Soundstage
Theater is for everyone and we want to make it available everywhere. Soundstage is an anthological, scripted fiction series of portable stories from Playwrights Horizons theater in New York City. Featuring short-form commissions from America’s best playwrights, these audio experiences are written specifically for the ear, not translated or recorded live from the stage. Now, the theater is wherever you are. Follow us at @SoundstagePH on Instagram and Twitter. If you like what you hear and want to support this program, we hope you will consider making a donation that will allow us to commission more artists, complete production on...
S2 Enull · Thu, April 18, 2024
Bonus! YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM YOURSELF by Erin Courtney
A darkly comedic fable of violently lonely doppelgängers who mind-meld and are brought together through cookies, rats, and their cosmic connection to an exterminator. Written by Erin Courtney Produced and directed by Kate Bergstrom Written for Crystal Finn and Lucy Taylor and Todd Almond as the Exterminator. Sound Designer and Additional Music Works by Michael Costagliola Associate Produced and Stage Managed by Calvin Anderson With music by Todd Almond
S2 E7 · Wed, June 14, 2023
Bonus! FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM, ET CETERA by Dave Harris
A panel of Black thinkers (a Broadway playwright, a spoken word poet, a Columbia professor, and an activist) try to define Freedom in the year ???? in this dark comedy about ancestors and artists. Written by Dave Harris Directed by Taylor Reynolds Sound Design by Ben Scheff Sound Editing by Dylan Carrow Production Stage Manager -- Hanako Rodriguez CAST: Walter Mixon Riley -- JEROME PRESTON BATES LaToya Beasley -- BRITTANY BRADFORD Jake Dillers / Sponsors / Announcer -- YONATAN GEBEYEHU Jones Joseph -- DAVE HARRIS Jerome Barker Thomas -- BEETHOVEN ODEN Season 2 of Soundstage was made possible with the generous support of the Scherman Foundation’s Katharine S. and Axel G. Rosin Fund and the National Endowment for the Arts. Playwrights Horizons is supported in part by public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. In addition, Playwrights Horizons receives major support from the Howard Gilman Foundation, the J. L. Greene Arts Access Fund in The New York Community Trust, and The Shubert Foundation.
Bonus · Tue, September 20, 2022
Bonus! VAPOR TRAIL by Ken Urban
This week we're so happy to bring you a full length audio play written, directed, and produced by our friends and frequent collaborators Ken Urban, Dan Kluger, and Knud Adams. It premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Festival as part of their Audio Storytelling program, and we're so pleased to be able to re-release and amplify it here for you, our Soundstage audience! Enjoy! At a chance meeting at the farmers market, two strangers find a connection rooted in their own unspeakable tragedies. The evening they spend together becomes an encounter they can’t forget. Written by Ken Urban Directed by Knud Adams Audio Produced and Mixed by Daniel Kluger Starring Maulik Pancholy and April Matthis Recorded by Noel Nichols Edited by Noel Nichols and Christian Frederickson Foley by Daniela Hart Additional Sound Design by Christian Frederickson Produced by John Albert Harris Original Music by Daniel Kluger and Occurrence To listen to the music from Vapor Trail, the soundtrack is available here: https://occurrencemusic.ffm.to/vaportrail VAPOR TRAIL premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Festival as part of their Audio Storytelling program and it was developed at the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, MN during the 2020-21 season. VAPOR TRAIL was made possible thanks to the support of the d'Arbeloff Fund, the DeFlorez Fund and the SHASS Research Fund from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Tue, August 30, 2022
THE MARRIAGE OF EARTH AND SKY by Agnes Borinsky
The farmer wants the shepherd. The shepherd wants God. The playwright isn't quite sure what she wants. A play about grief and desire and the mess that is the theater. Written by Agnes Borinsky Directed by Brooke O'Harra Sound Design by Nick Auer CAST: Loretta -- JANICE AMAYA Leah / Bruce -- JESS BARBAGALLO Bonita -- AGNES BORINSKY Vinie -- VINIE BURROWS Martha -- ANNIE FANG Adam -- ADAM GREENFIELD Mary -- MARY NEUFELD Bettina -- BRYNA TURNER Flautist -- Isabel Lepanto Gleicher
S2 E4 · Wed, August 24, 2022
HIS CHEST IS ONLY SKELETON by Julia Izumi
A little meditation on what it is to carry what we can and can't control, and the crossroads of being and belonging. Written by Julia Izumi Directed by Sarah Cameron Hughes Sound Design by Fan Zhang Rocks -- JESS BARBAGALLO Someone -- JORGE CORDOVA Grandchild -- MIDORI FRANCIS She -- HARUNA LEE He -- RONALD PEET Mother -- SAORI TSUKADA
S2 E3 · Tue, August 16, 2022
(THERE'S) NO TIME FOR COMEDY / LOOPS by David Greenspan
Two audio plays -- an old radio comedy of anxiety in the modern world, and a soliloquy of lost love -- sprung from the mind of this singular and iconic playwright. Written by David Greenspan Directed by Ken Rus Schmoll Sound Design by Leah Gelpe (There's) No Time for Comedy Cast: Sidney - EVANDER DUCK JR. Henry Flower - DAVID GREENSPAN Darlene - BETH GRIFFIN Mona - LISA KRON Donald - PACO TOLSON Loops Cast: Player - DAVID GREENSPAN
S2 E2 · Tue, August 09, 2022
LAST WORDS OF UNCLE DIRT by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig
An abandoned limestone statue chronicles centuries of adventures through and beyond the Chinese diaspora. Written by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig Directed by Michael Roth CAST: Uncle Dirt - KOK-HWA LIE Music Composition/Arrangements/Sound Design/Editing by Michael Roth Final Sound Mix and Mastering by Jessica Paz
S2 E1 · Tue, August 02, 2022
PROGRAM B: RAPID IMMERSION by Sheila Callaghan
Congratulations for choosing Program B! Our goal is to challenge and elevate you. It won't be easy, but transformation is possible! If you trust the process. Written by Sheila Callaghan Directed, Designed, and Edited by Alex Barron Original music by Surrija CAST: Rashan – FRANCIS BENHAMOU Chatty Stranger – SHEILA CALLAGHAN Whispering Man – MATTHEW J. HARRIS Additional voices – BRANDT ADAMS, KAILEE AYYAR, ALEX BARRON, ALISON KOCH, NGOFEEN MPUTUBWELE, J.J. SUELTO, MAGGIE THOMPSON, NYSELI VEGA Learn more at phnyc.org/soundstage or text PHNYC to 44-321.
Trailer · Tue, July 26, 2022
Soundstage: Season 2 Intro
It's official: We'll be back for more! Playwrights Horizons has commissioned an additional roster of playwrights to be part of Soundstage Season 2 including Agnes Borinsky , Sheila Callaghan , Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig , David Greenspan , Dave Harris , Julia Izumi , and Kit Yan & Melissa Li. We'll see you next week!
Tue, June 14, 2022
In Process with Will Arbery, on Corsicana
Playwrights Horizons Associate Artistic Director Natasha Sinha interviews Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Will Arbery about his new play, Corsicana, how these characters are and are not like those in Heroes of the Fourth Turning, the minefield that is language, his complicated relationship to theatrical musicals and Hilary Duff, and how his sister inspired him to become a playwright.
S1 E12 · Tue, March 16, 2021
The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 4: "Herd Enlightenment"
Could the relaunch be the most successful event since the Fyre Festival? The voyage has sold out and, as egos ride high, plans are made to convert restaurants into guest rooms. The Dane Cruising team bonds over dreams of onboard karaoke, and visionary director Angela's artistic choices rattle her assistant Coral.
S1 E11 · Tue, March 16, 2021
The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 3: "Yes, Ted"
The entire team has an epic call with Angela and assistant Coral DeMornay where budget cuts and clarity around the production's vision are top priorities. CEO of Dane Cruising Valerie Dane reveals the VIP list, but there’s trouble on the horizon as Financial Assistant Ted Rickles sinks into an existential crisis and the Ionesco Estate attempts contact.
S1 E10 · Tue, March 16, 2021
The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 2: "Timid and Aggressive"
It's time for the " Field of Dreams Strategy." Audience Development Director Gregory Limon and Finance Director Rupert Lake teach Marketing Assistant Sasha Heron this hot campaign idea... and the influencers take the bait. This episode offers a peek into the personal lives of Marsha and Angela (hint: more pleasure than business) while PR head Jackie Bowers receives a shocking phone call that could change everything.
S1 E9 · Tue, March 16, 2021
The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 1: "We Need A Show"
Has everybody dialed in? Eying the end of the cruise industry’s shutdown, Marketing Director Marsha DeBois brings the Dane Cruising team avant garde theater director Angela Hove’s production of The Chairs to headline the relaunch. Approval in place, the front office bangs out next steps, oblivious of the complicated journey ahead.
S1 E14 · Tue, March 16, 2021
The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 6: "The Welcome Aboard Show"
Showtime! Mere hours into their journey, Terrence is broadcasting live from the MS Phoenix Rising . A new show is center stage as Terrence interviews the front office cast members, even grabbing a short interview with Co-Captains Rigor Johnson and Moranis Jackson, all leading up to THE cultural event of the decade. But what should be a standout win in the history of Dane Cruising has potential to become a greater horror than any imagined by Ionesco.
S1 E13 · Tue, March 16, 2021
The MS Phoenix Rising | Episode 5: "Après moi, le déluge"
All aboard! Valerie invites radio host Terrence Standish to cruise. Sasha and Ted have actually read the play The Chairs and are tasked with telling the team how it really ends. PR consultant Cyd McCormick offers crucial counsel. Coral speaks up – but only one thing’s for certain, no one can snorkel their way out of this mess.
Trailer · Tue, March 16, 2021
Introducing: The MS Phoenix Rising
Surprise! We're back! It's our pleasure to be dropping a 6-part podcast miniseries THE MS PHOENIX RISING, created by writer Trish Harnetiaux and director Katie Brook. Check out this introduction from Playwrights Horizons Artistic Director Adam Greenfield as well as an interview with Trish and Katie, then go ahead and binge the whole thing! Music Credit: Cradle Rock by Blue Dot Sessions ( www.sessions.blue ).
S1 E7 · Tue, July 07, 2020
THE EDGE OF NIGHT by Kirsten Childs
Telling stories is how we keep memories alive, and THE EDGE OF NIGHT reimagines a favorite family story as musical theater: Mrs. Annie Brown is determined not to miss her favorite soap opera but has to grapple head-on with segregation in the 1950’s south in order to succeed in her quest.
S1 E6 · Tue, June 23, 2020
BOY FACTORY by Milo Cramer
Somewhere between Google Image searches for pornography, family dynamics, college roommates, and low-wage jobs, BOY FACTORY is Milo Cramer’s funny and heartfelt monologue tracking a young man’s search for self-acceptance.
Bonus · Thu, June 11, 2020
Soundstage Recommends...
This week, we are pausing our normal release schedule to recommend some some fiction and non-fiction podcasts by BIPOC producers, writers, directors, reporters, and hosts. Check out soundstagepodcast.org for links to everything mentioned here and we invite you (please!) to email and tweet us about other shows and episodes and makers you love.
S1 E5 · Thu, May 28, 2020
NIGHTNIGHT by Lucas Hnath
An astronaut goes to space. He can’t sleep. He can’t tell anyone. He can’t go home. He’s lonely. He doesn’t want to leave. He’s in trouble. NIGHTNIGHT takes the audience into mission control and into outer space to overhear ordinary workplace conflict in an extraordinary environment.
Bonus · Sat, May 23, 2020
Interview: Heather Christian
Heather Christian (writer, composer, and performer of Soundstage Episode 1: PRIME, A Practical Breviary) talks about what's inspiring to her about breviary masses, why she loves being in the studio - as well as the theater - and what creative life has been like for her since theaters have been shuttered by COVID-19.
S1 E4 · Thu, May 14, 2020
OUTTAKES by Qui Nguyen
A son keeps trying to get his charming (if frustrating) immigrant parents to tell him a true war story from their lives in Vietnam to help him write a new play. Imagined as edited found interview tapes, Outtakes is both funny and heartfelt, drawn from the playwright's real-life experiences.
Bonus · Thu, May 07, 2020
Next Week on Soundstage...
It's our off week, but we wanted to say hello anyway! Our next full episode, Qui Nguyen's OUTTAKES drops next week, May 14th. Stay well and see you soon!
S1 E3 · Thu, April 30, 2020
PLAY FOR ANY TWO PEOPLE by Jordan Harrison: Orientation
Listen to this track first! A masterful feat of timing and sound design, our third episode of Soundstage lets you and a fellow listener become actors in a head-trippy psychological drama. Your apartment becomes the stage, and your listening companion a mysterious stranger. Are they there to help or hurt you? Press play.
S1 E3 · Thu, April 30, 2020
PLAY FOR ANY TWO PEOPLE: Person 1
The first thing you have to know about this podcast, is that you can’t listen to it alone. You need a partner. If you haven't yet, go back and listen to the introduction track that should be just above this in your Soundstage feed - there's important instructions there. You and your partner will be listening to two different, but simultaneous tracks. One of you should pick Person 1 and the other should pick Person 2. When you’re ready to begin, both you and your partner will press Play at exactly the same time. (You could even do a countdown: Three, two, one and go.) See you on the other side...
S1 E3 · Thu, April 30, 2020
PLAY FOR ANY TWO PEOPLE: Person 2
The first thing you have to know about this podcast, is that you can’t listen to it alone. You need a partner. If you haven't yet, go back and listen to the introduction track that should be just above this in your Soundstage feed - there's important instructions there. You and your partner will be listening to two different, but simultaneous tracks. One of you should pick Person 1 and the other should pick Person 2. When you’re ready to begin, both you and your partner will press Play at exactly the same time. (You could even do a countdown: Three, two, one and go.) See you on the other side...
Trailer · Fri, April 24, 2020
Next Week on Soundstage...
If you haven't listened to Episodes 1 & 2 yet, now's your chance to catch up! Soundstage is moving to an every-other-week publishing schedule, but we're here on our off-week to give you a preview of Jordan Harrison's upcoming release because this one will be more than just a little different...
S1 E2 · Thu, April 16, 2020
GATHER by Robert O'Hara
Using the high-stakes drama of a spy thriller format, GATHER is a suspenseful and hilarious tale of a series of mysterious disappearances. GATHER was written and directed by Robert O'Hara. Visit soundstagepodcast.org for complete episode credits. Soundstage is a production of Playwrights Horizons. Follow us at @phnyc for more! If you like what you hear and want to support the Soundstage program, we hope you will consider making a donation. To support us, text SOUNDSTAGE20 to 44-321.
S1 E1 · Thu, April 09, 2020
PRIME: A Practical Breviary by Heather Christian
Inspired by breviary masses performed by cloistered monks, PRIME employs modern language and rich, contemporary musical arrangements to reimagine what a modern prayer for a Tuesday morning at 6AM might sound like. PRIME: A PRACTICAL BREVIARY was written and composed by Heather Christian. Visit soundstagepodcast.org for complete episode credits. Soundstage is a production of Playwrights Horizons. If you like what you hear and want to support the Soundstage program, we hope you will consider making a donation. To support us, text SOUNDSTAGE20 to 44-321.
Trailer · Thu, April 02, 2020
Introducing: Soundstage
Over a year in the making, a new, original series of portable stories from Playwrights Horizons.
Wed, December 19, 2018
Heather Raffo, Iraqi Women in Diaspora
Playwright and performer Heather Raffo gathers a multi-generational, multi-religious, multi-national group of women to discuss the themes and ideas of her play NOURA. Participating in the conversation were author and sociologist Zahra Ali, architect Hiba Hadid, author and dentist Cynthia Kaplan Shamash, and filmmaker and Executive Director of The Abraham Path Initiative Anisa Mehdi.
Mon, October 15, 2018
Craig Lucas, I Was Most Alive With You and Beyond
In this in-depth conversation between playwright Craig Lucas and Associate Artistic Director Adam Greenfield, discover the big ideas that inspired Craig's play I Was Most Alive With You as well as a lifetime of crafting intimate theater.
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