The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

A podcasts in the bay about life in the theater and the Theater of life.

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast is a society podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 374 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast, a society show with 374 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

  Episode 374: John Hutchinson

  Sep 5, 20261h 22m

  John Hutchinson has been on the Yay more times than anyone else (perhaps aside from Jeannie Barroga) – he shared his life story on Episode 57, we celebrated the life of the late Jeff Thompson on Episode 103 and we brought him back on (with Norman Gee) on Episode 211. John Hutchinson, a beloved friend and former member of Eastenders Repertory Company, turns 90 on the 23rd, and Jake and I are at his home to celebrate his life and his contributions to theatre as an actor and a writer. The Hutch loves messages – you can directly message Hutch via Facebook. SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org The White Chip (Eclectic Box SF) Sept 11, 12 & 13 Aaron Seymour (Episode 317) is in the show Craig Souza (Episode 10) is directing the show https://www.eclecticboxsf.com Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ ROI (SF Playhouse) Aug 6 – Sept 5 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/roi-return-on-investment/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  ListenShow Notes
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  The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

  Episode 373: Dylan Russell & Anthony AJ Jefferson

  Aug 22, 20262h 15m

  We have two guest today – Dylan Russell and Anthony “Chef” Jefferson. Dylan was the Associate Director at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Anthony is a poet, actor and writer who has worked with the Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project. AJ just finished his one man show, The Bumpy Road Less Traveled, at the Marsh – Dylan directed AJ. Jake and I talk about their background, their work in the bay area and their projects in the future. You can reach Dylan directly via Instagram: @dylanrussell613 You can reach Anthony directly via Instagram: @anthonymichaeljefferson Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Miss Thang! (Shotgun Players) August 24-26 Brittany Sims (Episode 328) is in the reading Ae’jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is directing the reading https://shotgunplayers.org/show/miss-thang/ Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ ROI (SF Playhouse) Aug 6 – Sept 5 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/roi-return-on-investment/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  ListenShow Notes
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  The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

  Episode 372: Dr. Austin Dean Ashford

  Aug 12, 20261h 23m

  Jake and I next welcome Dr. Austin Dean Ashford – Latin Grammy nominated artist and playwright who’s one man show, Rap Monologues, is part of TheatreWorks’ New Works Festival – he next performs on Saturday (Aug 15th) at 8pm. Dr. Ashford has performed at the Kennedy Center and his show, Austin Dean Ashford Live, is on Amazon Prime Video. Jake and I talk about his background, his work in the bay area and where he’s going in the future. You can reach Dr. Ashford directly via Instagram: @draustindeanashford If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I’m sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  ListenShow Notes
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  The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

  Episode 371: Diana Lee

  Aug 1, 20261h 8m

  Veteran musical director Diana Lee joins us this Yay. Diana Lee has been featured at the Hotel Nikko, Brava Theatre, the Hillbarn Theatre and many more. Jake and I talk about her upbringing, her career and where she sees herself in the future. You can reach Diana Lee directly via Instagram: @dianamusiclee If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I’m sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part I & II (Central Works) July 18 – Sept 6 (Pt I); Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Newsies (Castro Valley Arts Foundation) July 24 – Aug 9 Paul Plain (Episode 125) is in the show https://cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  ListenShow Notes
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  The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre Podcast

  Episode 370: Max Tachis & Roneet Aliza Rahamim

  Jul 25, 20261h 41m

  It’s a double Yay, since we did one yesterday. Our guests today are Max Tachis & Roneet Aliza Rahamim, a married couple who are also two talented actors, who have worked with City Lights Theatre, Golden Thread and Los Altos Stage Company, among others. Jake and I talk about their upbring, how they met, what’s it like working together on stage and their future. You can reach Max directly via his Instagram: @maxdoesnthaveig You can reach Roneet directly via her Instagram: @roroiii If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I’m sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part I & II (Central Works) July 18 – Sept 6 (Pt I); Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Newsies (Castro Valley Arts Foundation) July 24 – Aug 9 Paul Plain (Episode 125) is in the show https://cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

  ListenShow Notes

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