Notes From the Green Room

In a galaxy not so far away… someone almost made it a musical.This May the 4th, we dig into the never-seen, unfinished Star Wars musical reportedly commissioned by George Lucas—and ask the question, could it actually work?we break down the pros, the cons, and pitch how we’d actually pull it off. From what’s been imagined to what’s actually stageable...Brilliant idea? or just another disturbance in the force?

Sun’s out, mics on. This week we take theatre outside—where the wind steals your lines, the lights fight the sunset, and the bugs get front-row seats. From acting under the elements to teching with extension cords and hope, we cover how to survive (and enjoy) outdoor theatre—onstage, backstage, and in the audience

This week, Sara Hunter joins us from the front lines of front of house—where the snacks are stocked, the popcorn is popped, and the drinks are crispy. Join us as we explore the do’s and don’ts of being a great theatre patron—with a little humor and a little honesty from our unsung heroes who keep the lobby running.

Part 2 of our character development series is here! From leading roles to ensemble tracks, we’re diving back into the art of building compelling characters. Join us as we share lessons from roles we’ve shaped and bring in fresh advice from fellow actors and creative teams. We even have some fun with a quick dive into the character choices we might make for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Because great characters aren’t reserved for the spotlight—they’re everywhere.

Before the curtain rises, there’s the work: reading the script (yes, all of it), and asking the big questions—Who am I? What do I want? Why am I like this? In this episode, Candice, Chris, and Marie begin to break down the art of building a character. Whether you’re the lead, the villain, or Woman #5 with a surprisingly rich inner life… the character choices that matter.

You know that moment when a song you love comes on and suddenly you’re the main character? That’s basically the promise of jukebox musicals. In this episode, we’re talking about some of our favorites. They come with built-in audiences, recognizable hits that sell tickets fast, and can be a great introduction into the world of theatre. Familiar songs and, for good or bad, guaranteed sing-alongs.

Back in the costume shop with Lindsey Beardall, we pick up Part 2 of our costuming series. From quick-change chaos to clever problem-solving, Lindsey shares sharp advice, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and practical tips for breaking into the field. We cover first gigs, favorite past projects, current work, and the many moving pieces a costumer juggles—thread by thread.

This week, we’re stepping off the stage and onto the red carpet. From the host to the night’s musical moments, we’re breaking down the highs, the lows, and the bits that had us side-eyeing the teleprompter. It’s our theatrical take on this year’s Oscars—favorite moments, acceptance speeches, a few misses, and plenty of laughs along the way. Curtain up on Hollywood’s biggest night.

In this episode, we’re excited to be joined by costume expert Lindsay Beardall. With an education from Weber and Utah State universities, she has done costuming everywhere from college theatre and community stages, to comicon and halloween, and currently costuming for Fiddler on the Roof at CentrePoint Theatre. Lindsay shares the inspiration, problem-solving, and creativity behind the rack. Tune in for stories, insights, and some of our questions—and discover how the right costume can turn a good production into a living, breathing world.

What really happens behind the curtain? In this episode, we scratch the surface of the magic that makes theatre shine (sometimes literally). From why lighting can make or break a moment to how collaborating with your tech designer saves everyone’s sanity, we’re diving into the unsung art of stagecraft.We chat about where your mic actually belongs, how sound and lights work together to shape the audience’s emotions, and why your lighting and audio teams are your new best friends. Whether you’re a performer, director, or just theatre-curious, this episode is more evidence that tech turns a good show into a great one.Cue the spotlight — let’s get nerdy.

This week, we take the first of many trips into the world of junior theatre and school edition productions — what makes a show appropriate for young performers, the importance of setting expectations, and why junior versions are such a powerful gateway into theatre. We talk about some of the pros (lots of roles so more kids can shine), some of the challenges, and some of what we love about these types of productions.

Callbacks: ego boost, mind game, necessary evil? In this episode, we break down the callback process — opinions on why they exist and what directors are looking for when they bring you back.From actor dos and don’ts to director insights — and a few opinions from the green room — we unpack what makes a callback count, whether you’re auditioning or at the casting table.

This week, from the green room at the Midvale Arts Center, we’re joined by special guest Steph Johnson for a lively conversation on all things Plays. From the plays vs. musicals debate to audition tips and behind-the-scenes stories, Steph shares insights from her experience as both a director and actor. It’s thoughtful, candid, and packed with backstage wisdom — no intermission required

On this week’s episode, we take a thoughtful look at awards shows and the power of the review—what they get right, what they sometimes miss, and why great theatre doesn’t always take home the trophy. Candice puts Chris and Marie to the test with a Tony Awards quiz, and we dig into finding your worth (and loving your craft) no matter the reviews, ratings, or statues. Because sometimes the best work never wins—but it still wins.

Welcome back! Episode two of the podcast—“I Hope I Get It”—is here, and we’re diving straight into the wonderfully chaotic world of theatre. This week, we catch up on what’s been entertaining us onstage and off, and take a nostalgic look back at our very first headshots. We also start one of many conversations on the topic of auditions: what they are, how they feel, and some of the real pros and cons of virtual vs. in-person. We wrap things up with a peek at what’s coming next week—so warm up those vocal cords and settle in.

Welcome to the pilot of Notes From the Greenroom, a theatre podcast exploring what happens onstage—and everything behind it. We introduce the show with our recurring segment “What Entertained You This Week?”, reflect on recent theatre experiences, and dive into the history of the green room and its place in theatre culture. We wrap up with a preview of upcoming episodes and what’s ahead this season. Join us in the green room, where the conversation continues after the curtain falls.