Let's face it. Audiences are different than they used to be. And because of that, theater is different too. Rob Bailis, Artistic & Executive Director for BroadStage in Santa Monica, California, joins us to discuss cultivating an artistic space for modern audiences while developing a true community between theaters and their patrons.

Multidisciplinary artist, D. Colin, joins us with actress Angelique Powell, to discuss her new play, Psalm 91:Releasing Religion, performing with Creative Action Unlimited. We talk about the piece, the vulnerability of presenting an autobiographical story, and the impact art has on an audience. https://creativeactionunlimited.com/   This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Into the Breeches"

Diaka Kaba Hill is the best "people person" you'll ever come across, which is why it makes sense that she is a cherished House Manager in the Capital Region. Diaka joins us to talk about the job of a house manager and how an audience's experience with a show starts from the moment they enter the theater lobby. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Into the Breeches."

Performing on stage is one thing, but not many people think about the immense amount of work actors have to do off-stage in order to get their moment in the spotlight. Actor Marc Christopher chats with us about the business of acting, including Equity status, finding representation, auditions, and making a living as a professional actor.

The Capital Region in New York is a thriving theatre scene. It's why we host a podcast from here! And for the first time, the community is being celebrated with a weekend-long theatre festival in June 2025. The festival is kicking off with a "cast party" fundraising evening at Cohoes Music Hall with entertainment, food, wine, and thousands of dollars in raffle prizes. Patrick White chats with us about what is in store for CRFT (Capital Region Festival of Theatre). Join us on Oct 27th, 2024 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) for the cast party! Tickets available at: https://playhousestagecompany.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUO00000209zp2AA This episode is sponsored by the CRFT Cast Party.

The Charles R. Wood Theater is working with Artist Anthony Richichi to turn his award winning children's book, "Colorworld", into a LIVE Stage Play! We chat with the author, Anthony Richichi, as well as Executive Director, Emily Murphy, and Facilities Director, Eric Potter, about the origins of the project and how they are adapting this new children's piece for the stage!

David Bunce, local actor/fight choreography/playwright joins us to talk about stage combat, the SAFD (Society of American Fight Directors), and his work on "Red Maple", his play that was produced at Capital Repertory Theatre and Curtain Call Theatre.

We're moving backstage to discuss wardrobe crew and production management with Elizabeth Streeter, a Capital Repertory Theatre Wardrobe Supervisor turned Associate Production Manager at Proctors. What does it take to run the show behind the curtain? A lot! This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre and Albany Civic Theater's co-production of "Maggie May", running Sept 6 - 22 at Albany Civic Theater.

"Shear Madness" has been acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running non-musical play in American theater history. Our own Benita Zahn is reprising her role as Mrs. Shubert at the Majestic Theater, and we chat with her co-star Jeff Haffner about this one-of-a-kind interactive show that has become a staple of American Theater. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theater and Albany Civic Theater's co-production of "Maggie May."

Tina Turner, the "Queen of Rock n' Roll" made a massive impact on the world of music, and "TINA" celebrates this powerful woman through all her ups and downs. We chat with the two Tinas on the National Tour, Ari Groover and Zurin Villanueva, who alternate one of the most demanding roles in the history of theater (a 3 hour long show where they never leave the stage!)

It's summer and it's beautiful outside... and INSIDE, at Capital Repertory Theatre! From July 12 - August 18th, Carole King's amazing story is being told in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical "Beautiful." Shannon Rafferty (playing Cynthia Weil) and David Girard (playing Donnie Kirshner) join us to talk about the show and Carole King's amazing contribution to the music industry. #BeautifulMusical https://attherep.org/event/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/

Will Kempe's Players travel on their bus, "Robin Goodfellow," presenting productions of Shakespeare and other classic plays to audiences throughout the Capital Region. They believe in presenting the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries through original practices with minimal tech elements and plenty of audience engagement. We chat with Artistic Director, Sandra Boynton, Director of Development, Kristoph "Rags" DiMaria, and Director Shane Sczepankowski, about their approach to their shows and this summer season featuring "Pericles" and "Midsummer Madness." https://www.willkempesplayers.com/

"There's a rat in the theater!" No, you don't have a pest problem - it's just an old saying meaning there is a critic in the audience. Gail Burns from Berkshire on Stage joins us to talk about the job of the critic, what makes a successful review, and the state of arts journalism. https://berkshireonstage.blog/

Murder is afoot at The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, playing nation wide! We chat with Jen Werner, an actor at the Albany branch of The Dinner Detective, about an interactive evening full of code names, hilarity, delicious food, fun clues, and of course... murder! Can you solve the crime by the time you finish dessert? https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/albany/ This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theater's production of "The Squirrels"

Carpe Diem Theater is in their 13th season of providing students in grades 2-10 a summer full of theater, education, and leadership training in Round Lake, NY. We chat with Executive Director, Alexandra van den Heever, and Artistic Director, Brady Walsh, about the program and the impact it has had on them and countless students. https://carpediemtheater.org/home This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theater's production of "The Squirrels", running 6/21-6/30, 2024 at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts

It's Tony time! For the 4th year in a row, we are delighted to chat with Adam Deremer about all the shows on Broadway this season, and who might go home with a Tony. But for the first time ever, Adam feels like it could be anyone's year! Tune in to what is bound to be a night full of surprises on Tony Sunday, June 16th 2024.

Marybeth Clark has had quite the journey in the theater. Originally as an actor, turned Head of Education, turned Artistic Director, Marybeth has done it all! We chat with her about Charleston Stage Company in South Carolina, including their upcoming season and the 12-month artist-in-residence and teacher training program for young professional actors. https://charlestonstage.com/

Are you a dog person? Well, you're going to love "Dog People" - a new play by Leigh Strimbeck, produced by Great Barrington Public Theater, running May 31st - June 16th. Playwright Leigh Strimbeck and Director Judy Braha join us to talk about the process of producing a new play.

We're talking "SIX", the musical sensation featuring the 6 wives of Henry VIII. Cassie Silva plays Anne Boleyn (Henry's 2nd wife) on the 2nd National Tour, and fills us in on audience interaction, actor prep, her time playing 4 different Queens, and what it's like performing this 85-minute high-energy show throughout the nation.

NEXT ACT! New Play Summit, a joint venture between Capital Repertory Theatre and Proctors, is an annual showcase of new plays designed to shed light on new play development. The summit brings playwrights, directors, actors, and audience members together for a series of workshops and readings, where multiple new full-length plays are given readings. We speak with Cap Rep's Associate Artistic Director, Margaret Hall, about this year's programming.

Benita and Ellen chat about all the great upcoming shows in the area, and read off a list of the 20 top things only people in community theater understand.

WAM Theatre (Where Arts and Activism Meet) aims to produce theatrical events for everyone, with a focus on women theatre artists and/or stories of women and girls while donating a portion of proceeds from those theatrical events to organizations that work to benefit the lives of women and girls in our communities and worldwide. Genée Coreno has just taken over as Artistic Director (only the 2nd AD in the company's history). We chat to her about WAM's powerful work and what she envisions for the future. https://www.wamtheatre.com/ This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "In The Blood" by Pulitzer winner, Suzan-Lori Parks running March 15-24 at the Saint Rose Theatre.

Franklin Trapp, Producing Artistic Director of Forestburgh Playhouse, joins us to talk about the excitement and challenges of producing 7 mainstage shows in the summer on top of presenting cabarets, theater for young audiences programming, and a new play festival. https://www.fbplayhouse.org/ This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "In The Blood" by Pulitzer winner, Suzan-Lori Parks. Performances: March 15-24 at the Saint Rose Theatre

It's that time of year again when we take a break from theater to discuss our sister industry, film. Jackson Murphy (Lights Camera Jackson) is back to chat all things Oscars with us! Who will take home the golden statues, and what is the future of cinemas when people are so used to just streaming stuff at home?

James Barry, Co-Producing Artistic Director of Chester Theatre Company in Massachusetts, joins us to talk about their thrilling upcoming season, the joy of the audience talk-back, and theater tours to London and Dublin. https://chestertheatre.org/    

In 2015, performers Leah Edwards and Dimitri Pittas made a trip to Charleston, South Carolina to escape the hustle and bustle of their careers. Wooed by its beauty and hospitality, the couple returned a month later to make it their home. In connecting with their community through discussion and performance, they realized that there was a strong local desire to learn more about and attend opera and musical theatre. Upon learning that Charleston is, in fact, the birthplace of opera in North America, Leah and Dimitri embraced the serendipity and embarked on the giant adventure that is opening and running Charleston’s first full-time opera company - Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera (HALO). https://holycityarts.org/

2024 is here! It's time for our annual review with Patrick White and Chris Foster. We chat about some of their favorite shows of the year, completing a successful season with their company Harbinger Theater, and what exciting things await in the new year. Can you believe this is our 5th end-of-year review with these guys?! How time flies!

Brandon Jones knows his music. He is an actor, singer, accompanist, voice teacher, and music director who is now traveling the world working on shows on cruise ships. We chat with him about all his experience and tips for a good singing audition. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theater's production of "Mrs. Packard."

Ellen and Benita chat about holiday shows, the move to no-intermission scripts, and upcoming productions we're looking forward to. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger's Production of "Mrs. Packard", playing at the Albany Barn Dec 7-16.

Jack Mastrianni is known in the Capital Region for his work with Playhouse Stage Company, Capital Rep, and more, but he has been traveling the country performing - from Broadway to California. He is currently in a revival of "The Fantasticks" that changes Lousia into Lewis. We chat with him about this new take on this classic show.

Leigh Strimbeck is a very accomplished actor, director, teacher, and writer. We sit down with her to discuss safe spaces in rehearsal, how to teach acting, and the future of the theater. http://leighstrimbeck.com/bio/ This episode is sponsored by iTheatreSaratoga's production of "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel, running Oct 27th - Nov 5th. https://www.itheatresaratoga.org/

Heelllooo! We're chatting with Bianca Rivera-Irions, who is the female ensemble swing and social media captain for the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire. Hear about life on the road, mastering how to cover multiple tracks, fun skills to put on a resume, and the social media element of promoting a show.

Company is touring the nation, and starting right here in Schenectady at Proctors. We chat with Britney Coleman, who plays Bobbie, about the gender flip in this production, life on tour, and tackling Sondheim music. Company runs at Proctors from Oct 8th - Oct 14th 2023.

Heidi Schreck's groundbreaking play "What the Constitution Means to Me" is currently playing at Capital Repertory Theatre, starring the incredibly talented Kim Stauffer. Kim joins us to discuss the process of rehearsing and performing such a powerful play that affects the audience in so many varying ways.

The post-show blues. It’s a real thing. How do you cope after a show closes? Do you immediately look for your next project? Are you grateful for a break? What’s the end of a run look like for you? We read our listeners' comments on how they handle a show closing.

"We always want to do things that have not been done before." iTheatre Saratoga is rich with productions of new work, adaptations of old work, and staged readings from up and coming playwrights. Will Severin and Mary Jane Hansen join us to talk about exciting things happening in our own backyard. https://www.itheatresaratoga.org

Audience interaction/reactions can be crazy unpredictable! We asked our listeners : What are your funny/interesting stories involving audiences? Do you like audience interaction and breaking the fourth wall as an actor or audience member? Have you ever had any interesting or unexpected audience reactions? Ellen and Benita read our listeners' comments.

Barefoot Shakespeare Company provides free outdoor theater in Manhattan's Central Park to make Shakespeare accessible for everyone. Artistic Director, Emily Gallagher, joins us to talk about Barefoot Shakespeare, running a theater company, all things related to the bard, and "Shakespeare Unrehearsed," their super fun summer fundraiser show. https://barefootshakespeare.org/

RP McLaughlin, Interim Programs Director at the National New Play Network, discusses the essential collaboration between theaters the NNPN provides to develop, produce, and extend the life of new plays. We chat about the challenges and rewards of producing new work, the abundance of resources available through the New Play Exchange (for $10 a year!), and wonderful opportunities for theater companies. https://nnpn.org/ https://newplayexchange.org/

Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, Producing Artistic Director at Capital Repertory Theatre, joins us to chat about the current production of "Honky Tonk Angels", a musical celebration of the female stars of country. She also discusses changes at the Rep, from their new performance space to adding understudies to the mix.

Liv Cummins is a playwright, director, actor, teacher, and singer/songwriter. Her work uses comedy to critique social and cultural ills and focuses on historical women characters, whose lives of adventure and passion arouse and inspire. We chat with Liv about her shows, including "Ladies, How Dare You!" which takes place during the1913 Women's Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC.

A Tony Awards with no writers?! Was it a mess, or a huge success? What were some of the surprises and highlights of the night? With non-binary winners, how should the Tony categories of "Best Actor/Actress" be re-imagined for future awards? What exciting shows are coming in the 2023-2024 season? Adam Deremer joins us to debrief about the 2023 Tony Awards.

It's that time of year again, and we are joined by our dear friend Adam Prado-Deremer to chat about the Tony Awards! It's a year where many categories seemingly could go a lot of different ways. We share our thoughts on our Tony picks!

There has been a lot in the news lately about schools/companies requesting script edits due to the personal issues with specific content in the script. Then there are changes in approach to older material (such as the recent revival of Oklahoma). How much change is too much to the original source material? Should shows be changed to accommodate audiences or explore new themes, or is that a bridge too far? Ellen and Benita discuss.

Michael Andreaus plays Otis Williams in the National Tour of "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations." Ellen and Benita chat with him about the show, the real lives of the men behind the Temptations, auditioning, and performing on the road.

The Park Theater Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts. We chat with executive director, Chris Ristau, about all the events at Park Theater, including their summer series, their regular season offerings, and the launch of their first education initiative, Music & Technology Program, through regional high schools. https://www.parktheatergf.com/

We last spoke to Bridge Street Theatre during the pandemic, and were excited to check in with them to hear about all the wonderful plays they have coming up this season! John Sowle and Steven Patterson join us to talk about all the upcoming events at Bridge Street.

Rebecca Weiss is a casting director with McCorkle Casting, Ltd. in NYC. She discusses the role of the casting director, the relationship between casting directors with actors and theater companies, and what to keep in mind when auditioning. https://www.mccorklecasting.com/ This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theater's production of "Dig" by Theresa Rebeck playing at Sand Lake Center for the Arts April 21st - April 30th 2023. Tickets are available at https://slca-ctp.org/circle-theatre-players-harbinger.../