Backstage Episode 35 - A Changing Audience

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.