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The Talkback

Zachary Leo Harris

A podcast where we talk about the art form we love, it's issues, and other topics that affect the community. Through interviews and general discussions The Talkback will dissect, address, and discuss a wide range of theatrical topics - interviewing artists in both the Broadway and DC theatre communities.

31 - 29. Why Adaptations?

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31 - 29. Why Adaptations?
On today’s episode we explore Broadway’s obsession with works based on movies, and why this type of work is produced at a higher rate. #TheTalkbackPodcast
Fri, 19 Feb 2021 - 22min
29 - 28. The Tony Awards?
On today’s episode we talk about the mess that is this year’s Tony Awards in light of the newly announced voting window in 2021, and the desire to have the ceremony line up with the reopening of Broadway.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly
Wed, 03 Feb 2021 - 20min
28 - 27. On Fellowships, Opportunities, and Balance (ft. Des’ree Brown)
Today we talk with Director/Producer Des’ree Brown about her journey as an artist and her experiences she has had inside and outside of educational spaces.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Wed, 27 Jan 2021 - 1h 03min
27 - 26. From Theatre to SoulCycle (ft. Grace Whitlock)
On this week's episode our co-producer Sara Reilly chats with Grace Whitlock about her journey from theatre to SoulCycle, along with how she's carried her skills from the stage to the podium.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 18 Jan 2021 - 51min
26 - 25. What Does It Take?
On today’s episode we ask the question of what it takes for someone to be considered fireable or unhireable in the industry in reaction to recent developments within the Broadway/Regional communities.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 - 35min
25 - 24. Looking Forward to 2021
On today’s episode we outline some of the things we’d like to see from the theatre community during 2021, along with discussing some of the current events on the books for the year.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Tue, 05 Jan 2021 - 15min
24 - 23. A Curtain Call for 2020
On today’s episode we take a moment to reflect on our 2020 as we conclude the first calendar year our podcast has been a part of.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 - 06min
23 - 22. New Voices: Macy Schmidt (The Broadway Sinfonietta)
On this week’s episode we chat with the incredible Macy Schmidt - an Arranger/Orchestrator, Copyist, and Music Director based out of New York who is also the founder of The Broadway Sinfonietta; an all women orchestra uplifting the existence, excellence, & equity of female BIPOC musicians on Broadway.
The Broadway Sinfonietta
instagram: @thebroadwaysinfoniettayoutube: https://youtu.be/yjR0Yj7J4ZA
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 21 Dec 2020 - 52min
22 - 21. Ratatouille, the Musical?
On today’s episode we focus on the TikTok phenomenon known as Ratatouille, the Musical, along with some recent developments for the project.
Our Christmas Offering: https://t.co/0kEOFZzOu6?amp=1
Ratatouille Musical: https://www.playbill.com/article/ratatouille-the-tiktok-musical-streaming-concert-to-benefit-the-actors-fund
Original 'Ode to Remy": https://youtu.be/ISnEdfa7OEA
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 - 25min
21 - 20. The Importance of Musical Films and TV Shows
On today’s episode we talk about the good, the bad (CATS), and everything else that comes with musical films and TV shows. How important are these filmed attempts of theatre/musicals?
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 07 Dec 2020 - 27min
20 - 19. An Unorthodox Path (ft. Caroline Tyson)
On today’s episode we talk with Caroline Tyson about their path to a career in design, their educational journey, and some advice about the next steps in your career.
Tue, 01 Dec 2020 - 39min
19 - 18. On Working With Your Peers (ft. Mercedes Blankenship, Cole Friedman, and Abigail Olshin)
On today’s episode we chat with three up and coming artists about their experiences working with peers, the obstacles, and lessons learned along the way.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Tue, 24 Nov 2020 - 1h 09min
18 - 17. Our Favorite Quarantine Things (ft. Sara Elizabeth Reilly and Emily Alvarado)
On today's episode, we talk with co-producer Sara Elizabeth Reilly and friend of the podcast Emily Alvarado about their top 3 favorite theatre-related things to do/consume during quarantine!
PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/great-performances/
Jingle Jangle: https://youtu.be/aYPUYVgwLWY
What The Consitution: https://youtu.be/P2zSRdVanDY
Hamilton: https://youtu.be/DSCKfXpAGHc
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 16 Nov 2020 - 42min
17 - 16. The Black Artist Coalition (ft. Vaughn Ryan Midder)
On today’s episode we sit down with Vaughn Ryan Midder (@vaughn_ryan_) of The Black Artist Coalition (@theblackartistcoalition) to discuss the organization's mission, goals, and the needs of the black community within the institution of theatre.
The Black Artist Coalition:
Instagram - @theblackartistcoalitionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackArtistCoalition Email - theblackartistcoalition@gmail.com
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 09 Nov 2020 - 1h 14min
16 - 15. Inclusivity, Community, and Education (ft. Jake Young)
On today's episode we are so excited to have our dear friend and collaborator Jake Young on the show to chat about inclusivity!
https://www.art-stream.org/
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 02 Nov 2020 - 38min
15 - 14. ZAPI Artists (ft. Cindy Tsai)
On today’s episode we talk with @cindyctsai of @zapiartists (gen z, asian/pacific islander artists) to discuss their social media platform, activism, and issues within the arts community.
ZAPI Artists: https://www.instagram.com/zapiartists/
See Our Truths https://www.instagram.com/seeourtruths/
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 26 Oct 2020 - 1h 23min
14 - 13. Writing for Zoom and the [untitled] MARTYR project (ft. Agyeiwaa Asante)
On today's episode we chat with playwright, Agyeiwaa Asante, about adapting to Zoom, the new normal, and her recent work '!
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 19 Oct 2020 - 43min
13 - 12. New Voices: Joriah Kwamé (Little Miss Perfect, Write Out Loud)
Today’s episode features the incredible Joriah Kwamé (@joriahkwame), writer of “Little Miss Perfect”!
https://www.actoraesthetic.com/
https://www.joriahkwame.com/
Little Miss Perfect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZIikh-z7g&ab_channel=WriteOutLoud
Callie Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2V9nZ465Co
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 12 Oct 2020 - 1h 08min
12 - 11. The Black Theatre Coalition (ft. T. Oliver Reid)
On today’s episode we chat with @toliverreid (Once on this Island, Hadestown) about the @blacktheatrecoalition, a non-profit focused on removing the “ILLUSION OF INCLUSION” by building a sustainable roadmap that will increase employment opportunities for Black theatre professionals.
Instagram: @blacktheatrecoalition & @toliverreid
Twitter: @Blacktheatreco1 & @toliverreid
https://blacktheatrecoalition.org/
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 - 42min
11 - 10. Swinging for Gun & Powder (ft. Kylie Clare Smith)
On today's episode we have Kylie Clare Smith joining the show to discuss her experience being a swing for the world premiere production of the (100% Broadway-bound) musical Gun & Powder at Signature Theatre in Virginia. This musical starred Broadway veterans such as Solea Pfeiffer, Emmy Raver-Lampman (also of The Umbrella Academy), Dan Tracy, Donald Webber Jr., and Marva Hicks and was directed by the amazing Robert O'Hara (Slave Play).
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
ArtsCentric https://www.artscentric.org/
Gun & Powder https://www.sigtheatre.org/events/201920/gun-and-powder/
Mon, 28 Sep 2020 - 52min
10 - 09. Godspell with Berkshire Theatre Group (ft. Dan Rosales)
On today's episode we chat with the wonderful Dan Rosales, a cast member of Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of Godspell - one of Equity's first approved live theatrical events to happen during the pandemic. We chat about their unique rehearsal process, safety protocols, and the outlook for theatre moving forward in the COVID-19 world.

Brad Gibson's song FOOL: https://youtu.be/MiHQ3JcmqMw
Thu, 24 Sep 2020 - 51min
9 - 08. Virtual Stage Management (ft. Sara Elizabeth Reilly)
On today's episode our co-producer Sara Elizabeth Reilly joins us to share her experiences working as a stage manager during the time of COVID-19.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 21 Sep 2020 - 31min
8 - 07. On Casting (ft. Dani Ebbin)
On today's episode, we talk with the wonderful Dani Ebbin about her journey into casting, her work in a multitude of casting spaces, and some conventions in the world of casting.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 14 Sep 2020 - 1h 01min
7 - 06. Landless Theatre Co. and Prog Metal Sweeney (ft. Andrew Baughman)
On today's episode we sit down with Andrew Baughman to chat about his artistic journey, Landless Theatre Company, and his work on the Prog Metal version of Sweeney Todd.
Music for this Episode is by Carner and Gregor
The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly
Landless Theatre company application https://www.landlesstheatre.com/companyapplication?fbclid=IwAR1FBPlkHiRs-Qx8PANb2Wc8myBHfYn2IMIsHmcJfGZo6HjBsyIjyj3awhE

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 - 30min
6 - 05. Theatre Activism and Your Community (ft. Rikki Howie Lacewell)
On today's episode we have multi-talented artist Rikkie Howie Lacewell to chat about her community based activism during quarantine.
Music for this Episode is by Carner and Gregor
The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly
We See You W.A.T. https://www.weseeyouwat.com/
Anti-racism packet https://docs.google.com/document/d/16tuiRYmXO7-O4A52A0oUBy3l5TBgbLifJ7TZIhEJHqY/edit?usp=sharing
Article by Tonya Pinkins https://link.medium.com/XsTIp5QKE8

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 - 54min
5 - 04. Bootlegs
Our Host (Zachary Leo Harris) talks about the wonderful world of bootlegs - the good, the bad, and the arguments that come with the discussion.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor, from their musical Island Song.
The Talkback is co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly.
Mon, 24 Aug 2020 - 22min
4 - 03. So you want to be a Music Assistant? (ft. Sasha Bartol)
In today's episode we talk to Broadway Music Assistant, Sasha Bartol (Beetlejuice). We cover her journey into the field and how that came to be, along with tips and tricks from someone who is actively working in the field.
The Liz Swados Project:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5U8YMbm8Mnc9ZhxERg35B8?si=hwJ7eq-DQlCEv_lN9oypfg
follow us on instagram and twitter @thetalkbackpod
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor
The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 - 22min
3 - 02. Anti-Racism and Creating Space for Self (ft. Jasmine Mitchell)
In today's episode we chat with Jasmine Mitchell, an amazing creator from the DMV, about her anti-racism packet and her experiences making space for herself in white institutions.
Music for this episode is by Carner and Gregor
The Talkback is hosted by Zachary Harris, and co-produced by Zachary Harris and Sara Reilly
We See You W.A.T. https://www.weseeyouwat.com/
Anti-racism packet https://docs.google.com/document/d/16tuiRYmXO7-O4A52A0oUBy3l5TBgbLifJ7TZIhEJHqY/edit?usp=sharing
Mon, 10 Aug 2020 - 26min
2 - 01. Race and Representation
Today's Episode has no guest, however our Host (Zachary Leo Harris) addresses the issue of race and representation in theatre on the community, educational, and professional levels.
follow our host Zachary Harris @zacharyleo34
follow us on instagram and twitter @thetalkbackpod
We See You White American Theatre
https://www.weseeyouwat.com/
Theatre in Color
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gxunt32q79sifkk/AAAyUN80-5-eRwi5VVNW5I3Ca?dl=0
Musical Theatre Educators Blog
https://www.musicaltheatreeducators.org/blog/diversity-in-the-traditional-musical
Playbill article
https://www.playbill.com/article/5-steps-toward-making-theatre-more-diverse
Lin-Manuel Miranda video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQEtqkwDTkI&t=66s
Mon, 03 Aug 2020 - 29min
1 - Welcome to The Talkback
Here is our introduction to the podcast and it's host, Zachary Harris. We'll cover the who and why of this podcast here:
The Talkback is a podcast that's focused on talking about theatre, the problems within the community, and engaging with industry experts to continue the dialogue about the art for we love.
Fri, 10 Jul 2020 - 03min

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