Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations

Broadway is often celebrated for its artistry, but behind every production is a sophisticated business model that transforms creative vision into a sustainable enterprise.

In this episode of Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations, Sue Gilad takes listeners behind the financial curtain of Broadway to explore how productions are funded, managed, and positioned for long-term success. Drawing on her experience as part of the producing team of The Outsiders and co-producing Moulin Rouge! The Musical, she explains the realities of raising investment capital, managing production budgets, balancing financial risk, and building shows that can thrive far beyond opening night.

Sue also examines the many revenue streams that shape Broadway's economic landscape—from ticket sales and touring to licensing, cast recordings, merchandise, streaming, and international productions. More importantly, she explores why artistic excellence and commercial success are not competing priorities, but complementary forces that allow great stories to reach audiences around the world.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, creative professional, theatre enthusiast, or business leader, this episode offers an insider's perspective on leadership, innovation, strategic decision-making, and the business behind one of the world's most influential creative industries.

In this episode:

For additional information about Sue Gilad's work and initiatives:

https://suzannegilad.org

What does it really take to bring a Broadway production from a single idea to opening night?

In this episode of Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations, Sue Gilad takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the world's most complex creative processes. Drawing on her experience as a Broadway producer and co-producer, she explores how stories evolve through years of development—from the first script reading and creative workshops to out-of-town tryouts, technical rehearsals, previews, and opening night. 

Featuring insights from productions including The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Buena Vista Social Club, Sue reveals how writers, directors, designers, choreographers, musicians, performers, and producers collaborate to transform an idea into a live theatrical experience. She also shares the lessons every creative leader can learn about collaboration, persistence, innovation, and trusting the creative process.

Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, entrepreneur, creative professional, or simply curious about what happens before the curtain rises, this episode offers a rare look inside the remarkable journey from page to stage.

In this episode:

For additional information about Sue Gilad's work and initiatives:

https://suzannegilad.org

What happens inside the human brain when a live performance captures our attention, stirs our emotions, and connects us to complete strangers?

In this episode of Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations, Sue Gilad explores the fascinating science behind empathy, storytelling, and human connection. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and live performance studies, she examines how theatre influences the brain, strengthens social bonds, and creates shared experiences that can reduce loneliness, deepen understanding, and foster compassion. 

From mirror neurons and neural coupling to the chemistry of storytelling and the unique power of live audiences, Sue reveals why theatre remains one of the most effective tools for helping people understand one another. She also reflects on her experiences with productions such as The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Buena Vista Social Club, offering a producer's perspective on the transformative moments that occur when storytelling truly resonates.

At a time when social isolation and division continue to shape modern life, this episode explores why live theatre is more than entertainment—it is a powerful technology of human connection.

In this episode:

For additional information about Sue Gilad’s work and initiatives:

www.suzannegilad.org

Broadway is one of the highest-risk industries in the world. Every new production requires millions of dollars, years of development, and countless creative decisions—yet most shows never recoup their investment. So how do producers decide which stories are worth betting on?

In this episode of Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations, Sue Gilad takes listeners inside the decision-making process behind Broadway producing. Drawing from her experience producing and co-producing acclaimed productions, she explores how producers evaluate scripts, assemble creative teams, assess audience demand, and navigate uncertainty in pursuit of extraordinary outcomes.

Along the way, Sue examines the relationship between intuition and analysis, the similarities between Broadway and entrepreneurship, and the lessons that come from both success and disappointment. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, investor, or creative professional, this episode offers valuable insights into making high-stakes decisions when the future is impossible to predict.

In this episode:

For additional information about Sue Gilad’s work and initiatives:

www.suzannegilad.org

Teen mental health is facing unprecedented challenges—but what if one of the most effective solutions is already within reach?

In this episode of Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations, Sue Gilad examines the growing crisis affecting young people today and presents a compelling, research-driven perspective on the role of theatre education in addressing it. Drawing from real-world experience and data, she explores how participation in theatre fosters belonging, strengthens emotional resilience, and develops the interpersonal skills that young people need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

This episode goes beyond advocacy to examine the measurable impact of arts education—on academic performance, mental health, and long-term outcomes. It also addresses the systemic challenges facing arts programs, including funding cuts and unequal access, and why the students who would benefit most are often the least likely to have these opportunities.

Through both data and lived experience, Sue highlights the unique role theatre plays in helping young people build confidence, process emotions, and discover their voice in environments that prioritize collaboration, expression, and growth.

In this episode:

For additional information about Sue Gilad’s work and initiatives:

https://suzannegilad.org

What if one of the most effective models for leadership and team performance has been hiding in plain sight—inside a Broadway rehearsal room?

In this opening episode of Sue Gilad: Curtain Call Conversations, Sue Gilad draws on her experience producing award-winning Broadway productions to explore how high-performing creative teams operate under pressure. She examines the systems, behaviors, and cultural dynamics that allow dozens of individuals—often meeting for the first time—to build something precise, cohesive, and extraordinary in a matter of weeks.

From the structure of the table read to the importance of psychological safety, from real-time feedback to the operational leadership of the stage manager, this episode presents a practical framework for collaboration and execution. It also explores how the ensemble mindset—prioritizing collective excellence over individual recognition—enables consistency, adaptability, and resilience in one of the most demanding performance environments in the world.

This conversation is designed for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industries who are seeking more effective ways to build trust, improve communication, and drive results through collaboration.

In this episode:

For additional information about Sue Gilad’s work and initiatives:

https://suzannegilad.org