Inside Savannah’s Thriving Arts Scene: The Story of New Oak Theatre

In this episode of the Made of Savannah podcast, host Dee Daniels talks with Chase and Sarah Brackett, Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director of New Oak Theatre, about their upcoming production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie at Tybee Post Theater. THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON 6 SPONSOR: ETHAN ALLEN SAVANNAH THIS EPISODE IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY: NEW OAK THEATRE Chase and Sarah explain how their Georgia roots, time in New York City during COVID, and visits to Savannah led them to start a theatre company focused on bringing fresh, modern approaches to classic works—reflected in the name “New Oak Theatre.” They describe their storybook-inspired design and immersive staging for The Glass Menagerie and introduce a cast that blends Savannah talent with two out-of-town actors. They also outline long-term goals: building a sustainable, paid home for Savannah artists, expanding to longer runs, and securing a brick-and-mortar venue for year-round work. They discuss ways the community can support the nonprofit through donations and involvement, and share hopes for future youth programs, school outreach, and partnerships that make theatre more accessible. HUGE THANKS to our PARTNER this season - Ethan Allen Savannah. Shop Ethan Allen's furniture store today in Savannah, GA, at 5525 Abercorn St., just 10 minutes from Savannah’s historic downtown. We offer a broad range of furniture and accessories, including quality living room furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture and home décor. Create the look you'll love from classic to contemporary with free interior design help from our design pros. Call us at 912.629.9940. The Made of Savannah podcast is a creative production of Corcoran Austin Hill Realty! THIS EPISODE IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY: New Oak Theatre - founded by husband and wife duo, Chase and Sarah Brackett, in 2023. Inspired by Savannah’s historic architecture, willowy oak trees, and thriving creative spirit, we chose the name New Oak Theatre to reflect a blend of tradition and growth. NEW OAK THEATRE IS PRESENTING: The Glass Menagerie at Tybee Post Theater, February 27th - March 1st Tennessee Williams's The Glass Menagerie — one of the most cherished works in American theatre. This moving, poetic memory play paints a vivid portrait of a family clinging to dreams while confronting the harshness of reality. At its heart is Amanda Wingfield — a mother longing for a brighter past — and her children, Tom and Laura, searching for hope and meaning. Season 6 SPONSOR - thank you - ETHAN ALLEN SAVANNAH (stop by and ask for your free gift) LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE: Grab your tickets to The Glass Menagerie Learn more about New Oak Theatre FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:29 Glass Menagerie Weekend 01:18 Tybee Post Theatre Magic 01:54 Founding New Oak Theatre 02:44 From New York to Savannah 04:53 Why Savannah Needed More Theatre 07:20 Naming New Oak Theatre 08:17 Modern Takes on Classics 12:27 Designing Glass Menagerie 13:10 Set and Staging Secrets 15:34 Meet the Cast 18:06 Cast and Roles 18:18 Directing the Production 19:21 Vision for New Oak 19:28 Building a Paid Arts Hub 20:43 From Weekends to Long Runs 22:16 Mentors and Theatre Knowhow 24:10 How to Support the Nonprofit 26:10 Community Access and Youth Programs 30:05 Balancing Theatre and Parenthood 32:33 Savannah Roots and Future Plans 34:09 Final Thanks and Invitation