adversity she’s faced, and how she has navigated th...

Masters of the Stage: The Founder's Series with Anne Kauffman and Emily Mann

April 21, 2020 17:32 - 30.2 MB

The Founder's Series was created by Anne Kauffman, Artistic Director of Encores! Off Center at New York City Center, as part of SDCF’s Masters of the Stage. In this series, Anne interviews artistic directors and founders who have had a lasting impact on the nonprofit theater community around the country. In this episode Anne talks with Emily Mann, Artistic Director of the McCarter Theatre Center, about her career journey as a female director, the adversity she’s faced, and how she has naviga...

Masters of the Stage: Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny + Geoffrey Kent

January 03, 2020 17:03 - 98.3 MB

American Shakespeare Center's Artistic Director, Ethan McSweeny sat down with Geoffrey Kent in a new episode of Masters of the Stage: Careers in the Classics.

SDCF Podcast Series: Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny + Geoffrey Kent

January 03, 2020 17:03 - 98.3 MB

American Shakespeare Center's Artistic Director, Ethan McSweeny sat down with Geoffrey Kent in a new episode of SDCF Podcast Series: Careers in the Classics.

Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny: Geoffrey Kent (Guest)

January 03, 2020 17:03 - 1 hour - 98.3 MB

American Shakespeare Center's Artistic Director, Ethan McSweeny sat down with Geoffrey Kent in a new episode of SDCF Podcast Series: Careers in the Classics.

Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith: Evren Odcikin (Guest)

December 12, 2019 15:44 - 1 hour - 81 MB

Evren Odcikin, Founder of Maia Directors, sits with M. Graham Smith to discuss career and craft of working in regional theaters.

Masters of the Stage: Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith and Evren Odcikin

December 12, 2019 15:44 - 81 MB

Evren Odcikin, Founder of Maia Directors, sits with M. Graham Smith to discuss career and craft of working in regional theaters.

SDCF Podcast Series: Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith and Evren Odcikin

December 12, 2019 15:44 - 81 MB

Evren Odcikin, Founder of Maia Directors, sits with M. Graham Smith to discuss career and craft of working in regional theaters.

Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny: Eric Tucker (Guest)

November 20, 2019 15:23 - 1 hour - 94 MB

American Shakespeare Center's artistic director, Ethan McSweeny sat with Eric Tucker in the new SDCF Podcast Series, Careers in the Classics.

SDCF Podcast Series: Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny + Eric Tucker

November 20, 2019 15:23 - 94 MB

American Shakespeare Center's artistic director, Ethan McSweeny sat with Eric Tucker in the new SDCF Podcast Series, Careers in the Classics.

Masters of the Stage: Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny + Eric Tucker

November 20, 2019 15:23 - 94 MB

American Shakespeare Center's artistic director, Ethan McSweeny sat with Eric Tucker in the new Masters of the Stage series, Careers in the Classics.

Sharon Ott: Masters of the Stage, Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny

August 22, 2019 21:24 - 66.1 MB

On July 6th, 2019, American Shakespeare Center's artistic director, Ethan McSweeny sat with Sharon Ott, the director of ASC's production of Antony and Cleopatra, for the inaugural episode of the brand new Masters of the Stage series, Careers in the Classics.

Sharon Ott: SDCF Podcast Series, Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny

August 22, 2019 21:24 - 66.1 MB

On July 6th, 2019, American Shakespeare Center's artistic director, Ethan McSweeny sat with Sharon Ott, the director of ASC's production of Antony and Cleopatra, for the inaugural episode of the brand new SDCF Podcast Series, Careers in the Classics.

Careers in the Classics with Ethan McSweeny: Sharon Ott (Guest)

August 22, 2019 21:24 - 57 minutes - 66.1 MB

On July 6th, 2019, American Shakespeare Center's artistic director, Ethan McSweeny sat with Sharon Ott, the director of ASC's production of Antony and Cleopatra, for the inaugural episode of the brand new SDCF Podcast Series, Careers in the Classics.

Elizabeth Williamson: SDCF Podcast Series, Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith

July 24, 2019 18:22 - 51.4 MB

Elizabeth Williamson, Associate Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, sits with M. Graham Smith to discuss career and craft of working in regional theaters.

Elizabeth Williamson: Masters of the Stage, Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith

July 24, 2019 18:22 - 51.4 MB

Elizabeth Williamson, Associate Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, sits with M. Graham Smith to discuss career and craft of working in regional theaters.

Regional Originals with M. Graham Smith: Elizabeth Williamson (Guest)

July 24, 2019 18:22 - 44 minutes - 51.4 MB

Elizabeth Williamson, Associate Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, sits with M. Graham Smith to discuss career and craft of working in regional theaters.