The Art & Business of Community Theater

The whole gang is back together as Dave asks the riveting question: "What the hell is wrong with playwrights?" Not surprisingly, the groupies tangent off into various streams of consciousness. Also, Broadway Brian gives a review on the Broadway musical, "Swept Away".

The Groupies gather together to discuss the many challenges Directors face during a show. Dave surprises everyone with a Broadway quiz that Broadway Brian is not there to enjoy! (Editor's note!) Ron and Bob make several solid points and Katheen gives a revue of The Toledo Reps production of "Camping With Henry & Tom". And Happy Thanksgiving from all the Groupies to all of you!!! We are very grateful to all our listeners!

The Green Room doors are open again! Join them as they discuss the many many challenges of actors, and we're not even line memorization! Ron and Bob bring up the infamous show, "Rumors" to prove their points. Kathleen shudders at the memories! And Dave shares his theater experiences from Vietnam! Yes folks, Vietnam Dave is in the Green Room! Join us and leave all your worries behind!

The Groupies return to discuss the right shows to perform during the Halloween season. Bob shares his personal favorite and Dave is able to slip in his running gag... And so is Brian, thanks to Dave! Kathleen gives a review of a play she went and saw and of course, the Tangentverse is visited more than once because... Hey! It's the Green Room!

The gang gathers in the Green Room again, this time to discuss important books on acting and directing. Tangents abound and Ron and Dave discuss the highs and lows of their most recent production of "Moonlight & Magnolias".

In this thrilling installment, Dave's niece, Caitlin, enters the Green Room to join the groupies discussion on theater festivals. Brian recounts his experience at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The groupies discuss the idea of smaller towns trying to do their own weekend theater festivals. Caitlin gives a Broadway revue! AND, an ending that NOBODY saw coming! If you're a long time listener, you may be slightly surprised at the revelation the Groupies receive! GASP!!!

Some of the usual suspects are back, minus Ron and Kathleen. The topic is how much research should you do when playing a historical character. Carol reveals her favorite accent of all time, Dave and Brian discuss their upcoming show, "Moonlight & Magnolias", Bob's witty one-liners are in abundance and Brian gives a review on a unique version of "The Importance of Being Earnest" that he saw in Edinburgh, Scotland. Come hither and let the groupies regale you with the topic of the week!

Those Groupies are back early thanks to a vacationing Editor. The gang, minus Ronald Roberts, discuss how to attract new directors, how to encourage them and tips for them. Tangents are heard, Carol reveals what her biggest fear was when she started directing, David Wahr subtly tries to entice Kathleen into directing- finally, and Brian Burchette has an emotional moment on the air (much to the surprise of nobody). Insert eye roll here. Check it our and we'll see you all again in September!

The Groupies gather to discuss the difficulties in playing more than one character in the same show as well as the importance of audience interaction during productions. Bob Yoman takes us into the Tangentverse with a Star Trek reference and David Wahr has a timely review of a show that includes a young man in a speedo! Hmmmm..... Join us and check it out!!!!

The Groupies return to discuss which is better, choosing your own song to sing at auditions or having the director choose them. Robert Yoman takes them on a merry trip through the Tangentverse. Ronald Roberts surprises everyone with his go to song for musicals and Carol's personal comment causes David Wahr to apologize to an entire country! You got to hear it to believe it! All this and Kathleen McBee has a review of a new show at the Purple Rose Theater! Join us!

The groupies, minus Brian gather to discuss the visions they have for themselves and their Community Theater group. But what's this?! Someone new joins the table! Welcome Mark Thornton, who brings a younger perspective to the discussions. All this and a road trip review from Kathleen and a show review from Dave!

Dave, Ron, Carol and Brian gather to discuss scene design. Broadway Brian gives his review on the Off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors" and Bob finally reappears with a very special guest, but the question still remains.... where is Kathleen?

Ron and Brian are back! Bob and Kathleen are missing! The musical chairs continue as the Groupies celebrate their diamond jubilee by reflecting on the state of theater and community theater since Covid. Also, Brian gives the groupies a quiz to test their knowledge on the first 75 episodes.

Dave, Carol, Bob and Kathleen return to the Green Room to discuss that age old question: How does an actor prepare for a role! The ladies discuss how they are working on their Steel Magnolia characters while their directors for the show (Ron and Brian) are away. Hmmmm..... Come see how those ladies really feel about their recent directors!

The Groupies, minus Ron and Brian, discuss several topics that have come through the Green Room. Kathleen talks about her visit to a local theater and Dave laments Ron not being with them.... just Ron. Hmmmm.... Yes, the Editor did notice that.... Join us and come and waist an hour or two... doodly doo! (actually less than an hour)

The Groupies tackle the question: You Might Be a Diva if.... (apologies to Jeff Foxworthy!) Can Diva's use their attitude for the good of the organization? Dave and Brian share some personal experiences throughout their theater careers. Ron and Bob keep count on how many signs there really are! And Kathleen gives a review on "Our Town!" Listen in and find out if you might just be a Diva!

The Groupies return with the question, where does the heart of theater truly live, Broadway or Community? Ron gets in two, count them two, sports references! Bob and Kathleen make several interesting points and Brian makes a startling announcement that could very well alter the group's dynamics... forever!!!!

The Groupies return with a totally different question: "What do you hate about theater?' Yep, we're going there! Ron surprises everyone with a long overdue rant! Kathleen points out that making money in a show isn't always a sign of a successful show, and Dave and Carol discuss their opinions on Wicked and Hadestown! It's definitely a must listen too!

In this episode, Dave asks the questions, are there certain shows that belong in certain venues and when can you take a show on the road. Brian makes a horribly off-color joke that may bring the Groupies letters, Bob takes the group into the Tangenverse with Woodstock, Ron sits quietly in fear of it becoming a "Ron episode" and Kathleen and Carol falsely assume why Dave wasn't all together thrilled with the show he saw! Is there high drama going on between Groupies? Probably not, but listen anyway!

The Green Room Groupies Return with the question, how does a director handle actors who don't see the character the same way as they do. Many ideas and suggestions are thrown out and while Kathleen is still away, Brian brings up their discussion from Monroe Community Players' recent production of "Becky's New Car". What will be Kathleen's response when she returns?! GASP! Is there inner turmoil in the Green Room!?!

This episode, the Groupies discuss what a director needs to do to prepare for auditions. Bob and Carol bring up several good points. Ron gets in a sports reference! Brian has a crisis of faith! Does Dave inadvertently reveal his favorite groupie?!?! The gang talks about the shows that had the most impact on their lives. And the big question on everyone's mind is..... Is this a Ron episode? Join us and decide for yourself!

The Groupies return for Part 2 of a very special episode. How do you market the love you have for Community Theater! Dave raises the question of which is more marketable, whose in the show or what the show is about? How should we tell the story? Brian discusses his idea for marketing MCP's latest show. Bob continues to find new adjectives to describe himself. Kathleen plays Devil's Advocate to Dave which may or may not come back to haunt him when Dave gives his review of a recent show he's seen! You've got to listen to hear the outcome!!! It's another full house

It's a full house as the Green Room Groupies reminisce about the moments they've had that shaped their love and dedication to community theater. Carol throws out a sports reference as Ron looks on in horror! Bob reflects on his time with Death of a Salesman and The Producers, which Kathleen has never seen, and Broadway Brian gives a review of the Broadway revival, "Spamalot"

Those Green Room Groupies all return for the first episode of the New Year! The topic of how to increase membership and volunteers tangents off into how to get the young actors into your organization. Ron gives us a long overdue sports analogy, Kathleen reminisces on her first time with Monroe Community Players, Carol and Bob bring up several good points and Dave reveals what he considers to be a great party - hint - it's food oriented. All this and Broadway Brian gives a review of the new musical, "Guttenberg". Join us and leave your fields to flower! IYKYK

The Groupies return and with a surprise - Groupie Carol is with them!!!! The troupe discusses their favorite Christmas Play, or dislike, as the case may be. An interesting discussion is had on how to deal with different personality types and Carol has a review of & Juliet. Give it a listen! You'll laugh, you'll cry, it's better than Cats! MEOW! Join us for a holiday edition and the Green Room Groupies wish everyone a very happy holiday season!

The groupies are back and this time they are discussing the art of projecting! Are microphones a necessity these days? Dave tries his hand at a new greeting (spoiler: It's not good), the group is shocked to uncover a deep dark secret about Ron (spoiler: it's just a bit), Bob gives a review on the TV show Frasier (spoiler: It's not a review at all) and Kathleen doesn't have a review this time (spoiler: actually this one is totally true). Join us and leave your cheese to sour (If you know, you know)

The Groupies return in time for a Thanksgiving discussion about family members that just don't understand the love for community theater. Kathleen has a review for The Toledo Repertoire Theater! Bob and Brian tangent off into the X-Men universe and Dave relates a family story that opens the discussion. Oh and Ron is there! Really! Honest!

The Green Room Groupies discuss the do's and don'ts of a cast party as well as the tradition of gifts. Tangent's abound. Bob is still missed and a review of Southgate Community Players' "Steel Magnolias" is given by Brian. What?!?! Not Kathleen?!?! Nope! Join us, but this is totally a BYOB!!!

The groupies return with the question - How do we help train new actors. The gang is sadly missing one of their own this episode, but a serious discussion is had, the usual trips to the tangentverse is taken and the gang gives a shout out to a listener who actually joined them in a MCP production! Oh and Kathleen has a review!!!!

Don't let the title fool you, the groupies delve deep to root out who should be responsible for what, if you have your own theater space. Also, Kathleen has a review! Ron comments on his Google skills. Bob's one liners fly fast and furious. Brian makes a not so shocking announcement about an upcoming trip. And does Dave mention Daddy Warbucks? Ummm.... does the sun come out tomorrow?

In this thrilling episode, the Groupies celebrate their 2 year anniversary and Monroe Community Players 75th anniversary. Dave gives a shout out to the CTAM Fall Conference. Ron talks about Rumors and Bob and Brian get to squeeze in Star Trek references. All of this and another review from Kathleen!

The Green Room Groupies return with another discussion about play selection. Tensions still run high between Ron and Brian and Kathleen and Dave after the last episode - the backstage drama continues! And Bob seeks out a bowl of cereal. Also El De Facto brings up a spontaneous topic of the possibility of using A.I. in theater. Is there a danger? And Bob asks the question, Could a programmer eventually win a Tony? Interesting discussions abound! You don't want to miss it!

The groupies discuss how to cast a drama. Kathleen has a show review! Bob has issues with zombies! Ron speaks on behalf of supporting characters! And an innocuous comment from Dave about Kathleen may have driven a wedge between the groupies!!!! Brian is left devastated. Is there really backstage drama in the Green Room? You'll have to listen to find out!

In this episode you get a taste of what happens before the "recording button" gets pressed. The giggles take over the Green Room Groupies but they are able to maintain it as they discuss "Top tips for your successful musical theater production." Kathleen gives her critique of a new show! Ron sneaks in a sports reference! Brian reflects what he did wrong on the only musical he directed.Bob announces the death of a comedian! Dave shocks everyone with a Hee Haw announcement! All this and Melissa McCarthy! Well... sort of. This one's definitely unique folks!

The Groupies gather again to discuss the use and impact of social media with community theater. Brian gives his review of Dear Evan Hanson, Dave's niece calls him out on a comment made in the last episode! Bob comes up with an idea for another podcast! Brian tries to cross-promote the guy's other podcast which leaves Kathleen feeling unloved and Ron emphasizes reaching out to those who are reaching out to the theater.

The Groupies are stunned when their de facto leader announces he has no topic! WHAT??? Ron reveals his favorite musical. Bob mentions cereal. New Groupie, Bill, name drops someone called Stanislavsky, and Brian makes Kathleen cry. All this and the questions remains.... What is the topic??? Tune in to find out!

The groupies discuss Children's Theater and the reasons for doing it. Ron and Bill reveal their legal issues with each other. Dave reveals a classic play that he's never liked and Brian gives his review of the Broadway show, "Shucked". All that and a Tangentverse moment featuring Candy Corn! If you know us, you'll know this is not surprising. Join us for interesting discussions and lots of laughs.

This is it folks! The big 5 0! Almost all the groupies are here to welcome Dr. Bill McCloskey into the fold as they finally discuss - The Bard! Also the Green Room Groupies discuss The Croswell's hilarious production of, "The Play That Goes Wrong". Come join us in our celebration.

Hey Hey we're the Groupies and our De Facto leader (Dave) has titled this episode, "Ads, Sponsors and Donors, OH MY!" The gang discusses how to find them, what the differences between the three are. Brian gives a review of The Lion King, Dave makes a subtle suggestion (Not!) for directing Annie and Ron, Kathleen and Bob are all dragged into multiple Tangentverse discussions.

This week the Green Room Groupies ask the question, "How do you know what kind of shows your audience wants to see"? Dave & brian pick on Bob about his favorite musical. Ron goes out of his lane with a wise, but non sports reference and Kathleen gives her review of "A Jagged Little Pill".

The Green Room Groupies discuss... The Green Room! Or is it a light beige? Dave reflects on his one missed entrance. Kathleen gives a review of Becky's New Car. Bob describes the horror of working with Toto (the dog, not the band). And Dave steals Ron's sports analogy.

The Green Room Groupies return to discuss Banned Shows! Dave and Ron talk about what wise people once told them. Kathleen surprises everyone by volunteering to direct "A View From The Bridge" Bob revisits his love for Fruit Loops while Brian obsesses over nudity on stage. All this and we discover that Dave has played Daddy Warbucks twice!!!! (Yeah, we were shocked as well!)

While Ron is still away, the OG group discusses the good, the bad and the ugly in dealing with other creative people. Dave throws out a Hamilton reference, Bob promotes Vernors and Brian surprises everyone by throwing out a sports reference.

The groupies return, sadly minus Ron, to discuss the changes in language during auditions as well as inclusive casting. Dave does a review of a recently seen show, Bob asks the groupies if they enjoy making an audience laugh, cry or sit in complete silence and awe, and Brian wonders how Groupie Carol is going to react to some of the opinions given. It's a must listen to folks!!!

In another thrilling installment, The Green Room Groupies discuss Sensory Friendly Performances along with local happenings with neighboring theater groups. A follow up on "The Play That Goes Wrong" and we find out which Groupies started by seeing theater and which by acting in theater.

This time the Green Room Groupies discuss the highs and lows of being a community theater director. Praise is given to Ron for his directorial debut. Ron responds with a great sports analogy! Bob desperately seeks a moment in the Tangentverse and when David is suddenly pulled away for several minutes, Kathleen watches in horror as Brian takes ove! Gasp!

The groupies are back with the questions: "What's right with an audience?" and "When do you really need a full blown set?" Brian finishes his Broadway Trilogy review. Ron gives a random shoutout to Dr. Bill McCloskey. Kathleen reminisces about a pile of chairs and does Bob actually try and make a run for it? All this and Dave tries to throw Brian off the show!!! You've got to hear it to believe it!

In Episode 40 the Green Room Groupies discuss The Death of Decorum in the Theater. A recent, real life incident on Broadway raises this important question, "What do you do if an audience member loses control." The groupies also promote their next show, "A Bench in the Sun", and a special shout out to... Care Bears!

The Green Room Groupies enter 2023 with the question: "What makes a community theater show a success?" Kathleen McBee returns as the newest groupie to discuss this interesting topic. Brian shares his opinions on "Hadestown" on Broadway. Bob slyly puts in an "Andy Griffith Show" reference, Ron shines in multiple sports references and Kathleen and Dave bring up several excellent points on what makes a show a success. It's a perfect way to start a New Year for the podcast and The Groupies!

The Green Room Groupies give us their first holiday episode full of Christmas Cheer, holiday tangents (another trip into the Cereal-verse!) and they reveal their favorite Christmas songs from a musical. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!!! The guys receive a wonderful Christmas gift as a new groupie joins their ranks! Welcome MCP family member, Kathleen McBee to the Green Room!

The groupies gather to discuss volunteers behind the scenes. How do you get them, and how do you keep them? Many theories are given. Also the ghost of Fruit Loops reappears and after a bit of an absence, Ron gives us a sports analogy! You gotta hear it to believe it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, it'll be better than Cats! (meow)