Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/13/2021
(NEW YORK, NY) -- The Drama League has announced Season 2 of its digital series, TA(L)KING DIRECTION: The Drama League Podcast. After a successful first season of 25 in-depth interviews addressing the stories and experiences of world-renowned artists during the COVID-19 pandemic, season two will explore the changing state of the theatre industry and its early steps towards re-emergence in 2021, with an all-star lineup of directors, producers, and artists in conversation with the industry's leaders and educators. Since 1916, The Drama League has been at the forefront of the American Theater community, advancing the art form by providing a life-long artistic home for directors and a platform for dialogue with, and between, audiences.
"Connecting theater practitioners to each other, and to audiences, has never been more challenging or necessary than in the moment we find ourselves right now," said The Drama League's Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. "'TA(L)KING DIRECTION' has been one of our great joys in addressing those challenges. Each episode offers powerful thoughts from the great minds in our field, reaching thousands of people across the globe as we together share, reveal, explore, and dream a future for theater unlike anything we've seen before."
Appearing weekly between now and June, TA(L)KING DIRECTION Season 2 will feature interviews with arts industry leaders, including directors Saheem Ali, David Cromer, Colette Robert, Danny Sharron, Leigh Silverman, prestigious producers Philip Arnoult, Jacob Padrón, artistic directors Shelley Butler, West Hyler, Yury Urnov, and many more.
"The new season begins with 'DIRECONOMICS,' a three-episode exploration of the financials of theater and the class divisions built into its roots," said Associate Artistic Director Nilan, who also serves as the producer of TA(L)KING DIRECTION. "In this sprawling conversation, directors gather to discuss the importance of tackling inequity on Broadway including how artists, producers, and patrons can work together to create a more sustainable and just industry."
Leigh Silverman, known for directing critically-acclaimed shows on and off Broadway such From Up Here, Violet, and Soft Power, joins this riveting season-premiere episode to expand on her perspective as a female director and to sheds light on the importance of cultivating young talent in the field.
Here's an excerpt by Silverman from the premiere: "One of the most difficult things about being a director is that you don't have a deliverable, you need all kinds of other people. You can't just sit in your room and practice your instrument, you can't work out, you know, to stay limber. You need people to keep you developing your craft. So what are the ways that young directors right now can be given opportunities and help to keep practicing their craft, so that this time [pandemic] is not emotional, financial, spiritual, professional apathy."
TA(L)KING DIRECTION SEASON 2 EPISODES: January 13, 20 and 27 - Direconomics: Part 1, 2, and 3 Featuring Saheem Ali, David Cromer, Jacob Padrón, Colette Robert, Leigh Silverman, and Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. Hosted by Danny Sharron. Produced by Nilan.
February 3 - Educating For The Future: Undergraduate Programs in the Midwest/South Featuring Matt Schwader (Avila University), Douglas Finlayson (Webster University), Paul Gatrell (Belmont University), and Mark Castle (Samford University). Hosted and produced by Nilan.
February 24 - Artistic Stamp: Theater In Your Mailbox Featuring West Hyler and Shelley Butler. Hosted by Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. Produced by Nilan.
March 10 - Classical Theater Fellow: Emma Rose Went Featuring Emma Rose Went. Hosted by Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. Produced by Nilan.
March 31 - Educating The Future Part 2: Undergraduate Programs in the Northeast Featuring Elizabeth Margid (Fordham), Marcus Giamatti (Temple University), Beth Schachter (Muhlenberg), Jill Stevenson (Marymount), and Adrienne Kapstein (Pace). Hosted and produced by Nilan.
April 21 - The Post-Pandemic Future of International Exchange Featuring Philip Arnoult, Director of the Center for International Theatre Development, and Yury Urnov, co-Artistic Director of The Wilma Theater. Hosted by Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. Produced by Nilan.
Season 2 episode 1 of TA(L)KING DIRECTION is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on The Drama League's website (dramaleague.org/talkingdirection), and on other podcast streaming services, along with the first season of the podcast, which features artists such as Lileana Blain-Cruz, Michael Mayer, Diane Paulus, Sheryl Kaller, David Mendizabal, Awoye Timpo, Shaykina Nayfack, Desdemona Chiang, Nicole A. Waston, Estefania Fadul, Christian Borle, Mei Ann Teo, Jonathan Groff, Conor McPherson, and more. In addition to new episodes being released, bonus content will also be offered to The Drama League members.
To learn more about becoming a member of The Drama League and the programming members fund, including fellowships, residencies, education programs, and artist relief funds, visit dramaleague.org.
The Drama League of New York, since 1916, has been at the forefront of the American Theatre community, providing talent, audiences, and prosperous support. The Drama League advances the American theater by providing a life-long artistic home for directors and a platform for dialogue with, and between, audiences. The Drama League opens doors for exceptional stage directors by providing time, resources, and space to work without restriction, while augmenting skills through personalized training, production opportunities, and professional development. The Drama League carefully selects directors whose vision and talent are unparalleled, with a clear commitment to the craft, the field, and audiences. Through our work, The Drama League celebrates the important role theatergoers have to the future of the industry, and champions the impact theater plays in civic life. The Drama League breaks the formidable barriers that impede success in the arts. These directors, nurtured and empowered by The Drama League's support, are trained to create the most rigorous work possible, as a live exchange between artists and audiences. In doing so, we elevate the conversation, deeply impacting theaters and their communities. Bringing people together to celebrate difference, share experiences, and discover common ground are crucial needs served by the work of Drama League directors. This necessary cultural practice is the foundation of our shared humanity.
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George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Roswell That Ends Well
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJIf you’re feeling all alone in the universe – or even if you’re not – Triangle’s newest musical comedy is for you! Join us as Triangle explores what it means to have friends in high – or should we say “sky”? – places. Extraterrestrial visitors, crazy conspiracy theories, and intergalactic shenanigans power this year’s annual laugh-fest of witty jokes, lavish production numbers, and, of course, Triangle’s famous kickline. Can interplanetary goodwill blossom in the dystopian desert of our current times? Get your Triangle tickets now and learn if
Roswell That Ends Well!
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
EVENT PREVIEWS
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 from November 10 to December 20, 2026. Celebrate the season with this spectacular holiday production filled with the music, memories, and traditions audiences have cherished through the years.
Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical"
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios presents Carrie, the Musical at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center from November 12-15, 2026. Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, the musical poses the question: What happens when someone is pushed too far?
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival presents "Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman"
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival continues with Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Erica Knight. Running November 12–15, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University. The production explores the turbulent life and legacy of Ralph Albert Blakelock, one of America's most celebrated yet tragically overlooked nineteenth-century painters.
Fool Moon Theatre Company presents "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" at The Eagle Theatre on November 12th
(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents a special, one-night-only presentation of the hit play Love, Loss and What I Wore on Thursday, November 12 2026 at Eagle Theatre. This exclusive event is a benefit for the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Middlesex College presents "She Kills Monsters"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex College Visual, Performing and Media Arts presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from November 12-18, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center - Studio Theater in Edison. She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly.
CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher from November 12-14, 2026 at Philhower Chapel at Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley. This is an exciting new original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale.
Theater League of Clifton presents "1776" in November
(WAYNE, NJ) -- Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation. This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence. Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center.
Lomotion Live presents "Etiquette" by David Lee White
(BOONTON, NJ) -- Lomotion Live presents Etiquette, a timely and biting comedy by playwright David Lee White, directed by Lauren Moran. The production will run November 13–15, 2026 at Lomotion Live at Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window"
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- What happens when we look through a window? Do we see the world as it really is, the world as we wish it could be, or something we never expected? New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) invites audiences to discover the unexpected with NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" a festival of eight original short plays presented over two weekends, November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026 at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch.
Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical"
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical weekends from November 13-28, 2026. In this musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic, The Herdmans – widely known as the "worst kids in the history of the world" – crash Sunday School lured by the promise of free snacks and end up hijacking the annual church Christmas pageant!
