Theatre Geeks

The Geeks discuss what directors can and should do when the auditions don't bring in enough or the right kind of actors for a particular production.

Guest Geek Rick Ellis joins John, Marcia and Dave to discuss the concept of experimental theatre, what it is, how it started, why theatres should undertake experimental productions and more. Theme music comes from Al Phlipp and the Woo Team via Music Alley.

Holiday shows are a staple of many community theatres' seasons, and they come in all levels of complexity and cost.  But why do them at all?  Don't we get enough holiday spirit from every other corner without feeling like we absolutely have to mount a holiday production?  If your talent pool of actors is coming off a big musical production are they going to want to jump into a Christmas (or other) holiday show?  Questions like these may scare your troupe away from doing such productions.  But maybe you should. In this episode The Geeks discuss the considerable benefits of doing holiday shows, how they can be fun, relatively easy to put together, and how they provide an outreach to the community that your mainstage season might not. Al Phlipp and the Woo Team provided our theme music, available from Music Alley.com.

Theatre techies are often given a snub by the actors onstage. In community theatre the tech crew are may be thought of as those folks who come into the production late in the game and just slow down a couple rehearsals for the "real stars" of the show.  In some cases, the tech end of a show is almost an afterthought.  None of these things is, or should be true. Fact is, good tech can usually make the difference between a really good show and one that leaves the audience scratching their heads, or worse, falling asleep in their seats. In this episode, the Geeks talk about how theatre tech is as much a part of the show as the performances themselves, and why good tech is worth its weight in gold. Thanks to Music Alley and Al Phlipp and the Woo Team for our show theme.

Joining the cast or crew of a play production is a lot like a marriage.  You have to commit to the enterprise, and fulfill your commitment.  Community theatres can't usually fire you or flunk you, so they depend on everyone who volunteers to come through.  The geeks talk about the different levels and kinds of commitment needed in community theatre, and why you SHOULDN'T be afraid to commit, because the rewards are great. Music is by Al Phlipp and The Woo Team, and comes to us courtesy of Music Alley

One of our listeners, Ashton, asked the geeks to talk about the differences between high school, community and college theatre.  A lot of theatre geeks were originally bitten by the "bug" in high school and decided to stay with it, even if they may never be professionals.  Here are a few thoughts about what to expect as you move "up the ladder," so to speak. Music provided by Music Alley.  Our opening and closing theme is called "Annie's Overture" by Al Phlipp and The Woo Team.

How can you make the most of that small role?  And what should you do when you have lots of time before your next entrance?  These and other vital questions are addressed by the Geeks. Also: We announce the winner of the cap contest! Music provided by Music Alley.  Our opening and closing theme is called "Annie's Overture" by Al Phlipp and The Woo Team.

Stage managers and their crews are some of the most under-appreciated, yet indispensable personnel on any show.  In addition to giving the anonymous backstage workers a pat on the back, the Geeks discuss how the stage crew can truly make or break a show. Music provided by Music Alley.

Every actor gets stage fright at one time or another. The important thing is dealing with it. In this episode, the Geeks discuss why we have stage fright, in performance or in auditions, and suggest a few ways to overcome this performance-killer.

Perils of casting when friends and relatives are auditioning All community theatre directors (and even some pros) have been there. One of the auditioners is a good friend or relative. What happens if you cast him or her? What happens if you don't? Either way, you may have a problem.

In this episode, John, Dave and Marcia talk about how to deal with those times when you're asked to take a role other than the one you wanted (and for which you geared your audition).

Episode 10.5?  Sure. Dave decided to shoot out a quick little reminder to enter our fill-in-the-blank theatre quote contest and try to win a free Theatre Geeks cap. No biggie, but look for Episode 11 this weekend!

Dave, John and Marcia cover a few more pet peeves of community theatre directors

John, Dave and Marcia,  plus Dede the Honorary Geek, discuss dos and don'ts of theatrical auditions, what to expect and how to make the most out of your next try-0ut.

The Geeks plus honorary Geek Deirdre Lovejoy discuss character development for community theatre players as well as professionals. And Dede wants a damn HAT!