Behind The Curtain

Red Mountain Theatre
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Performing Arts

Welcome to Behind the Curtain at Red Mountain Theatre! Join Roy Lightner, Singh Artistic Director, in the cozy recording studio at Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama. For over forty years, RMT has been the Magic City’s home for musical theatre, and we’re just getting started. Behind the Curtain gives you a peek behind the scenes here at RMT, and a deeper dive into the incredible artists we get to collaborate with. Each episode offers a closer look at the people whose passion and imagination shape the magic we’re making. From directors, to actors, to musicians, to the unsung backstage heroes, you'll get the stories you’ll never hear from your seat in the audience!

  1. Oct 22

    EP. 19 - Eric Jackson

    Welcome back to another episode of “Behind the Curtain” from RMT! In this episode, we are excited to introduce our new Associate Artistic Director, Eric Jackson. While Eric is new to Birmingham and to RMT, he is absolutely no stranger to the world of theatre! In this episode, we learn about how Eric began his musical theatre journey, his career as a performer, as well as his past and present roles at Red Mountain. Please join us in welcoming Eric to our community!

    EP. 19 - Eric Jackson

  2. Sep 22

    EP. 18 - Morgan Smith

    Welcome to another episode of "Behind the Curtain” from RMT! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Morgan Smith, the star of Red Mountain’s new production, “Every Brilliant Thing”. In this episode, Morgan and Roy discuss the multitude of complexities involved in producing a traveling show with only one cast member, the importance of working on a piece with such a strong message, and Morgan’s life and career as an actress and household icon. Join us for an episode that is sure to make your own list of Brilliant Things!

    EP. 18 - Morgan Smith

  3. Sep 11

    EP. 17 - Karen Musgrove

    This is a very special episode of “Behind the Curtain” for Red Mountain Theatre. In commemoration of 9/11, Roy sits down with Karen Musgrove, a Birmingham local who served as a licensed therapist for 9/11 victims in the New York and New Jersey area in 2001. Karen gives a first-hand account of what it was like to serve as a counselor for the family members of 9/11 victims, what her role was in helping those individuals heal, and what it was like for her to witness the aftermath of such a traumatic event. Join us as Karen shares her unique and eye-opening perspective on a story and event that has united us all for the past 25 years.

    EP. 17 - Karen Musgrove

  4. Aug 30

    EP. 16 - Amy Johnson

    Join us for another episode of Behind the Curtain as we meet with Amy Johnson! In this episode, we sit down with Amy as she shares stories of her past projects, her current roles in Come From Away, and the many different ways in which she has always been involved in theatre. Tune in as Amy brings a fresh, uplifting perspective on how the entertainment industry can shape not only individuals, but communities as a whole, to bring about positive, lasting change. Be prepared to smile and laugh along with Amy and Roy in this cheery, heartfelt episode.

    EP. 16 - Amy Johnson

  5. Aug 23

    EP. 15 - Valerie Accetta

    This episode of Behind the Curtain features multitalented actress Valerie Accetta. Valerie is currently the head of the Musical Theatre department at UAB as well as an actress in Red Mountain Theatre's "Come From Away". In this podcast, Valerie discusses what it is like to play the roles of Beverley Bass and Annette in the show, as well as what this production means to her personally. Join us as Valerie details her life as a performer, director, teacher, and mother and as she explores how each of these roles have impacted and guided her life on and off the stage.

    EP. 15 - Valerie Accetta

  6. Aug 18

    EP. 14 - Caleb Clark

    Step behind the scenes with host Roy Lightner as he sits down with the multi-talented Caleb Clark, an actor in Red Mountain Theatre’s production of Come From Away. In this episode, Caleb shares his unique journey navigating the world as both a theatrical actor and a successful visual painter. Discover his beautiful artistic philosophy of being a "pane of glass" for the story, the challenges of creating in solitude versus the freedom of theater, and what it's like to transition in a matter of seconds between two very different characters, Doug and Nick, in Come From Away.

    EP. 14 - Caleb Clark

  7. Jul 30

    EP. 13 - Sara Brians

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the brilliant Sara Brians, the director and choreographer bringing Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life. Tune in as Sara shares her incredible journey from Northern California to New York City. She discusses starting dance at age four and booking her first professional job as a Radio City Rockette at just 18 years old. Listeners will be amazed to hear how she rapidly booked her first Broadway show in the revival of 42nd Street, stepping on stage as a swing covering 26 different tracks after only four days of rehearsal! Listen as they dive into Sara's transition from performing to creative leadership. She opens up about her experiences as a resident choreographer for massive Broadway hits like Billy Elliot and Matilda, detailing the rigorous process of teaching the legendary, high-stakes "alphabet gate" choreography in Matilda. Sara also shares her deeply collaborative philosophy as a director, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space where artists aren't afraid to take risks and fail. Beyond her past projects, Sara reveals her imaginative vision for The Little Mermaid, using reflective fabrics, projections, and massive puppet sea anemones to transport audiences underwater. She also discusses her profound connection to Ariel's search for identity and her future aspirations to create site-specific and immersive theater in non-traditional spaces.

    EP. 13 - Sara Brians

  8. Jul 3

    EP. 12 - Matthew Piper

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the incredibly talented Matthew Piper, who stars as Prince Eric in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Tune in as Matthew shares his unique journey to the stage, starting from his childhood growing up on a farm in a small Alabama town where his family wasn't familiar with the theater world. He hilariously recounts his very first audition in the fifth grade—where he snagged a role by singing the "Cup Song" from Pitch Perfect without the actual cup—and explains how the strong sense of belonging and community kept him hooked on the arts. Listeners will also hear the full-circle story of how a welcoming college audition led by Roy himself convinced Matthew to officially pursue a musical theater degree at UAB. Listen as they dive into Matthew's blossoming career, transitioning straight from a nine-month stint performing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to stepping into the shoes of an iconic Disney prince. He reveals the fun fact that he actually first played the role of Prince Eric in the eighth grade, making this a true homecoming moment. Matthew opens up about redefining success on his own terms, navigating life chapter by chapter, and his pursuit of finding ultimate freedom and a "flow state" during his performances. He also shares how looking up to grounded, talented artists like his Frozen co-star Sarah Fernandez has shaped his own professional trajectory. Beyond his current success, Matthew speaks about his simple but profound dream: to experience as much of life as possible and remain happy in whatever path he chooses to take. He reveals a beautiful personal practice on stage, sharing how he uses his moments of true artistic freedom to sing a silent "thank you" to the family, friends, and mentors who have supported his journey. Whether you're a local theater supporter, a young artist figuring out your path, or just someone who loves a heartwarming story of finding your people, this joyful and grounded episode is a must-listen!

    EP. 12 - Matthew Piper
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Behind the Curtain at Red Mountain Theatre! Join Roy Lightner, Singh Artistic Director, in the cozy recording studio at Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama. For over forty years, RMT has been the Magic City’s home for musical theatre, and we’re just getting started. Behind the Curtain gives you a peek behind the scenes here at RMT, and a deeper dive into the incredible artists we get to collaborate with. Each episode offers a closer look at the people whose passion and imagination shape the magic we’re making. From directors, to actors, to musicians, to the unsung backstage heroes, you'll get the stories you’ll never hear from your seat in the audience!

Information

  • Creator
    Red Mountain Theatre
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Red Mountain Theatre
  • Show Website
    Behind The Curtain

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