REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Episode 272. Meet Olivia Williams

austin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:46:15 +0000

Star of stage and screens both large and small Olivia Williams talks to RSC UK member John Schwab about what it’s like to work with such writer/director/auteurs such as Neil LaBute (In A Forest Dark and Deep), M. Night Shymalan (The Sixth Sense), Wes Anderson (Rushmore), Roman Polanski (The Ghost Writer), Joss Whedon (Dollhouse), and Kevin Costner (The Postman). Featuring definitive rules for aspiring young actresses, the joys of working with writer/directors, the kinds of rehearsing that don’t really help, the value of email for character research, a special appearance by Neil LaBute, information about The Leisure Society, the importance of hot rollers, and the curse of the twist! (Length 23:28)

Episode 271. Broadway’s Brad Oscar

austin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:02:58 +0000

LIVE! from famed Broadway eatery Joe Allen: Brad Oscar, who always wanted to act in Broadway musicals, talks about living the dream as a Tony-nominated actor playing great roles on Broadway and around the country. Brad discusses his training, his breaks, how he “maintains his instrument”, the challenges of understudying Nathan Lane, and shares his concentric circles theory of career advancement. Featuring a special appearance by Peter Finch of KGO Radio in San Francisco and a special reduced tribute to Whitney Houston. (Length 22:06)

Episode 270. Time Travel Tales

austin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:37:42 +0000

In honor of Groundhog Day last week, we swap favorite time travel stories with fellow nerd AJ Mass that run the gamut from Ray Bradbury, Jack Finney, and Stephen Fry to Eliza Dushku and Ashton Kucher. Featuring nods to precision, romance, 12 monkeys, gateway drugs, literary detectives, time-traveling Irish playwrights, open and closed universes, and the surprising double presence of Christopher Plummer. Heavy, doc. (Length 37:40)

Episode 269. Leaving Los Angeles

austin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:37:14 +0000

Sometimes you go where the work is; sometimes you leave where the work isn’t. This week we talk about “pursuing other opportunities” outside of Los Angeles and hear about self-evaluation, changing marketplaces, delayed encounters with David E. Kelley, and the magic of reinvention. Featuring strong opinions about actors’ unions SAG and AFTRA, a distant Matt Rippy warmup, and a special appearance by Adrian Scarborough from the new Upstairs/Downstairs. (Length 16:34)

Episode 268. Touring Lowell, Mass

austin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:17:39 +0000

John Dyson from Merrimack Repertory Theatre takes us on a driving tour of Lowell, Massachusetts (“the cradle of the industrial revolution!”) and shows us sites both historical and anecdotal. Featuring backstage details from the filming of The Fighter and The Invention of Lying, possible plot spoilers, insights into the sweet science, a special appearance by the man behind the men behind Rifftrax, wistful reminiscences of High On Crack Street, good times, bad times, and now, finally, great times. (Length 21:25)

Episode 267. Mick’s Alarming Premieres

austin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:39:58 +0000

There’s never a dull moment when Mick Orfe gives his first performance in an RSC show. Join us for dramatic tales of kidney stones, fire alarms, lost luggage, student matinees, delayed flights, and late arrivals. Featuring a special appearance from UK Media Superstar Lauren Laverne and reassuring reasons why there is no way to fail. (Length 19:01)

RSC RETURNS TO THE UK IN SUMMER 2012!

austin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:00:30 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company will return to the UK in the summer of 2012, performing a five week tour around the country and culminating in a limited (reduced!) six week season at London’s iconic Arts Theatre.

Timed to coincide with another international sporting event taking place in London this summer, the RSC will present the European premiere of its seventh “fast-moving and deeply funny” (Boston Globe) stage show, The Complete World of Sports (abridged).

“The pacing and timing are crackerjack. It’s hard not to grin all night – give ‘em a medal!” Washington Post

Delighted by critics and audiences alike, and starring the show’s creators and original cast, The Complete World of Sports (abridged) is a family-friendly, fast, funny, and physical tour de farce which reduces the entire history of athletic competition to a marathon of madness and mayhem, and along the way answers such questions as:

* Is darts really a sport?
* What does NASCAR stand for?
* Why do Americans insist on calling a contest in which only they compete a “World Series”?
* Who invented wife-carrying, bog-snorkeling, and cheese-rolling?
* And why aren’t they in the Olympics?

Whether it’s the ancient cavemen or the Classical Greeks, the Romans, the Elizabethans, or the modern sports media, The Complete World of Sports (abridged) brings you all the emotion, the drama and the random drug testing of sports.

“This frenetic show leaves you with a new appreciation for just how dull life would be had the idea of athletic competition never been invented.” New York Times

Fresh off a highly successful US tour and hugely popular runs in both New York and Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, the RSC’s five week UK tour begins at the York Theatre Royal, followed by stops in Buxton, Exeter, Newbury, Nottingham, Truro, Poole, Canterbury, Leamington Spa, Derby, Hereford, Rhyl, Barnsley, Salford, Basingstoke, Crawley, Bedford, and Tewkesbury before continuing on to the Arts Theatre in London. Click here for a complete list of dates, venues, and box office information.

The RSC’s return to the Arts Theatre marks a reunion of sorts, as the company performed a year-long run of its signature show The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) there in 1992-1993, before their almost ten year record-breaking three-shows-in-rep run of Shakespeare, The Complete History of America (abridged), and The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus from 1996 to 2005.

“The Complete World of Sports (abridged) owes as much to the insanity of Monty Python as to the inanity of actual sports programs.” Boston Globe

The company is thrilled to return to the UK after too long an absence. Let the games begin!

* Listen to creators and stars Reed Martin, Matt Rippy, and Austin Tichenor share their excitement on the award-nominated Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast here.
* Watch video excerpts of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) here.
* Like the Reduced Shakespeare Company on Facebook.
* Follow the Reduced Shakespeare Company on Twitter.
* To Buy Tickets for the Arts Theatre, click here.

For more information, please contact Paul Sullivan on 01932 570 582 or 07881 885 253 or by email at paul@paulsullivan.info.

Episode 266. Returning To England

austin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:59:53 +0000

It’s been too long! This summer we return to England for the European premiere of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) - just in time to coincide with some minor international sporting event that will apparently be there at the same time. Featuring the number of weeks we’ll be there (11), the places we’ll be playing (many), the West End theatre we’ll be returning to (not the one you probably think), memories of UK performances past, speculation about how the Olympics will affect West End ticket sales, a special appearance by Rich Fulcher from The Mighty Boosh, and excerpts from a live performance of the show. (Length 21:06)

Manifest Destiny! 2012-13 North American Tour…

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:00:57 +0000

We are now booking our 2012-13 North American Tour!

In Fall 2012 the RSC will tour the Special Election Edition of The Complete History of America (abridged) with daily updates from the presidential campaign trail plus an onstage Q&A featuring the presidential candidates. Here’s a new promo for the AMERICA show. For the holiday season the Reduced Shakespeare Company will be performing its first National Tour of The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). Here’s a sneak peak of the CHRISTMAS show. And in Spring 2013 the boys will be bringing The Complete World of Sports (abridged) back to America following its performances in England during the London Olympics. Here’s a look at the SPORTS show. If you’d like us to perform in your town, contact your local venue and tell them “I want my RSC!”

The Complete History of America (abridged) Trailer

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:05:13 +0000

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) Trailer!

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:51:39 +0000

Big Announcement Coming Jan. 9!

austin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:25:46 +0000

We are very excited to announce that, on January 9, we will announce something that we’re very excited to announce!

It has to do with our 2012 summer plans…but that’s all we can say. Until January 9.

If you have guesses – or suggestions! – leave them in the comments below.

But don’t forget to come back January 9!

Episode 265. Feast Or Famine

austin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:38:03 +0000

Reed and Austin talk about what a busy, hectic, and productive two years it’s been, and how weirdly similar 2012 will be. Featuring insight into the cyclical nature of theatre, tips on regeneration, a special appearance from Jon Weber, host of NPR’s Piano Jazz Rising Stars, and frustratingly vague references to our touring plans for summer 2012. (Length 15:34)

Episode 264. Box Office Records

austin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:29:38 +0000

Dan Berube, Marketing Manager for Merrimack Repertory Theatre, lists how many box office records The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) shattered during its four week run (Largest Pre-Sale, Largest Single Day Sale, Best-Selling Holiday Show, and #3 All-Time Best-Selling Show in MRT history), and also how many RSC shows are in MRT’s Top 25 Best-Selling Shows (SPOILER ALERT: all of them). Featuring excellent marketing strategies, the challenges of marketing single shows vs. entire seasons, theories about whether reviews matter, and the reasons why our record for #1 best-selling show in MRT’s history will probably never be broken. (Length 22:20)

Episode 263. ‘Ultimate Christmas’ Highlights

austin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:25:57 +0000

In this week leading up to Christmas (and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa) we bring you excerpts from The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), which just concluded its record-breaking run at Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Featuring music, laughter, gay apparel, evil villains (is there any other kind?), holiday cheer, and onstage miracles. Happy Merry Chrismakwanukkahanzakkah! (Length 24:33)

Episode 262. Talking About ‘Christmas’

austin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:23:21 +0000

After every Thursday night performance, Merrimack Repertory Theatre invites the audience to stick around afterwards and talk to the actors or writers or directors. In the case of our performance of The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) last week, the audience got all three. Featuring information on costumes you’ll need to see to believe, sweeping generalizations, the value of tie-breakers, how to draw the line between offensive and hysterical, and our favorite and most moving ’12 Days of Christmas’ contribution. (Length 22:14)

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) MRT Promo!

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:02:23 +0000

Episode 261. Adjustments and Reactions

austin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:41:51 +0000

We begin our sixth year of weekly podcasting talking about the changes we’re making to The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) and the reactions we’re getting from old friends and fans. Featuring the challenges of pleasing both new audiences and old fans, walking the line of reverence and irreverence, and the differences between lurkers and stalkers. (Length 21:38)

Episode 260. ‘Christmas’ Opening Weekend

austin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:59:28 +0000

Come backstage and to the opening night party of our production of The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) at Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Featuring tongue fumbles, lap catches, second-act letdowns, fond appraisals, more great Christmas music from guitarist Eric Essix, answered prayers, early critical appraisal, opening night rituals, walking the line between reverent and irreverent, and a little Rippy Diddley. (Length 26:17)

RSC Newsletter – Out Now!

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:36:49 +0000

The Official Reduced Shakespeare Company Newsletter – the RSC Reader – is out now! If you haven’t signed up to receive this free newsletter full of pointless reduced facts designed to clutter your tiny little mind, what are you waiting for?!?

‘Ultimate Christmas’ Shatters Sales Records!

austin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:15:27 +0000

Even before The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) opened November 25, 2011 at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA, it set a box office record.

According to Dan Berube, MRT Marketing Manager, the Reduced Shakespeare Company set MRT’s all-time pre-opening box office record. More tickets were sold prior to our first performance of The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) than to any other show in the history of Merrimack Repertory Theatre.

This is in addition to the record we already set back in 2004-2005 when our production of The Complete History of America (abridged) set MRT’s all-time single-ticket sales record. We have our eye on that record too.

Episode 259. Backstage at ‘Spiderman’

austin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:35:11 +0000

Veteran actor Ken Marks talks about creating the role of Uncle Ben in the infamous musical Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark. Ken talks about the dangers and the adventure of not only surviving the huge technical spectacle that is the physical production of Spiderman, but the creation of the musical as well. Featuring important backstage safety tips and a special holiday appearance from jazz guitarist Eric Essix. (Length 19:55)

Episode 258. Meeting Howard Sherman

austin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:28:16 +0000

Theatre pundit and arts blogger Howard Sherman discusses the powers of social media, the value of backstage access, and the evolving nature of arts communications. Featuring behind-the-scenes tidbits from the American Theatre Wing‘s Downstage Center Podcast and suggested tag lines for self-branding. (Length 22:02)

Episode 257. New Victory Programming

austin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:46:16 +0000

The New Victory Theatre in New York City presents fantastic theatre for all ages that is daring, challenging, entertaining, and (most importantly) affordable. Director of Programming Mary Rose Lloyd talks about the kind of work she sees all over the world, how she’s able to bring it to New York, the power of theatre to challenge and provoke, as well as the responsibility (appropriately enough, since Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark is playing right next door) to keep it entertaining and appropriate. (Length 20:25)

Episode 256. We Review ‘Anonymous’

austin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:11:54 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company took time off from its successful run of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) at the New Victory Theatre in New York City to aim its satirical guns at the much-debated film “Anonymous” and the theories that underlie it.

Joined by theatrical pundit and raconteur Howard Sherman, the members of the RSC (Reed Martin, Matt Rippy, Austin Tichenor, and office manager Alli Bostedt) improvised their review and analysis immediately after the film in the offices of the New Victory Theater.

The RSC has reduced all of American history, the Bible, all the great books, Hollywood’s greatest films, and the complete world of sports, in addition to the show that started it all The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). In November 2011, the RSC will premiere its eighth stage show The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA.

Howard Sherman is an arts management consultant, blogger and Twitter aficionado who has held executive and staff positions with a variety of companies, including the American Theatre Wing, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Goodspeed Musicals and Hartford Stage. He blogs at www.2amtheatre.com and tweets as @hesherman.

Listen and leave comments below. Tickets for The Complete World of Sports (abridged) at the New Victory are available here, and tickets for The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) at Merrimack Repertory Theatre are available here. (Length 26:53)

Episode 255. Finding The Line

austin — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:21:23 +0000

Comedians walk the line of appropriateness all the time, but sometimes the line changes. We discuss the (surprisingly few) changes we made to make The Complete World of Sports (abridged) appropriate for our run at the family-friendly New Victory Theatre. Featuring serious conversations about immature euphemisms, chains of responsibility, and how we get to have our laughs and eat them too. WARNING: Contains immature language. (Length 21:06)

Episode 254. Being An Understudy

austin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:02:36 +0000

When Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor directed the non-RSC cast in the premiere of The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), Kyle Stoner, Phil Ferrero, and Rafael Manzo were the understudies, and they talk about what it’s like to rehearse a script that’s still being written, and when improv works and when it doesn’t. We’ll also hear from Jennifer King, artistic director of Napa Valley Conservatory Theatre, and our own Reed Martin, who shares his understudy adventures. (Length 21:10)

We’re in AMERICAN THEATRE Magazine!

austin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:27:28 +0000

Check us out in the October 2011 Season Preview Issue.

Episode 253: RSC On NPR

austin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:10:44 +0000

We performed excerpts from “The Complete World of Sports (abridged)” on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” this summer, and in anticipation of our run at the New Victory Theatre in New York, herewith are excerpts of the excerpts! Featuring impressive trivia, the differences between baseball and cricket, the dulcet tones of host Neal Conan, and insight into which sport is measured in sewers. (Length 27:57)

OMG! RSC in NYC, PDQ!

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 23:01:02 +0000

It Might Be the BIG Apple… but there’s a REDUCED price! (Available only for a SHORT time)

The Reduced Shakespeare Company returns to The New Victory Theater (New York’s theater for kids and families… and those who refuse to act their age) for a three week run of The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Austin, Matt and Reed are ready to once again tackle life’s big questions: Is bowling really a sport? Who invented curling? How DOES one get to the Subway Series?

The New Vic is running a special offer for RSC fans who step up to the plate now: 15% off any performance, any seat if purchased by Oct 21st. Click here or call 646-223-3010 and ask to join “TeamRSC.”
Tickets: $12-32.

Tickets may also be purchased at the New Victory Box Office at 209 West 42nd Street, NYC. Standard restrictions apply; not valid on previously purchased tickets.

Tickets >
Reviews >

1st Look: Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)

austin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:32:09 +0000

Reed Martin, Matt Rippy, and Austin Tichenor posed for some press shots in front of the set for their latest minimum opus The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). Pretty darn festive, ain’t it?

The RSC production of The Ultimate Christmas Carol (abridged) premieres at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre from November 25 – December 18. Come see us!

Episode 252. Acting Our Scripts

austin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:33:07 +0000

Dodds Delzell, Dan Saski, and Chad Yarish have performed many of our “Complete (abridged)” scripts with various theatre companies in the northern San Francisco Bay Area. They acted in the very first non-RSC productions of “The Complete World of Sports (abridged)” and “The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)” and discuss the differences between doing it with us and doing it on their own. Featuring the incalculable value of long-term acting relationships, and the dangers of conducting a podcast interview with a rabid 49′ers fan. (Length 20:56)

In The Beginning…

austin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:03:42 +0000

Episode 251. After It’s Written

austin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:44:32 +0000

What does a playwright do after the script is completed? We have no idea. But we know what WE do with our “Complete (abridged)” scripts after they’re written. Featuring the value of opinions from the right people, the value of casting the right people, and the value of knowing when it’s finished (and when it’s not). (Length 20:12)

Episode 250. Martin & Tichenor

austin — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 20:14:44 +0000

Which comes first: the lyrics or the melody? Who writes the funny stuff and who creates the structure? Playwriting team Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor reveal these and other secrets as they talk about who brings what to the table when creating their seven (and counting) “Complete (abridged)” scripts. Featuring the magic of collaboration, the value of keeping it real while wearing ridiculous costumes, and the 100% guaranteed foolproof failsafe way to tell whether you’re doing one of their scripts correctly. (MP3. Length 25:14)

Episode 249. Writer Brian Stack

austin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:37:13 +0000

Second City alum Brian Stack has been a writer for Conan O’Brien since 1997, and he talks about his rise from improvising in Chicago to Emmy Award-winning comedy writing in New York and Los Angeles. Featuring advice on creating submission packets, backstage insight into the Jay Leno/Conan Tonight Show controversy, a plug for the documentary “Second To None”, confessions of a movie nerd, and the value of the freedom to fail. (MP3. Length 22:39)

Quick Quiz!

admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 23:05:44 +0000

Answer correctly and win a prize!

Question: Name four states that end with an “A.”

If you said (or thought… or have heard of…) Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and California – you win! And the prize is … the RSC will perform in all those states this Fall! Click here for details!

RSC, RSC in NY, NY

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:20:59 +0000

New Yorkers love their sports and they love their theater. So look out Big Apple! The Reduced Shakespeare Company will combine NYC’s two favorites pastimes when they return to the New Victory Theatre from October 21 – November 6 with The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Hey, they’ll be playing the World Series at the same time the RSC will be performing in New York! Maybe the World Series will feature the Yankees versus the Mets. Well, maybe the Yankees anyway.

Tickets >
Reviews >

RSC on NPR

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:18:43 +0000

While performing The Complete World of Sports (abridged) at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC this summer the RSC boys spoke with Neil Conan on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation.” Comic hijinx ensued. Listen and you just might be amused.

Listen >

The Complete History of the RSC (abridged)

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:10:56 +0000

The RSC is having a 30th Anniversary Party and you are invited! Okay, technically the party already happened, but you are invited to join in the fun via the magic of webcasting. Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor got together with RSC Founding Members Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield on the site of the old Northern California Renaissance Faire in Novato, CA to reminisce and Jess recorded the event. The RSC’s original Prop and Costume Goddess, Sa Winfield, joined in the fun. Click here to watch the shocking untold story of the RSC. Okay, okay. It’s not all that shocking.

Link to Edited Webcast >
Audio Highlights! >

Episode 248. Matson V. Croke

austin — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:42:47 +0000

It’s He Said/He Said as our good friends Matt Croke and Bill Matson testify about what happened to Bill’s pristine first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Featuring photographic evidence, conflicting testimony, medically-suspicious eye-rolling, and the value of stories, literature, and books. Even destroyed ones. (Length 20:04)

Episode 247. Folger Shakespeare Director

austin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:12 +0000

Michael Witmore is the new (and appropriately named) director of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, and shares his enthusiastic insight into how Shakespeare opens doors into other worlds, why original annotated texts are awesome, why the humanities matter, how Shakespeare got away with what he did, why the Folger is ‘scholar heaven’, and what makes Shakespeare both one of a kind — and one of us. (MP3. Length 24:46)

Episode 246. 30th Anniversary Continued

austin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:43:28 +0000

Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor reunite with Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield, and Sa Winfield in Part Two of the highlights from our 30th Anniversary Webcast. (Part One can be heard here.) Featuring tales of strange opening acts, personal meltdowns, fantastic timing from Japanese monsters, why our company initials were briefly SSC, backwards encore bit origins, the dangers of forward flips, the identity of the ‘George Washington of the RSC’, questions from our live uStream Webcast viewers, early stabs at Shakespearean reduction, and the pleasures of Googling yourself. (246-30th-Anniversary-Continued.mp3. Length 41:04)

Episode 245. 30th Anniversary Webcast

austin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:40:50 +0000

August 8, 2011 was the 30th anniversary of the very first performance by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, so we joined founding members Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield, and Sa Winfield on the actual site (it’s now a golf course) for our very first live webcast to honor that momentous event. Part one of the audio highlights features comparisons between Hamlets old and new, the perils and pitfalls of performing at Renaissance Faires, early rejected RSC names, the origins of “green jello,” and the artistic benefits of pure old-fashioned greed. (Length 32:57)

Episode 244. ‘Comedy’ Done Right

austin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:33:13 +0000

RSC member Jerry Kernion talks about his recent performance as both Dromios (Dromiii?) in A Noise Within‘s hit production of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, and also takes us behind the scenes of Cirque du Soleil‘s ill-fated foray onto the proscenium stage, Banana Shpeel. Featuring specifics, precision, a special appearance by ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, and great artistry in support of silliness. (MP3. Length 23:42)

Our First Live Webcast!

austin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:31:50 +0000

Current RSC members Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor are joined by founding members Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield – and original props goddess Sa Winfield – as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of the very first performance by those upstarts from California, the Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Join in Monday August 8, 2011, from 3-5 pm PST (that’s Pacific Shakespeare Time) on the RSC’s uStream Channel. Participate, ask questions, and listen to reminiscences, war stories, and embarrassing anecdotes. The stream will also be archived for later viewing and the audio will be edited down for a future episode of the RSC Podcast.

Twitter followers can also join in by asking questions using the hashtag #RSC30. Hope to see you there!

Episode 243. Meet Scott Simon

austin — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:20:50 +0000

Broadcaster, journalist, novelist, inveterate tweeter, and now (gasp) playwright, National Public Radio’s Scott Simon discusses his recent novels, upcoming projects, and the degree to which his Chicago background informs his work. Featuring Scott’s tribute to the Windy City, insight into the intriguing differences between his various jobs, a special appearance by comedian Tim Minchin, surprising empathy towards lowly life forms, and reflection on anchoring the live broadcast of the events of 9/11. (MP3. Length 20:47)

Fast Funny Physical. Brevity is the soul of wit!

admin — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:19:17 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp comedies. The “Bad Boys of Abridgement” have created seven stage shows, two television specials, several failed TV pilots, and numerous radio pieces – all of which have been performed, seen, and heard the world over.

Since its 1981 origins as a pass-the-hat act in California, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has created seven stage shows, two television specials, several failed TV pilots, and numerous radio pieces – all of which have been performed, seen, and heard the world over. The company’s itinerary has included stops at the White House, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, London’s West End, Seattle Repertory Theatre, American Repertory Theatre and Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival, as well as performances in Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Malta, Belgium, The Netherlands, Singapore and Bermuda – plus countless civic and university venues throughout the USA, Great Britain and Ireland. The company’s first three shows, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged) and The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) ran for nine years at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. They were London’s longest-running comedies, and the RSC had more shows running in the West End than Andrew Lloyd Webber. They were also funnier.

The “Bad Boys of Abridgment” unveiled a brand-new show in 2010: The Complete World of Sports (abridged), which reduces every sport ever played on every continent in the entire history of the world. It’s got balls. They also condensed literature into a 90-minute roller-coaster ride in All The Great Books (abridged), which has played to great acclaim at the Kennedy Center, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seattle’s ACT Theatre, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival, as well as Great Britain, Holland, Ireland, and Sweden (in Swedish!).

They also applied their fast, funny and physical approach to World History in Western Civilization: The Complete Musical (abridged) [original title: The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)], which toured simultaneously in the US, UK and Australia, and the Movies in Completely Hollywood (abridged), which skewers the 197 greatest films of all time and has received critical acclaim across the US, UK, Belgium, Holland, Hong Kong, and Barbados.

For television, the RSC compressed the first five seasons of Lost into a ten-minute film called Lost Reduced, and was a Jeopardy! category in the 2005 and 2006 Tournaments of Champions. They wrote and starred in The Ring Reduced, a half-hour version of Wagner’s Ring Cycle for Channel 4 (UK), and reduced the Edinburgh Festival for BBC and the soap opera Glenroe for RTE Ireland. Shakespeare (abridged) aired on PBS and is available on DVD, as is America (abridged). Numerous other TV appearances include NBC’s Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, Entertainment Tonight, CNN’s Showbiz This Week, and New Zealand’s Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (they lost).

For National Public Radio, the RSC has been heard on All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, Talk of the Nation, Day to Day, West Coast Live, and To The Best of Our Knowledge. The BBC World Service commissioned the six-part Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show. The Reduced Shakespeare Company Christmas was heard on Public Radio International.

RSC scripts are published in the US and UK, and translated into over a dozen languages. The Radio Show, RSC Christmas, and Millennium Musical (abridged) are all available on CD and from iTunes.

The RSC won the prestigious Shorty Award and has been nominated for an Olivier Award in London, two Helen Hayes Awards in Washington, DC, the SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award, and several podcast awards. RSC scripts are published in the US and UK, and translated into over a dozen languages. The RSC Radio Show, RSC Christmas, and Bible (abridged) are all available on CD and from iTunes. Broadway Play Publishing publishes their scripts. The RSC also creates unique entertainments for corporate events, working with such companies as Sky-TV, Time Magazine, Motorola, Citibank, and Rotary International.

Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Readers Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged) (Hyperion) is available in bookstores everywhere. And the free 20-minute Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast is available every week at iTunes and here on our website.

In November 2011, the RSC will premiere its eighth theatrical minimum opus, The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA.

The Complete World of Sports (abridged) Video Highlights!

admin — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:18:54 +0000

The Complete World of Sports (abridged) Promo Video, or rather, Video Highlights, is now available on the Reduced Shakespeare Company YouTube Channel. This teaser for our newest production was shot in Richardson, TX by cameraman/soundman/superman Trey Derbes (see: www.treyderbes.com).

Episode 242. We Have Consensus!

austin — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:23:27 +0000

We review the reviews we’ve received for The Complete World of Sports (abridged) and delight in reading the raves and criticizing the critics. Featuring “childlike glee,” an obscure Andy Griffith/Don Knotts reference, “delicious anarchy,” a special appearance by Neal Conan from National Public Radio, and our “usual lack of shame”. WARNING: CONTAINS GLOATING. (MP3. Length 20:32)

Episode 241. The Kennedy Center

austin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:25:44 +0000

Max Woodward, the Vice-President for Theatre Programming at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, talks about how he programs and fills this fantastic venue. Featuring the dedication to un-reduced productions, the luxury of resources, the privilege of both presenting and producing, the glory of programming festivals honoring such artists as Sondheim, Williams, and Wilson, and the value of getting in on the ground floor. (MP3. Length 17:33)

Washington DC – We Have a Consensus!

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:13:06 +0000

Folks in Washington DC don’t agree on much this summer. But they are unanimous in their delirious enjoyment of the DC premiere of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre. Here’s what the critics have to say:

Washington Post: “The pacing and timing are crackerjack. It’s hard not to grin all night, so give ’em a medal: Who’s gonna beat their time in a comic sprint?” Read Review

Washington Examiner: “Delicious anarchy.” Read Full Review

Washingtonian: “A fresh, zany, and entertaining take on the international obsession with competitive sports.” Read Review

Northern Virginia Magazine: “Sports fans will like this show. Sports haters will love this show.” Read Review

DC Theatre Scene: “A snappy comic romp. The RSC tear into their heady task with childlike glee.” Read Review

Maryland Theatre Guide gives 5 stars: ”Genius! Fantastically sharp humor.” Read Review

RSC Live on NPR: Talk of the Nation, July 12, 3pm

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:07:08 +0000

That’s right! The Bad Boys of Abridgement appeared, so to speak, LIVE on NPR’s Talk of the Nation, today at 3pm ET to talk about our new show, The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Listen to Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor and Matt Rippy field questions from a live stadium audience and generally wax lyrical about the thrill of victory and the agony of our feet – as we explore the wide world of sports! So set your clocks and hitch up your socks! The Reduced Shakespeare Company is comin at ya!

Listen to RSC on NPR >

Episode 240. Final ‘Hollywood’ Thoughts

austin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:53:15 +0000

On the night of our final performance of Completely Hollywood (abridged) at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, we reflect on how it’s changed and matured, its uniquely high level of absurdity, its surprising number of character laughs, and whether we’ll ever perform it again. Featuring a special appearance by Dan Raviv from CBS News, an invitation to license and perform the script, and the beauty and sophistication of pulling a face. Final thoughts…for now. (MP3. Length 17:19)

Episode 239. DC For Kids

austin — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:04:04 +0000

We love playing the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in the summer because we get to bring our kids. This week we find out what’s fun to do in DC if you’re a kid, and discover zip line safety tips, the semi-permanence of temporary exhibits, gateway card games, a special appearance by Holly Morris from Fox Morning News, and the difference between a grownup’s and a child’s definition of ‘fun’. (MP3. Length 18:31)

RSC on MYFOXDC!

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:22:53 +0000

In case you have NOT been glued to your TV watching MyFox DC, never fear – the Reduced Shakespeare Company can be seen here! Or better yet, come down to the Kennedy Center and experience all the gags and glory – live!

Holly Morris – Reduced Shakespeare Company: MyFoxDC.com

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You…

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:56:12 +0000

… but what you can do for the Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Come see us perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC between now and July 24. It’s Completely Hollywood (abridged) at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater through July 3, followed by the Washington DC premiere of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) from July 5-24. The Washington Post said this about “Completely Hollywood (abridged)”:

“(This) smart, timely satire sent a Kennedy Center audience into regular peals of near-hysterical laughter.” The Washington Post

Tickets to HOLLYWOOD > OR Tickets to SPORTS >

Episode 238. Actor J.K. Simmons

austin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:25:11 +0000

Famed character actor (and not famous author) J.K. Simmons discusses his incredibly varied and interesting career, including fascinating backstage glimpses from the sets of Oz, Juno, The Closer, and a little thing called Spiderman. Featuring the relationship between music and acting, the value of interpreting the script and working with great directors, the sweetest job ever (no pun intended), questionable advice for young actors, and a reduced “Trouble”-off. (MP3. Length 32:19)

Episode 237. San Jose Repertory

austin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:38:04 +0000

Now in his third year as Artistic Director of San Jose Repertory Theatre, Rick Lombardo reflects on the institution he inherited, his evolution from grad student to free lancer to artistic director, and the cultural differences between New England and Silicon Valley. Featuring the cutoff point for being a wunderkind and testimony to the communal value and power of theatre. (MP3. Length 24:23)

Episode 236. Meet Ian Gomez

austin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:05:52 +0000

Second City alum, character actor, improviser, TV star, and couch potato Ian Gomez talks about the wide range of roles he’s played, and how he managed to feature in not one but two landmark pop-culture weddings. Featuring backstage dirt from Cougar Town and Felicity, the challenge of keeping it real while keeping it huge, his transformation into and out of a gay icon, and the value of respecting the freak-out. (MP3. Length 20:55)

Episode 235. Mile High Podcast

austin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:44:26 +0000

LIVE! from Air New Zealand flight #2 from Auckland to Los Angeles. It’s a media circus as our in-flight recording session is interrupted by a film crew documenting Air New Zealand’s new staff uniforms. Featuring travel ritual revelations, important safety tips, a few unfortunate skips in the recording, and the safety consciousness of Richard Simmons. (Here’s the Air NZ safety video we wish we could have seen.) Window or aisle? (MP3. Length 19:53)

Episode 234. Pub Quiz, Hotshot

austin — Tue, 31 May 2011 04:17:24 +0000

In our tours of New Zealand’s finest drinking establishments, we discovered both office manager Alli Bostedt and stage manager Davey Naylor are avid devotees of the pub quiz. We learn what goes into the making and taking of pub quizzes and participate (woefully) in our own. Featuring incredibly important trivia, a chance to win something reduced, shout-outs to our local pubs, pub quiz etiquette, Top Gun spoilers, idiosyncratic Trivial Pursuit nomenclature, and the perils of not knowing your Autobots. (MP3. Length 20:18)

Episode 233. Touring New Zealand

austin — Mon, 23 May 2011 11:05:14 +0000

We return to New Zealand for the first time since 1994, for our first national tour and the antipodean premiere of Completely Hollywood (abridged). Featuring new sport discoveries, scarce internet, truly international Irish pubs, and reports of RSC Royal Wedding festivities from all over the globe. Fresh as a fortnight ago’s headlines! (MP3. Length 17:29)

Episode 232. Quantum Enterprise Man

austin — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:03:03 +0000

You never forget your first starship captain. Scott Bakula, star of Quantum Leap, Enterprise, and Men of a Certain Age, talks about his varied career and reveals where he falls on both the nerd spectrum and the ladder of celebrity. Featuring outrageous camera angles, Scott’s brushes with fellow Starfleet captains, possible Jonathan Archer catch-phrases, his sordid past musicalizing Shakespeare, and fantastic endings. (MP3. Length 26:54)

Episode 231. A Hearty Bookfest

austin — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:02:34 +0000

We made our second straight appearance at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, reading from Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged), All The Great Books (abridged), Completely Hollywood (abridged), and The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Featuring crazy live laughter, ambient traffic noise, a special appearance from Ian Gomez (from Cougar Town and Felicity), and unnecessary attacks on both Harry Potter and the University of $outhern California. (MP3. Length 22:46)

Episode 230. Sassy Gay Friend

austin — Mon, 02 May 2011 22:53:53 +0000

The Sassy Gay Friend is an internet sensation, and creator/star/writer Brian Gallivan discusses his fabulous character’s surprising impact. Featuring literary and pop culture inspirations, how the SGF will come to your community, a special appearance by Man vs Food host Adam Richman, and how a simple little sketch idea can go viral. (MP3. Length 18:00)

Episode 229. Our Christmas Show

austin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:31:38 +0000

Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor announce the RSC’s eighth stage show (which premieres at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in November 2011) and discuss why the show was chosen and what will go into its creation. Featuring how much material from our Christmas CD will be re-gifted, how to walk that line between irreverent and heart-warming, and how to sing just enough so that audiences want you to sing more. (MP3. Length 20:04)

Episode 228. We’re Catching Up

austin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:34:09 +0000

Multi-hyphenate RSC Office Manager Alli Bostedt catches us up on how she manages to juggle her many duties while she’s on the road. Also, Dominic Conti catches us up on all the awards our friends’ web series The Best Friend won at LA WebFest. And we catch up with our many listeners who let us know their most intimate podcast rituals. Featuring an unnecessary Jackson Browne tangent and tips on how interested folks can get involved with the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Prepare to be blown away by the glamour of show business. (MP3. Length 23:01)

Episode 227. Sharing Lisa’s Story

austin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:58:55 +0000

Long-time RSC member Matthew Croke kept a journal during his wife Lisa’s battle with cancer while at the same time being pregnant with their third child. Now, Matt’s trying to publish his journal to share his experience with others. Matt returned to the RSC (briefly) to talk about how therapeutic the journal was, how helpful it was for him and his girls, and how inspiring he hopes it will be for others. Featuring surprising amounts of comedy and information about how you can help share Lisa Croke’s story via Kickstarter.com. (MP3. Length 21:43)

Episode 226. Going ‘Upstairs Downstairs’

austin — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:30:12 +0000

Olivier Award-wining actor Adrian Scarborough returns to the RSC Podcast (hear his first appearance here) to talk about playing Pritchard the Butler in the new Upstairs Downstairs, which premieres in the U.S. this week on Masterpiece Theatre. Featuring a backstage glimpse at this highly-anticipated sequel, the differences between up and down, an appreciation of fellow thespians, the joys of ensemble acting, some reasons why he is continually being typecast as servants, and further appreciation of The Thighs of Matthew MacFadyen. (MP3. Length 22:42)

Episode 225. Sophomoric, N’est-ce Pas?

austin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:43:19 +0000

On our drive across America’s heartland, we pass the time debating the highs and lows of high and low comedy. Featuring definitions of the word sophomoric; celebrations of satire; a special appearance by legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning sports photographer Stan Grossfeld; a sexy, sensual, and smooth station ID for Lush 99.5 FM in Singapore; and important distinctions between being childish and childlike. (MP3. Length 18:24)

Episode 224. Just ‘Showing Up’

austin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:42:00 +0000

Actor James Morrison talks about the movie he’s directed, an homage to the working-class actor called “Showing Up: A Conversation About The Actor’s Audition”. Featuring revelations about what actors go through, why actors are like baseball players (no, not because of the steroids), how actors can wield what power they have, a surprisingly spiritual detour, and where everyone (not just actors) can present their true authentic selves. (Spoiler alert: Everywhere.) (MP3. Length 19:59)

Episode 223. Live From Zaandam!

austin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:16:26 +0000

Davey Naylor, Matt Rippy, Jeff Marlow, Tiger Reel, and Jan Duyn take time out of their busy touring schedule to reveal their day-to-day adventures on the road in Belgium and Holland. Featuring tales of Carnival, the ideal place for calling a show, an actual Dutch review read aloud in English through the magic of Google Translate, and tips on how to scream with a Dutch accent. (MP3. Length 18:46)

Episode 222. The Best Friend

austin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:09:14 +0000

Marilyn Anne Michaels and Allie Smith are the creators and stars of The Best Friend, a very funny web series (featuring in a small role our own Dominic Conti, who also co-wrote a few episodes). Allie and Marilyn reveal how they create the series and manage to talk so many fantastic creative collaborators into doing phenomenal work for almost-nothing. Check out this cool buddy comedy, which won “Outstanding Comedy Series” at the 2011 LA WebFest! (MP3. Length 22:11)

Episode 221. Ginger Stage Manager

austin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:07:08 +0000

European stage manager Davey Naylor shares his background, expertise, and adventures working with the RSC. Featuring lessons learned at Drama School, breakdowns of American and European sport, making a living on the Internet, massive and geeky dedication to fantasy sports websites, and fantastic insight into how to work for the RSC for a very long time. (Hint: Be invaluable.) (MP3. Length 19:17)

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Feb Issue of Reduced Reader Now Released!

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:15:30 +0000

If ya wanna catch the latest hoopla on all things Reduced, then click HERE now to read the latest edition of The Reduced Shakespeare Company Reader! Here’s a little taste of what you’ll find in this Reduced Reader smorgasbord:

RSC hits EU! SHAKESPEARE in Belgium / Holland
HOLLYWOOD SHOW now in PRINT!
NEW SPORTS show gets SPRING TOUR FEVER!
TOUR DATES, LINKS & More….

If you would like to have the Reduced Reader delivered straight into your inbox, sign up today!

Episode 220.5. Special Oscar Edition

austin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:43:19 +0000

On this special extra episode, we predict this year’s tight Oscar race. Featuring a special appearance from National Public Radio movie critic Bob Mondello, and film analysis he’d be embarrassed to be associated with. (MP3. Length 9:33)

Episode 220. Genuine Shakespeare Nerds

austin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:37:14 +0000

What happens when real Shakespeare actors have to perform the (abridged) and [revised] Complete Works? Tiger Reel and Jeff Marlow explain the difficulties as they prepare for our tour of Belgium and Holland, and reveal the connection between Shakespeare and science-fiction, how this tour is a special homecoming, and preview a record-breaking excerpt from the Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show. (MP3. Length 18:24)

Episode 219. Long Distance Dedication

austin — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:36:41 +0000

For Valentine’s Day we send out long distance dedications to our listeners – and from our listeners. Featuring global statistics, favorite body parts, a special appearance from Lavinia Tan from Lush 99.5 in Singapore, emails from listeners, the smooth groovy sounds of guitarist Eric Essix, and exclusive news of foreign productions and tours. You heard it here first! (MP3. Length 19:19)

Episode 218. City of Champions

austin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:28:18 +0000

Even though the Steelers didn’t win Super Bowl XLV, Pittsburgh is still a city of champions. Specifically, Quidditch champions. We talk to a couple of their players, and answer questions about improv, play development, and why we have to do so much gosh-darn running. (MP3. Length 17:52)

Why The Shorty Awards Are Important

austin — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:25:35 +0000

In 2010, the Reduced Shakespeare Company won the prestigious Shorty Award, which honors “the best producers of short (140 characters or less) real-time content.” Translated, that means the award is given to the person or company who uses and exploits the social network Twitter to its maximum effect. The Shorty Awards have been called “the Oscars of Twitter” by CNN and USA Today.

We were honored and thrilled — and we’d like to win again.

Here are the two main reasons:

1. Winning the Shorty Award enhances our profile. The higher our profile, the more well-known we become, and the greater chance there is a theatre near you will want to book us!

2. Who else should win a Shorty Award but a Reduced Shakespeare Company?! We’ve been producers of reduced content for years.

Please nominate us for a Shorty Award in the #culturalinstitution category by clicking here. Anybody with an active Twitter account can vote (you can’t just create a Twitter account to vote, they’re too clever to allow that). Finalists are judged not only on the quality of their Tweets, but also the number and quality of your votes! So when you go to the Shorty Awards website and fill in the vote box (“I vote for @reduced for a Shorty Award in #culturalinstitution because…”), please make the reason cool and brief!

Numbers count too. As of today, we have over 4000 Followers! If only ten percent of you vote, we’ll win.

Check out the Shorty Awards. Vote for @reduced in #culturalinstitution before Friday, February 11, 11:59 pm EST. Give a good creative reason.

And check out the other nominees, in all the categories. There are some fantastic folks out there.

Episode 217. Keeping Austin Weird

austin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:50:52 +0000

What keeps Austin weird? (We’re talking about the city in Texas, of course, not the RSC actor.) Our first trip to the Texas state capitol allowed us to sample this great college town and discover it’s not only weird, its bats; make sweeping generalizations and obscure Ghostbuster references; perform spot-on accent work; hear a special appearance from Fightin’ Lumberjack baseball coach Johnny Cardenas; and find out about Austin’s favorite son/daughter. (MP3. Length 18:34)

Episode 216. Pittsburgh Public Theatre

austin — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:54:48 +0000

A backstage look at one of our favorite artistic homes! Featuring interviews with Artistic Director Ted Pappas, Education Director/Playwright Rob Zellers, a tribute to the theater’s longevity, a diagnosis of what makes this great city tick, a focus on building a future, remembrances of two PPT premieres (Completely Hollywood (abridged) and Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)) and the glories of student matinees. (MP3. Length 18:54)

Episode 215. Touring In January

austin — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:32:59 +0000

It was a week right out of Planes, Trains, & Automobiles as we attempted to dodge winter storms. Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor, Matt Rippy, and stage manager Elaine Randolph regale us with tales of canceled flights and performances, lost luggage and personnel, impromptu trains, rescheduled hotels, and rerouted trunks. Featuring some impressive stats, great customer service (via Twitter), help from all over the country, and weapons of plastic destruction. (MP3. Length 22:37)

Episode 214. Big Year Ahead

austin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:01:19 +0000

Join us for a quick preview of our upcoming 2011 tour dates. Featuring expert advice on how to get the RSC booked in a venue near you, some unacceptably teasing hints, a special appearance by Christopher Rawson, the chairman of the American Theatre Critics Association, and horrible and unforgivable butchering of Dutch and Belgian names. (MP3. Length 19:54)

Episode 213A. “Sports (abridged)” Promo

austin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:15:27 +0000

If you haven’t been lucky enough to see our seventh stage show, get your first glimpse at our favorite moments from The Complete World of Sports (abridged) in this promotional video we just put together. This video will be handed out to presenters attending the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference this weekend in New York City, but through the magic of the intranetwebs, you can see it too! (M4V. Length 3:47)

Episode 213. Epic Two-Parter

austin — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:53:15 +0000

The interview so long it took two years to complete! This week: the conclusion to last week’s conversation with Roy Conli, the producer of Tangled, Disney’s 50th animated feature. Featuring wisdom from the Nine Old Men, the value of seeing the windows to the soul, and the counter-intuitive notion that computer-generated animation can only go to the next level by going old-school. (Listen to Part One of this conversation here.) (MP3. Length 21:39)

Episode 212. Disney’s ‘Tangled’ Rapunzel

austin — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:01:30 +0000

Oh, what a tangled weave…Take a rare peak behind the scenes at the Walt Disney Studios as producer Roy Conli describes the creation of Disney’s 50th animated feature Tangled. Featuring advice on the attributes of a great producer, the use of wine imagery to describe the return of John Lasseter, the value of a theatrical upbringing, and the storytelling advantages of taking left turns. (Part Two of this conversation can be heard here.) (MP3. Length 21:45)

Episode 211A. We Sing ‘Gay!’

austin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:36:33 +0000

In honor of the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”: Rare archival footage of Reed Martin, Dee Ryan, and Austin Tichenor singing ‘Gay!’ from the RSC’s original 1998 production of The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged) at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. (Special thanks to Twitter follower @khedwar for the idea!) (m4v. Length 3:26)

Episode 211. Most Dangerous Christmas

austin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:56:08 +0000

Just in time for the holidays comes this weird new classic. From Twisted Christmas Live in Santa Rosa, California, Reed Martin reads David Templeton’s dark holiday tale The Most Dangerous Christmas. Featuring an excerpt from The Reduced Shakespeare Company Christmas and rain on the rooftop! (MP3. Length 18:58)

Episode 210. Upright Citizens Brigade

austin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:38:49 +0000

Matt Walsh is one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade, and he explains how his little comedy group has become one of the largest and most respected improv schools in the US. Featuring deadpan comedy tips, how anarchic comedy translates to television, behind the scenes tips from the Bruno movie, a special appearance by Adam Felber from Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, a reduced tribute to a 19th-century French novelist and playwright, and lessons on how to literally write the book on comedy. Check out Matt’s Bear Down Podcast on iTunes! (MP3. Length 21:13)

Episode 209A. Our Asian Adventure

austin — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:18:52 +0000

Our 2010 Hong Kong & Singapore trip was captured in a slide show put together by Liz Fitzpatrick, Alli Bostedt, and Jeff Marlow — and set to a mocking and celebratory song by RSC troubador Mick Orfe. Special thanks to our friends at ABA Productions (all of whom can be seen here) for taking such good care of us. (m4v. Length 4:25)

Episode 209. Broadway Play Publishing

austin — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:17:53 +0000

Broadway Play Publishing publishes and licenses the scripts of such playwrights as Tony Kushner, Eric Overmyer, Neil LaBute, Constance Congdon, and the entire Complete (abridged) oeuvre, and Kip Gould, its founder and publisher, raves about the exciting and lucrative field of script publishing (Note: Engage sarcasm filter). Featuring the pros and cons of printed scripts vs. PDFs, the economics of script publishing, the ease of licensing, a special appearance by Robert Siegel from National Public Radio, and the differences between us and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner. (MP3. Length 21:54)

Holiday SHOPPING!

admin — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:07:03 +0000

It’s the Christmas season and that can mean only one thing! It’s time to shower your friends and relatives with gifts of hilarious RSC Merchandise! We’ve got Reduced Shakespeare Company DVD’s, Scripts, CD’s, and Books at only slightly inflated prices. For t-shirts and mugs, visit our online shop. To purchase discs and books and more visit DVD Playground.

Buy Stuff >

Low(land) Humor… COMING SOON!

admin — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:09:19 +0000

Our fans in the lowlands have been clamoring for an RSC return. Well, clamor no more! The Bad Boys of Abridgment will be bringing humor both low and high to Belgium and Holland for a six week tour of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] from February 21 – March 31.

The play that launched a thousand Reductions!

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]
TOUR: Belgium / Holland / Netherlands
US Tour 2011

All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy – 10 years in the West End at the Criterion Theatre – and is NOW ON TOUR! Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

Warning! This show is a high-speed roller-coaster type condensation of all of Shakespeare’s plays, and is not recommended for people with heart ailments, bladder problems, inner-ear disorders and/or people inclined to motion sickness. The RSC cannot be held responsible for expectant mothers!

Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “wildly funny” and by the Montreal Gazette as “the funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime”.

“Pithier than Python. Irresistible.” New York Times

“A madcap condensation that features non-stop laughs. Done at a whirlwind pace and with great delight, they are sure to win over even the most skeptical. And there is no doubt that William Shakespeare himself… would approve.” Daily Variety

“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!” The Today Show

“Stupendous, anchorless joy!” The London Times

“Wildly funny. Masterful!” Los Angeles Times

“The funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime.” Montreal Gazette

“Shamelessly heretical!” Time Out – London

“Gloriously, relaxingly funny.” Financial Times

“Shakespeare as it was back in the Bard’s day: bawdy, irreverent, sublimely entertaining.” Miami Herald

Episode 208. Places We’ve Played

austin — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:57:42 +0000

Of all the great venues we’ve performed in around the world, this list definitely includes some of them. Featuring reminiscences about some of the great venues we’ve played, memories of the not-so-great venues we’ve played, one way of maintaining sanity while on the road, and the joys of celebrating disaster. (MP3. Length 20:44)

Episode 207. Playing Through Pain

austin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:39:27 +0000

Professional actors, like professional athletes, don’t whine about the aches and pains they endure on the field of battle. Well, we’re not professional actors. Featuring a litany of injuries, a raft of remedies, a special appearance by a brand-new fan, a podcast correction, and the dangers of performing a show that isn’t strenuous enough. (MP3. Length 19:53)

Episode 206. Michael Faulkner’s Measure

austin — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:28:09 +0000

Michael Faulkner returns to the RSC fold and regales us with tales of Measure For Measure at A Noise Within in Los Angeles, where he’s playing Elbow. Featuring the differences between acting and stage managing, between real Shakespeare and reduced Shakespeare, how to get Shakespeare up into fifth gear, and how auditions pay off even when you don’t get the gig. (MP3. Length 20:51)

Episode 205. Castoffs & Misfits

austin — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 04:12:55 +0000

A good ensemble can make a theatre production great and a World Series champion. Reed Martin celebrates the victory of his beloved San Francisco Giants as we compare long-shots, underdogs, dynasties, and never-wases. Featuring logical superstitions, bandwagon fans, some third-grade humor, emotional investment, and lifelong dreams fulfilled. (MP3. Length 20:07)

HELLO, SINGAPORE!

admin — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:51:18 +0000

Proving yet again that there is no accounting for taste, the RSC has returned to Singapore this month, performing “The Complete History of America (abridged)” and “Completely Hollywood (abridged)” from November 1-14. Click on the podcasts below to listen to us talk about our last tour of Asia, Dom’s dorkologue and excerpts from the America show…

Episode 146. Tung Chung Line >
Featuring Mick Orfe, Alli Bostedt, and Liz Fitzpatrick riding Hong Kong’s MTR train and visiting the Big Buddha.

Episode 186. The Conti Beat >
Dominic Conti talks about his show-stopping “dorkologue” in “Completely Hollywood (abridged)”

Episode 31. Happy Birthday, America! >
Excerpts from “The Complete History of America (abridged).”

Episode 204. More Nerdy Geekery

austin — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:49:07 +0000

AJ Mass is a distinguished sportswriter for the website of a well-known four-letter American Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, the name of which we’re not allowed to say. But he has also given literally minutes of thought and attention to such burning issues as who the Greatest Starship Captain was and the differences between nerds and geeks. Featuring some confessions of a major league sports mascot, the very thin line separating athletics from the pep squad, a special appearance by Tom Gabbard from the Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts, and the Podcast’s first ever Duran Duran reference. (MP3. Length 16:20)

Episode 203. We Love Zombies

austin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:24:29 +0000

Matt Rippy is not only a fan and scholar of zombie movies, he starred in one! For this Halloween week special, we discuss our favorite zombie movies, what they represent, and why they’re different from rage-virus movies. Featuring appreciations of less-well-known zombie movies (Fido, Dead Snow), backstage glimpses from the sets of The X-Files and the Day of the Dead remake, controversial opinions about Dawn of the Dead, and a shout-out to Bob Wilkins, the host of KTVU-Oakland’s legendary Creature Features. (MP3. Length 22:46)

Episode 202. Our Asian Invasion

austin — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:43:36 +0000

Mick Orfe, Dominic Conti, and Jeff Marlow regale each other (and us) with tales of apprehension and excitement regarding their current tour of Hong Kong and Singapore. Featuring helpful advice, misplaced fears, audible eye-rolls, walking oxymorons, and our very first dueling celebrity blurb! (MP3. Length 18:09)

Episode 201. Endings Are Important

austin — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 03:47:49 +0000

We’ve discussed our writing process before, but this week we talk about designing effective openings and killer endings. Featuring stumbles and fumbles, happy accidents, show construction, meticulous planning, adherence to form, template deviation, and impertinent comparisons to both Shakespeare and the Beatles. (MP3. Length 22:15)

‘SPORTS’ COMES to New York

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:36:26 +0000

Well, almost. Don’t miss Tri-State Premiere of “Complete World of Sports (abridged)” in Princeton!

One night only – Saturday, October 9 at the McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ. For tickets, click here! Be there or fuhgeddaboudit!

Tickets >

“SPORTS” TALK

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:31:35 +0000

There has been an amazing buzz surrounding Reduced Shakespeare Company debut of “The Complete World of Sports (abridged).” No, not Buzz Lightyear. Not even Buzz Aldrin. It’s been the buzz from the press which has called SPORTS (abridged) “deeply funny,” “absolutely hilarious,” and “both merciless and affectionate!”

Click here for all the reviews >

Episode 200. Interviewing The Interviewer

austin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:10:50 +0000

The tables get turned in this week’s landmark episode! Reed Martin and Matt Rippy interview podcast host Austin Tichenor, who reveals the history, the mystery, the highlights, and the lowlights of our first 200 weeks of RSC podcasting. Featuring intimate connections, backstage geekery, a celebrity montage, and the reasons why we haven’t yet (and probably now won’t) win a Podcast Award. (MP3. Length 28:49)

TOUR QUIZ

admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:10:34 +0000

Only for Fun. Please No Wagering.

Question: What do Richmond VA, Burlington VT, Charlotte NC, Easton PA and Richardson TX all have common?

Hint: Remember you are reading the the RSC newsletter.

Answer: Along with Princeton, NJ these are the only places you’ll be able to see the RSC in “The Complete World of Sports (abridged)” in 2010!

Tour Dates >

Episode 199. A Real Sportscaster

austin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:45:30 +0000

After a recent performance, sportscaster and newsanchor Frank Mallicoat weighed in with reactions, tips, and professional opinion. Featuring revelations about what sportscasters are full of, the differences between sportscasting and news reporting, excerpts from The Complete World of Sports (abridged), hints about what Shaq will bring to the Boston Celtics, explosive details about what Larry Bird likes to drink, and a special appearance from Emily Smith, publisher of the Playwrights In An Hour book series. (MP3. Length 19:43)

‘World of Sports’ “Hits It Out Of The Park”!

austin — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:50:00 +0000

Every audience has given us a standing ovation, and now the Boston Globe, BroadwayWorld, and the Lowell Sun agree: our seventh stage show is a hit!

The Boston Globe called The Complete World of Sports (abridged), “A fast-moving and deeply funny farrago, a neo-vaudevillian sendup that manages to be both merciless and affectionate,” in which “one sketch rapidly gives way to another, and then another, blending slapstick, sight gags, hernia-inducing puns, and genuine verbal wit.” The highly intelligent reviewer Don Acouin called it a “fast-paced sendup” and concluded “‘World of Sports’ is always on its game!”

Read the whole magnificently-written review here.

The Lowell Sun raved the show is filled with “knockout laughter” and is “a triumph of speed, endurance, comic timing, high-scoring wordplay, [and] a sharply satiric game plan.”

Read the entire Lowell Sun rave here.

And BroadwayWorld summed up the show perfectly: “Comedy isn’t easy, but you’d never know it watching this trio hit it out of the park.”

Read the whole review here.

Episode 198. Merrimack Repertory Theatre

austin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:12:25 +0000

“Small but excellent” is the rallying cry for Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA where we recently premiered The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Artistic Director Charles Towers and Executive Director Tom Parrish talk about the creative and business decisions that led MRT to retire significant debt, flourish creatively, and run in the black for five years in a very tough economy. Featuring tips on institutional stabilization, the luxury of dedicated subscribers, a special appearance by Matt Walker, Artistic Director of the Troubador Theatre Company, and the value of self-policing. (MP3. Length 20:24)

Episode 197. ‘Sports’ Opening Night

austin — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:46:03 +0000

The Complete World of Sports (abridged) had its official RSC premiere this weekend at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA, so we kept the microphone on backstage, during our walk home, and at the cast party. Featuring tongue fumbles, theatrical tricks, mild nausea, and expert testimony as to how stage managing the RSC differs from stage managing real actors. (MP3. Length 18:22)

ASIAN Invasion

admin — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:58:37 +0000

The Far East can be mysterious. That must explain why they are having us back to Hong Kong and Singapore so soon! We’ll be performing The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) and The Complete History of America (abridged) at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from October 18-31, followed by Completely Hollywood (abridged) and America (abridged) at Jubilee Hall in Singapore from November 1-14.

Singapore Tickets >
Hong Kong Tickets >

Episode 196. At The Ballpark

austin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:13:29 +0000

It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame, so we finish rehearsal by heading off to watch the Lowell Spinners struggle against the Tri-City ValleyCats. Yes, it’s one minor league squad enjoying the other. Featuring fantastically bad play by play, an excerpt from The Complete World of Sports (abridged), a special appearance by local radio sports guy Teddy Panos, a debate about the greatest sports movies ever played, and memories of watching the greatest play in the history of college sports. (MP3. Length 20:25)

REDUCED MERCHANDISE Labor Day Sale!

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:51:23 +0000

Not only is our merchandise Reduced in nature, it’s also REDUCED IN PRICE! In celebration of Labor Day, all our merch is offered with up to 60% off. T-Shirts, mugs, aprons, mousemats and more! Just look at the crap we’re hawkin’…

Reduced Shakespeare Company Shop

Episode 195. Jon Glaser’s ‘Delocated’!

austin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:52:52 +0000

Second City and Late Night With Conan O’Brien alum Jon Glaser not only talks, he sings about his very funny show Delocated, part of Adult Swim on the Cartoon Network. Featuring lessons on the value of sticking to one’s guns, the brilliance of ski-masks to protect one’s privacy, and the dangers of beer-drinking while podcasting. (MP3. Length 18:54)

Episode 194. Moments Of Glory

austin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:28:58 +0000

We take a break from rehearsing The Complete World of Sports (abridged) to recall our various moments of sporting glory…and some moments of humiliation as well. Featuring last-minute victories, unexpected emotion, a special appearance from Modern Family‘s Eric Stonestreet, and a brief quote from Bill Cosby. (If you spot it, leave a comment!) (MP3. Length 21:38)

Episode 193. Reduced Rehearsal Barn

austin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:25:47 +0000

The actors in the RSC’s newest show The Complete World of Sports (abridged) – Matt Rippy, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor - take a break from rehearsing (in this magnificent structure) to discuss how the new show is shaping up so far. Featuring cautious optimism, fear and trepidations, shout-outs to our predecessors, an outbreak of song, and our first bilingual celebrity blurb! (MP3. Length 20:09)

Here’s a pic of us, actually shot during the recording of this podcast!

HEAR YE HEAR YE! August Newsletter Out Now!

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:00:34 +0000

If ya wanna catch all the latest Reduced hoopla, then click HERE now! Here’s a little taste of what you’ll find in this Reduced smorgasbord:

RSC Premieres “The Complete World of Sports (abridged)”
Bad Boys of Abridgment Hit the Road!
DC Loves the RSC!
Asian Invasion…

If you would like to have the Reduced Reader delivered straight into your inbox, sign up today!

Episode 192. Baseball With Benefits

austin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:50:15 +0000

The meaningless Sport vs. Game debate continues! Sportswriter and fantasy sports expert AJ Mass interviews us for his new book The Thrill of Vicarious Victory and shares with us his four categories of athletic competition. Featuring insight into how fantasy sports can make you a better person, previews of the sketches you’ll see in The Complete World of Sports (abridged), a special appearance by Mad Men‘s Freddie Rumsen, and proof that sports and games are just the tip of the iceberg. NEXT WEEK: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? (MP3. Length 21:15)

Take a Private Tour of the FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY!

austin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:26:30 +0000

The Folger Shakespeare Library is the largest collection of Shakespeare Folios and Shakespeareana in the world, and we were given a private tour by none other than Folger Director Gail Paster and Head of Reference Georgianna Ziegler themselves.

We recorded the whole thing for the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast, which you can listen to here.

And the Folger put up a fantastic slideshow of all the things we looked at, which you can see here. Don’t miss:

(Thanks to Garland Scott, Head of External Relations and Chief Twit for the Folger Shakespeare Library. Follow her/them on Twitter @FolgerLibrary.)

Episode 191. Folger Shakespeare Library

austin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:11:06 +0000

We touched a Folio…and we liked it! Join us for this rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the largest collection of Shakespearean treasures in the world. Gail Paster, the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library and Head of Reference Georgianna Ziegler take us on a guided tour and bust myths while showing off hundreds of years’ worth of cool Shakespeare tchotchkes. Featuring the only extant quarto of Titus Andronicus, Edwin Booth’s hair-bracelet, a special appearance by Scott Simon from National Public Radio, Cleopatra’s finely sculpted asp, and what we consider the holy grail of Shakespeare scholarship. Plus – click here for an online slideshow of everything we saw! (MP3. Length 26:40)

Episode 190. Worst Jobs Ever

austin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:17:30 +0000

Waiter. Temp. Circus Clown. Assistant Factotum. We’ve all had to take survival jobs to feed our theatre habit, and this week we discuss the worst ones we’ve endured. Featuring tales of long hours, professional incompetence, disgruntled customers, personal humiliation, on-the-job embarrassment, and the tiny triumphs of finally leaving a job for which you’re totally unsuited. (MP3. Length 20:52)

Episode 189. Kennedy Center Tour

austin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:04:17 +0000

Our good friend Bill Matson, theatre manager of the Terrace Theatre, our home at the Kennedy Center whenever we perform there, gives us a behind-the-scenes backstage tour at this prestigious arts institution and national presidential memorial. Featuring the controversial bust of President John F. Kennedy, a special appearance by Neal Conan from National Public Radio, proof that even the Royal Shakespeare Company got reduced when they performed here, and wild and unconfirmed allegations of Condoleeza Rice levity. (MP3. Length 19:13)

Episode 188. Reading The Reviews

austin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:10:37 +0000

We review the reviews from our run of Completely Hollywood (abridged) at the Kennedy Center. Featuring uninformed opinions (ours), raves, pans, how to survive the critical fraternity, and a special appearance by DC institution Arch Campbell. (MP3. Length 18:33)

Episode 187. Tony Tony Tony!

austin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:22:47 +0000

Actor and Fight Captain Tom Schall reminisces about his Broadway debut in the ill-fated (is there any other kind?) 1988 production of the Scottish play starring Christopher Plummer and Glenda Jackson. Featuring the perils of switching directors in mid-stream, more examples of the so-called Scottish play “curse”, a special appearance by Michael Butler from Center Rep Theater in California, and examples of how the behavior of one real-life diva influenced the behavior of the fictional one in Completely Hollywood (abridged). (MP3. Length 24:08)

RSC ARE THE “Talk of the Nation” on NPR! Listen here…

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:53:12 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company went national on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” last week. The response was so overwhelming it crashed our site – not something we should shout about – but way cool! In case you missed it, you can catch the Reduced gang – Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor and Dominic Conti – talkin Hollywood and reducing movies on the fly! Go here to listen to the madness.

Episode 186. The Conti Beat

austin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:12:40 +0000

This week we dig that crazy Conti beat and go behind the scenes to deconstruct Dominic Conti‘s lengthy and show-stopping “dorkalogue” at the end of Completely Hollywood (abridged). Featuring the power and limitations of snorting as a character choice, the trust of an actor’s instinct, funky frank appearances by NPR‘s Korva Coleman, and proof that actors save playwrights. (MP3. Length 20:03)

HOLLYWOOD IS EDITOR’S PICK at Washington Post

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:07:58 +0000

Woodward & Bernstein uncovered Watergate – now the Washington Post discovers Reducedgate!

The Reduced Shakespeare Company launched the premiere of Completely Hollywood (abridged) in our nation’s capital this week at the Kennedy Center to overwhelming response. Hollywood is this week’s Editor’s Pick at the Washington Post. Critic Celia Wren reports that the Reduced “sent a Kennedy Center audience into regular peals of near-hysterical laughter.” Despite the illustrious competition on capital stages, Celia concludes the DC premiere of Hollywood is “smart, timely satire” infused with “gleeful absurdism.” There’s no accounting for taste… like we say, reducing expectations since 1981!

Read the full review. Or you can buy tickets here – before we get subpoenaed!

Episode 185. The TCG Conference

austin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:06:16 +0000

We visit the Theatre Communications Group annual conference in Chicago and chat with Paul Nicholson, Executive Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Cynthia Rider, Managing Director of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Featuring a reduced overview (an underview?) of the weekend, wonderful moments of inspiration, a special appearance by Carey Perloff, Artistic Director of American Conservatory Theatre, and the value of not taking courage for granted. (MP3. Length 21:59)

WIN FREE Kennedy Center tickets!

alli — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:04:35 +0000

(This offer’s now expired, but take a look and see what you missed!)

Up next: San Diego & Washington, DC!

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:02:19 +0000

San Diego, California, June 11 – 20 *Shakespeare (abridged)
Washington DC, June 22 – July 11 *Hollywood (abridged)

Click here for tour details!

Episode 184. Shakespeare Fun Facts

austin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:13:24 +0000

Facts both silly and true highlight our reduced knowledge of the immortal bard in this podcast inspired by a recent London Times article. Featuring audio footnotes; excerpts from our “Complete Guide to London (abridged)”, the Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show, and Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged); special appearances by both Eleanor the Tour Whore (from The Mighty Boosh) and Reed Martin – Professional Impressionist; and several inexplicable Harlem Globetrotter references. (MP3. Length 21:26)

JUNE NEWSLETTER: Out Now!

admin — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:58:36 +0000

Catch up on the latest Reduced News with the June edition of THE REDUCED READER! Out Now!

If you would like the READER delivered right to your inbox, sign up here. Join the millions (ok, maybe thousands) of satisfied fans who receive THE REDUCED READER, the official RSC newsletter. It’ll change your life. Just listen to this: “I joined the Reduced Shakespeare Company e-mailing list and it changed my life” (Jimmy Hoffa).

PRIVACY POLICY: We are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal details. We do not provide any identifiable personal information to any third party for any purpose whatsoever. You may unsubscribe at any time.

TWO WEEKENDS ONLY! San Diego Here We Come!

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:38:50 +0000

Folks refer to San Diego as America’s Finest City. We plan to change all that.

That’s right – despite popular demand, we’ll be performing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) revised] for two weekends – June 11-13 and 18-20 – at San Diego Repertory Theatre in beautiful downtown San Diego. You’ll be able to spot us instantly – we’ll be the only ones who aren’t tanned.

Tickets >

OUR NATION’S CAPITAL Goes Completely Hollywood!

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:37:31 +0000

If you thought Washington DC was dysfunctional before, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

The people have spoken and The Reduced Shakespeare Company is returning to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC from June 22 – July 11 with our newest show Completely Hollywood (abridged)! It’s hard to imagine anything funnier in Washington than our federal government at work, but we’re going to give it a try.

Tickets >

Episode 183. Game or Sport?

austin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 06:20:05 +0000

Is poker a sport? We ask veteran broadcaster Paul Harris, host of The Final Table Poker Radio Show, to share his expertise and insight. Featuring benchmarks and measurements, the dangers of time zone confusions, what defines a broadcaster, a special appearance by Vicki Lewis (Newsradio, Curb your Enthusiasm), and why you shouldn’t trust everything you see on ESPN. (MP3. Length 22:09)

Episode 182. The Scottish Play

austin — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:57:17 +0000

Jennifer Lee Carell‘s new mystery Haunt Me Still (aka The Shakespeare Curse outside the US) deals with the legends surrounding the manuscript and supposed curse of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, or as it’s known euphemistically in the theatre world, “the Scottish Play”. Featuring the difference between knowledge and superstition, Shakespeare’s fascination with the dark side, possible explanations for the source of Shakespeare’s genius, a special contrasting appearance by NPR science correspondent Richard Harris, and modern revelry in ancient mystery. (MP3. Length 19:56)

Episode 181. Twitter’s New COO

austin — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:52:59 +0000

Dick Costolo, the C.O.O. of Twitter, talks about his sordid past as an improv comedian in such shows as Modern Problems in Science, and answers all (one) of your tech support questions. Featuring scandalous fourth-grade revelations, dirty secrets about stand-up and computer science, the value of improv training in the business world, a special appearance by Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog), how Twitter is finally making money, and the ongoing democratization of social media. (UPDATE: Dick was promoted to C.E.O. of Twitter in October 2010, only months after this interview. Coincidence? You decide.) (MP3. Length 23:50)

Episode 180. New Victory Tour

austin — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:20:44 +0000

Join us on a backstage tour of the New Victory Theatre in New York City, and go behind, below, and above the scenes. Featuring a rundown of the theater’s glorious and checkered history, mysterious tales of the “phantom of the New Victory”, some bodacious putti, and a special appearance by the cast of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) (plus outtakes)!. (MP3. Length 21:01)

Episode 179. Comedy That Offends

austin — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:52:58 +0000

It’s another edition of “My Coffee With Reed and Austin,” who discuss the recent South Park controversy and the RSC’s stumbles into offensive territory. Featuring authentic cafe ambience, dressing room debates, excerpts from Western Civilization: The Complete Musical (abridged), feedback feedback, and the advantages of losing your hearing. (MP3. Length 21:21)

Episode 178. The Ballet Book

austin — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:00:46 +0000

Kay Tichenor (Austin’s mom!) talks about her 1976 book Ballet (Troubador Press/Price Stern Sloan) and how a casual family interest became an activity and reference book that’s still in print after thirty-five years. Featuring a reduced history of this ‘history of the dance’, advice for aspiring writers, the power of movement, and a special appearance by a man of a certain age. (UPDATE: Kay passed away on May 29, 2010, less than a month after this was recorded. She is and will be missed.) (MP3. Length 20:47)

Episode 177. Festival Of Books

austin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:51:39 +0000

LIVE! From the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, we read excerpts from Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide For The Attention-Impaired (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged), The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), and All The Great Books (abridged). Featuring RSC bits as you’ve never heard them, a raucous crowd, a special appearance from author Jennifer Lee Carrell, and a highly caffeinated introduction. (MP3. Length 23:44)

Episode 176. The DeVere Code

austin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:20:43 +0000

In his book The DeVere Code, actor Jonathan Bond explains the startling discovery he made that reveals Shakespeare’s sonnets were written by the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. Featuring impertinent pop-culture comparisons, Eureka moments, a special appearance by a genuine Nutter, and a first-hand account of what it’s like to perform on the reconstructed Globe stage. Happy birthday, Willie! (MP3. Length22:35)

Episode 175. Playwrights Who Direct

austin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:48:47 +0000

Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin are writing The Complete World of Sports (abridged), which the Reduced Shakespeare Company will premiere in September 2010. But they’re in rehearsals now, directing a non-RSC production in California. They talk about this unusual process, and about the wisdom of playwrights directing their own work. Featuring keen insights, mild inarticulation, and a special appearance by Michael Faulkner reading one of his topical limericks from TopicalLimerick.com. (MP3. Length 20:09)

COMPLETE WORKS TOUR: Final Leg!

admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:13:49 +0000

Gallop apace you fiery footed steeds, and bring on Reduced gigs immediately!

We’re kicking off our final leg of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s tour of the show that launched a thousand reductions – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is galloping eastward: look for us in New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey and Virginia. For a complete listing of venues, dates and times visit us online.

Tour Schedule >

BROADWAY: We Came, We Saw, We Sold Out!

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:23:17 +0000

Yes, the Reduced Shakespeare Company totally sold out – on Broadway, that is! The New Victory is not technically “Broadway”, but hey, the theatre is just off Broadway and on 42nd Street. Ok, so we weren’t literally “on” Broadway – well, Janet Jackson wasn’t literally “on” Oprah Winfrey…

Reduced History: The New Victory theatre was built in 1900 by Oscar Hammerstein as the Theatre Republic and through the years has hosted such fine talents as Lionel Barrymore, George Arliss, Tyrone Power, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, and uh… the talented and scantily-clad Gypsy Rose Lee. The venue was resurrected as a family theatre in 1995 by The New 42nd Street project. A mere 15 years later, the Reduced Shakespeare Company arrive and with a sold-out two-week run prove there is no accounting for taste.

Read New Victory Interviews, “On the Spot” with: Reed, Austin, Matt

APRIL NEWSLETTER: Out Now!

admin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:51:19 +0000

Wanna catch up on the latest Reduced news, reviews and interviews? The April edition of The Reduced Reader is OUT NOW! We’re launching the final leg of our tour of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) – check dates! Also, in this edition, find out about our “Broadway” run, our Shorty Award, and more…

Click here to read all about it > The Reduced Reader April 2010

Episode 174. Brushes With Greatness

austin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:17:11 +0000

Alash, poor Yorick! Alash, the Tuvan throat-singing ensemble, opened for us in Salina, Kansas, and it prompted memories of other greats we’ve brushed up against in the past. Featuring several varieties of greatness, ranging from Chachi to Python, a special nudge from Lou Reed, some fabulous RSC feedback, and the special warmth of Andie McDowell. (MP3. Length 18:24)

Episode 173. Shades of Grey

austin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:54:51 +0000

A series of mini-reunions this week! New York Times bestselling novelist Jasper Fforde (the Thursday Next series, the Nursery Crime series) has written Shades of Grey and was good enough to chat about it. Then we reconnected with several RSC UK members, several of whom have gone on to much cooler gigs. Featuring horrible accents, impertinent questions, bar screaming, heightened senses, and glimpses of both past and future. (MP3. Length 21:00)

Episode 172. Sister Mary Martha

austin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:21:52 +0000

Who exactly was St. Patrick? Sister Mary Martha explains it all for us. The author of the “Ask Sister Mary Martha” blog submits to a mild podcast inquisition, and explains not only the origins of St. Patrick but also how her blog is a sort of E-Harmony for patron saints. Featuring RSC Feedback and the reason why this is the most Catholic time of the year. (MP3. Length 23:15)

Episode 171. Walking To Work

austin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:40:57 +0000

We walk to our performances at the New Victory Theatre in New York City along 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 RSC Feedback and a special appearance by children’s book author Bruce Goldstone. (MP3. Length 19:44)

Episode 170. The Shorty Awards

austin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:50:09 +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. (MP3. Length 20:41)

HOLY TWIT! We Twon!

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:38:58 +0000

Yes, you read that right! WE WON! Our tweets won us a Shorty Award (the Oscars of tweeting) in the Cultural Institution category. Ok, well, we won along with two others. It was a twee-way-tie! We share this mag-twificent accolade with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and The Poetry Society – and what an honor! We’ve NEVER been accused of being “cultural” – though it appears we may have become somewhat of an institution… in a reduced sort of way!

So thank you thank you thank you to all our fans and followers and fellow twits who helped make this possible!And thank you to all the Shorty Folk for throwing a rocking good award ceremony – AND for keepin it short and tweet (acceptance speeches limited to 140 characters – the way forward for ALL awards ceremonies, methinks!). And special thanks to Austin for spearheading our Reduced Tweet-o-lution!

Onwards and Twupwards!

Episode 169. Our Featured Creature

austin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:42:14 +0000

The star of Godzilla stops by today. No, not Matthew Broderick – Kurt Carley, the “suit performer” who makes his living playing atomically-radiated lizards, werewolves, and even 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. (MP3. Length 19:08)

FEB NEWSLETTER: Out Now!

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:31:40 +0000

Hey Folks! Our February issue of The Reduced Reader is out now – check it out!

Episode 168. Tiny Rebellious Acts

austin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:21:43 +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 lost his battle with cancer on February 15. (MP3. Length 18:44)

Episode 167. Festus Is Back!

austin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:30:10 +0000

The old codgers from Hollywood mark the return of 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. (MP3. Length 18:43)

Episode 166. ‘Modern Family’ Miracle

austin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:10:02 +0000

Eric Stonestreet is the Emmy-winning star of the hit ABC and Sky-1 sitcom Modern Family, and he chats about the miracle of his casting as well as the miracle of just how good this show has 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. (MP3. Length 26:42)

“THE OSCARS OF TWITTER!” Winners Announced March 3

austin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:14:22 +0000

The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a finalist in the second annual Shorty Awards, which honors “the best producers of short (140 characters or less) real-time content.” Translated, that means the award is given to the person or company who uses and exploits the social network Twitter to its maximum effect. The Shorty Awards have been called “the Oscars of Twitter” by CNN and USA Today.

Well, who else should win a Shorty Award but a Reduced Shakespeare Company?! We’ve been producers of reduced content for years.

We Tweet mostly ‘cuz it’s fun. Twitter’s a great way to mini-blog about what we’re up to, to dialogue with our fans, and to spread the love about other things and people we see and love and want to proselytize about. But to get an award for it? That’d be awesome.

Shorty Awards are given in a number of categories (each designated by a hashtag), from #advertising, #apps, and #art to #tech, #travel, and #weird. We’re a finalist in the #culturalinstitution category, primarily because there is no #theatre category.

Final voting ends Friday February 5 at noon EST. Anybody with an active Twitter account can vote (you can’t just create a Twitter account to vote, they’re too clever to allow that). Finalists are judged not only on the quality of their Tweets, but also the number and quality of your votes! So when you go to the Shorty Awards website and fill in the vote box (“I vote for @reduced for a Shorty Award in #culturalinstitution because…”), please make the reason cool and brief!

Numbers count too. As of today, we have almost 2500 Followers! If only ten percent of you vote, we’ll win.

Why You Should Vote For Us

Some of you might think we’re just chasing after a pot, a trinket to put on the wall. (We know some of you think it, because one of you tweeted it to us.) But what a Shorty Award will allow us to do is raise our profile. The higher our profile, the more well-known we are, the more likely it is a theatre near you will want to book us!

If you like the Reduced Shakespeare Company — don’t keep it a secret! Help us spread the word.

Plus, we’ll already be in New York City on March 3! We’ll be able to attend the ceremonies, and it’ll cost us nothing. In these budget-conscious times, you’ll be saving these other fine cultural institutions money. Really: a vote for our company is a vote for their wallet.

Why We’re Better Than The Other Nominees

Let’s take them one by one, shall we?

#1 (173 votes): Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. First of all…seriously? I’m sure they’re fantastic, and I like the idea of awarding a Shorty to something nobody’s ever heard of. And with close to 3000 followers, they’re doing something right. But we’re going to argue that an award for such a global phenomenon as Twitter should go to a company that travels all over the world. Having plants from all over the world doesn’t count.

#2 (209 votes; remember, they judge quality of votes, not just number): Phoenix Zoo. Again, not to take anything away from them. They’re nice people. They follow us, we follow them. We’ve played Phoenix before. We love Phoenix. But the song doesn’t go, “New York, London, Paris….Phoenix”. Having animals from around the world doesn’t count.

#3 (115 votes): The Royal Shakespeare Company. What?! True, just like we do, the “other” RSC does perform all around the world, but Twitter is a populist medium and there’s nothing less populist than the designation “royal”. On the other hand, since their royal monarch is only 5’4″, perhaps they should be given a Shorty for that alone.

#4 (123 votes): Editora Novitas. We honestly don’t know what this is. It’s in Spanish. Maybe Portuguese.

#5 (87 votes): Reduced Shakespeare Company. C’mon! We embody the spirit of Twitter! Less is more! Brevity is the soul of Twit! We have the best fans and followers in the world! (Although, seriously – only 87 votes out of 2500 Followers? That’s embarrassing. We’re gonna have to start learning Portuguese.)

Check out the Shorty Awards. Vote for @reduced in #culturalinstitution before Friday at noon New York time. Give a good creative reason.

And check out the other nominees, in all the categories. There are some fantastic folks out there.

Episode 165. We Reduce ‘LOST’

austin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:03:08 +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 reduced writing and rehearsal process can sometimes lead to greatness. Reduced greatness, but still… (MP3. Length 20:40)

Episode 164. Commute From Hell

austin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:36:05 +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 we struggle and fail to avoid a weather system in Phoenix, 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. (MP3. Length 18:18)

TICKETS to LOST

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:32:06 +0000

Wanna be there?!

The final series of Lost starts on ABC on February 2nd in the US, and on Sky1 and Sky1 HD on February 5th in the UK. To celebrate, we’re condensing the last 5 seasons into less than 10 minutes and performing it in front of a live invited audience of Lost fans.

The event takes place in Covent Garden, London on Thursday 28th January at 7.30pm and is by invitation only.

However, if you didn’t win tickets through our guessing game on Twitter or Facebook, there’s still a chance. Email your name, contact number and the email address of your plus one to lostonsky1@sky.com.

The winners will then be selected and notified if they have received tickets on Tuesday 26th January. Good luck!

LOST REDUCED: World Premiere!

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:32:32 +0000

press release

LOST REDUCED – Watch it here!
FIVE SEASONS OF LOST IN TEN MINUTES
Reduced Shakespeare Company
Perform world premiere
London, 28th January
BY INVITATION ONLY

With the hotly anticipated sixth and final season of LOST launching on February 5th, Sky1 HD is proud to announce LOST REDUCED – a specially created ten minute play from the widely acclaimed Reduced Shakespeare Company.

The celebrated comedy theatre troupe have condensed all five seasons into a fast paced flight through the story of the Oceanic plane crash survivors. The world premiere is to be held in London on Thursday 28th January, performed for an intimate audience of competition winners. The production will also be filmed for internet broadcast as well as on the Sky Platform’s Anytime service.

Conceived by Brothers and Sisters Creative for Sky1 HD the proposal was warmly received by the Reduced Shakespeare Company who quickly agreed to write and perform LOST REDUCED. Austin Tichenor, co-author of Lost Reduced with Reed Martin enthused “We are all ginormous fans of Lost. We’ve followed every twist and turn in the labyrinthine plot since the very beginning. Being trusted to reduce the first five seasons to just ten minutes is a humongous responsibility. All the years we spent poring over Oceanic Airline flight manifests and arcane theories of time-travel will not have been in vain. We can’t wait to see the final season! Damon and Carlton will explain everything!”

“Yeah, sure they will,” grumbled Martin.

Martin and Tichenor are managing partners of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and will perform Lost Reduced with long-time company member Matt Rippy.

Co-creator and executive producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Carlton Cuse have praised the idea and granted permission for the production to go ahead.

Sophie Jones, Controller of Marketing, Sky1 HD, Sky1, 2 & 3 says: “When Brothers and Sisters brought this idea to us it immediately leapt out as far too good to pass up and we swiftly commissioned the script. We feel this offers a really unique interpretation of LOST that will delight both the dedicated fans and bring everyone right up to date in advance of the season 6 launch. We’re enormously grateful that executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse along with ABC Studios have given the project their blessing.“

Tickets will be given away to fans through a series of online competitions and radio promotions. If you didn’t win tickets through the RSC’s guessing game on Twitter, there’s still a chance. Email your name, contact number and the email address of your plus one to lostonsky1@sky.com.

The winners will then be selected and notified if they have received tickets on Tuesday 26th January.

LOST REDUCED is written and performed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company with the project overseen by Sophie Jones and Brothers and Sisters Creative for Sky1.

The final season of LOST launches on Sky1 HD and Sky1 on Friday 5th February at 9pm.

JANUARY NEWSLETTER: Out Now!

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:09:40 +0000

Catch up on the latest Reduced hoopla! Reduced Does Dallas, California Up Next, Our favorite tweets and more, in this edition of The Reduced Shakespeare Company Reader!

SHOWS ADDED in Sonoma, CA

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:58:13 +0000

Completely Hollywood (abridged)
Feb 10 – Santa Rosa Junior College
Feb 12 & 13 – Sebastiani Theater

This just in: We have added three performances 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. And then on February 12 & 13 we’ll be performing at the historic Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma, CA as a benefit for both the Sebastiani Theater and the Sonoma Valley High School Drama Department.

*** We’ll give a special prize to anyone who attends all three performances – a free autograph in the lobby after the final Sebastiani show! Okay, okay, we’re busted. We sign autographs in the lobby after every performance…

Episode 163A. Most Important Discovery

austin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:42:56 +0000

Starting 2010 off right by keeping our New Year’s Resolution of more regularly-timed video podcasts! So this week: some old footage we found from the original production of The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged) (now known as Western Civilization! The Complete Musical (abridged)). This performance at the 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!) (M4V. Length 3:20)

Episode 163. Waverly Place Wizard

austin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:26:55 +0000

OMG! Are you like, so 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. (MP3. Length 20:52)

LOST REDUCED: World Premiere!

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:00:34 +0000

(watch video…) or (view photo gallery…)

Episode 162. Why We Tweet

austin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:06:50 +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. (MP3. Length 22:31)

Episode 161. Our New Website

austin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:21:15 +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… (MP3. Length 21:09)

Episode 160. Post-Show Discussion

austin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:00:16 +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 script for Completely Hollywood (abridged) 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. (MP3. Length 22:11)

DALLAS TIX Now On Sale!

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:14:28 +0000

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
Brookhaven College for the Performing Arts
Jan. 23, 2010, 8:00pm
NOW ON SALE! Call: 972-860-4118

Howdy Dallas, Texas! We know you have much to think about right now, what with the holidays around the corner and the Cowboys finally dispelling “December Doubts” – but thought we ought to let you know that tickets are NOW ON SALE for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at Brookhaven College for the Performing Arts. Discover the sweat, spit and glory of the show that launched a thousand reductions!

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) runs for one night only! Jan. 23, 2010, 8:00pm. Prices for floor seating are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and DCCCD staff/students. Balcony seating is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors, with a special student rate available at just $8. Group rates are available. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Box Office at 972-860-4118, Monday through Thursday between 1 and 5 p.m. or Friday from 1 and 3:30 p.m. See y’all there!

Episode 159. Our Holiday Traditions

austin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:30:06 +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. (MP3. Length 23:24)

Episode 158. 40 In 40

austin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:36:26 +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. (MP3. Length 20:20)

NEW WEBSITE Launched!

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:40:44 +0000

Want a Guided Website Tour? Click PLAY.

Episode 157A. We’re Snowed In

austin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:17:41 +0000

Snow day! We had to cancel two shows today so it seemed like a good opportunity to do a third Video Podcast. Austin Tichenor takes you on a tour of the snowy streets of Madison, Wisconsin. (M4V. Length 2:11)

BLIZZARD BLOW OUT! Dec 9 Performances Canceled!

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:19:07 +0000

: The Playhouse, State St.

It’s official - we’ve been blown out! Today’s performances have been canceled.

The Overture Center issued a statement on their website, which also explains how to exchange tickets for tonight’s performance:

Overture Center Cancellation Explanation

The National Weather Service says the following:

THE HEAVIEST SNOW HAS ENDED. HOWEVER…LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL PERSIST TODAY WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1 TO 3 INCHES EXPECTED. THE SNOW WILL TAPER OFF TO SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS AND FLURRIES BY THIS EVENING. BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED INTO THIS EVENING.

The Mayor of Madison has suspended all non-essential services in light of today’s blizzard. However, we believe laughter to be an essential service – so may we suggest you stay at home with a hot cup of cocoa and tune in to the Reduced Shakespeare YouTube Channel!

Episode 157. Wisconsin Loves Us!

austin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:57:08 +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 a production of 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. (MP3. Length 20:57.)

Episode 156. Small Town Touring

austin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:50 +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.) (MP3. Length 20:57)

NEW NEWSLETTER Is Here!

austin — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:31:02 +0000

The November 2009 issue of the Reduced Shakespeare Company Reader has just been emailed to eager InBoxes all over the world. Did it reach yours?

If you’d like to subscribe and have reduced reading goodness arrive in your email on a semi-regular reduced basis, please click here.

(If you already get plenty reduced activity via Facebook, Twitter, our Podcasts or RSC Forum, you can also unsubscribe here.)

Episode 155. Big-Shot Broadway Producer

austin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:11:10 +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 Castrol commercials. (MP3. Length 21:56)

MAUREEN DOWD Loves The RSC!

austin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:59:05 +0000

Maureen Dowd (Fred R. Conrad/NY Times)

New York Times op-ed columnist Maureen Dowd recently referenced the Reduced Shakespeare Company in one of her columns.

In her November 22, 2009 column comparing President Obama to Sarah Palin, she observed:

“If we could see a Reduced Shakespeare summary of Obama’s presidency so far, it would read: Dither, dither, speech. Foreign trip, bow, reassure. Seminar, summit. Shoot a jump shot with the guys, throw out the first pitch in mom jeans. Compromise, concede, close the deal. Dither, dither, water down, news conference.”

(If we were offering advice to the President, we’d suggest he follow the advice of that noted political strategist Larry The Cable Guy and ‘git ‘er done’.)

Previously, in her column from January 7, 2006, Ms. Dowd referenced three Reduced Shakespeare Company works: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), All The Great Books (abridged), and Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide For The Attention-Impaired (abridged). Discussing a White House meeting/photo op of past and present national foreign advisers, she pointed out:

“It must have been like a performance by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, which boils down the great plays and books to their essence. Proust is “I like cookies.” Othello raps that he left Desdemona “all alona, didn’t telephona.” “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” condense into “The Idiodity.” “Henry V” is “A king’s gotta do what a king’s gotta do,” and “Antony and Cleopatra” is “Never get involved in Middle Eastern affairs.”"

We like her suggestions for a new RSC show. The Complete Guide to the Presidents (abridged), anybody?

Read her full columns here and here.

If we could see a Reduced Shakespeare summary of Obama’s presidency so far, it would read:

Dither, dither, speech. Foreign trip, bow, reassure. Seminar, summit. Shoot a jump shot with the guys, throw out the first pitch in mom jeans. Compromise, concede, close the deal. Dither, dither, water down, news conference.

IT’S OFFICIAL! RSC Returns to the Kennedy Center in 2010

austin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:11:06 +0000

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the Reduced Shakespeare Company in Completely Hollywood (abridged) June 22 – July 11, 2010 in the Terrace Theater. America’s “bad boys of abridgement” take on America’s largest cultural and economic export (well, except for weapons) in this seriously silly show biz satire. Opening night for press is scheduled for Thursday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.

They’ve gone biblical, they’ve gone historical, now the RSC has gone completely Hollywood…abridged, of course. In Completely Hollywood (abridged), America’s best-loved comedy troupe boldly goes where few would dare – Tinseltown. Completely Hollywood (abridged) analyzes in typically reduced depth the 175 greatest films from Hollywood’s over 100 year history.

The versatile and flexible actors have received rave reviews of their performances in the witty and quick condensations of the most serious material, from Shakespeare to the history of America to the Bible.

Completely Hollywood (abridged) is written and directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor with additional material by Dominic Conti. All three are also the original cast members, and will be performing their creation at the Kennedy Center.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company has been seen at the Kennedy Center in The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) and The Complete History of America (abridged) in 1994; The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) in 1995; The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged) in 1999; The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) 2001, All the Great Books (abridged) in 2003 and again in 2006, when they performed in rep with The Complete History of America (abridged).

Ticket Information

Completely Hollywood (abridged) will play in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater from June 22 to July 11, 2010. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 7:30pm, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm. There will be no public performance on Sunday, July 4. Tickets are $39-$49 and will be available to the public on April 7, 2010 at the Kennedy Center box office, online, or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington, DC, metropolitan calling area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. To receive subscription information by mail, call the Subscription Office at (202) 416-8500. Subscriptions may be purchased in advance of general on sale dates. Groups of 20 or more may contact Kennedy Center Group Sales at (202) 416-8400.

Theater at the Kennedy Center is presented with the generous support of Stephen and Christine Schwarzman.

For more information, please visit the Kennedy Center website at www.kennedy-center.org.

Episode 154. The Shakespeare App

austin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:03:48 +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. (MP3. Length 17:53)

VOTE DAILY UNTIL 11/30! 5th Annual Podcast Awards

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:52:08 +0000

The Podcast Awards have rolled around again, and it’s time to vote for the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast in the Cultural/Arts category. The RSC Podcast has been nominated in that category for three years in a row, based solely on nominations from its fans. This year it’s OURS!

Go to the Podcast Awards website and tick Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast in the Cultural/Arts category, then submit your name and email at the bottom and boom, you’re done (hint: you must have cookies enabled to vote).You are free to vote every day – don’t worry, it’s not cheating, it’s the rules! Thanks for your support!

Episode 153. The Red Role

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:43:54 +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”. (MP3. Length 22:58)

NORTHERN California Performance Added

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:49:24 +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

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:43:49 +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.

(This was probably one of the reasons we won the 2010 Shorty Award in the “Cultural Institution” category.)

Check the list below and discover everything you need to know about each of Shakespeare’s plays in fewer than 140 characters.

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 The 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!

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:24:38 +0000

We’re going blu! 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. (MP3. Length 18:14)

Episode 151. Paul And Storm

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:08:31 +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. (MP3. Length 25:35)

Episode 150. All Podcasts Considered

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 +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. (MP3. Length 21:35)

Episode 149. The Clown Show

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:51:00 +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. (MP3. Length 18:47)

REED Martin’s “Clown Show” Premieres

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:12:29 +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.

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!

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:02:04 +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 then submit your name and email and boom, you’re done.

Thanks for your support!

Episode 148. Reduced Sex Scenes

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:09:30 +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. (MP3. Length 22:14)

DUSTIN Sullivan Named ‘Gypsy Of The Month’

admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:53:59 +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

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:38:58 +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. (MP3. Length 20:33)

Episode 146. Tung Chung Line

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:06:38 +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. (Mp3. Length 19:01)

HONG KONG Rave!

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:34:39 +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

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:35:21 +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! (MP3. Length 20:23)

Episode 144. RSC In “Jeopardy!”

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:16:11 +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.) (MP3. Length18:50)

Episode 143. Actors Paying Bills

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:48:59 +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! (MP3. Length 17:30)

Episode 142. Love The Research

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:18:49 +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 episode #47, Play By Play. (SPOILER ALERT: Mostly we love researching because it postpones actual writing.) (MP3. Length19:39)

Episode 141. Work On Holiday

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:32:37 +0000

It’s 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 Smith from Class 95 in Singapore and an exclusive excerpt from the new musical Mercy Madonna of Malawi. (MP3. Length 17:05)

Episode 140. Chris Farley Show

admin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:18:14 +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 from the recent book The Chris Farley Show, 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! (MP3. Length 27:04)

Episode 139. What’s Really Changed

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:27:16 +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. (MP3. Length 20:03)

SPORTS (abridged) Artwork Revealed!

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:07:55 +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.

SPORTS Show Artwork Revealed!

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:50:01 +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!

Episode 138. Board, Not Bored

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:08:13 +0000

The Lamplighters is San Francisco’s oldest musical theatre company, and arguably America’s finest purveyors of Gilbert & Sullivan. Lamplighters’ 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. (MP3. Length 18:46)

Episode 137. Slinging Singapore Memories

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:56:07 +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. (MP3. Length 19:21)

Episode 136. Balls And Strikes

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:15:56 +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! (MP3. Length 20:07)

Episode 135. Acting Like Actors

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:23:09 +0000

His name might not be familiar, but Bjørn 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! (MP3. Length 18:08)

Episode 134. Our Writing Process

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:07:27 +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. (MP3. Length 21:14)

ANNOUNCING Our Next Stage Show!

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:36:19 +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

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:17:51 +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! (MP3. Length 23:17)

Episode 132. New Stage Show

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:25:55 +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. (MP3. Length 22:26)

GORDON Brown: Tragic Shakespearean Hero

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:16:45 +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

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:05:24 +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! (MP3. Length 17:44)

Episode 130. Teachers We Love

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:15:10 +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. (MP3. Length 20:54)

Episode 129. Three Day Weekend

admin — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:41:36 +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! (MP3. Length 18:01)

Episode 128. Business Of Show

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:48:29 +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. (MP3. Length 23:26)

Episode 127. Mum’s The Word

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:09:58 +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. (MP3. Length 19:01)

SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:54:28 +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!

admin — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:10:51 +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.

Sure, you can listen to our podcasts, subscribe to our newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and interact with other RSC fans on our Online Forum and our Facebook Fan Page.

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 is really 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, Matt Rippy, Austin Tichenor, Brad Harbaugh, Jeff Marlow, and Michael Faulkner, 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.

Episode 126. Audiences Talk Back

admin — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:37:25 +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. (MP3. Length 20:58)

Episode 125. Fighting Stage Fright

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:53:46 +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. (MP3. Length 18:09)

MORE Great San Diego Reviews!

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:07:45 +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! (The review was so reduced, they took it off their website.)

Episode 124. Sam Woodhouse Speaks

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:15:39 +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.” (MP3. Length16:48)

Episode 123. San Diego Bound

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:17:13 +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! (MP3. Length17:39)

Episode 122. Meet The Press

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:19:04 +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! (MP3. Length 19:11)

RAVES in Scottsdale, Arizona!

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:33:42 +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

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:36:57 +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

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:58:30 +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… (MP4. Length 3:44)

Episode 121. Places We’ve Stayed

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:56:30 +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? (MP3. Length 19:11)

Episode 120. White House Insider

admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:03:35 +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 (um, in America)! (MP3. Length 18:13)

Episode 119. The Mighty Regis

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:38:42 +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! (MP3. Length 24:18)

RSC ‘Tweets’ on NPR

admin — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:25:18 +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

admin — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:22:19 +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. (MP3. Length 21:10)

Episode 117. Educate Motivate Inspire

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:34:43 +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! (MP3. Length 21:08)

Matt Rippy Joins UK ‘Bible’ Cast

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:03:27 +0000

RSC veteran Matt Rippy is joining the UK cast of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) for the final five weeks of its 97-city UK tour. Matt joins Jack Bennett, Simon Cole, and William Meredith who have been performing the show since September 2008, and replaces the boldly blond John Kielty who recently took a job with the National Theater of Scotland that was too good to refuse.Matt also directed this touring production (written by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor) so the challenge will be whether he can walk the walk as well as talk the talk. UK riot police are standing by.

Episode 116. Hiding in Berlin

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:13:00 +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, and 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. (MP3. Length 18:08)

“Five & Twenty” Random Things About….William Shakespeare!

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:20:47 +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

admin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:34:57 +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. (MP3. Length 18:50)

Episode 114. Reduced Valentine’s Day

admin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:42:10 +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! (MP3. Length 20:01)

Non-Travel Travel Blog

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:44:05 +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!

admin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 07:06:11 +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

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:56:28 +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! (M4V. Length 5:36)

Episode 113B. Comix & Comics

admin — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:49:55 +0000

Sophomoric, yes, but comic-bookish? Tim Young, host of the Deconstructing Comics Podcast, and Austin Tichenor discuss 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! (MP3. Length 21:16)

Episode 113A. Reduced Temporary Podcast

admin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:17:59 +0000

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. (MP3. Length 2:36)

“Bible” Selling Out!

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:34:07 +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.

Episode 112. Happy New President!

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:08:17 +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! (MP3. Length 20:36)

UK “Bible” Tour Returns!

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:16:21 +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

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:04:12 +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

admin — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:25:51 +0000

As we start the Winter-Spring 2009 World Tour, we bring you road-trip stories from last fall 2008. 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. (MP3. Length 18:06)

Episode 110. Mac v. PC

admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:31:41 +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….(MP3. Length 20:39)

Episode 109. Why We Act

admin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:49:36 +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 star, Anne Heche. (MP3. Length 20:24)

Episode 108. Crumbs At Midnight

admin — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 01:30:31 +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! (MP3. Length 26:27)

Miami Nice

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:24:49 +0000

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

The Ultimate Christmas Carol

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:15:50 +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!

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

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

admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:13:19 +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. (MP3. Length 18:04)

Episode 106. Meet The Troubies!

admin — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:40:29 +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. (MP3. Length 19:41)

“Hardest-Working Men in Shakespearean Showbiz!”

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:28:23 +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

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:48:55 +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. (MP3. Length 17:32)

Strapping On The Tights

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:54:42 +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]

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:08:24 +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. (MP3. Length 18:54)

Episode 103. The Mighty Boosh

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:50:56 +0000

Rich Fulcher, the lone Yank in the UK comedy troupe 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. (MP3. Length 18:13)

“America” Across America, Part The Last

admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:54:48 +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

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:58:29 +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 blatant jingoism, latent jengaism, a special appearance from UK media superstar Lauren Laverne, and a report on the RSC’s sponsorship of the UK charity ok2b. (MP3. Length 18:07)

‘Irreverent…a Revelation!’

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:45:50 +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

admin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:57:01 +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. (MP3. Length 21:11)

Photos From The Road

admin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:38:59 +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?

admin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:30:07 +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

admin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:33:04 +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! (MP3. Length 22:13)

“America” Across America, Part II

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:32:25 +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

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:24:20 +0000

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. (MP3. Length 20:20)

Vote for the RSC Podcast!

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:45:15 +0000

Yes, election time is here! No, not the American presidential election — something much more important!Please go to PodcastAwards.com and vote once a day for the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast in the “Cultural/Arts” category.Remember — just like in Chicago and certain parts of Ohio, you can vote more than once! Mark your calendars and add to your daily to-do list: from now until November 6, vote once a day for the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast in the “Cultural/Arts” category, here at PodcastAwards.com.

“Complete Works…” RETURNS

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:44:35 +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!

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:56:24 +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

admin — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:21:03 +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. (MP3. Length 19:25)

‘Saturday Night Live’ Meets Sunday School!

admin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:20:51 +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

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:17:25 +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

admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:51:55 +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. 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! (MP3. Length 22:30)

“Reduced Bailout” Airs On BBC World Service

admin — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:03:41 +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 >>>

Lisa Croke Charity Benefit

admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:11:02 +0000

A huge golf tournament and fundraising event will be held this Sunday October 5 to benefit Lisa Croke, the wife of RSC member Matthew Croke who succumbed to cancer July 23rd. The money raised will help retire the extraordinary medical costs Matt and Lisa’s insurance didn’t cover, as well as add to an education fund for their daughters Haley, Kelly, and Molly. Sunday would have been Lisa’s 40th birthday. To make a contribution, you can mail a check (in whatever currency!), made out to Lisa Croke Medical Fund, to:Brad Baldufc/o Matt and Lisa Croke1011 Par DriveAlgonquin, IL 60102USAFor raffle tickets and silent auction information, please email Jennifer Balduf at jbnj7 at comcast.net. And for more information about Lisa Croke and how you can contribute, please visit the Lisa’s Hope website.

Rockin’ With Laughter

admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:28:48 +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

admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:59:02 +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… (MP3. Length 19:28)

Coffee and Cake in Taunton

admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:23:30 +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

admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:06:20 +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

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:05:41 +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! (MP3. Length 20:08)

Richmond Rocks!

admin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:44:50 +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!

admin — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:04:28 +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

admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:01:53 +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! (MP3. Length 19:10)

RSC Travel Blogs!

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:29:02 +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

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:00:35 +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. (MP3. Length 20:44)

UK “Bible” Tour Opens!

admin — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:09:37 +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

admin — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:02:17 +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! (MP3. Length 19:51)

Episode 91. The Shakespeare Secret

admin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:02:44 +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! (MP3. Length 19:03)

Episode 90. The RSC Founder

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:10:28 +0000

Finally! After almost two years of podcasting, Reduced Shakespeare Company founder Daniel Singer 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! (MP3. Length 22:18)

RSC Attacks NPR’s “Character”

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:30:49 +0000

Not only did we reduce NPR’s “In Character” series, we 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. Read the blog, or listen to the Scott Simon interview, or hear what unsupervised reduction has done to America’s premiere broadcasters!

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Episode 272. Meet Olivia Williams

Episode 271. Broadway’s Brad Oscar

Episode 270. Time Travel Tales

Episode 269. Leaving Los Angeles

Episode 268. Touring Lowell, Mass

Episode 267. Mick’s Alarming Premieres

RSC RETURNS TO THE UK IN SUMMER 2012!

Episode 266. Returning To England

Manifest Destiny! 2012-13 North American Tour…

The Complete History of America (abridged) Trailer

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) Trailer!

Big Announcement Coming Jan. 9!

Episode 265. Feast Or Famine

Episode 264. Box Office Records

Episode 263. ‘Ultimate Christmas’ Highlights

Episode 262. Talking About ‘Christmas’

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) MRT Promo!

Episode 261. Adjustments and Reactions

Episode 260. ‘Christmas’ Opening Weekend

RSC Newsletter – Out Now!

‘Ultimate Christmas’ Shatters Sales Records!

Episode 259. Backstage at ‘Spiderman’

Episode 258. Meeting Howard Sherman

Episode 257. New Victory Programming

Episode 256. We Review ‘Anonymous’

Episode 255. Finding The Line

Episode 254. Being An Understudy

We’re in AMERICAN THEATRE Magazine!

Episode 253: RSC On NPR

OMG! RSC in NYC, PDQ!

It Might Be the BIG Apple… but there’s a REDUCED price! (Available only for a SHORT time)

1st Look: Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)

Episode 252. Acting Our Scripts

In The Beginning…

Episode 251. After It’s Written

Episode 250. Martin & Tichenor

Episode 249. Writer Brian Stack

Quick Quiz!

RSC, RSC in NY, NY

RSC on NPR

The Complete History of the RSC (abridged)

Episode 248. Matson V. Croke

Episode 247. Folger Shakespeare Director

Episode 246. 30th Anniversary Continued

Episode 245. 30th Anniversary Webcast

Episode 244. ‘Comedy’ Done Right

Our First Live Webcast!

Episode 243. Meet Scott Simon

Fast Funny Physical. Brevity is the soul of wit!

The Complete World of Sports (abridged) Video Highlights!

Episode 242. We Have Consensus!

Episode 241. The Kennedy Center

Washington DC – We Have a Consensus!

RSC Live on NPR: Talk of the Nation, July 12, 3pm

Episode 240. Final ‘Hollywood’ Thoughts

Episode 239. DC For Kids

RSC on MYFOXDC!

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You…

… but what you can do for the Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Episode 238. Actor J.K. Simmons

Episode 237. San Jose Repertory

Episode 236. Meet Ian Gomez

Episode 235. Mile High Podcast

Episode 234. Pub Quiz, Hotshot

Episode 233. Touring New Zealand

Episode 232. Quantum Enterprise Man

Episode 231. A Hearty Bookfest

Episode 230. Sassy Gay Friend

Episode 229. Our Christmas Show

Episode 228. We’re Catching Up

Episode 227. Sharing Lisa’s Story

Episode 226. Going ‘Upstairs Downstairs’

Episode 225. Sophomoric, N’est-ce Pas?

Episode 224. Just ‘Showing Up’

Episode 223. Live From Zaandam!

Episode 222. The Best Friend

Episode 221. Ginger Stage Manager

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Feb Issue of Reduced Reader Now Released!

RSC hits EU! SHAKESPEARE in Belgium / Holland