Much Ado

Dogberry And Verges

Actors and now playwrights Michael Doherty and Will Mobley have written the wonderful new comedy Dogberry and Verges Are Scared, which is having its world premiere at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival from September 5-14, 2025. Mike and Will took time out from rehearsal to discuss the play’s inspirations and origins; how clowns do table work in rehearsal; how they pitched each other ideas and realized they wanted to write a play instead of a clown show; how not all laughs are created equal; the value of believable characters driving even the silliest comedy; and the importance of finding a director who’s as heart-forward as they are comically fine-tuned. (Length 20:28)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 20:28 — 23.5MB)

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By austin, ago

Amy Acker’s Beatrice

Amy Acker starred as Beatrice in Joss Whedon’s 2012 film version of Much Ado About Nothing, and she discusses her initial trepidation over playing this great role onscreen; how her early training at SMU and experience at American Players Theatre in Wisconsin prepared her for it; how casual play readings lead to leading roles; the value of rehearsing; the fun of doing your own stunts; the joy of working with the Joss Whedon Dancers; the differences between preparing for a play and preparing for a movie; how the Whedonverse is more Shakespearean than the (David E.) Kelleyverse; and the counterintuitive marvel (no pun intended) of how making a movie is more relaxing than taking an actual vacation. (Length 22:10)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 22:10 — 25.7MB)

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By austin, ago