The Scene Podcast

This week on The Scene Podcast, we’re joined by writer, actor, and director Ngozi Anyanwu, whose work bridges generations, continents, and artistic disciplines. From her breakout play The Homecoming Queen to the deeply personal Good Grief and her acclaimed performance in The Last of the Love Letters, Ngozi brings a fierce emotional honesty to every story she tells. In this episode, she shares her journey from performer to playwright, how she captures the specificity of memory and migration, and why she’s driven to tell Black stories that aren’t centered in trauma but in complexity, joy, and love.Episode NotesGuestNgozi Anyanwu – @gozefacePlaywright of The Homecoming Queen, Good Grief, Nike or We Don’t Need Another HeroTopics Covered• From acting to writing: finding agency through authorship• Capturing the Nigerian American experience through character and rhythm• Emotional honesty and vulnerability in storytelling• Centering joy and nuance in Black narratives• Creating new pathways for Black women in theatre• Working across mediums: stage, screen, and beyondReferenced WorksThe Homecoming QueenGood GriefNike or We Don’t Need Another HeroThe Last of the Love Letters The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

This week on The Scene Podcast, we’re joined by playwright Jonathan Spector, whose work blends sharp political insight with dark humor and daring theatricality. From Eureka Day to This Much I Know, Jonathan has built a reputation for tackling polarizing subjects with nuance, empathy, and a touch of absurdity. In this conversation, recorded prior to his 2025 Tony Award win, we talk about writing satire in polarized times, the Bay Area as a creative influence, and how he builds plays that ask big questions without prescribing easy answers. Episode NotesGuest - Jonathan Spector – @spectoramaPlaywright - Eureka Day, This Much I Know, and Good. Better. Best. Bested.Special Note: This episode was recorded prior to Jonathan’s Tony Award win, so it is not discussed in the interview.Topics CoveredSatire, sensitivity, and writing in the age of disinformationHow the Bay Area informs his aesthetic and political lensThe development journey of Eureka Day from regional theater to Off-Broadway to LondonWriting characters with clashing ideologies but shared humanityThe value of ambiguity and open-ended storytellingCreating work that meets audiences halfway without moralizing The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

This week on The Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Madeline Sayet, playwright, director, performer, and a powerful voice in contemporary Indigenous theatre. From her solo piece Where We Belong to her advocacy for language revitalization and decolonized storytelling, Madeline invites us into a conversation about lineage, responsibility, and crafting theatre that speaks across generations. We explore how her Mohegan identity shapes her work, why Shakespeare still matters, and how storytelling can be a form of reclamation, resistance, and radical hope. The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

This week on The Scene Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed playwright Anna Ziegler, whose work explores identity, memory, and the intimate collisions between the personal and political. From Photograph 51 to Actually and The Wanderers, Anna shares how her background in poetry shaped her voice, how she approaches ambiguity on stage, and why she’s drawn to characters who exist in tension with themselves. It’s a thoughtful, layered conversation that celebrates quiet power in theatrical storytelling. Episode NotesGuest:Anna Ziegler – @icanbakecakesTopics Covered:The evolution of Anna’s writing from poetry to playwritingCrafting morally complex charactersThe resonance of silence, subtext, and restraintThe journey of Photograph 51 and portraying Rosalind FranklinBalancing emotional intimacy with large thematic questionsHow The Wanderers wrestles with faith, authorship, and connectionAnna Ziegler Plays :Photograph 51ActuallyThe WanderersA Delicate ShipBoy The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

This week on The Scene Podcast, we’re joined by the dynamic writing duo Carrie McCrossen and Ian McWethy, partners in both life and theatre. Known for their sharp wit and genre-blending scripts, the pair shares how their collaborative process evolved from comedy sketches to critically acclaimed plays. We talk about teaching theatre, navigating adaptations, and what it’s really like to co-write with your spouse. Plus, we debut a brand-new segment inspired by Letterboxd’s “Four Favorite Films”, but this time, it’s all about the plays that shaped us.Episode NotesGuests:Carrie McCrossen – @carriemccrossenIan McWethy – @ianmcwethyRelease Date: May 17, 2025Topics Covered:Writing as a duo: humor, compromise, and creative alignmentTheir approach to youth theatre and educational licensingNavigating tone in farce, satire, and social commentaryThoughts on adaptations and writing for the stage todayDebut segment: “Four Favorite Plays”—inspiration, nostalgia, and chaosWorks Referenced:Bad Auditions by Bad ActorsThe Ten Best Worst Things About High School#CensoredPlus, selections from their “Four Favorite Plays” listListen: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsFollow Us: @thescene_news on Instagram and TikTok The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

In this special bonus episode of The Scene Podcast, we’re joined by theatre commentators and content creators Liz Gutridge, Ashley Hufford, and Maggie Hill for a lively roundtable breaking down the 2025 Tony Award nominations. From thrilling surprises to frustrating omissions, we dig into the major trends, record-setting shows, and rising stars shaping this year’s Broadway honors. Plus, we highlight past Scene guests who are now Tony nominees, celebrating their achievements and discussing their standout contributions to the season. Episode NotesTopic: The 2025 Tony Award NominationsRelease Date: May 3, 2025 Guests:Liz Gutridge – @lizgutridgeAshley Hufford – @ashley_huffordMaggie Hill – @themaggiehill Official 2025 Tony Nominees – tonyawards.comFollow Us: @thescene_news on Instagram and TikTok The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

Season 3 premieres with boundary-pushing storyteller Kate Douglas—playwright, librettist, composer, and creator of The Apiary. Kate’s work spans music, immersive theatre, and environmental advocacy, making space for stories that are deeply human and defiantly unconventional. In this episode, she opens up about her early artistic journey, the personal and ecological inspirations behind The Apiary, and her recent research trip to Poland exploring physical therapy through movement. Plus, we dig into her analog immersive project Wilderness Neo, and her alt-folk-infused music that bridges chamber opera and indie soul. Episode NotesGuest: Kate Douglas (Playwright, Librettist, Creator of The Apiary, The Ninth Hour)Topics Covered:The evolution from musician to multidisciplinary theatre-makerWriting The Apiary and its journey to Off-BroadwayHow environmentalism shapes Kate’s creative lensWilderness Neo: blending analog mystery with youth engagementStudying physical therapy through movement in PolandKate’s genre-fluid music across theatre and solo workReferenced Works:The Apiary (Off-Broadway, 2024)Wilderness NeoThe Ninth HourThe Lucky Few Centuries The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

The Scene Podcast is back for Season 3, and we’re raising the curtain on a brand-new lineup of bold voices, breakout talent, and behind-the-scenes brilliance. From Tony-winning writers to rising playwrights shaking up the stage, this season is packed with unfiltered conversations, career insights, and the craft behind the curtain. Whether we’re live from the International Thespian Festival or diving into the future of Broadway, this season isn’t just about what’s onstage—it’s about who’s creating the scene.Season Premiere: April 19, 2025Guests this Season: Kate Douglas, James Ijames, John Cameron Mitchell, Anna Ziegler, Ngozi Anyanwu, and many moreSpecial Episodes:The 2025 Tonys RoundtableLive from the International Thespian FestivalBonus episode with John CarianiRelease Schedule: Bi-weeklySubscribe now so you don’t miss a single conversation – tell your scene partners! The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

The second part of our 2024 Texas Thespians coverage! New episodes of The Scene podcast are coming soon.The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

It’s the first part of The Scene Texas Thespians episode. Join us for interviews with the Scene team and special guests from the conference floor. Plus, we’ll offer some plays that would be perfect for the UIL One-Act play competition! The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An Exclusive Interview with Lauren Gunderson The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Michael Cotey (ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence) The Scene TeamJustin Borak - Host Zach Dulli - Executive Producer KJ Lampar - Producer & EditorLeah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements LINKSBe sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe to The Scene Newsletter SPECIAL THANKSJennifer IsaacsonLauren KardosKent NicholsonJeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Candrice JonesThe Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Kate HamillThe Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Jaclyn BackhausThe Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Alvaro Saar Rios. The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Sandy RustinThe Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Brooke Maxwell & Jacob Richmond (Ride the Cyclone Team)The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits, Fraggle Rock) The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz

An exclusive interview with Jeanna de Waal (Diana: The Musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)The Scene Team Justin Borak - Host  Zach Dulli - Executive Producer  KJ Lampar - Producer & Editor Leah Barker - Producer & Talent Coordinator   Additional music and sound effects licensed through Envato Elements   LINKS Be sure to follow The Scene Podcast on Instagram and YouTube Subscribe to The Scene Newsletter   SPECIAL THANKS Jennifer Isaacson Lauren Kardos Kent Nicholson Jeffery Keilholtz