BSR_S10E09 - Relic Theatre Company - Spring Awakening
In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Kendyll Young and Grant Struble, founders of the Relic Theatre Company, about their journey in establishing a new theater company in Philadelphia. They discuss the challenges and excitement of starting a theater, the importance of branding, the current landscape of theater, and the need for community support. The conversation also touches on their production of 'Spring Awakening' and the significance of creating opportunities for local artists.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Relic Theatre Company
02:51 The Journey of Starting a Theater Company
05:45 Building a Foundation: Early Steps and Challenges
08:22 The Importance of Branding and Identity
11:21 Navigating the Current Theater Landscape
13:53 Funding and Sustainability in Theater
16:41 Casting and Team Dynamics
19:40 The Creative Process and Production Insights
22:31 Community Engagement and Support
25:07 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play, Spring Awakening opened on Broadway to mass acclaim in 2006, and has not lost an ounce of relevancy since. Exploring themes of sexuality, women’s reproductive rights, mental health, and the consequences of intellectual repression, the musical celebrates and mourns the invariable struggles young people face. With a blend of gritty, rock-infused melodies and poetic, poignant lyrics, the musical offers a raw and unflinching look at the journey into adulthood.
October 9-26, 2025
Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
At the Relic Theatre Company, we believe great theater has the power to change the lives of both the audience who experiences it and the artists who create it. But this power is only manifested when the work is relevant, passionate, and financially accessible. We aim to produce a wide range of plays and musicals that embody these three principles while utilizing the rich artistic landscape of Philadelphia as our greatest resource.
Music Director - Jake Collins
Choreographer - Julianna Babb
Associate Producer / Dramaturg - Lizzie Newcomb Gumla
Costume Designer - Asaki Kuruma
Asher Vaglica - Production Stage Manager
Lighting Designer - Bless Rudisill
Scenic Designeer - Chris Haig
Assistant Stage Manager - Ronnie Hernandez
Props Designer - Emily Schuman
Sound Designer - Larry Fowler
Fight Director - J. Oliver Donahue
Director - Robi Hager
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://relictheatre.org
