Theatre Geeks

Scot Purkeypile talks about his theatre program at a detention center in Northern Indiana In the third live episode, theatre teacher and actor Scot Purkeypile re-joins the Geeks to talk about a unique theatre program he developed for at-risk youth in a northern Indiana detention center. Hear Scot once again talk about the transformative power of theatre. And of course, listen along as we play our favorite theatre trivia game show, I Know, I Know. Thanks to the following folks for helping to make our live episodes a success: Liz Naquin Borger and B on the River The . . . → Read More: 79 Using theatre to reach at-risk youth

“Lucky Guy” goes into rehearsals in January with Tom Hanks and Deirdre Lovejoy in the cast. Deirdre Lovejoy coming to us via Skype Deirdre Lovejoy joins the Geeks via Skype in front of a live audience at the Bristol Opera House, to talk about her upcoming run in “Lucky Guy” on Broadway. She’ll also play a round of “Stump the Celebrity” in our very own theatre trivia game show, “I Know, I Know.” All this plus LIMERICKS! This is the second in a series of three live episodes recorded at the Historic Bristol Opera House, home of Elkhart Civic . . . → Read More: 78 Deirdre Lovejoy and Our Trivia Game Show LIVE

Theatre teacher and actor Scot Purkeypile talks about his work with autistic youth. John and Scot Purkeypile — Photo by Mel Moore Scot Purkeypile joins the geeks in the first of three live episodes from the Bristol Opera House. Several years ago, along with his work at South Bend Civic Theatre, he began working with autistic youth, using theatre as a means of establishing connections and helping those with autism find new outlets for their often considerable talents. Hear him talk about “the transformative power of theatre” for those with autism spectrum disorder. Play along with our live audience! . . . → Read More: 77 How theatre can help autistic youth (Live audience show!)

The Geeks welcome Elizabeth Copeman of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford Ontario, who talks with us about her life in costuming and costuming management. . . . → Read More: 76 Costuming the Stratford Festival

Kurves a little like “Cheers” from the female point of view Texas author, singer and musician (and former community theatre colleague of the Geeks), Amy Shojai, joins us to talk about her new musical, Kurves. Set in a women’s fitness club, Kurves explores a diverse set of characters, each looking for something different in their lives. Amy talks about writing and performing this unique work,and her plans for its future. Also: Deirdre Lovejoy is currently appearing at Indiana Repertory Theatre in The House That Jack Built, a new play by James Still. It runs until November 25. Check it out . . . → Read More: 75 — Amy Shojai and Kurves, The Musical

We need your vote in the Podcast Awards. You can vote once a day, every day until November 15, so show us your support. VOTE HERE. Theatre Geeks is in the Cultural/Arts category. EVERY VOTE COUNTS. If you’re drawing a blank in some of the other podcast categories, Dave recommends you consider some of the great shows listed below. (Listen to the podcast for more information on these.) Dave’s Picks for The Podcast Awards The Ramen Noodle (Comedy) Scam School (Best Video Podcast) Once (entertainment podcast) Authentic Life Radio (also entertainment — yes, you can only pick one, so you’ll . . . → Read More: Podcast Awards — Vote for us and for Dave’s favorites too!

Costuming your crew and letting them be seen is often a way to add interest to your show This week the Geeks discuss tech issues, and particularly the idea of using the stage crew as peripheral characters in some shows. It can solve some technical issues as well as add a lot of visual interest. Music provided by Music Alley.

Ticket prices too high, too low or just right? The Geeks talk about ticket pricing — how does your theatre decide? Community theatres are typically much lower priced than professionals, and often the quality of the show is top-notch, even at a lower price. Does this mean community theatres could charge like the pros? Not so fast …. the Geeks have their opinions, and they’re not afraid to share!   Theme music provided by Music Alley.

Staged readings: a great way to introduce your audiences to new genres Charles Canada, Eva Abrams, & Felicia Curry in a staged reading. Photo by Joe MabelMost community theatres do fully staged versions of their shows each season, but many troupes also bring staged readings to their audiences. Should your theatre consider doing so? There are many advantages, especially if your market makes it hard to sell more unusual works. A staged reading is less risky financially, and your actors will love exploring out-of-the-ordinary works. Music provided by Music Alley. Photo credit: Joe Mabel [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia . . . → Read More: 72 Consider Staged Readings in Community Theatre

Rule #1 “Pay your royalties!” Jim Giesel, Artistic Director of The Acting Ensemble of South Bend, Indiana and a working playwright, joins the Geeks for a great conversation about royalties, why they’re important how to stay out of trouble, as well as his work adapting works for the stage. Jim is committed to bringing Hoosier (that means Indiana, folks) stories to life. The Acting Ensemble website is here. Music provided by Music Alley.    

The Geeks discuss the many many ways an actor can blow a theatre audition. . . . → Read More: Episode 70 How to blow an audition

Theatre Geeks news roundup Here are some snippets of theatre news Dave has gathered from around the world, plus links to the full stories. What sort of person is driven to become an actor? — Pacific Standard Plans to excavate and restore Rose Theatre in London From The Guardian: Paul Schnee on auditions — Backstage.com Hurrah for Am-Dram — The Guardian Jerry Lewis directing The Nutty Professor musical he hopes will his Broadway— New York Times Most underrated plays — an open conversation thread on The Guardian website Are premium seats worth the price (Chris Jones in The Theater Loop . . . → Read More: Theatre News for July 30, 2012 with Dave Dufour

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune talked with Theatre Geeks about what life is like as a theatre critic and how he views his responsibilities as a reviewer. . . . → Read More: Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune theatre critic joins the Geeks

End Ovation Inflation! Is the standing O obligatory? Are you sick of it? John, Dave and Marcia discuss the issue of “ovation inflation,” a condition in which even shows that don’t deserve ANY praise bring the audience to its feet. Join the Geeks while they vent (and laugh) about this pet peeve. This episode was suggested by an article by Ben Brantlee in the New York Times.   Music provided by Music Alley . . . → Read More: Do some shows get too MUCH applause?

Center Stage Software owners Diane and Bruce Rowe join the Geeks for a lively discussion of Wintix and Webtix automated ticketing systems for community theatres and other venues. Their Webtix product is an affordable option for offering online ticket purchases without the high overhead of services such as Ticketmaster. Offering tickets online can expand attendance simply because it keeps the virtual box office open 24/7. Learn more about Center Stage’s product as well as the interesting story of how Diane and Bruce turned a part-time passion for community theatre on the Monterrey Peninsula into a full time business serving theatres . . . → Read More: Online ticketing for Community Theatre