Arts Alive! podcast: Bob Devin Jones and Ward Smith

Bob Devin Jones, the founder and artistic director of thestudio@620, will retire in 2024, staying on in an “emeritus” position but leaving the day-to-day operations to his yet-to-be-named successor. He opened the 100-seat performance venue and art gallery in 2004.

Jones made the announcement on the inaugural episode of the Catalyst podcast Arts Alive!, which debuts today.

The conversation also included Ward Smith, owner and producing artistic director of Studio Grand Central, the intimate (40 seat) theater that opened its doors in 2021. Smith announced that the venue will change its name, most likely at the same time its next in-house production, February’s This is Our Youth, premieres.

Jones and Smith sat down to share their beliefs with regard to small venues as part of the city’s arts architecture, why they’re important, and why they can (and do) co-exist with bigger rooms with more seats, more bells and more whistles.

Click on the arrow below to listen to the podcast.