Hey Playwright
Episodes
Writing from the Soul with Marco Antonio Rodriguez
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Dominican-American playwright, screenwriter, and director Marco Antonio Rodriguez, whose unconventional path took him from ...
Leaning Forward with Keiko Green
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the Hey Playwright season 7 premiere, Tori and Mabelle chat with Keiko Green about how shifting power dynamics create compelling drama–and how sh...
Welcome to Thank You Five
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello, playwrights! Big news—our full-length episodes are making a comeback this summer! Until then, we’re excited to bring you Thank You Five, a ...
Active Disruption with Steven Dietz (Part Two)
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this two-part season finale, Tori and Mabelle talk with the extraordinary Steven Dietz about his 40+ years in the theater. He shares how his 11 yea...
Active Disruption with Steven Dietz (Part One)
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this two-part season finale, Tori and Mabelle talk with the extraordinary Steven Dietz about his 40+ years in the theater. He shares how his 11 yea...
Heart Space with Hansol Jung
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with accomplished storyteller Hansol Jung about her jump from politics to theater. She shares her trajectory from translating pl...
Brian Quijada is The Sauce
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with multihyphenate Brian Quijada about how a production of “Cabaret” showed him the power of political theater and set him ...
An Honest Place with Anna Ouyang Moench
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Anna Ouyang Moench, about grad school, motherhood, and her incredible catalog o...
Opening the Gate with Ramón Esquivel
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright, director, and educator, Ramón Esquivel, about his path into theater through teaching, including the developmen...
Lassoing Words with June Carryl
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with accomplished theater artist, June Carryl, about her transition from law to theater and beyond. June shares the turning poin...
Full Circle Moments with James Vásquez
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with James Vásquez, Resident Artist of The Old Globe Theatre, about trading in his baseball glove for tap shoes at 12 years old...
Real Spark with Hope Villanueva
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Hope Villanueva about her launch into theater as a stage manager to her stint touring with the circus and beyond. Hope shar...
Generations to Come with Larissa FastHorse
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Larissa FastHorse about her path from ballet to the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis to “The Thanksgiving Pla...
2023 TYA/USA National Festival & Conference Recap
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded on the drive home, Tori and Mabelle talk all things Theatre for Young Audiences during an on-the-road debrief of the 2023 TYA/USA National F...
Process Over Product with Keiko Green
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Keiko Green about her two origin stories, as well as her journey from the NYU Experimental Theatre Wing to Seattle to UCSD...
Forming Families with Gary Garrison
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Gary Garrison about his triumphs and missteps on his journey into theater. He talks about the importance of saying “yes”...
Civilization Building with Lauren Gunderson
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 5 finale, Tori and Mabelle talk with Lauren Gunderson about finding her playwriting voice, the catalyst for her free online playwriting ...
Andy Lowe: Storyteller for Social Change
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Andy Lowe, the Director of Production and Casting for East West Players, the longest running professional theater of color ...
Franky D. Gonzalez Moves Forward with Hope
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In their first episode of 2023, Tori and Mabelle talk with Franky D. Gonzalez about his writing rituals, the importance of community, and how a chance...
Playwriting From the Inside Out with Jacqueline Goldfinger
31 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of 2022, Tori and Mabelle recap the year and then talk with Jacqueline Goldfinger about their work as a playwright and educator. ...
Storytelling Magic with Sara Guerrero
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Sara Guerrero, founding Artistic Director of Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble, about her play, “Have to Believe We ...
New Visions with Jordan Stovall
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Jordan Stovall about their role at the Dramatists Guild as Director of Outreach & Institutional Partnerships and the de...
Lighting the Way with Amanda Zieve
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle welcome their first Lighting Designer to the show! Amanda Zieve talks about her path, her approach, and the advantage of working on s...
The Truth of the Story with Linda and Michael Grady
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Linda DeArmond Grady and Michael Grady about their musical, “A Beautiful Place,” inspired by an exhibit of children’s...
Kristina Wong: From Solo Artist to Overlord
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with powerhouse performance artist turned mutual aid leader, Kristina Wong, about the evolution of her Pulitzer Prize finalist p...
Inda Craig-Galván and the Ownership of Ideas
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Inda about her journey from sketch comedy in Chicago to Dramatic Writing at USC and beyond! Inda shares about motherhood, t...
Dreaming through Plots with Daniel Olivas
25 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
The Existential Evolution of Roger Q. Mason
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 tel...
Shortcuts to the Soul with Chisa Hutchinson
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 4 finale, Tori and Mabelle talk with Chisa Hutchinson about her path into theater, the inspiration for her plays “Amerikin” and “W...
Cultivating Space with James P. Darvas
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded at the stage of Onstage Playhouse, Tori and Mabelle chat with Executive Artistic Director James P. Darvas about his artistic journey, startin...
Producing TYA
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle moderate a panel about producing TYA with Idris Goodwin, playwright and TYA/USA Board President; Khalia Davis, Artistic Director Bay ...
Inge Festival Recap
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
A DIRE Conversation with José Casas
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Joyful Invitations with Joanne Ruelos Diaz
09 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
The Art of Creating Space with Hannah Joyce
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Festival and as the director of membership and education at the Playwrights’ Center. Other topics include the reframing of the fellowship applicatio...
Otherworldly Things With Prince Gomolvilas
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with internationally-produced Thai-American writer Prince Gomolvilas about his body of work in the TYA and adult playwriting wor...
The Life Behind the Life of Rehana Lew Mirza and Mike Lew
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with married playwrights Rehana Lew Mirza and Mike Lew about the playwright-parent balance; the importance of asking for what yo...
The Quiet Revolution of Delicia Turner Sonnenberg
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Delicia Turner Sonnenberg about how a chance elective in 8th grade led to her love of theatre; why she loves the bravery of...
Alvaro Saar Rios and The Facts of the World
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Alvaro Saar Rios about his journey from the Army to playwriting, saying “yes!” and celebrating the voices of his commun...
Women with Moxie: Jennifer Eve Thorn and Vanessa Duron
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this twofer episode, Tori and Mabelle talk with Moxie Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director, Jennifer Eve Thorn, about the evolution and mission ...
Jeffrey Ingman Meets You Where You Are
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with audition coach Jeffrey Ingman about his company, Audition Revelation, as well as his work as director of the La Jolla Playh...
Getting Home with Marsha Norman
22 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 4 premiere, Tori and Mabelle talk with award-winning writer, educator and activist Marsha Norman about her career, the importance of wom...
BONUS: Script Club with Brian James Polak
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, it's script club time! Tori and Mabelle talk with Brian James Polak, producer and host of American Theatre magazine’s The Sub...
The Observational Comedy of Herbert Siguenza
19 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 3 finale, Tori and Mabelle recap a busy time of year and then talk with Herbert Siguenza about his journey from visual artist to theatre...
Reimagining TYA with Ashleigh Akilah Rucker and Samantha Miller
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Ashleigh Akilah Rucker & Samantha Miller, two of the inaugural grantees of the 2021 ReImagine: New Plays in TYA program...
She Persisted: Playwrights in Conversation
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Jacquelyn Reingold, Jennifer Maisel and Laura Rohrman, three Honor Roll! playwrights featured in “She Persisted: Thirty T...
Collecting Infinity Stones with Ahmed Kenyatta Dents
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Ahmed Kenyatta Dents about his goal as Director of Venue Experience at the San Diego Repertory Theatre; justice and represe...
A Conversation with el Maestro José Cruz González
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with the legendary José Cruz González who shares how he came to playwriting out of necessity; the importance of inviting yours...
The Forward Momentum of Donna Hoke
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Donna Hoke about her journey as a gig writer into playwriting; embracing and owning your hometown; the value of development...
Lucy Wang and the Reverse Law of Gravity
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Lucy Wang about her leap from Wall Street trader to playwright; ageism and sexism in American theatre; the revolutionary ef...
Monster Talent of the American Theatre: Christian St. Croix
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Christian St. Croix, an emerging talent in the theatre world who is no stranger to theatre-making. Christian shares his the...
Love 5: The Tennis Plays
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 3 kickoff, Tori and Mabelle host Love 5: The Tennis Plays festival celebrating the work of eight playwrights from around the world who s...
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Tennis Plays
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a five-minute tennis play or have you been itching to write one? On this mini episode, we put out the call. Deadline is approaching quickl...
BONUS: Steven Oberman and the DIY MFA in Self-Producing
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright Steven Oberman about playing multiple roles as playwright/actor/director and producer in his one-man show, Blurr...
BONUS: The Bright Light of Stephanie Kauffman
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this mini episode, traveling Tori and Mabelle talk with Stephanie Kauffman, owner of Mose Mary and Me, a boutique custom & pop culture prayer c...
The Illimitable Generosity of Idris Goodwin
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the Season 2 finale, Tori and Mabelle talk with Idris Goodwin about his life as an art-maker. He shares his journey from Detroit to Chicago and bey...
The "Yes, and" of Jacole Kitchen
08 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Jacole about her roles as La Jolla Playhouse’s Director of Arts Engagement and In-House Casting, as well as her directori...
The Eternal Vigilance of Josh Irving Gershick
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Josh about his development of “Dear ONE: Love & Longing in Mid-Century Queer America.” He shares the sacred duty of...
The Fabulous Monsters of Diana Burbano
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with powerhouse playwright, teaching artist and Southern California Dramatists Guild Rep, Diana Burbano, about her punk rock mus...
For the Love of...Gina Femia
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with the fantastically prolific and lovely human, playwright Gina Femia. Gina discusses the evolution of her play, For the Love ...
The Elaborate Wisdom of Kristoffer Diaz
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright, librettist, screenwriter and educator, Kristoffer Diaz. Kristoffer discusses various works including his Pulitz...
Guillermo Reyes on “That Day In Tucson”
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright and educator, Guillermo Reyes, about his play, “That Day in Tucson,” which centers on Daniel Hernandez Jr., ...
Unleashing Superpowers with Starry Krueger
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with educator and TYA playwright, Starry Krueger, about the Imaginary Theater Company, her pivot to teaching and producing onlin...
The Twofer! Jordan Marie Finley and Cecelia Kouma
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's a two-for-one episode! In the spirit of the 2021 Plays By Young Writers Festival, Tori and Mabelle talk with Jordan Marie Finley, two-time winner...
Following Hunches with Robby Lutfy
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Cygnet Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director, accomplished theatre-maker and all-around beautiful human being, Robby Lutf...
V-Minute Valentines Festival
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle host the V-Minute Valentines festival celebrating the work of nine playwrights from around the world who submitted their 5-minute mas...
Connecting Magic, Past & Present with Aleta Barthell
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with triple threat actress, playwright and teaching artist, Aleta Barthell. Aleta reveals how she connects historical moments wi...
Midlife Mutineer, Colette Freedman
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with the multi-talented powerhouse, Colette Freedman. Colette shares her journey from her first 10-minute play to internationall...
Season 2 Premiere: A Good Shoe is a Good Shoe is a Good Shoe
22 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2 is here! Tori and Mabelle dive into Season 2 with a check-in of their 90-Day Play experiment, shoes as the dangling carrot for finishing page...
We made it to our Season Finale!
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle round out their 12-episode season with a cornucopia of topics including: upcoming writing projects; the joy of smooth writing utensil...
The Creative Alchemy of Sarah Greenman
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with one of their artist idols: Sarah Greenman. A storyteller, visual artist and Woo-woo catalyst, Sarah discusses the evolution...
Tom Steward, A True Legacy Character
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with theatremaker, film aficionado and podcaster, Tom Steward. Tom digs into the details of dissecting film sequels, starting wi...
5-Minute Frights Festival
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle host the Five-Minute Frights festival celebrating the work of eight playwrights from around the world who submitted their short plays...
Creative Trespassing with Tania Katan
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Penguin Random House inspirational speaker and creative disruptor, Tania Katan. Tania shares insights about the two Cs of c...
Mindful Contest Submissions
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle drop helpful tips on prepping for contest submissions (hint: Don’t be like Johnny Smartypants), including resources for finding opp...
The Magnetic Optimism of Izzy Ster
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with award-winning playwright and high school senior, Izzy Ster who shares her thoughts about distance learning, the magic of th...
Hey Playwright Call for Entries!
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle announce a call for entries for the 5-Minute Frights - a Zoom festival of spooky short plays. Sign up by October 7, 2020 to get start...
The Recalibration of Albert Park
27 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with one of their favorite actors, Albert Park. Albert discusses his journey as an actor and what he has been up to during the p...
Sage and Super Fun Playwright Thelma Virata de Castro
19 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with playwright, teaching artist, and calming presence Thelma Virata de Castro. Among many other things, Thelma talks about her ...
Productivity and the Pandemic
12 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle discuss where their inspiration comes from, the magic of eavesdropping, and nice smells. There's an exercise to try the next time you...
Superstar Maria Patrice Amon and the Latinx New Play Festival
04 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tori and Mabelle talk with Dr. Maria Patrice Amon, founder and executive producer of the Latinx New Play Festival at the San Diego Repertory Theatre. ...
Hello, World
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Tori and Mabelle, your hosts who talk playwriting, discuss virtual theatre during the pandemic, and compare game faces (or lack thereof). A writi...
Hey Playwright, it's our trailer!
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hey Playwright is a new podcast about playwriting, theatre, and life., featuring tips, tricks, and writing prompts to get you going.