Theatre Geeks

Happy New Year!  As we gear up for some new episodes in 2017, Dave is clearing out some of our backlog of episodes that have been left unedited and saved "for a rainy day."  So here's another one of these, on the pros and cons of adjudicators.

Marcia’s final episode from March 2019, in which she talks about her years in theatre and the newspaper business. Marcia passed away a few weeks after this was recorded.

In our first new episode in sometime, we get the three of us together along with actress and Theatre Geek Marcia Fulmer's daughter Deirdre Lovejoy to talk about Marcia's years in and around the theatre, newspapers and our shared experiences in communit...

Patrons who make noise, patrons who unwrap loud candy and even patrons who stink.  What to do?? 

This episode, Texas playwright Elaine Liner joins us to talk about her latest work, Finishing School, which gets its world premiere September 8 at the Geeks home theatre, Elkhart Civic Theatre at the Bristol Opera House. -

The Geeks return to the issue of enunciation and diction in community theatre productions, how to deal with actors that just don't get it, and why it's so important. Music provided by Music Alley.

In this episode, the Geeks chat with Bronson Bontrager, Elkhart Civic Theatre's college intern for the spring 2017 semester.  We discuss the benefits of internships, for both the theatre and the student.  

We are  finally back on the pod.  After a lengthy absence John, Dave and Marcia are recording episodes again.  More will be coming your way, as there are several in the can and we have plans for more in the near future. In this episode we discuss a problem that plagues most of our theatres: do we do the old familiar shows, or risk something new that audiences are less familiar with?  It's hard because many audience members don't like the idea of going to something that is outside their experience.  We all know people who love seeing a classic any number of times, but don't go for what's mainstream today.  But we also hear from people who DON'T want to see another production of Fiddler in the South Pacific near Oklahoma!  Decisions, decisions.  Maybe we can help, or at least add our insight to the perennial problem.

What do you do when you give a new actor a chance, based on a good or even great audition, but they never seem to rise to the same level in performance?  The Geeks discuss.   Music provided by Music Alley.

Deirdre (Dede) Lovejoy joins the Geeks to talk about the recent Patti Lupone cell-phone snatch, working with Ang Lee in the upcoming "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," plus her own autobiographical play, "Bird Elephant China." Join us for great conversation.   Music provided by Music Alley

Improv artist making a difference in Chicago Jill is the founder of Storytown, a Chicago improv troupe that performs every Saturday morning in an interactive show for young people.  Through Storytown , she works to cultivate creativity and arts appreciation while introducing audiences to story structure and problem solving. Storytown uses the core improvisation fundamental of “yes, and” so every suggestion and idea is accepted, embraced and developed. Storytown is a interactive improvisational musical that gives children hands on ownership of the arts. Children are encouraged to take an active role in Storytown. They can chose the location, design the backdrop, give suggestions for characters and plot, become characters themselves, and aide our performers in any way they can imagine.  Storytown becomes the canvas for their imaginations. Jill is also the current Chicago Director of Funny Bones Improv.  Through this organization, she is able to bring the magic of improv and laughter to children and their care givers in Chicago hospitals.  She is Improv Professor of Merriment with The Laughing Academy and Theater Teacher for Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop.  She has served as Program Coordinator for This Is ME and Child Whisperer for  The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival.  Jill Olson is originally from Towson University where she graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Theater Arts.  She moved to Chicago and studied improvisation and is a graduate of the Second City and iO Training Programs. The Geeks met Jill Olson when she came to our theatre as a judge for our Comedy Criminals Improv Festival and Competition, and it was a blast getting to know her.  So, we couldn't wait to have her as a Theatre Geeks guest.   In this episode she talks about the power of improv and theatre for kids (and adults). Music provided by Music Alley.

Love of all art styles gives scenic painter Jeff Barrick a lot of inspiration to draw upon Jeff Barrick is a scenic painter working at Indiana University South Bend, but who also creates wonderful backdrops for The Geeks' home theatre, Elkhart Civic Theatre in Northern Indiana.  He has created backdrops and scenic elements for such diverse shows as Count Dracula, Assassins, Company and many others. Collaboration with the set designer, (in this case, Geek John Shoup) is critical to successful design, but so is research.  Barrick almost always uses reference material for inspiration and design concepts.  Anything, from comic books to film, to wallpaper patterns to other set designs, can qualify.  Barrick takes these elements and imaginatively works them into scenic elements that fit the specific needs of a particular show. Most recently, Barrick borrowed a graphic look from the cover of an old romance comic book to create the creepy grand olio (listen to the episode to learn what this is) for a production of Zombie Prom. Spend some time with the Geeks (including honorary Geek Deirdre Lovejoy) to hear more about Jeff's process for scenic painting.  And take a look at the following videos to see Jeff (and John) at work. More of Jeff's work can be seen Jeff Barrick, Muralist.   Music provided by Music Alley

Aaron Nichols, Director of Audience Development for the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival and other events at ND, joins us to talk Shakespeare, festivals and other things theatre.  Great conversation with the Geeks.  

Live music, clicktracks and other music-making options This time the Geeks discuss use of live vs recorded music for musicals.  Budget is always a concern when considering music on stage.  But what about quality? Some musicians are very good, but they may cost money.  You may be lucky enough to have volunteer musicians that are good -- or not.  Likewise, some recorded soundtracks sound good, others, are pretty chintzy.  The Geeks talk about various options and considerations that can make or break your next musical.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of most community theatres.  Michael Beatty has worked with volunteers in all types of not-for-profit organizations (including theatres). Listen to the conversation and Michael's insights in this lively episode.   Music provided by Music Alley.  

Avery Brown, Drummer Boy of the Cumberland, Youngest Soldier of the Civil War Heartland: The Civil War comes to the stage in Northern Indiana later this year, and the Geeks asked Michael Beatty, the developer and playwright of this new original work, to tell us about it, and about the process of bringing history to life. Heartland is based on the experiences of Northern Indiana people, and is being produced as an artistic work with an educational component. It will be performed by South Bend, Indiana’s Acting Ensemble, as part of a five-month Northern Indiana arts & music commemoration . . . → Read More: 145 – Putting history on the stage — conversation with playwright Michael Beatty

All of us have attended a play or musical where the sound is less than perfect. This can be because of the facility or the actors themselves, among other reasons. And bad sound can harm the theatre experience for the audience. The Geeks discuss various sound problems, and possible solutions. Use our contact form to send us YOUR thoughts on this issue.   Music provided by Music Alley.

It's been a number of years since California has participated in the AACT Festival cycle with its own state festival, so resurrecting the tradition presents a number of challenges.  With the Geeks to talk about them are Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive & Producing Artistic Director for the Long Beach Playhouse, and Gil Savage, AACT's Region 8 Representative and AACT Board Member.  Join us for some interesting conversation about the festival process. LINKS: American Association of Community Theatres Long Beach Playhouse

We already into the 2015 festival cycle and the excitement is building.  Festivals are a great deal of fun, but also a lot of work for the planners. Ron Ziegler of the American Association of Community Theatre joins the Geeks with some great tips for states or regions mounting their first festivals, along with some interesting tidbits about the festival process, the reasons for some of the rules, and how some of theme have changed over the years. NOTE: This episode was recorded in November. Dave has been slow in posting new episodes but we're trying to catch up. More info on AACT is as AACT.org Music provided by Music Alley.

Build more bars? This episode is part two of our discussion of Brendan Kiley’s, article in the Seattle-based The Stranger. “Ten Things Theaters Need to Do Right Now to Save Themselves.” In this episode the Geeks talk about Kiley’s suggestion that a little alcohol makes for a happier audience. There are pros and cons, not the least of which are liability, audience composition and of course the legal and licensing issues. Also, can a theatre really make money offering alcohol to patrons? All this and more in this episode. Music provided by Music Alley Link to The Stranger . . . → Read More: How to save your theatre, part 2 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Enough with the Shakespeare already? A few months ago, the Geeks came across an article by Brendan Kiley, writing in the Seattle-based The Stranger. The post in question is titled “Ten Things Theaters Need to Do Right Now to Save Themselves,” and it’s a pretty good read, even though some of the content is more geared toward professional theatres rather than community theatres. This is the first of two episodes in which the Geeks discuss a couple of Kiley’s assertions, and part two will post simultaneously with this one. In this episode we talk about Kiley’s comment that maybe Shakespeare . . . → Read More: How to save your theatre, Part 1 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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. Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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. Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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. Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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. Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

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 . . . → Read More: 125 Making your opening night more exciting (and profitable) Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Keith Tomasek talks about stratfordfestivalreviews.com, the “Rotten Tomatoes” of the Stratford Festival Visitors to the Stratford Festival have a friend in Keith Tomasek. Keith is the creator, editor and curator of Stratford Festival Reviews (http://www.stratfordfestivalreviews.com), a website that aggregates reviews of all the productions at this outstanding institution in Stratford Ontario. Visitors to the website (who accumulate around 1300 page views per day) are able to see what critics across Canada and US have to say about the current season’s productions, get a better understanding of the plays themselves, enjoy professional theatre analyses (which don’t always agree with each . . . → Read More: 124 Stratford Festival Reviews creator Keith Tomasek Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Are summer musicals still important to community theatres? We hear reports that some community theatres go on a little hiatus in the summer. For others, the summer musical is still a main event. How does your community theatre come down? The geeks talk about the pros and cons of the big summer show. Music provided by Music Alley Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Many community theatres operate by the financial seat-of-the-pants. Does yours? . . . → Read More: 122 Fighting the community theatre budget battle Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

In another audience etiquette episodes, the Geeks talk about audience members who don’t do their “homework” when it comes to knowing what kind of show they’re going to see, being prepared for possible “mature” content and not being taken by “surprise” that leads to indignation. We’ve been around long enough to know that there probably isn’t a show out there that won’t offend someone at some time, but often as not, the offended party has only himself to blame. Most theatres will note in their promotions if a particular show deals with adult themes, is inappropriate for children, or . . . → Read More: 121 Know what you’re getting into or stay home Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

The Geeks discuss the high- and ever higher-tech state of theatrical productions and wonder if “enough” is actually too much, and whether technology helps or hinders a community theatre’s creative approaches. Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

What can you do to deal with backstage hanky panky and other disruptive “stuff” in community theatre? Community theatre is a great social activity, but problems do arise when behaviors that may (or may not) be ok away from the theatre become distractions or even liabilities within a cast. While we can’t regulate people’s feelings, we can set guidelines that make for a better experience for all. The Geeks discuss dealing with bad behavior, and more importantly, preventing it. Send us YOUR feedback. Music provided by Music Alley. Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Is the term “actress” outmoded? The Geeks have been accused of being a little “old school” at times (whatever that means), and all three of us remember when the term “actress” was the standard way of referring to a female on stage. In this abbreviated episode, the Geeks discuss why and when the terminology appeared to change, and whether or not it’s ok to still use the older term. What do YOU think? Is this even a debate worth having? Should those who say “actress” be subject to a social smackdown? Let us know via our contact form (below) . . . → Read More: 118 Is it Actor or Actress? Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Are awards nights at a community theatre a good thing or a bad thing? After a peculiarly breathy beginning, the Geeks get down to the business of awards. Some community theatres have an annual in-company awards ceremony honoring best actors/actresses, directors, etc. Some may feel that this only breeds internal jealousies and bad feelings. Others may feel it provides an incentive for quality in all aspects of production. The Geeks tell you what they think. Now, what do YOU think. Let us know via our contact page. Music provided by Music Alley. . . . → Read More: 117 Awards Nights for Community Theatre: the pros and cons Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Community theatre was Colleen Williamson’s springboard to an exciting life performing on cruise ships. Colleen Williamson Colleen Williamson joins us for a fascinating talk about her life as a cruise ship actress, singer and entertainer, that started over 20 years ago. Possessed of a great singing voice and natural acting ability, Colleen was urged by a friend to audition with a cruise ship line’s entertainment arm. Today, she travels much of the year, to places most of us only dream about, and performs on the water in everything from musical comedies to her own cabaret act. All three Geeks . . . → Read More: Colleen Williamson talks about her life entertaining on cruise ships Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Theatre Geeks talk about their theatrical influences in this episode of the long-running theatre podcast. . . . → Read More: 115 Theatre under the influence Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Snowed in? Snowed out? How does your community theatre deal with serious winter weather? Dave in front of our theatre earlier this winter, when snow threatened our production of Almost, Maine. The Geeks know first-hand about how winter can disrupt rehearals and even keep patrons away. Recorded live at Evan’s Sidewalk Cafe, we offer a few things to think about when weather gets in your theatre’s way. First of all, follow the law. When law enforcement says stay off the roads, don’t schedule rehearsals that put your cast and crew in danger. Get serious with your cast — let . . . → Read More: 114 Does the weather put your community theatre in the deep freeze? Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Tom Myers talks choreography with the Geeks Choreographer Tom Myers How is choreography for community theatre different from what you might see professionally? Recognizing that not everyone in community theatre is a trained dancer while still challenging performers is a balancing act Tom Myers is very familiar with. The veteran choreographer for community and high school theatres talks about the issues that he faces in putting a great dance number on the stage with non-professional talent. Tom has choreographed dozens of shows, not only at the Geeks’ home theatre, Elkhart Civic Theatre, but across Northern Indiana. He has won . . . → Read More: Choreography in community theatre: how is it different? Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Marcia takes a look at theatre’s past First show of 2014! Does your theatre recycle? A lot of shows seem to be recycled from earlier works these days: musicals based on movies, plays based on novels, musicals based on movies based on even older movies. Is all this recycling good or bad? Is it even a new phenomenon. The Geeks discuss how it seems everything old is new again — and whether it’s always been that way. Music provided by Music Alley. . . . → Read More: Everything old is new again: what’s wrong with “recycled” theatre? Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts

Should you trade theatre quality for theatre quantity (i.e., bums in the seats)? All community theatres crave the full house, but is it worth bending the standards occasionally to get it? Do you do a less than par holiday show because you know you can get an audience? Or the umpteenth revival of Fiddler because there are always those audience members who will dutifully show up for a classic, no matter how well it’s done? The Geeks take on this dilemma, and although we probably don’t solve it, we have fun trying! This is our last episode of 2013. We’re . . . → Read More: Bonus Year-end episode: Theatre Quality vs Theatre Quantity Theatre Geeks - community theatre and the performing arts