We started our streaming and video series The Next Stage in the dark days of April 2020, featuring performances and discussions with actors, musicians and other artists.
These days, with the theater reopened (thankfully!), The Next Stage has become a series of Zoom talkbacks that complement our mainstage shows.
We love hanging out with our directors, actors, designers and other artists online and getting the scoop on making theater!
Missed a Zoom talkback? Or want to watch the performances, discussions and classes we streamed during the Covid shutdown? No problem: we archive recordings of all our broadcasts. Watch each video via City Lights’ YouTube in the windows below.
Quiz & cocktails with Joey McDaniel
June 24, 2021
He’s a regular on Bay Area stages and hosts the podcast Drunk Broadway. It’s no surprise that Joey McDaniel is a whiz at theater trivia and mixology.
Magic and comedy with Phil Ackerly
June 17, 2021
Both magician and entertainer, Phil Ackerly puts on a show for all ages. Join us for sleight-of-hand magic, amazing illusions and great storytelling.
Veggielution talks compost, climate and community
June 10, 2021
The Veggielution team teaches us about setting up our own home composting operation, and tells us the latest on the new SoFA Pocket Park.
Original music with Alex Arango
May 27, 2021
Colombian musician Alex Arango presents a night of original instrumental music exploring the rhythms that influenced him.
Celebrate City Lights’ new season!
May 20, 2021
To celebrate CLTC’s reopening, playwrights and actors from our upcoming season join us on Zoom to announce our new plays and musicals.
Storytelling with Play on Words
May 13, 2021
Play on Words founders Julia Halprin Jackson and Melinda Marks join us with writer Melissa Flores Anderson to talk about their literary series and perform a new story.
Director, actor and playwright Doug Brook
May 6, 2021
Terrific theater talk covering the many shows Doug Brook has worked on over the years, including “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Lend Me a Tenor.”
An Earth Day concert with Nehal and Austin
April 22, 2021
This San José musical couple treats us to original soul, blues and earthy-rock music served with a heavy vintage flavor and a timeless poetic grit.


