Everything Theater Podcast

Sets are essentially their own character on stage, and a strong design can elevate even the best production. Adam Coons has designed a great number of sets for community theaters in the Capital Region, and we chat with him about what goes into the design process and how to keep a set functional and safe. 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-theatre-present-dig/

What are some of the best props you've had onstage? How about prop malfunctions? Benita and Ellen chat about their experiences with props and the importance of not getting pulled out of the show because of a prop.

Kimberly Kilby and Katherine Ambrosio have teamed up to write a musical! We chat with them to discuss the process of writing a musical while getting a glimpse into their work-in-progress, "Care."

Broadway actress Happy McPartlin joins us to talk about her work with "Come From Away" and "Hands on a Hard Body," balancing acting with raising a family, and being ready to cover a performance track at a moment's notice.

Benita and Ellen attended the Proctors 2023-2024 Season Announcement Bash to find out what's coming to Proctors and Capital Rep next year! Listen to what's in store, and catch snippets of songs from the upcoming season.

We take our annual break from theater to discuss our sister industry, film. Jackson Murphy (Lights Camera Jackson) is back to chat all things #Oscars with us! Will some of our more theater-themed nominees, like Martin McDonagh, take home a win? Will the academy honor actors playing iconic roles like Elvis over fictional characters? We'll have to see. In the meantime, Jackson has his thoughts and predictions!

Are audiences getting ruder, or are audiences changing in a world full of technology and instant gratification? Benita and Ellen join psychotherapist Tom Templeton to share thoughts about audience engagement, cell phones, and eating in the theater. Do audiences need to learn a lesson in respect, or do we need to adapt?

Edward Miskie is an actor, singer, composer, author, entrepreneur, producer, cancer survivor, and tall person. We chat with Edward about his published book "Cancer, Musical Theatre, and Other Chronic Illnesses," the impact his cancer journey had on his life as an artist, and his plans to turn his book into a TV series. https://www.edwardmiskie.com/ And for a copy of his book, you can find it online at several retailers, including Barnes&Noble - https://bit.ly/3Gkm1VD

Jessica Vosk landed her first Broadway role when she was 30 and has had a very busy 9 years, playing Elphaba in Wicked, Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof, and appearing in The Bridges of Madison County, and Finding Neverland. She is visiting the Capital Region on her solo tour, performing at UPH on Feb 18th. Jessica chats with us about her journey to Broadway, her notes on protecting your voice, and her advice to young performers.

It's 2023 and there is so much exciting theater happening locally and regionally! Owen Smith, Producing Artistic Director of Playhouse Stage Company, joins us to discuss the great shows coming up at his company, other theaters in the Capital Region, and Broadway!