Everything Theater Podcast
161 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsPodcasting from New York's Capital District, Ellen Cribbs and Benita Zahn talk all things theater - why we got into this crazy, creative business to what's currently happening on stages locally and around the world. Join us as we interview guest artists in various theatrical fields every other week. The spotlight will shine on theater artists onstage and behind the curtain.
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Episodes
NEXT ACT New Play Summit - Capital Repertory Theatre
April 09, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MBNEXT ACT! New Play Summit, a joint venture between Capital Repertory Theatre and Proctors, is an annual showcase of new plays designed to shed light on new play development. The summit brings playwrights, directors, actors, and audience members together for a series of workshops and readings, where multiple new full-length plays are given readings. We speak with Cap Rep's Associate Artistic Director, Margaret Hall, about this year's programming.
Backstage Episode 43 - 20 Things Only People in Community Theater Understand
April 02, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBBenita and Ellen chat about all the great upcoming shows in the area, and read off a list of the 20 top things only people in community theater understand.
Where Arts and Activism Meet
March 19, 2024 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBWAM Theatre (Where Arts and Activism Meet) aims to produce theatrical events for everyone, with a focus on women theatre artists and/or stories of women and girls while donating a portion of proceeds from those theatrical events to organizations that work to benefit the lives of women and girls in our communities and worldwide. Genée Coreno has just taken over as Artistic Director (only the 2nd AD in the company's history). We chat to her about WAM's powerful work and what she envisions for ...
Forestburgh Playhouse
March 12, 2024 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBFranklin Trapp, Producing Artistic Director of Forestburgh Playhouse, joins us to talk about the excitement and challenges of producing 7 mainstage shows in the summer on top of presenting cabarets, theater for young audiences programming, and a new play festival. https://www.fbplayhouse.org/ This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "In The Blood" by Pulitzer winner, Suzan-Lori Parks. Performances: March 15-24 at the Saint Rose Theatre
Oscars 2024
March 05, 2024 12:00 - 38 minutes - 52.2 MBIt's that time of year again when we take a break from theater to discuss our sister industry, film. Jackson Murphy (Lights Camera Jackson) is back to chat all things Oscars with us! Who will take home the golden statues, and what is the future of cinemas when people are so used to just streaming stuff at home?
Chester Theatre Company
February 20, 2024 12:00 - 37 minutes - 51 MBJames Barry, Co-Producing Artistic Director of Chester Theatre Company in Massachusetts, joins us to talk about their thrilling upcoming season, the joy of the audience talk-back, and theater tours to London and Dublin. https://chestertheatre.org/
The Birthplace of Opera in North America
February 08, 2024 12:00 - 35 minutes - 81 MBIn 2015, performers Leah Edwards and Dimitri Pittas made a trip to Charleston, South Carolina to escape the hustle and bustle of their careers. Wooed by its beauty and hospitality, the couple returned a month later to make it their home. In connecting with their community through discussion and performance, they realized that there was a strong local desire to learn more about and attend opera and musical theatre. Upon learning that Charleston is, in fact, the birthplace of opera in North Am...
2023 Theater Wrap Up With Chris and Patrick
December 29, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 74 MB2024 is here! It's time for our annual review with Patrick White and Chris Foster. We chat about some of their favorite shows of the year, completing a successful season with their company Harbinger Theater, and what exciting things await in the new year. Can you believe this is our 5th end-of-year review with these guys?! How time flies!
Music and Cruises
December 12, 2023 12:00 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MBBrandon Jones knows his music. He is an actor, singer, accompanist, voice teacher, and music director who is now traveling the world working on shows on cruise ships. We chat with him about all his experience and tips for a good singing audition. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theater's production of "Mrs. Packard."
Backstage Episode 42 - Holiday Shows
December 05, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBEllen and Benita chat about holiday shows, the move to no-intermission scripts, and upcoming productions we're looking forward to. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger's Production of "Mrs. Packard", playing at the Albany Barn Dec 7-16.
"The Fantasticks" re-envisioned with the fantastic Jack Mastrianni
November 14, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 35.8 MBJack Mastrianni is known in the Capital Region for his work with Playhouse Stage Company, Capital Rep, and more, but he has been traveling the country performing - from Broadway to California. He is currently in a revival of "The Fantasticks" that changes Lousia into Lewis. We chat with him about this new take on this classic show.
An Actor's Craft, with Leigh Strimbeck
October 24, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MBLeigh Strimbeck is a very accomplished actor, director, teacher, and writer. We sit down with her to discuss safe spaces in rehearsal, how to teach acting, and the future of the theater. http://leighstrimbeck.com/bio/ This episode is sponsored by iTheatreSaratoga's production of "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel, running Oct 27th - Nov 5th. https://www.itheatresaratoga.org/
Mrs. Doubtfire
October 22, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBHeelllooo! We're chatting with Bianca Rivera-Irions, who is the female ensemble swing and social media captain for the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire. Hear about life on the road, mastering how to cover multiple tracks, fun skills to put on a resume, and the social media element of promoting a show.
Company
October 05, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 77.4 MBCompany is touring the nation, and starting right here in Schenectady at Proctors. We chat with Britney Coleman, who plays Bobbie, about the gender flip in this production, life on tour, and tackling Sondheim music. Company runs at Proctors from Oct 8th - Oct 14th 2023.
What the Constitution Means to Me
October 02, 2023 11:00 - 34 minutes - 79.1 MBHeidi Schreck's groundbreaking play "What the Constitution Means to Me" is currently playing at Capital Repertory Theatre, starring the incredibly talented Kim Stauffer. Kim joins us to discuss the process of rehearsing and performing such a powerful play that affects the audience in so many varying ways.
Backstage Episode 41 - I Got the Post-Show Blues
September 26, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 60.5 MBThe post-show blues. It’s a real thing. How do you cope after a show closes? Do you immediately look for your next project? Are you grateful for a break? What’s the end of a run look like for you? We read our listeners' comments on how they handle a show closing.
iTheatre Saratoga
September 19, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 77.1 MB"We always want to do things that have not been done before." iTheatre Saratoga is rich with productions of new work, adaptations of old work, and staged readings from up and coming playwrights. Will Severin and Mary Jane Hansen join us to talk about exciting things happening in our own backyard. https://www.itheatresaratoga.org
Backstage Episode 40 - Audience Participation
September 04, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 66.1 MBAudience interaction/reactions can be crazy unpredictable! We asked our listeners : What are your funny/interesting stories involving audiences? Do you like audience interaction and breaking the fourth wall as an actor or audience member? Have you ever had any interesting or unexpected audience reactions? Ellen and Benita read our listeners' comments.
Barefoot Shakespeare Company
August 09, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 80.4 MBBarefoot Shakespeare Company provides free outdoor theater in Manhattan's Central Park to make Shakespeare accessible for everyone. Artistic Director, Emily Gallagher, joins us to talk about Barefoot Shakespeare, running a theater company, all things related to the bard, and "Shakespeare Unrehearsed," their super fun summer fundraiser show. https://barefootshakespeare.org/
National New Play Network
August 01, 2023 11:00 - 34 minutes - 78.7 MBRP McLaughlin, Interim Programs Director at the National New Play Network, discusses the essential collaboration between theaters the NNPN provides to develop, produce, and extend the life of new plays. We chat about the challenges and rewards of producing new work, the abundance of resources available through the New Play Exchange (for $10 a year!), and wonderful opportunities for theater companies. https://nnpn.org/ https://newplayexchange.org/
"Honky Tonk Angels" at Capital Repertory Theatre
July 18, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 66.9 MBMaggie Mancinelli-Cahill, Producing Artistic Director at Capital Repertory Theatre, joins us to chat about the current production of "Honky Tonk Angels", a musical celebration of the female stars of country. She also discusses changes at the Rep, from their new performance space to adding understudies to the mix.
Lady, How Dare You!: Daring Women in Musicals
June 20, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutes - 85 MBLiv Cummins is a playwright, director, actor, teacher, and singer/songwriter. Her work uses comedy to critique social and cultural ills and focuses on historical women characters, whose lives of adventure and passion arouse and inspire. We chat with Liv about her shows, including "Ladies, How Dare You!" which takes place during the1913 Women's Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC.
Backstage Episode 39 - Tony Awards 2023 Debrief
June 16, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MBA Tony Awards with no writers?! Was it a mess, or a huge success? What were some of the surprises and highlights of the night? With non-binary winners, how should the Tony categories of "Best Actor/Actress" be re-imagined for future awards? What exciting shows are coming in the 2023-2024 season? Adam Deremer joins us to debrief about the 2023 Tony Awards.
Tony Awards 2023
June 10, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 80.2 MBIt's that time of year again, and we are joined by our dear friend Adam Prado-Deremer to chat about the Tony Awards! It's a year where many categories seemingly could go a lot of different ways. We share our thoughts on our Tony picks!
Backstage Episode 38 - Changing Scripts
June 05, 2023 11:00 - 25 minutes - 57.5 MBThere has been a lot in the news lately about schools/companies requesting script edits due to the personal issues with specific content in the script. Then there are changes in approach to older material (such as the recent revival of Oklahoma). How much change is too much to the original source material? Should shows be changed to accommodate audiences or explore new themes, or is that a bridge too far? Ellen and Benita discuss.
Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
May 16, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 84 MBMichael Andreaus plays Otis Williams in the National Tour of "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations." Ellen and Benita chat with him about the show, the real lives of the men behind the Temptations, auditioning, and performing on the road.
The Park Theater
May 02, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes - 71.9 MBThe Park Theater Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts. We chat with executive director, Chris Ristau, about all the events at Park Theater, including their summer series, their regular season offerings, and the launch of their first education initiative, Music & Technology Program, through regional high schools. https://www.parkth...
Catching Up with Bridge Street Theatre
April 27, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 77.5 MBWe last spoke to Bridge Street Theatre during the pandemic, and were excited to check in with them to hear about all the wonderful plays they have coming up this season! John Sowle and Steven Patterson join us to talk about all the upcoming events at Bridge Street.
Casting Directors
April 25, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 77.5 MBRebecca Weiss is a casting director with McCorkle Casting, Ltd. in NYC. She discusses the role of the casting director, the relationship between casting directors with actors and theater companies, and what to keep in mind when auditioning. https://www.mccorklecasting.com/ 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...
Set Design
April 18, 2023 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBSets 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 htt...
Backstage Episode 37 - Props!
April 11, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MBWhat 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.
Writing a Musical
April 06, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MBKimberly 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
March 22, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBBroadway 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.
Backstage Episode 36 - Proctors and Capital Rep 2023-2024 Season Announcement
March 14, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 30 MBBenita 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.
Oscars 2023
March 09, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBWe 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!
Backstage Episode 35 - A Changing Audience
February 28, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 74.9 MBAre 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?
Cancer, Musical Theatre, and Other Chronic Illnesses
February 14, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 77.7 MBEdward 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
Broadway Actress, Jessica Vosk
February 02, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 42.6 MBJessica 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.
Backstage Episode 34 - Upcoming 2023 Theater Chat with Owen Smith
January 24, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 77.7 MBIt'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!
2022 Theater Wrap Up With Chris and Patrick
December 20, 2022 12:00 - 35 minutes - 81.6 MB2023 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!
Audible Theater
December 13, 2022 12:00 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MBFrom 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 inte...
Elder Ensemble at WAM Theatre
December 06, 2022 12:00 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBWAM 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 Yulma...
Backstage Episode 33 - End of Year Shows
November 30, 2022 12:00 - 25 minutes - 59 MBEllen and Benita chat about shows that are opening, shows that are closing, and some holiday favorites to wrap up 2022.
Casting and Improv
November 16, 2022 12:00 - 35 minutes - 80.7 MBTremendously 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!
Pretty Woman - the Musical
November 08, 2022 12:00 - 32 minutes - 75.3 MBThe 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 - Theater for Creative Change
November 03, 2022 11:00 - 32 minutes - 74.2 MBCreative 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 ...
Backstage Episode 32 - Theater Ghost Stories!
October 26, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 35.9 MBIn 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".
Getting in the Room Where It Happens!
October 19, 2022 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBTamar 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."
Backstage Episode 31 - Men in Dresses
October 11, 2022 11:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBAre 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 Performin...
Historical Theater
October 05, 2022 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBWriter and Actor, Lydia Nightingale, knows her history. And her love for history often combines with her love of theatre as she performs historical plays and writes pieces focusing mainly on World War 2. Lydia talks with us about the different approach needed to write and perform historical characters. This episode is sponsored by Master Class Performing Arts and Playhouse Stage Company