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It’s episode #39 and it’s Scenic Designer Michael Schweikardt! Michael has mastered the world of regional design work and he’s got lots of secrets and tidbits to share. Cory and Michael chat at length about his work at Goodspeed Opera House and the challenges and joys of working in such a prestigious venue, the keys to designing in deep thrust spaces like Pittsburgh Public Theatre, and the process of taking “Ella” to over 25 different regional theatres. He also shares his thoughts on living outside of New York City, his feelings on projections as a scenic element, the vanishing craft of hand painted drops, and the economical and practical realities of working primarily in regional theatre. And we announce our first ever LIVE podcast recording on April 20th in the theatre district. Come be a part of the show you (hopefully) love!
Michael Schweikrdt designed the world premiere of the new Duncan Sheik/Kyle Jarrow musical Whisper House at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre. He has created sets for several musicals by Joe Iconis, including Bloodsong Of Love at Ars Nova, ReWrite at Urban Stages, The Black Suits at The Public Theater, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks for TheatreworksUSA., and Things To Ruin at both The Zipper Factory and Second Stage Theatre. Regional credits include Jeffrey Hatcher’s Ella, appearing in cities all across the country; the critically acclaimed productions of Showboat, Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof, 1776, Big River and Camelot for Goodspeed Musicals; over a dozen shows at Pittsburgh Public Theatre including My Fair Lady, Talley’s Folley, Red and The Pirates Of Penzance; Barnum for Asolo Repertory Theatre’s 50th anniversary season; Oklahoma! starring Kelli O’Hara and Will Chase celebrating the Oklahoma State Centennial; the American premieres of Frank McGuinness’ Gates of Gold and The Bird Sanctuary and national and international tours of James Taylor’s One Man Band.
Other regional work includes shows at Cincinnati Playhouse, Papermill Playhouse, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Fulton Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Rep of St. Louis, Merrimack Rep, Syracuse Stage, Music Circus Sacramento, and Theatreworks Hartford. Michael is a graduate of Mason Gross School Of The Arts, Rutgers University and a member of U.S.A. Local 829.
