Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast

Episode 171. Walking To Work

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:02:25 +0000

We walk to our performances at the New Victory Theatre in New York City down one of most famous thoroughfares in the world - Broadway. Featuring honking horns, massive crowds, steady drizzle, mistaken identities, reduced reviews, unexpected encounters, and huge delight at being at the center of the theatrical universe. Featuring a special appearance by children's book author Bruce Goldstone. (Length 19:44)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 170. The Shorty Awards

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:54:55 +0000

We attended the 2010 Shorty Awards last week in New York City -- and we won in the Cultural Institution category! We kept the microphone going backstage and at the after-party, and got to talk with Shorty Award co-creator Greg Galant; Janis Krums, the winner of the Real-Time Photo of the Year; Charlie Todd, founder of Improv Everywhere; and Gunnery Sergeant Chanin Nuntavong from the United States Marine Corps. Featuring a special appearance from Mrs. Stephen Fry and an extempore Shakespearean recitation from Newark (NJ) Mayor and Shorty Award winner (in Government) Cory Booker. (Length 20:41)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 169. Our Featured Creature

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:44:46 +0000

The star of Godzilla stops by. No, not Matthew Broderick - Kurt Carley, the "suit performer" who makes his living playing atomically-radiated lizards, werewolves, and man-eating plants. Featuring tips on how to succeed in show business (ie, don't be a jerk; don't be claustrophobic), a brush with Shakespearean greatness, a special appearance by Elizabeth Dennehy from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and how to bring dignity to your craft even if you have a zipper up your back. (Length 19:08)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 168. Tiny Rebellious Acts

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:23:35 +0000

"Let's face it, we'd all love to topple a government or stage a full-scale rebellion, but who's got the time or energy these days? Never fear, Tiny Acts of Rebellion can help." Thus begins the funny new book by Rich Fulcher of The Mighty Boosh, who reveals how - and most importantly why - his book came to be. Featuring important disclaimers, references to funny comedians who aren't well-known in the States, a special appearance by Will Durst, and a remembrance of our good friend and RSC actor Tim Schueneman, who passed away last week. (Length 18:44)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 167. Festus Is Back

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:32:53 +0000

The old codgers from Hollywood revisit a beloved - but cut - character from our America show. Featuring other recycled characters from previous shows, further improvements to the first act of Hollywood, a frustrating tease about the Sports show, and information about the publication of the Hollywood script. (Length 18:43)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 166A. 'Lost Reduced' Live

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:03:05 +0000

Confused by the TV show Lost? So are we, but it didn't stop us from reducing the first five seasons down to ten minutes for Sky-1 HD in London. Featuring a special introduction by Lost executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse! (Length 15:14)

Download: mp4 or m4v (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 166. 'Modern Family' Miracle

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:13:28 +0000

Eric Stonestreet is one of the breakout stars of this season's hit ABC and Sky-1 HD sitcom Modern Family, and he chats about the miracle of his casting as well as the miracle of how good this show as been right out of the gate. Featuring lessons on how to embrace the perks of celebrity, how your life informs your work and your character, and hiatus wisdom from a TV legend. (Length 26:42)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 165. We Reduce 'LOST'

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:13:59 +0000

A post-performance run-down of how the filming of LOST REDUCED went and how it came to be. Featuring spoilers about special effects, the various entendres of "brands in hands", special appearances from both Adrian Scarborough from Gavin And Stacey and Sophie Jones from Sky-TV, and how a hot and bright rehearsal process can sometimes lead to greatness. Reduced greatness, but still. (Length 20:40)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 164. Commute From Hell

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:39:48 +0000

Flying from California to Dallas shouldn't be this fraught with excitement and adventure. But oy, was it fraught. Fraughter than we thought. An extra day's rehearsal goes down the drain as struggle and fail to avoid a weather system in Phoeniz, the likes of which nobody's ever seen before. Because it's in Phoenix. Featuring a special appearance by Ron Bottitta from Lost, and the dangers of playing to a hometown crowd. (Length 18:18)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 163A. Most Important Discovery

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:29:17 +0000

Starting 2010 off right by keeping our New Year's Resolution of more regularly-timed video podcasts! This month: footage from our original production of The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged) (now known as Western Civilization! The Complete Musical (abridged)). This performance at Pittsburgh Public Theatre features Reed Martin singing about mankind's most important discovery of the last thousand years. (Thanks to Nick Graham and Laughing Stock for putting the clip together!) (Length 3:20)

Download: mp4 or m4v (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 163. Waverly Place Wizard

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:34:32 +0000

OMG! Are you like, soo into Wizards of Waverly Place on the Disney Channel? Neither are we (but our kids are). Peter Murrieta is the Executive Producer of the Emmy-winning children's show, and talks about how he uses his improv and sketch-comedy training to create TV sitcoms, how he bucks the Disney mold by portraying young protagonists with parents who are both alive, and how he's okay with his show's place in the cultural pantheon. (Length 20:52)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 162. Why We Tweet

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:20:20 +0000

We've been using the micro-blogging service Twitter for almost a year, and we've seen its use rise among other theatre companies. We compare notes with Mary Kathryn Durr, E-Commerce and Social Media Manager for the Blumenthal Center of the Performing Arts, and learn about viral marketing, creating connections, and the democratization of media. Featuring a Twitter game with NPR's Scott Simon and a special appearance by Stu Levitan from TheMic, Madison, Wisconsin's Progressive Talk radio. (Length 22:31)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 161. Our New Website

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:27:45 +0000

Attention code monkeys: A new year means a new look at our new website! Webmaster Matt Rippy talks about the history of the RSC online presence, the spiffy new upgrades to the website, the differences between content management programs WordPress and Joomla, and some of our favorite bells and whistles. Now, about that Reduced Shakespeare Company App... (Length 21:09)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 160. Post-Show Discussion

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:12:21 +0000

A live Q&A at the Overture Center in Madison, Wisconsin, during which we reveal our favorite Shakespeare plays, touring information for 2010, when the Hollywood script will be published, a very special blurb from some RSC pilgrims, answers to questions from our Twitter followers, and the shocking revelation that our favorite individual onstage moments don't include any other performers. (Length 22:11)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 159. Our Holiday Traditions

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:53:26 +0000

From Madison, WI to Sonoma, CA, a special holiday podcast. Featuring expert opinions on proper terrain for house lighting, ancient pizza recipes, words of Wisconsin wisdom, Christmas tsotchkes from the holy land, a bold new experiment called present-giving, and some very helpful notes from an old friend. (Length 23:24)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 158. 40 In 40

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:50:17 +0000

Old and new friends this week. Chris Judson talks about his blog 40PlaysIn40Days and his quest to see all of Shakespeare's plays in a single summer. Plus RSC Wardrobe Mistress (and Madison resident) Jenni Schwaner explains why she left the RSC to tour with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. Featuring the power of theatre, insights into savage tucks, and the dangers of unprotected encounters with onion rings. (Length 20:20)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 157A. We're Snowed In

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:41:08 +0000

Snow day! We had to cancel two shows today so it seemed like a good opportunity for a third Video Podcast. Austin Tichenor takes you on a tour of the snowy streets of Madison, Wisconsin. (Length 2:11)

Download: mp4 or m4v (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 157. Wisconsin Loves Us!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:04:25 +0000

Well, most of Wisconsin. We remember the many cities we've played in the Cheesehead state, and also talk to high school drama teacher Kate Schultz, whose principal forbade her from staging All The Great Books (abridged). Featuring insight into what rural conservatives find shocking these days, tales of the Hodag, the sick depravity of The Music Man, and a disturbing lack of artistic outrage. (Length 20:57)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 156. Small Town Touring

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:24:14 +0000

We've been touring to more small towns than big cities recently so we decided to look at the differences. Featuring backstage chats about the glories of small town municipal workers, airport personnel, and motel amenities; plus our highly sophisticated and technologically advanced method for keeping track of where we've played. (Spoiler alert: It involves stickpins.) (Length 20:57)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 155. Big-Shot Broadway Producer

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:18:05 +0000

Tom Gabbard is not only the President of the North Carolina Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts but he's also involved with the Independent Presenters Network, a consortium of for-profit and not-for-profit presenters around the US that invests in the front-end of commercial projects that often play their respective venues. Featuring information on what a producer actually does, fantastic backstage stories from the opening-night of Spamalot!, the value of broadcasting theatre on television, examples of how social networks can sometimes overcome bad reviews, and a very special appearance by Eddie McKraken, the spokesman for those not-at-all annoying Castol commercials. (Length 21:56)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 154. The Shakespeare App

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:42:51 +0000

Ron Severdia is the creator of the Shakespeare App, the free iPhone application that puts the complete works of William Shakespeare at your fingertips in a fun format complete with searchable database. Ron chats about the app's origins and its future, what goes on under the hood, and what one does to turn a Shakespeare app Pro. (Length 17:53)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

VOTING HAS STARTED For Podcast Awards!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:49:58 +0000

Please show your reduced love and support by going to PodcastAwards.com and voting for the RSC Podcast in the Cultural Arts category.

Voting continues until November 30, 2009, and remember: you can vote daily! Do it Chicago-style. Vote early, vote often for the RSC Podcast at PodcastAwards.com.

Episode 153. The Red Role

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:40:55 +0000

Romeo. Polonius. Feral Orwell. Spade Diamond. Abraham. Easter Bunny. Coach. The RSC characters created by Daniel Singer and Reed Martin are known as the Red Role (after the color of his tights for so many years), and cast member Mick Orfe talks about how he interprets this archetype across five RSC shows. Featuring hints on how "the Enforcer" interacts with "the Professor" and "the ManChild", what a vehicle needs most, the advantages of typecasting, and how to access your "inner Moe". (Length 22:58)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

NORTHERN California Performance Added

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:48:23 +0000

This just in: We've added a performance of Completely Hollywood (abridged) to our Winter 2010 tour.

On February 10, 2010, we'll be performing a benefit performance at and for the Santa Rosa Junior College theater arts department. We'll get this info up onto our tour page as soon as we can. In the meantime, details can be found here.

TWEETING Shakespeare

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:42:48 +0000

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare achieved another level of ultimate reduction when we compressed each of Shakespeare's plays via our Twitter account into Tweets of less than 140 characters.

Check the list below and discover everything you need to know about each of Shakespeare's plays in fewer than 140 characters. (And for more contributions from fans, click on the Twitter hashtag #reducedshakes.)

Enjoy!

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL: All Is NOT Well That Ends Well, and this play doesn’t. MORAL: Do it with the lights on.

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA: Love bites. MORAL: Never get involved in Middle Eastern affairs.

AS YOU LIKE IT: Desperate Housewives in Forest of Arden. MORAL: U can always get a guy by pretending to be a boy.

CARDENIO (WS’s lost play): Good triumphs over evil, but the fair lady dies anyway. MORAL: Back up your data.

COMEDY OF ERRORS: Twins is funny. MORAL: Adoption is a choice, too.

CORIOLANUS: Aloof, non-sympathetic warrior dies. MORAL: People skills matter.

CYMBELINE: Don’t marry evil queen. Don’t bet yr wife can’t be seduced. Don’t let someone cut off yr head. All good advice.

HAMLET: Hamlet avenges his father, and it only takes four hours.

HENRY IV, 1: Same as LION KING: Princes have to grow up. Also, hakuna matata.

HENRY IV, 2: Prince Hal’s movin’ on up. MORAL: Don’t forget the little people who got you where you are.

HENRY V: A king’s gotta do what a king’s gotta do. MORAL: England good, France bad.

HENRY VI, 1: Henry V-play AND king�is tough act to follow. Not even a genius can hit it out the park every time.

HENRY VI, 2: Like a cricket match and Celine Dion’s love, these Henry VI plays will go on.

HENRY VI, 3: The play so nice he wrote it thrice!

HENRY VIII: Henry wants a son and will stop at nothing to get one. MORAL: Divorce is a pain in the neck.

JULIUS CAESAR: When in Rome, watch your back. MORAL: Beware the Ides of March.

KING JOHN: When writing a play about somebody, don’t leave out the most interesting things (Magna Carta) they did.

KING LEAR: It’s hell getting old.

LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST: Swearing off women is harder than it looks.

MACBETH: Lady Macbeth encourages her husband to be more aggressive in pursuing career options.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE: Dukes suck. MORAL: Don’t get someone else to do your dirty work.

MERCHANT OF VENICE: Always read your loan papers before you sign them.

MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR: Prequel to DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Don’t mess with the ladies.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: “The course of true love never did run smooth” (III,2). Everyone likes a nice ass.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: People in love act like idiots. Don’t believe everything you hear.

OTHELLO: Othello forgoes marital counseling, takes matters into his own hands. Count to 10 before killing your wife.

PERICLES: Don’t ask someone to solve a riddle whose answer will reveal you’re committing incest.

RICHARD II: Absolute power corrupts two in the bush.

RICHARD III: The end justifies the means. Horses are very valuable, worth kingdoms.

ROMEO & JULIET: “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” (Prologue). Teen marriages never last.

TAMING OF THE SHREW: Petruchio tames Kate, and vice versa. No means yes.

TEMPEST: Not even stranding your daughter on an island will keep her from discovering boys.

TIMON OF ATHENS: A fool & his money are soon parted. (WS did it better in a little rewrite called KING LEAR.)

TITUS ANDRONICUS: Groundlings love blood!

TROILUS & CRESSIDA: Trojan wars are complicated, and Trojans sometimes break.

TWELFTH NIGHT: Shipwreck. Cross-dressing. Character A loves Character B who loves Character C. We’ve seen it.

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA: Don’t fall in love with your best friend’s girlfriend.

TWO NOBLE KINSMEN: See “Two Gentlemen of Verona”.

WINTER’S TALE: It’s OK to kill yr wife & best friend, & abandon yr baby, as long as you regret it. + Living statues!

Episode 152. We're Going Blu!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:23:37 +0000

The Blumenthal Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, that is! But it prompts a discussion about the phrase Family Friendly and how (or whether) it applies to us. Featuring a wildly inaccurate review, an update on the script for The Complete World of Sports (abridged), an excerpt from the Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show, and the tossing of both grapes and punalty flags. (Length 18:14)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 151. Paul And Storm

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:07:30 +0000

The comedy music duo of Paul And Storm brings their brand of GeekRock (tm) to the RSC Podcast. Featuring excerpts from their enormous canon, the ticket-selling power of Twitter, talk about their roots in DaVinci's Notebook, hints about the future of w00tstock, a special appearance by Wil Wheaton, and an actual (though reduced) nerdgasm. (Length 25:35)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 150. All Podcasts Considered

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:27:59 +0000

A behind-the-mic look at our behind-the-scenes arts podcast. Featuring almost-three years of weekly reduction, highlights from the past and suggestions for the future, and an excellent new marketing slogan for Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. (Length 21:35)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 149. The Clown Show

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:49:59 +0000

Reed Martin returns to his comedy roots with The Clown Show, which he's written and directed for Napa Valley College. Featuring potential new bits for our upcoming Sports show, the glory of great student actors, and the important differences between talk-talk and do-do. (Length 18:47)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

REED Martin's "Clown Show" Premieres

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:11:28 +0000

RSC writer, actor, and managing partner Reed Martin has returned to his roots of performing in white-face and terrifying children by writing and directing "Clown Show" for Napa Valley College in northern California.

In addition to graduating from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in theatre and from UC San Diego with an MFA in Acting, Reed is also a graduate of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran of over 1,000 performances with the legendary circus.

Read the feature article in the Napa Valley Register here.

Listen to Reed reminisce with other clowns about their Clown College days in the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast Episode 101 - Clown College Reunion.

"Clown Show" will be performed for two weekends, October 10-11 and 17-18, at Napa Valley College Little Theater, 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, Napa. For tickets call (707) 259-8077.

NOMINATE RSC Podcast for Podcast Award!

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:03 +0000

The Podcast Awards have rolled around again, and it's time to nominate the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast in the Cultural/Arts category.

The RSC Podcast was nominated in that category for the last two years, based solely on nominations from its fans. We hope you'll do it again!

Go to the Podcast Awards website and enter Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast in the Cultural/Arts category, plus our URL http://www.reducedshakespeare.com/podcasts.php then submit your name and email and boom, you're done.

Thanks for your support!

Episode 148. Reduced Sex Scenes

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:08:29 +0000

WARNING: Not suitable for any listener of any age. This episode contains graphic tales of acting jobs that required simulated sex, and features childish euphemisms and adolescent giddiness. Shocking -- and mildly nauseating. (Length 22:14)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

DUSTIN Sullivan Named 'Gypsy Of The Month'

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:52:58 +0000

RSC Actor Dustin Sullivan (All The Great Books (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged)) has been named Gypsy Of The Month by BroadwayWorld.com.

Dustin is featured in the ensemble of Little House On The Prairie: The Musical, which is currently touring around the U.S.

Read the BroadwayWorld.com article here.

Listen to Dustin talk about touring, rehearsing, and performing with the Reduced Shakespeare Company here.

Episode 147. Favorite Great Performances

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:37:57 +0000

That other dead-husband's-ghost-story that doesn't star Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. President Roslin live onstage. Anything by Robert Duvall. And why hasn't this man ever won an Academy Award? Hear about the performances we love and why we love them. Featuring a special appearance by David Koechner, co-star of Kelsey Grammer's new series Hank. (Length 20:33)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

AMERICAN Tour Begins!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:05:24 +0000

From New Hampshire to California, with stops in the midwest, the south, and even New York City, we're bringing back the show that started it all, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" in a new revised edition for an American tour that begins in Decorah, Iowa in September 2009 and ends in Norfolk, VA in April 2010.

Click here for specific venues and dates.

Episode 146. Tung Chung Line

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:05:37 +0000

We kept the microphone running while playing tourist in Hong Kong and riding the Tung Chung Line. Featuring RSC Travel Tips, a shout-out to the finest public transit system in the world, and backstage and onstage banter during an actual Hong Kong performance. (Length 19:01)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

HONG KONG Rave!

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:33:38 +0000

No, we aren't attending late-night loud-music drug-fueled parties. Our performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) got a rave review from the South China Morning Post!

"A very funny evening that keeps audiences laughing non-stop!"

"Fast, furious, and full of wordplay from both the 16th and 21st centuries!"

"The cast combine fantastic energy with consummate professionalism - the speed of their costume changes alone are worth the price of admission!"

Those are just some of the highlights of the review (pictured below) - even wardrobe supervisor Liz Fitzpatrick gets a mention. (And may we say, it's about time.)

Episode 145. Pasty White Giants

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:34:20 +0000

Dressing room chatter this week about our first week of Hong Kong adventures. Featuring Mick Orfe's dream woman, Matt Rippy's nightmare injuries, Austin Tichenor's mysterious allure to the ladies of Wan Chai, a shout-out to Willy's Wily Wenches, and an interview (plus outtakes!) with Ellie Davis of RTHK Radio 3. See you out on the rice! (Length 20:23)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 144. RSC In "Jeopardy!"

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:15:10 +0000

Emmy Award-winning writer Andrew Price talks about creating the Reduced Shakespeare Company category and writing questions for the game show Jeopardy! Featuring insight into how the global phenomenon game show is written, tips on how to beat the buzzer, and how you can get a part in Andrew's new movie. (Spoiler alert: Bring your wallet.) (Length 18:50)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 143. Actors Paying Bills

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:47:58 +0000

RSC actor Mick Orfe reveals how, even in this troubled global economy, he's managed to pay his bills and retire some debt. Relax - no bizarre economic theories or pitches for Amway products. Just tales of part-time jobs, hard work, and other ways actors supplement the exchequer. Featuring a special appearance by James Beaman from the national tour of Monty Python's Spamalot. Ni! (Length 17:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 142. Love The Research

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:17:48 +0000

Deep in the depths of writing new shows leaves us deep in the depths of researching, too. Featuring details on how The Complete World of Sports (abridged) is progressing, appearances by the most famous celebrity blurbers EVER, and highlights of sports-themed podcast #47, "Play By Play". (SPOILER ALERT: Mostly we love researching because it postpones actual writing.) (Length 19:39)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 141. Work On Holiday

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:31:36 +0000

Summer vacation yet podcast we must! What's it like to work while everybody else is on holiday? Tales of on-the-road Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's, St. Patricks' and Independence Day celebrations. Featuring a special appearance by Carol from Class 95 in Singapore and an exclusive excerpt from the new musical Mercy Madonna of Malawi. (Length 17:05)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 140. Chris Farley Show

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:17:13 +0000

Second City and TV/film veteran Pat Finn talks about his friendship with late comedian Chris Farley, whose talent, heart, and (unfortunately) demons were all equally huge. Featuring comedian origin stories, Chris's secret charity work, what he did on his very first episode of Saturday Night Live, and information about the important work done by EBMRF. Holy schnike! (Length 27:04)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 139. What's Really Changed

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:26:15 +0000

This week we discuss what it's like to perform the revisions to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Featuring cast changes, Singapore changes, and a special appearance by RSC founding member Jess Winfield, author of My Name Is Will: A Novel of Sex, Drugs, and Shakespeare. (Length 20:03)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

SPORTS (abridged) Artwork Revealed!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:06:54 +0000

Our seventh stage show The Complete World of Sports (abridged) won't premiere until September 2010, but we wanted to give Reduced Shakespeare Company fans an exclusive first peek at the preliminary poster art!

Our booking agents Opus 3 Artists will use this image in their marketing materials as they begin to schedule performances of our new comic reduction for the Fall 2010 to Spring 2011 season.

Enjoy this first taste of the new show! Now we just have to finish writing it.

Episode 138. Board, Not Bored

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:07:12 +0000

The Lamplighters is San Francisco's oldest musical theatre company, and arguably America's finest purveyors of Gilbert & Sullivan. Board president Jim MacIlvaine talks about the role of a theater's board of directors, the value of G&S, and why old poops are a valuable commodity. Featuring excerpts from several Lamplighters productions, including their G&S-Shakespeare mash-up Rosencrantz & Guildenstern's Excellent Adventure. (Length 18:46)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 137. Slinging Singapore Memories

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:55:06 +0000

What we don't know about Singapore would fill volumes, but at least we have our memories. Featuring tales of our previous visits, eager anticipation of our upcoming trip, and cultural ignorance on a massive scale. (Length 19:21)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 136. Balls And Strikes

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:14:55 +0000

As Major League Baseball heads into its All-Star Break, Reed Martin reminisces with Tom Knego and Terry Prescott about their days as minor-league umpires and graduates of the Bill Kinnamon Umpire School. Featuring good calls, bad calls, the secrets to minor-league success, and how dodging bullets and tobacco juice can be important life lessons. Play ball! (Length 20:07)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

RSC Actors All Over!

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:01:18 +0000

The only place to see the Reduced Shakespeare Company this summer is in Singapore. But you can see RSC actors all over the place!

* Dominic Conti can be seen in Bach At Leipzig at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles through August 9.

* Aaron Krohn can be seen in The Cherry Orchard and The Winter's Tale at the Old Vic Theatre in London, with Ethan Hawke, Simon Russell Beale, Sinead Cusack, directed by Sam Mendes.

* Dee Ryan co-wrote and co-stars in the short film Home Birth on the Upright Citizens Brigade website.

* Jerry Kernion will play the title role in Titus Andronicus at Theatre of Note in Hollywood, opening in late August.

* Rick Bland performs his two-person sketch show Man and Mouse at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

Episode 135. Acting Like Actors

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:22:08 +0000

His name might not be familiar, but Bj�rn Johnson is a recognizable face (at least to American TV-commercial-watchers plus fans of Mad Men), and he discusses his evolution as an actor, director, fight choreographer, and acting coach. Featuring advice for actors, where you can see RSC actors this summer, and a special appearance from Matt Walsh from the Upright Citizens Brigade and this summer's hit movie The Hangover. Think with your dip-stick, Jimmy! (Length 18:08)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 134. Our Writing Process

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:06:26 +0000

Be a fly on the wall (albeit one with a very bad online connection) as Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss how the writing of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) is going. Featuring insights on our writing rituals, what our preliminary lists consist of, excerpts from The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged) and The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show, and how having more projects, more deadlines, and more pressure actually helps. (Length 21:14)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

ANNOUNCING Our Next Stage Show!

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:35:18 +0000

If you listened to last week's podcast (Episode 132. New Stage Show), you were among the very first people to hear the huge, ginormous subject matter that we'll be reducing next.

Our seventh stage show will be The Complete World of Sports (abridged). From the competitive caveman origins to the ancient Greek games to your kid's little league practice, the entire history and current practice of global athletic competition will be shrunk down to Reduced Shakespeare Company stages around the world.

All your questions will be answered: Is Bowling really a sport? Which is more boring - Baseball or Cricket? And why in the world are Curling and Synchronized Swimming in the Olympics?

The Complete World of Sports (abridged) will begin touring in Autumn 2010, but you can follow its writing and development on the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast and by following the RSC on Twitter. There we will occasionally chat and tweet about how the writing, casting, production, rehearsing, and performance process is going.

And as always, we'd love to hear your feedback through the usual channels: sending us an email or posting on our Fan Forum.

Episode 133. 'Weird Al' Yankovic

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:16:50 +0000

Weird Al Yankovic squanders his celebrity this week by reflecting on his art, craft, influences, aspirations, and beauty tips. Featuring awesome practical advice (where to record for that cool ambience, how to avoid drive-by shootings), inspirational life lessons (sometimes accordion lessons can lead to greatness), and a special appearance by Ron Bottitta from Lost, it's a veritable nerdapalooza! (Length 23:17)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 132. New Stage Show

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:24:54 +0000

In this week's EXCLUSIVE announcement, Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor reveal the title of the next RSC Stage Show. Featuring what criteria were considered in making the decision, when it's likely to appear at a theater near you, the bits that will absolutely without-a-doubt 100% guaranteed be in the final production, and a special appearance by David Koechner, star of the sports spoof movie, "The Comebacks". (Length 22:26)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

GORDON Brown: Tragic Shakespearean Hero

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:15:44 +0000

We have finally reduced the career of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and may I just say - it's about time.

We recorded it for the Gabby Logan Show on BBC Radio 5. You can listen to it here, but now you can also read it in a handy-dandy text version that all the kids are using these days!

Enjoy.

Since Gordon Brown’s days as Prime Minister are reducing as we speak, we want to celebrate while we can the man’s many great achievements. This shouldn’t take long.

But first, I’d just like to apologize for not reducing Gordon Brown’s career sooner. It would have saved us all years of disappointment.

In the Reduced Shakespeare Company, we’ve always liked Gordon Brown. He has a real reduced sense of humor. He has such reduced charisma. Under his premiership, the health of the economy, the number of banks, the value of the pound have all been reduced. What’s not to like?

And even though his future hangs in the balance, he insisted as late as Friday that, quote, “I will not waiver, I will not walk away,” which is true. He’ll probably be driven away.

But the sad thing is, he started off so well! In his first days as Prime Minister, he proved very statesmanlike, didn’t he, during the floods and stuff? And he didn’t immediately crawl into President Bush’s lap and ask to have his ears scratched like Tony Blair did.

(Although, on the anniversary of D-Day he did rename Omaha Beach “Obama Beach”! Oh dear. Heckuva job, Brownie.)

But of course, in thinking about Gordon Brown’s career, we in the Reduced Shakespeare Company can’t help but see all the eerie Shakespearean parallels. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are like Romeo & Juliet, a couple that started out so well and ended so badly. Sarah Brown’s speech to the party conference in 2008 had a sort-of Lady Macbeth power-behind-the-throne quality to it. And former Europe Minister Caroline Flint, who resigned on Friday, is definitely the shrew that Brown couldn’t tame.

Brown himself thought he was Othello, betrayed by Blair’s Iago. Or perhaps he was more like Julius Caesar, brutally stabbed in the back by Blair - who would be Cassius in this analogy. This makes Peter Mandelson Brutus, which makes sense because the Prince of Darkness has the power to assume many forms: best friend, most loyal supporter, maybe even an e-mailer? And speaking of which - what is it with Brown’s advisors sending stupid emails? Whatever happened to making stupid untraceable phone calls?

Anyway, the whole recent MP expenses scandal was the final Jack Straw, but here in the states we all just think it’s much ado about nothing. Yes, it’s been a monumental comedy of errors, but really, we wish the whole tenure of Gordon Brown had been more like King John, a play that nobody does so then nobody would have had to sit through it.

And now he’s almost gone. Well -- all’s well that ends well.

The bad news, though, at least for us in America, is that the Spectator’s Fraser Nelson called Brown “the Terminator Prime Minister.” Which can only mean that Brown “will be back” as the Governor of California! Holy moley, we gotta get ready. I’m Austin Tichenor of the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Hasta la vista, baby.

Episode 131. In The News

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:04:23 +0000

Sometimes we beat the news cycle, sometimes the news cycle beats us. This week we reduce the career of Prime Minister Gordon Brown (as heard on BBC Radio 5's Gabby Logan Show), hear about Muslim contributions to world culture, and hear excerpts from our TBS pilot The Week Reduced. Plus, an extra special appearance by "Weird Al" Yankovic! (Length 17:44)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 130. Teachers We Love

Sun, 31 May 2009 23:14:09 +0000

As Van Halen put it so eloquently, we're hot for teachers. This week we remember the ones who influenced us the most. Featuring excerpts from the Alan Harvey Memorial Concert, a special appearance by Paul And Storm, and how to accurately measure a teacher's greatness. (Length 20:54)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 129. Three Day Weekend

Tue, 26 May 2009 20:40:35 +0000

Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S. prompts memories and tributes to fallen warriors of a (sometimes) non-military kind. Featuring suggestions for our new stage show, excerpts from The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged), and a catty exchange between two RSC fans. Rowr! (Length 18:01)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 128. Business Of Show

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:47:28 +0000

Jews In Space, plus other Star Trek influences and the economics of touring are laid out in numbing detail in this week's podcast. Featuring an excerpt from our essay on the MP Expense scandal which aired on The Today Programme on BBC Radio 4, fan suggestions for our new stage show, and a special appearance by Peter Bergman of the legendary Firesign Theatre. (Length 23:26)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 127. Mum's The Word

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:08:57 +0000

Dee Ryan (the Reduced Shakespeare Company's answer to Sarah Vowell) deescribes her adventures being a soccer referee, and literally brings new meaning to the term "soccer mom". Featuring an appearance by Scrubs star Donald Faison, whose new movie Next Day Air opens this week, and a very special Mother's Day tribute and performance by the comedy music duo Paul and Storm. (Length 19:01)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:53:27 +0000

Check out our new YouTube Channel. There you can see exclusive never-before-seen Reduced Shakespeare Company videos you can't find anywhere else...

....well, except in our video podcasts, which you can download from iTunes, and all the other bootlegged videos uploaded illegally to YouTube by our devoted fans.

Subscribe, comment, and enjoy!

FOLLOW Us on Twitter!

Thu, 07 May 2009 18:09:50 +0000

Yes, Twitter is a time-sucking distraction from your real life. We don't disagree.

But it's also the fastest and easiest way to keep up with Reduced Shakespeare Company activities in anything approaching real-time.

Some RSC fans have families, jobs, other interests and demands on their time. We're not happy about this, but we understand.

You can listen to our podcasts, subscribe to our newsletter, and interact with other RSC fans on our Online Forum.

But if you want to find out what the RSC is up to -- right this very minute -- then Follow us on Twitter. With a 140-character limit, Twitter really is reduced blogging: real-time activities distilled to their 140-character essense. Recently, we've tweeted posts from the road, posts from RSC HQ, links from other theaters and writers we Follow, photos from radio studios, and even tweets and photos during live performances!

You can also choose to Follow RSC actors Reed Martin, Matthew Croke, Matt Rippy, Brad Harbaugh, Austin Tichenor, and Jeff Marlow, as well as RSC Office Manager Alli Bostedt. You can even Follow the RSC's booking agent Neil Benson.

And you can hear Austin Tichenor speaking with NPR Weekend Edition host Scott Simon about the Reduced Music and Movie Name Game they played on Twitter.

If you're nervous about joining Twitter, don't be. It's easy and fun. Here's a good article that'll get you started. Here's another article that perfectly captures Twitter's stumbles and misperceptions.

Follow us on Twitter, and tweet back to us! You'll be glad you did.

WATCH the RSC on TV

Thu, 07 May 2009 18:06:38 +0000

Watch Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor of the Reduced Shakespeare Company cutting up with Mark Bailey on San Diego 6 - The CW. Be sure to click on 'Reduced Shakespeare Company' in the left-hand column.

Not bad for 8:30 in the morning!

Episode 126. Audiences Talk Back

Mon, 04 May 2009 19:36:24 +0000

We interact with fans and audience members during post-show talkbacks in both Springfield, Illinois and San Diego, California. Featuring info about whether we dumb down our material (as if that were possible), whether we've ever adopted an audience member, two great RSC Voice Mails and a major milestone in our ongoing quest to autograph body parts. (Length 20:58)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 125. Fighting Stage Fright

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:52:45 +0000

A fan question prompts this analysis of RSC stage fright, and what we do when we get it. Featuring true confessions from five RSC actors and one stage manager, the difference between performance anxiety and audition anxiety, a special appearance by Robin Pressman of KRCB-Sonoma County (CA) Public Radio, and proof why years of professional experience is not necessarily a good thing. (Length 18:09)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

MORE Great San Diego Reviews!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:06:44 +0000

Add the North County Times to the list of great reviews for our production of "The Complete History of America (abridged)" at San Diego REPertory Theater.

"Performed in rat-a-tat style...it's the sort of secret history you wish the United States enjoyed. At least some of it," writes Dan Bennett. Read the full review here.

And as befits our reduced run in San Diego, we received a great reduced review from the San Diego Weekly Reader.

Their (curiously unnamed) critic said we render "all sacred cows secular" and that "if the show doesn't inspire or offend you at some point, you should 911 the paramedics."

So there! Check out the full review here.

Episode 124. Sam Woodhouse Speaks

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:14:38 +0000

Sam Woodhouse - co-founder and producing artistic director of the San Diego REPertory Theatre - talks about his theater's history, how he programs a diverse and progressive slate, and how the RSC manages to not undo all the good work he's done there for over 30 years. Featuring a special appearance by Maureen Cavanaugh of KPBS-FM, and insight into how to create "intimate exotic provocative theatre that feeds the curious soul." (Length 16:48)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Episode 123. San Diego Bound

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:16:12 +0000

We head back to the San Diego REPertory Theatre this week for a two-weekend run of The Complete History of America (abridged), and we reminisce about our vast San Diego past. Including tales of natural disasters (not all of them created by us) and a special appearance by Stephen Klein, President of the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Stay classy! (Length 17:39)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

PODCASTS Return to iTunes

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:14:41 +0000

After some weird technical glitchiness, all 122 Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcasts are now showing up on iTunes.

Click here to get them all on iTunes. And then leave a review. We'll be glad you did.

Episode 122. Meet The Press

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:18:03 +0000

Pat Launer of the San Diego News Network interviews us about our upcoming run at the San Diego REPertory Theatre, and has graciously allowed the highlights to be podcast. Featuring a special appearance by Deb Hiett, co-star and co-director of A Bit of Counseling, available for viewing at FunnyOrDie.com. Cave of meat! (Length 19:11)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

RAVES in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:32:41 +0000

The Arizona Republic has weighed in on our Scottsdale Center of the Performing Arts production of Completely Hollywood (abridged), saying:

"Fast-paced comedy....you'll nearly fall out of your theater seat laughing!"

The review goes on to rave about the actors:

"The actors are so spectacularly high-energy that you would think they knocked over a few Starbucks on their way to the theater."

And they single out one actor particularly:

"Dominic Conti pulls off rubberized antics, Jim Carrey-style, and is an absolute scream to watch!"

Clearly, he will have to be destroyed.

New Video Podcast on YouTube

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:35:56 +0000

Just in time for Major League Baseball's Opening Day comes our second Video Podcast.

Reed Martin takes us on a tour of the Louisville Slugger Factory, and reveals the answers to such great mysteries as "Who was Dr. Dot Randolph?" and "What is a Babe Ruth?"

You can watch it on the RSC's YouTube Channel or download it from the RSC Podcast Page. (There's been some delay uploading it to iTunes, but as soon as we clear that up we'll let you know.)

Enjoy! Apparently size does matter.

Episode 121A. Some Louisville Sluggers

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:57:29 +0000

Just in time for Major League Baseball's Opening Day comes our second Video Podcast. Reed Martin takes us on a tour of the Louisville Slugger Factory, and reveals the answers to such great mysteries as "Who was Dr. Dot Randolph?" and "What is a Babe Ruth?" Apparently size does matter... (Length 3:44)

Download: mp4 or m4v (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 121. Places We've Stayed

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:55:29 +0000

Sometimes they're great, sometimes they ain't. Memories this week of the best and worst places we've ever stayed, including the horrors of leftover nachos, the limits of what lilac-scented Fabreze will and will not cover up, and what exactly constitutes a "Casa De Awesome". Featuring a special appearance by Rich Fulcher of The Mighty Boosh. Are we there yet? (Length 19:11)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

HOLLYWOOD in Arizona

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:17:46 +0000

It's lights -- camera -- reduction!

After recent successful trips to Phoenix and Wickenburg, the Reduced Shakespeare Company returns to Arizona for a two-week run of Completely Hollywood (abridged).

From March 24 to April 5, the RSC's ode to the movies plays at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Don't miss "one of the greatest, sustained pieces of physical comedy I have ever seen" (according to the BBC). Call 480-994-ARTS (2787) for tickets or go to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts website.

Episode 120. White House Insider

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:02:34 +0000

Mike Burton, former special assistant to the Chief of Staff of Vice-President Al Gore explains how a lowly position as coffee boy led him to working in the Clinton White House. Featuring special appearances by Amanda Painting at Ceredigion FM in Wales and Madeleine Brand from National Public Radio! (Length 18:13)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 119. The Mighty Regis

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:37:41 +0000

Franky McNorman, lead singer of Ireland's most famous Irish punk band The Mighty Regis, talks about the band's history and influences on this special St. Patrick's Day podcast. Featuring excerpts from their latest CD Another Nickel For The Pope (which you can buy at CD Baby or at iTunes), the location of "the CBGB's of Irish punk", a special appearance by Rory O'Connor of SligoLive, and an interview with Mike O'Hara, the man behind Franky McNorman (and get your mind out of the gutter, you). Slainte! (Length 24:18)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

RSC 'Tweets' on NPR

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:24:17 +0000

Austin Tichenor spoke with NPR Weekend Edition host Scott Simon about the Reduced Music and Movie Name Game they were playing on Twitter.

To read more about it - and to listen to it via streaming - click here.

Then click over to Twitter.com and begin to follow the RSC here and Scott Simon here.

Episode 118. Sound And Fury

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:21:18 +0000

Zach Moore designs sound for real theater companies - and for us. Featuring expert advice about different sound programs, info about Zach's band Hero Destroyed and their new video, and feedback from RSC fans about Podcast #110 - Mac V. PC. Need final proof? figure out the anagram for "laptop machines". Case closed. (Length 21:10)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 117. Educate Motivate Inspire

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:33:42 +0000

Doesn't sound like us, does it? No, it's the motto of Envision-EMI, the producer of the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference we performed at in January. Featuring what exactly we look for in future leaders, what future leaders like most in an RSC show, and how we inspire future leaders... to not end up like us. Prurience! (Length 21:08)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 116. Hiding in Berlin

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:11:59 +0000

RSC actor turned big-shot movie producer John Schwab talks about the journey he took from London's Criterion Theatre to the Berlin Film Festival. Featuring the story of "The Hide", tips on How To Get Started, How To Exploit Your Friends, and How To Take Experience And Passion In One Field and Transplant It To Another. (Length 18:08)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"Five & Twenty" Random Things About....William Shakespeare!

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:19:46 +0000

Apparently, Facebook did not create the (increasingly annoying) 25 Random Things About Me application on its social networking site.

Turns out that William Shakespeare himself created the first such list over 400 years ago. His "Five and Twenty Random Things Abovt Me" list has just been posted on a MySpace blog.

This wonderful piece comes courtesy of Canadian writer and actor Mike McPhaden. It has nothing to do with the Reduced Shakespeare Company....but we had to pass it along.

Enjoy!

Episode 115. We Get Micknames

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:33:56 +0000

RSC actor Mick Orfe reveals the scientific process he uses to give us all the perfect nicknames. Featuring the world's worst Sammy Davis Jr impressions, the toughest of all dairy cows, and the true identity of Noggin revealed. (Length 18:50)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 114. Reduced Valentine's Day

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:41:09 +0000

Things We Love this week -- a story of the RSC and Young Love in Ireland, the television premiere of a feature film produced by RSC alumni John Schwab and Tim Beckman, and Dee Ryan returns to the Pittsburgh Public Theater with her one-woman show DeeConstruction. Happy VD! (Length 20:01)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Non-Travel Travel Blog

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:43:04 +0000

What do RSC actors do when they're not on tour? Jeff Marlow explains....

Austin asked me to put together a quick blog post describing the life of an RSC actor while NOT on tour - which, in my case at least, is pretty straightforward: after the national tour of The Complete History of America (abridged) ended last November, I spent the rest of 2008 (mostly) watching movies...

I was randomly selected as a member of the SAG Nominating Committee, nominating performances for the Screen Actors Guild Awards - and so, for the last six weeks of 2008, my mailbox was flooded on a daily basis with dozens and dozens of "screeners", DVDs of current films:

Watch Our Video Podcast!

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:05:10 +0000

After years of speculation and literally minutes of planning, the RSC has posted its first Video Podcast, in the 113th week of its award-losing Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast.

Roll up! Roll up for Episode 113C - Magical History Tour which recounts our recent tour from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania down to Washington DC in time to witness the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. That's right -- it's as fresh as news from last month.

Download the episode from our Podcast Page, subscribe via iTunes, or watch it on YouTube.

Episode 113C. Magical History Tour

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:55:27 +0000

Our first Video Podcast details our recent tour from the battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania down to Washington, DC - just in time to witness the historic Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Featuring historical insight, behind the scenes secrets, shaky camera work, and secrets to winning the Civil War. Roll up! (Length 5:36)

Download: mp4 or m4v (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 113B. Comix & Comics

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:48:54 +0000

Sophomoric, yes, but comic-bookish? Tim Young, host of the Deconstructing Comics Podcast, discusses the influence of comic book characters and the comic strip form on theater generally and RSC shows in particular. Featuring insight into punchline delivery, a special appearance by Jimmy Neutron, and the perfect idea for the next great comic book musical! Shazam! (Length 21:16)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 113A. Reduced Temporary Podcast

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:16:58 +0000

Reduced Temporary Podcast Technical difficulties in California necessitate this extremely reduced and hopefully temporary podcast, which merely explains WHY it's reduced and temporary. Not one for the archives but enjoy if you can. It won't take long. (Length 2:36)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"Bible" Selling Out!

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:33:06 +0000

The UK tour of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) resumes this week and performances are already selling out!

Milford Haven's Torch Theater on 21 January, the Northcott Theater in Exeter on 22 January as well as the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hampstead on 3 February and the New Wolsey Theater in Ipswich on 7 February are all reporting that they've sold all their tickets.

But in our experience, there are always empty seats -- even in supposed sell-outs. People don't show up, or they turn in their tickets, sometimes theaters have standing-room areas....if you're despairing of tickets in those cities, please contact the specific theaters.

Go to our Tour Page for specific theater contact information.

Magical History Tour

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:44:57 +0000

Dear Reduced Blog Readers --

This short weekend tour -- with performances in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Washington DC -- has become a real magical history tour. We keep butting up against momentous places from American history.

First, aside from the battlefield in Gettysburg, we also ate at the very same diner as President Lincoln before he gave his little talk there.

Episode 112. Happy New President!

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:07:16 +0000

Our return to Washington DC this week coincides with the inauguration of America's 44th President, and sparks memories of previous trips to our nation's capital. Featuring brushes with DC greatness, important White House secrets, how we're jumping through dozens of security hoops, and the revelation of exactly how we roll. Yes we did! (Length 20:36)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

UK "Bible" Tour Returns!

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:15:20 +0000

The 90-something city UK tour of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) resumes January 20 in Hereford and ranges across the country from Wimbledon to Inverness.

Tickets are going fast in many locations. In fact, the January 22 performance at the Northcott Theater in Exeter is already sold out. So get your tickets fast!

Visit the RSC Tour Page for links to various theaters near you!

Our Gettysburg Address

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:03:11 +0000

Yes, it's a not-great movie starring Jim Carrey, but it's also the theater where we're performing Completely Hollywood (abridged) tomorrow night in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

With stops this spring in Gettysburg, Washington DC, and Springfield, IL, this upcoming tour is shaping up to be the Land of Lincoln Tour. We'll have more Lincoln references and locations in future blogs. Stay tuned....

Love,

Austin

Episode 111. Fall Tour Stories

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:24:50 +0000

With the RSC's Winter-Spring 2009 World Tour about to kick off, we bring you roadtrip stories from last fall. Featuring passionate pie patter, terrible tales of technical trauma, a special appearance by Niamh Crowley of the West Ocean String Quartet, and a very special deal for U.S. podcast listeners from DVDPlayground.com. Listen for details. (Length 18:06)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 110. Mac v. PC

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:40 +0000

Another Reduced debate which settles nothing! Matt Rippy (PC) and Michael Faulkner (Mac) hold forth on the relative merits of the different computers and operating systems. Featuring disturbing percentages, insightful Hasbro-Mattel analogies, and a startling covetous epiphany! Would you rather drive a Jaguar or a Yugo? Up to you....(Length 20:39)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 109. Why We Act

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:48:35 +0000

A listener's question inspires this year-end reflection: Why do we do what we do? Reduced members muse over reasons they answered the call and chose "the biz" - was it the gratification, the glory or the girls? We discover that a geology degree is a very useful thing when stage managing the RSC! Plus, a special hello from a real live Hollywood actress, Anne Heche. (Length 20:24)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

HA! HO!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:14:41 +0000

HA!   HO!

stands for

HAPPY!   HOLIDAYS!
        (abridged)

from all of us here at the....

Reduced Shakespeare Company!

Episode 108. Crumbs At Midnight

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:29:30 +0000

A lovely holiday ritual from a slightly different angle. Reed Martin reads Crumbs at Midnight by David Templeton as part of Twisted Christmas Live. Featuring some tough cookies, pastry wisdom, and a special appearance by Sister Mary Martha, who answers all your questions at her Ask Sister Mary Martha Blog. Oh ye of little faith! (Length 26:27)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Miami Nice

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:23:48 +0000

They've treated us very well at the Arsht Center, starting with this banner. Good heavens, look at the size of this thing...

Cards and Shakespeare

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:02:47 +0000

What is it about cards and Shakespeare?

The Ultimate Christmas Carol

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:14:49 +0000

Long-time fan Sebastian Singer wondered where he could get his hands on the lyrics to the RSC's Reduced Time-Saving Christmas Carol that we sing on The Reduced Shakespeare Company Christmas. Since the lyrics aren't published anywhere else, we thought we might as well make them available to everyone here.

You can sing along: it's Track 10 on the RSC Christmas CD, "Carol Complaint Line". Enjoy!

Austin

******************

JINGLE BELLS KING WENCESLAS
FA-LA-LA-LA, THE FIRST NOEL
THE OX AND LAMB KEPT TIME AS GOOD AS THEY SMELLED
O CHRISTMAS TREE OF BETHLEHEM
O SILENT O HOLY NIGHT
THE HERALD ANGELS SING AWAY IN A MANGER BRIGHT....

HALLELUJAH!
AND HANUKKAH!
AND KWANZAA!

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT, TWO BITS!

Episode 107. Charles Dickens Unplugged

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:12:18 +0000

It's the most wonderful Dickens time of the year! Founding RSC member Adam Long talks about his Charles Dickens musical Dickens Unplugged, and we showcase all RSC things Dickens. Featuring excerpts from Dickens Unplugged, All The Great Books (abridged), The Reduced Shakespeare Company Christmas, as well as special background info on the making of Star Wars Shortened, and how the Force applies even in contract negotiations. (Length 18:04)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Not-So-Little Mermaid

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:08:38 +0000

Hello from Miami!

It's been a while since the last blog entry -- with all the traveling back and forth to Miami I haven't had time to log on (and I haven't figured out yet how to blog from my iPhone).

But I had to quickly share this: you know how at the end of the first act of The Complete Works...., the Reed Martin character is left alone onstage (and in Reed's case, ends up eating fire)?

Well, Mick Orfe doesn't eat fire. But he can make a mermaid dance!

Episode 106. Meet The Troubies!

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:39:28 +0000

The Troubador Theater Company combines clowning, Shakespeare, and rock & roll in productions like As U2 You Like It, Much Adoobie Brothers About Nothing, Fleetwood Macbeth, and Hamlet - The Artist Formerly Known As Prince of Denmark. Artistic Director Matt Walker and Producing Director Beth Kennedy discuss the method to their madness, how they got their start, and whether (hopefully!) they'll be bringing their hysterical musical shows to a theater near you. (Length 19:41)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"Hardest-Working Men in Shakespearean Showbiz!"

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:27:22 +0000

So says Christine Dolen in her Miami Herald review of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] at the Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.

Says Dolen: "This is Shakespeare as it was back in the Bard's day: bawdy, irreverent, sublimely entertaining."

For tickets and performance information, click here.

And you can read the whole review here.

Episode 105. Matt Rippy: Crimestopper

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:47:54 +0000

RSC Webmaster/Actor/Director by day, crime-fighter by....alternate days? Matt Rippy tells a tale of troubled youth and the knightly warrior who changes the course of two young lives. (Unless, he doesn't.) Featuring the power of an active citizenry, the transformative nature of theatre, very dramatic music, and a special appearance by Joel Murray, who plays the doomed Fred Rumsen in the hit TV show Mad Men. (Length 17:32)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Strapping On The Tights

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:53:41 +0000

Dear RSC Blog Readers,

As you've heard on the podcast and seen on our touring page, we're hauling out the hose and dusting off the doublets. We're performing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) in Miami, Florida, and this time it's [revised]!

Original authors Jess Winfield and Daniel Singer revised their classic text last summer (you can listen to them explain the whys and hows in Podcast #104: Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]) so we've had to jump back into rehearsal to learn the new lines.

Episode 104. Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:07:23 +0000

The RSC is strapping on the tights again for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) -- and this time it's revised. Authors Jess Winfield and Daniel Singer talk about what prompted them to update the script, what references they wanted to update, and -- thankfully for us -- how they managed to make the show completely actor-proof! Featuring fan voice mail and feedback, as well as a special appearance by the cinematographer of Hamlet 2. (Length 18:54)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 103. The Mighty Boosh

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:49:55 +0000

Rich Fulcher, the lone Yank in The Mighty Boosh (he plays zoo manager Bob Fossil), talks about what brought him to the UK and how he climbed the UK comedy ladder. Featuring revelations about his Reduced Shakespeare Company past, memories of his improvised university lecture Modern Problems in Science, a special appearance by author Julia Flynn Siler, and the truth about how the RSC is totally (in the sense of tangentially, at best) responsible for the Boosh's success. (Length 18:13)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"America" Across America, Part The Last

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:53:47 +0000

Jeff Marlow brings us home with this final blog entry from the Fall 2008 American America tour....

Greetings from beautiful Rolla, Missouri, at (I’m very sad to say) the end of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s national tour of The Complete History of America (abridged) -- Special Election Edition!

The final leg of the tour took us on a quick trip through the Southwestern U.S., starting in Wickenburg, Arizona, where we performed at the wonderful Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, which draws audience members from all over Arizona.

Episode 102. Soothing Epsom Assaults

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:57:28 +0000

We return this week to the Epsom Playhouse in England and remember the time a simple post-show game of Jenga almost caused an international incident. Featuring both latent jengaism and blatant jingoism, a special appearance from UK media superstar Lauren Laverne, and a report on the RSC's sponsorship of the UK charity ok2b. (Length 18:07)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

'Irreverent...a Revelation!'

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:44:49 +0000

The reviews keep pouring in, in an almost Biblical-like flood, for our 53-city UK tour of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged).

First, from The Sentinel ("at the heart of all things local in Staffordshire and South Cheshire") comes this, our first review ever from a duck! Read it here.

Then, from The Kentish Gazette comes this rave.

Remember -- as goes Margate, so goes the world. Or at least Slough.

Episode 101. Clown College Reunion

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:56:00 +0000

Since it's election week in America, let's talk to clowns! RSC actors Reed Martin and Matt Croke, veteran clowns and alumni of Ringling Brothers Clown College, attend the school's 40th reunion and catch up on old gags. Featuring lessons learned, what to do if they're laughing at you not with you, the dangers of tiger urine, original music by Peter Bufano and Cirkestra, and a special appearance by political comedian and satirist Will Durst, author of The All-American Sport of Bipartisan Bashing. (Length 21:11)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Photos From The Road

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:37:58 +0000

Simon Cole leaves the blogging to Jack Bennett this week and sends these snaps taken from the road....

Margate has the finest array of welcoming shops and attractions....

UK Bible Tour Cursed?

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:29:06 +0000

Jack Bennett reports from the UK, where our 53-city tour of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) continues ...

Wotcha web-dwellers, as the locals here in the north west midlands say! (They say wotcha, they rarely say web-dwellers. In fact, I don’t know many people back home who say web-dwellers. I may have just made it up. In which case, it’s copywritten to me and you can’t use it).

Episode 100. First Hundred Weeks

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:32:03 +0000

Backstage drama. Touring trauma. Audition advice. Authorial insights. You, the RSC Podcast listeners, choose your favorite moments from our first hundred weeks, including lobby catastrophes, airplane turbulence, mid-show earthquakes, heated cultural debates, quests for lame jokes, and best of all -- children swearing! Also, don't forget to Vote today! for the RSC Podcast in the "Cultural/Arts" category at PodcastAwards.com. (Length 22:13)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"America" Across America, Part II

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:31:24 +0000

Jeff Marlow picks up from Michael Faulkner, continuing his fantastic tour blog....

Greetings from beautiful Glen Ellyn, Illinois, heading into the final weeks of the RSC’s U.S. tour of The Complete History of America (abridged)! The tour has continued to be a phenomenal success, with more wonderful crowds throughout this Midwestern leg of the journey.

Our final two East Coast performances were in South Orange, New Jersey and New Bedford, Massachusetts. In South Orange, we performed at the swanky South Orange Performing Arts Center, which boasts not only a beautiful mainstage theatre but also five movie theatres (I, for one, would love to see more combo theatre-and-movie houses).

Episode 99. Book Group Expo

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:23:19 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast is once again nominated for Best Podcast in the Cultural Arts category of the annual People's Choice Podcast Awards. Vote today! Vote every day! Excerpts from "The Ghostlight Forum" - a lively discussion about literature with Susanne Pari (author and program director of Book Group Expo), Kirsten Brandt (Associate Artistic Director of San Jose Rep) and our very own Austin Tichenor. They discuss ALL THE GREAT BOOKS, fear of classics, the joys of malapropisms, book scrums and more. (Length 20:20)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"Complete Works..." RETURNS

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:43:34 +0000

The Bard is back!

After years on its own, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) returns to the company that created it -- in a brand-new, updated, revised edition.

From November 26, 2008 to January 18, 2009, the Reduced Shakespeare Company will perform The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in beautiful downtown Miami, Florida.

Click here to book tickets!

Bracknell Burns!

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:55:23 +0000

The UK tour of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) continues on its merry way, and does the RSC UK actor blog. Simon Cole reports...

Greetings from the road and the third instalment of UK Biblical Blog musings!

Our travels have taken in the old and new over the last few weeks. We also had an evening when everything that could go wrong before the show -- did.

Episode 98. Michael Faulkner Reporting

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:20:02 +0000

RSC actor Michael Faulkner hijacks this week's podcast and reports live from Richmond, Virginia and Jennerstown, Pennsylvania. Michael presents an ode to the wonders of saliva, tales of our crazy opening at the Mountain Playhouse, RSC TV career updates, one reason we get booked in red states, special appearances by day-saver Kiff Vanden Heuvel and Richmond presenter Kathy Panoff, and the sexy beast new actor Jeff Marlow reminds us of. Also, a special excerpt from "Cause For Cancer", the new single from our favorite death metal band Hero Destroyed. (Length 19:25)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

'Saturday Night Live' Meets Sunday School!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:19:50 +0000

The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), the Reduced Shakespeare Company's irreverent celebration of The Greatest Story Ever Accepted As Fact, is drawing rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Chelmsford Weekly News in the UK raves: "The literate and witty script...raises some big theological questions. Why is God like Batman? Can you tell Elijah from Elisha? The show even provoked heated discussions in the bar at half time. And that's more than most clergymen can claim."

And Pennsylvania's Daily American, describing the show as "Saturday Night Live meets Sunday school," proudly proclaims, "Thou shalt laugh 'til it hurts!"

Click here to read the entire US review! And click here to see where The Bible (abridged)... is playing near you.

"America" Across America

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:16:24 +0000

Newest RSC member Jeff Marlow takes up the tour blog baton and runs with it, taking pictures along the way....

Greetings from Burlington, Vermont, right smack in the middle of the RSC’s U.S. tour of The Complete History of America (abridged)! It’s been a phenomenal run so far, with sold out crowds and uniformly enthusiastic audience responses everywhere from Mississippi to Massachusetts.

We opened the tour, as Michael Faulkner noted in an earlier post, in beautiful Richmond, Virginia, where we performed in the stylish Alice Jepson Theatre, whose lobby looked like it had been pulled straight from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:

Episode 97. Dances With Films

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:50:54 +0000

RSC Actor Jerry Kernion discusses his short film "Speed Relationshipping", which won the Dances With Films 2-Minute 2-Step Short Film Challenge and is now a finalist in the Absolut® World Filmmaking Challenge. Jerry shares his process, how he finagles his friends to help him, and his favorite English ska band. Watch the movie here. SPECIAL BONUS FEATURE: The RSC reveals the good news about the collapse of the American economy, heard first on the BBC World Service program The World Today. Well done, comrades! (Length 22:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

"Reduced Bailout" Airs On BBC World Service

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:02:40 +0000

Response is coming in from all over the world to the Reduced Shakespeare Company's analysis of the American economic bailout on the October 4 edition of The World Today on the BBC World Service.

Listen to it here on the web!

Or -- because of we've had so many requests -- read the entire text of the piece (written by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor...with a couple of uncredited assists by Dee Ryan) by clicking on the Full Story link...

...right here >>>

Rockin' With Laughter

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:27:47 +0000

Hey gang --

Austin Tichenor here, wanting to get in on the ol' Tour Blog action....

If ever there was any proof needed that we rock wherever we perform, take a gander at this photo of the Bedford pub in Balham, South London, where the UK cast of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) rehearsed.

Episode 96. My Name's Will

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:58:01 +0000

Founding RSC member Jess Winfield discusses his first novel MY NAME IS WILL: A NOVEL OF SEX, DRUGS, AND SHAKESPEARE, and why politics, artistic growth, and the occasional naughty word fuel his recent work. Featuring RenFaire and RSC memories, hints about a possible sequel, a desperate cry for minions, and special appearances by both Janice Long of BBC Radio 2 and Bullwinkle J. Moose! Are they friendly spirits? Just listen... (Length 19:28)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Coffee and Cake in Taunton

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:22:29 +0000

When last we left our intrepid UK Reducers, they were having a Hull of a time. Simon Cole reports....

Greetings from the road and the (slightly overdue) second instalment of the UK guy's adventures on the highways and byways of jolly old Blighty. We left off at the end of the first week heading out to Hull where the theatre’s in-house marketing team managed to come up with a whole new take on the show. (God evidently has more than the one “work”!)

RSC Supports ok2b

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:05:19 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company is working with one of the UK's leading charities ok2b to challenge inaccurate and discriminating representations of mental distress in the media.

Click here for more information about this worthwhile cause.

Episode 95. Reduced Rehearsal Process

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:04:40 +0000

Every RSC actor has to do it: learn our shows in a ridiculously short amount of time AND submit to a podcast interview. Jeff Marlow tours America this fall in "The Complete History of America (abridged)" and talks about the differences between our rehearsal process and that of a REAL theater company, what it's like being a corpsicle, and the joys of working with "All in the Family" legend Sally Struthers. Featuring info on where to find great short comic monologues and a special appearance from Hawke and Dove. Size does matter: less is more! (Length 20:08)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Richmond Rocks!

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:43:49 +0000

Michael Faulkner reports from the first performance of The Complete History of America (abridged) in Richmond, VA...

Well, you'll all be happy to know that we opened the tour last night in Richmond, and Richmond has set the bar high. We've been put up at the swankiest of historic hotels, the Jefferson. Don't you come stalking us, now... we're leaving tomorrow. It's totally apropos... named after founding father Thomas Jefferson and 11 former Presidents have slept there (mostly GOP, for some reason - probably because they're richer than Dems).

US "America" Tour Opens!

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:03:27 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company begins its 21-city Special Election Edition tour of The Complete History of America (abridged) this weekend in Richmond, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina. Click here to see where we're coming near you!

And listen to the Special Election Edition episode of the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast.

Episode 94. Special Election Edition

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:52 +0000

The US Presidential Election is just around the corner, so the Special Election Edition of "The Complete History of America (abridged)" is off around the country. During a lunch break in rehearsal we discuss just how political we are -- and aren't. Featuring lame political insights, extremist viewpoints regarding the nation's pending pie crisis, and why politicians are even bigger shtickmeisters than we are. Rhubarb! (Length 19:10)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

RSC Travel Blogs!

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:28:01 +0000

Simon Cole blogs on behalf of fellow tour mates Jack Bennett, John Kielty, William Meredith, Neil Hobbs, and Mishi Bekesi, who are touring the UK in The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged).

Greetings from the road and the first in a hopefully weekly blog of the UK Bible boys adventures on the highways and byways of the English (and Welsh!) countryside. Our hope is to give you an insight into the adventures we get up to on the road and a glimpse into the process which makes the Reduced Shakespeare shows such a pleasure to perform on a nightly basis to the good brethren (and sistern!) of the UK.

Our story begins on the upper floors of a pub in Balham where Colonel Rippy put us through our paces with Austin flying over and joining us at the start of the rehearsal process and Reed joining us for the last part in Stratford on our opening shows.

Episode 93. Full English Breakfast

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:59:34 +0000

LIVE! From Dressing Room 3 at the Stratford Circus, the UK cast of "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)" reports on the first weekend of performances. Featuring director Matt Rippy, authors Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor, speechless actors, the glories of Sanskrit comedy, the nature of art and advice on how to handle a blind gorilla. (Length 20:44)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

UK "Bible" Tour Opens!

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:08:36 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company is off on its 53-city tour of Great Britain, performing its hit show The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) over three nights. To view the press release, click here.

Episode 92. UK Bible Boys

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:01:16 +0000

Meet Jack Bennett, Simon Cole, and William Meredith -- along with John Kielty, they're the newest members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and will perform "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)" in fifty-three UK cities this fall. Find out their backgrounds and hear tales of drama dorks, Matt Rippy's unorthodox audition techniques, fantastically authentic British accents, the "Hollywood of the Army", and a compelling reason to freeze-frame the DVD of "Mars Attacks". Cor blimey, mate! (Length 19:51)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 91. The Shakespeare Secret

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:43 +0000

A new Shakespeare thriller! Published in America as INTERRED WITH THEIR BONES, and around the world as THE SHAKESPEARE SECRET, Jennifer Lee Carrell's new book is a page-turning treasure hunt adventure about one woman's global search for a lost Shakespeare manuscript. The author herself talks about her luck as a first-time novelist, what it's like to burn down the Globe Theatre, and the benefits and drawbacks of being compared to "The DaVinci Code". Inter! (Length 19:03)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 90. The RSC Founder

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:09:27 +0000

Finally! After almost two years of podcasting, Daniel Singer, the founder of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, talks about the company's early days and the development of the "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)". Featuring true stories about how the company went from four performers to three, analysis of Shakespeare's juvenile early work, how "Romeo & Juliet" almost didn't become the RSC's second reduction, and the vitality of the vaudeville triad. Oob! (Length 22:18)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

RSC Attacks NPR's "Character"

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:29:48 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company has hacked onto National Public Radio's website, posting both an "unauthorized" blog entry and an exclusive web-only interview with NPR's Weekend Edition host Scott Simon.

You can read the blog, or listen to the Scott Simon interview, or hear what unsupervised reduction has done to America's premiere broadcasters!

Lisa Croke (1969-2008)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:35:01 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company lost a beloved member of its extended family recently. Lisa Croke, wife of RSC stalwart Matthew and mother of Haley, Kelly, and Molly, lost her three-year battle with cancer on July 23, 2008.

Donations in Lisa's memory can be made in several ways. Gilda's Club is a non-profit cancer support group for the whole family, inspired by the life of comedian Gilda Radner. Lisa's daughters, as well as 50,000 other members around the world, have taken great comfort there. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Episode 89. Our Lisa Moments

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:14:31 +0000

Our beloved Lisa Croke, wife of Matthew, mother of Haley, Kelly, and Molly, lost her three-year battle with cancer on July 23, 2008. We've spent the last several weeks sharing our Lisa moments and this week Matt shares his. Donations in Lisa's memory can be made to Gilda's Club or Lisa's Hope. (Length 21:22)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 88. The Firesign Theatre

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:54:10 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company has many influences -- Bugs Bunny, the Marx Brothers, the Goons, Monty Python -- but only the Firesign Theatre has living members willing to acknowledge us. Phil Proctor of the Firesign Theatre chats about his influences, LA in the 60s, the line between surrealism and documentary, and reveals the method to the Firesign Theatre's madness. Weirdly cool. (Length 23:09)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 87. Walking The Line

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:04:06 +0000

The Long Run: How do actors keep it interesting? How do they walk the line of doing the show as rehearsed and keeping it fresh and alive night after night? That's what we discussed one night in the dressing room before and during a recent performance. Featuring listener questions, more fascinating Friday Night Lights feedback, a special appearance by a certified Media Propulsion Engineer, an excerpt from "The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)", and startling new evidence about the dietary properties of chocolate! (Length 19:18)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 86. Meet Matt Rippy

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:14:59 +0000

Matt Rippy - RSC webmaster, director of our upcoming UK tour of "The Bible (abridged)", and featured actor on TORCHWOOD and THE DARK KNIGHT - finally sits down for an in-depth interview. Featuring kissing tips from one gay icon to another, what it's like to be an American actor in London, the joys of DVD freeze-framing, good strong reasons why Americans overseas should submit U.S. tax returns, and the pitfalls of literally hogging the spotlight. Goofy with gravitas. (Length 21:46)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 85. A Theatre Company

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:38:50 +0000

Are we a comedy troupe? A rock band? A floor wax? A dessert topping? We try to define once and for all What We Are, and examine the various places we find our actors, reveal once and for all whether our audience "volunteers" are plants, outline the advantages of actors who know themselves, and discover the best sections to find us in bookstores and newspapers. Featuring special appearances by both Nina Totenberg and Susan Stamberg from National Public Radio, and - as an Extra Special Bonus - we give insane props to the Conti Beat! (Length 19:25)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 84. Opening Night Crowds

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:41:33 +0000

The classic opening night audience is dissected and examined, and several actual audience members are pinned to the wall and forced to speak. Featuring sweeping generalizations, very strong if completely uninformed opinions, feedback from podcast listeners, and a classic theatre story! Plus, a special guest appearance from Peter Overby from NPR News, and a lovely exchange with a genuine rabid psycho. Don't forget to brush! (Length 21:40)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 83. Notes For Dustin

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:42:40 +0000

Poor Dustin Sullivan. After performing All The Great Books (abridged) in St. Louis, Ireland, and Ithaca (New York), he's now performing in San Jose, California with the script's two authors as his co-stars. Featuring insight into a reduced rehearsal process, the difference between acting and vaudeville, Dustin's role-winning joke, and a special appearance by National Public Radio's Allison Keyes. Enjoy how Dustin suffers for his art...and triumphs! (Length 17:51)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 82. Meet Bob Mondello

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:35:17 +0000

A fun chat with Bob Mondello, film critic for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered", who makes a powerful case that critics are people too. Listen as he reveals trade secrets, shares his favorite reviews, divulges the difference between criticism and reviewing, uncovers even more words you can't say on the radio, and explains why critics love it when people die. (Length 21:20)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

U.S. & U.K. Tour Dates Now Online!

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:31:38 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company just announced the dates for its nine-week American tour of the Special Election Edition of their hit show The Complete History of America (abridged)....

Episode 81. Great Books (abridged)

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:24:41 +0000

Co-authors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor reveal the birth pangs - and leg pains - of the RSC's fifth stage show "All The Great Books (abridged)". Featuring excerpts from live performances, adaptation tips, performance advice, semi-obscure Curt Schilling references, a special and scornful appearance from Scott Simon of National Public Radio, and the worldwide debut of Reed Martin's William Shatner impression. (Length 19:43)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 80. Friday Night Lights

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:58:55 +0000

No, this week's podcast is not about the critically-acclaimed but low-rated NBC show about high-school football in a small Texas town. We talk about the odd scientific phenomenon of a large Friday night audience not responding as loudly as its numbers might suggest. Plus, an examination of the obverse principal: the great Tuesday Night Light crowd that makes up in noise what it lacks in numbers. And apologies for missing podcasts, a shout-out to RSC Pictionary, and so much less! (Length 19:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Podcast Strikes Chord With Sound of Young America

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:42:38 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast got a lovely and unexpected review from Public Radio International's "The Sound of Young America" podcast and blog. Colin Marshall devoted his entire "Podthoughts" column to a glowing review of all things RSC. He said:

Episode 79. We're Always On

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:48:20 +0000

Is it always a laugh a minute with RSC members offstage? Not hardly, yet many people are surprised to discover comedians aren't always as energetic offstage as they are on. Featuring the perils and pitfalls of being constantly 'on', the difference between choosing to perform and chasing demons, some tiny glimpses at the RSC's fall touring schedule, and the dangers of being a comedian at a party. (Length 19:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 78. Phil Abrams Now

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:12:10 +0000

Number One RSC actor Phil Abrams has written "The Autistic Spectrum Parents' Daily Helper: A Workbook for You and Your Child" and shares his experiences of working with autistic children. Featuring stories of performing "The Bible (abridged)" in the Holy Land, being trapped in Paradise, and using actor training -- and laughter -- to open up circles of communication. Like acting, working with autistic children is, in Phil's words, "more often art than science." He's so aurtistic! (Length 22:27)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 77. Three Word Stories

Wed, 21 May 2008 13:35:47 +0000

The "Three Word Story" is RSC fan fiction written by committee -- three words at a time -- at the Reduced Shakespeare Company website, where audience participation rises to a whole new level. Featuring an extended tour around reducedshakespeare.com, zippy new theme music by Jon Weber, some YouTube greatness, and contributions from literally dozens of RSC fans. Play the RSC home game! (Length 20:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Tours

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:28:40 +0000

- US Tour >

Episode 76. Nerd vs. Geek

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:46:30 +0000

Shakespeare nerds. Drama geeks. We've been called worse, but to help us understand the difference we rely on guest expertise from Dave and Barbara Shepherd, 120/240ths of The Word Nerds. Featuring much splitting of linguistic hairs, a special appearance by Nina Totenberg from National Public Radio, and the important distinction between fantasy baseball leagues and Dungeons and Dragons. Revenge! (Length 20:02)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 75. Happy Mother's Day!

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:32:18 +0000

A reduced celebration of all things maternal! We talk to some real RSC Moms and learn about the joys of waxing, the benefits of talking to people, the difficulty of scheduling your day around your kids, and some disturbing examples of Hamlet's Oedipal complex. Featuring an excerpt from "The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show" and Dee Ryan reading from her online blog "Fat Ladies In Big Hats". Listen to your mother! (Length 17:08)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 74. Meet Adrian Scarborough

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:39:24 +0000

RSC friend and English character actor Adrian Scarborough talks about working at London's National Theatre and in UK films with fantastic actors like Michael Gambon, John Wood, Imelda Staunton, and terrific directors like Mike Leigh and Nicholas Hytner. Hear insights into making the movie "Vera Drake", learn a whole new meaning to the expression "working with your hands", and discover why Albus Dumbledore is the Dick Cheney of the British Stage! Plus -- find out who has the most fantastic thighs in the whole of the British theatre! Ooh, cheeky! (Length 18:45)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 73. Mick and Jerry

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:24:49 +0000

Mick Orfe and Jerry Kernion -- old friends and RSC actors who share the same roles -- overlapped recently in DC and caught up on old times. Featuring conflicting stories on how they met, the value of RenFaire training, unnecessary digs at innocent bystander Brent Tubbs, and special appearances by both Robert Siegel of National Public Radio AND Chef Paolo from "The Suite Life With Zach and Cody"! (Length 20:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 72. The Authorship Question

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:10:44 +0000

Don't know your Bacons from your Marlowes, your deVeres from your Rutlands? Fear not. As William Shakespeare turns the big 4-4-4, we review the candidates some people consider the actual authors of Shakespeare's plays. Featuring scandalous scholarship, an excerpt from "Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged)", and an answer to the RSC's own authorship issues. A rose by any other name still smells....(Length 23:12)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 71. Love From Europe

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:11:56 +0000

The Dutch, the French, and the Germans love the RSC! Brent Tubbs tells stories from his ten week tour of Belgium and Holland, and offers insights about corpsing and the intimidation factor of working with Noah Brody. Featuring a German voice message, French feedback, a special appearance by Carey Perloff, Artistic Director of the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, and a reduced tribute to Hollywood legend Charlton Heston, who passed away this week. Soylent Green is people! (Length 24:01)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 70. More From London

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:53:57 +0000

LIVE! from the Captain's Cabin pub in London: a conversation with former RSC stage manager Davey Naylor. Featuring the pitfalls of the Internet, a glorification of the Facebook Group "I Worked For the Reduced Shakespeare Company!", a distinct cry for help, and fascinating technical details about how we record our podcasts. Mind the gap! (Length 17:11)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 69. Backstage in DC

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:55:08 +0000

Join us as we wander backstage at the Lansburgh Theatre. Stroll down the Hallway of Fame! Marvel at the stars! Gaze befuddled at the Elvis Shrine! Wonder how the hell you really pronounce Ted van Griethuysen! Listen enrapt to stories of the other RSC! Shake your head sympathetically as we slowly but surely dim the Shakespeare Theatre Company's lustre. We're not intimidated!(Length 21:11)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

WARNING: UK "Complete Works" NOT The RSC

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:18:26 +0000

The production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" that's currently touring the UK has nothing to do with the Reduced Shakespeare Company.

It may be very good -- we hope it is; we haven't seen it -- but this is a new production unrelated to the hit production that ran in London for almost ten years.

Episode 68. The Alaska Story

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:35:19 +0000

This week's Alaska trip prompts recollections of a series of unfortunate (but fantastic) RSC events which took place in our 49th State. Featuring memories both fond and horrific, things NOT to say to an Alaskan woman during the winter, favorable comparisons to other comedians, and a special appearance by Matt Walsh from the Upright Citizens Brigade. The #2 Moose should be along any minute! (Length 19:18)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 67. Plane Ol' Podcast

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:46:23 +0000

LIVE! from Virgin Atlantic Flight #8....and from a UK Taxi....and from various cafes and pubs all over London. Reed and Austin discuss the various business hoops one has to jump through in order to set up a tour of Great Britain. Featuring detours to Holland, a reduced Oscar post-mortem, some big news about an award nomination, a special appearance by the Ryan Seacrest of the RSC, and the arrival of the newest RSC member! (Length 21:02)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 66. Kirk or Picard

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:45:23 +0000

This age-old philosophical question is analyzed in irredeemably geeky and undeniably nerdy depth by the RSC's resident Trekkies. Featuring startling insights why "Star Trek" is like Shakespeare, an excerpt from our Paul Harris interview at KMOX (check him out at harrisonline.com) and special guest appearances from actual Star Trek story editors and Borg fighters. Embrace the cheese! (Length 19:29)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 65. At The Movies II

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:23:15 +0000

It's a sequel! Our 2nd annual Oscar® Podcast, featuring startling insights from two RSC actors who've been too busy to see many of the nominated films, and a special and embarrassed appearance by NPR's film critic Bob Mondello. Hello, gorgeous! (Length 21:57)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 64. MySpace vs. Facebook

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:31:27 +0000

Useful tools or annoying time-wasters? (Or both!) The ins and outs and pros and cons of the two largest online communities and the RSC's place in (and out) of them. Featuring the expertise of RSC MySpace Mistress Khushi Bhatia, a Dane Cook Cautionary Tale, and some fantastic ideas for the future. An RSC Sweater Calendar? The mind boggles. (Length 18:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 63. Reduced Dating Service

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:13:30 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day! Tales of love and romance from RSC fans and - possibly - between RSC fans! Featuring listener email and voice messages, excerpts from the "Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show" and "The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)", a special appearance from Edinburgh Fringe First Winner and Obie-Ignored playwright Russ Lees, and some of that hot reduced Dutch love. (Length 18:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 62. Questions And Answers

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:20:37 +0000

Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor respond to email and snail-mail sent to feedback@reducedshakespeare.com. Featuring clarification about our UK tours, great news about DVD sales, confounding audience expectations, a Reduced News Flash, and a special appearance from Hollywood Casting Director Janet Gilmore. Ask away! (Length 18:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 61. New Old Shows

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:37:00 +0000

What's it like performing "Complete History of America (abridged)" and "All The Great Books (abridged)" after a year of performing mostly "Hollywood" and "Bible"? Confusing and nausea-inducing. Featuring an interview with our latest backstage goddess Alli Bostedt, the perils of remembering new line changes, a special appearance from Fox-TV's Beth Troutman, and our greatest review ever! Yurk.... (Length 18:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 60. Bea Arthur Lookalike

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:29:35 +0000

Stage Manager Kea Watson returns from Hollywood, where she's the second 2nd AD (Assistant Director) on the hit CBS show "Cold Case". Since production has been suspended due to the writers strike, Kea joins us in Charlotte and talks about her other job. Featuring insight into what it's like being part of the Directors Guild Training Program, reminiscences from the sets of "E.R." and the movie "Poseidon", and a special appearance by striking "Jeopardy!" writer Andrew Price. Action! (Length 21:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 59. Words On Theatre

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:32:20 +0000

Excerpts from our interview on Marcy Solomon's KUSF-FM radio program "Words On Theatre". Featuring details on Plasticman action figure accessories, tips on audience participation, advice on how to take one for the team, insight into RSC percentages, an update on what RSC fans call themselves, and a special appearance by John Wilson of FOX-TV Charlotte, where we're performing this week at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Go to, ya'll! (Length 18:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 58. Belgium and Holland

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:07:36 +0000

Meet the cast that's coming to Belgium and Holland this week: Brent Tubbs, Noah Brody, and newest RSC member Mark Farrell, who gets a primer on RSC touring. Featuring the proper way to eat pommes frites, unneccessary digs at Michael Faulkner, a celebration of Belgian beer, a special appearance by Scott Bakula, and - finally! - the secret to memorization! (Spoiler alert: it involves memorization.) (Length 21:07)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 57. Reduced New Year!

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:29:21 +0000

2007 ends differently for each of us, and 2008 begins with a look ahead at all the places we'll be playing this year. Featuring reminiscences of past glories, previews of future triumphs, a special appearance by Sedge Thompson from "West Coast Live", and our very own New Year's resolutions (such as they are). Should auld acquaintance be reduced! (Length 17:29)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 56. What Are We

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 04:57:40 +0000

Our religious backgrounds are many and varied, and this week we reflect on how they affect our creating and performing "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)". Featuring some questionable theology, the perks of agnosticism, and a special appearance by an honest-to-God JuBu! God bless us, every one! (Length 18:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 55. Holiday Panic Begins

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:01:10 +0000

Have you finished your shopping? Neither have the people who shop at DVD Playground, judging by the panicky phone calls and emails logged by Matt Croke. Featuring holiday shopping tips, an excerpt from the RSC's holiday jingle "Mrs. Santa Claus", a special appearance by Bob Redell from NBC 11 in San Jose, and Libbie Schrader's new ode to San Francisco, where we only have two weeks left at the Marines Memorial Theatre. Don't panic! (Length 18:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 54. Reaching Critical Mass

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:51:02 +0000

Sometimes a small matinee audience fails to reach critical mass and they become afraid to laugh. The RSC banters backstage about what to do in such a sitch. Featuring tips on mixing and matching your animals on Noah's Ark, intricate theme park analogies, a timely excerpt from "Western Civilization: The Complete Musical (abridged)", wisdom from Groucho Marx, benediction by Marcy Solomon from KUSF-FM, and revelation why small audiences get double the comedy! (Length 18:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Check out the RSC Podcast!

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:08:26 +0000

Now in its second year, The Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast continues to bring you reduced news, views, reviews, and previews. Sure to amuse! (And possibly confuse.)

It's All Things Reduced!

Episode 53. Just For Us

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:08:16 +0000

The RSC Podcast begins its second year by swapping tales of shows we loved being in more than audiences loved seeing. Featuring the realities of performing for non-English-speaking crowds, the dangers of casts that outnumber audiences, and the perils of adapting Dostoevsky's "The Possessed". Plus, a special appearance by Billy Green of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, what to expect in the second year of the Podcast, and unnatural euphemisms for the phrase "podcast equipment." Congratulations -- it's a Podcast! (Length 18:00)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 52. Writing "Completely Hollywood"

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:25:17 +0000

Reed and Austin talk about how they wrote -- and continue to write -- the RSC's latest stage show "Completely Hollywood (abridged)". You'll learn which movies influenced the writing, why some movies make our Greatest Movies Ever list and some don't, and how (and why) the script keeps evolving. Featuring a spirited defense of the "Rocky" movies, some weird audio hiccups, the return of RSC Q&A, and a special appearance by Michael Rice, host of the Cool As Hell Theatre Podcast. Check him out on iTunes or at coolashelltheatre.com! Oh, and podcast listeners? Thanks. (Length 25:10)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 51. At The Table

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:30:04 +0000

After every performance, we meet and greet the audience at the table in the lobby, so we decided to turn the microphone on and introduce them to our Podcast listeners as well. Learn about "The Rules of the Game", what happened when we made changes to the first act of "Hollywood (abridged)", and why one group that performs our shows is C.R.A.P. Featuring a special appearance by Rebecca Corral of KCBS and evidence that the RSC Podcast is now Required Listening. Thanks for coming! (Length 17:31)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 50. San Francisco Treats

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:04:33 +0000

The RSC Podcast turns the big 5-0! We hear news from San Diego, the site of the worst of the recent southern California wildfires. This podcast answers such burning questions as: what Matt Croke does inside people's heads, which RSC member likes the teddy bear rub, and which two movies combine to make "Passion of the Christ". Plus, RSC Feedback, extra special bonus points if you can name the ringtone on Michael Faulkner's phone, and a special appearance by Bay Area broadcast legend Dave Morey from KFOG-FM. Check him out at KFOG.com. Go Fogheads! (Length 21:30)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 49. The Week Reduced

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:06:55 +0000

Reed and Austin talk about the creation and taping of "The Week Reduced", the RSC's foray into weekly television. Featuring a breakdown of the TV writing process, an evaluation of the two tapings, and an interview with cast member Dana Sorman. Plus, a special appearance by singer-songwriter Libbie Schrader and a brief conversation with an actual member of Hollywood royalty! We'll be right back. (Length 22:10)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 48. Play By Play (Pt. 2)

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:07:58 +0000

The commentary continues! LIVE! from the balcony of the Royal George Theatre in Chicago: Matt, Reed, and Austin provide play-by-play commentary during an actual performance of "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)". Featuring live performances from Brad Harbaugh, Tim Schueneman, and Kiff Vanden Heuvel, and a special appearance by Jon and Tee from the Inexplicable Dumb Show Podcast. Check them out at inexplicabledumbshow.com. Go to! (Length 21:52)

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 47. Play By Play (Pt. 1)

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:13:06 +0000

LIVE! from the balcony of the Royal George Theatre in Chicago, Matt Croke, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor provide play-by-play commentary during an actual performance of "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)". Featuring live performances from Brad Harbaugh, Tim Schueneman, and Kiff Vanden Heuvel, and a special appearance by Second City-LA Artistic Director (and former RSC'er) David Razowsky. Play on! (Length 22:30)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 46. The Chicago Guys

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:27:50 +0000

Meet Karl Hamilton, Brad Harbaugh, Tim Schueneman, and Kiff Vanden Heuvel, the newest members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, and hear what it's like to learn two RSC shows in four weeks. Learn some tricks about performing RSC shows and marvel at the attendance record we shattered last week! Featuring a really annoying noise, the secret of teaching, an appearance by Second City alum David Koechner, and the plural of the word 'status'. Dignity. Always dignity. (Length 24:35)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 45. Jon Weber Rules!

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:13:20 +0000

Pianist, composer, arranger, lyricist, and musical trivia genius Jon Weber chats about his background, training, and musical adventures. Featuring excerpts from the wide variety of music he's written for RSC shows, pop culture digressions, apocryphal tales, and a special appearance by trained pitchman and best-selling author Jasper Fforde. Play on! (Length 21:00)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 44. Busiest Fall Ever!

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 03:13:04 +0000

A breakdown on the crazy number of RSC productions this fall, and a terrific example of the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for." Featuring too much yawning, some backstage details of the RSC TV show "The Week Reduced", and a special appearance by Reginald Studmuffin, star of the RSC latest stage show "Completely Hollywood (abridged)". Well, it's the damnedest thing....! (Length 23:30)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 43. It's Captain Marvel!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:51:48 +0000

Recent RSC addition Steve Marvel talks about The Actor's Life....specifically, his. Steve and Austin share complaints about playing the "Verbose Professorial One", and discuss the burdens of finding a motivation other than "not being fired". Featuring some clues about who's performing where this fall and a special appearance by by no celebrity at all. Shazam! (Length 23:30)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 42. That Dave Razowsky!

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:54:40 +0000

David Razowsky, the improviser's improviser, toured with the RSC and is now Artistic Director of the Second City, LA. Listen to his tales of touring, mistaken hotel rooms, and the limitations of farce. Featuring Austin Tichenor's strict direction, his surprisingly girlish laughter, and a special appearance from Ken Campbell, sitcom star and the voice of product pitch man Baby Bob. Plus we reveal which current RSC member is the Mini-Razowsky! Is it you? (Length 19:21)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 41. The Irish Guys

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:28:37 +0000

A lively LIVE interview with Noah Brody, Ryan Dietz, and Dustin Sullivan, who'll be performing "All The Great Books (abridged)" in Ireland starting Sept. 22. Featuring alternative audition techniques, commercial gigs both lost and found, a reduced Tolkien debate, and dozens of screaming girls! Plus, a special appearance by the voice of Molly Bloom herself, Sligo's own Jane Fitzpatrick Martin. Faith and begorrah!(Length 19:21)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 40. RSC On TV!

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 16:50:41 +0000

We're on TV (sort of). We've written a TV show called "The Week Reduced" and will be filming a sample episode on September 26. Listen for details how you can get free tickets. Also, an interview with Neil Benson of Opus 3 Artists, one of the country's leading theatrical booking agents (who, for some reason, also represents us). Featuring important information about the dangers of acronyms, an excerpt from our appearance on "The Inexplicable Dumb Show," and the comic stylings of Retail Sales Manager Jerry Prastis. Show o' hands! (Length 17:00)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 39. Behind The Table

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:20:06 +0000

Between seeing great Chicago actors this week, we had plenty of time to chat about fan concerns, joke selection, and smart actor choices. Featuring the results of the Podcast Awards, some highly technical medical jargon, a scary excerpt from "Reduced Idol", and a special appearance by Chicago's Improvised Shakespeare Company. Rock on, MacDuff! (Length 21:20)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 38. Memories of Edinburgh

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:08:42 +0000

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is in full swing, and we're not there! If you're not either, listen to our tales of Edinburgh discoveries, inventive sleeping arrangements, freak show skills, false alarms, and confused protesters. Featuring excerpts from "The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)" and "The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show", and a special appearance by Mark Nutter, composer of the new CD "Twisted Songs for Twisted Sophisticates" and the hit Edinburgh musical "The Bicycle Men." Hoot mon! (Length 21:20)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 37. How To Audition

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:51:18 +0000

Want to audition for the Reduced Shakespeare Company? Reed and Austin outline everything they look for during RSC casting sessions. Featuring advice, tips, warnings, and explanations why sometimes even the best actors don't make the cut. Plus, a special appearance by Brick Hawke and Attacus Dove, hosts of the Hawke and Dove Political Punditry Podcast. Break a leg! (Length 20:18)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 36. Ffan-Ffording-Tastic!

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:14:50 +0000

Bestselling author Jasper Fforde talks about "First Among Sequels", the latest in his Thursday Next series. Jasper shares the RSC's reverential irreverence for sacred literature, reveals some eerie insight concerning Jane Austen, and outlines his Schrodinger Night Fever Principle of Literary Analysis. Featuring a special appearance by The Word Nerds. This week's podcast is sponsored in part by the Toast Marketing Board. (Length 20:28)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 35: Best Podcast Ever!

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:02:00 +0000

You did it! We received two nominations for 2007 Podcast of the Year Awards! In honor of that, we give you...the Best Podcast Ever. Featuring "lost" podcast bits, a plethora of fan voice messages, a special appearance by four junior pseudo (in their own minds) celebrities, and -- don't blink or you'll miss it -- the secret of comedy REVEALED! Best, or Greatest, Podcast Ever? You decide. (Length 20:28)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 34: The Windy City

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:18:08 +0000

We're coming to Chicago! Our October 2nd opening at the Royal George Theatre prompts this tribute to the City of Big Shoulders. We celebrate this great theatre town, debate the merits of the Cubs v. the White Sox, and reveal the truth about Mrs O'Leary's cow. Featuring a special appearance by Charna Halpern, director of Chicago's famed I/O Theatre; an excerpt from "Revelation! The Musical!"; and (speaking of conflagrations) honest-to-goodness fireworks over Lake Michigan. (Length 18:46)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 33: Modern Slim Pickens

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:29:29 +0000

Character actor/comedian David Koechner (Anchorman, Thank You For Smoking, Snakes on a Plane) tells tales of typecasting and creating comic characters, and deconstructs his short-lived Comedy Central TV show, The Naked Trucker & T-Bones Show. Featuring a special appearance by Gerald 'T-Bones' Tibbons. Boop! (Length 26:20)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 32: The Celtic Tiger

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:32:04 +0000

Whatever you call it....the Emerald Isle....the Land of Saints and Scholars....the Celtic Tiger...Ireland is one of our favorite places. Since we're touring there for eight weeks, we tell Irish tales of the perils of pub singing and the legend of Oliver Reed. Featuring special appearances by Irish natives Jane Fitzpatrick Martin from Sligo, and James Lancaster from Dublin, who played the priest in TITANIC. We're all going down this week!(Length 23:02)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 31: Happy Birthday America!

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:18:13 +0000

In honor of America's big 2-3-1, we feature "The Complete History of America (abridged)" in all of its reverent irreverence, and some truly patriotic behind-the-scenes info about how to celebrate and needle a large world power. Featuring a special appearance by Peter Hulne, star of the new Comedy Central show "American Body Shop". Also, information on how to nominate us for the annual podcast awards! (Length 19:55)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

NOW BOOKING thru 2009!

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:29:03 +0000

Our touring calendars are filling up, so get us into your venue now!

Call Today! 707-935-7600 or email info@reducedshakespeare.com.

Episode 30: Summer Reading Lists

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:02:37 +0000

This week - random meanderings about books! How film and TV inspires our reading habits, and how reading choices reflect character....or in our case, lack of character. Plus - which books cure insomnia, the eerie similarities between Alan Ayckbourn and Curt Flood, and a classy excerpt from "All The Great Books (abridged)". Read on! (Length 21:08)

4 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 29: The Word Nerds

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:53:03 +0000

Reed and Austin chat with Dave Shepherd, producer and host of The Word Nerds podcast, and we share podcast gossip, details of rhythm, intonation, pronunciation, and the glories of the Liquid U. Plus, a special appearance by David Koechner (THE OFFICE, ANCHORMAN) and we get to hear Beowulf as it was originally performed: as a rap! Check out www.thewordnerds.org (Length 20:48)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 28: Meet "Professor" Letwin

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:48:08 +0000

A Very Special "Where Are They Now?" (or rather, a "Who Are They Again?") episode. David Letwin, an original member of the Criterion Theatre cast in London, tells outrageous tales of Royals in the stalls, Adventures in Lecturing, and an audience with Moses Himself. Special appearance by Gary Rudoren, co-author of the new book "Comedy by the Numbers," published by McSweeney's. Pick it up - it'll learn ya sumthin'! (Length 21:22)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 27: By The Bay!

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:38:28 +0000

LIVE! from the streets of San Francisco, where we open "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)" and "Completely Hollywood (abridged)" on November 6, 2007. Featuring live excerpts from both those shows, a businessy but fascinating interview with our SF producer Brad Balduf of Jian Enterprises, and a special appearance by David A. Goodman, Executive Producer of the hit animated comedy "Family Guy". We're lousy with producers this week! (Length 21:05)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 26: Six Month Checkup

Tue, 29 May 2007 17:33:19 +0000

Favorite moments and indulgent reminiscences from the first six months of RSC Podcasts. Featuring deep introspection, shock and awe at the glories of the podcast aesthetic, an unnecessarily polysyllabic episode description, and a benediction by Dick Costolo, President & CEO of FeedBurner, the company that makes all podcasts possible! Thanks, Dick! (Length 18:08)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 25: Follow The Mistakes!

Fri, 18 May 2007 14:35:48 +0000

Mistakes...or oh-so-*brilliant* bits of comic invention!? You be the judge. We honor the god of chaos (Harpo?) and analyse the funny moments in our shows which began as screw-ups. Featuring excerpts from several of our stage shows, unnecessary vomiting, and a special appearance by Bridget Fonger, author of "The Lazy Woman's Guide To Just About Everything." (Length 17:54)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 24: Let It Snow!

Thu, 10 May 2007 17:08:30 +0000

We've died many times onstage, but only once for real (almost!) on this terrible flight into upstate New York. Memories of a HORRIBLE blizzard, prompted by our performance at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. Featuring bi-coastal fan feedback and a special appearance by Neil Flynn, the Janitor from TV's "Scrubs". Share the Guy Love! (Length 19:34)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 23: Mick And Brent

Fri, 04 May 2007 12:53:25 +0000

Brent Tubbs & Mick Orfe chronicle their first performances in "Completely Hollywood (abridged)", and share surprisingly similar tales of air travel woes, actor's nightmares, and strange superpowers. Featuring an appearance by playwright/director Ron West and incessant intrusion by the three B's: Bad Bar Backgroundmusic. BBB afraid. (Length 19:34)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 22: Our First Time

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:08:05 +0000

You always remember your First Time. So do we. Memorable first RSC performances are recalled this week, with special emphasis on line flubs, urgent calls of nature, and sexual objectification. Plus, a special appearance by big-time Hollywood casting director Debra Zane. Ready for our close-up now, DZ! (Length 19:34)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 21: Happy Birthday Willy!

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:31:38 +0000

Celebrate William Q. Shakespeare's birthday with this collection of live performance readings from "Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide For The Attention-Impaired (abridged)". Also, excerpts from the BBC World Service's "Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show", the radio version of RSC Q&A, and a distinguished and plummy appearance by Dr. Peter Holland, McNeel Family Professor of Shakespeare Studies, University of Notre Dame. Now aren't you impressed? (Length 20:01)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 20: Up Your Peninsula!

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:31:30 +0000

Michigan's Upper Peninsula (the U.P.), the home of Michigan Tech University, where we performed "Hollywood (abridged)" and chatted with the audience for 45 minutes afterward. Featuring the #1 Law of Physical Comedy, the dangers of Bar Funny, shout-outs to all our London theatres, and a special appearance by RSC member Rachel Hamilton, now a cast member of NBC's "30 Rock"! (Length 20:22)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 19: Ch-Ch-Changes

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:18:41 +0000

RSC shows, they are a-changing! Featuring alternate Dutch book titles, clips from our "Bible (abridged)" and "RSC Radio Show" recordings, a rare deleted song verse, and a VERY rare sound clip from our TV film "The Ring Reduced"! Plus - a special appearance by Steven Weber, star of "Wings" and the (probably) late and (barely) lamented "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"!
(Length 19:40)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 18: Meet Dom Conti

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:21:08 +0000

Meet Dom Conti" What makes the man-child tick? Dominic Conti, our lanky athletic third, tells us who he is and why it's cool he has an orgy. Featuring mash notes to Chicago, quick answers to great questions, and a special appearance by Mike Bunin, one of the stars of the new sitcom "My Boys" on TBS. (Length 18:52)

3 Ways to Listen:
Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 17: An Average Day

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:28:27 +0000

Is there such a thing as a typical RSC day? Turns out no. Featuring down-time mis-adventures from the road, both here and abroad, Reduced Van Etiquette, and a special appearance by someone from FOX TV's "Beauty and the Geek" (here's a hint: he's neither one). (Length 17:40)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 16. Around the World

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:11:38 +0000

Barbados...Japan...Belgium...Holland... Tales of laughter in different languages, confused audiences, speaking in tongues, and full-service Liverpool hotels. Plus, good news about the Good Book, a backstage meeting with eager fans, and a special appearance from Westwood One Radio's Jim Bohannon! ¡Adios! (Length 19:25)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)
Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)
Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 15. The Earth Moved

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:39:10 +0000

RSC and Natural Disasters: an inevitable combination. The boys tell tales of earthquakes, floods, broken stages, and flat tires. Plus, tales of fictional "Reduced Shakespeare Companies," a special appearance by Fox TV's John Wilson, and a taste of "Armageddon." Was it good for you? (Length 19:00)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 14. RSC R U!

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:34:19 +0000

This pod's for you, the audience! Audiences are the fourth member of the RSC, so we offer tips on being the perfect audience, actual audience performances from RSC shows, audio listener feedback, and a special and completely unrelated appearance by David Starzyk from "Veronica Mars"! (Length 19:05)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 13. At The Movies

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:26:12 +0000

Our 1st Annual Oscar® Podcast! Featuring predictions, Reduced Rules of Hollywood, an excerpt from the Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show, an appearance from National Public Radio movie critic Bob Mondello, and the business acumen and harmonica stylings of CentreRep Artistic Director Michael Butler.(Length 19:05)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 12. Girls Gone RSC

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:56:27 +0000

The women of the RSC step down center. Featuring bizarre personal histories, amazing discoveries from the Reduced Warehouse, and just-plain-weird backstage slang. Plus, a special appearance from "Saturday Night Live"'s Rachel Dratch, writer and star of the upcoming major motion picture "Spring Breakdown"! (Length 21:00)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 11. Two Shows Running

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:15:51 +0000

Austin and Reed roam backstage at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, California, discussing the pleasures and pitfalls of performing two shows in rep. Plus, a profile of superfan Carla Kirk and her family (who have seen the RSC perform so many times we can't keep count), a Listener Voice Message, backstage details from Wardrobe Supervisor Liz Ftzpatrick, tips on line-learning, and a special appearance from starship captain and quantum leaper Scott Bakula! (Length 21:33)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: mp3 (Right click or Ctrl Click)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 10. Up The Creek

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:59:48 +0000

The RSC descends on Walnut Creek, California. Travel with Austin as he drives north, and hang with the guys backstage as they get ready for their first performance. Featuring tales of Hollywood auditions, theatre vs. TV salary, Dominic joins The Club, and a special appearance from Adam Felber, from NPR's "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me!" (Length 20:31)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 9. Presenting the Presenters!

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:03:52 +0000

LIVE! from Booth 134 of the APAP Conference. No, it's not a gynecological convention: Austin and Reed talk to Performing Arts Presenters from all over the country -- and it's much more interesting than it sounds! Featuring theatre marketing tips, the advantages of convention drinking, some RSC origins, RSC Q&A, the "Zeppo" of the RSC, and a special appearance by Jimmy Neutron! Plus, a brief intro to the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, California. (Length 18:56)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 8. Words Words Words!

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:56:56 +0000

Austin chats with RSC actor Michael Faulkner about how he teaches Shakespeare, and checks in with his own kids about what nasty words they've picked up. Also, a very special RSC Q&A with Adam Long, an excerpt from "The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show" (originally b'cast on the BBC World Service), and a war of non-Shakespearean words between Jerry Kernion and Matt Croke. (Length 21:51)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 7. Be A Clown!

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:44:24 +0000

Reed Martin and Matthew Croke share clown experiences from their days with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, and respond to criticism (badly). Also, an excerpt from the "Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show" (originally b'cast on the BBC World Service and available from iTunes), random fan shoutouts, RSC Q&A, and an appearance from "Star Trek: The Next Generation"'s Elizabeth Dennehy. Engage! (Length 19:15)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 6. Ladies & Germs!

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 18:03:53 +0000

Austin and Reed look back at jokes that tanked, gags that bombed and laughs that never were. Plus, a quick look at upcoming RSC tour hot-spots around the globe. And this week we have our first audio message from a listener! And of course, the usual hoopla - 150% more better! Guaranteed! (Length 19:02)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

RSC Podcasts make the Top Ten!

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 20:21:26 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcasts have been ranked in the Top Ten on I-Tunes in the US and the UK!

Check 'em out today! Podcasts

The Reviews Are In!

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:23:30 +0000

"One of the greatest, sustained pieces of physical comedy I have ever seen. Buy tickets now." BBC

Episode 5. Happy Old Year!

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:45:23 +0000

Austin asks RSC members to wax lyrical about favorite moments in 2006. Also, an excerpt from "The Reduced Shakespeare Company Round Table" originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 with Dominic Conti, Mick Orfe and Austin Tichenor. Plus a message from Brett Peasel, RSC Q&A, Random Shout-Out and more. (Length 23:05)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 4. A Little Dickens

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:28:02 +0000

Hosts Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin discuss what it's like to for once be actually home for the holidays, and look forward to upcoming holiday movies. Plus, an important warning about dreidel sharks, fan feedback, and the complete audio recording of "A Little Dickens - The Complete Christmas Carol (abridged)". (Length 19:35)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 3. Happy Wholesome Holidays

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 15:55:26 +0000

Host Austin Tichenor talks about Christmas in LA, speaks with DVDPlayground owner Matt Croke about what business is like this time of year, and premieres "Reduced Tales of Hollywood" with former RSC'er Dee Ryan, who talks about famous people from Lowell and describes her encounter with Jay Leno. Featuring Reed Martin's "Happy Wholesome Holiday Poem" and an appearance by Westwood One Radio's Jim Bohannon. (Length 19:41)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 2. On the Road

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 21:47:38 +0000

Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin host this podcast from Lowell, MA, on tour performing COMPLETELY HOLLYWOOD (abridged). Talk of digs on the road, the quest for food, an interview with Charles Towers (Artistic Director of Merrimack Rep), plus messages from listeners, the Mighty Boosh and more. (Length 20:04)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Episode 1. Who Are We?

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:44:28 +0000

Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin host the first ever Reduced Shakespeare Company podcast! They look back at the history of the company and take a look ahead at exciting things to come. (Length 19:56)

3 Ways to Listen:

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

60 Second Promo

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:29:16 +0000

Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin introduce the Reduced Shakespeare Company podcast! (Length 1:22)

Download: MP3 (Right click, or Ctrl Click for Macs)

Subscribe: It's Free! (and easy!)

Streaming Media: Real Media or Windows Media

Welcome!

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:10:47 +0000

It's All Things Reduced! The Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast Hosted by RSC Partners Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin. Austin and Reed take you behind the scenes of one of the world's most popular touring comedy troupes. Stay tuned!

Starting: Friday, December 8, 2006!

SPORTS Show Artwork Revealed!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:49:00 +0000
The RSC's seventh stage show The Complete World of Sports (abridged) won't premiere until September 2010, but we've put together our first round of brochure art.

Our booking agents Opus 3 Artists will be sending this initial image out to various venues to begin scheduling performances for Fall 2010/Winter-Spring 2011.

Enjoy this first taste of the newest latest greatest RSC show!