José Rivera: Mystery, Awe, and the Long Apprenticeship
This month Brian talks to the prolific playwright and screenwriter about religion, working-class heroes, and how he learned he’s not an actor from Tom Hanks.
Stories by Brian James Polak
Dave Osmundsen Doesn’t Do Inspiration
This month Brian talks to the author of ‘Light Switch’ and ‘Berrywild’ about autism, mentorship, and learning to live alongside cringe.
Andrea Stolowitz: I Am My Own Home
This month, Brian talks to Andrea Stolowitz, a playwright and librettist with dual U.S./German citizenship who talks about her complex relationship with home.
Lisa Sanaye Dring Builds Mind Palaces
The playwright and director from Hawaii and Nevada discusses ‘Death Play,’ ‘Sumo,’ yearning, loneliness, and the wisdom of accepting loss.
Patrick Gabridge Plays in Place
The playwright and founding artistic director of a site-specific theatre discusses going from studying computer science at MIT to honing in on his artistry.
Sophie McIntosh: Good Apples and Aspirations
The playwright, originally from Wisconsin, discusses her company, influences, exposure therapy, and the challenges of being an ’emerging’ artist.
Ken Urban Makes Music and Meaning
The playwright, screenwriter, and musician talks about juggling various projects, how to manage the emotional ups and downs in an unpredictable career path, and the value of teaching.
Rachel Lynett Commits
The playwright behind ‘Committed’ and ‘Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson)’ shares their journey from aspiring corporate defense attorney to playwright.
Theresa Rebeck, Angry Optimist
The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconic projects.
Sarah Mantell, Illustrator-Turned-Playwright
The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning playwright talks about a life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, the Kilroys, joy, and loss.
