Bookwaves/Artwaves – April 16, 2026: Patrick Dooley, Artistic Director Shotgun Players
About this episode
Patrick Dooley, Artistic Director of Shotgun Players, discusses his journey in theatre and the company's history.
Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Links to assorted local theater & book venues Patrick Dooley: Artistic Director, Shotgun Players Patrick Dooley, Artistic Director of Shotgun Players theatre company, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Patrick Dooley founded Shotgun Players in 1992, which originally produced plays in the basement of LaVal’s Pizza Parlor in Berkeley, California. Surviving with multiple venues over the years, Shotgun bought the Ashby Stage in 2004, where the company has resided ever since. Originally from rural Virginia, Patrick came to Berkeley to visit his brother, wound up being invited to act in a play at LaVal’s, and within a short time decided to create a theatre company, which has now lasted over thirty years. Surviving the pandemic, and with a very loyal audience, Shotgun has continued to sell out many of its shows, creating a uniquely Berkeley community theatre. In the interview, he discusses his own history with theatre the origins of Shotgun Players (including what the name means) , his views on such issues as the age of the audience and the subscription model, as well as the rest of the 2026 theatrical season…
People in this episode
Host: Richard Wolinsky
Guest: Patrick Dooley
Topics covered
- theatre
- interview
- community
- artistic direction
- local culture
Keywords
- Shotgun Players
- Patrick Dooley
- theatre
- Berkeley
- interview
- artistic direction
- community theatre
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Shotgun Players
Books & works: The Monsters
Places: Berkeley, Virginia
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