Show overview
The Subtext has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 48 episodes. Releases follow a monthly cadence.
None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-US-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 months ago, with 4 episodes already out so far this year. Published by American Theatre.
From the publisher
From AMERICAN THEATRE magazine, a podcast where playwrights talk to playwrights about the things usually left unsaid. In a conversation that dives into life's muck, we learn what irks, agitates, motivates, inspires and - ultimately - what makes writers tick. (This feed is for the Subtext from 2018 onwards. For old episodes of the Subtext from 2015 to 2017, visit https://thisstage.la/category/the-subtext)
Latest Episodes
View all 48 episodesPatrick Gabridge Plays in Place
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.
Brian James Polak Reverses Roles
This 10-year anniversary special turns the tables, as playwright Crystal Skillman interviews host Brian James Polak about how his podcast helped him redefine playwriting success.
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.
Migdalia Cruz Wants to Be Part of World Theatre
The Bronx-born playwright talks Fornés, trauma-informed writing, and parenthood as a writer.
Kira Obolensky’s Body of Work and Life
The Minneapolis-based playwright discusses the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.
Subtext Redux: In Memory of Rachel Jendrzejewski
A republished Subtext as tribute to its subject, Rachel Jendrzejewski, a Minneapolis-based interdisciplinary artist and writer who died last week after a battle with cancer.
The Subtext: Diana Burbano Writes What Scares Her
The L.A.-based Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist talks about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and about building close artistic relationships.
The Subtext: Andrew Rosendorf Leaves It on the Page
Brian talks to the Minneapolis-based playwright about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice.
The Subtext: Rachel Bublitz Is Writing for Her Younger Self
The writer of 'Funny, Like an Abortion' and 'The Night Witches' talks about long commutes, writing science plays, and the parts she wishes she'd been able to play in school.
The Subtext: Chloé Hung and the Magic of Writing
The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities.
The Subtext: Tim J. Lord and the Human Story
This month Brian talks with the award-winning playwright about how he went from technician to playwright, and how to find the real drama behind a true historical event.
The Subtext: Aya Ogawa, In Control
This month Brian talks with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.
The Subtext: Kelley Nicole Girod, in It for the Drama
This month Brian talks with the playwright, producer, Fire This Time Festival founder, and Apollo Theater director of new works about drama, balance, and Louisiana history.
The Subtext: How Rachel Bonds Learned to Trust Herself
This month Brian talks to the Southern-born writer about her journey through acting to playwriting, what her parents taught her, and her own parenting.
The Subtext: Jonathan Payne and the Sea of Stories
This month Brian speaks with the playwright about striving to write one play a year and drawing inspiration from various roles and identities.
The Subtext: Rachel Jendrzejewski on Presence, Poland, and Padua
This month Brian speaks with the Playwrights' Center core writer and co-artistic director of Minneapolis's Red Eye about chance encounters and her relationship to future thinking.