Episodes

  • Episode 13: Austin Theatre Project
    Sep 29 2023

    I'm joined by Barbara Schuler to discuss the history of Austin Theatre Project, one of the many local production companies that didn't make it through the Covid pandemic.

    Follow the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre

    Austin Theatre Project’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100060741564764

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    45 mins
  • Episode 12: Stage Combat
    May 1 2023

    I’m joined by co-founder of The Broke Thespians Nate Nelson to discuss stage combat at the community theatre level.

    Society of American Fight Directors https://www.safd.org/ Rogue Steel (stage combat weapon rentals) https://roguesteel.com/ Kult of Athena (stage combat weapon sales) https://www.kultofathena.com/

    The Broke Thespians https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/

    Contact or Follow the podcast: communityoftheater@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre

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    32 mins
  • Episode 11: Devised Theatre - Love and Information
    Apr 12 2023

    The Broke Thespians’ latest production is an example of Devised Theatre - find out what that means, as we discuss how the experience of rehearsing this type of show differs from traditional narrative.

    Get tickets or information about Love and Information at… https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokeThespiansTheatreCompany/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokethespianstheatrecompany/

    Follow the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Email the podcast: communityoftheater@gmail.com

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    31 mins
  • Episode 10: The Time Before Directors with Doug DeGirolamo
    Mar 16 2023

    I'm joined once again by Doug DiGirolamo, who walks us through a brief history of the role of directors, and what preceded them. We wander off onto a few tangents, including discussion of "Song of Spider-Man," script writer Glen Berger's behind the scenes tell-all about getting that production onto the stage.

    Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre

    Email the show: communityoftheater@gmail.com

    Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

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    46 mins
  • Episode 9: Preproduction with Beth James
    Mar 1 2023

    I’m joined by Beth James, Director of the upcoming production of 9-5 at the Gaslight-Baker in Lockhart. We discuss everything a Director undertakes prior to auditions, both in general and in particular for this production, for I’ll be serving as co-Music Director. We also touch on Directorial philosophy, dramaturgy, and the overlap between modern psychotherapy and an ethical production environment.

    For those in Central Texas and listening close to this episode’s release date, 9-5 auditions are being held March 8 and 9 at the Gaslight-Baker. You can find details here: http://mygbt.org/

    Or, email Beth directly at bethannejames91@gmail.com to reserved an audition time. Follow the show:

    https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Email the show: communityoftheater@gmail.com Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

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    53 mins
  • Episode 8: Reviews and Criticism in the World of Community Theatre
    Feb 15 2023

    I’m joined by Michael Meigs, creator of CTX Live Theatre, to discuss the role of reviews and reviewers in the world of local, community theatre; we touch on an array of topics, including the distinction between reviews and criticism, how writers can, should, and do approach professional versus amateur productions, the relationship between artists and reviewers, and how the era of social media has impacted theatre journalism as a whole.

    CTX Live Theatre https://ctxlivetheatre.com/

    ATX Theatre https://www.atxtheatre.org/

    Gilbert and Sullivan Austin GilbertSullivan.org McAdo auditions are Feb 25/26, email audition@gilbertsullivan.org to schedule.

    The Broke Thespians (Love/Sick performances are Feb 17/19) https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/

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    59 mins
  • Episode 7: Historic Theatres
    Feb 1 2023

    Recorded on site at the historic Bastrop Opera House, I’m joined by Executive Director Lisa Holcomb to discuss the pros and cons running a theatre company out of a historic venue.

    Follow the Bastrop Opera House: https://bastropoperahouse.org/

    Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre

    Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

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    33 mins
  • Episode 6: Creating Inclusive Companies
    Jan 15 2023

    Tommie Jackson returns to discuss inclusivity. It's an ideal that most theatre companies espouse, but it's a challenge to truly and consistently foster through audition, rehearsal and performance spaces.

    Article - “Broadway loves the white ‘diva’ but shuns the ‘difficult’ black performer”: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/broadway-loves-the-white-diva-but-shuns-difficult-black-performer

    Follow the Broke Thespians, or find out about Love//Sick  at… https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokeThespiansTheatreCompany/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokethespianstheatrecompany/

    Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre

    Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

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    31 mins