Michael Barnard, David Payne, and Daniel Payne discuss Churchill at the Artistic Director Series
From diving into conversations with creatives and actors to a peek backstage where the magic is built, The Phoenix Theatre Company offers several ways for our patrons to go beyond their seat and become part of the story. We’re excited to continue these programs into the 2025/26 Season and include content for the Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre!
The Artistic Appetizer
Hosted by Resident Dramaturge, Michelle Chin, The Artistic Appetizer is an engaging pre-show conversation that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the play’s origins, themes, and creative journey. Think of it as a bite-sized preview that deepens your connection to the story before the curtain rises.
For the 2024/25 Season, The Artistic Appetizer showcased conversations with Jersey Boys Choreographer Lauran Stanis and Waitress and Into the Woods Music Director Kevin White.
Your ticket includes a complimentary glass of house wine or non-alcoholic beverage of choice! After the event, you’ll also receive a voucher for a free appetizer to enjoy delicious bites from our ArtBar+Bistro to round out the experience. It’s a fun and inspiring way to deepen your appreciation for the artistry that brings our productions to life.
Artistic Director’s Series
As a special thank you to our subscribers and donors giving $250+ annually, the Artistic Director’s Series is a Saturday morning program hosted by Michael Barnard that takes you into the minds of show creatives. Enjoy engaging demonstrations and lectures on everything from directing and scenic design to costumes, dialects, and dance. It’s the perfect way to enrich your theatre experience and connect with creatives and the shows in a whole new light.
The 2024/25 Season featured Broadway creatives and producers of Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo Jack Viertel (Conceiver and Writer), Sara Edwards (Director/Choreographer), and Michael P. Kruke (Producer) as well as the creator and actors of Churchill David Payne and Daniel Payne, and the creators and actors of We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon and Parfunkel Musical Gregg Hammer and Louis Pardo.
New Subscriber Tours
From the buzzing scene and paint shops to the costume shop where characters are brought to life, our tours for new subscribers invite you to explore the hidden corners of The Phoenix Theatre Company. Guided by Jenny Weintraub, our Patron Concierge Manager for New Subscribers, these tours give new subscribers a rare, up-close look backstage, into production shops, theatre ghosts, and more!
From the lively conversations of the Artistic Appetizer to the behind-the-scenes insights of the Artistic Director’s Series and the exclusive New Subscriber Tours, we’re proud to offer experiences that bring you closer to the art you love. These programs are opportunities to deepen your understanding, spark curiosity, and celebrate the creativity that makes The Phoenix Theatre Company thrive. We invite you to join us, explore, and be part of the story as we continue to grow together.
For more information about these programs, please visit the Audience Learning page here on our website.
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