Skip to Main Content

American Theater Now: Web links including Video Interviews

A guide to Crossett Library's resources related to American Theater Now, taught by Jenny Rohn.

Relevant web sites

Online videos

The State of Theatre: Institutions and Producers (Working In The Theatre #404)

Thomas Schumacher talks with guests, Ben Cameron and Kevin McCollum, about the state of theatre today in a wide ranging conversation that highlights how theatre can survive during difficult economic times; whether celebrities can affect sales and audiences; and dealing with government and foundation funding.  Originally aired November 13, 2011,

Theater Talk: Forum at the Guthrie

The artistic directors of four prominent, Midwestern not-for-profit theaters - The Guthrie, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare and The Children's Theatre - discuss how the economic downturn will affect the vitality of America's resident theater movement. Theater Talk goes on location to visit the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.  Recorded October 11, 2008.

The Impact of Regional Theatre (Working In The Theatre #416)

With Alan Brown, Cynthia Hedstrom, Howard Shalwitz and moderator Ben Cameron.  Discussion about how you measure the value of art and its impact on audiences; what's important to audiences and how you make theatre interesting enough to draw them to a show; and whether you can make them an active part of the experience, or should their role simply be to observe and appreciate what is presented? Originally taped February, 2013.

Regional Theatre (Working in the Theatre #381)

The role of Regional Theatre in supporting and presenting new works to their communities was among the topics discussed by our panel: Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, Gordon Edelstein, Artistic Director of Long Wharf Theatre, Sara Garonzik, Producing Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Theatre Company, and Eric Rosen, Artistic Director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre.  Originally taped October, 2009.

Regional Theatre (Working In The Theatre #405)

Representatives from theatres receiving the American Theatre Wing 2011 National Theatre Company Grants discuss the challenges they face in tough economic times; their community outreach; and the creativity and diversity in the works they present.  Originally taped December, 2011

Interview with Sherry Kramer

Robert Bradley interviews playwright Sherry Kramer.

1973 Interview with Joseph Papp

James Day interviews Joseph Papp, theatrical producer and founder of the Public Theatre, on November 29, 1973.

Big Think interview with critic Terry Teachout

A conversation with the Wall Street Journal drama critic Terry Teachout.  Recorded on November 17, 2009.