Reed Martin

Celebrating The Bible

The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), an irreverent celebration of “the greatest story ever accepted as fact” that was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and Matthew Croke, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor reminisce about its creation and how much the world has changed since it premiered at the Kennedy Center in 1995. The original cast members reveal how they bent over backwards to make an entertaining innoffensive comedy; the genius of Steve Smith, the former director of Ringling Brothers Clown College; rave reviews from a Virginia nun and a minister from the Church of Scotland; and how, perhaps paradoxically, some of the show’s biggest fans are the most religiously devout. (Length 19:24)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 19:24 — 22.3MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Directing Our Scripts

RSC artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor are directing college productions of their comedies William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) and The Comedy of Hamlet! (a prequel), and they discuss the differences they discover in their scripts when other actors are performing them. Reed and Austin share how different actors bring different energies; the difference between a vaudeville and a play; how directing these young actors is like looking in a mirror; and how certain things just aren’t necessary when you cast more than three actors. (Length 19:37)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 19:37 — 22.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Updating Great Books

RSC artistic directors and co-authors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss how they’ve updated All the Great Books (abridged), which embarks on a US tour this fall. Reed and Austin share what changes they’ve made to this script (and all the RSC scripts) and how our scripts, like all plays, develop new meanings depending on the personnel performing them and the times in which they’re being performed. (Length 15:04) (PICTURED: Tré Tyler (Coach), Michael Faulkner (Professor), and Doug Harvey (Doug) in the Reduced Shakespeare Company production of All the Great Books (abridged), written and directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor.)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 15:04 — 17.3MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Filming ‘Complete Works’

Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor – the cast of the film version of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) – reminisce about the 2000 filming of the RSC’s signature work, and discuss the extraordinary lengths the production went to ensure they were jet-lagged for the entire process. Revelations include the secret cameo from co-author and RSC founding member Daniel Singer; how different actors must play jokes differently; the Spinal Tap observation that relative size is the difference between funny and scary; how to make friends in British and Irish pubs; and how the RSC vibe might best be described as squabbling siblings bound together in a brotherhood of Shakespeare. (Length 21:33) (PICTURED: Reed Martin, Adam Long, and Austin Tichenor enjoying post-show beverages in Shuttleworth’s Pub, Charing Cross Road, 1992. Photo by Kent Tichenor.)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 21:33 — 0.0KB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Funny To Us

Playwrights and RSC artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss the updates they’ve been making to all their scripts (including All the Great Books (abridged), featuring Doug Harvey, Tré Zijuan Tyler, and Michael Faulkner, below) and how their writing process begins with coming up with material that’s personal resonant. Martin and Tichenor reveal the despair of artists listening to the mortgage when evaluating their work; how not all laughs are created equal; how the great job of making people laugh now feels like an supremely important job; and how hearing the audience gasp at the turns in the narrative is even more satisfying to us. (Length 24:21)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 24:21 — 28.0MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Returning To MRT!

RSC artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss their return to Merrimack Repertory Theatre with the company’s 11th show, The Comedy of Hamlet! (a prequel) as MRT’s 300th production. Reed and Austin reveal the RSC’s deep connections to New England; how this will be the RSC’s third show to premiere at MRT (after The Complete World of Sports (abridged) and The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) and seventh visit overall; and share insights into the creation of the show and why they changed the title; how the show’s roll-out and script development got interrupted by the pandemic; what milestone anniversary will be celebrated by our first MRT performance; and how creating a prequel to Shakespeare’s greatest play brought unexpected emotional connections to the characters. (LENGTH 18:24)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 18:24 — 21.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Sidney Berger Award

At the closing night banquet of last weekend’s Shakespeare Theatre Association conference in San Francisco, Reduced Shakespeare Company artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor were awarded the Sandra and Sidney Berger Award “in recognition of their outstanding talent and dedication to the works of William Shakespeare.” In a conversation recorded immediately afterward, Reed and Austin express their shock and gratitude; thank the many people who have kept the RSC going over the years; share an excerpt of their acceptance speech; and talk about their decades-long journey that brought them to this unlikely moment. (Length 19:30)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 19:30 — 22.4MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Threading The Needle

For this first episode of 2025, RSC co-artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss how Austin plays the “Alternate Scrooge” in the Goodman Theatre production of A Christmas Carol for the third year in a row. Austin reveals how he threads the needle of honoring the Scrooges he alternates with (Larry Yando and Christopher Donahue) while still making the character his own; the difference between being an alternate and an understudy; how he inherited the role from previous alternate and now current Scrooge Allen Gilmore; the secrets to flying, including massive shout-outs to ZFX Flying, who makes the magic happen (not “VFX,” as misidentified by Austin); what it’s like to work with young performers; the danger of running out of mental bandwidth during the holidays; and the privilege of jumping from reduced productions to the Goodman’s massive annual extravaganza. (Length 38:46)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 38:46 — 44.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Special Christmas Encore!

For this special encore podcast episode, we present – in its entirety – the complete and unabridged recording of A Little Dickens: The Complete Christmas Carol (abridged). (Dickens’s story is abridged, not the recording. You’ll work it out.) First heard on Public Radio International in 1995, this antic audio adaptation features Reed Martin as Jacob Marley, Matthew Croke as Tiny Tim, and Austin Tichenor as Ebenezer Scrooge (the role he’s currently playing at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre). May it warm your cockles! (Length 10:47)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 10:48 — 12.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Updating America (Abridged)

They keep writing American history so we have to keep reducing it! Playwrights Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss how they’ve updated The Complete History of America (abridged), which they wrote with Adam Long back in 1993. Reed and Austin share how Dee Ryan’s recent one-hour production of the script was so helpful; how Reed discovered who the most pivotal figure in American history has been for the last 30 years; the challenges of keeping up just the last two weeks of American history; how the “Special Election Edition” that the RSC performs differs from the published version of the script; why Reed’s heavy teaching schedule prevents him from joining us on the road; and how adjunct professors are doing the Lord’s work (without the benefits). (Length 18:18)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 18:18 — 21.0MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Harpo And Chico

Reed Martin has written Harpo and Chico and Bill, a new comedy about Harpo Marx, his son Bill, and Harpo’s brother Chico as they try to put one final live stage show together late in their careers. Written during the pandemic, Reed’s play is is now having its world premiere (under his direction) at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton. Reed discusses how the script came to be, how it’s evolving with his all-student cast, and where it might go from here; how he got to meet Harpo’s son Bill; how Reed exaggerated the drama (but only a little); how you can’t find a single person who has a bad word to say about Harpo; the importance of family both onstage and off; and how Reed’s performing the public service of introducing a new generation to classic comedians and timeless bits. (Length 22:16)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 22:16 — 25.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Measuring The Laughs

On the eve of our upcoming tour of The Complete History of Comedy (abridged), co-authors and RSC co-artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor talk about measuring the success of a production, and how it’s easier with a comedy but not so much with a drama. Reed and Austin reveal how comedy opens up the heart; how laughs preceded by quiet moments are usually stronger; their greater willingness to go on a comic journey than a tragic one; a shout-out to George Saunders’s book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain; their feelings about whether Chekhov’s plays are actually funny; their ability to take their own notes about slowing down; how not all laughs are created equal; a special appearance by half an EGOT winner “Weird Al” Yankovic; the complete song, “I Laughed Till I Cried;” and the ultimate challenge of wondering whether a quiet audience is enthralled or simply bored. HEAR HERE! (Length 20:36)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 20:36 — 23.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Who Wrote Shakespeare?

Don’t know your Bacons from your Marlowes, your deVeres from your Rutlands? Fear not. We addressed the so-called “Authorship Question” in our 2006 book, Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged), outlining all the major candidates and computing the odds that someone other than Shakespeare actually wrote his keen plays and nifty sonnets. The answer may surprise you! This episode features the entire text of Chapter Five, “Who Wrote This Stuff?”, and offers iconoclasm and mischief-making, scandalous scholarship, wild supposition, equally unlikely possibilities, and a little thing we like to call “logic.” (Length 29:34)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 29:34 — 33.9MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Bringing Back Comedy

The original cast (pictured, left to right: Reed Martin, Dominic Conti, and Austin Tichenor) returns to The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) for performances this April and July of 2023 and they discuss how both the show and their performances have changed; how different people can get away with different jokes; the value of bashing away at the material; the audacity of comparing ourselves to Shakespeare; how it’s our most autobiographical show; what it’s like to act with other companies like Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre; fixing certain punchlines; and a special appearance from Grammy Award-winning comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic! (Length 18:49)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 18:49 — 21.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Remembering Princess Diana

In celebration of the RSC Podcast’s 15th Anniversary, artistic directors Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor remember the surreal week they spent performing The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) at the Gielgud Theatre in London in the wake of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Featuring memories of how the country came together; how all the performing arts suffered at the box office; how we were the only West End show to perform during Diana’s funeral; how news traveled via Town Crier; the joy of meeting Bernard Shaw (not George Bernard Shaw); and how something always happens when we perform in London. (Length 18:17)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 18:17 — 21.0MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Drawing On Shakespeare

Drawing on Shakespeare is a 16-episode webseries hosted by Austin Tichenor and the ridiculously talented Gary Andrews, where we talk about Shakespeare with witty, wonderful, and wise people while Gary draws what we’re talking about. As a possible second season/series gets closer, Gary and Austin remember how Drawing on Shakespeare began, discuss how different actors bring new meaning to a character; how every conversation leads to new insights about a play; how Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream can be like Keith Richards; and how audience figures are staggering into the several. (Length 17:40)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 17:40 — )

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

The Devil’s Work

Demons and witches and ghosts, oh my! As we reach our 666th podcast, it seems like the perfect time to talk about how the Devil has influenced (or hasn’t) the work of the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor discuss Faustian bargains; Satan being cut from The Complete History of America (abridged); rewriting The Music Man; Adam Long’s tribute to two legends in his one-man show Satan Sings Mostly Sondheim; the fear of mockery; our Kerfuffles in Northern Ireland; making friends in Louisiana; stories for another time; how times have changed; celebrating the Devil’s opposite in The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged); making up for missed opportunities with episode 420; and hopefully soon-to-be requited love for our book How The Bible Changed Our Lives (Mostly For The Better). (Length 21:55)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 21:55 — 25.4MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 575. Northern California Fires

Lifelong Sonoma, California resident Reed Martin was forced to evacuate his home in October, along with his family and thousands of others, because of the devastating wildfires that destroyed almost 250,000 acres, killing at least 44 people and hospitalizing at least 185. Reed discusses what it was like to be surrounded by the seventeen separate wildfires that raged through six counties and threatened property, people, animals, and businesses, such as the famous Sonoma and Napa wineries, and reveals what one does when faced with sudden and oncoming danger, the feeling of constantly (still!) being on high alert, how you can help our actor Dodds Delzell, and trying to look on the bright side of future wine harvests. (Length 15:51) 

Podcast: Download (Duration: 15:51 — 18.3MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 460. Remembering Yogi Berra

If Yogi Berra hadn’t existed, some writer would have had to create him. Arguably one of the greatest catchers, and certainly the greatest character to ever play the game, Yogi died recently at the age of 90 and in addition to being one of the greatest players to ever play Read more

Podcast: Download (Duration: 20:25 — 18.9MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

By austin, ago
The Complete World of Sports (abridged)

March Madness! April Absurdity!

The Complete World of Sports (abridged)After a brief time-out, the Reduced Shakespeare Company take to the field once again with The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Whoop and holler and hurl your hotdog as we attempt to reduce every sport in the history of the world – from archery to wrestling, from basketball to bocce ball, from championship chess to professional ping-pong and everything in between! 3,477.3 sports reduced into one mad dash to the finish line! Impossible! No WAY, you say! YES way, say we! We have been training literally minutes for this! Bring your poms poms to: (more…)

By austin, ago

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)

"Critic's Choice!" Boston Globe. "Brought down the house with gales of laughter." Theatre Mirror. The fruitcakes of the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays in The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). It's festive funny Read more
By austin, ago

Vote Early! Vote Often!

Hear ye! Hear ye! This just in! The Special Election Edition of The Complete History of America (abridged) is coming! The show has been performed at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center and many other centers not named for dead Presidents. It ran for almost ten Read more
By austin, ago

Happy Merry Chrismakwanukkahanzakah!

Ready for some holiday cheer? Don't miss the first National Tourof The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) coming to Reston VA, Charlotte, Fort Worth, San Diego, St. Louis and Anchorage! Take a look. Last season The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) broke box office records, so buy your tickets early. Don't Read more
By austin, ago

London 2012

We won the Gold! The comic Gold, that is. The RSC took the UK by storm this summer - take a look. After a five-week tour of the regions, we settled in for an exciting six-week run of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) at Read more
By austin, ago

OMG! RSC in NYC, PDQ!

The Complete World of Sports (abridged)

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. (more…)

By austin, ago

RSC, RSC in NY, NY

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 Read more
By austin, ago

RSC on NPR

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 Read more
By austin, ago

Our First Live Webcast!

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 Read more
By austin, ago