Tori and Mabelle talk with Daniel Olivas about writing his first play at age 60; He penned “Waiting for Godínez” as a response to the absurdity of the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the previous administration’s Family Separation Policy. Daniel shares about his life as a fiction writer, anthologist, and book critic, as well as his day […]
In the Season 5 Premiere, Roger Q. Mason takes Tori and Mabelle to church as they talk about their life as a playwright, activist, yogi, and truth teller. Roger shares what it means to give everything in your art; how a playwright’s words are a blueprint for the actor; and how they practices non-attachment and […]
In the Season 4 finale, Tori and Mabelle talk with Chisa Hutchinson about her path into theater, the inspiration for her plays “Amerikin” and “Whitelisted,” and the vast possibilities of writing for the stage. Other topics include Chisa’s love of teaching, her process as a playwright, and the recurring themes of justice and accountability in […]
Recorded at the stage of Onstage Playhouse, Tori and Mabelle chat with Executive Artistic Director James P. Darvas about his artistic journey, starting at 8 years old in Ohio singing “Beauty School Dropout,” to his current role managing a playhouse in Chula Vista, CA. James shares his vision for the theatre; how he strives to […]
Tori and Mabelle moderate a panel about producing TYA with Idris Goodwin, playwright and TYA/USA Board President; Khalia Davis, Artistic Director Bay Area Children’s Theater; Julia Flood, Artistic Director of Metro Theater Company; and Jacqueline Thompson, Associate Artist of Metro Theater Company. The panelists discuss their perspective on new play development; how they discover new […]
Tori and Mabelle share a play-by-play of their journey to the 39th William Inge Theater Festival in Independence, Kansas. They highlight the amazing people and businesses who pull together to support the festival, as well as the joys of meeting past guests from the Hey Playwright Universe in person! Writing prompt (courtesy of Mabelle & […]
Tori and Mabelle talk with José Casas about his path into TYA via law and social justice; his book, “Palabras del Cielo: An Exploration of Latina/o Theatre for Young Audiences”; accomplices versus allies; representation; publishing new playwrights; and changing systems actively rather than passively. Other topics include building audiences starting with youth, as well as […]
Tori and Mabelle talk with Joanne Ruelos Diaz about her incredible book, “The Little Book of Joy: 365 Ways to Celebrate Every Day.” Other topics include mom-ing and writing; Joanne’s work with educational literacy publications and Sesame Street in Communities; streaming shows centering Asian characters; and finding your joy. Writing prompt (courtesy of Joanne Ruelos […]
Tori and Mabelle talk with Hannah Joyce about her roles as both the producing artistic director of the William Inge Festival and as the director of membership and education at the Playwrights’ Center. Other topics include the reframing of the fellowship application process at the Playwrights’ Center; connecting with the people and artists in your […]
Tori and Mabelle talk with internationally-produced Thai-American writer Prince Gomolvilas about his body of work in the TYA and adult playwriting worlds; commissions borne out of a need in the community; and his transition from stuffed animals to actors. Other topics include an in-depth discussion of his play, “The Brothers Paranormal”; why children are the […]