Theatre Geeks

Broadcast, print, direct mail and the web — sorting out theatre promotion The Geeks discuss some options, discuss what works and what doesn’t and a bit about how the landscape has changed.   Music provided by Music Alley

Or, how to keep your theatre from going to the dogs Sooner or later, your theatre will come upon a play that you want to produce, but it requires an animal, or even animals onstage for some scenes. Bell, Book and Candle‘s Pyewacket, Annie‘s Sandy and of course, The Wizard of Oz‘ Toto, are three that spring to mind. While these animals are essential, they also pose some special issues for actors and directors. While the goal is to get the best performance possible from an animal actor, the safety and well-being of the animal as well as cast members . . . → Read More: 138 Animals Onstage

Chicago playwright Richard Engling remembers friend Fern Chertkow with the Afterlife Trilogy Playwright talks with the Geeks about his friend, his play and his process. Chicago Playwright Richard Engling It has been almost 30 years since award-winning author Fern Chertkow ended her own life, but her legacy lives on through the Afterlife Trilogy, a unique undertaking that fuses her writing with the work of novelist, playwright Richard Engling and his creative team at Chicago’s Polarity Ensemble Theatre. Paying tribute to the late author, the trilogy combines two novels – “Visions of Anna” by Engling and “She Plays in . . . → Read More: 137 Richard Engling, Chicago Playwright

Susan Whitby joins us again to talk more about her adventure helping daughters Maddie and Audrey launch their careers on TV and radio in Hollywood. Music provided by Music Alley

Midwest mom Susan Whitby tells you what to expect when your children want to take the show business plunge Susan Whitby (center) with daughters Maddy Whitby (left) and Audrey Whitby. Susan Whitby joined us for the first of two episodes to talk about her daughters, Audrey and Maddie, who, after starting out in community theatre in Indiana, have moved on, with her help and five years in Los Angeles, to become successful on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and more in Hollywood. But it wasn’t easy and there were no guarantees. Susan shares what she learned along the way and . . . → Read More: 135 When your kids want to become professional actors

There are some rules about play production — breaking them can result in getting your show shut down. Our friend and entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark recently published this blog post on how producers can make sure they don’t get their show shut down. Gordon’s insights sparked a conversation between the Geeks. Authors and play publishers set down a lot of rules about how you’re supposed to produce their plays. Rules can be both artistic and pertain to the marketing of your production, and you ignore them at your company’s peril. And while most requirements are pretty standard, there can be . . . → Read More: 134 Getting your show shut down — how to avoid it

The Geeks share a few tips and tricks for fighting colds and other ailments that can play havoc with your performance. Music provided on this Bastille Day (as we’re recording this) by Music Alley.

Smoking onstage and its alternatives Depending on your venue, audience and local laws, producing a script that requires that characters smoke can be problematic. Where smoking is prohibited in public places it is sometimes allowed in stage performances, but audiences may still not accept it or approve. Some audience members may be sensitive to smoke, and some venues, such as schools, may not allow smoking under any circumstances. What to do? The Geeks discuss the question of smoking onstage and some available alternatives.

Food onstage can sometimes be a challenge Whether it’s staging a family dinner or dealing with a variety of beverages, food onstage is a special class of props that has its own set of issues and potential pitfalls. The Geeks talk about their experiences (some good, some not-so-good) with food onstage and how to reduce the problems. Music provided by Music Alley.

Be respectful of both your audience and your fellow actors The Geeks have talked often about the annoying things that some audience members may do that hurt the theatregoing experience for everyone. This time, they delve into the topic of backstage etiquette for both cast and crew. Sometimes little things can cause large problems, even when we may not intend them to. Talking, whispering, being in the wrong position, not being in position at all, etc., are all matters of professionalism, etiquette and respect for each other. Send us YOUR thoughts on this episode, and we may record a “part . . . → Read More: 130 Backstage Etiquette

What kind of director are you? What kind of director is best? Directors come in all styles — from overly easygoing (REAL smooth) or difficult bordering on abusive (REAL sharp). Where’s the sweet spot on the contiuum? The Geeks discuss.   Music provide by Music Alley.

Stratford Festival’s publicity director Ann Swerdfager joins the Geeks Stratford Festival’s production of Hay Fever is just one of the wonderful productions this year. We’ve mentioned the Stratford Festival plenty of times on Theatre Geeks, but it certainly bears repeating that Ontario’s longtime Shakespeare (and a whole lotta other theatre) festival is one of the theatrical gems of North America. Just a hop and a skip from the USA midwest, and a pleasant drive from either Detroit/Windsor or Niagara Falls, it’s worth everyone’s time. Ann Swerdfager grew up with the Stratford Festival, and after several years in the “outside” . . . → Read More: 128 Stratford Festival 2014 Preview

Which is better: bad theatre or no theatre? Actor Robert Miller joins the geeks for a second session and one of our most lively debates ever. Dave recently saw a quote that stated that we need more theatre over all, good and bad, and that the bad begets good over time. We’ve all seen bad shows. Is it better to see a poor production, or are we better off with no theatre at all? Very interesting discussion. What do YOU think? Listen to this episode and then send us your opinion via our feedback form.   Music provided by Music . . . → Read More: 127 Bad Theatre vs No Theatre at All: the great debate

This week the Geeks are joined by Robert J. Miller, a former member of the local (Elkhart Civic Theatre) troupe and now a professional actor. Bob is about to play Tevye in a regional production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, Indiana. We talk to him about the value of the community theatre experience and how he approaches this iconic character. Wagon Wheel Theatre is HERE. Music provided by Music Alley

Sold Out Run‘s Clay Mabbitt gives the Geeks, and YOU, some great tips for community theatre success. Clay Mabbitt of the Sold Out Run Podcast It’s not often we get to speak with fellow podcasters, but here, for the second show in a row, we’re talking to someone who produces a podcast related to the performing arts. Clay Mabbitt, of nearby Indianapolis, produces the Sold Out Run podcast, which focuses primarily on the marketing of performing arts, including theatre and musical events. In this episode, , he gives the Geeks his ideas on making that opening night a sold-out . . . → Read More: 125 Making your opening night more exciting (and profitable)