One thing I love about BSR is the way our roster of longtime writers is always mixing with new ones. Critic Cameron Kelsall sits down with Amina Robinson and Lindsay Smiling, who have been tapped as the new artistic directors of Theatre Horizon and the Wilma, respectively. Learn their very different paths to leadership and their plans for these important companies. Meanwhile, Gauri Mangala, our newest writer, dives into the trend of pay-what-you-can tickets at Philly theater festivals, where surprising perspectives emerge.
We're also covering a new production of Ain't Misbehavin' at People's Light, which critic Mina Reinckens recommends. And Josh Herren goes into the woods, literally, with a magical, joyfully queer production of As You Like It staged on the grounds of Roxborough's Schuylkill Center, because "Shakespeare often sounds best when competing with the crickets."
And of course, we're in the final week before the 2026 session of HELP US HELP YOU, a webinar for indie artists and small cultural organizations that demystifies everything about approaching members of the media. It's next Wednesday night, July 22, at 6:30pm ET on Zoom. Get the details and register here. Thanks to everyone who already has tickets! Can't wait to see you there.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
