Episodes

  • We're Larger than the System!
    May 17 2025

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    On this episode, Phaedra and Liz are joined by a local creative who puts the multi in hyphenate; Aejay Antonias Marquis, who steps in SirDiva's shoes as guest co-host. The Theatre Streets had the Divas on a trek through Afro futurism, isolation, and poles, while Center Stage Shade and SirDiva's Rant, lit it up. Chyle, now you know we had to get up on the National Endowment for the Arts - knotting us Divas all up! Come on an unravel this theatrical entanglement with us!

    Recommendations:
    "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Aurora Theatre Company
    On stage April 26 - May 25, 2025 tickets at auroratheatre.org

    "Come Thru: a cultural Celebration" Play reading of Lisa B. Thompson's "African Stew" with Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Saturday May 17 at 4pm at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Tickets @lhtsf.org

    "Season Preview and Celebration" Featuring Lorraine Hansberry Theatre's 2025 New Black Voices mentee, Phaedra Tillery-Boughton. Sunday May 18 at 4pm at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Free event open to all -rsvp @lhtsf.org

    "Driving The Girls" In Person Reading presented by Playwright's Foundation at YBCA Screening Room May 17 7:30pm. Tickets catbrooks.org/events
    A World Premiere Hip-Hop Musical "Co-Founders" at American Conservatory Theatre. On stage May 29 - July 6 tickets at act-sf.org Black Out Nights: June 6-8

    "Sweat" at Palo Alto Players Directed by ShawnJ West June 13-29, 2025 Tickets @paplayers.org

    "SistahFriend" A staged reading by Phaedra Tillery-Boughton June 21, 2025 7:00pm at Zaccho Dance Theatre Free admission Limited seating Tickets @zaccho.org

    Theatre Camps & Education for Youth
    SFARTSED: Exploration camp, Broadway Bound, Art & Design and Fashion
    Session 1: June 9- 20, Session II: June 23 - July 3, Session III: July 7-July 18 + extra week through July 26 For more info sfartsedsummer.org

    African American Shakes, Shake the Stage Summer Camp The Wiz Jr. July 7-August 2nd. For more info african-americanshakes.org

    SFBATCO - Young Actors Lab Session 1 July 7-18, Session 2 July 21-August 1 For more info sfbatco.org

    School of the Getdown Youth Arts Camp July 28- August 2nd. For more info www.fayecarol.com/youthartscamp

    Berkeley Rep Youth Summer Programs Multiple Sessions throughout the Summer berkeleyrep.org/school-of-theatre
    Donate to support the Black Theatre Community
    African American Shakespeare Company african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre lhtsf.org
    San Francisco Bay Area Theatre

    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot

    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh


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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • We Live in the Performative!
    Apr 27 2025

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, are joined by Bay Area native multi-hyphenate and Grammy nominee, Ryan Nicole Austin! She drops bars of creative knowledge and promotes her upcoming World Premiere Musical, "Co-Founders!" A new segment, "The Real T(heatre)," in depth conversations, sits down with the cast of S.F. Playhouse's "Fat Ham" as they reflect on their unique experience, and you know we didn't leave out Center Stage Shade. Baby, there is so much good T all up and through this episode! Prepare to have your thirst quenched!

    Recommendations:

    Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:

    "Government Housing 2" at Lower Bottom Playaz
    On stage now Fri, Sat 2 & 8pm until May 4. Tickets at lowerbottomplayaz.com

    "Two Trains Running" at American Conservatory Theatre
    On stage April 15 - May 4, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org

    "The Comedy of Errors at American Conservatory Theatre
    On stage April 22 - May 3, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org

    "The Last of The Love Letters" at Crowded Fire Theater at Z Below
    On stage April 24 - May 3 Tickets at crowdedfire.org

    "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Aurora Theatre Company
    On stage April 26 - May 25, 2025 tickets available at auroratheatre.org

    "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf" presented by Tavia Percia May 2, May 3rd at 8pm at Sweets Ballroom in downtown Oakland tickets are $20 sold at the door.
    https://www.gofundme.com/f/foster-theater-spaces-for-women-of-color

    "Come Thru: a cultural Celebration" Play reading of Lisa B. Thompson's "African Stew" with Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Saturday May 17 at 4pm at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Tickets @lhtsf.org

    A World Premiere Hip-Hop Musical "Co-Founders" at American Conservatory Theatre. On stage May 29 - July 6 tickets at act-sf.org

    Black Out Nights: June 6,7,8

    Ways to support the Black Theatre Community

    African American Shakespeare Company Please donate to help AF. AM. Shakes to continue their mission of
    “Envisioning the Classics with Color” to give, visit african-americanshakes.org

    “Come Thru: A Cultural Celebration for Black theater artists and the theater-curious." at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre May 5-9 at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Learn more and save your spot at lhtsf.org/come-thru





    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot

    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh


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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Firing on All Cylinders!
    Apr 3 2025

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, march into Women's Herstory with a ground breaking playwright, whose impact thrives in the Bay Area. They discuss how social media has entangled the Thespian, and performers out here shading the stage; playing dual roles of actor and director! Chiiile you need to sit all the way up for this!

    Recommendations:

    Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:

    "Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTC
    On stage March 7 - April 6, 2025 tickets available at nctcsf.org

    "Fat Ham" at S.F. Playhouse
    On stage March 20 - April 19, 2025 tickets available at sfplayhouse.org

    "Two Trains Running" at American Conservatory Theatre
    On stage April 15 - May 4, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org

    "The Comedy of Errors at American Conservatory Theatre
    On stage April 22 - May 3, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org

    "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Aurora Theatre Company
    On stage April 26 - May 25, 2025 tickets available at auroratheatre.org

    "Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry"
    Imani Perry

    "Lorraine Hansberry Theatre" Landmark Building D, third floor 2 Marina Boulevard San Francisco, Ca 94123
    Mailing address: 762 Fulton Street, Suite 304 San Francisco, Ca 94102 information@lhtsf.org

    "Marcus Books" 3900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Oakland, Ca 94609 marcusbooks.com

    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot
    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

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    53 mins
  • See it, Call it, Say it!
    Feb 27 2025

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz pay homage to Black Bay Area Theatre History, get into the spill out of D.E.I., and who answers the "Call" of the Craft. Chile, Center Stage Shade had to run back those audition Lewks. Gather your notes and pull into the Shade!

    Recommendations:

    The San Francisco Black Theater Movement Panel Discussion
    San Francisco Public Library
    Available on YouTube

    Documentary Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement
    California Newsreel
    Available on Vimeo

    "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Berkeley Playhouse
    On stage February 21- March 30, 2025
    Tickets available at berkeleyplayhouse.org

    Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:

    "Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTC
    On stage March 7 - April 6, 2025 tickets available at nctcsf.org
    Blackout Night's Date TBD

    • Discount: 20% off full price
    • Code: SHADE (not case-sensitive)
    • Dates: 3/7 -3/14, 3/19-3/23

    "Fat Ham" at S.F. Playhouse
    On stage March 20 - April 19, 2025 tickets available at sfplayhouse.org
    Blackout Night's Date TBD





    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot
    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

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    48 mins
  • Claim It, Yes!
    Jan 16 2025

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz light the spark for 2025! Jobs, opportunities, Center Stage Shade, "Oh MY!" Get ready to "Blackout" the theater with the Divas in 2025! Keep those sparklers lit-Happy New Year!

    Job Opportunities:

    SFBATCO
    Box Office Manager
    sfbatco.org

    A.C.T.
    Professional and Outreach Manager
    act-sf.org

    Lesher Center For The Arts
    Ticket Clerk
    lesherartscenter.org

    Auditions:

    Audition workshop
    Magic Theatre
    January 25, 2025
    magictheatre.org

    Joint Audition - Lorraine Hansberry Theatre + SFBATCO + Magic Theatre
    February 3-4, 2025
    phaedra@sfbatco.org

    Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:

    "Fat Ham" at S.F. Playhouse
    On stage March 20 - April 19, 2025 tickets available at sfplayhouse.org
    Blackout Night's Date TBD

    "Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTC
    On stage March 7 - April 5, 2025 tickets available at nctcsf.org
    Blackout Night's Date TBD

    "The Magnolia Ballet" at Shotgun Players
    On stage July 12- August 10, 2025 tickets available at shotgunplayers.org
    Blackout Night's Date TBD

    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot
    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

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    34 mins
  • You Pranced Over That!
    Dec 27 2024

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz give their take on DEI in the theatre, who's out here singing soulless notes and run back some of their favorite shows of 2024. The Divas give a little holiday ding as Center Stage Shade pops out for the season. Put a little peppermint in your hot toddy and savor the cheer!

    Recommendations:

    "A Thousand Ships" at Oakland Theatre Project
    On stage December 13-January 5 tickets at oaklandtheaterproject.com/ships

    "Waitress" at S.F. Playhouse
    Now on stage until January 18th tickets available at sfplayhouse.org

    Coming in 2025:

    "Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTC
    On stage March 7 - April 5, 2025 tickets available at nctcsf.org

    "Fat Ham" at S.F. Playhouse
    On stage March 20 - April 19, 2025 tickets available at sfplayhouse.org

    " SistahFriend" staged reading written by Phaedra Tillery-Boughton at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre On stage June 21, 2025 tickets available at lhtsf.org

    "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Berkeley Playhouse
    On stage February 21 - March 30th, 2025 tickets available at berkeleyplayhouse.org

    "The Day the Sky turned Orange" at SFBATCO
    Fall 2025 info at sfbatco.org

    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot
    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

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    56 mins
  • They come in Threes!!!
    Dec 14 2024

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz discuss egos, the happenings in the theatre streets and whether or not they've had love behind the curtain. A local theatre company gets lit up as the Divas give the thickest read on Center Stage Shade! Ba-by the reads come by the triplets! Lean in!

    Opportunities for Creatives:

    The Ground Floor
    berkeleyrep.org/the-ground-floor
    Application closes December 22, 2024

    TBA Cash Grant
    Theatrebayarea.org/grants/cash
    Reopens spring 2025

    Black Futures Residency
    zaccho.org/?resids_black-futures
    Keep an eye out for 2025/26 applications

    Lloyd Richards New Futures Residency
    SDCFoundation.org
    Application just closed. Watch out for 2025-26 Cycle

    Recommendations:

    "The Bag" at Aurora Theatre Company
    Limited engagement on stage December 13/14 tickets auroratheatre.org

    "A Thousand Ships" at Oakland Theatre Project
    On stage December 13-January 5 tickets at oaklandtheaterproject.com/ships

    "Waitress" at S.F. Playhouse
    Now on stage until January 18th tickets available at sfplayhouse.org

    "Peter Pan Panto at The Presidio"
    Now on stage until December 29 tickets at presidiotheatre.org

    "Soulful Christmas" at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
    Playing December 20-22 tickets @lhtsf.org/soulful




    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot
    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

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    51 mins
  • A Lil' Light Shade
    Nov 22 2024

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    On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz do serve shade, but is it thick or thin? They discuss a local casting agency and its practices, whether monologues are necessary or not and who're all the Aunties & Uncs. This that thick or thin- you be the judge!

    Recommendations:

    "JaJa's African Hair Braiding" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre
    Playing November 8 - December 15 tickets @berkeleyrep.org

    "Charlie Brown Christmas" at Contra Costa Civic Theatre
    Playing November 23-December 15 tickets @ccct.org

    "A Red Carol!" at SF Mime Troupe
    Playing December 14- December 29 tickets @sfmt.org

    "Soulful Christmas" at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
    Playing December 20-22 tickets @lhtsf.org/soulful


    We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshaded

    Voice over: Margo Hall @margogot
    Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

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    43 mins