
The Play's the Thing
The Play's the Thing is the ultimate podcast resource for lovers of Shakespeare. Dedicating six episodes to each play (one per act, plus a Q&A episode), this podcast explores the themes, scenes, characters, and lines that make Shakespeare so memorable. In the end, we will cover every play The Bard wrote, thus permitting an ongoing contemplation and celebration of the most important writer of all time. Join us.The Play’s the Thing is presented by The CiRCE Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 15min
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 3 (rerun)
Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford discuss Act 3 of Much Ado About Nothing, exploring themes of self-deception, verse/prose usage, and character status. They dissect the famous deception scene, highlighting the play's nuances and Shakespeare's storytelling prowess.

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 15min
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 2 (rerun)
Welcome to The Play's the Thing, a podcast dedicated to an ongoing examination and celebration of Shakespeare's entire canon. In this episode, Angelina, and Andrew discuss Act II of Much Ado About Nothing.This episode is brought to you our friends at St. John's College - the perfect place for lovers of Shakespeare to take their next academic steps.If you like this podcast, subscribe, rate, review, and click here to sign up for the Close Reads email newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 1 (rerun)
Join David, Angelina, and Andrew as they dive into Act I of Much Ado About Nothing, discussing Renaissance cosmology, order and chaos, music, harmony, triangles, Love and War, and more in this engaging podcast episode.

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 21min
Cymbeline (rerun)
In this episode, Tim McIntosh and special guest Madelaine Wheeler discuss one of Shakespeare's weirdest plays. What sort of play is Cymbeline? A comedy, drama, fantasy — a mashup of all three? Also: Shakespeare speaks into the perennial debate on nature vs. nurture.Find out more about Charlotte Mason and Ambleside Online here:https://amblesideonline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 22, 2024 • 1h 10min
Tim Gets Interviewed, with Matt Bianco
Sound the trumpet blast! We have now covered all of Shakespeare's plays! In this episode, Tim McIntosh hands the mic to Matt Bianco of the CiRCE Institute to interview Tim about his favorite moments on the show, the future of the podcast, and the glimmer of a future plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 2024 • 20min
Yearbook!
Audio yearbook podcast. Since we have podcasted all of Shakespeare's plans(!!!) I asked my guests to come on and mention their favorite moments from being on the show. Also: An announcement about the future!Emily MaedaA Winter's Tale, Act V: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000598309165Sarah-Jane BentleyDid Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000601514978David KernNora Ankrom and Matthew BiancoThe Taming of the Shrew, Act I: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000536529664Favorite Moment at 47:44Tom PopeTitus Andronicus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/titus-andronicus/id1426679990?i=1000632809960Content Disclaimer at 7:40Favorites Lines at 2:08 or 17:32 (read by Tim) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Life and Death of King John
King John was remembered, in history, for two things. Do you know what they were? In Shakespeare's play, he's remembered for being a cad, a villain, a rogue. This show includes a reunion with the crew that started the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 2024 • 53min
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Imagine the biggest comedic star of Shakespeare's stage, taken from battle, and dropped into a love triangle. Huzzah! Tim and Sarah-Jane Bentley celebrate the return of Falstaff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 2024 • 45min
Teaching Shakespeare
Why do students often dread Shakespeare? The answer may lie in traditional teaching methods. Engaging with the text through performance transforms student experiences, fostering confidence and emotional connection. Through anecdotes, the discussion highlights the complexities of characters like Queen Anne and the depth of scenes from 'The Winter’s Tale.' Innovative approaches emphasize accessibility, making Shakespeare's works relatable and enjoyable for young performers. Embrace the stage to unlock the magic of Shakespeare's narratives!

Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 4min
Measure for Measure: Act V
I like to call this act "duke ex machina." The Duke returns, ready to solve everyone's problems. Plus, a special guest asks the question, "Did Shakespeare care about his characters?" Plus, after the podcast, Gaelyn and Tim keep talking at home and Gaelyn forms a theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.