BSR_S10E09 - Relic Theatre Company - Spring Awakening

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Kendyll Young and Grant Struble, founders of the Relic Theatre Company, about their journey in establishing a new theater company in Philadelphia. They discuss the challenges and excitement of starting a theater, the importance of branding, the current landscape of theater, and the need for community support. The conversation also touches on their production of 'Spring Awakening' and the significance of creating opportunities for local artists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relic Theatre Company

02:51 The Journey of Starting a Theater Company

05:45 Building a Foundation: Early Steps and Challenges

08:22 The Importance of Branding and Identity

11:21 Navigating the Current Theater Landscape

13:53 Funding and Sustainability in Theater

16:41 Casting and Team Dynamics

19:40 The Creative Process and Production Insights

22:31 Community Engagement and Support

25:07 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play, Spring Awakening opened on Broadway to mass acclaim in 2006, and has not lost an ounce of relevancy since. Exploring themes of sexuality, women’s reproductive rights, mental health, and the consequences of intellectual repression, the musical celebrates and mourns the invariable struggles young people face. With a blend of gritty, rock-infused melodies and poetic, poignant lyrics, the musical offers a raw and unflinching look at the journey into adulthood.

October 9-26, 2025

Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

At the Relic Theatre Company, we believe great theater has the power to change the lives of both the audience who experiences it and the artists who create it. But this power is only manifested when the work is relevant, passionate, and financially accessible. We aim to produce a wide range of plays and musicals that embody these three principles while utilizing the rich artistic landscape of Philadelphia as our greatest resource.

Music Director - Jake Collins

Choreographer - Julianna Babb

Associate Producer / Dramaturg - Lizzie Newcomb Gumla

Costume Designer - Asaki Kuruma

Asher Vaglica - Production Stage Manager

Lighting Designer - Bless Rudisill

Scenic Designeer - Chris Haig

Assistant Stage Manager - Ronnie Hernandez

Props Designer - Emily Schuman

Sound Designer - Larry Fowler

Fight Director - J. Oliver Donahue

Director - Robi Hager

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://relictheatre.org