Backstage with Brough

Twenty-five years later, some memories are still just as vivid.

In this special episode of Backstage with Brough, I take a few minutes to reflect on September 11, 2001 — from walking from band to English class at Whitney Middle School that morning, to the eerie silence of the skies in the days that followed, visiting Ground Zero as a freshman in high school, and returning years later as both a visitor and an educator.

I also reflect on the unique connection between Oklahoma and New York — two places forever changed by events that turned ordinary days into dates we will never forget.

This wasn't a planned episode. It simply felt like the right way to share a few memories, reflect on the passage of 25 years, and most importantly, remember the lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and all those whose lives were forever changed.

September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

Never forget.

Madelyn and Rori are officially stepping into their junior year—and their first year in Rep! So naturally, we had to get them backstage for an episode.

We talk about what it feels like to finally make it to Rep, the traditions they’re excited for, getting ready for One Act, looking back at some of their favorite shows, and of course, a little excitement about Frozen.

Along the way, the conversation takes us through Hawaii, In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A sauce on costumes, energy drinks, dream roles, superpowers, driving, and plenty of laughs.

It’s chaotic, it’s funny, and these two are just an absolute blast to have around.

So let’s head backstage!

In this episode of Backstage with Brough, I sit down with Union Theatre alumni Audrey and Ariana as they return to the PAC to help choreograph Union’s Back-to-School Kickoff.

Audrey is back for her third year on the creative team, while Ariana is experiencing the process for the first time. They talk about what brought them back, what they’ve been doing since graduation, and how different it feels returning to Union as staff members instead of students.

They also take us behind the scenes of creating the kickoff choreography, from the early planning stages and long hours in the dance studio to teaching the routines and working with the next generation of Union performers. Along the way, they share memories, college experiences, future goals, plenty of laughs, and a few hints about what audiences can expect from this year’s performance.

The episode wraps up with a lightning round and an emotional conversation about passing the torch, as Audrey reveals that this may be her final year choreographing the kickoff.

CJ Williams joins Backstage with Brough as we wrap up the senior episode series. From starting theatre as a quiet seventh grader to becoming one of the most joyful and unforgettable personalities on the Union Theatre stage, CJ reflects on the people, shows, and moments that helped him find his voice.

In this episode, we talk about his journey through Select, TOP, REP, and the all-school musicals, his favorite role, what theatre has taught him, and what’s next as he heads to TCC. Plus, CJ shares plenty of laughs, heartfelt shout-outs, and one final thank-you to the theatre family that helped shape his story.

Graduating senior Jordan Burlison joins Backstage with Brough to give us a look at the side of theatre most people never see. As Union Theatre’s stage manager for the last two years, Jordan has helped keep the chaos organized, the cues moving, and the shows running from behind the curtain.

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to stage manage a production, her journey from middle school tech to calling cues for major musicals, favorite memories from Shrek, Footloose, and Little Women, and the life lessons theatre has taught her along the way.

Plus, we dive into backstage fails, tech crew stories, Red Bulls, Johnny Cash, and what’s next as Jordan heads to Wichita State.

From riding across the stage as a turtle in The Little Mermaid to taking center stage as Fiona in Shrek, graduating senior Gloria Friend has spent years growing up in Union Theatre. In this episode of Backstage with Brough, Gloria reflects on her theatre journey, the roles that shaped her, and how a childhood activity became a passion she plans to pursue in college.

We talk about favorite performances, memorable rehearsal moments, auditioning for musical theatre programs, surviving show season, and what’s next as she heads to UCO to study musical theatre. Along the way, Gloria shares plenty of laughs, “Gloria-isms,” and stories from her years on the Union stage.

Plus, dream roles, Survivor dreams, and why theatre will always be a part of who she is.

Graduating senior Kaden Grant joins Backstage with Brough to reflect on four years of theatre, favorite roles, and the memories that made Union Theatre feel like home. From playing Friedrich Bhaer in Little Women and Coach Dunbar in Footloose to sharing stories from rehearsals, holiday assemblies, and life backstage, Kaiden looks back on a journey filled with laughter, growth, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

We also talk about finding confidence on stage, his plans after graduation, growing his YouTube channel, and why theatre will always be a part of who he is.

Plus, lightning-round questions, backstage stories, and a few laughs along the way.

William Gardner joins the podcast to look back on a theatre journey that started in seventh grade and grew into standout roles like Gleb in Anastasia and Willard in Footloose. We talk about overcoming stage fright, finding confidence on stage, favorite memories from the past six years, and what’s next as he heads into a new chapter after graduation. Plus, plenty of laughs, lightning-round questions, and a few classic theatre stories along the way.

In this special start of summer episode, I sit down with Erika McGhee for an inside look at how Union Theatre chooses its all-school musical. From keeping the title a secret, to the chaos of the reveal, to the thought that goes into finding the right show for the right group of students, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a process most people never get to see.

We talk about why Frozen became the right choice, how the production team dreams big, and what it takes to create a show that fits Union Theatre’s tradition of storytelling, spectacle, and community. Plus, we share some favorite memories from past musicals, the joy and stress of musical season, and the team effort it takes to bring it all to life.

Recent graduate Devin Rodriguez joins the podcast to reflect on his theatre journey, the friendships and memories that shaped his experience, and the moments that almost made him walk away. From Footloose to Little Women, Devin shares what the stage has meant to him and what’s next as he heads to SWOSU to pursue music education.