American Theatre Offscript

Brian James Polak Reverses Roles

This ten-year anniversary special turns the tables: Playwright Crystal Skillman interviews our host Brian James Polak about the podcast, playwriting, and redefining success.

What Makes Jordan E. Cooper Happy, a Texas Scrooge, and the Artist/Critic Divide

Our 2025 holiday stocking is stuffed: We chat with the writer/star of 'Ain't No Mo' and 'Oh Happy Day!,' with the director and star of the Alley's 'Night Shift Before Christmas,' and with award-winning critic-producer Citlali Pizarro

The Subtext: Theresa Rebeck, Angry Optimist

The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconic projects.

Jessica Huang's Cross-Cultural Love Offering

On this episode we speak to the writer and director of the new play 'Mother of Exiles,' and talk arts funding and community engagement with author Donna Walker-Kuhne 

Sarah Mantell, Illustrator-Turned-Playwright

A life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, The Kilroys, joy, and loss on this episode of “The Subtext.”

'Gwendolyn in Paris': A Short Play About the Legendary Gwendolyn Bennett

In this monologue by Gethsemane Herron, performed by Candace Boahene, we hear from the Harlem Renaissance writer, artist, and journalist

'Chez Zelda': A Short Play About Zelda Wynn Valdes

In this monologue by Kevin Renn, we hear from the legendary fashion designer who gave the world the Playboy Bunny costume, as performed by Marjorie Johnson

'Bumpy Johnson': A Short Play About the Legendary Crime Boss

From playwright Darnell Lamont Walker, a monologue about the legendary Harlem crime boss, performed by Keith Randolph Smith

'God Loves a Sinner Like Me': A Short Play About Alberta Hunter

In this monologue by Tanya Everett, performed by Nedra Marie Taylor, we hear from the legendary blues and jazz singer-songwriter who wrote "Downhearted Blues"

John Leguizamo's Latin American Dream

On this episode the editors dive deep into our fall AT issue with dramaturg/journalist Dezi Tibbs, then dig into Latin American representation with 'Other Americans' playwright-performer John Leguizamo