Soundstage - podcast cover

Soundstage

Playwrights Horizonswww.playwrightshorizons.org
Theater is for everyone and we want to make it available everywhere. Soundstage is an anthological, scripted fiction series of portable stories from Playwrights Horizons theater in New York City. Featuring short-form commissions from America’s best playwrights, these audio experiences are written specifically for the ear, not translated or recorded live from the stage. Now, the theater is wherever you are.

Follow us at @SoundstagePH on Instagram and Twitter.

If you like what you hear and want to support this program, we hope you will consider making a donation that will allow us to commission more artists, complete production on more podcasts, and continue to provide our writers with a much-needed creative outlet and an audience in these unprecedented times. To support us, text SOUNDSTAGE20 to 44-321.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Bonus! YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM YOURSELF by Erin Courtney

A darkly comedic fable of violently lonely doppelgängers who mind-meld and are brought together through cookies, rats, and their cosmic connection to an exterminator. Written by Erin Courtney Produced and directed by Kate Bergstrom Written for Crystal Finn and Lucy Taylor and Todd Almond as the Exterminator. Sound Designer and Additional Music Works by Michael Costagliola Associate Produced and Stage Managed by Calvin Anderson With music by Todd Almond...

Apr 18, 202416 min

Bonus! FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM, ET CETERA by Dave Harris

A panel of Black thinkers (a Broadway playwright, a spoken word poet, a Columbia professor, and an activist) try to define Freedom in the year ???? in this dark comedy about ancestors and artists. Written by Dave Harris Directed by Taylor Reynolds Sound Design by Ben Scheff Sound Editing by Dylan Carrow Production Stage Manager -- Hanako Rodriguez CAST: Walter Mixon Riley -- JEROME PRESTON BATES LaToya Beasley -- BRITTANY BRADFORD Jake Dillers / Sponsors / Announcer -- YONATAN GEBEYEHU Jones Jos...

Jun 14, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Bonus! VAPOR TRAIL by Ken Urban

This week we're so happy to bring you a full length audio play written, directed, and produced by our friends and frequent collaborators Ken Urban, Dan Kluger, and Knud Adams. It premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Festival as part of their Audio Storytelling program, and we're so pleased to be able to re-release and amplify it here for you, our Soundstage audience! Enjoy! At a chance meeting at the farmers market, two strangers find a connection rooted in their own unspeakable tragedies. The evening ...

Sep 20, 202257 minSeason 2Ep. 6

THE MARRIAGE OF EARTH AND SKY by Agnes Borinsky

The farmer wants the shepherd. The shepherd wants God. The playwright isn't quite sure what she wants. A play about grief and desire and the mess that is the theater. Written by Agnes Borinsky Directed by Brooke O'Harra Sound Design by Nick Auer CAST: Loretta -- JANICE AMAYA Leah / Bruce -- JESS BARBAGALLO Bonita -- AGNES BORINSKY Vinie -- VINIE BURROWS Martha -- ANNIE FANG Adam -- ADAM GREENFIELD Mary -- MARY NEUFELD Bettina -- BRYNA TURNER Flautist -- Isabel Lepanto Gleicher...

Aug 30, 202239 min

HIS CHEST IS ONLY SKELETON by Julia Izumi

A little meditation on what it is to carry what we can and can't control, and the crossroads of being and belonging. Written by Julia Izumi Directed by Sarah Cameron Hughes Sound Design by Fan Zhang Rocks -- JESS BARBAGALLO Someone -- JORGE CORDOVA Grandchild -- MIDORI FRANCIS She -- HARUNA LEE He -- RONALD PEET Mother -- SAORI TSUKADA...

Aug 24, 202231 minSeason 2Ep. 4

(THERE'S) NO TIME FOR COMEDY / LOOPS by David Greenspan

Two audio plays -- an old radio comedy of anxiety in the modern world, and a soliloquy of lost love -- sprung from the mind of this singular and iconic playwright. Written by David Greenspan Directed by Ken Rus Schmoll Sound Design by Leah Gelpe (There's) No Time for Comedy Cast: Sidney - EVANDER DUCK JR. Henry Flower - DAVID GREENSPAN Darlene - BETH GRIFFIN Mona - LISA KRON Donald - PACO TOLSON Loops Cast: Player - DAVID GREENSPAN...

Aug 16, 202226 minSeason 2Ep. 3

LAST WORDS OF UNCLE DIRT by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig

An abandoned limestone statue chronicles centuries of adventures through and beyond the Chinese diaspora. Written by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig Directed by Michael Roth CAST: Uncle Dirt - KOK-HWA LIE Music Composition/Arrangements/Sound Design/Editing by Michael Roth Final Sound Mix and Mastering by Jessica Paz

Aug 09, 202246 minSeason 2Ep. 2

PROGRAM B: RAPID IMMERSION by Sheila Callaghan

Congratulations for choosing Program B! Our goal is to challenge and elevate you. It won't be easy, but transformation is possible! If you trust the process. Written by Sheila Callaghan Directed, Designed, and Edited by Alex Barron Original music by Surrija CAST: Rashan – FRANCIS BENHAMOU Chatty Stranger – SHEILA CALLAGHAN Whispering Man – MATTHEW J. HARRIS Additional voices – BRANDT ADAMS, KAILEE AYYAR, ALEX BARRON, ALISON KOCH, NGOFEEN MPUTUBWELE, J.J. SUELTO, MAGGIE THOMPSON, NYSELI VEGA Lear...

Aug 02, 202245 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Soundstage: Season 2 Intro

It's official: We'll be back for more! Playwrights Horizons has commissioned an additional roster of playwrights to be part of Soundstage Season 2 including Agnes Borinsky , Sheila Callaghan , Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig , David Greenspan , Dave Harris , Julia Izumi , and Kit Yan & Melissa Li. We'll see you next week!

Jul 26, 20223 min

In Process with Will Arbery, on Corsicana

Playwrights Horizons Associate Artistic Director Natasha Sinha interviews Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Will Arbery about his new play, Corsicana, how these characters are and are not like those in Heroes of the Fourth Turning, the minefield that is language, his complicated relationship to theatrical musicals and Hilary Duff, and how his sister inspired him to become a playwright.

Jun 14, 202224 min

The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 3: "Yes, Ted"

The entire team has an epic call with Angela and assistant Coral DeMornay where budget cuts and clarity around the production's vision are top priorities. CEO of Dane Cruising Valerie Dane reveals the VIP list, but there’s trouble on the horizon as Financial Assistant Ted Rickles sinks into an existential crisis and the Ionesco Estate attempts contact.

Mar 16, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 11

The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 5: "Après moi, le déluge"

All aboard! Valerie invites radio host Terrence Standish to cruise. Sasha and Ted have actually read the play The Chairs and are tasked with telling the team how it really ends. PR consultant Cyd McCormick offers crucial counsel. Coral speaks up – but only one thing’s for certain, no one can snorkel their way out of this mess.

Mar 16, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 13

The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 2: "Timid and Aggressive"

It's time for the " Field of Dreams Strategy." Audience Development Director Gregory Limon and Finance Director Rupert Lake teach Marketing Assistant Sasha Heron this hot campaign idea... and the influencers take the bait. This episode offers a peek into the personal lives of Marsha and Angela (hint: more pleasure than business) while PR head Jackie Bowers receives a shocking phone call that could change everything.

Mar 16, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 10

The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 1: "We Need A Show"

Has everybody dialed in? Eying the end of the cruise industry’s shutdown, Marketing Director Marsha DeBois brings the Dane Cruising team avant garde theater director Angela Hove’s production of The Chairs to headline the relaunch. Approval in place, the front office bangs out next steps, oblivious of the complicated journey ahead.

Mar 16, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 9

The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 6: "The Welcome Aboard Show"

Showtime! Mere hours into their journey, Terrence is broadcasting live from the MS Phoenix Rising . A new show is center stage as Terrence interviews the front office cast members, even grabbing a short interview with Co-Captains Rigor Johnson and Moranis Jackson, all leading up to THE cultural event of the decade. But what should be a standout win in the history of Dane Cruising has potential to become a greater horror than any imagined by Ionesco.

Mar 16, 202133 minSeason 1Ep. 14

The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 4: "Herd Enlightenment"

Could the relaunch be the most successful event since the Fyre Festival? The voyage has sold out and, as egos ride high, plans are made to convert restaurants into guest rooms. The Dane Cruising team bonds over dreams of onboard karaoke, and visionary director Angela's artistic choices rattle her assistant Coral.

Mar 16, 202123 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Introducing: The MS Phoenix Rising

Surprise! We're back! It's our pleasure to be dropping a 6-part podcast miniseries THE MS PHOENIX RISING, created by writer Trish Harnetiaux and director Katie Brook. Check out this introduction from Playwrights Horizons Artistic Director Adam Greenfield as well as an interview with Trish and Katie, then go ahead and binge the whole thing! Music Credit: Cradle Rock by Blue Dot Sessions ( www.sessions.blue ).

Mar 16, 202110 min

THE EDGE OF NIGHT by Kirsten Childs

Telling stories is how we keep memories alive, and THE EDGE OF NIGHT reimagines a favorite family story as musical theater: Mrs. Annie Brown is determined not to miss her favorite soap opera but has to grapple head-on with segregation in the 1950’s south in order to succeed in her quest.

Jul 07, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 7

BOY FACTORY by Milo Cramer

Somewhere between Google Image searches for pornography, family dynamics, college roommates, and low-wage jobs, BOY FACTORY is Milo Cramer’s funny and heartfelt monologue tracking a young man’s search for self-acceptance.

Jun 23, 202025 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Soundstage Recommends...

This week, we are pausing our normal release schedule to recommend some some fiction and non-fiction podcasts by BIPOC producers, writers, directors, reporters, and hosts. Check out soundstagepodcast.org for links to everything mentioned here and we invite you (please!) to email and tweet us about other shows and episodes and makers you love.

Jun 11, 20204 min

NIGHTNIGHT by Lucas Hnath

An astronaut goes to space. He can’t sleep. He can’t tell anyone. He can’t go home. He’s lonely. He doesn’t want to leave. He’s in trouble. NIGHTNIGHT takes the audience into mission control and into outer space to overhear ordinary workplace conflict in an extraordinary environment.

May 28, 202033 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Interview: Heather Christian

Heather Christian (writer, composer, and performer of Soundstage Episode 1: PRIME, A Practical Breviary) talks about what's inspiring to her about breviary masses, why she loves being in the studio - as well as the theater - and what creative life has been like for her since theaters have been shuttered by COVID-19.

May 23, 202017 min

OUTTAKES by Qui Nguyen

A son keeps trying to get his charming (if frustrating) immigrant parents to tell him a true war story from their lives in Vietnam to help him write a new play. Imagined as edited found interview tapes, Outtakes is both funny and heartfelt, drawn from the playwright's real-life experiences.

May 14, 202020 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Next Week on Soundstage...

It's our off week, but we wanted to say hello anyway! Our next full episode, Qui Nguyen's OUTTAKES drops next week, May 14th. Stay well and see you soon!

May 07, 20201 min

PLAY FOR ANY TWO PEOPLE by Jordan Harrison: Orientation

Listen to this track first! A masterful feat of timing and sound design, our third episode of Soundstage lets you and a fellow listener become actors in a head-trippy psychological drama. Your apartment becomes the stage, and your listening companion a mysterious stranger. Are they there to help or hurt you? Press play.

Apr 30, 20204 minSeason 1Ep. 3

PLAY FOR ANY TWO PEOPLE: Person 1

The first thing you have to know about this podcast, is that you can’t listen to it alone. You need a partner. If you haven't yet, go back and listen to the introduction track that should be just above this in your Soundstage feed - there's important instructions there. You and your partner will be listening to two different, but simultaneous tracks. One of you should pick Person 1 and the other should pick Person 2. When you’re ready to begin, both you and your partner will press Play at exactl...

Apr 30, 202014 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Next Week on Soundstage...

If you haven't listened to Episodes 1 & 2 yet, now's your chance to catch up! Soundstage is moving to an every-other-week publishing schedule, but we're here on our off-week to give you a preview of Jordan Harrison's upcoming release because this one will be more than just a little different...

Apr 24, 20202 min

GATHER by Robert O'Hara

Using the high-stakes drama of a spy thriller format, GATHER is a suspenseful and hilarious tale of a series of mysterious disappearances. GATHER was written and directed by Robert O'Hara. Visit soundstagepodcast.org for complete episode credits. Soundstage is a production of Playwrights Horizons. Follow us at @phnyc for more! If you like what you hear and want to support the Soundstage program, we hope you will consider making a donation. To support us, text SOUNDSTAGE20 to 44-321....

Apr 16, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 2

PRIME: A Practical Breviary by Heather Christian

Inspired by breviary masses performed by cloistered monks, PRIME employs modern language and rich, contemporary musical arrangements to reimagine what a modern prayer for a Tuesday morning at 6AM might sound like. PRIME: A PRACTICAL BREVIARY was written and composed by Heather Christian. Visit soundstagepodcast.org for complete episode credits. Soundstage is a production of Playwrights Horizons. If you like what you hear and want to support the Soundstage program, we hope you will consider makin...

Apr 09, 202041 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Introducing: Soundstage

Over a year in the making, a new, original series of portable stories from Playwrights Horizons.

Apr 02, 20203 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast