The Business of Theater, A Working Title

Rep Radio | Em3ry, LLC

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UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Business of Theater, A Working Title

Let’s talk about the business of the day as it relates to Theater with your hosts Darnelle Radford (Philadelphia) and Mitch Weiss (NYC). This is The Business of Theater, A Working Title. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at em3ry.com/tbot.

APR 7

TBOT_S03E20 - SPRING AWAKENS

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the multifaceted nature of the theater industry, focusing on the financial aspects, the challenges of accessibility, and the importance of creativity and entrepreneurship. They explore the changing landscape of Broadway, the struggles of theater management, and the journey of actors navigating their careers. The discussion emphasizes the value of experience, mentorship, and the need for a proactive approach in the theater world. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the complexities of the theater industry, focusing on the value of internships, the financial landscape of Broadway, and the challenges of ticket pricing. They discuss the impact of nonprofit versus for-profit theater, the importance of community engagement, and the need for a balance between artistic integrity and financial sustainability. The conversation highlights the evolving expectations of audiences and the necessity for theaters to adapt to changing economic conditions while maintaining accessibility. Chapters 00:00 The Business of Theater: Money Matters 03:12 The Changing Landscape of Broadway 05:46 The Importance of Accessibility in Theater 08:50 Navigating the Challenges of Theater Management 12:05 The Role of Creativity in Theater 15:11 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Theater 18:00 The Journey of Actors and Their Challenges 20:58 The Value of Experience and Mentorship 24:07 The Future of Theater and Its Opportunities 34:26 The Value of Internships in Theater 36:23 The Financial Landscape of Broadway 38:55 The Impact of Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Theater 41:12 The Challenge of Ticket Pricing 44:53 The Role of Community in Theater 51:12 Audience Engagement and Expectations 58:32 The Future of Theater Pricing and Accessibility
MAR 31

TBOT_S03E19 - MARCH OUT

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the challenges facing the theater industry, particularly in attracting audiences post-pandemic. They explore the importance of community engagement, the impact of Broadway on regional theaters, and the need for theaters to establish their unique identities. The discussion also touches on the effectiveness of membership and subscription models in fostering audience loyalty and the necessity of creating enriching experiences for theatergoers. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the challenges faced by theater companies in engaging audiences, the importance of community connections, and the balance between work and passion in the theater industry. They discuss the changing landscape of employment in theater, the financial dynamics of Broadway, and the need for community support to ensure the future of the arts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Business of Theater 02:02 The Challenge of Attracting Audiences 06:05 Post-Pandemic Theater Landscape 10:00 Community Engagement and Theater Identity 13:57 The Impact of Broadway on Regional Theater 18:01 Creating a Unique Theater Experience 21:54 Engaging New Audiences 26:09 Membership vs. Subscription Models 30:05 The Future of Theater Audiences 36:52 The Challenge of Audience Engagement 39:11 Creating Community Connections 41:38 Balancing Work and Passion in Theater 46:29 The Changing Landscape of Theater Employment 52:53 The Financial Dynamics of Broadway 01:05:57 The Future of Theater and Community Support Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.
MAR 10

TBOT_S03E18 - IT HAPPENS

In this engaging conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the intricate world of theater, touching on the recent Oscars, the impact of Broadway shows like Wicked, and the challenges faced by the industry in terms of pricing, audience engagement, and the evolution of live performances in the age of streaming. They discuss the disconnect between award shows and the general public, the rising costs of theater productions, and the prevalence of adaptations in musical theater, all while emphasizing the unique experience that live performances offer. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the evolution of musical theater, the challenges of adaptations, and the unexpected hurdles faced in theater production. They explore the importance of understudies, the changing role of directors, and the courage required to take risks in theater. The discussion also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the theater landscape and the ongoing issues of accessibility and inclusivity within the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Business of Theater 03:03 Oscars and Broadway Performances 06:03 The Impact of Wicked on Broadway 09:00 The Disconnect Between Award Shows and Audience Engagement 11:46 Theater Pricing and Accessibility Issues 14:48 The Challenges of Production Costs 18:01 The Evolution of Theater and Audience Expectations 20:55 The Future of Live Theater vs. Streaming Platforms 23:58 Adaptations in Musical Theater 26:33 Evolution of Musical Theater 27:54 Adaptations and Their Interpretations 30:45 Unexpected Challenges in Theater Production 36:17 The Role of Understudies in Theater 40:31 The Changing Role of Directors 45:09 The Courage to Take Risks in Theater 49:40 Navigating Post-COVID Theater Landscape 54:22 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Theater Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.
FEB 24

TBOT_S03E17 - IT GETS HARDER

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the challenges facing the theater industry, particularly in light of funding cuts and the impact of government policies on the arts. They explore the cultural landscape of Buenos Aires, the importance of arts in society, and the ongoing protests against political decisions affecting theater. The discussion highlights the need for community support and the role of artists in advocating for their craft. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the complexities of the theater industry, focusing on the challenges of funding, the importance of resilience, and the need for trust within the arts community. They explore the balance between commercial and nonprofit theater, the impact of funding cuts, and the necessity of taking risks in artistic production. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of accessibility in the arts and the lessons learned from failures, ultimately advocating for a more supportive environment for artists. Chapters 00:00 The Business of Theater: An Introduction 01:23 Art in Crisis: The Impact of Funding Cuts 03:55 Cultural Experiences: Theater in Buenos Aires 08:57 The Role of Arts in Society 12:40 Government Support for the Arts 17:02 Protests and the Future of Theater 22:01 The Intersection of Politics and Art 23:38 The Broken System and Outrage 25:20 Discerning Trust in the Arts 27:46 Resilience in Theater and Unionization 29:35 Frustrations with Arts Organizations 31:02 Funding Cuts and Community Impact 32:43 The Balance of Commercial and Nonprofit Theater 34:56 Accessibility in the Arts 36:52 The Importance of Risk in Theater 39:20 The Role of Nonprofit Organizations 42:37 Learning from Failure in the Arts 45:30 The Challenges of Nonprofit Funding 48:41 Finding New Paths in Art Production Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.
FEB 10

TBOT_S03E16 - GRAMMYS

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the current state of theater funding, the impact of the Grammy Awards, the challenges faced by artists, the importance of communication in the arts, and the stressful moments that arise in theater production. They also explore the resilience of theater artists, the role of general managers, and the chaos that can ensue during productions. The conversation highlights the complexities of the theater industry and the need for effective communication and decision-making. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the multifaceted challenges of theater production, from attracting audiences to the impact of streaming services and the importance of star power. They discuss the evolution of marketing strategies, the chaos of production, and the future of funding in the arts. The conversation highlights the stress and complexities faced by theater professionals while also celebrating the joy and excitement of successful productions. Chapters 00:00 The State of Theater Funding 03:03 The Impact of the Grammy Awards 05:58 Challenges Faced by Artists 09:12 Communication in the Arts 11:56 Stressful Moments in Theater 14:48 Unexpected Challenges and Resilience 17:59 The Role of General Managers 20:59 The Ghosts of Theater 24:02 The Chaos of Production 26:58 The Importance of Communication and Decision-Making 30:28 The Challenge of Attracting Audiences 33:55 The Evolution of Theater Marketing 37:44 Navigating the Chaos of Production 39:54 The Impact of Streaming on Theater 44:50 The Role of Star Power in Theater 50:31 The Future of Theater Funding 55:47 The Business of Theater Today Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.
JAN 20

TBOT_S03E15 - MARKETING

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the complexities of the theater industry, discussing the importance of recognizing excellence through awards, the challenges of engaging audiences, and the marketing strategies necessary for success. They delve into the role of nonprofit organizations, the impact of grant dependency, and the future of theater as a for-profit venture. The discussion highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the audience and the importance of promoting not just individual shows but the theater community as a whole. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the complexities of branding and audience engagement in the theater industry, particularly for nonprofits. They discuss the importance of clear communication and visibility, the challenges of subscription models, and the unique branding needs of smaller theater companies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Broadway, the impact of the pandemic on audience selectivity, and the necessity for theater companies to have a clear mission and purpose to thrive in the future.
JAN 13

TBOT_S03E14 - 2025

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the current state of theater, focusing on financial challenges, donor appeals, ticket pricing, and the dynamics of nonprofit theaters. They explore the impact of rising ticket prices on audience engagement and the necessity for community building within the theater space. The discussion also highlights the importance of effective marketing and scheduling to enhance audience attendance and support for theater productions. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle discuss the impact of the pandemic on theater communities, the importance of storytelling, and the need for nonprofits to engage younger generations. They explore the financial challenges faced by theaters, the significance of audience engagement, and the anticipation surrounding upcoming productions like Wicked. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovation and relevance in theater to attract and retain audiences. Chapters 00:00 Theater's Financial Landscape and Donor Appeals 09:57 Ticket Pricing Trends and Audience Perception 19:57 Nonprofit Theater Challenges and Community Engagement 30:00 The Importance of Marketing and Scheduling in Theater 36:40 Community Resilience Post-Pandemic 39:09 Theater's Financial Landscape and Audience Engagement 42:09 The Importance of Storytelling in Theater 46:01 Engaging Younger Generations in Theater 51:00 The Future of Nonprofit Theater 56:51 Anticipation for Upcoming Productions Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Email us at tbot@em3ry.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.Chapters 00:00 Theater's Financial Landscape and Donor Appeals 09:57 Ticket Pricing Trends and Audience Perception 19:57 Nonprofit Theater Challenges and Community Engagement 30:00 The Importance of Marketing and Scheduling in Theater 36:40 Community Resilience Post-Pandemic 39:09 Theater's Financial Landscape and Audience Engagement 42:09 The Importance of Storytelling in Theater 46:01 Engaging Younger Generations in Theater 51:00 The Future of Nonprofit Theater 56:51 Anticipation for Upcoming Productions Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend, colleague or give us some social media love. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at https://em3ry.com/tbot. Email us at tbot@em3ry.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “em3ryotm”.
12/09/2024

TBOT_S03E13 - PURPOSE

Takeaways Finding purpose in theater is essential. Avenue Q and Wicked represent different eras in theater. Tony Awards can significantly impact a show's success. Word of mouth remains the most effective marketing tool. Celebrity involvement does not guarantee ticket sales. Social media's role in ticket sales is limited. Audience engagement is crucial for theater success. Theater companies must adapt to changing audience preferences. Reviews should inform rather than overshadow the audience's experience. Effective advertising strategies are vital for theater productions. The ticketing experience is evolving, with many opting for direct purchases. Local theaters provide a personal touch that enhances the audience experience. The rise of ticketing agencies has changed the pricing landscape. Broadway productions are facing increasing financial pressures. Competition among theaters can hinder collaboration and community growth. Artistic vision is crucial for successful theater productions. Accessibility and audience engagement are ongoing challenges. Play development requires audience feedback to succeed. Innovative models for theater development can enhance community engagement. The demand for new and extraordinary works is growing among audiences. Chapters 00:00 Finding Purpose in Theater 06:01 The Impact of Tony Awards on Broadway Shows 11:53 The Role of Reviews and Influencers 18:09 Navigating Ticket Sales and Audience Engagement 24:43 The Importance of Local Theater and Personal Touch 30:23 Competition and Collaboration in the Theater Community 36:24 The Debate on Accessibility and Audience Engagement 45:34 Innovative Models for Theater Development

4

out of 5

4 Ratings

Let’s talk about the business of the day as it relates to Theater with your hosts Darnelle Radford (Philadelphia) and Mitch Weiss (NYC). This is The Business of Theater, A Working Title. This podcast is an Em3ry production. Visit us online at em3ry.com/tbot.

Creator

Rep Radio | Em3ry, LLC
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

69
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2023. An Em3ry Production. All Rights Reserved.
Show Website

The Business of Theater, A Working Title