THE FROGS LIVE: Juneteenth Juke Joint
Hosts Alex Ubokudom and Tobie Windham brought the juke joint spirit to life for this special Juneteenth edition of THE FROGS LIVE, recorded before a live audience at Outside In Theatre that centered on community, artistry, and the radical act of gathering. Joining them were two of contemporary theatre’s most vital voices: Michael Oloyede and Jamila Webb.
The conversation ranged wide and ran deep: what it takes to build authentic artistic communities, how theatre makers balance preserving history with creating new futures, and why showing up consistently and generously for one another may be the most important artistic practice of all. They also talked about mentorship, joy, and why community remains the greatest resource any artist can have.
About the Guests
Michael Oloyede is an actor, theatre maker, and founder of Scene & Heard, a platform dedicated to amplifying theatre artists and fostering global creative exchange. His work spans stage and screen, championing new writing, emerging artists, and stories that center community, culture, and artistic excellence.
Jamila Webb is an artistic leader and founder of First Fifteen, an initiative that supports writers through the crucial opening pages of a new piece. She is widely recognized for championing BIPOC writers, supporting bold new work, and building collaborative spaces where artists can thrive.
Community is built intentionally. Theatre changes lives because it creates shared experience. Theatre continues to evolve because artists keep creating, collaborating, and investing in one another.
Theatre. Culture. Vibe.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Hosted by Alex Ubokudom & Tobie Windham • Producer: Jessica Hanna • Video & Audio Editor: Byron Rogers Jr. & Tyee Tilghman • Social Media & Marketing: Janine Lee Papio • Theme Music: Arlo Sanders • Lights: Andy Hilbrands • Live Music: Jimmy Keys• Produced by Outside In Theatre + The Frogs
The Frogs is a live conversation series where theatre meets culture, bringing together the artists, thinkers, and leaders shaping the future of storytelling.
What is The Frogs?
Alex & Tobie travel to different theater communities in LA to explore what’s happening on the ground. They have conversations with some of the world’s most renowned theater practitioners. Discussing broad topics: theater, film, TV, music, current events—all viewed through the lens of theater and culture. The Frogs will get people excited about the theater by first conquering our city (LA), then the country, and eventually the world—by engaging the community in meaningful conversations about the arts. The Frogs are unapologetically Black, theater nerd culture, mixed with real-world energy. It’s intellectual and ratchet, classy but down-to-earth.