Shotgun Spotlight: Joy Carlin

Shotgun Spotlight: Joy Carlin

From The Shotgun Players Podcast by Shotgun Players

April 1, 2026 · 35 min · Season 1 · Episode 4

About this episode

Joy Carlin reflects on her extensive career in Bay Area theatre just before her 94th birthday.

Joy Carlin is the closest thing the Bay Area has to theatre royalty. She has held leadership positions in our two flagship organizations, as interim Artistic Director of Berkeley Rep and as the Associate Artistic Director at ACT. She has also acted and directed in nearly every other mid-sized to large theatre company around. Throughout this time, she's also made it a priority to attend shows and stay engaged with every level of Bay Area theatre: from the smallest back room black boxes to the biggest houses. She's the most accessible legend you'll ever have the pleasure of knowing. Joy welcomed me to her home in North Berkeley a few days before her 94th birthday so we could reminisce about her storied career and where she sees our theatre today. For those who would like to learn more, I'm also attaching a video link to a 2021 presentation she made at the Berkeley Club as part of their Arts and Culture Series. For now, I welcome you to enjoy this conversation. This episode was recorded on March 19th. Local dramaturg and educator, Philippa Kelly and her two dogs were also there. We're so grateful to our sponsors: Roses on Adeline, a wonderful restaurant and watering hole in South…

People in this episode

Guest: Joy Carlin

Topics covered

  • theatre
  • interview
  • Bay Area arts
  • career
  • leadership

Keywords

  • Joy Carlin
  • Bay Area theatre
  • Berkeley Rep
  • ACT
  • theatre leadership

Sponsors

Roses on Adeline, Scott Leverette

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Berkeley Rep, ACT

Places: Bay Area, North Berkeley

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