Let’s face it: theatre makers are busy people. Between the time, energy, and commitment required to bring your own shows to life and all the rest of the work you do to support that creative habit, it’s easy to feel out of touch with what’s happening in the wider world of theatre.

Fortunately, artists can be great multitaskers…and where there’s a will, there’s a podcast. So whether you’re on the train, on the treadmill, or just hiding out in the teacher’s room between periods of Intro to Drama, there are theatre people out there making content just for you.

Here are some of our favorites:


For the Jack of All Trades

The Theatre Podcast

 

If you’re interested in the bigger producing picture, The Theatre Podcast is right up your alley. Host Alan Seales interviews guests from a wide range of theatre-adjacent professions, including marketing and the press, to give listeners a full-scope behind-the-scenes education. Come for the fascinating insights about Broadway-level production, stay for the entertainment and helpful advice that just might be applicable to your own show.

Episode to Note:

Episode 14, Interview with Dori Berinstein

In this interview, Broadway Producer Dori Berinstein (Fool Moon, Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002), Legally Blonde,The Prom) discusses what she actually does as a producer. Turns out she chooses her projects based on her deep passion for storytelling! As inspirational as it is informative, this episode is not to be missed.

By Theatre Teachers, For Theatre Teachers

Minor Wisdom

 

If you’re looking to delve into the world of theatre and education, this is the podcast for you. With guests in the industry of educational theatre, and poignant conversations with witty humor, this podcast will help educators and theatre makers alike think about how to influence the next generation of theatre makers, and how to direct students effectively.

Episode to Note:

Guest Interview Episode: Jennifer Schriever

This episode, Minor Wisdom sits down with Tony Nominee Jennifer Schriever, who talks about how she found theatre in high school when she was growing up, and the influence of educational theatre on her career. Jennifer reminisces and reflects on everything theatre means to her, and what it can mean for your students.

For the History BufF

Theatre History Podcast

 

If you’re looking for new-to-you shows to produce, interested in exploring themes, or just fascinated by the history of theatre, this podcast, hosted by Michael Lueger, is for you. There’s an episode for almost every historical topic you can think of, including the history of copyright in theatre, Argentinian theatre history, Shakespeare’s legacy, feminism and theatre, and many, many more.

Episode to Note:

#45: Rethinking Amateur Theatricals with David Coates

Do you run a theatre program for a school, community theatre, or other small, independent company? Your niche in the wider theatrical field is full of history, too! Guest David Coates researched amateur theatricals for his PhD, so he knows all about your deep lineage: How were amateur theatricals established? Who was involved in them? Who went to see these shows? What would you have seen if you attended a production? Were women involved on stage? Coates answers all these questions and more.

If You’re Producing a Sondheim Show

Putting it Together: The Music of Stephen Sondheim

 

Each week Kyle Marshall and a special guest (or two) come together to unpack the humor, character work, and potential hidden meanings of Stephen Sondheim’s music. With six seasons so far, Putting it Together has focused on the songs in West Side Story, Gypsy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle, Do I Hear a Waltz?, and Company.

 

Episode to Note:

Putting It Together: Ann Morrison

Ann Morrison, an American actress, joins the podcast this week, reflecting on her theatre career and her acting experience. “When I played Mary Flynn [from Merrily We Roll Along], there were times I was bringing Mary Flynn home,” she reminisces, speaking to the importance of leaving characters “in the dressing room” as she says.

For the Best of Both Worlds

Playing on Air: A Theatre Podcast

 

Stripping back the traditional podcasting format to focus on the real, raw experiences of theatre, each episode of Playing On Air offers both entertainment and behind-the-scenes insight. Beginning with the reading of a short play (starring some of your favorite actors), the format then segues into  talkback with the creative team. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn about acting, directing, and more with only your ears to rely on! Think of this podcast as part theatrical production, part master class, and a valuable supplement to your existing curriculum.

Episode to Note:

MISADVENTURES by Donald Margulies

This episode is one of Playing On Air’s most popular, for good reason, and makes a great entry point into the podcast. Misadventures, centers around the consequences one brother (played by Timothée Chalamet) faces from his sister (played by Zoe Kazan) after his arrest for underage, public drinking. You’ll really hear the actors’ craft and get to analyze the different choices they make as the mood of the piece evolves from anger, to humor, to seriousness, to its heartwarming resolution. In the talkback that follows, playwright Donald Margulies and the actors join host Claudia Catania to discuss their perspectives on playwriting itself.

Broadway Podcast Network

 

In addition to the great, standalone podcasts we’ve already listed, the Broadway Podcast Network as a whole is an excellent resource. This recently launched collection of theatre podcasts is searchable by host, title, and length to make it easy for you to find just the right content to suit your fancy. Here are a few of our favorite Broadway Podcast Network podcasts:

Behind the Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends

 

On Behind the Curtain, Rob Schneider and Kevin David Thomas interview Broadway actors, directors, producers, and many more. Not only are the guests fascinating, the hosts themselves have a infectious love for their subject matter that is apparent across the airwaves.

 

Episode to Note:

Episode #156 with Richard Frankel

In this episode, Tony-winning producer of Hairspray, The Producers, Angels in America, and more, Richard Frankel discusses why he fell in love with theatre and how he chooses what projects to produce. (Good news: You’re not the only one struggling to pick the right show!) He even talks about how his high school drama teachers changed his life, a message that we back 100%. This episode is a must listen.

Page to Stage:A Conversation with Theatre Makers

 

Hosted by Mary Dina and Brian Sedita, each episode of Page to Stage features an interview with a Broadway professional from one of the less frequently spotlighted corners of the industry. Let the actors, directors, and producers take a well-deserved break! Here you’ll hear from literary managers, composers, and hairdressers, to just name a few, who offer their own insights into the industry. Better yet, each episode is filled with tips and tricks you can put to use in your own productions.

 

Episode to Note:

#16: Ryan Lee Masline

Wardrobe supervisor Ryan Lee Masline works both on Broadway and in Television. In this episode, he offers insight into costuming for both formats, including how he and his colleagues find, create, and organize the pieces. It is very informative to hear the terminology of the wardrobe world, including the business aspects of different costume shops bidding for the chance to make outfits.

The Ensemblist

 

More than just a podcast, The Ensemblist is a collection of miniseries inspired by ensemble theatre. With over 200 episodes produced to date, the show covers the gamut of themes, such as premature closings, queer characters, pre-production, and even the audition processes. Even if your students aren’t dreaming of one day appearing on Broadway there is something interesting and educational in here for everyone.

Episode to Note:

#166: Let’s Talk About Auditions (Feat. Chris Kong)

Although he currently plays on Broadway, pianist Chris Kong’s past experience includes professional accompaniment for auditions and rehearsals…and he’s learned a thing or two along the way! If you’re at all nervous about your upcoming audition process, this episode will help give you an idea of what you’re in for, from the perspective of the pianist. The “Let’s Talk About Auditions” miniseries also features episodes from a producer, an actor, and a choreographer, all of which are equally as interesting.

Break a Bat

 

While cliche might insist that athletes and drama kids don’t mix, Break a Bat! Is proof that the two interests can and do go hand in hand. After all, there are many similarities between baseball and theatre: both take place in front of audiences (who are all too eager to give feedback!) and both require immense amounts of practice. If you’re looking to recruit some of student athletes into your program, this podcast will provide just the talking points you need.

Episode to Note:

#63 Now Batting: Michael Park

In this episode, host Al Malafronte interviews lifelong baseball fan Michael Park, who’s prominent acting work is surprisingly, but heartwarmingly, incredibly influenced by baseball. Park’s work includes Dear Evan HansenStranger Things and As the World Turns. Full of humor and heartwarming stories, Michael Park shares stories of acting throughout the episode, including the proudest and most embarrassing moments of his career. “I was lucky enough to be choreographed by Rob Marshall… I tripped, and I fell and I skid across the stage, and not a second later I’m up,” he shares with a laugh.

Develop Your Character

 

In each episode of this podcast from Camp Broadway, host Elysa Gardner talks with industry experts, theatre teachers, and even parents to teach performers (and those teaching performers) how to become great at their craft. If you’re looking for ways to help your young actors to grow in all facets of their lives, this podcast is the one not to miss. 

Episode to Note:

#3: Tasha Partee, Award-Winning Educator

Drama teacher Tasha Partee, from Long Island, New York, has not only won a Jimmy award, several of her former students have, too! In this episode, she discusses how, beyond performance itself, theatre is a means of enrichment because it provides actors with soft skills that will help them in any career path they choose. While she says we live in the age of a monologue, she encourages her students to view theatre as a dialogue with each other and with the audience. Full of words of wisdom for anyone looking for advice or encouragement, Tasha urges all of us to be okay with saying “I don’t know”

Love a theatre podcast that we didn’t mention here? Let us know! We’re always looking for new resources! Check out even more amazing theatre podcasts at our Spotify playlist, updated weekly with new amazing resources for theatre makers everywhere. 

If you’re looking to grow your theatre and elevate your experience, book a personalized demo today with On The Stage to learn more about how you can elevate your organization.