BroadwayRadio Presents: Class Notes with Ruby Karp – “I Don’t Trust Adults”

Episode Release Date: March 29, 2025

BroadwayRadio, the premier hub for all things Broadway, dives deep into the creative process and personal journey behind one of its standout new productions in the latest episode of Class Notes. Host Lauren Klasschneider sits down with Ruby Karp, the writer and performer of the acclaimed show "I Don't Trust Adults", which is currently captivating audiences at the Soho Playhouse. This comprehensive summary unpacks the enlightening conversation, highlighting key discussions, insightful revelations, and the intricate dance between comedy and theater that defines Ruby's work.

Introduction to “I Don't Trust Adults”

Lauren Klasschneider opens the conversation by introducing Ruby Karp and her show, "I Don't Trust Adults". The production weaves the narrative of six different adults who played pivotal roles in shaping Ruby’s mistrust of grown-ups, particularly focusing on her experiences as a child star in the theater world.

Lauren (00:15): "I Don't Trust Adults tells the story of six different adults who caused failed child star Ruby Karp to forever be suspicious of adults."

Ruby elaborates on the show's target audience, emphasizing its resonance with young dreamers seeking autonomy, adults recovering from past traumas, and especially theater enthusiasts who have faced casting rejections.

The Struggle of Never Being Cast

A central theme of the show revolves around Ruby’s experiences of not being cast in significant roles during her formative years in theater. Ruby dismantles the common misconception that theater kids are always the stars, clarifying that many are ensemble members who discover their strengths later in life.

Ruby (00:56): "As Broadway lovers, as any buddy in theater, we all started as theater kids. And I think a lot of people who never did theater or don't do theater have an impression of theater kids, that we all were just getting the leads, and we all were always the stars of the show."

She humorously critiques the intense environments of theater programs, suggesting that even a summer camp in Ohio might take a production of "Pippin" more seriously than Broadway itself, leading to emotional strains on young performers.

Ruby (02:02): "I poke a lot of fun at the seriousness and the very intense ways in which many directors and teachers in theater programs can treat children."

Lauren chimes in with her own experience as a theater kid, expressing skepticism about the existence of specialized theater high schools. Ruby responds with playful sarcasm, maintaining the comedic tone of their discussion.

Lauren (02:10): "I was a theater kid. I went to a theater high school, but I don't think they should exist."

Ruby (02:10): "I think theater school should be illegal because it turns a lot of kids into Republicans because they're like, defund the arts."

Personal Background and Influences

The conversation shifts to Ruby’s upbringing, shedding light on her close relationship with her single mother, who is involved in creative direction for advertising through the women’s lifestyle magazine, Bust. Ruby highlights the honesty and openness that characterized their household, which forms the emotional core of her show.

Ruby (03:12): "I was one of those kids who didn't have rated R movies, like, not be allowed to watch. I had a lot of freedom as a kid, which in turn made me a very normal kid, very driven."

Ruby reflects on her early aspirations of Broadway stardom and how her mother's support balanced her ambitious dreams with grounded reality.

Early Advocacy and Feminism

Ruby shares an intriguing anecdote from her childhood, discussing her appearance on Amy Poehler’s web series at the age of seven to talk about feminism. Raised in a household where feminist ideals were instilled from a young age, Ruby’s early exposure to these concepts has evolved into a more nuanced adult perspective.

Ruby (04:14): "I grew up being raised around and having a lot of messages of feminism instilled in me. And so obviously now as an adult, I still have all of those views, except I know more about them now."

She credits her mother's role in co-founding Bust magazine for fostering her feminist viewpoints and supporting her early foray into performance at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Writing from a Young Age

Ruby’s early start in professional writing is another focal point of the discussion. Beginning at age ten, she contributed to platforms like Ruby's Corner and HelloGiggles. While Ruby acknowledges the prestige that comes with being a young writer, she also critiques the expectations placed on children to produce significant work.

Ruby (05:23): "At least in my opinion, the reality is that you were just ultimately reading a child's writing on a very professional website. And I think a lot of this impacts my overall digital footprint."

She contemplates the long-term effects of her early writing endeavors, particularly how they intertwine with her identity and the themes explored in her show.

Collaborative Creation with Brit Burke

Ruby introduces Brit Burke, the director who played a pivotal role in transforming "I Don't Trust Adults" from a standup piece into a comprehensive theater production. The duo's shared experiences as child theater enthusiasts and their mutual understanding of artistic vulnerability fostered a deep collaborative bond.

Ruby (06:19): "Brit truly transformed the show. It really, before Brit came in, it was way more of just like a standup piece that had some story involved."

Their partnership, grounded in tenderness and mutual respect, allowed the show to evolve into a richer, more emotionally resonant piece.

The Rehearsal Journey

The development process of the show spans two years, during which Ruby and Brit engaged in extensive script refinement and staging. Initially focused on script coherence and emotional depth, the latter stages incorporated input from various creative professionals, including set designers, lighting designers, stage managers, and a pianist to enhance the auditory experience.

Ruby (07:02): "In the beginning of the process, it was really between Brit and I. It was a lot of script work... Whereas towards more recent months, it's been a lot of staging."

This collaborative approach ensured that every element of the production—from narrative to aesthetics—aligned seamlessly to convey the intended emotional impact.

Integrating Music with Xander Brown

Music plays a crucial role in "I Don't Trust Adults", curated by Xander Brown. Ruby humorously references her supposed inability to sing, using music as a backdrop to underscore her narrative and add comedic punchlines.

Ruby (07:55): "A big part of the show is that I quote, unquote, can't sing. And everyone told me I couldn't sing, which is why I never got cast."

Xander’s musical cues, deeply rooted in Broadway traditions, not only enhance the storytelling but also pay homage to the musicals that influenced Ruby’s love for theater.

Ruby (08:45): "We want it to be notable for people who know a lot about musicals... add to punchlines while also honoring the text."

Performance Dynamics and Audience Interaction

Drawing from her standup comedy background, Ruby discusses the balance between maintaining the script's integrity and responding to live audience energy. Unlike traditional theater, where performances are more static, Ruby adapts her delivery based on the crowd's reactions, ensuring each show feels fresh and engaging.

Ruby (08:50): "If I'm noticing that they are low energy and they're not reacting a lot, I can't not acknowledge that."

She acknowledges the challenge of integrating impromptu interactions without deviating too much from the scripted material, striving to deliver a consistent yet lively performance.

Ruby (09:43): "I have to hold myself back from riffing so much because of course, as a stand up, the impulse is to riff... to keep it tight and to give everyone the show that they paid for."

Conclusion

The episode of Class Notes with Ruby Karp offers an intimate glimpse into the making of "I Don't Trust Adults", highlighting the interplay between Ruby's personal experiences, creative collaborations, and theatrical innovations. Through candid discussions, Ruby shares her journey of transforming childhood challenges into compelling theater, underscored by humor, music, and heartfelt storytelling. For Broadway enthusiasts and aspiring performers alike, this episode serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the resilience and creativity that define the world of theater.

Lauren Klasschneider (10:15): "That makes total sense. And thank you so much, Ruby. This has been a delight."

Ruby Karp (10:21): "Thank you so much for having me."

This detailed exploration of Ruby Karp’s "I Don't Trust Adults" not only encapsulates the essence of her show but also celebrates the collaborative spirit and personal narratives that fuel Broadway's most engaging productions.