S2E14 - In the Spotlight with Austin Tichenor

S2E14 - In the Spotlight with Austin Tichenor

Author: Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival May 1, 2026 Duration: 40:32

PA Shakespeare Festival continues its second season of As You Mic It with a conversation about comedy, craft, and a life spent reimagining Shakespeare for contemporary audiences.

In this one-act episode, Jason King Jones sits down with Austin Tichenor, co-artistic director of Reduced Shakespeare Company. Their conversation traces Austin’s career as a writer, actor, and adapter, exploring how comedic storytelling can illuminate even the most familiar texts.

From the origins and evolution of the Reduced Shakespeare Company to the ongoing challenge of making classical work immediate, Austin reflects on collaboration, precision, and the discipline behind great comedy. Along the way, they discuss the role of adaptation, the balance between honoring and reinventing source material, and why Shakespeare continues to invite bold, playful interpretation.

Hosted by: Jason King Jones


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Dive into the rich world of the stage with As You Mic It, a production of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. This isn't just a series of lectures; it's an invitation backstage, where the magic of performance and the depth of literary tradition meet. Each conversation feels like pulling up a chair in the green room, listening as artists and scholars unpack the themes, characters, and historical contexts that give these timeless works their enduring power. You'll hear from the authors, directors, and actors who bring the words to life, gaining insight into the creative decisions that shape each festival production. The discussions are both insightful and genuinely playful, celebrating the art of storytelling in all its complexity. No matter your background-whether you can quote soliloquies by heart or are simply drawn to a good story-this podcast offers a fresh and engaging perspective. The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has crafted a space where analysis feels like discovery, making the anthology of their work accessible and endlessly fascinating. Tune in to find your connection to these classic tales, explored with a contemporary ear and a deep love for the performing arts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

As You Mic It
Podcast Episodes
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