#Interviews Episodes

Our interview with teacher, writer and director Robert Hedley - the former Chair of the Theater Departments of both Villanova and Temple Universities.

The Bicentennial Year of 1976 gave young and ambitious Philadelphia theater artists a boost in their careers - with jobs in "historical re-enactment" and patriotic storytelling.

An interview with the director, writer and artist Tom Bissinger, in which we talk about his work in the 1960s and 70s, including his all-too-brief term as the final Artistic Director of the Theatre of the Living Arts.

An interview with the director Mary B. Robinson, about the time she spent as the final Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Drama Guild.

Gregory Poggi successfully led the Philadelphia Drama Guild throughout the decade of the 1980s. He talked with us about his tussles with board members, battles with critics, fundraising triumphs and the growing audience support for professional nonprofit theater companies

We interview the late theater historian Barry Witham about his 2013 book "A Sustainable Theatre: Jasper Deeter at the Hedgerow," and then bring listeners along on a guided tour of Hedgerow Theatre campus in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania.

This Encore episode of the podcast - first released as Episode 35 in our Season One - goes on a journey to the Paul Robeson House and Museum in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia actress, director and educator Penelope Reed sits down for an interview with us, and shares fascinating memories of her long career.

Jasper Deeter formed Philadelphia's oldest repertory company - the Hedgerow Theatre - in 1923. His work as a director, actor, visionary and longtime acting teacher would have a profound affect on shaping Philadelphia's - and America's - theater for years to come.

This special episode of the podcast goes on a journey to the Paul Robeson House and Museum. We learn about Robeson's many connections to Philadelphia.

The distinguished director discusses her tenure at the Philadelphia Drama Guild in the 1990s.