Yale Drama's 100 Years: A Podcast Unveils Secrets

A new podcast miniseries, "Oh, the Drama!," is offering an in-depth look at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, celebrating its 100-year history. Renamed in 2021 after a $150 million gift from David Geffen eliminated tuition, the school is the sole graduate drama program in the U.S. training in all aspects of American theater.

The 10-episode podcast dedicates individual episodes to each of the school's eight programs, including acting, directing, and playwriting. It features discussions with alumni like Frances McDormand and Rolin Jones, who credit their Yale training for success in film and TV. The podcast also touches on the school's evolution since the 1920s, its growth in the 1960s with the Yale Repertory Theatre, and recent efforts toward inclusion.

Jill BC Du Boff, head of sound design, spearheaded the podcast project. It was written and produced by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson, who co-teach a podcasting class at the school. Hosted by Yale alumnus Courtney B. Vance, the series aims to reach a broad audience, detailing the challenges and triumphs of students and alumni. The final episode will feature a roundtable discussion with past and present deans, including James Bundy, Evan Yionoulis, and Stan Wojewodski Jr.