Everything Theater Podcast

2023 is upon us, but before we ring in the new year, our friends Patrick White and Chris Foster join us to look back on this fabulous year of theater. Chris and Patrick share some of the highlights from the over 200 plays they saw this year. We also discuss their new company, Harbinger Theater, who had a very successful first season this year!

From one-person shows to multicast performances, from psychological thrillers to heart-wrenching and inspiring personal stories, Audible Theater takes what you thought you knew about going to a play and turns it on its head. General manager, Jonathan Whitton, joins us to chat about all the wonderful work happening with Audible Theater, which you can listen to as an Audible subscriber. https://www.audible.com/ep/theater Jonathan also discusses "Beyond the Stage Door", a comprehensive and intensive program designed to educate and prepare undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds for careers in general, company and stage management in the theatre industry. https://www.beyondthestagedoor.org/

This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "The Agony and the Agony."

WAM Theatre (Where Arts and Activism Meet) strives to create change by providing opportunities for women and girls which lifts all of humanity. In 2019, they launched their elder ensemble - a performance group for women over the age of 65. Talya Kingston and Kaia Jackson join us to discuss the elder ensemble and other outreach opportunities at WAM.

This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "The Agony and the Agony" by Nicky Silver. Running 12/8-12/17, 2022 at the Yulman Theatre on the Union College Campus.

Ellen and Benita chat about shows that are opening, shows that are closing, and some holiday favorites to wrap up 2022.

Tremendously talented Helene Galek is an actor, casting director, and author based in NYC. She joins us to chat about her experience and versatility in the theater, and shares some thoughts about how to catch a casting director's eye!

The musical of "Pretty Woman" is on it's national tour and heading to Proctors in Schenectady! The incredibly talented Jessie Davidson, who plays the lead role, joins us for a chat about life on the road and adapting this classic movie to the stage. www.proctors.org

This episode is sponsored by Albany Civic Theater.

Creative Action Unlimited develops new plays that guide creative change for individuals, organizations, and communities. After casting a group of actors, the company writes and performs pieces revolving around social issues such as racism, homelessness, suicide prevention, addiction, and child sex trafficking. Michael Kennedy joins us to discuss the incredibly important work Creative Action Unlimited shares with the community. https://creativeactionunlimited.com/

This episode is sponsored by the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York and Albany Civic Theater.

In preparation for Halloween, we're sharing our listeners' theater ghost stories! Head to an empty theater, turn on the ghost light, and try not to get too scared listening to these chilling tales.

This episode is sponsored by Playhouse Stage Co.'s production of "Assassins".

Tamar Greene is currently lighting up Broadway playing George Washington in "Hamilton", and he has a very inspirational story about the drive and determination it took to get there. Tamar talks to us about the audition process, his advice for students, and his work with "Ham 4 Progress."

Are men in dresses on stage funny anymore? The New York Times posed this question recently, and it caught our interest. With "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Tootsie", and "Some Like It Hot" originally from a time where gender identity was not as openly discussed in society, do you think this comedic device has a place in modern theatre? Why or why not? With special backstage guest, Jeremy Buechner, Benita and Ellen read our listeners' comments.

This episode is sponsored by Master Class Performing Arts and Playhouse Stage Company.