Masters of the Stage

Podcasts with America's seminal directors and choreographers

Enjoy rare insights into how theatre is made with this podcast interview series produced by Stage Directors and Choreographers Workshop Foundation (SDCF) and co-presented by TDF. Browse three decades of priceless one-on-one conversations and panel discussions with distinguished theatre and dance luminaries.

Masters of the Stage was made possible with support from Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), the national labor union representing the needs and aspirations of its members, and generous funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York State Legislature, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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06/10/2016

Jennifer Tepper & Michael Grandage

On June 9, 2016, author Jennifer Tepper had a conversation with director Michael Grandage, who is best known in America for hit productions like Red, Evita, and Frost / Nixon. In their conversation, Michael speaks about his early years as an actor and what inspired him to become a director, as well as the advice he frequently gives to early career directors. Other topics include the ways in which accessibility, affordability, and diversity are important to theatre; skills for effectively using rehearsals and previews in an era of social media; how to successfully work with celebrities; the role of assistant and associate directors; and some of the ways in which the Broadway community differs from London and the West End.

04/07/2016

Annette Bening and Tom Moore One on One

On April 7, 2015 in Los Angeles, star of stage and screen Annette Bening sat down with director Tom Moore to discuss her career, the actor-director relationship, and the differences between working in film and theater. In this conversation, discuss Bening’s production of The Ruth Draper Monologues, in which Bening served as her own director, the many ways in which actors and directors determine their working dynamic, the comparative need for detail in directing film and theater, and whether directors should be ‘hands on’ or ‘hands off.’ Listen in as these two accomplished artists engage in a fascinating discussion about directing and performing across mediums.

03/23/2016

Jennifer Tepper & John Doyle

On March 23, 2016, Jennifer Tepper, author and Director of Programming at 54 Below, interviewed director John Doyle about his craft and illustrious career. In this conversation, Tepper and Doyle dive into Doyle’s methods for contemporizing both classics and revivals, as well as discussing his current Broadway revival of The Color Purple and his upcoming role as Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company.

02/15/2016

Jennifer Tepper & Jerry Mitchell

" On February 15, 2016, Tepper interviewed Jerry Mitchell about the evolution of his wide-spanning career. Best known for Broadway hits like Kinky Boots, Hairspray, and the current production of On Your Feet, Mitchell discusses his journey from dancer, to associate choreographer, to the directing and choreographing hit Broadway shows. Mitchell discusses the lessons he learned as a performer that prepared him to choreograph and how he creates stories through movement, offering inspiration and advice for the next generation of directors and choreographers. "

12/10/2015

In Conversation: Thomas Kail and Leigh Silverman

In 2015, Director Thomas Kail sat down with Director Leigh Silverman in a One-on-One conversation about craft, career, and professional trajectories. In their conversation, Silverman expresses her thoughts on the value of readings, how female directors have to prove themselves in a male-dominated industry, and the apparent stigma surrounding ambition in professional theater. Additionally, Silverman and Kail talk about ideal directorial skills and their thoughts on what it means to soak up ideas, challenge what is known, and how to handle a piece when it doesn’t speak to the director. Listen in as these two master directors examine directing vis-à-vis their own lives and careers.

11/05/2015

One on One Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Justin Emeka

On November 5, 2015, Two Rivers Artistic Director John Dias sat down with actor, playwright, and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and actor, playwright, and director Justin Emeka to discuss their bodies of work and philosophical approaches to directing. In this discussion, Santiago-Hudson and Emeka ultimately focus on the question of: who can perform August Wilson’s work? Listen in as they tackle this difficult inquiry and engage in a rich philosophical discussion about their craft.

06/14/2015

Jack OBrien 2014 Symposium Plays

On June 23rd, 2014, Director Jack O’Brien visited the Emerging Artists Plays Symposium and spoke with SDC Members about his career as well as his advice for the next generation. As O’Brien touches on his early days with the APA-Phoenix Repertory Company, his experiences with Porgy and Bess, his time at the Old Globe, and other phases in his career, he shares perspective gained on creating, re-creating, and directing. Perhaps most importantly, O’Brien discusses his directorial priorities—specifically, his insistence on honoring the text above all else, his belief that audience faith is a critical factor in theatrical success, and his determination to treat everyone within the eco-system of a given production kindly and respectfully. Overall, this is an insightful discussion that is sure to fascinate emerging and experienced artists alike.