Everything Theater Podcast

And now for something completely different! We talk to Susan Preiss from Trojan Womyn Productions about their upcoming show "Burlesque Gothique" while delving into the world of burlesque and drag.

Have you ever had to act in an intimate scene with someone you couldn't stand? Ellen and Benita share our audience's responses to that question and discuss the importance of appropriate behavior onstage.

It’s Oscars Time! We take a little break from the stage to sit down with movie critic Jay Bobbin to discuss the nominees during this odd season for film. Who will take home the statue - The Father? Judas and the Black Messiah? Mank? Minari? Nomadland? Promising Young Woman? Sound of Metal? The Trial of the Chicago 7? We chat about our predictions and thoughts about some stand out performances this year, and how the pandemic has impacted the film industry.

Ellen and Benita chat about upcoming shows as theaters start to open, what set-up people have at home for virtual performances, and how to master the audition process.

We're behind the curtain today with Kitty Macey, a professor of costume design at SUNY Oswego. Hear about what goes into a costume design, how costumes have changed over the years, how the pandemic has affected the work of the costumer, and a few fun backstage stories from a costumer's perspective.

Ellen and Benita are chatting about costumes! Our listeners have sent in stories about their favorite and least favorite costumes, any costumes actors have bought or stolen, and all the hilarity of the dreaded costume malfunction. Join us for a laugh as we read these great responses! 

David Kenner, founding company member of Wheelhouse Theater Company, joins us for a chat about being an actor during "the great pause," working as a fight coordinator, and plans for Wheelhouse Theater Company as theaters look at reopening.

Whatever you do... don't say "Macbeth" in a theatre! Benita and Ellen are reading your responses to our questions about stage superstitions and favorite Shakespeare plays/performances. 

We’re talking to John Saunders, Artistic Director of the Mac-Haydn Theatre! This theatre has been running for 52 seasons and produces 7 musicals within 4 months every summer. Hear about how this company manages such a feat and what they’re hoping to work on this summer!

Ellen and Benita have a chat about the moment before entering the stage - whether it's taking your mind off performing or honing in on the character in those precious moments before the curtain rises. We also talk about what projects people want to work on as soon as the pandemic is over, and some promising information about summer productions in 2021.