Davenport Junior Theatre Podcast

Join us as we speak to Americorps member Lydia Hains about her journey at Davenport Junior Theatre, from Homeschool classes to Mainstage to Junior Staffer and now Americorps member.

Daniel reflects on his time with Davenport Junior Theatre and shares what the future may hold.

Cayla joins us again on the podcast after 3 years! She tells us about her new position here at JT, what she's been doing for the past 3 years, and some other things that have changed. However, the one thing that hasn't changed is her love for Davenport Junior Theatre! 

Join us as we speak with our Mainstage Artistic Director, Ashley Becher. She tells about what it's like behind the scenes of our mainstage productions, mainstage moving forward, AND even announces the shows for the upcoming 73rd season!

Join us as we talk with Allison Niemela, a former DJT kid. Allison takes us on a walk through her life from before she discovered DJT, her time at DJT, and how her life today is still influneced by DJT, especially as she works for a Parks and Rec Department. She is a true DJT kid and even came back for the 70th anniversity to give a wonderful speech!

Rachel Wagner started out as one of the first teachers in our dance program and then became our 2nd dance coordinator. Join us as Rachel speaks about her own dance journey, developing the new dance program, and how it has grown since then. 

From helping start the dance program here at DJT to diving into her artistic passions, Lauren takes us through her life and expreinces that lead her to where she is today!

As generous supporter and alumni of Davenport Junior Theatre, Jim McCoy joins us to speak about his current life and involvements in the arts and to touch on his time at DJT. Jim is also the underwriter of our production of Squirrel Girl, which closes this weekend!

Cal Warner joins us to speak about his time as a DJT kid in the 50's and 60's. Now part of a major law firm in Davenport, Cal runs many non-profits to give back to the community.

A student during the "revitalization" period of Davenport Junior Theatre, Brooke Galvan shares her experiences at DJT with us. And now as a writer of children's shows Brooke leads us through her journey in theatre to reach where she is now.

Steve tells us about his experience not just as a Davenport Junior Theatre kid, but as the grandson of the program's founder. We discuss his relationship with his grandmother, how his time at DJT helps him today, and just how important family was to Mary and still today.

Sadie grew up a DJT kid. After graduating the program in 2015, she headed to Florida to work with Walt Dinsey World and attend UCF. Recently her partner and her have started a new adventure in their lives traveling the world and blogging about it as they go. You can find their blog at https://whywaitgotravel.com/. Join us as we catch up with Sadie whiles she's 19 hours ahead of us into a new day!

Don Souhrada was deeply involved in DJT as a kid in the 80's. Today he calls Chicago home, where he uses his childhood skills daily. Join Don as he shares memories of then and experiences of today. 

Cynthia's journey in the performing arts has taken her coast to coast and back again. She was a longtime DJT kid, teacher, and mainstage director. Cynthia earned her masters in psychology and uses all her skills leading kids in the classroom today.

Gail has led a life full of theatre, teaching, and athletics. She says that DJT gave her the confidence to do all of these things. Doing theatre even led her to meet her husband!

Cayla has spent almost a decade at DJT doing everything there is to do. She has spent the past two years serving as the Junior Board President. As she gets ready to head off to college we reflect on her years spent at DJT. 

Tina Luse aka "The Captain" spent many years at Junior Theatre, watching it grow and evolve. Today she is an epidemiologist studying disease in the Military. Listen to to learn about her years at DJT and how she got her nickname! 

Ali discovered DJT while she was in high school, but being a little late to the party didn't stop her from making lasting memories and relationships. Since she graduated from DJT, she has had quite the adventure with internships, jobs, and other unique opportunities. One of her many projects was producing a documentary-style short film  about DJT. You can find that film here! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMo3EvZfT0Q&t=18s

You can't talk about QC theatre legends without mentioning Denny Hitchcock. He opened Circa '21 in 1977 and has kept it running ever since. Listen to hear the story of Circa 21 and it's 44 years as a wonderful dinner theatre. 

Amanda was a dancer who found her love of theatre through DJT. While at DJT she learned many skills that she still uses today! 

Did you know that DJT's podcast originally premiered in 2009? Podcasts weren't as popular back then, but we do have some pretty cool podcasts in our archives! In this week's podcast from the past you will get to hear all about Bonnie Guenther, the former program supervisor for DJT. 

Ashley was our dance coordinator right before Jenny! She was the original creator of the DJT shoe exchange which helps our dancers shoes keep up with their growing feet. She talks about DJT dance during an important time of growth. 

Livvia and Brian both spent their entire childhood and teen years at DJT taking part in shows, being on crew, running the show wagon, and creating lasting relationships. Today they are happily married and living in Wisconsin! 

Bobby is one of our DJT teachers and is also the director of our upcoming mainstage, Alice in Wonderland! He has done theatre all around the Quad Cities and even across the world! Stream Alice and Wonderland this weekend and next weekend on the DJT website. Saturdays (2/20 and 2/27) at @4pm and Sundays (2/21 and 2/28) @1pm and @4pm.

Sarah Thole grew up as a DJT kid and never let theatre leave her life. Today, she uses her DJT skills in the classroom teaching 2nd graders and with a local high school's theatre department. If you listen closely to this podcast, you might even hear some of Sarah's students passing by! 

Since 2009 Aaron has written shows, directed, designed, and seen his own kids on the DJT stage.  He is also very involved in the local Theatre scene and has advice for aspiring artists.

In part two of our student double feature current student, Sophie Pepper, talks the dance side of DJT! 

In part one of our student double feature current student, Katelyn Morris, talks the theatre side of DJT!

Her first ever dance recital was on the DJT stage, now she oversees the entire dance program as the dance coordinator! Listen to learn more about DJT dance, and how Jenny became a dancer. 

Between gardening, writing, and running her own theatre troupe, Mary Swander is quite the busy alumni! Listen as she tells not only stories about herself, but stories about our founder, Mary Fluhrer Nighswander as well. 

There are so many jobs that DJT alums us their theatre experience for. In Kayla's case, it's being a children's librarian and running a voice acting website!

Jim has used his DJT background in many interesting ways including museum work, writing, and many role playing games! Listen for another great tale of a DJT alumni. 

Elise spent her summer serving an Americorps term at DJT. She's back again for another term! Find out what she has been doing and more in this episode!

Zach has enjoyed all aspects of Junior Theatre including classes, performing, designing, directing, and so on! Now, he's the one who takes care of all of the DJT facilities! Listen to find out what kind of projects he has been part of over the years. 

From teacher, to author, to librarian, to running a food bank, Elieen Boggess has done it all! Before all that? She was having fun at Junior Theatre! 

How did a New York based actor end up at a children's theatre in Davenport, Iowa? Listen to this episode to find out!

From the Show Wagon to Broadway, Brett Batterson has had a long career in the arts. Today he is CEO and President at the Orpheum in Memphis… But how did he get there?

Ever wonder what Junior Theatre was like 12 years ago? Daniel Sheridan can tell you all that and more in the very first episode of the NEW Davenport Junior Theatre podcast!