The State of Shakespeare

Feb 24 2025 100 ep. 24 mins 97
The State of Shakespeare Podcast artwork

The State of Shakespeare is a virtual masterclass featuring in-depth interviews with contemporary Shakespearean actors, directors and teachers. We focus on the complex relationship of words and performance, and how individual artists develop unique and often contrasting approaches to the text. We aim to inspire and educate theatre makers, students and educators to discover new ways of bringing Shakespeare to life. Hosted by Gerritt VanderMeer and Jim Elliott.

  Arts  Education
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Drew Lichtenberg

Feb 24 2025 41 mins  
Shakespeare in the U.S.February 24, 2025 As the Artistic Producer and Dramaturg at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., Drew Lichtenberg has a front-row seat to the unfolding drama at one of the globe's most powerful artistic and political nexuses. In a recent essay for The New York Times, he shared hard truths about the state of Shakespeare in contemporar

John Ahlin

Feb 08 2025 19 mins  
Falstaff; Act 4, Scene 2 Henry IV, Part 2January 10, 2025 Falstaff is Shakespeare’s greatest comic creation.  John Ahlin is the greatest ‘Simon Says’ player in the world.   Discover how this talent helped launch a career that has seen him play the role sixteen times… and counting.   Just don't call it a bit! Click here to fo

Graham Stevens

Sep 20 2024 19 mins  
Macbeth; Act 3, Scene 1 MacbethSeptember 20, 2024 From Whiffenpoof to Macbeth. Graham Stevens has worn many hats in his career, none of which fits as comfortably as Macbeth's crown. How does he bring all of his diversity of skills to bear in the role of the Scottish King? And it isn't just the kilt... Click here to follow along with the text. Click here fo

Vanessa Morosco

Jul 31 2024 19 mins  
The American Shakespeare Center July 30, 2024 Vanessa Morosco likes asking the big questions. As Executive Director of the American Shakespeare Center, she is perfectly positioned to do just that. Using Original Practices, Vanessa and ASC are re-centering the focus on Shakespeare for the 21st Century. Click here for more information on the American Sh

Jasmine Bracey

Jun 28 2024 19 mins  
Henry IV, Part I; Act 5, Scene 1 WorcesterJune 30, 2024 Inside-out or outside-in? Accomplished stage actor and teacher Jasmine Bracey gives Stanislvaski his due, but argues for a more visceral approach to crafting character. Either way, her objective is all about change. Click here to follow along with the text. Click here for a First Folio Version. Cli

Rod Kinter

May 30 2024 19 mins  
Fight Direction ShakespeareMay 30, 2024 There’s more to choreographing stage combat than beating shields and bashing heads. Fight Director Rod Kinter works closely with Actors, Directors and Designers on "Designing the Fight". Safety and repeatability are paramount, but swords are optional. Click here for more information about Rod Kinter

Jason King Jones

Apr 30 2024 19 mins  
Henry V; Prologue PrologueApril 30, 2024 In his second season as the Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Jason King Jones brings a seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm to the leadership role. This summer, PSF will produce 8 shows, the equivalent of a full regional theatre season, in just sixteen weeks. Click here for more inf

Ben Steinfeld 2.0

Mar 12 2024 19 mins  
Pericles; Act 5, Scene 1 Pericles and MarinaMarch 12, 2024 We welcome one of our favorite guests back to the State of Shakespeare. Ben Steinfeld catches us up on his own epic journey and on Fiasco Theatre’s production of Pericles, in performances now at the Classic Stage Company in NYC. Click here to follow along with the text. Click here For Mor

Yao Dogbe

Feb 28 2024 19 mins  
Richard III; Act 5, Scene 1 BuckinghamFebruary 28, 2024 Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez Actor Yao Dogbe returns to the stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for the highly-anticipated production of Richard III. The inaugural effort by brand-new helmsman Edward Hall, this reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest plays has been grabbing attention for

Stephen Charles Marzolf

Jan 22 2024 19 mins  
The Tempest; Act 4, Scene 1 ProsperoJanuary 16, 2024 To the uninitiated, northwest Arkansas may sound like an unlikely paradise for an actor. But as Shakespeare’s Prospero shows us, magic is found where you choose to make it. Our guest Steven Charles Marzolf has happily made an artistic home in Fayetteville for the past twelve years, where he recently played P