What does it actually take to build a sustainable life in the arts?
Ghostlight is a podcast about the intersection of creativity, business, identity, and survival. Hosted by entrepreneur and theater artist Benjamin Reed, each episode features candid conversations with performers, playwrights, directors, producers, and builders navigating the realities of creative work.
Together, they explore the mechanics behind artistic careers: money, leverage, burnout, storytelling, ambition, audience building, self-worth, and the challenge of creating meaningful work without destroying yourself in the process.
Because making art is one thing. Building a life around it is another.
Arts organizations everywhere are asking the same questions: How do we build sustainable institutions? How do we serve our communities? And what needs to change if the arts are going to thrive in the decades ahead?
In this episode of Ghostlight, Benjamin Reed sits down with Aaron Simms, Executive Director of Shakespeare on the Sound and founder of Inwood Art Works, to explore the future of arts leadership.
The conversation covers the economics of nonprofit theater, why cash flow matters more than most people realize, the shift toward hyperlocal communities, the role of technology and AI, and how arts organizations can build deeper relationships instead of simply chasing bigger audiences.
Whether you work in the arts or simply care about the role creativity plays in society, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at where we've been and where we might be headed next.
Guest Links
Website: https://www.shakespeareonthesound.org/ (https://www.shakespeareonthesound.org/)
Inwood Art Works: https://www.inwoodartworks.nyc/ (https://www.inwoodartworks.nyc/)
Connect with Ghostlight
Website: https://www.stageable.com (https://www.stageable.com)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stageableofficial (https://instagram.com/ghostlight.show)
11 Aug 2026
PILOT. Table Work: Brutus/Cassius (part 1)
We’re testing the idea of “table work” as its own kind of show. Featuring different actors, varying scenes, and bringing in directors and dramaturgs into the the conversation.
Let us know if this interests you in the comments or what would make it better.
Starting with a preliminary read-through, then unpacking the text, exploring the historical and political context, and digging into the relationship between Brutus and Cassius.
Along the way, the conversation moves between craft and meaning, exploring verse, performance choices, rehearsal process, and the tension between love, honor, and leadership inside the play.
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens before a performance takes shape, or whether that process is worth watching on its own, this is us finding out.
Takeaways
The concept of 'Table Work' as a standalone show
The importance of historical and cultural context in understanding character motivations and political commentary Exploring character relationships is crucial for understanding the dynamics of a play.
The themes of love, honor, and leadership play a significant role in the interactions between characters.
Verse analysis and performance choices can provide valuable insights into character portrayal and storytelling. Character exploration through tablework
The importance of investing time in tablework
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Concept
00:42 The Idea of Table Work
01:56 The Practical Realities of Process
02:23 Technical Aspects of Scene Preparation
03:06 Technical Challenges and Interruptions
12:36 Exploring the Scene
26:45 Historical and Cultural Context
36:13 Character Analysis and Political Commentary
41:01 Exploring Character Relationships
42:25 The Relationship Between Brutus and Cassius
45:37 Love, Honor, and Leadership
01:07:10 Verse Analysis and Performance Choices
01:16:04 Exploring the Characters
01:18:01 The Power of Language
01:19:26 The Art of Rehearsal
01:25:16 The Process of Tablework
01:28:42 The Value of Process
01:36:22 Investing in Tablework
01:39:48 The Impact of Tablework
4 Aug 2026
227. Michael Thatcher: A Tenacious Journey to Broadway
The conversation covers Michaels journey to Broadway, life changes and parenthood, and sustaining a long-running show.
Michael Thatcher shares insights into his training, character versatility, financial struggles, and the impact of parenthood on his career. He also discusses the challenges of sustaining a long-running show and adapting to unexpected situations.
Takeaways
The journey to Broadway involves training, character versatility, and career building.
A Broadway career comes with financial struggles and the need for stability and sustainability.
Life changes, such as parenthood, lead to a shift in outlook and the challenge of balancing work and family.
Sustaining a long-running show involves challenges of repetition and adapting to unexpected situations.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Broadway
05:37 Lessons from Grad School
11:06 Transition to New York and Broadway Debut
19:16 Pandemic Experience and Wicked Audition
27:11 Wicked and Transition to Broadway
00:01 Introduction and Early Beginnings
28:43 The Journey to Broadway
32:04 The Ups and Downs of a Broadway Career
35:19 Life Changes and Parenthood
44:53 Sustaining a Long-Running Show
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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