Stage Door, a theatre podcast hosted by two average guys. Hosted by: Kyle Omlor, Thom Ovacek, Ron Ma

om heartwarming classics to bold modern storytelling, FCT celebrates seven decades of local theatre magic.

Fremont Community Theatre is stepping into its 70th year with a season that honors the past while embracing fresh, exciting performances for a new generation of theatre lovers. The celebration kicked off with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair this September, a feel-good musical that set the tone for what’s to come.

Up next, audiences can look forward to the larger-than-life fun of Shrek The Musical in December 2025, the spine-chilling suspense of Misery in January 2026, and the deeply moving Tony Award-winning Fun Home in March 2026.

This milestone season is more than a collection of shows, it’s a tribute to the community, creativity, and countless volunteers who’ve kept Fremont’s stage lights shining for 70 years. Whether you’re a longtime patron or new to FCT, this is one anniversary season you won’t want to miss.

https://fremontcommunitytheatre.org/shows/

This week on Stage Door, Kyle is joined by two special guests from Genoa Civic Theatre: director Tony Esposito and longtime member (and current president) Brenda Clough. Together, they share the story of this “biggest little theater group this side of the Maumee,” from its 40-year history in Genoa’s historic Town Hall to their upcoming comedy, A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody. It’s a classic murder mystery farce packed with laughs, lies, and maybe a little love.

If you’re part of the NW Ohio or SE Michigan theater community, or just looking for a fun night out, you’ll want to hear why GCT has been a local favorite for decades. Plus, get the scoop on how you can grab your tickets for opening weekend, October 10–19, at GenoaCivicTheatre.com

This week on Stage Door, Rachel and Jason Budd sit down with Kyle to chat about Toledo Opera’s upcoming production of Carmen. Jason, who takes on the role of Zuniga, helps guide the conversation—while Rachel and Jason fill Kyle in on the twists and turns of Bizet’s classic opera in their usual lively style.

Get the inside scoop on what makes Carmen one of the most beloved operas of all time, and why you won’t want to miss it on the Valentine Theatre stage.

Performances:

• October 10 at 7:30 pm

• October 12 at 2:00 pm
  

  Tickets available now at Toledo Opera’s website

Children’s Theatre Workshop is turning the page to an exciting new chapter. Sophia and Kyle sit down with Aimee to talk about CTW’s brand-new home, an inspiring training center built right alongside one of Ohio’s most historic theatres. Together, they explore the vision behind this move, what it means for the neighborhood, and how CTW plans to expand its impact while keeping the same strong focus on the performing arts.

We just wrapped up an incredible conversation with Ian Knauer, St. Francis alum, Broadway veteran, and national tour performer. From his early days at Westgate Dinner Theatre to his training at the University of Michigan, to the Broadway stage, Ian has built a remarkable 40-year career traveling the country and performing on some of the biggest stages. He shares stories of grit, growth, and the joy of bringing characters to life, all with the warmth and humility that make him as down-to-earth as they come. Whether you’re a theatre fan, a student dreaming of the stage, or just someone who loves a good journey, you’re going to love this one.

We sat down with the cast and crew of She Kills Monsters from Issue Box Theatre to dive into theatre, community, and the power of storytelling. Based in Toledo, Issue Box is a company of “Actorvists,” blending performance with activism to amplify unheard voices, spark conversations, and bring theatre directly into the community. In this episode, we explore how their latest production connects with audiences, breaks down barriers, and carries forward their mission of healing and social change through theatre. Tune in for a conversation about art, activism, and the transformative role of live performance.

Performance Dates & Location:

• Friday, Sept. 19 @ 7:30 PM

• Saturday, Sept. 20 @ 7:30 PM

• Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 2:30 PM
  at The University of Toledo Ritter Planetarium and Brooks

Tickets available at: issueboxtheatre.org

We had an absolute blast chatting with Ann Sommers, OCT’s President, and Josh Wagner, director of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Together, they give us an inside look at OCT’s exciting upcoming season and even drop a sneak peek of the very first show. From behind-the-scenes stories to the creative vision driving the season, this episode is full of energy, laughs, and inspiration for theatre lovers everywhere.

Kyle, Thom, and Ron continue the 4-Year Anniversary celebration of Stage Door, reflecting on how far the show has come, from its scrappy beginnings to delivering fresh episodes every week. In this special conversation, they share their favorite guests, most memorable on-air moments, and give listeners a peek behind the curtain at how they brainstorm and shape new content. It’s part nostalgia, part roadmap for the future, and above all, a heartfelt thank-you to the community that’s made it all possible.

Kyle Thom and Ron celebrate four incredible years of Stage Door—from the scrappy early days of building the show from scratch to delivering fresh episodes every single week. They reminisce about their favorite guests and most memorable moments, and pull back the curtain on how they plan new content and ideas. It’s a look back, a look ahead, and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who’s been part of the journey.

Savanah and Brook from Aria Performing Arts in Maumee join us to share how their nonprofit is helping students discover and nurture their passion for the performing arts. From dance and theater to voice lessons and more, Aria focuses on each student’s individual goals, celebrating what makes them unique and embracing progress over perfection. We talk about how they spark creativity, build confidence, and create a space where every performer can shine in their own way.