The conversation delves into the transition into sole artistic leadership at The Wilma Theater and their unique approach to productions. Lindsay Smiling shares his journey to becoming the Artistic Director and discusses the challenges and opportunities of co-artistic directorship.

The discussion also explores the essence of the Wilma Theater experience and strategies for engaging the audience and enhancing their theater experience. The conversation with Lindsay Smiling covers the artistic vision and risk-taking at the Wilma Theater, the impact of digital productions, the involvement of co-artistic directors in season planning, community engagement and representation, and the importance of membership and community involvement in the theater experience.

Takeaways

• Artistic leadership transition
• The Wilma Theater's unique approach to productions Community Engagement
• Artistic Direction
• Theater Collaboration

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Smiling
• 05:37 Leadership Changes and Community Support
• 11:14 Challenges of Artistic Leadership
• 18:13 Engaging the Audience and Enhancing Experience
• 25:19 The Impact of Digital Productions
• 31:24 Community Engagement and Representation

Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here:

https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia

Follow The Wilma Theater here:

https://wilmatheater.org

Follow us and our links here:

https://bio.site/em3ry

The conversation with Mydera Taliah Robinson, Executive Director of Theater Horizon, delves into her journey, community engagement, and the impact of Theater Horizon's productions. Mydera's commitment to community building, inclusivity, and empowering marginalized communities is evident in her leadership and the organization's approach to theater. The season's world premiere of 'Wishing to Grow Up Brightly' and the community's response exemplify the power of storytelling and its impact on fostering connections and understanding. The conversation delves into the value of the journey, the importance of building a community, and the creation of XOXO as a love letter to the community. It also explores community collaboration, relationship building, ownership, valuation, community engagement, and the empowerment of artists and community members. The power of connection and amplification is highlighted as a key theme throughout the discussion. The conversation delves into the importance of building name recognition, preserving legacy through art, and the impact of black joy. It also highlights the welcoming of Amina Robinson as the new artistic director and the role of artistic directors in preserving heritage and legacy. The discussion emphasizes the restoration of pathways and opportunities, embracing diversity in art, and the abundance of artistic expression, ultimately celebrating community and joy.

Takeaways

• Community engagement and inclusivity are essential for building trust and empowering marginalized communities.
• The power of storytelling and community impact is evident in the world premiere of 'Wishing to Grow Up Brightly' and the conversations it sparked. Community collaboration and relationship building are essential for the success of community-based initiatives.
• Empowering artists and community members through engagement and connection is crucial for building a strong and inclusive community. Preserving legacy through art
• Embracing diversity in art

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Theater Horizon and Mydera Taliah Robinson
• 05:48 Building Trust and Community Engagement
• 10:58 Collective Success and Community Building
• 18:19 World Premiere of 'Wishing to Grow Up Brightly'
• 27:52 The Value of the Journey
• 33:23 Community Collaboration and Relationship Building
• 41:03 Community Engagement and Connection
• 49:10 The Power of Connection and Amplification
• 54:10 Welcoming Amina Robinson
• 59:43 Announcing the New Artistic Director
• 01:07:31 Embracing Diversity in Art

Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here:

https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia

Follow Theatre Horizon here:

https://theatrehorizon.org/

Follow us and our links here:

https://bio.site/em3ry

Dive into a compelling conversation with CJ Higgins and Jay Adams of the Bards Theatre Troupe as they discuss their innovative theater production, "I'm the Real One," which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on human life and society. Discover how this show tackles complex issues around AI, ethics, and community, all through the lens of devised theater with music, puppets, and live art.

n our tenth season as a queer-centric theatre collective, The Bards Theatre Troupe tackle a subject that has absolutely no controversy or discourse attached to it: AI. From the impact on tangible societal markers like the economy, environment, and art to the more abstract shifts in connection, communication, and art, we’ll use scenes and songs (and probably puppets) to unpack the ways that the rise in AI use is changing how we all connect with each other. And don’t worry: everything we present was created by humans!

This event is part of 2026 Philly Theatre Week! Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available for all performances.

Performance schedule:
Thursday, April 30th 8pm
Saturday, May 2nd 8pm
Sunday, May 3rd 1pm

For more about The Bards Theatre Troupe:

https://www.thebardstheatretroupe.com/

Follow Theatre Phialdelphia here:

https://linktr.ee/theatrephiladelphia

Follow us and our links here:

https://bio.site/em3ry