Showtuned

Brett Boles & Josh Shelton
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  • Performing Arts

Welcome to Showtuned - A podcast about musicals and the craft of storytelling through songs. Hosted by Brett Boles (The M Tea) and Josh Shelton (Counterpoint Musicals). Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, Disney adult or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Join the community and experience bonus content on Patreon.com/showtunedFollow on IG @showtunedpod

Episodes

  1. 1 day ago

    Part 2: The 10 Commandments of Musical Theater Lyric Writing

    This is Part 2 of a 2 part episode where Brett and Josh discuss the "10 Commandments of Musical Theater Lyric Writing" as written by Pat Cook, former moderator of the BMI Workshop: Thou shalt be singable.Thou shalt be understandable.Thou shalt be about one thing and one thing only.Thou shalt be specific.Thou shalt write dramatically.Thou shalt not self pity (except in comedy).Thou shalt not misaccent (thou shalt correctly scan).Thou shalt find fresh images.Thou shalt not false rhyme or transpose words.Thou shalt not be rigid or wordy. Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:21 Commandment 6 — “Thou shalt not self-pity except in comedy” 4:06 Commandment 7 — “Thou shalt not mis-accent / correctly scan” 9:29 Commandment 8 — “Thou shalt find fresh images” 14:26 Commandment 9 — “Thou shalt not false rhyme or transpose words” 26:20 Commandment 10 — “Thou shalt not be rigid or wordy” Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Join us on Patreon: Patreon.com/showtuned Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  2. 15 Jul

    Part 1: The 10 Commandments of Musical Theater Lyric Writing

    This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode where Brett and Josh discuss the "10 Commandments of Musical Theater Lyric Writing" as written by Pat Cook, former moderator of the BMI Workshop: 1    Thou shalt be singable. 2    Thou shalt be understandable. 3    Thou shalt be about one thing and one thing only. 4    Thou shalt be specific. 5    Thou shalt write dramatically. 6    Thou shalt not self pity (except in comedy). 7    Thou shalt not misaccent (thou shalt correctly scan). 8    Thou shalt find fresh images. 9    Thou shalt not false rhyme or transpose words. 10  Thou shalt not be rigid or wordy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of singable, understandable, and specific lyrics, as well as the need to write dramatically and avoid self-pity (except in comedy!). Crafting effective theater lyrics requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Finding fresh and unique imagery is essential in creating compelling and engaging theater lyrics. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:24 I Want Songs for the Week 6:30 Differences in Poetry, Pop, & Musical Theater Lyrics. 14:22 Commandment 1: Be Singable 17:14 Commandment 2: Be Understandable 22:45 Commandment 3: Be About One Thing Only 26:57 Commandment 4: Be Specific 34:11 Commandment 5: Write Dramatically 37:21 Outro Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  3. 9 Jun

    2026 Tony Winners: Ragtime & Schmigadoon

    2026 Tonys: Ragtime & Schmigadoon - Brett and Josh discuss the two big winners from the Tonys for Best Musical (Schmigadoon) and Best Revival of a Musical (Ragtime). Ragtime is Brett’s all-time favorite musical and he saw this production multiple times. Join us as we dive into what makes these shows so unique! Join for free or as a paid member to enjoy bonus content on: Patreon.com/showtuned Chapters 0:00  Introduction 3:31  I Want Songs for the Week 5:17  2026 Tonys Recap 8:24  Ragtime 23:30  Schmigadoon 29:55  What We’re Listening To Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  4. 3 Jun

    Make a List. Make a List. Make a List.

    Lists are one of the most powerful brainstorming and creativity inducing processes of songwriting. Why are lists so helpful? What type of lists do we make when songwriting? Why did Sondheim love making lists? In this episode Brett and Josh dive into the importance of writing lists and the transformative effect it has on the songwriting process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Showtuned02:50 I Want Songs for the Week06:45 Main Topic: Writing Lists12:42 The Power of Metaphors17:11 Character and Scene Setting22:40 Think Like an Actor26:00 Rhymes32:46 What We’re Listening To36:46 OutroSongs referenced available for free on Patreon.com/showtuned Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  5. 26 May

    Top 10 Types of Songs in Musical Theater (part 2)

    In Part 2 of the Top 10 Types of Songs in Musical Theater, Brett and Josh discuss: The Charm Song, Conflict/Confrontation Song, Reprises, Act Finales, 11 O’Clock Numbers Join us on Patreon (free & paid): https://www.patreon.com/showtuned Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/showtunedpod Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:34 Charm Songs 6:09 Conflict and Confrontation Songs 11:00 Reprise and Its Impact 15:45 Act Finale and Ensemble Numbers 20:52 The 11 O'Clock Number 27:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links to songs referenced on https://www.patreon.com/showtuned Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  6. 19 May

    Top 10 Types of Songs in Musicals (part 1)

    In Part 1 of the Top 10 Types of Songs in Musical Theater, Brett and Josh discuss: Opening Numbers, Character Establishment Songs, Ballads, Conditional Love Songs and Comedy Songs. Join us on Patreon (free & paid): https://www.patreon.com/showtuned Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/showtunedpod Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:55 What is Your "I Want Song" for the Week?06:05 Every Song Has a Job08:45 List of 10 Types of Songs in Musicals09:45 Opening Numbers22:45 I Want Song / Character Establishment30:10 Ballads37:37 Conditional Love Songs43:31 Comedy Songs Link to songs referenced on Patreon! Hosted by Brett Boles (The M Tea) and Josh Shelton (Counterpoint Musicals). Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  7. 14 May

    How are Movie Musicals Different from Theater?

    In this episode of "Showtuned," Brett & Josh explore the fundamental differences between stage and film musicals, including storytelling techniques, audience engagement, technical considerations, and structural differences. Perfect for musical theater enthusiasts, songwriters, and filmmakers. Key Topics Differences in storytelling between stage and film musicalsTechnical tools unique to each medium (lighting, sound, camera)Structural differences: two-act vs three-act formatsAudience engagement and the live experienceAdapting stage shows into movies: challenges and strategiesThe role of the director and the camera in storytellingSong length and pacing considerations in film and theaterVisual spectacle and scale in film adaptationsThe importance of suspension of disbelief in different mediumsThe evolution and innovation in musical film genre Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Showtuned03:11 What is Your "I Want Song" for the Week?05:45 Stage Musicals vs. Movie Musicals14:55 Crafting for Different Mediums22:22 The Role of Audience and Performance26:41 Understanding Musical Structures: Two Acts vs. Three Acts30:33 Song Structure and Length Differences31:23 The Importance of Pacing in Film and Stage Musicals33:26 Song Development: From Film to Stage Adaptations36:08 The Differences in Production: Film vs. Stage38:44 What We're Listening to This Week Links to What We're Listening To: Bridges of Madison CountryGypsy Demos

  8. 5 May

    Song Structures: Verse-Chorus vs AABA

    In this episode of Showtuned, Brett Boles (The M Tea) and Josh Shelton (Counterpoint Musicals) delve into the exploration of song structure and form, emphasizing the significance of verse-chorus and AABA forms in musical storytelling. They discuss the role of song structure in character development and story momentum, providing examples from classic and contemporary musical theater. It explores the importance of expectation, repetition and variation in engaging the audience. The concept of through-composed songs in musical theater is also discussed, emphasizing their rarity and the challenges they present. Join us on Patreon (free & paid): https://www.patreon.com/showtuned Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/showtunedpod Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:25 - My "I Want Song" for the Week 06:15 - Verse-Chorus Song Form 18:08 - AABA Song Form 33:00 - Through Composed Song Form Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

  9. 28 Apr

    Song Spotting & Toy Story as a Musical!

    Today we dive into the art and science of song spotting, exploring the 4 types of "pressure" in a scene that can trigger good moments for songs, and the pacing of songs in musical storytelling. We also do a fun exercise of Song Spotting the movie Toy Story as if we were adapting it into a musical. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - I Want Songs for the Week 6:00 - Song Spotting Discussion 23:00 - Song Spotting Exercise: Toy Story 1 Takeaways * Songspotting is the art and science of finding moments in a show that sing, identifying when dialogue is no longer sufficient and when a song must take over. * Musical theater songs move a character forward or move the story forward in some way, unlike songs written for other genres that exist in a moment. Movie musicals vs. stage musicals Join us on Patreon (free & paid): https://www.patreon.com/showtuned Follow on IG: @showtunedpod Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Produced by Counterpoint Musicals

  10. 21 Apr

    What is Song Mapping?

    The first episode of Showtuned: A podcast about musicals and storytelling through songs, introduces the concept of Song Mapping and its importance in the songwriting process. Brett and Josh ask each other to share their "I Want Song for the Week," they explore the structure and form of songs, providing examples and insights into the song mapping process. Join us on Patreon (free & paid) - https://www.patreon.com/showtuned Follow on IG: @showtunedpod - https://www.instagram.com/showtunedpod Takeaways Song mapping is a pre-writing technique that can save time, help find clarity, and provide a storytelling foundation when writing songs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Showtuned05:35 My "I Want Song" for the Week10:39 Song Mapping Overview18:33 Song Mapping Example: Stand Still Hosted by Brett Boles (The M Tea) and Josh Shelton (Counterpoint Musicals). Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here.

    What is Song Mapping?

  11. Season 1 Trailer

    Introducing "Showtuned" (Trailer)

    Welcome to Showtuned! A podcast about musicals and the craft of storytelling through songs. Hosted by Brett Boles (The M Tea) and Josh Shelton (Counterpoint Musicals). Join the community and experience bonus content on Patreon: patreon.com/showtuned Follow on IG: @showtunedpod Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here.

    Introducing "Showtuned" (Trailer)

Trailer

About

Welcome to Showtuned - A podcast about musicals and the craft of storytelling through songs. Hosted by Brett Boles (The M Tea) and Josh Shelton (Counterpoint Musicals). Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, Disney adult or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here. Join the community and experience bonus content on Patreon.com/showtunedFollow on IG @showtunedpod

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Boles & Josh Shelton
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Brett Boles & Josh Shelton
  • Show Website
    Showtuned

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