CIVIC STORIES: A South Bend Civic Theatre podcast with Alex Peek

In today's episode, I have Caitlin LeVan. Caitlin will be one of our Elsa's for Frozen Jr. Frozen Jr. is Caitlin's first lead role at SBCT and only her second performance with the Theater, her first being The Lion King. 

In the episode, we get into Frozen Jr. and what that experience has been like. We also touch on her first lead role she performed this past summer as Rizzo in Grease Jr. with Premier Arts!

Personal Note from Alex:
"Caitlin was the easiest guest to schedule for the podcast because we go to the same church! When I found out she was playing Elsa, I turned to her and said, 'this means you're my guest on the podcast!' She really didn't have a choice in the matter because I could get her Mom to help me make it happen :)" 

In today’s episode, my wife Lindsey and I regale you with tales of seasonal spookiness! 

We’ll be discussing two of the most well-known haunted theaters in America, The Birdcage Theater in Tombstone, AZ, and The New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway in New York City. So light your pumpkins, pick your poison of choice and join us for some haunted theatrical history. 

In today’s episode, I have Billie Bennett. Billie will be playing the part of Dr. Frank-n-furter in the upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Picture show. We discussed her experience of auditioning for the show and what it was like performing in Matilda while rehearsing for RHPS all in the same weeks! We also talk about how she got into Theater and how she came to SBCT.

 “Fun Fact: As you will hear at the beginning of the show, Billie and I did Jesus Christ Superstar. She is my first guest of someone I recently performed with at a production at SBCT!”

In today's episode, I celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Civic Stories! 

To celebrate I'm doing a "behind the scenes" episode. I have a special guest and it's someone who I interviewed as an "audition" for Aaron to prove that I could actually do this thing! 

I interviewed my friend Karleen who has a very interesting history and felt that her story should be heard. And as you listen, remember, this is from last year!  

In today’s episode, I have Ste Clough. Ste is a recent import from England to the South Bend Civic Theater. How you might ask, did he end up here in South Bend?! Listen in and find out! We also discuss his Theater experience, how he got involved in the Theater, and we only dive a little bit into his long resume’ which includes a lot! So we are lucky to have someone with his experience coming to SBCT! I also take a moment to ask my dumb American questions because I always like to know what others think about certain things when they immigrate into the States.

In today’s episode, I have Joe Roman. Joe has been around the South Bend Civic Theater for over a decade; either seen on stage, backstage or in the house as an usher, he seems to have done it all. As discussed in the episode, Joe was diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers in 2004; however, this was a late in life diagnosis. In the episode, you will hear how Joe has never let this hold him back in the theater or in front of the camera, as he has done a number of films as well. 

In today’s episode, I have the director for the show ‘Cry it Out.’ We start the show off by briefly talking about Deb’s life in the theater, starting off in her home state of Wisconsin, then moving to Kansas City, then to New Orleans to complete her education, and then taking a job in New York State. All this before her Spouse took a job in South Bend and was brought to SBCT. We take a deep dive into ‘Cry it Out’, including how she became the director of the show, who makes up the cast, and a general look at the show. 

In today’s episode, I have newly hired Jeremy Phillips. Jeremy is taking on the role of Director of Production at South Bend Civic Theater. We discuss how Jeremy realized early in life that being on stage was not his future in theater but being on the other side of putting on a show, doing Student Directing. From there, he went to college with a focus on Theater Administration, and after college, he was on his way to China for his first gig! After many years of travel and freelance work in multiple theaters all over the world, Jeremy has found his way to a permanent role here at SBCT. 

In today’s episode, I have South Bend Civic’s summer interns Elisabeth and Maya, and we discuss what their summer has been like at SBCT. We talk about their current time at university, their majors, and their ambitions after college. We also touch on the experiences they have been gaining while working at SBCT and what projects they are doing. And just a warning for the listeners, we had a blast recording, so be ready to hear a very giggly episode!

In today’s episode, we have Calliee Lorenz. Calliee is the Choreographer for the upcoming show Xanadu. We discuss how everything went down for last year’s attempt at performing Xanadu, and then we get into what it has been like for Xanadu 2.0. We also dig into her origins of getting into Dance and how it has something that has always been a passion for her.