14 Things To See Inside The Smithsonian

www.theroot.com: With 21 museums, the National Zoo, and millions of objects in its collections, the Smithsonian is far more than a tourist destination in Washington, D.C. It’s a living archive of American culture, creativity, and resilience. From iconic artifacts to groundbreaking exhibitions, these are just some of the reasons the Smithsonian remains one of the country’s greatest cultural institutions–and why its work continues to matter.

Universal Celestial Goodnight Debuts at Epic Universe

Inside Universal: Universal Orlando has officially debuted Universal Celestial Goodnight, the new nighttime spectacular that caps off each evening at Epic Universe. The new show, presented nightly at park close, features nearly 600 lighting fixtures, over 350 fountains, and seven million LED lights. These elements come together to celebrate each of Epic Universe’s worlds before culminating with a fireworks finale.

AI notetakers add another layer to virtual meeting etiquette

AP News: Launching an artificial intelligence tool to take notes and summarize important information from a virtual meeting can be alluring. Seconds after one of the agents attends an hour-long video conference, it can deliver a recap of key points and outline a to-do list for all the participants.

Karla Boos on Quantum Theater, Her Career and Retirement

pittsburgh-owlscribe.blogspot.com: Karla Boos, founder and Artistic Director of Quantum Theatre, will retire in December 2026 after programming the company’s 37th season. Her departure marks the end of an extraordinary era of creative leadership and bold experimentation, not just for Quantum Theatre, but for the city of Pittsburgh and the national stage.

Lewiston native is understudy for 5 roles in Maine State Music Theatre’s ‘1776’

www.sunjournal.com: At any moment Roger Philippon could suddenly be one of five people who played a critical role in the founding of our nation. That is, if someone gets sick. Philippon, 70, of Lewiston has committed to memory five roles as an understudy in the Maine State Music Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning musical “1776, ” now in Brunswick through Saturday, July 11.

Money Problems and Clashes With Staff: Inside Arena Stage Director’s Exit

NOTUS — News of the United States: Ahead of the December 2024 world premiere of “Death on the Nile,” an Agatha Christie adaptation by local playwright Ken Ludwig, Hana S. Sharif made a complicated request. Sharif, the artistic director of the prestigious Arena Stage in D.C., asked her staff to build an intricate revolving mechanism called a “turtle” that would transform a steamship deck into swanky staterooms, like a reptile shedding its shell.

Upon His Return To The Goodman, Nick Offerman Reflects On His Early Days In Chicago Theater

blockclubchicago.org: Offerman has deep roots in the Chicago area: He was born in Joliet, grew up in downstate Minooka and got his professional start on Chicago stages in the 1990s, performing with the long-gone Defiant Theatre, as well as with Steppenwolf, the Goodman and A Red Orchid Theatre.

Why The Best Player Alive Barely Runs

kottke.org: David Epstein, author of the recent Inside the Box (a book about the value of constraints), did a fascinating video on “anticipatory skill” and “chunking” and how players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (who can accurately head the ball even in the dark) use them to slow down a fast, complex game.

Academy Museum Sets 2026 Horror Exhibit with 'Carrie,' Slashers & More

www.indiewire.com: Starting September 26, the Museum’s fourth-floor Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery will play host to rare props, production materials, and interactive displays, ranging from full costumes of horror’s most notorious slashers to an invention to surf the groundbreaking marketing website for the original “The Blair Witch Project”

Appeals Court Rejects Bid to Restore Trump Name to Kennedy Center

variety.com: President Donald Trump’s name will not be returning to the Kennedy Center anytime soon. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Wednesday ruled against the arts institution’s motion to stay a lower court’s decision that Trump’s name be removed from the Kennedy Center pending its appeal.

Wynn Al Marjan Island Announces Landmark Partnership With Punchdrunk, The Global Pioneers Of Immersive Theater

Live Design Online: Wynn Al Marjan Island today announced a landmark partnership with Punchdrunk, the internationally acclaimed immersive theater company behind some of the most influential and genre-defining productions of the past two decades, including the global phenomenon Sleep No More. The partnership marks Punchdrunk's first production in the MENA region and signals a bold new chapter for live entertainment in the Middle East.

Fxck you White American Theatre

by Nataki Garrett Myers: In March 2019, I was the subject of an NYtimes article, alongside five other colleagues, about the gates being flung open in the American theater. That article announced my appointment as artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and it featured Stephanie Ybarra, Jacob Padron, Maria Goyanes, Robert Barry Fleming, me, and the best among us, Hana Sharif.

Cody Renard Richard Opens Doors for Future Theater Leaders

OutSmart Magazine: For Houston native Cody Renard Richard, a life in the theater was never part of the plan. “None of my family saw this coming. I don’t even think I saw this coming,” he reveals. “My entire family are cowboys and cowgirls. I was sort of birthed into the rodeo culture.”

Texas Covers Up Beloved "Black Artists Matter" Mural in Austin

hyperallergic.com: Officials in Austin destroyed a prominent street artwork displaying the message “Black Artists Matter” last week following an order from Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

Controversial Anne Frank Musical 'Slam Frank' Releases Soundtrack

www.rollingstone.com: When Slam Frank opened last September at the Asylum, a 150-seat off-Broadway performance space in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen district, it had no marketing budget and no marquee actors in its cast. What it did have was an out-there, provocative storyline — a progressive theater troupe presents Anne Frank as a pansexual Latina with a Black mother, a neurodivergent gay father, an ultra-orthodox Jewish sister, and a gender-fluid love interest as they hide from the Nazis — and a vibrant hip-hop-meets-pop songbook studded with Broadway Easter eggs.

Bose Professional Previews Upcoming Brand Change

Church Production Magazine: Bose Professional, is unveiling a preview of its new global brand identity, 802 Labs, and sharing plans for a phased transition beginning in February 2027. “During the transition, Bose Professional customers and partners can expect continuity across products, support, service, and business relationships.

Interview: 'You Literally Feel Like You're In The Movie!': Stephanie Costi on Reprising Her Role of Sandy in GREASE THE IMMERSIVE MOVIE MUSICAL

www.broadwayworld.com: Recently, we had the chance to chat with Stephanie Costi, who will be reprising her role of Sandy in Grease The Immersive Movie Musical. We discussed what originally brought her to the production, some of her favourite moments from last year and what she thinks makes immersive theatre such a special art form.

What Does Dance Patriotism Look Like Today?

Dance Magazine: At this turbulent political moment, as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, it’s a complicated time to be an artist in the U.S. The country’s dance organizations appear to be of multiple minds on how to observe the semiquincentennial. Some companies have thoughtfully programmed works that align with the anniversary. Other groups and artists have chosen to ignore the milestone—or to choreograph through it, making works that grapple with its complexities.

Interview: Director Trevor Barrette Previews THE RULES OF PLAYING RISK at Hudson Village Theatre

www.broadwayworld.com: Trevor Barrette is a prominent multi-hyphenate artist in the Montreal and off-island theatre community, moving fluidly between roles as a director, stage manager, educator, and playwright. Having interviewed Trevor multiple times over the course of his diverse career, I have watched him seamlessly transition from independent creator to a staple of the regional stage.

The drill bit sharpener that led to the legacy of William Sellers

www.thefabricator.com: One Friday a few months ago, when Jim Howe, my boss at Howe’s Welding and Metal Fabrication, asked me to drill 2 ¼-in. holes in some 1 ½ -in. plate (see Figure 1), I knew the task would be slow, requiring multiple bits and a lot of patience. I didn’t know, however, that I was about to fall down a drill-bit-sharpening rabbit hole.

Best Miter Saw for Woodworking, Contractors, and DIYers

www.protoolreviews.com: As one of the core woodworking and carpentry tools, our crew and I have had the privilege of testing dozens of the best miter saw models over more than 15 years. A lot has changed in that time, mostly for the better. If you’re looking to buy, lean on our experience to determine what rises above the rest and is worth your consideration.

The Problem Wasn't the Gear. It was Everything Around It.

Church Production Magazine: Sit on the left side of the room and all you heard was drums. Sit on the right and all you heard was piano. Land somewhere in between and you got both—competing, unblended, bouncing off 880,000 tons of concrete in a 1,600-seat horseshoe that, by any reasonable measure, wasn’t supposed to sound like this.

'Legally Blonde' & The Y2K Costumes That Made It: Stylist Interview

wwd.com/pop-culture: Stylist Jasmine Caccamo sees why the fashion from 2001’s “Legally Blonde” matters 25 years later. “‘Legally Blonde‘ was such a snapshot of the early 2000s because it embraced the era without apology,” said Caccamo, who’s worked with Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan.

Clear-Com connects Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune teams

AV Magazine: When US TV game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! needed to upgrade their wireless communications, they turned to Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak system. Chris Savage, technical manager and project lead for both shows, oversaw the system design and installation. “Both shows share a control room but have stages that are effectively miles apart due to walls, pathways, and even parking lots,” he says.

Racist comments roiled this student production of 1776 - and strengthened actors' resolve, they say

www.inquirer.com: Seventy-five Philadelphia students thought the stakes were high when they debuted 1776: The Musical in front of a crowd that included former President Joe Biden, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker at Philadelphia’s High School for Creative and Performing Arts last week.

The Fascinating Backstory to LA CAGE AUX FOLLES’ Creation — and Why ‘Lawsuits Ensued’

www.broadwayworld.com: In the new book A Very Unusual Way: Maury Yeston and His Singular Path to Broadway and Beyond (released Wednesday, July 1), author Joshua Rosenblum recounts how Jean Poiret’s French play La Cage aux Folles — which was adapted into the 1978 film of the same name — was originally going to be developed for the stage by a different creative team.

Best Practices for Protest Sound

SoundGirls.org: Why Sound matters and should not be an afterthought. It helps people hear important information clearly, keeps crowds connected and engaged, supports accessibility, and allows speakers, performers, organizers, and communities to communicate effectively in difficult environments. Poor sound, on the other hand, can create confusion, fatigue, safety issues, and frustration.

Review Roundup: DELIRIUM World Premiere at Boston's Calderwood Pavilion

www.broadwayworld.com: Review Roundup: DELIRIUM World Premiere at Boston's Calderwood Pavilion NEW! Boston Theatre Newsletter Get all the top news & discounts for Boston & beyond. Arlekin has returned to Boston with DELIRIUM, a new adaptation of Eugène Ionesco's Frenzy for Two, adapted and directed by Igor Golyak. Running through July 2, 2026 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA for a strictly limited engagement, Delirium brings together two of the most celebrated international stars Andrey Burkovskiy and Chulpan Khamatova — in a darkly comic, deeply human piece about survival, love, and the fragile architecture of reality.

Getting Active: Amplifying Communities

SoundGirls.org: Community organizers have plenty to juggle when a public rally, street demonstration, or community concert. Volunteers don’t always have the technical experience to set up a PA or wireless mic system. Budgets are often tight or non-existent, and equipment must be cobbled together at the last minute in reaction to recent events. In these situations, audio technicians can offer invaluable advice and create meaningful impact.

Mayor Mamdani's 2027 Budget Includes $323M Funding for NYC Culture

www.broadwayworld.com: Earlier this week NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Council Finance Chair Linda Lee, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget Sherif Soliman and members of the City Council reached agreement on a balanced $125.8 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget.

Adirondack Studios boosts Middle East presence and personnel

InPark Magazine: Adirondack Studios (ADKS), provider of scenic design, fabrication and project management to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, announced the promotion of three senior members of its Dubai team, as well as the creation of registered entities in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

$300 million National Geographic Museum of Exploration opens in D.C.

Sound & Video Contractor: Last Friday saw the grand opening of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, or MOE, in Washington, D.C. The $300 million project spans 100,000 square feet, and invites visitors to be engaged in 138 years of human exploration. Built on the site of the previous National Geographic Museum, the new museum opened after four years of construction expand the site from 16,800 square feet to its current, larger scale.

Hang It Wherever You Need It: Discover the TAF TC Truss Systems

LightSoundJournal.com: When you need to precisely position suspension points, LED screens, and lighting accessories, TAF TC systems offer the ultimate freedom to place loads exactly where your structure demands. The integrated C-profile for suspension makes installation faster, neater, and highly versatile, seamlessly adapting to compact 290 mm, robust 400 mm, and heavy-duty 520 mm configurations.

Building 'The Stuff' That Dreams Are Made Of- How a Prop Shop Creates Broadway’s Most Magical Items

www.broadwayworld.com: A week before their Tony performance, the candelabra that Amber Gray holds during the Rocky Horror set sat on a counter in Brooklyn for repair. You’ve seen the shimmering pink vial in the hands of Megan Hilty and plastered across Playbills and pole banners in the theater district, or maybe you’ve seen the light-up “Handbook For The Recently Deceased” on the Beetlejuice tour in Sarasota, Florida. Wherever they are now, those props were born in a small, unassuming workshop on the intersection of Meeker Ave. and Apollo Street.

How Ukrainian Playwrights Are Defending Culture

HowlRound Theatre Commons: When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, it claimed that Ukraine had no language and no culture. This isn't just a military assault; it is an assault on Ukrainian identity and culture itself. Playwright and screenwriter Laura Cahill was teaching screenwriting to teenagers in Ukraine when the full-scale invasion began in 2022, at which point she founded Young Playwrights Ukraine.

How Flyspace Built a Decade of Growth on a Stageline Foundation

stageline.com: Since 2012, Flyspace has grown from a fledgling event management company into a regional powerhouse, now operating an impressive fleet of 17 Stageline mobile units.

2026 Show Control Geekout Wrapup—Special Meow Wolf Omega Mart Edition!

John Huntington: On June 16, 2026 Jim Janninck and I coordinated this year’s (mostly) annual show control Geekout. This was the 15th edition (past writeups here), and this one was special. Joseph White, Show Systems Leader at Meow Wolf, reached out last year, offering to host this year’s Geekout in our traditional multiple case study session format at their Omega Mart location at Area 15 in Las Vegas.

PennWest University cutting more than 40 majors and minors in academic redesign

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania Western University is moving forward with its plan to cut 43 academic majors and minors while adding dozens of new workforce-focused certificates and credentials.

Google's new Nano Banana 2 Lite image model is its fastest and cheapest yet

Ars Technica: There are plenty of AI image-generation models these days, but the ones capable of quality outputs tend to be slow and expensive. Google DeepMind says its new image model, known as Nano Banana 2 Lite, offers the best balance of quality and speed. It’s available today across the Google ecosystem, creating images in a fraction of the time it takes Google’s beefier models.

Broadway Cleaners Union Votes to Authorize a Strike; Negotiations for New Contract Underway

www.broadwayworld.com: On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, more than 250 cleaners voted to authorize a strike that would impact 30 theaters showing Tony award-winning productions like Schmigadoon, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Wicked, and The Lion King. This marks the first time Broadway cleaners have authorized a strike in nearly two decades.

The Sound of the Giant: Modeling Stadium Acoustics at Estadio Azteca

Digital Engineering 24/7: Five matches of this year's FIFA World Cup® are set to be held in Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca, officially known as "Banorte Stadium" and temporarily renamed "Mexico City Stadium" by FIFA® for its 2026 tournament. Together with Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium, Estadio Azteca is one of only two stadiums to have hosted two FIFA World Cup finals.

PROLIGHTS HaluPix Duo Powers Sombr at Coachella 2026

Lighting&Sound America Online - News: The 2026 edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival once again set the standard for large-scale festival production. On the Outdoor Theatre stage, alt-rock artist Sombr delivered a visually striking show, with a wall of 114 PROLIGHTS HaluPix Duo defining the stage design.

Springboard To Design Announces Additional Tony Award-Winning Guest Artists For The 2026 Cohort

Live Design Online: Springboard to Design (SB2D), the tuition-free theatre design program for students from underrepresented communities, today announced additional Tony Award-winning guest artists joining its 2026 roster, alongside the opening of applications for three upcoming programs.

World Cup fans wowed by American stadium LED displays

AV Magazine: International fans have been stunned by the scale and digital technology of World Cup stadiums in the USA, with giant LED screens foremost among the objects of their awe.

Creative sector is Chicago’s third-largest industry, says new study

WBEZ Chicago: The creative sector is Chicago’s third-largest industry and accounts for nearly 213,000 jobs, according to a new economic impact study released Thursday by Arts Alliance Illinois, a statewide advocacy organization.

Syracuse Drops 84 Majors Including Classics, Ceramics and Italian

The New York Times: Syracuse University is closing or halting enrollment in about 20 percent of its academic programs, in a move that the school’s provost said was designed to create a university that would be “more focused, more distinctive and more aligned with student demand.”

Washington Theater Leader Is Out on Opening Night of TLC Musical

The New York Times: Arena Stage, a Washington-based nonprofit theater that is one of the nation’s leading regional institutions, has abruptly parted ways with its artistic director, who submitted a resignation email on Friday, hours before the opening night festivities for a new musical about the ’90s girl group TLC.

Interview: Houses on the Moon Celebrates 25 Years of Amplifying Urgent Stories

www.broadwayworld.com: When Houses on the Moon Theater Company was founded 25 years ago, the company set out with a simple mission, which was to tell deeply human stories that too often go unheard. A quarter century later, that mission has never wavered.

Review Roundup: SINATRA THE MUSICAL at the Aldwych Theatre

www.broadwayworld.com: Sinatra The Musical is now officially open at the Aldwych Theatre in London. The production stars Joel Harper-Jackson as Frank Sinatra, Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner, Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra and the Olivier Award-winning Jenna Russell as Frank’s mother, Dolly Sinatra.

REVIEW: Ottawa Fringe delivers geese, gloves, potholes, and more

Intermission Magazine: The annual event’s 29th edition features 62 shows, selected by a lottery system, including pieces in both English and French. I had the chance to catch several of this year’s English-language shows in the Arts Court complex, containing seven of the festival’s 10 venues. This slate of offerings from both local and visiting artists provided a diversity of theatrical experiences, guided by my own pursuit of shows with a metatheatrical bent.

Best New Tools for Summer 2026

Pro Tool Reviews: There are tons of new tools released each quarter—so many that it can be hard to keep track of everything. If you’re after the latest tool announcements from your favorite brands, you’ve come to the right place! We’re staying on top of the BEST new tools, so you have one place to check to see the latest and greatest.

Planning propels your show experience

Woodworking Network: You’ve never been to the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta before. What should you expect? What do you need to know? Or even if you are a veteran attendee, how should you ensure you get the best show experience? Attending IWF can be a powerful experience that changes the trajectory of your business or it can be an expensive, overwhelming waste of time. The difference is planning.

NOW PLAYING: The Black Mirror Experience

www.noproscenium.com: Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror has been delivering dystopic bangers season after season since 2011, giving us glimpses into dark near futures that distressingly seem to keep coming true. The show has become the first real heir of Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone with an anthology format that allow Brooker and his writer’s imaginations to run wild while aiming for the tightest storytelling possible. Which has led to some real television classics.

How We Got Here, and What Comes Next: Unifying Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pittsburgh CLO

onstagepittsburgh.com: When their marriage becomes legal sometime this summer, only then will the new name and details of the Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pittsburgh CLO unification be fully revealed. Until that time, they are in the engagement period of a process that will culminate in the region’s two largest professional theater companies merging into one.

How installation art can make plastic waste more tangible

theconversation.com: Science tells us that plastic lives forever. From oceans to urban streets, plastic pollution has become a defining geological marker of our time – entangled with nature, yet often hard to see.

YouTube AI Training Argument Raises Indie Music Community Concerns

www.billboard.com: YouTube has long been one of the most accessible ways for independent artists to get their music out into the world: Anyone can create an account and post content on the site with just a few clicks. But what many artists likely didn’t realize when they clicked “agree” to the platform’s terms of service is that YouTube, and its parent company Google, would later claim the agreement justifies training artificial intelligence models on their music.

Behind the Museum Tower at the New Obama Presidential Center

mymodernmet.com: The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on June 19, 2026, and with it comes a a campus that is redefining the presidential library. Located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, the center is designed to be experienced, not just visited. It surrounds the neighborhood, with pathways and gathering spaces meant to draw people in naturally.

Filmscape Chicago brings industry together this weekend at CineCity Reel Chicago News

reelchicago.com: The Chicago production community has one of its biggest annual gatherings this weekend as Filmscape Chicago returns to CineCity Studios on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, bringing together filmmakers, technicians, artists, students, vendors and industry leaders for two days of education, demonstrations and networking.

These Milwaukee Batteries Have Deep Discounts During Walmart's Deals & More Sale

www.slashgear.com: Cordless tools are pretty convenient, but battery prices can make building up a decent collection difficult, regardless of the manufacturer. Milwaukee is easily one of the best cordless power tool brands on the market today, and it's generally considered to be one of the more reasonably priced premium options, but even its lithium-ion batteries can be a bit on the pricey side if you buy them at full MSRP.

What Success of '28 Weeks Later' Meant for Indiewood

www.indiewire.com: While media consolidation isn’t anything new — just look at literally the last week of stories in the entertainment industry — but it does tend to come in waves. Before the merger madness around Warner Bros., Paramount, and Netflix, there was Hollywood’s “Conglomerate Era,” from 1989 to 2004.

These DeWalt Tools and Accessories Are up to 50% Off for Prime Day

Lifehacker: If you have DIY projects to tackle this summer, having quality tools on hand is essential. DeWalt tools are known and trusted by pros for their reliability and durability, and I have quite a few of them in my professional set at work. But if you’re filling out your own tool kit, you have no doubt noticed that tools can also be quite expensive. Luckily, Amazon Prime Day includes some great discounts on DeWalt tools and accessories—you can save as much as 50%.

Leatherman is Quietly Discounting Its Multitools for Prime Day—And Many Are in Our Editors’ EDC

www.popularmechanics.com: Leatherman has a 40-year history of turning out tools with superior build quality from its Portland, Oregon, factory, all of which have a 25-year warranty attached. Its multitools include blades made with superior steel, drivers that come with a panel of alternate bits, and a host of other tools you’ll actually use—there’s essentially no filler.

Metropolitan Opera Receives $2 Million Grant From New York State

OperaWire: The company announced the news on social media and said, “We are incredibly grateful that the Metropolitan Opera has been awarded a $2 million grant from New York State to support its artistic and operational work. This funding reflects the power of collective advocacy and the importance of investing in New York’s cultural institutions.

Elliot McGucken Suspends Einstein's 'Light Cones' Over Desert Expanses

Colossal: Albert Einstein once said that “the most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.” For Dr. Elliot McGucken, the sublime enigmas of nature form the basis of his explorations of landscape and light.

Hundreds of Artists Ask NYC Mayor to Ban AI in Schools

hyperallergic.com: Hundreds of New York City artists have joined a campaign to urge New York City schools to implement a two-year “moratorium” on artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Burning Man Marks 40 Years With Global Solstice Celebration

www.ticketnews.com: Burning Man is marking its 40th anniversary by taking the celebration far beyond Black Rock City. The Burning Man Project announced a global solstice initiative inviting communities around the world to gather on June 21, create art, build effigies, host campouts and stage their own moments of connection in the spirit of the long-running cultural movement.

Greek National Opera Returns to Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus With Reimagined MEDEA

www.broadwayworld.com: The Greek National Opera returned to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus with a reimagined version of the historic production of Cherubini’s Medea, which featured Maria Callas in the title role, stage direction by Alexis Minotis, sets and costumes by Yannis Tsarouchis, and choreography by Maria Hors. On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the entire cast and creative team of this production were met with a thunderous ovation from a crowd of 10,000 spectators.

Danley Sound Labs Unveils Exodus Modular Loudspeaker System

ProSoundWeb: Danley Sound Labs has announced the launch of Exodus, a new modular loudspeaker system available in two series that introduces proprietary Cohearix Lens Technology to the professional audio market working with the company’s Synergy Horn technologies in a design to deliver enhanced phase coherence, pattern control, and point-source integrity.

SZA Slams Generative Music AI and Diplo for Exploiting Black Artists

www.rollingstone.com: Each time SZA speaks out against AI, she seems to hate it even more than before. While the singer-songwriter has been vocal about her disdain for generative AI models, her latest argument against it comes after learning hundreds of her own songs have been used for training purposes.

BAFTA Announces Student Award Finalists

www.hollywoodreporter.com: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced on Monday the 15 finalists for the 2026 BAFTA Student Awards, chosen by BAFTA members from more than 600 submissions from universities worldwide across the film, games, and immersive categories.

One for the History Books

The Chicago Flyhouse, Inc.: After years of planning and construction, the Obama Presidential Center opened to the public last Friday, June 19, 2026. Flyhouse is incredibly honored to have played a role in this historic project—a landmark for the U.S., the city of Chicago, and especially Chicago’s South Side and Jackson Park neighborhood.

Studio 54 is getting a massive $100 million renovation — here’s what’s changing

secretnyc.co: Plans are currently moving forward for a massive $100 million renovation of Studio 54. Led by the Roundabout Theatre Company—which has owned the property since 2003—the sweeping project aims to bring the 99-year-old building into the modern era.

What to expect from Pittsburgh's 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'

www.wyep.org: This week on the Pittsburgh Music Hour, Brian Siewiorek talks to local artist Treasure Treasure about her role in the City Theatre production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” The production is doing an extended run at the Greer Cabaret Theater through June 14, and features a number of Pittsburgh musicians.

The political awkwardness of the 2026 Tony Awards

The Spectator: Every year, the American theater world gathers in New York to celebrate the best of the best, and every year, writers like me ask why the judges have made increasingly baffling decisions.

17 Of The Weirdest Tools That Serve A Practical Purpose

www.slashgear.com: Humanity's love affair with tools goes back tens of thousands of years. Our ancient ancestors made their first tools from stone, wood, and bone. Later, they developed ways to manipulate metals like bronze and iron. New tools meant that we could acquire new materials and, with new materials, that we could develop new tools, and so on.

Carnegie Mellon Alumna Earns Tony Award for Best Musical

News - Carnegie Mellon University: Carnegie Mellon University alumni shone among Broadway’s brightest stars at the 79th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday, June 7.

'Diplomat' Costume Designer On Stepping Into Season Three

The Contending: Coming into the third season of a show to design the wardrobe can be a daunting task, but The Diplomat costume designer Jenny Gering was up for the challenge. Here, in an interview with The Contending, she details how she was still able to put her own stamp on things even with these established characters.

The Quiet Signs: A Look At How To Determine When It's Time To Upgrade Your Mixing Console

ProSoundWeb: Modern shows quietly demand more than most consoles were originally built to handle. More inputs, mixes, matrices, moving parts, and routing decisions. Just more. There’s a strange loyalty that comes with the consoles you’ve built your career on. For me, the platforms I cut my teeth on weren’t stepping stones, they were workhorses. They paid bills, handled real shows, survived chaotic load-ins, and never once embarrassed me in front of a client. They were stable, predictable, and familiar in the best way.

Carnegie Mellon Artists Contribute to Pittsburgh’s Cultural Identity

News - Carnegie Mellon University: The Pittsburgh arts scene thrives on a unique spirit of community collaboration, a fabric into which Carnegie Mellon University’s creative community is tightly woven.

How Should an Office Sound?

Buildings: Is your office too loud—or is it not loud enough? A certain level of noise—created by a consistent buzz of conversation, the sounds of people typing, or the occasional phone call—can make a space feel alive. But there’s an ideal range the noise needs to fall into, according to research by Ark Research Lab, a subsidiary of HLW. Too much, and your space feels cacophonous; too little and it feels empty and unsettling.

Milwaukee Striker: How Much Does The World's First Cordless Hammer Chisel Cost?

www.slashgear.com: Like most other major power tool brands, Milwaukee has gone almost entirely cordless. While there are still some corded Milwaukee tools out there, most of its modern offerings rely on battery power — even some that feel like they shouldn't be able to run effectively without wall power. A heavy-duty tool like a hammer chisel, for example, seems like it would need to draw power from the wall.

Interview: From Classmates to Co-Stars, Meet the Stars of CAMPING

www.broadwayworld.com: Colt Coeur will soon present the upcoming World Premiere of Camping by Victoria Lynne Barclay, directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt, at HERE Arts Center (145 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013), June 13-July 11. The cast will feature Alice Kremelberg (The Boroughs, & All Our Yesterdays at The Flea; The Sinner on USA Network) and Colby Minifie (Six Degrees of Separation on Broadway; The Boys on Amazon Prime).

Laurence Olivier honoured with blue plaque unveiled by Ian McKellen

The Guardian: Laurence Olivier has joined David Garrick, Henry Irving, Oscar Wilde and Noël Coward in having an English Heritage blue plaque outside his former London home. Ian McKellen unveiled the plaque at 22 Lupus Street in Pimlico, where Olivier lived from the age of five to 12 and discovered a talent for acting under the watchful eye of his father, a curate at St Saviour’s church across the road.

MCCC's Tomato Patch Summer Workshops to Open Registration for Young Performers

www.broadwayworld.com: Now in its 53rd year, Tomato Patch is the longest-running and most successful multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts program in Central New Jersey. Featuring classes for all school age students, Tomato Patch is taught by a talented staff of professional artists and theater professionals.

I DREAM DC Civic Engagement Project to be Presented at Arena Stage

www.broadwayworld.com: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will present I Dream DC. Created for the community, by the community, I Dream DC is an arts and civic engagement project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech, to center Washington, DC in a national conversation about hope, healing, and justice.

Video: Tony Winner Chloe Lamford Wants to Welcome More Women Into Scenic Design

Playbill: Tony winner Chloe Lamford wants to welcome more women into the profession of scenic design. In an interview with Playbill just moments after receiving this year's Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for her work on Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Lamford chatted with Playbill about what the win means for her in a male-dominated field.

Why Engineering Handoffs Are Where Projects Break

Fusion Blog: Moving from design and production is possibly the greatest challenge in all of product development. Whereas designers focus on aesthetic intent and functional requirements, manufacturing engineers prioritize toolpaths and material constraints.

World-record mid-air LED mesh formed by Chinese drones

AV Magazine: A drone show has set three Guinness World Records, including the most drones flown simultaneously under group control, the most drones forming an aerial pattern, and the largest mid-air LED mesh screen.

BenQ puts AI into action across displays at Computex 2026

AV Magazine: BenQ Corporation showcased a range of AI innovations for the smart meeting, smart education and smart living sectors at Computex 2026, which took place in Taiwan. Under the theme ‘AI In Action’, the company created immersive and interactive experiences that demonstrated how AI-enhanced visual technologies can support smarter everyday living.

Greatest Of Times: Common Factors Of Truly Terrific Touring Experiences

ProSoundWeb: When I sat down to write about the gigs I’ve most enjoyed over the years and what made them great, I had expected specific shows to spring to mind. But as I reflected on my personal “greatest hits” of 25 years in the live music industry, what came was not so much specific shows, as whole legs of tours. What’s more, they shared some prominent common factors.

Theater at Monmouth Cancels 2026 Season

www.broadwayworld.com: The Theater at Monmouth has announced the cancellation of its previously announced summer 2026 season. A statement from the company reveals that, after reviewing their finances, the company is "not in a position to responsibly mount our productions this year."

The standout moments from the 2026 Tony Awards

The Independent: Broadway’s biggest night has come and gone — and despite an iffy year for musicals, the ceremony was an all-singing, all-dancing night to remember.

Best and Worst Moments From the 2026 Tony Awards: Pink, Maya Rudolph, Cole Escola, ‘Cats’

The New York Times: Pink, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who has never performed on Broadway, seemed like an odd choice, maybe even a desperate one, to headline the Tony Awards telecast this year. Even she admitted it, in the show’s opening number. (“For some reason, I’m the host.”)

Guest Post: 'Plays About Kenya Are Hard To Come By': Actor Grace Saif On Activism, Politics And Representation in A FINE IDEA

www.broadwayworld.com: Based on ideas in radical bestselling book The Divide, A Fine Idea is a new play coming to the Arcola Theatre that questions whether international aid can really change global inequality - or just makes us feel better. Actor Grace Saif plays Kala, a Kenyan activist fighting for her country.

'Schmigadoon!' wins best musical at 79th Annual Tony Awards

NPR: The Tony Awards, Broadway's highest honors, were handed out at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday evening in a ceremony hosted by the pop star Pink. Reporter Jeff Lunden says the voters were surprisingly even-handed, spreading the awards around - with one big exception.

A Dancing Robot Wearing A Blue Clown Wig Struck A Child

brobible.com: Another dancing humanoid robot struck a child during a demonstration in China. This time, adding to the nightmare fuel, the robot was wearing a blue clown wig. Seriously. Imagine the night terrors this kid is going to have.

A Neon Nostalgia Kaboom for the End of the World

AMERICAN THEATRE: The 1980s promised us two divergent fantasies. One insisted that everybody wanted to rule the world; the other quietly suggested that sweet dreams were made of desire, ambition, consumption, and the frenetic search for something—or someone—to exploit. Beneath the synthesizers and shoulder pads, the decade throbbed with paranoia: Cold War dread, runaway capitalism, media saturation, urban decline, moral panic, and the creeping suspicion that institutions no longer knew how to support and make provisions for the people living and working inside them.

Madonna turns Times Square into massive dance party to debut new single

Reel 360 News: Madonna proved the dance floor is far from dead Thursday night, transforming New York City’s Times Square into a giant open-air nightclub for more than 50,000 fans while unveiling her new single, Love Sensation.

Ontario Escalates Ticket Resale Crackdown as World Cup Pricing Exposes ‘Face Value’ Flaws

TicketNews: Ontario will sharply increase penalties for ticket resellers who violate the province’s face-value resale cap, adding enforcement muscle to a policy critics say is difficult to administer and may harm the same fans it aims to protect.

Inside the Sound of Beef Season 2: Christopher Gomez & Penny Harold Interview

www.productionhub.com: When Beef returned for its second season, it brought with it a new cast, new conflicts, and a fundamentally different kind of chaos, one that simmers rather than erupts. At the center of that transformation is a sonic world meticulously crafted by Supervising Sound Editor Christopher Gomez, Re-Recording Mixer Andrew Lange, and Sound Effects Mixer Andy Martin, whose work quietly shapes every uncomfortable silence, every muffled crowd, every heartbeat-steady score transition.

Renkus-Heinz UBX restores clarity to historic cathedral

AV Magazine: In the bustling Bayswater district of West London stands Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Divine Wisdom. Modest in its exterior appearance, only its domed roof and arched windows hint at the polychromatic marble interior within. While the cathedral’s beauty draws hundreds of visitors each week, its original sound system was no longer fit for purpose.

Pittsburgh Symphony Renews Manfred Honeck's Contract Through 32/33

www.broadwayworld.com: The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has extended Music Director Manfred Honeck's contract through the 2032/2033 season, amounting to a 25-year partnership that will make him the longest-serving Music Director in the Orchestra's 131-year history.

Winners Announced for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards

www.broadwayworld.com: The votes have been counted, and theater fans have spoken. BroadwayWorld is thrilled to announce the winners of the 23rd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards, the biggest fan-voted celebration of the best in New York theater.

Farm Aid to Make Virginia Beach Debut With Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp

TicketNews: Farm Aid will hold its annual benefit concert in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for the first time this year. The event is scheduled for September 26 at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach.

York Theatre to Open Applications for 2026 Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program

www.broadwayworld.com: The York Theatre will open applications for the 2026 Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program on Monday, June 15, 2026, and close on Monday, July 6, 2026. This year's residency is designed for emerging directors with a passion for musical theatre and a strong artistic voice.

Interview: Olivia Cygan On Making Her Shakespeare Theatre Company Debut as Desdemona in OTHELLO

www.broadwayworld.com: Shakespeare Theatre Company is presenting William Shakespeare's OTHELLO at Harman Hall through June 28, 2026, directed by Simon Godwin. The production stars Wendell Pierce in the title role alongside a company that includes Broadway and regional theatre veterans.

Interview: John Treacy Egan On Playing Benjamin Franklin in 1776 at Maine State Music Theatre

www.broadwayworld.com: Maine State Music Theatre is bringing the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 to the Pickard Theater at Bowdoin College in Brunswick this summer, with performances running June 24 through July 11, 2026. Directed by Amber Mak in her MSMT debut, the production arrives as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, making the story of the debates surrounding the Declaration of Independence feel more timely than ever.

Ayaan Diop Says There is Dancing, Cake & More Backstage at SCHMIGADOON!

www.broadwayworld.com: We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.

JAGUAR PARADE to Transform Miami With Public Art During FIFA World Cup

www.broadwayworld.com: As Miami plays host to seven FIFA World Cup games June 11 to July 19, 2026, monumental jaguar animal sculptures created by 11 Brazilian artists will be painted and presented throughout Miami during that time, transforming Miami into a free, global, open-air art experience.

Paper Mill Playhouse Reveals 2026 Rising Star Award Winners

www.broadwayworld.com: Paper Mill Playhouse hosted the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony on the stage of its Tony Award-recognized theater in Millburn, New Jersey. Celebrating excellence in New Jersey high school musical theater, the ceremony honored students and schools from across the state with more than 30 awards.

Paramount Aims to Produce 40 TV Shows by 2030

www.thewrap.com: Paramount is aiming to produce a total of 40 television shows by 2030, with around 30 projects currently in different levels of production, according to a recent filing tied to a consumer lawsuit seeking to block its pending $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The ambitious ‘Leopoldstadt’ finally arrives in Chicago area

WBEZ Chicago: It’s easy to think British playwright Tom Stoppard lived a charmed life. He was the toast of the West End, and his writing garnered some of theater’s most prestigious awards, from the Oliviers to the Tonys to an Oscar. Even Stoppard said his life was charmed, until he began wrestling late in life with a reckoning — numerous family members had been killed in Holocaust, and his Jewish identity was something he hadn’t yet tried to understand.

Why ‘Obsession’ Actors And Crew Were Allegedly ‘Underpaid,’ Despite Record Success

www.forbes.com: This past week, Obsession stumbled into its first major controversy, with the art director of the film going public about how much she was paid, and why, given the record success of the movie, it didn’t seem like enough. Obsession’s art director, Sally Choi, took to Instagram to reveal that she made $6,761 after taxes on the film, a rate of $300 a day, for a movie that she says will go on to make $250 million. Some analysts are now predicting over $300 million.

Meeting at the Corner of Chaos and Divine

HowlRound Theatre Commons: On a dark and cool Tuesday night, and under the cover of the October new moon, eighteen artists huddled together at the street corner, pouring out water and libation and returning the altar items we’d borrowed from the land: milkweed pods, spruce branches, and beach pebbles, among other items. Guided by fellow MicroCosmos participant paris cian cyan, we acknowledged the ancestors who had been with us for this gathering and offered gratitude to the land and to each other.

'Lord of the Flies' Casting Directors Explain Finding 30+ Kids

www.thewrap.com: Jack Thorne gave casting directors Nina Gold and Martin Ware a tall order. The Emmy-winning co-creator of “Adolescence” had adapted William Golding’s seminal 1954 novel “Lord of the Flies” into a four-episode Netflix series, and he needed approximately 30 boys, no younger than 5 years old and no older than 12, to anchor four hours of television that are almost entirely adultfree. Oh, and they’d be shooting primarily in mangrove forests in Malaysia for three months.

Architect David Rockwell on the Design of the Fallen Angels Set

www.veranda.com: Whether you realize it or not, you’ve likely encountered David Rockwell’s work before. For more than four decades, his Rockwell Group firm has been the creative force behind some of the most design-forward spaces in the world, from W Hotels and Nobu restaurants to the restoration of Grand Central Terminal.

Yeast-based 3D printing material for sustainable architecture

newatlas.com: A research team at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has come up with a new bio-derived material made from yeast. It can be used with 3D-printing technology to produce a construction material which can be modified specifically for the architectural and interior design field.

Finneas' 'Beef' score was almost 'Stomp, Clap, Hey' music

www.goldderby.com: Essential to the chaotic, beautiful character of Beef Season 2 is undoubtedly the score from two-time Academy Award winner and 11-time Grammy winner Finneas. After originally making a name for himself writing and producing songs with his sister, Billy Eilish, Finneas has, over the past few years, branched out into composing for film and television, like B.J. Novak's directorial effort Vengeance and Alfonso Cuarón's Apple TV series Disclosure.

'The Book of Mormon' turns 15: Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad pop in for a 'Hello!'

NPR: Fifteen years after The Book of Mormon made its Broadway debut, original cast members Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad once again took the stage as Mormon missionaries — this time at the 2026 Tony Awards.

Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ Kept Its Hollywood Dreams in L.A.

The Ankler: Shooting Disney and Marvel Television’s Wonder Man in Los Angeles wasn’t just a boon for creators Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest and the cast and crew, but the reason the show even existed in the first place. “It was the genesis of the idea,” Cretton says. The comedy series focuses on a struggling actor named Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who is forced to hide his superhero abilities due to a government mandate that bans enhanced individuals from working in the entertainment industry.

Best Workwear for Construction, Landscaping, and Agriculture: Summer 2026

Pro Tool Reviews: Spring didn’t last long here in central Florida, and we rolled into summer without so much as a “see ya later.” While some of you may have a gentler transition, there’s no doubt the hot weather is on the way. In preparation (or reaction in my case), I’ve pulled the best summer workwear on our radar for construction, landscaping and lawn care, or agriculture.

Disney Patents a Projection Surface That Appears, Transforms, and Vanishes

WDW News Today: Disney has filed a patent for a new pop-up projection surface that can appear, change shape, show effects, and then vanish completely so guests never see the hardware.

The ugly fallout from Morgan Wallen's Pittsburgh cancellation — and his late-night response

pennlive.com: Morgan Wallen took notice as fans ripped him on social media for cancelling Saturday’s concert at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The country music singer blamed inclement weather for his decision to call off the show. The problem was that nasty weather was nowhere to be found as the show was slated to begin at the stadium.

DeWalt Max XR Cordless Drill, Tested and Reviewed

Popular Mechanics: Let me say off the bat that DeWalt’s Max XR cordless hammer drill is probably more drill than most people need. It’s one of the most powerful I’ve ever tested, capable of boring large holes into materials with speed and ease. At $349, it’s also one of the most expensive.

Why It Matters What Theater You See 'The Odyssey' In

Lifehacker: Christopher Nolan's upcoming interpretation of The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of—if not the—biggest movie events of the year. Demand for tickets put such a strain on AMC Theaters' network that the company had to put all customers in a queue just to access the site or app—even if they weren't trying to buy tickets. Despite being one of the oldest stories in the world, The Odyssey is attracting a ton of buzz. Chances are, if you're headed to a movie theater this summer, you'll be checking this one out.

Interview: Director of Audience Experience Lindsey On Accessibility at The Muny

www.broadwayworld.com: The Muny, the nation's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre and the recipient of the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is preparing to welcome more than 300,000 patrons to Forest Park for its 108th season. The St. Louis institution will present seven world-class productions this summer, including HAIRSPRAY, SHREK THE MUSICAL, SOUTH PACIFIC, NEWSIES, AIN'T TOO PROUD, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, and SOMETHING ROTTEN!, capped by a concert finale starring Lionel Richie.

Ben Folds calls for support as National Symphony Orchestra faces crisis, 'may not survive'

pennlive.com: Longtime composer and singer Ben Folds is counting on fellow Americans and music lovers to help save the National Symphony Orchestra. In an open letter posted on Instagram Folds expressed deep concern for the orchestra’s future after recent issues surrounding the Kennedy Center.

Interview: Jaelon "Majiggk" Harris On Taking On the Title Role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Market House Theatre

www.broadwayworld.com: Market House Theatre is staging the iconic Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in a contemporary setting that draws deliberate parallels to today's societal climate, exploring the universal mechanics of power and how it is accumulated, wielded, and used to manipulate events and people.

P!NK Says She is 'Terri-Cited' to Host 2026 Tonys: 'I'll Probably Fall'

www.broadwayworld.com: This Sunday, music superstar and global icon P!nk will take the stage as host of the 79th Annual Tony Awards. Though the musician hasn't appeared on Broadway herself, she is a self-professed aficionado of the medium and teased what fellow theater fans can expect from the show during a visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers.

You Could Get A Free DeWalt Power Tool Right Now If You Shop At Lowe's

www.slashgear.com: Among the major power tool manufacturers in the market, DeWalt is one that has inspired a fairly fervent level of brand loyalty among work site professionals and DIYers alike. That is in no small part due to the brand's reputation for delivering power tools that are often as innovative in design and function as they are powerful and durable on the job.

Picklesburgh’s footprint expands to include Market Square, Arts Landing

triblive.com: The 2026 iteration of the Steel City’s annual Picklesburgh celebration is expanding from last year’s home — which included the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol Bridges, Allegheny Landing, Allegheny Riverfront Park, Fort Duquesne Boulevard westbound, PPG Plaza and Sixth Street — and outward. It will also encompass the newly renovated Market Square and Arts Landing.

Chicago’s cultural department launches new grant program aimed at helping emerging theater companies

WBEZ Chicago: Chicago’s cultural department announced a new grant program Wednesday aimed at helping emerging theater organizations strengthen their infrastructure and build audiences.

Hasbro Launches Sixth Wall to Create Authorized AI Experiences

www.thewrap.com: Hasbro is bringing several of its iconic characters into their AI era through Sixth Wall, a new studio focused on creating authorized experiences and licensing. Alongside its launch, Sixth Wall has reached a strategic partnership with AI audio company ElevenLabs to bring select Hasbro characters to the company’s rapidly growing Iconic Marketplace.

M&W Pro Audio Announces New D24 & D32 Digital Mixers

ProSoundWeb: M&W Pro Audio, a new company founded by Greg Mackie and Peter Watts, has announced the introduction of new D24 and D32 digital mixers that are designed for live sound reinforcement, both outfitted with large touch screens designed to enhance operational ease, ergonomics, and access to important information in the channel strip, and they’ll be on display at the 2026 InfoComm Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center at booth N6464.

Peterson Rich Office completes the Costume Institute’s galleries at the Met

www.archpaper.com: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not one building but at least 21 separate structures constructed since its founding in 1870. In recent years, the museum has been on a renovation spree, with WHY Architecture’s Michael C. Rockefeller Wing opened last year and work in progress led by NADAAA and Frida Escobedo.

New Federal Guidelines Threaten Almost Half of Graduate Arts Programs

The New York Times: The Education Department is finalizing guidelines for an earnings test that would punish nearly half of all graduate programs in visual arts, music and performance based on the low income of recent alumni, according to the government’s calculations.

Chrissie Hynde Rails Against Phones at Gigs: 'It's a Weird Compulsion'

www.rollingstone.com: “It’s like a weird compulsion that people can’t control,” she writes. “It reminds me of monkeys wanking in full view of the people standing around their enclosure … and frankly, in that case, people deserved to be wanked at because monkeys should not be in an enclosure in the first place … However, an artist on a stage?”

Metal fabrication's moment in the AI economy

www.thefabricator.com: After spending weeks talking with participants in this year’s FAB 40—a list of some of the largest contract metal fabricators in the country—I came to an odd realization: Contract fabrication really isn’t a unified business sector full of direct competitors, all fighting it out for market share.

Broadway's Ragtime Will Host Immigrant Heritage Month Event

Playbill: Broadway's Tony-nominated revival of Ragtime at Lincoln Center Theater will mark National Immigrant Heritage Month by hosting a group of visionary leaders for a special event June 23 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, where the production performs. The event will celebrate the ways immigrants have and continue to shape the world around us, with special guests set to include Nobel Prize-winning chemist Moungi Bawendi, public health expert Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, Pulitzer-winning musician Tania Léon, National Immigration Law Center President Kica Matos, and domestic worker Lizeth Palencia.

No tower of glower: Obama Center and its maligned signature building are worthy of consideration

WBEZ Chicago: Ever since the Obama Presidential Center began rising out the historic grounds of Jackson Park, its Museum Tower — the campus’ most visible structure — became a riddlesome, what-the-heck-is-this kind of a building. And there was a reason for this. In a city of tall, glassy skyscrapers, the Museum Tower is shrouded in granite and virtually windowless.

This Socket Set Brand Is Widely Considered The Best (And Has A Fanatical Following)

www.slashgear.com: Many of those who've used Snap-on tools in the past would likely understand why the company is ranked #1 in SlashGear's list of the best socket set brands. The quality of its products — especially hand tools and accessories for mechanics — is hard to deny, and it's a big reason the brand has such a huge following.

Trump’s Attempt to Rename the Kennedy Center Hit a Wall

The Mary Sue: Donald Trump’s attempt to rename the Kennedy Center just hit a major roadblock, but Congress could still hand him the keys if he gets his way. A federal judge ruled on May 29, 2026, that the president’s name must come off the Kennedy Center’s facade and other signs within two weeks, slamming the brakes on his late-December decision to rebrand the iconic performing arts venue as the Trump Kennedy Center.

The Academy Will Vote on the 50 Best Movie Theaters in the World

www.indiewire.com: We’ve made our suggestions for what Oscars the Academy could introduce to the awards show next, but while it won’t be an Oscar, AMPAS is introducing something to recognize the places that make the movies possible: movie theaters.

The Skil 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Tested and Reviewed

Popular Mechanics: I was getting ready to put the Skil 10-inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw through its paces when my college-aged son wandered into the garage and spotted the pile of trim boards, crown molding, and 2x6s stacked by the door. “So what are we building?” he asked.

K-array USA To Highlight New Developments At 2026 InfoComm Show

ProSoundWeb: K-array USA announced that it will be highlighting its most recent developments for live event and installed sound applications at the upcoming 2026 InfoComm Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (demo room N111, booth N6863), including the new Koral KO102 compact column loudspeaker and the Thunder KSCARDIO412P, the company’s first-ever cardioid subwoofer.

A Brutal Week in Pittsburgh Theater Demands A Reset: Let's Do Better

onstagepittsburgh.com: I have been a very small cog in the media landscape of Pittsburgh for 46 years. I understand downsizing. I have witnessed the high cost of failures to adapt. Change is inevitable, and too often, heartbreaking. I also know about treating people with dignity and respect, and displaying forethought and empathy. And what can come of doing none of those things.

How the 'Hacks' Series Finale Shot in the Louvre After the Heist

variety.com: From the very beginning of “Hacks,” creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky knew where they wanted the show’s finale to take place: Paris. At the top of their wishlist, of course, was filming at the Louvre. After all, it’s the best-known art museum, and houses the world’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa.

Judge Orders Trump to Remove His Name From Kennedy Center

www.thewrap.com: A federal judge on Friday ordered President Donald Trump to remove his name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Judge Christopher Cooper also temporarily barred the Washington cultural institution from shutting down for two years for renovations.

Broadway Education Alliance Reveals Roger Rees Awards New Faces 2026 New York Honorees

www.broadwayworld.com: The Roger Rees Awards New Faces 2026 Honorees have been revealed. On May 9th, 30 New York high school performers participated in a day-long career development intensive in midtown Manhattan that included performance coaching by experts in acting, singing and dancing, along with panel discussions.

At these DC bars, theater kids rule the day (for a few hours, at least)

DC Theater Arts: When politicians began using the term theater kid earlier this year, a certain subset of Washingtonians took appropriate offense. For DC’s theater community, the term is not a slur, but a long-held badge of honor earned through years spent in high school auditoriums, theater camps, and children’s community theater productions. The theater bug bites hard and, once bitten, the thrill of performance rarely subsides.

Blackmagic Replay shows dolphins in smoother slow motion

AV Magazine: A theme park in Japan is using Blackmagic Design technology to support its daily dolphin show. Adventure World, in Wakayama Prefecture, is home to a zoo, aquarium and amusement park. One of its most popular attractions is the Marine Live show, which features performances by dolphins synchronised with music and video.

Media Access Awards Now Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards

variety.com: The Media Access Awards, which honor disability representation and authentic filmmaking in media, have officially rebranded as The Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (the Darcys). The initiative is spearheaded by Easterseals Disability Services and leaders from the disability community, with Film Independent serving as co-producer.

'Like having sex and they hand you the baby': Beloved animator uses AI, gets backlash

Fast Company: Writer and director Jorge R. Gutierrez is best known for creating the 2014 animated film The Book of Life. A labor of love and a tribute to Mexican folk art, the movie took Gutierrez 14 years to make, and it paid off: The Book of Life’s beautiful handcrafted 3D animation was near universally lauded. But Gutierrez’s next project is taking a different approach. It won’t take him 14 years—in fact, his upcoming animated series Punky Duck was green-lit just two months after he pitched it to Amazon MGM Studios.

The GLP Impression X5 Family: A Complete Look at GLP's Flagship X5 Lineup

www.limelightwired.com: When German Light Products launched the Impression X5, they did something the rest of the industry wasn't quite ready for: they bet the whole platform on lime. Lime as a fourth color in the LED engine itself. At the time, RGBW was the standard. GLP looked at the data and said, nope, we're going RGBL.

Vivid Sydney’s drone show became a drone rainstorm

Boing Boing: After being canceled last year over safety concerns, Vivid Sydney's drone show returned this week and immediately dove 89 drones into the water. That is one way to answer the safety question.

Obama Center releases grand opening weekend events schedule

WBEZ Chicago: The Obama Presidential Center is preparing a big show for its grand opening next month. The center on Wednesday released its schedule of activities for its opening weekend, June 19-21. Many events are free, family-friendly and open to the public.

Ghostly Showgirls, Glittery Foliage, and a 27,000-Pound Building Make Up the Sets of These Tony-Nominated Shows

Playbill: The 2025–26 Broadway season welcomed audiences into many different worlds. Within just a few blocks in Times Square, audiences experienced the mysteriously seductive Dr. Frank-N-Furter's castle, the shimmering runway at the fabulous Jellicle Ball, the kaleidoscopic wonderland of Schmigadoon, and a built-to-scale Brooklyn bank that rotated on and off the stage.

What We're Building Next

DC Theater Arts: None of us anticipated the Washington Post gutting its arts and culture staff. That decision landed hard on a community that has long relied on that coverage, not just as readers, but as the artists, administrators, and theater lovers whose work and passion it documented. The Post provided consistent employment for talented writers across this region, and the reach of its coverage helped audiences discover, understand, and invest in the extraordinary work happening on our stages. Its absence leaves a gaping hole in our community’s ability to be seen.

Chicago sound artist Kikù Hibino collaborates with his noise hero Merzbow

Chicago Reader: Experimental Chicago producer and sound artist Kikù Hibino has long dreamed of collaborating with Japanese noise artist Merzbow, aka Masami Akita. Hibino, a Japanese native, traces this desire to 2002, when he noticed Merzbow backstage at the inaugural stateside edition of artist-curated music festival All Tomorrow’s Parties, held at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Interview: Tamara Siler of SINNERS AND SAINTS at Main Street Theater

www.broadwayworld.com: Tamara Siler has been a fixture of the Houston theater scene for decades, appearing in everything from Dreamgirls and Into the Woods to Caroline, or Change and Bat Boy: The Musical. Now she’s stepping into the spotlight for a deeply personal cabaret evening at Main Street Theater titled Sinners and Saints, running at their Rice Village location through June 13th.

Chicago’s Lyric Opera receives $20 million gift from Illinois-based Negaunee Foundation

WBEZ Chicago: Lyric Opera of Chicago has received a $20 million gift from the Illinois-based Negaunee Foundation, which will be used to expand educational programming and make Mozart a more permanent fixture on the Downtown stage.

PA company builds huge venue for White House's UFC event

local21news.com: Residents in Warwick Township may have recently noticed an odd structure towering in the skies. The project, which looks like two giant crossed arches, will eventually become the venue for the UFC Freedom 250 White House event in June.

25 Old Home Architectural Details (That We've Forgotten How To Build)

www.obsessedwoodworking.com: You walk into an old house and something hits you before you can name it. The trim is heavier. The doorways are taller. The light falls differently across the walls. There’s a depth to the rooms that the new houses you’ve been in don’t have — even the ones with bigger square footage and higher ceilings.

'Survivor' betting controversy explained, Aubry Bracco interview

www.goldderby.com: Jeff Probst has broken his silence on the controversial debate over betting sites like Kalshi and Polymarket spoiling the outcomes of reality TV shows, including Survivor. "You're telling me there's a way I can make money by sharing information I have, and I might not ever get caught? Of course, people are going to do that," the host and showrunner told Variety. "And if I found out somebody on our show bet on this, they'd be fired."

The TV industry still struggles with class inequality – access alone won’t fix it

theconversation.com: While questions of diversity and representation have received growing industry attention, class inequality has often remained less prevalent within these discussions. And where interventions have been introduced, they have tended to focus on entry and skills-gaps rather than the deeper structural conditions that shape who is able to sustain a long-term career once inside the industry.

The Best Things In Life Are Free

SoundGirls.org: I just worked my first session as a paid engineer at a historic studio where I’ve been working for free for two years. In honor of that milestone, here are my thoughts on working without monetary compensation.

How Shirley Kurata Built a Surreal Fashion Playground for Keke Palmer in "I Love Boosters"

The Credits: When writer-director Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) approached Oscar-nominated costume designer Shirley Kurata with crime comedy I Love Boosters, it was a no-brainer. Though shot in Atlanta and set in a surreal version of the San Francisco Bay Area, the dynamic collaboration that pops and crackles with bold colors and rich textures is inspired by their California roots.

35th Annual Gene Kelly Awards Announces Winners

www.broadwayworld.com: An enthusiastic sold-out crowd filled the Benedum Center as Pittsburgh CLO celebrated Allegheny County’s finest high school musical theater performers at the 35th Annual Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Broadway’s ‘The Lost Boys’ and Its Flying Vampire Spectacle

The New York Times: The first vampire descends from the shadows, high above the stage, barely visible as he comes in for the kill. Four vampires disappear into a dark void below the stage after dropping, one by one, from a trestle bridge.

High End Systems Zeo Delivers Spectacular Lighting for the DSDS 2026

LightSoundJournal.com: Following appearances at several major live events, including the 2025 Halftime Show, the High End Systems Zeo once again demonstrated its capabilities at a high-profile broadcast production: the grand finale of Deutschland sucht den Superstar (DSDS), Germany’s equivalent of American Idol, on May 9, 2026.

3 positions eliminated from Pittsburgh Playhouse as part of ‘operational restructuring’

triblive.com: Days before layoffs at Pittsburgh Public Theater, three staff positions were eliminated from Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, university representatives confirmed Thursday.

How Small Design and Manufacturing Teams Are Moving Faster Than Ever

Fusion Blog: It’s easy for small design and manufacturing teams to feel at a disadvantage compared to larger organizations with dedicated departments and deep resources. But in today’s product development landscape, the opposite is often true. Smaller teams can move faster by embracing agile workflows and avoiding the handoffs and delays that slow larger operations.

ProSlide: Sliding into summer

InPark Magazine: Founded in 1986 by former Canadian Alpine Ski Team member Rick Hunter, Canadian waterpark pioneer ProSlide began designing water slides inspired by the smooth curves and high speeds of downhill ski racing. Nearly four decades later, the company’s offerings span everything from water coasters and speed slides to immersive rafting experiences and family attractions designed for parks of all sizes.

Meet The Secret Weapon Behind The Mask Of The Mandalorian

www.inverse.com: The opening credits of The Mandalorian and Grogu are history-making for a few reasons. Longtime fans might be unsettled to see traditional opening credits at the beginning of a Star Wars movie, but, more than that novelty, the names in those opening credits are a very big deal.

TV composers roundtable: The magic of main titles and end credits

www.goldderby.com: As part of our ongoing series of exclusive conversations with the industry's key (and too often unsung) contributors, Gold Derby gathered the esteemed and award-winning composers from a few of the most musically memorable series this season.

Pittsburgh Public Theater Staff Members Laid Off Amid Merger Preparation

OnStage Blog: Several staff members at Pittsburgh Public Theater were informed this week that their positions had been eliminated as the organization continues preparations for its planned merger with Pittsburgh CLO.

Actors' Equity Association Reveals Results of 2026 Officer and Councilor Election

www.broadwayworld.com: Actors' Equity Association has revealed the results of its 2026 Officer and Councilor Election. In total, 43 positions across all three regions and representing four categories (principal actor, chorus actor, stage manager and at-large) were filled, effective immediately.

Pittsburgh Public Theater employees’ positions eliminated following CLO merger

triblive.com: A separation letter obtained by TribLive news partner WTAE stated the Public faces “ongoing financial constraints” and will forgo its fall season ahead of a forthcoming merger with the Pittsburgh CLO.

Tribeca Festival 2026 preview for theater lovers

New York Theater: The musical “Hadestown” is brought to the screen with the original Broadway cast, followed by a live concert. Broadway songwriters Sara Bareilles and Alicia Keys are each profiled. There’s a documentary about a drag theater company putting on a production of “The Rocky Horror Show” in Wyoming.

14 Community Theaters Featured in Downtown Pittsburgh Showcase

onstagepittsburgh.com: An event titled Pittsburgh Community Theater Showcase seemed like a good time to check out the Dollar Bank Lobby Series at the O’Reilly Theater. The three-day showcase illustrates the possibilities of the series, announced by Pittsburgh Public Theater in February as “intimate performances and community‑centered events designed to bring fresh artistic voices into the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh,”

Pittsburgh Public Theater lays off staff as merger proceeds with Pittsburgh CLO

www.wtae.com: According to staff members with Pittsburgh Public Theater, all staff members have been terminated as of Tuesday. Staff members say they were told Tuesday that their positions have been eliminated and were told to prepare to leave the same day.

20 Schools Inducted Into Disney on Broadway School of Excellence Program

Playbill: Winners have been revealed for the third annual Disney on Broadway School of Excellence program, an initiative from the Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Group, and Music Theatre International. Winning schools receive a free license to produce a Disney stage musical—such as The Little Mermaid, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, or Newsies—in the 2026-2027 school year.

Broadway Bets Raises Record-Breaking Sum for Broadway Cares at Edison Ballroom

Playbill: Broadway Bets, Broadway’s official game night produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares, was held May 18 at the Edison Ballroom and raised a record-breaking $989,528. A mix of Broadway talent, industry insiders, and theatre enthusiasts joined in the Texas Hold ’em tournament for all levels.

Claypaky Illuminates the Arsenale Water Show

LightSoundJournal.com: At the historic Arsenale of Venice, the vast Darsena Grande was transformed into a spectacular open-air stage for Arsenale Water Show 2026 – The Call of Olympia, one of the highlight events of the Venice Carnival. Blending myth, emotion and cutting-edge technology, the immersive production delivered a powerful visual and sonic experience set against the unique backdrop of the Venetian lagoon.

2026 Chita Rivera Awards winners: ‘Schmigadoon!’ dominates Broadway honors

www.broadwaynews.com: Winners are here for the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards, honoring the best in dance during the 2025-2026 theater and film seasons. This year’s ceremony was held on May 18 at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: Dylan Godwin of DEAR ALIEN at ALLEY THEATRE

www.broadwayworld.com: The Alley is now presenting DEAR ALIEN, a show that'll be running through May 31st in the lower Neuhaus space. It is a world premiere by playwright Liz Duffy Adams. BROADWAY WORLD writer Brett Cullum got to sit down with Alley Company member Dylan Godwin and talk about the show, philosophy, and breaking the fourth wall.

What’s Next? Something Revealing!

AMERICAN THEATRE: The end of the year for any school is a whirlwind of end-of-the-year performances, spring musicals, dance shows, and music productions as we march toward graduation. It was only two weeks ago that the curtains closed on my school’s production of In the Heights; a week later, we produced the seniors’ one-person show festival, and this week my students are preparing for the Adrienne Arsht Center’s inaugural high school award showcase, as one student has moved into the next round of the Jimmy’s nominations.

Going to a show in Chicago? Be prepared to hand over your phone till it’s over

WBEZ Chicago: If you want a deep dive into Chicago arts and culture, check your phone at the door: The “unplugged” trend is growing locally among arts groups responding to a collective desire for more phone-free experiences. Organizers say they aim to deepen human connection and offer spaces for creating art.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Cancels Performances Following Cyber Attack

www.broadwayworld.com: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has alerted patrons that a cyber attack on its computer network may force the rescheduling of some upcoming performances.

DEATH BECOMES HER Is Closing- So What Happened?

www.broadwayworld.com: Death Becomes Her announced today they will be closing on Broadway on June 28 due to poor sales. This announcement comes as a relative surprise; had you asked anyone six months ago, they would have told you Death Becomes Her was more likely than not to have an extended run on Broadway.

'There Is A Genuine Desire Across The Board To Do Things Right': The Successes And Challenges Of Working In DEI At A Games Studio

aftermath.site: My original plan this week was to run a single big feature on DEI at major games companies, interviewing a number of people who work or have worked in the field. But when the first two experts I spoke with provided such thorough and informative responses, I shelved that plan and decided to give each of them the full spotlight, two people who have worked on some of the world's biggest--and as a result, most challenging, in terms of public reaction and awareness--games series.

Radio Riot Brings Big Gig Sound To The UK Pub Circuit With Martin Audio

ProSoundWeb: Radio Riot, a UK-based three-piece pub and function band delivering Britpop and guitar-driven covers spanning five decades, traveling with a dynamic portable sound system assembled by lead signer and guitarist David Preston that’s headed by Martin Audio’s new BlacklineQ Series loudspeakers.

Category 2 vs Category 3 Safety Systems Explained

machinerysafety101.com: When engineers first encounter ISO 13849-1, one of the most common points of confusion is the practical difference between Category 2 and Category 3 architectures. On paper, the distinction can appear subtle. In practice, however, the differences are profound.

2026 Tony analysis, 'Ragtime' and 'Schmigadoon!' out in front

www.goldderby.com: Sam, since we offered our first reactions to the Tony nominations, there has been a lot of activity among the smaller voting bodies in the industry. Those kudos include the winners of the Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics' Circle, Drama League, and, just last night, Drama Desk Awards, plus the nominations for the Dorian Awards.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Announces Company Promotions

onstagepittsburgh.com: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) has announced the promotion of three PBT company artists. The artists were all promoted live onstage after the evening performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Saturday, May 16. The changes will take effect for the upcoming season, which runs from August 2026 to May 2027.

Why Cody Renard Richard Created a Scholarship to Diversify the Backstage of Broadway

Playbill: When stage manager Cody Renard Richard was first starting his career in New York, he remembered feeling alone. Even though he was working in an industry that emphasized community, he was also hyperaware of how, as a stage manager, he was often one of the only faces backstage that wasn't white.

Photos: Producers Jamie deRoy Receives Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree at Carnegie Mellon

www.broadwayworld.com: Last week, 1967 alumna and 15-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Jamie deRoy received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Their Play Was Cancelled By the University—These College Students Are Putting It On Anyway

Playbill: Maggie Lawson and Liberty Welch are best friends. They're roommates and they're both pursuing theatre education-performance majors at the University of Central Oklahoma. This fall, the two were particularly excited to direct a play together, as their student production for UCO's theatre department. The play was called Boy My Greatness by Zoe Senese-Grossberg, a historical drama about the young boys who played women in Shakespeare's Globe.

30 Broadway Professionals Share Their Training and Favorite Theatre Teachers

Playbill: As part of the ongoing Playbill feature series How Did I Get Here—which spotlights not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—numerous artists have shared their journeys to Broadway, including the many conservatories, colleges, and graduate schools that were pivotal to their eventual success. Some also learned through years of on-the-job training, and many continue to study privately.

The Girls Are Screaming

The New York Times: The scream begins as a ripple, starting with the most unlikely character first, and then crescendos from one teenage girl to the next, propelling them across the stage through sheer force of lung. Four voices rising and bodies contorting: aaaahAAAAAAHHHHH!

State funding changes hit Pittsburgh art, education programs

90.5 WESA: Sweeping changes in how the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts (PCA) funds arts initiatives in the state include the end of the Arts in Education program. And critics say other new policies taking effect this year will harm small arts groups around the state.

The National Theatre Launches Touring Partnership With 12 Theatre

www.broadwayworld.com: The National Theatre has announced National Theatre Nationwide: a new landmark partnership with 12 leading theatres in all nine regions of England dedicated to ensuring parity of access to art and culture, enriching people’s lives–wherever they live.

Ian McKellen Will Return to the Stage in LEAR at The Yard Theatre's New London Venue

www.broadwayworld.com: The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick, London, has announced its first season in its new building. Six productions running from July 2026 to April 2027, including a 50th-anniversary revival of Ntozake Shange's for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf directed by Diane Page, Holly Robinson's adaptation of Mrs Dalloway, and Ian McKellen returning to the stage in Lear, reimagined by Artistic Director Jay Miller and playwright Simon Stephens.

TCG Reveals 2026 Willa Kim Costume Design Scholarship Recipients

www.broadwayworld.com: Theatre Communications Group has announced Tianyu Lei and Viktoriia Shlenova as the 2026 recipients of the Willa Kim Costume Design Scholarship.

Lowry's Creative Writing Challenge Celebrates Young Writers From Across the North West

www.broadwayworld.com: Children from across the North West stepped into the spotlight on Saturday 9 May for the Lowry's annual Creative Writing Challenge, performing on stage at a special event hosted by the popular CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill.

Immersive PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Event is Coming to London Next Year

www.broadwayworld.com: Secret Cinema and TodayTix will present a new immersive production inspired by Disney's iconic blockbuster film franchise Pirates of the Caribbean, sailing into London in February 2027.