pride Month Podcast Spotlights Queer Voices in Theater and Arts Journalism
American Theatre’s “Offscript” podcast is celebrating Pride Month with a special episode featuring interviews with prominent queer voices in the theatre world and arts journalism. The episode delves into the creative process behind the upcoming musical adaptation of Ed Graczyk’s play, Come back too the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, and features a conversation with Billy McEntee, theatre editor at the Brooklyn Rail.
Musical Adaptation of “Come Back to the 5 & Dime”
The podcast features a discussion with the team behind the musical adaptation of Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy dean, Jimmy Dean. The team discusses the challenges and opportunities of translating the play’s themes of trans portrayal to a modern audience. The musical is set to premiere next week at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.
Did You Know? The original play premiered in 1976 and was adapted into a film directed by Robert Altman in 1982.
Spotlight on Arts Journalism with Billy McEntee
The episode also features an interview with Billy McEntee, theatre editor at the Brooklyn Rail and the first recipient of ATCA’s Helbing Mentorship for young LGBTQ arts writers. McEntee discusses his approach to journalism and criticism, as well as his profile of Nicki Cochrane, which became American Theatre’s most-read online piece of 2024.
Guest Recommendations
The podcast episode includes recommendations from guests:
- Ashley Robinson recommends the documentary Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street.
- Dan Gillespie Sells recommends the music of Judee Sill.
- Shakina Nayfack recommends the music of corey Streets.
- Billy McEntee recommends Walter Salles’s film I’m Still Here.
Podcast Details
The full podcast episode is available for streaming and download. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to at@tcg.org.
The Importance of Queer Representation in Theatre
Queer representation in theatre is crucial for fostering inclusivity and providing a platform for diverse voices. According to a 2023 study by GLAAD, LGBTQ representation in media has increased, but there is still a need for more authentic and nuanced portrayals GLAAD.Theatre, as a powerful storytelling medium, plays a vital role in shaping cultural perceptions and promoting understanding.
Related Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LGBTQ Representation in Media | Increasing, but needs enhancement | GLAAD |
| Year Nicki Cochrane’s profile was most read | 2024 | american Theatre |
Pro Tip: Supporting queer artists and productions helps create a more equitable and representative theatre landscape.
Listen to the Podcast
You can download the episode here.
Evergreen Insights
The themes explored in this podcast episode-queer representation, artistic adaptation, and the role of arts journalism-are evergreen topics in the theatre world. The ongoing conversation about inclusivity and diversity ensures that these issues remain relevant and crucial for years to come.
FAQ
- Why is queer representation important in theatre? Queer representation in theatre is crucial for fostering inclusivity, providing a platform for diverse voices, and shaping cultural perceptions.
- What is “Offscript” podcast about? “Offscript” is American Theatre’s flagship podcast featuring interviews with theatremakers, writers, and special guests discussing their work and perspectives.
- Who is Billy McEntee? Billy mcentee is the theatre editor at the brooklyn Rail and the first recipient of ATCA’s Helbing Mentorship for young LGBTQ arts writers.
- What is the musical adaptation of “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” about? The musical adaptation explores themes of trans representation and adapts the original play to the language and sensibility of 2025.
- Where can I listen to the “Offscript” podcast? You can listen to the “Offscript” podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms.
What are your favorite examples of queer representation in theatre? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
