American Theatre magazine

03/01/2026

The Washington National Opera said the “Wicked” composer was scheduled to host its annual event at the center this spring.

02/01/2026

In “Marjorie Prime” and other works, Jordan Harrison delivers sweet-bitter anatomies of human connection mediated through technology destined to supersede us.

02/01/2026

"Lousy PR is one of the biggest signs that an institution is struggling. Outreach goes ignored, follow-up is late and flustered, and media events suffer...None of this is to imply that working in PR is easy—especially nonprofit arts and culture PR...It’s hard work, especially as budgets shrink, the Internet churns, and media outlets dry up. We at Broad Street Review work with several excellent PR reps, but their quality highlights the growing deficiency elsewhere.

But why should all this matter to our average reader?

Yes, it’s rude and outside of arts industry norms to disregard journalists and professional critics, or refuse to seat them. It’s deeply frustrating for the BSR team, including our hardworking freelance writers, when we hit roadblocks simply trying to access the work. Because we do not access it on our own behalf. We access it because our coverage serves *you*. The public deserves a clear perspective on the institutions that cater to all of us (and request our dollars). You deserve to know if the art onstage or on the walls is worth your time and money. You deserve to know whether and how a cultural institution is serving our community. You deserve to know, period—I love it when readers comment that they never would have heard about something if BSR hadn’t written about it.

So when institutions stop investing in good PR, what they’re really cutting from the budget is their relationship with *you*. This might be a workable plan…if an organization is never going to take a risk on new work that will demand new narratives and new representation, and draw new audiences thanks to effective outreach and communications. Accountability to the public, innovation, and clarity of mission have never been more important in our sector (especially as organizations struggle to regain their patrons post-pandemic). Interfacing with the media should not be an afterthought, farmed out to someone who will never shake hands with the journalists they invite." - Alaina Johns

With nearly 20 years as a journalist on Philly’s arts and culture scene, Alaina Johns has a clear eye on its trends, including a worrying situation with…

02/01/2026

It's been a TREMENDOUS 2025. Thank you all for listening this year. Click on the link and take a look at all the amazing playwrights we had the chance to share with you this year.

On to 2026 and even more great playwrights!

https://www.americantheatre.org/category/audio/the-subtext/

01/01/2026

2025 True West Awards, Day 31: After 25 years, Denver’s singular Buntport Theater collective is not starting to wind things down. “We’re doubling down," said Erin Rollman. For their entrepreneurial efforts that ensure Buntport will be telling their original stories well into the future and that other area cultural companies will have a much-needed place to play, Rollman, Samantha Schmitz, Erik Edborg, Hannah Duggan and Brian Colonna are today being named the ' 2025 Colorado Theater ‘Person’ of the Year. We spoke to the ensemble, including original company members Matt Petraglia and Evan Weissman, about their year (and years). In today’s The Denver Gazette --> https://www.denvergazette.com/2025/12/30/diamonds-are-forever-buntport-commits-to-next-25-years-of-stage-fun/

Photos by Rebecca Slezak.

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company - BETC Colorado College Warm Cookies of the Revolution

29/12/2025

"We are once again in an era in which the ability of art to transcend any current political moment is viewed with marked distrust. The burden of that distrust falls most heavily on artists of color. In our most anxious moments, we risk turning identity from something that enables into something that restricts. I hope it is not controversial to point out that dynamics in which the identity of an artist means that their work cannot be recognized, rewarded or even understood, unless it employs certain aesthetics or deals with certain content, is a dynamic that is not free. That such constraint might develop from the best of intentions is immaterial. With depressing alacrity, a stated goal of our politics (let’s call that goal freedom) warps itself into an expectation of uniformity." - Jorge Ignacio Cortiñas

By Jorge Ignacio Cortiñas

26/12/2025

A response Michael Paulsons 12/15 NYTimes Article on Regional Theater

25/12/2025

Tell us your favorite Christmas or holiday show (and/or your favorite alternative counter-programming). Pics welcome!