Blue Jesters Backstge: A High School Theatre Podcast

As the curtain begins to close on Season 1 of Blue Jesters Backstage, we’re passing the mic to the Class of 2026. In this bittersweet episode, theater seniors Teagan and Charles join us to reflect on four years of rehearsals, opening nights, and the inevitable "post-show blues." But it’s not all nostalgia—we’re diving deep into the legacy they’re leaving behind. Teagan and Charles share the inside story of developing the new department workshop, from the initial "what if?" to seeing it become a staple for underclassmen. In this episode, we discuss: The Early Days: Their favorite memories from freshman year and the shows that shaped them. The Workshop Project: The challenges and triumphs of creating a new space for theatrical growth within the department. Leadership & Legacy: What it means to lead the Blue Jesters and the advice they have for the next generation of performers. The Next Act: Where Teagan and Charles are headed next and how high school theater prepared them for the "real world." Whether you’re a freshman just starting your journey or a fellow senior preparing for your final bow, this episode is a heartfelt look at what makes the Blue Jesters department more than just a theater troupe—it's a family.

In this episode, the "unsung heroes" of the auditorium—the High School Light and Sound Crew—finally step into the spotlight (metaphorically, because we hate being seen). We’re looking back at the 2025-2026 school year of high school theater. Whether you're a fellow "theatre kid," a curious parent, or a tech geek, join us as we break down our favorite shows, our biggest "oops" moments, and why we wouldn't trade the 12-hour Saturday shifts for anything.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, Avril interviews Mr. Cason, our music director, about what does what led him to work with musicals, his experience so far, and what he has learned from past mistakes.  Check out the latest episode and comment your thoughts! Recorded at Northeast Early College High School in Austin, TX. 

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, Bernardo interviews Dom who after a strong start to the year had to leave our school during the production of Little Shop of Horrors. Now, Dom is back and he shares his personal story of what it feels like to return to a theatre program in progress and advice he’d have for anyone in the same situation.  Recorded at Northeast Early College High School in Austin, TX.

Step into the high-intensity world of competitive theatre with the Blue Jesters! In this episode, we’re breaking down our journey to the Texas UIL One-Act Play (OAP) contest with our production of The Killing Game. From the grueling rehearsals to the adrenaline-pumping "7-minute setup," we share what it’s really like to compete in one of the most prestigious high school theater competitions in the country. We discuss the creative choices that brought our dark comedy to life, the results of the theatre competition and our key takeaways from the experience.

Join your favorite theater kids, Tegan and Messiah, as they take you behind the scenes of Northeast’s very own MTC Workshop! From theatre tech like 3D printing and prop restoration to the intricate craft of tailoring, discover the artistic dedication that brings high school stage productions to life. In this episode, Messiah shares his journey as a fashion designer and costume manager, detailing the pressure and pride of outfitting a full production like Luchadora and preparing for the upcoming musical Little Shop of Horrors. Whether you’re an aspiring theater techie or a seasoned theatre performer, you won't want to miss Messiah’s "Golden Rule" for every creator: Measure twice, cut once.

Every great show starts with a great crew! In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we’re introducing the newest member of our high school theater family. Our seasoned lighting designer sits down with our new techie to talk about joining the team, learning the ropes of theatre tech, and what it’s like to work behind the scenes. Whether you’re a theater veteran or a total theatre newbie, join us for a look at how we build the magic from the wings.

We sit down with the actors playing Mushnik and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors to talk about their complicated relationship onstage. They break down power, dependence, guilt, and loyalty, and how those dynamics shape every scene and song in high school theater. A close look at building believable tension and connection inside one of musical theatre’s most iconic pairings.

An alum returns to the Blue Jesters at Northeast to reflect on their high school theatre experience and the lessons that stuck. We talk about confidence, collaboration, failure, and the skills that carried over into adult life. A grounded look at how theatre training shapes who you become long after the curtain closes.

This episode follows students who took on the job of building a tech theatre workshop. They explain how they planned it, built it, and adapted when things went wrong. The focus is on process, collaboration, and how technical theatre skills are learned through doing the work.

In this episode, the leads of Little Shop of Horrors talk about an outreach effort that goes beyond the stage. They share how visiting middle schools, talking directly with students, and demystifying high school theater has helped spark interest in performing arts programs early. The conversation covers why early exposure matters, what middle schoolers are actually curious about, and how student performers can become ambassadors for their own theater departments. A practical and encouraging listen for theater educators, directors, and students looking to grow a strong, sustainable high school theater community.

The lights go down, the crowd roars, and the wrestlers hit the ring—but who makes the magic happen in the dark? In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we’re stepping off the stage and into the wings to interview the student crew behind our recent production of Luchadora!. From managing complex set changes to perfecting the lighting for high-flying stunts, our technical theater students do it all. We sit down with members of the stage management, lighting, and sound teams to discuss the unique challenges of bringing a wrestling-themed play to life. We explore: Building the Ring: The technical hurdles of designing a sturdy, safe, and artistic theatre set. The Art of the Cue: How the theater crew coordinates timing to keep the action fast-paced and seamless. Backstage Bonds: Why the "techie" life is the backbone of any successful theatre production. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run a high school theater show from the booth or the wings, this episode is for you. Get an insider’s look at the sweat, strategy, and teamwork that made Luchadora! a knockout success!

Have you ever felt like you were fading into the background? In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we sit down with a student performer to discuss the life-changing impact of the performing arts. We dive deep into her personal journey of finding confidence and how joining the high school theatre program helped her finally come out of her shell. Whether you are a seasoned "thespian" or someone considering auditioning for your first theater production, this conversation explores the "magic" that happens when you step under the lights. We discuss: Overcoming Stage Fright: Practical tips for beating those pre-show jitters. The Power of Community: How the theatre family provides a safe space for self-expression. Transferable Skills: Why the lessons learned in theater—like public speaking and collaboration—matter far beyond the stage. The world of high school theatre is about more than just acting; it’s about discovering who you really are. Join us for an inspiring look at how high school theater can transform a shy student into a confident leader.

In this episode of the Blue Jesters podcast, the students interview high school theater director Jason Escandell. They talk about what it really means to run a program day to day and why directing students is different from directing adults. Jason shares how he builds culture in a rehearsal room. How he balances discipline and creativity. How he handles pressure from shows, schedules, and expectations. He also talks about mistakes he made early on and what experience has taught him about leading young artists. The conversation covers auditions, trust, consistency, and why process matters as much as performance. Jason offers clear advice for students who want to grow in theatre and for anyone thinking about teaching or directing in schools. This episode is an honest look at leadership, mentorship, and what it takes to build meaningful work in high school theater over time.

In this episode of the Blue Jesters podcast, the students sit down with Jason Vines. He started as a theater kid and now works professionally as a special effects makeup artist. Jason talks about how his early time on stage shaped his career. Building characters. Solving problems fast. Working as part of a team. He explains how skills learned in theater carried directly into the world of special effects makeup. They discuss what the job actually looks like day to day. The training it takes. The mistakes he made early on. And what he wishes he had known in high school. Jason also gives honest advice for students who love theater but are not sure they want to perform forever. This episode is about creative paths that are not always obvious. How one love can turn into another. And how theater and theatre kids can build real careers behind the scenes.

In this episode of the Blue Jesters podcast, the students talk honestly about group conflict in high school theater. They share what really causes tension in rehearsal rooms. Ego. Miscommunication. Different levels of commitment. Pressure as opening night gets closer. They trade real stories from their own experiences in theatre. Times when conflict showed up loud or quiet. What made things worse. What helped calm the room. And how they learned to deal with problems instead of letting them poison the process. The focus stays practical. How to speak up without attacking. How to listen when you would rather defend yourself. When to involve a director. When to let something go. And how to rebuild trust when you still have to make a show together. This episode is about collaboration and accountability. About learning how to work with people who are different from you. A clear look at how students survive and grow in high school theatre while building something as a group under pressure.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the high school theater student stage manager interviews Dani Pruitt, a professional stage manager working in the theatre and live performance world. They talk about what a stage manager actually does, how Dani got started, and what skills matter most backstage. Organization. Communication. Leadership. Staying calm when things go wrong. Dani shares real stories from professional productions and explains how stage management keeps a show running smoothly from the first rehearsal to closing night. The conversation connects classroom stage management to real world careers. It highlights why stage managers are essential, how students can prepare for the job now, and what directors and production teams look for in strong stage managers. This episode is for students interested in backstage theatre roles, educators teaching technical theatre, and anyone curious about how shows really come together behind the scenes.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the students talk honestly about the attitude it takes to be successful in high school theatre. They break down what matters before talent. Work ethic. Consistency. Preparation. Supporting the ensemble. Taking notes without getting defensive. Showing up on time and ready to work. The conversation focuses on mindset. How rehearsal behavior affects the whole cast. Why trust matters. How confidence is built through effort, not ego. Students share real examples from rehearsals, performances, and moments when things went wrong and how attitude made the difference. This episode is for students who want to grow, parents who want to understand the process, and educators building strong theatre and theater programs. It’s about discipline, teamwork, and learning how to take the work seriously while still enjoying the process.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the tables turn. The students interview their own theater teacher, Mr. B. They talk about how he found theater, why he chose teaching, and what he actually hopes students take away from being part of the Blue Jesters. Mr. B shares stories from his career as a performer, director, and writer, plus what it’s like building a high school theater program from the ground up. The conversation is honest, funny, and reflective. It’s a look at theater education from both sides of the stage and a chance for students to ask the questions they don’t usually get to ask in class. Perfect for students, parents, and anyone curious about why theater teachers do what they do and why the work matters.

The Blue Jesters look back on their fall play, Luchadora. The students break down their full run and talk through what went right, what went wrong, and what they learned on stage. They walk through missed cues, quick fix saves, line drops, and the moments that pushed them to grow as performers and tech artists. This is a simple, honest look at high school theatre, how you stay calm when the show tilts sideways, and how a cast turns mistakes into real progress. This episode is a good listen for anyone interested in high school theatre, student performers, and the work behind a full production.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the students sit down with Laura Maxwell Scott of Collier Talent. She tells the story of how she went from actor to casting agent, what she learned on both sides of the table, and what young performers should know about auditions today. We talk about confidence, prep work, high school theater, and how to build a real career in Austin’s film and TV world. This episode is a great listen for students, parents, and anyone curious about how casting works behind the scenes.

The Blue Jesters high school theatre seniors sit down for a mid-year check-in to talk about the reality of balancing school, rehearsals, work, and everything in between. They share what’s working, what’s hard, and how they’re getting ready for life after senior year. A candid look at senior year, high school theater, motivation, and the lessons they’re learning along the way.

The Blue Jesters break down what it takes to get through a fall play while school is still in full swing. They talk about managing homework, keeping energy up during Luchadora, and trying to grab enough sleep to stay sane. This episode gives a clear, honest look at how high school actors survive a fall play run, balance their schedules, and keep the show strong night after night. Ideal for listeners searching for real student perspectives on theater, time management, and the fall production grind.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we talk with students who didn’t choose to be in theater class—but ended up here anyway. What happens when you’re randomly placed in a drama class you never planned to take? Hear their honest perspectives, surprising lessons, and how theater has helped them build confidence, communication, and teamwork skills they didn’t expect to find on stage. Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone curious about how the arts can impact every student.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, NECHS Theatre alumna Luna Ruiz returns to share what the theater department was like in her day — from backstage memories to life lessons learned on stage. Now an actress, Luna offers honest advice for current students chasing their creative dreams and reflects on how the Blue Jesters Theatre program shaped her journey in the performing arts.  

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, theater-trained science teacher Eliza Renner shares how performance skills translate into leadership, teamwork, and classroom connection. She talks about embracing the “cringe” moments, building confidence through collaboration, and finding the creative spark between science and the stage. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone learning to lead with authenticity.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theatre podcast, the students get real about what it feels like to face rejection in auditions. They share personal stories, how they learned to stay confident, and tips for turning “no” into motivation. A must-listen for any young actor learning that every role—won or lost—can help you grow.

In this episode, Northeast Early College High School theater students interview Nicole Malone, AISD’s Coordinator for Theatre and Dance. Nicole shares her journey in technical theater, what inspired her path, and her advice for students beginning their own theater careers. From backstage work to big-picture leadership, her insights help young performers and techies understand the many ways to grow in the arts.

Auditions can feel scary, but they don’t have to. In this episode, we talk about audition tips from a high schooler’s point of view—what works, what doesn’t, and how to handle nerves when it’s your turn in the spotlight. From choosing the right monologue to making a strong first impression, these are the things we wish someone told us before our first audition. If you’re getting ready for theater tryouts or your school musical, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we sit down with Northeast Early College High School’s Academic Dean, Lauren Kajdas. She shares how her theatre training in starting in junior high shaped her career path and the surprising ways those skills support her leadership today. From communication and collaboration to creative problem-solving, Lauren explains how lessons from the stage translate into education and administration.

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theater Podcast, students from Northeast Early College High School in Austin ISD share stories of mistakes, mishaps, and unexpected surprises on stage. Recorded in Austin, Texas, this candid look at high school theatre shows how young performers handle challenges with humor, resilience, and teamwork.

In our first episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theater Podcast, students from Northeast Early College High School in Austin, Texas, share how they got started in theatre. Hear real stories about first auditions, backstage nerves, and the spark that made them fall in love with performing.