The Community of Theatre

Derek Smootz
  • 5.0 (7)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Sure, Broadway is important, but let’s talk about the *other* 99% of live theaters across America, and the 25,000+ productions they stage each year. Exploring the Who, What, Why, and How of Local, Community, and other not-for-profit varieties of live theater. Should I audition at the Community Theater down the street? What do my donations pay for? What does a lighting designer do? What’s “blocking”? Should we prioritize putting on shows that are popular, or meaningful? Why are there more male roles, but more women actors? Should we go with a live band or pre-recorded accompaniment for our first Musical? On the Community of Theater podcast, we explore questions like these with a diverse group of guests who represent the vast spectrum of the live theatre community.

  1. 09/29/2023

    Episode 13: Austin Theatre Project

    I'm joined by Barbara Schuler to discuss the history of Austin Theatre Project, one of the many local production companies that didn't make it through the Covid pandemic. Follow the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Austin Theatre Project’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100060741564764

    45 min

  2. 05/01/2023

    Episode 12: Stage Combat

    I’m joined by co-founder of The Broke Thespians Nate Nelson to discuss stage combat at the community theatre level. Society of American Fight Directors https://www.safd.org/ Rogue Steel (stage combat weapon rentals) https://roguesteel.com/ Kult of Athena (stage combat weapon sales) https://www.kultofathena.com/ The Broke Thespians https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/ Contact or Follow the podcast: communityoftheater@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre

    32 min

  3. 04/12/2023

    Episode 11: Devised Theatre - Love and Information

    The Broke Thespians’ latest production is an example of Devised Theatre - find out what that means, as we discuss how the experience of rehearsing this type of show differs from traditional narrative. Get tickets or information about Love and Information at… https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokeThespiansTheatreCompany/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokethespianstheatrecompany/ Follow the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Email the podcast: communityoftheater@gmail.com

    31 min

  4. 03/16/2023

    Episode 10: The Time Before Directors with Doug DeGirolamo

    I'm joined once again by Doug DiGirolamo, who walks us through a brief history of the role of directors, and what preceded them. We wander off onto a few tangents, including discussion of "Song of Spider-Man," script writer Glen Berger's behind the scenes tell-all about getting that production onto the stage. Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Email the show: communityoftheater@gmail.com Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

    46 min

  5. 03/01/2023

    Episode 9: Preproduction with Beth James

    I’m joined by Beth James, Director of the upcoming production of 9-5 at the Gaslight-Baker in Lockhart. We discuss everything a Director undertakes prior to auditions, both in general and in particular for this production, for I’ll be serving as co-Music Director. We also touch on Directorial philosophy, dramaturgy, and the overlap between modern psychotherapy and an ethical production environment. For those in Central Texas and listening close to this episode’s release date, 9-5 auditions are being held March 8 and 9 at the Gaslight-Baker. You can find details here: http://mygbt.org/ Or, email Beth directly at bethannejames91@gmail.com to reserved an audition time. Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Email the show: communityoftheater@gmail.com Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

    53 min

  6. 02/15/2023

    Episode 8: Reviews and Criticism in the World of Community Theatre

    I’m joined by Michael Meigs, creator of CTX Live Theatre, to discuss the role of reviews and reviewers in the world of local, community theatre; we touch on an array of topics, including the distinction between reviews and criticism, how writers can, should, and do approach professional versus amateur productions, the relationship between artists and reviewers, and how the era of social media has impacted theatre journalism as a whole. CTX Live Theatre https://ctxlivetheatre.com/ ATX Theatre https://www.atxtheatre.org/ Gilbert and Sullivan Austin GilbertSullivan.org McAdo auditions are Feb 25/26, email audition@gilbertsullivan.org to schedule. The Broke Thespians (Love/Sick performances are Feb 17/19) https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/

    59 min

  7. 02/01/2023

    Episode 7: Historic Theatres

    Recorded on site at the historic Bastrop Opera House, I’m joined by Executive Director Lisa Holcomb to discuss the pros and cons running a theatre company out of a historic venue. Follow the Bastrop Opera House: https://bastropoperahouse.org/ Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

    33 min

  8. 01/15/2023

    Episode 6: Creating Inclusive Companies

    Tommie Jackson returns to discuss inclusivity. It's an ideal that most theatre companies espouse, but it's a challenge to truly and consistently foster through audition, rehearsal and performance spaces. Article - “Broadway loves the white ‘diva’ but shuns the ‘difficult’ black performer”: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/broadway-loves-the-white-diva-but-shuns-difficult-black-performer Follow the Broke Thespians, or find out about Love//Sick  at… https://www.brokethespianstheatrecompany.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokeThespiansTheatreCompany/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokethespianstheatrecompany/ Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/communityoftheatre Follow the host: https://twitter.com/DerekSmootz

    31 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Sure, Broadway is important, but let’s talk about the *other* 99% of live theaters across America, and the 25,000+ productions they stage each year. Exploring the Who, What, Why, and How of Local, Community, and other not-for-profit varieties of live theater. Should I audition at the Community Theater down the street? What do my donations pay for? What does a lighting designer do? What’s “blocking”? Should we prioritize putting on shows that are popular, or meaningful? Why are there more male roles, but more women actors? Should we go with a live band or pre-recorded accompaniment for our first Musical? On the Community of Theater podcast, we explore questions like these with a diverse group of guests who represent the vast spectrum of the live theatre community.

Information

  • Creator
    Derek Smootz
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2023
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved 2022
  • Show Website
    The Community of Theatre