Podcast@SDA

Philip G. Allen is an associate professor of theatre practice at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. He is a sound designer, mixer and audio educator with more than 20 years of professional experience. He has designed sound systems for the Music Center of Los Angeles, the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City and numerous smaller venues.

Kate Burton is a USC School of Dramatic Arts professor and master artist. She has directed Chekhov’s Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull for USC’s MFA Rep, as well as two evenings of Shakespeare and Tchaikovsky for Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The daughter of two Shakespearean actors, she has played Viola, Juliet, Desdemona, Isabella, The Princess of France, Hermione and Queen/ Belarius in Cymbeline (2015 NYSF). A three-time Tony and Emmy nominee, she was seen last on Broadway opposite Kevin Kline in Present Laughter. On television, she is best known for her work in Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy. She will soon be seen in Where Did You Go, Bernadette, starring Cate Blanchett and directed by Richard Linklater. She is a graduate of Brown University and the Yale School of Drama.

Elsbeth M. Collins is a veteran stage manager who serves as the head of production at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, a position she has held since 2008. She is the production manager for over 20 productions per academic year, hiring support staff and guest artists, as well as monitoring their budgets. Prior to coming to USC, Collins worked as a professional stage manager for over 25 years.

Christopher Shaw is an assistant professor of theatre practice at the USC School of Dramatic Arts in acting and directing. Shaw has worked professionally in theatre, film and TV in N.Y. and L.A., as well as at numerous renowned regional theatres. Recent work includes originating the role of Tchaikovsky in the world premier of Tommy Smith’s Fugue with the award winning Echo Theater Company in Los Angeles, and as a director: Escape From Happiness (USC BFA 2016), Nora (CSULB MFA 2017), How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found (CSUF BFA 2016), The Riot Club (CSUF BFA 2015) and Farragut North (CSUF BFA 2014) Other acting credits include numerous productions of Marvin’s Room at Minetta Lane Theatre in NYC, The Kennedy Center and Seattle Rep., The Nancy Keystone and Critical Mass production of Apollo at The Kirk Douglas Theatre and Portland Center Stage, War Music at Geffen Playhouse, the original Echo Theater Company production of War Music (Ovation Award for Best Ensemble and Best Play), The 39 Steps at Ensemble Theatre Santa Barbara, Blackbird at Cal Rep, The Time of Your Life, and Happy End (Best Ensemble and Revival awards) at Pacific Resident Theatre, Walking the Dead at Circle Rep (NYC), Painted Rain at Playwrights Horizons (NYC), Romeo and Juliet at The NY Public, three seasons at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center and productions at The Long Wharf, Baltimore Center Stage, and Rogue Machine. Film and TV include the CBS mini series Bella Mafia with James Marsden and Vanessa Redgrave, the WB feature Dogfight with River Phoenix and Lili Taylor.

In this episode of Podcast@SDA, Dean David Bridel discusses "Uncle Vanya" with the translator of the work, SDA Professor Sharon Marie Carnicke. Directed by Gregg T. Daniel, "Uncle Vanya" continues performing in repertory through March 7, 2017 at the School's Scene Dock Theatre.

The latest episode of Podcast@SDA offers a conversation with versatile director/playwright/actress Regina Taylor. Taylor’s play “Magnolia,” an imaginative new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard,” sets the action during the beginning of Atlanta’s desegregation in 1963. Directed by Khanisha Foster, the play opens November 17, 2016 at the USC School of Dramatic Arts' McClintock Theatre. Hosted by Dean David Bridel of the USC School of Dramatic Arts, this Podcast@SDA features the song “The Times They Are A-Changin’” written by Bob Dylan; performed by SDA students Michael Kaczkowski, Camille Langston and Harrison Poe. Sound recording by SDA student Ethan Zeitman.

In this episode of Podcast@SDA, Dean David Bridel discusses Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" with Carla Della Gatta, a noted Shakespearean scholar who also teaches at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Directed by Kelly Ward, "Romeo and Juliet" opens November 3, 2016 at the School's Bing Theatre.

For this episode of Podcast@SDA, Bill Russell — the Tony-nominated lyricist and librettist of the critically acclaimed musical "Side Show" discusses the genesis of the musical with Dean David Bridel of the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Directed by VP Boyle, "Side Show" opens October 27, 2016 at the School's McClintock Theatre.

For this episode of Podcast@SDA, Dean David Bridel of the USC School of Dramatic Arts, interviews Shakespearean expert and USC professor Bruce Smith for "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Directed by Jeanette Harrison, the play opens October 6, 2016 at the School's Bing Theatre.

For the first episode of Podcast@SDA, Dean David Bridel of the USC School of Dramatic Arts, interviews "Mockingbird" playwright, Julie Jensen. Directed by Andi Chapman, the play opens September 29, 2016 at the School's McClintock Theatre.