The Subtext

This month Brian talks to the 13P founding member about her journey from journalism to acting to playwriting, her definition of success, and how Lucy Thurber helped her overcome imposter syndrome.

The playwright of 'You Are Pretty,' 'Am I White,' and 'Teen Dad' talks about growing up as a mixed-race adoptee in Texas and finding her voice as a Chicago sketch performer.

This month Brian talks to the prolific playwright and screenwriter about religion, working-class heroes, and how he learned he's not an actor from Tom Hanks.

This month Brian talks to the author of 'Light Switch' and 'Berrywild' about autism, mentorship, and learning to live alongside cringe.

This month, Brian talks to Andrea Stolowitz, a playwright and librettist with dual U.S./German citizenship who talks about her complex relationship with home.

The playwright and director from Hawaii and Nevada discusses ‘Death Play,’ ‘Sumo,’ yearning, loneliness, and the wisdom of accepting loss.

The playwright and founding artistic director of a site-specific theatre discusses going from studying computer science at MIT to honing in on his artistry.

The playwright, originally from Wisconsin, discusses her company, influences, exposure therapy, and the challenges of being an 'emerging' artist.

The playwright, screenwriter, and musician talks about juggling various projects, how to manage the emotional ups and downs in an unpredictable career path, and the value of teaching.

The playwright behind ‘Committed’ and ‘Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson)’ shares their journey from aspiring corporate defense attorney to playwright.

This 10-year anniversary special turns the tables, as playwright Crystal Skillman interviews host Brian James Polak about how his podcast helped him redefine playwriting success.

The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconic projects.

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning playwright talks about a life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, the Kilroys, joy, and loss.

The Bronx-born playwright talks Fornés, trauma-informed writing, and parenthood as a writer.

The Minneapolis-based playwright discusses the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.

A republished Subtext as tribute to its subject, Rachel Jendrzejewski, a Minneapolis-based interdisciplinary artist and writer who died last week after a battle with cancer.

The L.A.-based Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist talks about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and about building close artistic relationships.

Brian talks to the Minneapolis-based playwright about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice.

The writer of 'Funny, Like an Abortion' and 'The Night Witches' talks about long commutes, writing science plays, and the parts she wishes she'd been able to play in school.

The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities.