Every other week, the editors of American Theatre curate a free-ranging discussion about the lively arts in our Offscript podcast.

Our apologies for being late this week, folks. We’re completely buried in October issue production but we come up for air to talk about everyone’s favorite topic: gender disparity! Editor-in-chief Rob Weinert-Kendt, and editors Suzy Evans and Diep Tran, discuss the controversy over Manhattan Theatre Club’s mostly white-male 2015–16 season. Plus: Charles Isherwood’s review of Lynn Nottage’s Sweat, and pools of blood. Pulse-racing stuff.

This week’s guest is Mark Valdez, the outgoing executive director of the Network of Ensemble Theaters. He talks to Rob about the mainstreaming of ensemble work and the irony of having a single leader for NET. The organization’s having their annual national gathering in Maine this weekend.

Download the episode here. Subscribe via iTunes or RSS.

This week’s recommendations:

• Katy Guest’s probing op-ed in The Independent about Trevor Nunn’s upcoming all-white production of War of the Roses.
• Michael Schulman’s New Yorker tribute to the female actresses in Hamilton on Broadway.
• Annie Baker’s newest 3.5-hour epic John at Signature Theatre.
• The latest episode of the Subtext theatre podcast, with guest Jennifer Haley.
• The You Must Remember This podcast with Karina Longworth, an exploration of the scandals and stories of old Hollywood. It’s not Serial but it’s pretty damn close.