Shows
Arts for the MASSes🎭 Dreaming of a BFA in Musical Theater or Acting? This Episode is for YOU! 🎬🎭 Dreaming of a BFA in Musical Theater or Acting? This Episode is for YOU! 🎬Are you a high school student (or parent!) navigating the overwhelming world of college auditions for theater programs? You're not alone!In this episode of Arts for the MASSes, host Ryan Malyar sits down with Gigi Watson and Sarah Muirhead, directors of My College Audition, to break down everything you need to know about auditioning for competitive BFA programs.What You'll Learn:✨ Why students are applying to 18-25 schools (yes, really!) ✨ The complete A-Z timeline from junior...
2026-01-0942 minArts for the MASSesCreating Characters, Finding Truth: A Conversation with Paul Melendy: Arts for the MASSesJoin host Ryan Malyar for a heartfelt conversation with Paul Melendy, one of Boston's most beloved actors and an Elliot Norton Award winner. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from a pivotal Boy Scout sketch at age 10 to becoming a powerhouse on Massachusetts stages.Paul opens up about his impressive career, including his award-winning solo performance in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Greater Boston Stage Company—a role he calls both terrifying and transformative. He discusses the challenges of memorizing and embodying multiple characters in a one-person show, and how that experience changed his approach to acting fo...
2025-12-0857 min
Arts for the MASSesArts for the MASSes: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying🎭 Arts for the MASSes - How to Succeed in Business Without Really TryingJoin host Ryan Malyar for an exciting conversation about The Savoyard Light Opera Company's upcoming production of the beloved musical comedy, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!In this episode, Ryan sits down with director Kendra Thyne and actor Christopher Govang, who plays the ambitious window-washer-turned-executive J. Pierrepont Finch. They discuss bringing this classic Broadway satire of corporate culture to the stage, featuring memorable characters, timeless musical numbers, and a hilariously relevant story about ambition and power dynamics—set in 1961 but still...
2025-10-2328 minArts for the MASSesYorick Ensemble presents HAMLET on Arts for the MASSESBOSTON, MA – Local theatre company Yorick Ensemble honors its namesake by taking on one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays – Hamlet.Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a gripping tale of mystery, ambition, and the fragile line between reality and illusion. Set against the backdrop of a royal court shrouded in secrets, this timeless tragedy follows a young prince whose world is upended by a sudden loss and an unsettling discovery. As he navigates a maze of loyalty, betrayal, and inner turmoil, the boundaries between duty and desire begin to blur. With rich language, unforgettable characters, and an atmosphere thick with...
2025-08-2836 minArts for the MASSesSongs for a New World: Musical Theater Magic at Concord Players | Arts for the MASSesJoin host Ryan Malyar in this special episode of Arts for the MASSes as he sits down with director Jamie Cook in the lobby of the Concord Players to discuss their upcoming production of Jason Robert Brown's "Songs for a New World."🎭 About the Show: Discover why "Songs for a New World" is considered essential repertoire for musical theater performers, featuring powerful standalone songs that explore the human experience through diverse characters and stories.🎵 Musical Theater Mastery: Learn about composer Jason Robert Brown's genius and how this show connects to his other acclaimed works like "The Last...
2025-06-0416 minArts for the MASSesThe Prom, the musical comes to The Footlight Club, Jamaica Plain, BostonInterview with Director Jill Tokac and Producer Jim AnsartJoin host Ryan Malyar as he speaks with director Jill Tokac and producer Jim Ansart about The Footlight Club's upcoming production of "The Prom" in Jamaica Plain, MA. Discover why this heartwarming musical about inclusion, acceptance, and finding your community is becoming so popular in regional theaters across the country.In this episode, Jill shares insights about the show's powerful message of staying true to yourself, while Jim discusses the rich history of The Footlight Club—one of America's oldest continuously operating community theaters, founded in 1877. Learn about their special "Prom-Palooza" ev...
2025-04-1837 minArts for the MASSesCamp Fable: Where Heroes Are Made Through Live-Action Roleplay# Camp Fable: Where Heroes Are Made Through Live-Action RoleplayIn a world dominated by screens and technology, there's a magical place in Charlton, Massachusetts where kids get to unplug, step through magical book gates, and transform into heroes. Camp Fable, run by The Story School, is revolutionizing the summer camp experience by blending traditional camp activities with live-action roleplay (LARP) to create an immersive world of adventure.## What Makes Camp Fable Different?As revealed in a recent interview on "Arts for the Masses" with host Ryan Malyar and Chris Wiley, Executive Director of The Story School...
2025-04-0733 min
Arts for the MASSesTransforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira TroiloTransforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira Troilo | Arts for the Masses PodcastJoin host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Kira Troilo, an innovative EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) consultant revolutionizing the arts and theater spaces. In this powerful conversation, Kira breaks down her unique approach to creating more inclusive, compassionate, and connected artistic environments.Key Highlights:-What is EDI and why it matters in the arts-Creating safe, supportive spaces for artists-Bridging communication gaps in theater productions-The importance of empathy and understanding in creative spaces-Kira's groundbreaking STAGES framework for inclusive leadershipKira shares her journey from performer to EDI...
2025-03-3138 min
Arts for the MASSesUrinetown the musical makes a "splash" at The Concord Players🚽 Musical Comedy Meets Social Commentary! 🎭Join host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Shelby Art-Koljonen (Director) and Jamie Cook (Choreographer) to dive deep into the hilarious and thought-provoking musical "Urinetown"!In this episode of Arts for the Masses, we explore:The wild premise of a water-scarce world where using the bathroom costs moneyHow this quirky musical balances comedy and serious social critiqueBehind-the-scenes insights into choreographing and directing this unique showThe musical's surprising relevance 20+ years after its Broadway debutThe Concord Players' special production happening May 2-17, 2025Whether you're a musical theater fan, love dark c...
2025-03-2429 minArts for the MASSesSquare One Players presents Moon Over Buffalo in Shrewsbury, MA🎭 **Arts for the MASSes Podcast: Square One Players - Spotlight on "Moon Over Buffalo"** 🎭Welcome back to another exciting episode of *Arts for the MASSes*! In this episode, host Ryan Malyar sits down with Tara Alano and Joanne Smith from Square One Players, an incredible women-run theater company based out of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Join us as they share their inspiring journey of creating Square One Players, their dedication to bringing lighthearted, fun performances to the community, and a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming production of *Moon Over Buffalo* by Ken Ludwig.Discover how the company came to life during the pa...
2025-03-1321 minArts for the MASSesInclusivity Takes Center Stage: Open Door Theater's Mission to Make Arts Accessible to AllIn a recent episode of "Arts for the Masses," host Ryan Malyar sat down with Sam Gould of Open Door Theater, to discuss their groundbreaking work in creating an inclusive theater space in Massachusetts. For over 45 years, this volunteer-driven company has been breaking down barriers and redefining what theater can be.Open Door Theater was founded in 1980 by two mothers at a bus stop who envisioned creating a theater company where people with disabilities could fully participate. Since then, the company has grown and expanded its mission of inclusion and social justice."We're an integrated...
2025-03-0324 minArts for the MASSesArts for the MASSes: Theater Trends in 2025 with Ilana Ransom ToeplitzIn this engaging episode of "Arts for the MASSes," host Ryan Malyar sits down with the multi-talented Ilana Ransom Toeplitz to discuss current theater trends in 2025. Toeplitz, a director, choreographer, writer, and teaching artist now based in Greater Boston, brings her extensive Broadway experience to the conversation.## Guest SpotlightIlana's impressive resume includes work on Broadway productions like "The Prom," "Violet" (starring Sutton Foster), and "Crazy for You" at Lincoln Center with Susan Stroman. She's also done significant work with Theater Works and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Emerson College...
2025-02-2642 minArts for the MASSesVault Episode: Original plays "The Good Deli" and "Jonathan" at Moonbox ProductionsMoonbox Productions presents "The Good Deli" & "Jonathan"Two original plays are being performed by Moonbox Productions in Boston, MA. Ryan speaks with the authors and directors to learn about these exciting premieres.Tickets and more info at https://www.moonboxproductions.comRecordered September 2022
2025-02-2430 minArts for the MASSesVault Episode: A Little Night Music at Greater Worcester OperaRyan Malyar is visited in studio by performers Elaine Crane, Brad Amidon, and Chris Van Liew who are all performing in the Stephen Sondheim musical A Little Night Music. Production runs June 6-9 2024 in Boylston, MA. https://www.greaterworcesteropera.org
2025-02-2428 minArts for the MASSesVault Episode: The Music Man at Concord Players"Well ya got trouble my friend!"Arts for the MASSes is hosted by Ryan MalyarSpecial guests Nick Miller and Kathryn Denney strike up the band to celebrate the upcoming production of The Music Man at Concord Players.Featuring a special duet version of "Trouble" with our dueling Harold Hills!The classic Broadway musical The Music Man is being revived by the talented team at Concord Players, a renowned community theater in Massachusetts. In this episode of the "Arts for the Masses" podcast, host Ryan Malyar sits down with two key members of the production - Nick Miller, the actor...
2025-02-2421 minArts for the MASSesGilbert & Sullivan in Sudbury, Massachusetts🎭 Gilbert & Sullivan Magic Comes to Massachusetts! 🧙♀️Join host Ryan Malyar as he talks with Brianna Bensenouci about the Sudbury Savoyards' upcoming production of "Ruddigore" (or "The Witch's Curse")!In this fascinating episode of Arts for the Masses, discover:The rich history of the Sudbury Savoyards, a Gilbert and Sullivan theater group with over 60 years of traditionAn inside look at "Ruddigore" - a lesser-known but hilarious Gilbert and Sullivan operaHow this production explores themes of ancestral responsibility with a fun, magical twistA cast ranging from 22 to 82 years old, with an inclusive approach to performanceBehind-the-scenes insights into community theater and volunteer passion🎟️ Sh...
2025-02-2418 min