Theatre Philadelphia, The Podcast

About Theatre Philadelphia, The Podcast

Building on Theatre Philadelphia's mission, this podcast bearing its name has a goal to reach into the Greater Philadelphia theater scene and engage in a dialogue that promotes and celebrates our community and takes you behind the scenes to get to know and support the many theaters, producers, artists and designers that bring the most dynamic and engaging theatrical experiences to our stages. The podcast is co-hosted by Darnelle Radford, Executive Director and CJ Higgins, Director of Programming and Operations at Theatre Philadelphia with. ABOUT THEATRE PHILADELPHIA: We lead efforts that expand audiences and engage the public to participate in this community's work. Theatre Philadelphia envisions an equitable and inclusive region that champions and nurtures local artists. We aim to raise our city’s profile as a world-class city and enrich the lives of Philadelphia-area citizens. Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Theatre Philadelphia, The Podcast is "An Em3ry Production". Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

Publisher

Theatre Philadelphia, The Podcast - An Em3ry Production

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Apr 2026

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   TPTP_S01E13 - Philly Fringe - Priority Hoarding, Rose Jarboe

   In this episode of Theater Philadelphia, Darnelle Radford interviews Rose Jarboe about the Bearded Ladies Cabaret's latest installation, 'Priority Hoarding.' They discuss the immersive experience of the hairport, the importance of queer art, and the legacy of the Bearded Ladies over their 16 years of existence. Takeaways Support local art Queer art is relatable Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Theater Philadelphia Podcast 01:00 Exploring Priority Hoarding 02:37 The Concept of the Hairport 04:14 The Legacy of the Bearded Ladies 07:55 Relatability of Queer Art 09:44 Sixteen Years of Memories 11:37 Technical Elements of the Installation 13:42 Audience Participation and Legacy 15:40 Challenges of Curating Artifacts 16:32 Finding the Right Space 18:18 The Role of Community in Arts 19:22 Supporting Local Art 20:12 Event Series and Cabarets 21:33 Audience Response and Engagement 22:40 Future of the Installation 24:31 Maintaining Momentum in Art 26:27 Participating in the Experience 27:59 Closing Thoughts and Future Events For More About Bearded Ladies Cabaret: www.beardedladiescabaret.com (https://www.beardedladiescabaret.com) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

2. 

   21 Sept 2026

   TPTP_S01E12 - Philly Fringe: Rose Farrell - Returned Iridescent

   The conversation covers the journey of the play 'Returned Iridescent' and the experiences of the playwright, Rose Farrell, in developing and presenting the production. It delves into the themes of personal transformation, trans experiences, and the emotional impact of the play on the audience. Takeaways Theater by Development presents 'Returned Iridescent' as a fully realized world premiere production. The conversation highlights the importance of trans stories and the impact of the play on the audience, emphasizing themes of personal transformation and self-discovery. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 'Returned Iridescent' 01:03 Theater Community and Artistic Journey 03:22 The Journey of 'Returned Iridescent' 07:13 Character Development and Rehearsal Process 24:15 Visual Presentation and Fringe Experience 29:56 Artistic Vision and Future Plans 31:44 Recommendations and Closing Remarks FOR TICKETS: https://phillyfringe.org/events/returned-iridescent/ (https://phillyfringe.org/events/returned-iridescent/) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

3. 

   11 Sept 2026

   TPTP_S01E11 - PhillyFringe: The Bards 10th Anniversary Telethon: LIVE!

   The conversation covers the energy of fringe festivals, the Bards' journey in Philly Fringe, adapting to challenges and change, the concept of the telethon, bringing artists together, and the Bards' impact and future. It highlights the excitement and urgency of fringe festivals, the resilience and adaptability of theater companies, and the celebration of queer theater and collaboration in the Philadelphia community. Takeaways The value of artistic conversations and community engagement in fringe festivals The resilience and adaptability of theater companies during challenging times Chapters 00:00 The Energy of Fringe Festivals 02:03 The Bards' Journey in Philly Fringe 05:07 Adapting to Challenges and Change 06:20 The Concept of the Telethon 11:01 Bringing Artists Together 15:06 The Bards' Impact and Future For Tickets: https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-bards-10th-anniversary-telethon-live/ (https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-bards-10th-anniversary-telethon-live/) Support The Bards: https://www.thebardstheatretroupe.com/support (https://www.thebardstheatretroupe.com/support) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

4. 

   4 Sept 2026

   TPTP - S01E10 - 2026 Barrymore Awards Nominations Announcement

   The 2026 Barrymore Awards nominees are announced, and the process of identifying excellence in Philadelphia Theater is explained. The episode also teases the location of the upcoming celebration. Members of the Board of Directors and the Barrymore Oversight Committee lend their voices to present the nominees. Welcome to the podcast. Theatre Philadelphia, The Podcast, TPTP. I’m Darnelle Radford, Executive Director of Theatre Philadelphia. If you are new to our podcast, welcome! If you are returning, welcome back! Now would be a great time to like, share and subscribe depending on the platform you are viewing this on. On today’s episode we are thrilled to present the nominees for the 2026 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Philadelphia Theater. Now, you may be wondering, how do we find excellence in Philadelphia  Theater? Each season, our Barrymore Oversight Committee recruits 80-120 individuals to be judges and nominators who go out and adjudicate every Barrymore-eligible production of the upcoming season. At the end of the season, the votes are tallied and the committee hands over a list of nominees which we are going to present to you with the help of our Board of Directors and Committee members. Stay tuned till the end to find out where we will be celebrating this year. For now, I’ll hand it over to our members as we beam into their locations through the wonders of technology! Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

5. 

   6 Jul 2026

   TPTP - S01E09 - Lindsay Smiling - Wilma Theater

   The conversation delves into the transition into sole artistic leadership at The Wilma Theater and their unique approach to productions. Lindsay Smiling shares his journey to becoming the Artistic Director and discusses the challenges and opportunities of co-artistic directorship. The discussion also explores the essence of the Wilma Theater experience and strategies for engaging the audience and enhancing their theater experience. The conversation with Lindsay Smiling covers the artistic vision and risk-taking at the Wilma Theater, the impact of digital productions, the involvement of co-artistic directors in season planning, community engagement and representation, and the importance of membership and community involvement in the theater experience. Takeaways Artistic leadership transition The Wilma Theater's unique approach to productions Community Engagement Artistic Direction Theater Collaboration Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Smiling 05:37 Leadership Changes and Community Support 11:14 Challenges of Artistic Leadership 18:13 Engaging the Audience and Enhancing Experience 25:19 The Impact of Digital Productions 31:24 Community Engagement and Representation Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow The Wilma Theater here: https://wilmatheater.org (https://wilmatheater.org) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

6. 

   6 Jul 2026

   TPTP - S01E08 - Mydera Taliah Robinson, Executive Director - Theatre Horizon

   The conversation with Mydera Taliah Robinson, Executive Director of Theater Horizon, delves into her journey, community engagement, and the impact of Theater Horizon's productions. Mydera's commitment to community building, inclusivity, and empowering marginalized communities is evident in her leadership and the organization's approach to theater. The season's world premiere of 'Wishing to Grow Up Brightly' and the community's response exemplify the power of storytelling and its impact on fostering connections and understanding. The conversation delves into the value of the journey, the importance of building a community, and the creation of XOXO as a love letter to the community. It also explores community collaboration, relationship building, ownership, valuation, community engagement, and the empowerment of artists and community members. The power of connection and amplification is highlighted as a key theme throughout the discussion. The conversation delves into the importance of building name recognition, preserving legacy through art, and the impact of black joy. It also highlights the welcoming of Amina Robinson as the new artistic director and the role of artistic directors in preserving heritage and legacy. The discussion emphasizes the restoration of pathways and opportunities, embracing diversity in art, and the abundance of artistic expression, ultimately celebrating community and joy. Takeaways Community engagement and inclusivity are essential for building trust and empowering marginalized communities. The power of storytelling and community impact is evident in the world premiere of 'Wishing to Grow Up Brightly' and the conversations it sparked. Community collaboration and relationship building are essential for the success of community-based initiatives. Empowering artists and community members through engagement and connection is crucial for building a strong and inclusive community. Preserving legacy through art Embracing diversity in art Chapters 00:00 Introducing Theater Horizon and Mydera Taliah Robinson 05:48 Building Trust and Community Engagement 10:58 Collective Success and Community Building 18:19 World Premiere of 'Wishing to Grow Up Brightly' 27:52 The Value of the Journey 33:23 Community Collaboration and Relationship Building 41:03 Community Engagement and Connection 49:10 The Power of Connection and Amplification 54:10 Welcoming Amina Robinson 59:43 Announcing the New Artistic Director 01:07:31 Embracing Diversity in Art Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow Theatre Horizon here: https://theatrehorizon.org/ (https://theatrehorizon.org/) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

7. 

   30 Apr 2026

   TPTP_S01E07 - PTW26 - I'm The Real One - The Bards Theatre Troupe

   Dive into a compelling conversation with CJ Higgins and Jay Adams of the Bards Theatre Troupe as they discuss their innovative theater production, "I'm the Real One," which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on human life and society. Discover how this show tackles complex issues around AI, ethics, and community, all through the lens of devised theater with music, puppets, and live art. n our tenth season as a queer-centric theatre collective, The Bards Theatre Troupe tackle a subject that has absolutely no controversy or discourse attached to it: AI. From the impact on tangible societal markers like the economy, environment, and art to the more abstract shifts in connection, communication, and art, we’ll use scenes and songs (and probably puppets) to unpack the ways that the rise in AI use is changing how we all connect with each other. And don’t worry: everything we present was created by humans! This event is part of 2026 Philly Theatre Week! Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available for all performances. Performance schedule: Thursday, April 30th 8pm Saturday, May 2nd 8pm Sunday, May 3rd 1pm For more about The Bards Theatre Troupe: https://www.thebardstheatretroupe.com/ (https://www.thebardstheatretroupe.com/) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

8. 

   24 Apr 2026

   TPTP_S01E06 - PTW26 - CLippings '26 - TBD - Monti and Andrew

   We are continuing our coverage of Philly Theatre Week and today we are chatting with Theatre by Development whose offering “Clippings ’26” Monti Cerebino and Andrew Miqueli, Co-Artistic Directors CLIPPINGS ‘26 is a night of short plays by young and emerging Philadelphia-based playwrights in a reading format. These pieces include: “The Dissection of One Billy Burke” by Sophia Snyder, “Gay Book Club’s Worst Read of the Year” by Erin Malimban, and “Hey! What’s the Big Idea?” by Seph McAndrew. These short pieces feature the writing of emerging playwrights, a shared ensemble cast, and upcoming creative talent in the Philadelphia theatre scene. Clippings is inspired by the Equinox New Play Festival at the late University of the Arts which allowed UArtists to take risks and experiment with different ways of producing theater. TBD aims to carry this tradition forward and continue to create a space for young creatives to enter the industry and discover their artistic voice. FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/clippings-26 (https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/clippings-26) This ticketing page is for the sale of Pay-What-You-Can tickets for this event as part of 2026 Philly Theatre Week! If this page does not have tickets available, please visit http://tbdclippings2026.eventbrite.com/ (http://tbdclippings2026.eventbrite.com/)  to find more available general tickets. Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

9. 

   23 Apr 2026

   TPTP_S01E05 - PTW26 - Kate and Kim - Love City Presents: Spring Sing

   The conversation covers the introduction to Philly Theater Week and Love City Cabaret, the song selection process, fundraising and beneficiaries of Love City Cabaret, the origin and growth of Love City Cabaret, the role of community theater and artistic expression, and recruitment and upcoming shows. The takeaways include insights into community theater and fundraising, as well as the song selection process for performances. Takeaways Community theater and fundraising Song selection process Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Philly Theater Week and Love City Cabaret 07:16 Fundraising and Beneficiaries of Love City Cabaret 14:32 Recruitment and Upcoming Shows FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/love-city-presents-spring-sing (https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/love-city-presents-spring-sing) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

10. 

    22 Apr 2026

    TPTP_S01E04 - PTW26 - My Carmilla - Asha Bagal Kelly and Sabrina Caruso

    Join us in this episode as we dive into the innovative adaptation of the classic vampire novella "Carmilla," reimagined through a feminist, queer, and post-colonial lens. We talk with the creators about the artistic choices, role-switching performances, and the rich historical context that influences this thought-provoking production. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Theater Philadelphia and Philly Theatre Week 2026 00:45 - Overview of "My Carmilla" and its unique performance approach 01:13 - Summary of the original "Carmilla" novella and its themes 02:33 - Visual elements and adaptations in staging 03:12 - How the adaptation approaches feminism, queerness, and post-colonial perspectives 04:48 - Addressing stereotypes of queer women as predators in media 05:36 - Reimagining predator vs prey with active female characters 06:16 - The historical context of queer relationships in the 19th century 07:12 - The significance of showing queerness without stereotypes 08:11 - The creative process behind role swapping and script development 09:34 - Audience engagement and evolving performances through feedback 11:04 - The importance of nuanced queer representation 14:32 - Details on upcoming performances and locations 23:55 - Final thoughts and how to attend the shows Resources & Links: My Carmilla The Play (https://www.mycarmillatheplay.com/) Instagram: @MyCarmillaThePlay (https://www.instagram.com/mycarmillatheplay) My Carmilla - Philly Theatre Week (https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/my-carmilla) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

11. 

    20 Apr 2026

    TPTP_S01E02 - Understanding Identity Through the Past: Lydia Gaston - Seng's Hair Salon - Interact

    This interview explores the human tendency to understand identity through past experiences, the diverse attitudes of Americans and immigrants, and the role of hope in the American Dream. SENG’S HAIR SALON by Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay April 17 - May 10 World Premiere, commissioned as part of the Philly Cycle! When a mysterious and fatal epidemic starts to haunt their shop, three generations of a Lao family in South Philly clash over what’s best for the well-being of their matriarch. This modern American family includes Lao, Vietnamese and Cambodian characters, who must navigate a dramatically shifting local and national cultural political scene while advocating for greater political representation. Set inside a family-owned Philadelphia salon that has served as a community cornerstone for decades, this play centers Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian characters navigating a health crisis and rapidly shifting cultural and political landscape. As national rhetoric intensifies and local stakes rise, the family wrestles with questions of visibility, advocacy, and generational responsibility. Developed in partnership with Laos in the House, VietLead and the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia. Lydia Gaston (Seng) Broadway credits: Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Miss Saigon, The King and I (1996, 2015), Shogun, The Red Shoes. Off-Bway productions with: Ma-Yi Theatre Group, National Asian-American Theatre (NAATCO), Pan Asian Rep, and The Public Theatre. TV credits: Law and Order, Hightown (Season 3), The Path, The Blacklist, Zero Day (Netflix), Late Night With Seth Meyers; Film: Easter Sunday (Universal Pictures) as “Tita Susan.” MA in Applied Theatre, CUNY Graduate Center, New York. Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay HEAR IT (https://namedrop.io/saymoukdaduangphouxayvongsay) (Playwright) is a Lao American poet, essayist, and playwright. Her work focuses on creating tools and spaces for the amplification of refugee voices through poetry, theater, and experimental cultural production. The Smithsonian APAC, Theater Mu, Theater Unbound, and Mixed Blood Theater have presented her plays. She’s received fellowships from the Bush Foundation (2021), McKnight Foundation (2021), Playwrights’ Center (2018), Loft Literary Center for poetry (2018) and children's literature (2019), Twin Cities Media Alliance for public art (2018), and is an Aspen Ideas Bush Foundation fellow (2018). She's received grants from the Knight Foundation, Forecast Public Art, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Center for Cultural Power, MAP Fund, Andy Warhol Foundation, and 30+ more. She's currently the Mellon Foundation playwright in residence at Theater Mu, a Core Writer at the Playwrights' Center, a Jerome Foundation AIR at Camargo Cassis, France, and a MN State Arts Board grantee. FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.interacttheatre.org/season-38 (https://www.interacttheatre.org/season-38) ABOUT THE PHILLY CYCLE: https://www.interacttheatre.org/philly-cycle (https://www.interacttheatre.org/philly-cycle) ABOUT LYDIA GASTON: https://www.lydiagaston.com/ (https://www.lydiagaston.com/) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

12. 

    20 Apr 2026

    TPTP_S01E03 - PTW26 - Unveiling Molière's The Hypochondriac: Trey Lyford - The Hypochondriac - QTG

    Join us as we explore the production of Molière's The Hypochondriac at Quintessence Theater Group, directed by Trey Leifert. Discover insights into classic theater, modern relevance, and behind-the-scenes creative processes. Molière’s The Hypochondriac Translated by Sir Ranjit Bolt There is more than one way to afford health care. Argan is convinced his undiagnosable illness is fatal and that he must spend his wealth on celebrated doctors to survive. Anxious over medical bills and a profligate second wife, he schemes to marry his beautiful daughter to a doctor to ensure free health care. Can his daughter’s loveless marriage give Argan the insurance he needs against illness, or will he survive sickness without his tridaily enemas and realize that the true ills threatening his life, happiness and survival are not medicinal? Sir Ranjit Bolt (The Venetian Twins) writes a lacerating and witty new translation of Molière’s final comedy. Eleni Delopoulos - Argan Hana Gaffney - Béline Taylor Congdon - Angélique Conlan Ledwith - Monsieur Purgent / Thomas Diafoirus Tenara Calen - Tionette Christopher Patrick Mullen - Béralde / Monsieur Diafoirus Ryan Pater - Cléante Paul Guerin - Mr. Bonnefoy / Monsieur Fluerant Jared McLenigan - The King QTG - The Hypochondriac - https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/thehypochondriac (https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/thehypochondriac) Wikipedia - The Hypochondriac - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imaginary_Invalid (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imaginary_Invalid) Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

13. 

    19 Apr 2026

    TPTP_S01E01 - PTW26 - BTS of Carrie: The Musical at Old Academy Players

    This episode features a detailed discussion about the production of Carrie the Musical at Old Academy Players, exploring its history, themes, and community impact. The cast and director share insights into bringing this iconic story to life on stage, highlighting the creative process, technical challenges, and the show's significance within Philadelphia's theater scene. CARRIE: The Musical By Lawrence D. Cohen and Michael Gore Directed by Josh Tull April 24th, 25th, 26th; May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 2026 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s ridiculed by her cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie has unique abilities and, if pushed too far, it could spell disaster for all of those around her. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie: The Musical takes you through a coming of age journey like no other. Warning: Contains adult themes and adult language, it is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised. Advisory: All guests are asked to be prompt for the start time of this production. Any guest not seated by showtime may not be permitted to enter until intermission at the discretion of the production team. All guests must remain seated and keep the isles clear at all times for the duration of this production. This event is part of 2026 Philly Theatre Week! A limited number of Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available for the following performances: Sunday, April 26, 2:00PM Friday, May 1, 8:00PM PWYC tickets available here beginning March 23rd: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/old-academy-players-834044305/car… (https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/old-academy-players-834044305/car…) FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://oldacademyplayers.org/shows/carrie-the-musical/ (https://oldacademyplayers.org/shows/carrie-the-musical/) Follow Theatre Philaldelphia here: https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia (https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia) Follow us and our links here: https://bio.site/em3ry (https://bio.site/em3ry)

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