2025-26

Click a program:

COMMUNITY GATHERING
BOOT CAMP
TRU VOICES
TRUSPEAK
TRU LOVE BENEFIT
AUDITION CONFERENCE
TRU BEGINNINGS
PDMP
EDITORIAL
GENERAL

CLICK HERE for comments prior to 2026

COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

Putting the Ladies in the Spotlight: Organizations That Focus on Professional Theater Women 

Wonderful to connect with you all. Thanks for continuing to ask the question about whether groups like ours are needed, Bob. Until Women have been represented equally on and behind stages for as long as anyone can remember, the question will always need to be asked and our organizations will always be necessary. ~Lauren Yarger 

Thanks so much, Bob, for this conversation. Yes, of course we are needed. But the reasons keep evolving. And the ways of addressing those needs keep evolving as well. You had smart, committed theater artists both in this conversation and in the room with us, which was terrific. Happy to be there and hear and participate in the conversation. All the best to all of you, you know how much I appreciate your work as well as your lovely selves. ~Shellen Lubin 

Bob, thank you for having all of us on your "Women In The Spotlight" panel last night, and for asking such stimulating questions. It was nice to see everyone come together. I look forward to more of these kinds of conversations which certainly fuel inspiration, and will, with any luck, kick start action. You are a FORCE. ~Cynthia Straus

How in the World to Get Noticed: PR Strategies from the NY Festival Scene to the Edinburgh Fringe 

Great talk yesterday. Edinburgh is terrifying and Michelle made it seem less so. Also really appreciated Jonathan Slaff's takes on PR. ~Kate McLeod

The Arts and Activism: How Theater Can Open (and Change) Minds

 I wanted to THANK YOU SO MUCH for inviting me to be on your show. I thought it was a wonderful discussion and I hope that it 'sparked' something in your members in terms of how they might 'show up' in their communities and other spaces where they have influence. I look forward to continuing that conversation if you do in fact choose to invite Dominique and I back to do so. ~Kaci Fannin

Bob, it was inspiring to be part of the Community Gathering. I was impressed and enlightened by Kaci and Dominique. Thank you. the activism theme was so timely. ~Gregg Donaldson

Understanding Off-Broadway: The Challenges and the Opportunities

We just finished watching your recent livestream with Peter Breger, Ed Gaynes and Eric Krebs. Very informative, thank you! ~William Linster & Carol Ziske

Overcoming the Challenges of Presenting Music Virtually

It was a great panel! ~Lorca Peress

Would love to get the chat from yesterday’s ZOOM call. So much good info was shared about virtual presentations.... ~Stephanie Pope Lofgren

Great program as always. ~Ellen Rittberg

Thanks for all these wonderful meetings! I just signed up for TRU membership. Thanks for allowing us to attend for free for so long! ~Maureen Condon

Well, so today’s zoom call kind of answered my question.  With all the lush intricate three and five-person harmonies in my score — and since so many people say the music is the strongest part — I could probably not create any decent online video.... I may concentrate on other ways to create an online presence for the show. I do appreciate your support and encouragement! And the gatherings! ~Al Becker

Getting You on the Write Path. First Step: The Playwright's Center

You just blew me away ... I had no idea really what I was sitting in on.... Love that you started all this during Covid. That's how our Shakespeare Alive [program] started... Anyway, thank you for tonight. ~Denise Pence

This and That: Conversations About a Life in Theater

Thanks so much for inviting me. I had such a good time speaking at the Zoom event. ~Michael Colby

Prison Breakthroughs

Thanks for another really good interview. I very much appreciate your giving us the opportunity to speak about Sing Sing and the power of theater to change people's lives. ~Brent Buell

Abroad Perspective: International Partnerships

Thanks so much for the invitation to explore UK/US collaboration with Martin last night. Delighted to hear from any producers & programmers of other people's work who would like to be part of the Producers' Persona searchable database as we begin to roll it out.... Thanks again for all that you do to create and sustain Community. ~Chris Grady

Your international/UK speakers last Friday were VERY interesting. ~Phyllis Schless

Is Australian Theatre Back to Business As Usual?

Thanks for having me as part of this morning/evening’s chat. This is such a great initiative and a wonderful forum to exchange ideas. If you ever need me again (or both Jason and me as a two- for-one deal), I would be happy to be involved. ~Michael Tyack, award-winning Australian music director

Accruing Fringe Benefits

Great Zoom yesterday and thanks for getting them to talk about the money. Now I know why I haven't gone. ~Toni Hart

Truly lovely and brilliant and sentimental and informative and all around great meeting yesterday. What a panel!! ~Janet Conrad

It was a real pleasure to be with you last night and share a rich panel with Molly, Blair, Clara and Tom – all amazing and fascinating creatives. ~Chris Grady

Do All These Musicals Belong on Broadway?

That was amazing. As a former journo I greatly appreciated Peter [Filichia]’s presence and his pov. And Frankie [Dailey] was amazing — open and willing to share all he knows. We TRUers are truly blessed. ~Kate McLeod

Nancy Richards

Your interview with Nancy Richards is one of the most helpful theater interviews I've seen yet. Thank you very much! ~Sabura Rashid

John Lant

I'm a creator/filmmaker and just listened to John Lant on zoom. I was totally blown away by the depth of his knowledge and his generosity in sharing it the way he did. It was just the kind of information I needed to have. ~Cornelia Ravenal

Festivals

I truly support your objective in educating young people and it was an absolute pleasure. This is arguably one of the more impactful panels and I hope they take the time to absorb the takeaways. ~Gene Fisch, New York New Works Theatre Festival

Conversation with Joanna Gleason

Bob, it has been my pleasure to contribute in any way to TRU. And yes, friends indeed! ~Joanna Gleason

Write Who You Know

Luke Yankee was a] wonderful guest! He was very open, personable, engaged with you and the audience. Once again, congratulations on your interviewing skills. Good conversation. ~Stephanie Schwartz

More Hats Than We Can Even Count

This was one of the most energetic and caring groups I've ever met with. TRU is still the beacon for the arts pro in NYC. ~Jay Michaels (guest)

How to Make a Documentary

Great meeting Friday with the documentarian. "Just because it happened, doesn't make it interesting." One of your all time great quotes! Love the webinars! ~Jeff Westfield

Balancing Act: Richard Maltby Jr.

Very excellent session tonight, I think people really enjoyed that we talked about techniques of making art with someone who was so articulate; in fact, both of you were so articulate on the matter. ~Scott Sublett

What an absolutely soulful and marvelous Event. Mr. Maltby clearly loved the experience and was extremely happy and generous and wise ... and love for Musical Theater could be felt throughout. ~Janet Conrad

Thank you!!!!! That was fascinating! ~Elowyn Castle

Accruing Fringe Benefits

Great Zoom yesterday and thanks for getting them to talk about the money. Now I know why I haven't gone. ~Toni Hart

Truly lovely and brilliant and sentimental and informative and all around great meeting yesterday. What a panel!! ~Janet Conrad

It was a real pleasure to be with you last night and share a rich panel with Molly, Blair, Clara and Tom – all amazing and fascinating creatives. ~Chris Grady

TRU-ly Thankful

Thank you for an interesting and stimulating meeting today.... Look forward to next time. ~Gail Schickele

The Ramifications of the Strike Settlement

Thank you as always, for putting together an AMAZING and very important gathering! ~Amy Stoller

The Perks and Pitfalls of Producing Partnerships (Sue Gilad and Larry Rogowsky)

Another terrific conversation. ~Judith Binus

Thanks so very kindly, Sue Gilad and Larry Rogowsky, for all you are and do! ~Elana Stanger

This was WONDERFUL!!! ~Suzanne Bachner

It’s so great to be with both of you. Very inspiring. ~Catherine Waller

Wow, you guys have such a GREAT team together. Life and Art. ~Kandie Carle

General

I just wanted you to know how much I've enjoyed and learned from TRU's recent Community Gatherings – they've been so helpful to me! Specifically, your Pitch Deck, Professional Theater Women, and Indie Theater have all given me a lot of very valuable information. Before I discovered TRU, my theater network was minimal. By attending your workshops I feel I've really become part of the theater community in a meaningful way. You've created such a welcoming atmosphere and your cheerful, can-do style always gives me a boost. As you know, being a self-producer is challenging and having TRU to turn to has meant a lot to me. So thank you! ~Karin Abarbanel

TRU Fri sessions are truly inspiring and informative. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into putting them on. ... Live dramatic theater can come back strong (no worry for the musicals), if we on the creative end can find ways to reach the youngers on that high emotional level they find on social media, which they love so much. I wonder if theater was, way back when, actually the social media of its day? ~Jeff Westfield

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the Community Gathering Zoom session. I'm thrilled to have discovered your resource while completing my MFA in Performing Arts Management. My goal is to become a company manager or general manager, and I hope this education will help me achieve my aspirations. In pursuit of my goals, I was looking for an artistic community. I have been trying to find one for a while, so when you mentioned that in the Zoom chat, it truly resonated with me. I can't wait for the upcoming meeting this Friday! I learned so much at the last session, and I’m eager to learn even more. Once again, thank you so much, and I look forward to future community gatherings. ~Michael Allen Bailey

PRODUCER BOOT CAMP

Raising Money for Theater

The information shared was astonishing, deeply relevant, and immediately practical. The fantastic presenters struck a rare and effective balance – both conversational and professorial – bringing their combined experience, expertise, and guidance with remarkable clarity and generosity. Everyone in attendance felt genuinely listened to, and all questions and concerns were thoughtfully and thoroughly addressed. Thanks again for a truly remarkable workshop. It was an invaluable experience. ~Sam Affoumado

Essentials of Self Producing

That was an amazing series of speakers yesterday! I'm fascinated and overwhelmed and eager to make something happen, despite the steep learning curve. Again many thanks for hosting such a fabulous event. I'm so glad Elizabeth steered me to TRU. Happy holidays! ~Barbara Blumenthal

Terrific session today! ~Gary Kahn 

Great seminar on self-producing Sunday. I always need a good pep-talk! ~Vynnie Meli

TRU VOICES

TRU Voices 2025 Play Reading Series - Control of the Dirt

The writing was excellent, as was the casting (the daughter was really good, and from her bio, seems like she's a relative newbie. She clearly had put in the work --- and it showed (or didn't show, even better) - Sherri Phillips

The adults loved it! The teen girls laughed and enjoyed it.   Keep them coming…. Overall, truly it was great.  Still picturing the laundry detergent scene.- Nelida Landin

I was lucky enough to join you for the stage reading of “Control of the Dirt”.  Simply a spectacular play.  The writing was beyond belief.  And if you were listening, the last line of the play generated a huge gasp from the entire audience.  Well done all around.- Alan Markowitz

Well done to you and those terrific producers [on the talkback panel] and really grand actors!!! Kudos all 'round! Those actors brought the characters to life and gave them dimension, brilliantly! Congrats all round!! ~Elowyn Castle

Live Streaming Presentation of  AMÉRICA TROPICAL

I have derived great value from TRU since joining and consider my membership the best bang for the buck in the business. I look forward to continuing to enjoy and learn from you and the community. A hui hou ~David Specter

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoy the Friday sessions and that I loved the musical play reading of America Tropical. And the Talkback was terrific! Meanwhile, moments ago I heard that Trump was taking over the Kennedy Center and making himself Chairman. I am soooo upset! How can he do this?! Every day there is more disastrous and horrifying news about things he is doing and chaos he is creating. But the Kennedy Center news truly hits home because he is destroying the arts! Had to say it. OMG. What can we as artists do about it? ~Marilyn Anderson

This was a true joy to watch. Thank you for your service. ~Barry Kibrick

Another great event! Great information from the panel as well. ~Kate McLeod

Sending our heartfelt thanks to you and all of those at TRU for giving us such an exhilarating and impactful learning experience with América Tropical. Proucer Jamila [Ponton Bragg] was wonderful, director Jason Aguirre proved to be a great fit, and the talk-back session with the esteemed group of producers you assembled was stellar. This caliber of experience for a musical in development is heady stuff, and our gratitude is deeply felt. ~Joel, Jan, and Gina

Thank YOU! It was beautiful. The cast was super-talented, the music was lovely and the stor(ies) are all interesting. ~Jorge Huerta

What a great bunch of theater folk – well done. And some really terrific performances!! Thank you – thoroughly enjoyed myself! ~Elowyn Castle

All Americans need and want to see this. It’s heart-wrenching and everyone is tuned into this right now! Don’t restrict where you try to show it. Everyone cares about this. I think the show will have universal appeal because we are all seeing this in the news daily, and people realize that if anyone is unsafe, we are all unsafe. I don’t think the producer needs to target this [show] to any specific group or region. ~Maureen Condon

TRUSPEAK

I just wanted to write you a quick note to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the time, energy and effort that Theater Resources Unlimited devoted to the production of Riding Lessons.  I had the great pleasure of watching Sunday’s TRUSPEAK program at a “big screen” watch-party and I wish I could convey the excitement and admiration expressed by the audience as the event unfolded.  The ovation as the end credits rolled was truly something to behold.  Working with Janel and Carley has been an absolute dream – their level of professionalism, creativity and commitment to Riding Lessons has been literally awe-inspiring.  I couldn’t have asked for a better production team and Mike was truly a joy to work with.  The cast assembled for the film was incredible and blew away all my wildest aspirations.  I can only hope the film will have more opportunities in the future to showcase Theater Resource Unlimited’s cinematic achievements.  Please accept my best wishes and sincerest congratulations on TRUSPEAK. ~Brett Hursey

Congratulations to everyone who worked on TRUSPEAK. It was wonderful, from the opening slide show to the final credits!  In addition to the individual plays to be sent to festivals and venues for wider distribution, can this entire production be sent out?  The plays were excellent and the film was top quality. ~Stephanie Schwartz

You are a miracle man! Congratulations on a fabulous TRUSpeak! And Congratulations and Thank You so much for creating TRU!  You have done so much for so many! … I can only imagine how much work went into yesterday’s event! It was great!   Fantastic quality! ~Maureen Condon

I know everyone was happy with the work last night and I have to add my praises! What a wonderful and cohesive evening you and your staff put together! The web page was easy to use and navigate off of. I had so hoped to say so at the after party but our child texted and I had to go and pick them up in another town. At any rate, thank you for a stimulating evening and for holding up high standards for all of us. With thanks and admiration. ~Karen Eterovich

TRUVOICES  … was an absolutely beautiful and remarkable and brilliant event. Every congratulations and every grateful thank you. It was a joy to hear how people felt.  Very humbly, if it is easy and possible to send on the video of the plays,  I would like to watch them again! ~Janet Conrad

TRU AUDITION WEEKEND AND TRUACT 2025

Thank you so much for an amazing experience and opportunity to audition for TRU Audition 2025. It was wonderful to work with you, as well as work with and meet Tamra and JJ. And thanks to Yuet for being our cheerleader and helping us in the dressing room this afternoon. Appreciate everyone's assistance in this audition process. ~Valerie David

This year was a breeze. Incredibly efficient by all of you and so much easier for me too...once I got my new set up. Thank you Tamra for working with me on this. I'm ready to go for the next one. I was relaxed and enjoyed the experience. It was FUN. ~Debi Toni

Very good audition session, once things got started! Probably the best you've had. ~Cynthia Stephens, Sacred Ground Productions LLC

I was impressed with all of the guidance that people seemed to get on doing a Zoom audition. If you don't emphasize that, you should. I thought it was especially good for seeing the nonequity actors. Because I knew that they had to affirmatively opt in to this, I took them more seriously than I might have otherwise. ~Cindy Cooper

MEET THE COACHES

This was a wonderful group of professionals, and a pleasure to be a part of this event! ~Cynthia Smalley ~ Photographer

I enjoyed being a part of it and meeting everyone. Thanks for the invite! ~Stephanie Pope Lofgren

TRU BEGINNINGS

Writer-Producer Speed Date

January 19th, 2026 

April issue 2025

I love your messages in the newsletters. When I see you live at workshops and meetings, I am amazed at your energy and dedication to TRU - for 31 years??! There's not a moment when you are not engaged in the matter at hand, whatever it is. When there's a computer glitch. . . no problem. We go on. And then comes a newsletter with a thoughtful message written by you during an alone time. It's really wonderful! Thank you for your endless energy and your quiet contemplations.  ~Ellen Clarkson 

Thank you for your newsletter. Let us keep our hopes and values high. ~Stefanie Rummel 

Hear hear! Bob, thank you. I echo it all. (Let's hope and pray that this tyranny is short lived!) ~Alexa Kelly

I wish you all the best and thank you for writing about what's going on in the world today. My only hope is that judges and the courts keep knocking them down. I'm afraid of the Supreme Court but I don't know if they really want democracy to be destroyed. And I don't know why people can't stand up to this man and his cronies. Sending you all the best wishes and gratitude for what you do for the community on a daily basis. ~Pamela Coutilish Scott

I always appreciate the detail and care you put into your newsletter. And the ease of the bookmark to go back up to the index after reading a section at the bottom! I am glad the newsletter sparks you in so many ways, and that we get to be along on your journey of exploration. ~Lisa Sniderman

October issue 2025 

I very much enjoy your writing. Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year. Quite amazing what you have accomplished with Theater Resources. ~Sandye Rudnitzky 

Love your focus on kindness. You probably know Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's work for a better world. We can each do at least more than nothin' to make a better world every day – or if that's too much, once a week. ~Tita Anntares 

Well said, and thank you for sharing your personal journey. I worked on Erev Yom Kippur and sat in my living room to read Yizkor and the Martyrology on Yom Kippur itself. Even though I don't really practice (I had to be reminded by my gentile daughters-in-law that it was Rosh Hashanah) Yom Kippur is special to me as a day to reflect, make amends, and promise to do better. But, to make the world better, I believe every day should be Yom Kippur. We need to be cognizant every day of our impact on those around us, and if we have transgressed on anyone's right to be who they are, to have what they need, we need to make amends and, most of all, promise to be better. ~Kate Katcher 

Thanks Bob for your wonderful newsletter. Love that you said kindness is your religion. It should be everyone's religion and then have a side religion that brings on the fun and gifts and special food. I belong to no organized religion now, but sometimes join the local Unitarians, since they seem to practice them all. May you have a wonderful year, and if people were given blessings in the amount that's equal to all the good and kind works you do, you would be one of the blessed of them all. Stay well and be blessed forever ~Arlene Corsano

August issue 2025

Bless you, Bob. This beautifully written piece on words matters so much. You have managed to expose the vileness of Trump's withered mind and those of his screeching mob, as you so lovingly show the importance of words and how they are used. You have "spilled the tea" with grace. Thank you. ~Brent Buell

Glad I'm on your list and getting your writings regularly, Bob. Good to see you're in our camp re: Drumpft. I can barely put his name in print & refrain from conversation involving what he's doing to upset our world on a daily basis! ... Everything else TRU is doing -- exhausts me!! I would LOVE to get more involved with the whole "producing" thing. ~Denise Pence Boockvor 

Love your latest essay! Never thanked you - but do that now - for the expertly run and highly educational Writer-Director Speedate thing I participated in recently. I was at first a bad student then surrendered to the task and learned a great deal. Thank you for that. And thank you for this excellent essay in the TRU newsletter that just came out. I'm impressed by your use of words - you say a lot using plain words, the old Anglo-Saxon words, the simple, expressive ones. I share your love of language and hear it in your voice.  My very best! ~Barbara Blatner

July 2025

I enjoyed your comments on your mother. They reminded me of mine in a way. They were both very smart, colorful ladies who had to settle for what society allowed them to be. ~Fran Handman 

I enjoy reading your well-expressed, clear and honest thoughts re your mother, and the country. Was it Hakeem Jeffries who said about The Bill (paraphrasing): Never has there been legislation that did so much for the few and so little for the many…. I hope that this tainted 4th will eventually be part of history rather than an ongoing lesion. ~Hana Roth Seavey 

Thank you for sharing your story about your Mom; values are priceless and seemingly a rare quality to treasure, especially in this current era. ~Janel Scarborough 

I love your essays and this one is a real treasure. Having read this, I feel like I know [your mother] Marthe. You write with such love. As for Trump (enter sigh here). Malcom X said after JFK's assassination that "the chickens had come home to roost," for which he was duly castigated. With the tragic flood in Texas, resulting in the loss of over 100 souls, the first Trumpian chickens have come home to roost. In recent months, he cut 600 positions from the National Weather Service, including a crucial administrator responsible for communicating with local officials in Texas. Those hundred deaths are on his hands. Tragically, there will be many more losses as the rest of his perverse policies fall into place. Shame on you, Donald.  Stay well, Bob. We need you and your wisdom. ~Dave Kurkowski 

I loved your profound essay and your tribute to your wonderful mother. You hit the nail on the head. Wonderful. ~Ellen Orchid

I truly love your keen ability to invite us into your personal reflections and then bring that right into the current arena. Droopy dandelions indeed! Will keep reading and thank you for your leadership, for always making space and for all you do for and with us, Bob. ~Lis Sniderman

Your July newsletter -- Enjoyed reading about your mother. Nice stories! Coincidentally, I am originally from Philly also although haven't been back there for a long time. My mother lived in a house that overlooked Fairmont Park when she was young! Anyhoo - I always look forward to the Friday meetings, even though sometimes not available. ~Marilyn Anderson

GENERAL

I'm serious when I say that I consider [my play at Carnegie Hall] a TRU success story. Your activities (workshops, classes, speed dating) were an inspiration to me and helped guide me toward new opportunities (a festival win; a live premiere; and now Carnegie Hall). ~Jim Keller 

I wanted to give you an update about the show we presented a long time ago at one of your workshops.  57th NATIONAL MATHLETE SUM-IT (formerly Numbers Nerds ) has been licensed by TRW and has had dozens of productions all over the world.  I give you a LOT credit for your help and advice on the show as we were developing it. Over the past 10 years we also created 7 more shows - all licensed and published by major companies with hundreds of productions so far. ~Larry Little

A moral compass is not obsolete but with our society seemingly abandoning it - not for a better one, but for something cruel, self-serving and ruthless - it is even more important now that we keep ours alive. That is where community comes in. To remind us and to assure us that we are not the crazy ones. That the moral criteria we call upon are deeply embedded in our western culture, which is founded on Judaism, Christianity, Humanism, Greek Philosophy etc. We are Western creatures, our moral compass is of that culture. Is it perfect? Are there others? Can we engage with other cultural guidelines? Absolutely. But there are certain things that we were socialized in, that we deeply consider right, and that involves the evolved idea of democratic governance, the rights of people, the rule of law. ~Katrin Hilbe

I wanted to sincerely thank you for your support in connecting me with producers to advise me on the process of getting new work off the ground and featuring my last work (Persephone Palmer Steps Out at Theater for the New City) in the newsletter. Your help was extremely critical in helping me as a first-time producer and emerging director get an AEA Showcase (my first), a successful three-week run. ~Natalie Thomas

I think TRU is a wonderful place for a novice producer to earn his/her wings and my best wishes to you and the rest of the gang. ~Bob Crothers