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THEATRE CORNER: Season 1

THEATRE CORNER host michael taylor interviews Artistic Director L. Peter Callender.
Courtesy of Trevor Neuenswander
THEATRE CORNER host michael taylor interviews Artistic Director L. Peter Callender.

"Dule Hill and Daniel J. Watts" encore Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream all 3 Seasons now with the PBS app

THEATRE CORNER is an interview series dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the national theatre scene, both on the stage and in the seats. Host michael taylor is a lifelong theatre enthusiast and a board member for The Old Globe. He sits down with some of the top professionals in the entertainment industry to discuss their careers, training, advice for young actors, and ways to make theatre matter to more people.

EPISODE GUIDE:

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Episode 1: “Dulé Hill and Daniel J. Watts” encore Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 8:30 p.m on KPBS TV - We sit down with actors Dulé Hill (PSYCH, THE WEST WING) and Daniel J. Watts ("Hamilton") at the Geffen Playhouse to discuss their roles in the hit new musical, "Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole.” Hill talks about what it's like to portray an American icon, preparing for the role, and his background in tap dance. Watts discusses his legendary role as Sammy Davis Jr. and receives a special gift at the end of the episode.

Sit down with Michael Taylor and Dulé Hill at the Geffen Playhouse as they discuss his role in the hit new musical, "Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole", running thru March 24, 2019! The two talk about what it's like to portray an American icon, preparing for the role, and his background in tap dance.

Episode 2: “Alimi Ballard and Michelle Bradley” Stream now with the PBS app - Today on THEATRE CORNER, we catch up with actor Alimi Ballard (QUEEN OF THE SOUTH, NUMB3RS) and opera singer Michelle Bradley. Ballard discusses his past roles, introduction to acting, and discovering the key players in his life. Bradley speaks on her experiences training abroad and her role as “Aida” in her U.S. debut.

On this episode of THEATRE CORNER, we sit down with Alimi Ballard (Queen of the South) over a glass of champagne, discussing his past roles, introduction to acting, and inspirations.

Episode 3: “Mark Christopher Lawrence and L. Peter Callender” Stream now with the PBS app - THEATRE CORNER sits down with actor/comedian Mark Christopher Lawrence (CHUCK, "The Pursuit of Happyness") and artistic director L. Peter Callender. Lawrence talks about his career, getting started in the industry, and how he killed a guy with comedy. Callender discusses his role at the African-American Shakespeare Company, Blacks in theatre, and an interesting interpretation of what it means to break a leg.

THEATRE CORNER sits down with the phenomenal Shakespearean Actor L. Peter Callender, artistic director of The African-American Shakespeare Company. A professional actor for over 30 years, he received his formal training in theatre at the Juilliard School in NYC and the Webber/Douglas Academy in London, England. He has appeared on Broadway, off-Broadway, in regional theaters across the US, and has performed internationally in Japan, England, and France.

Episode 4: “DB Woodside and Kelly McCreary” Stream now with the PBS app - Today, we travel up to the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles to speak with actors DB Woodside (LUCIFER, 24) and Kelly McCreary (GREY’S ANATOMY, STATION 19), who are both performing in Dominique Morrisseau’s play, “The Skeleton Crew.” Woodside discusses slipping into a character’s skin, his advice for students, and how he accidentally became an actor. McCreary talks about her education, investing in peers, and what consistently draws her back to the stage.

Dominique Morisseau is a prominent force in the American theater scene whose work is bringing the richness and complexity of the African American experience into the spotlight. Morisseau got her start as a performance poet in her hometown of Detroit, and began writing while she was studying acting at the University of Michigan. Her writing career flourished after moving to New York City, and she is now one of America’s most-produced playwrights with a rapidly expanding list of prestigious awards, honors, and fellowships to her name. THEATRE CORNER is honored to welcome the exceptionally talented and accomplished Dominique Morisseau to talk about art, activism, and the power of community.

Episode 5: “Wendy Raquel Robinson and Ro Boddie“ Stream now with the PBS app - In this episode we sit down with two incredible actors, Wendy Raquel Robinson (THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW, THE GAME) and Ro Boddie. Robinson, an NAACP Image award winner, talks about her career, her conservatory, and the difference between performing for a live audience versus a camera. Boddie discusses his performance in the one-man-show, “Every Brilliant Thing,” and what it means to have illegal fun.

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One of the most talented, professional actors in the entertainment industry, Wendy Raquel Robinson is known for her groundbreaking role as the sexy and feisty sports manager ‘Tasha Mack’ from BET’s #1 rated scripted series, THE GAME. Ms. Robinson earned a 2015 and 2016 NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series” and is the recipient 2014 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.”

Episode 6: “Sheldon Epps and Phylicia Rashad ” Stream now with the PBS app - Today, we sit down with two legendary figures in the entertainment industry, director Sheldon Epps (FRASIER, GIRLFRIENDS) and Phylicia Rashad (THE COSBY SHOW). Epps discusses his tenure at the Pasadena Playhouse, his favorite pieces he directed, and what it takes to tackle important issues through art. Rashad provides her advice to young actors, details her first acting experience, and explains why she loves the stage.

Whether she is bringing laughter to millions of television viewers around the world, moving theatre-goers to tears, thrilling movie fans, offering new insights to students in Master Classes at renowned learning institutions, serving on Boards of prestigious organizations, or breaking new ground as a director, Phylicia Rashad is one of the entertainment world's most extraordinary performing artists.

Watch On Your Schedule: Stream all 3 Seasons of the series now with the PBS app or join us where our show began, on YouTube. View our collection of past episodes, bonus content, and exclusive interviews with some of the top professionals in the theatre industry.

Listen to the Podcast: All of our episodes are available for streaming on the most popular podcasting services, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Join The Conversation: THEATRE CORNER is on Facebook, Instagram, @_theatrecorner on X #theatrecorner #kpbs

A compilation of our favorite tips and advice for new actors from some of our experienced guests.

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