Forge Theater Labs

Forge Theater Labs Director Showcase: Laura Karlin

Episode 1.9 Director Showcase: Laura Karlin Record Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 Air Date:‍ ‍Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 Hosted by Joshua N Hsu Edited by Sam Rapaport Featuring Laura Karlin SYNOPSIS Host Joshua N Hsu and Director, Choreographer, and Movement Activist Laura Karlin discuss storytelling through movement, the balance of art and parenthood, the lessons learned from founding and leading Invertigo Dance Company, and her move to Maine.

Forge Theater Labs Company Showcase: Penobscot Theatre Company

Episode 1.8 COMPANY SHOWCASE: PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY Record Date: Friday, May 1st, 2026 Air Date:‍ ‍Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 Hosted by Joshua N Hsu Edited by Sam Rapaport Featuring Jen Shepard SYNOPSIS Host Joshua N Hsu and Artistic Director Jen Shepard discuss transitioning from an Executive Director role to an Artistic Director role, the place of regional theater in the ever-changing theatrical landscape, and how her improvisational background and her philosophy of “Yes, and” fuels her leadership.

Forge Theater Labs Company Showcase: Mad Horse Theatre Company

Episode 1.7 COMPANY SHOWCASE: MAD HORSE THEATRE COMPANY Record Date: Tuesday, April 16th, 2026 Air Date:‍ ‍Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 Hosted by Joshua N Hsu Edited by Sam Rapaport Featuring Allison McCall SYNOPSIS Host Joshua N Hsu and Director/Actor/Artistic Director Allison McCall explore how to maintain the traditions, tread new paths, create a spirit of mentorship, and build consensus at Mad Horse Theatre Company

Forge Theater Labs Live: "Play Dates" by Dr. Janna Segal

Episode 1.6 FORGE THEATER LABS LIVE: “PLAY DATES” Record Date: Monday, March 16th, 2026 Air Date:‍ ‍Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 Recorded live at Argenta Brewing Company, Portland, Maine Presented in Partnership with Maine Playwrights Festival Written by Dr. Janna Segal Sound Design by Cory Macgowan Edited by Sam Rapaport Hosted by Liz Carlson and Joshua N Hsu Featuring Todd Brian Bachus, Dr. Beka Bryer, Kate Hunter, Joshua W. Jackson, Micki Kleinman, Mark Macey, Jack Allen Murphy, and Shannon Wade. SYNOPSIS In this unique, one-night only show, Founder of Forge Theater Labs Joshua N Hsu and Maine Playwrights Festival Artistic Director Liz Carlson will act as matchmakers for eight playwrights and dramaturgs from Maine. Will they discover their ideal writing collaborators? Anticipate a flurry of creativity in this unparalleled theatrical dating show. A Quick Note on Audio Quality:You may notice some audio inconsistencies during Act 1 of today’s episode is due to a technical glitch during recording. We’ve worked hard in post-production to make it as clear as possible, and the issue is fully resolved by the start of Act 2. Thank you for bearing with us—we didn’t want you to miss out on this conversation! © 2025 Forge Theater Labs LLC. All rights reserved.

Forge Theater Labs Dramaturg Showcase: Afrikah Selah

Episode 1.5 Dramaturg Spotlight: Afrikah Selah Record Date:Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 Air Date:‍ ‍Monday, March 30th, 2026 Hosted by Joshua N Hsu Featuring Afrikah Selah SYNOPSIS Host Joshua N Hsu and Dramaturg/Critic/Director Afrikah Selah (they/them) talk about who gets to discuss art, what critical frameworks we’re bound to, and what it means to critique responsibly in a moment shaped by speed, trends, and urgency.