Little Theatre of Winston-Salem presents The Backstage Chronicles

Sponsored by First Citizens Bank In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we head behind the curtain of The Mystery of Edwin Drood to explore the creativity and collaboration that bring this musical mystery to life onstage. Hear from Daisy Neske, This Robot Dreams, and Evan Wang as they discuss the costumes, scenic design, and music that shape the playful and theatrical world of Drood . From...

Sponsored by First Citizens Bank In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicle s, we dive into the wildly entertaining world of The Mystery of Edwin Drood , a musical full of outrageous characters, tangled relationships, and theatrical chaos. Hear from Director Kate Carson-Gronner, along with cast members Ashley Pearson, John Galas, and Heather Levinson, as they discuss the joy of bringing this inte...

Sponsored by Butler & Burke CPAs In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we explore The Book of Will , a moving and often humorous play about friendship, legacy, and the determination to preserve the words that shaped the world of theatre. Hear from Director Lara Ianni , along with cast members Chad Edwards (Richard Burbage/Sir Edward Dering) and Emily Emerson (Alice Heminges), as they...

Sponsored by D.A. Davidson Companies In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we dive into Clyde’s , a powerful and unexpectedly funny play that explores second chances, chosen family, and the search for purpose in the most unlikely places. Hear from Director Andre Minkins, along with cast members Mayah Wells, Matt Farabee, and Dr. William Boone, as they discuss bringing the complex, deeply...

In this bonus episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we take an exciting look ahead at The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem’s 92nd Season and the deeply human theme that ties it all together— Becoming . Hear from Executive Director Joelle Irons and Board Member and Play Reading Committee Chair Sarah Jenkins as they walk us through the upcoming season lineup, share what excites them most about these...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we take a heartfelt look at the enduring magic of A Christmas Carol and the themes that make it a beloved holiday tradition year after year. Hear from Director Jim McKeny, along with cast members Chuck King (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Dave Hoffman (Bob Cratchit), as they reflect on bringing Dickens’ classic to life. Together, they share how the story’s mes...

This episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles takes you behind the curtain of Sister Act to explore how choreography, music, and set design come together to make the show shine. Join Music Director Dan Dodson, Choreographer Ria Dawson, and Set Designer Tab May (This Robot Dreams) as they share the creative process behind the spectacle—from musical arrangements and dance rehearsals to the visual magic...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles, we sit down with the cast of Sister Act to celebrate the power of sisterhood, music, and unexpected friendship. Hear from Morrissia Ravenell (Deloris Van Cartier), Mare Hutchinson (Mother Superior), and Charity Hampton (Sister Mary Robert) as they share how their characters’ journeys of faith, courage, and connection mirror the bonds formed within the...

In this bonus episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we take you behind the scenes of Murder on the 518 , our Fall Youth Production—a mystery filled with comedy, chaos, and creativity! Host Jessica Perry sits down with Director Anna LaVenture and Stage Manager Grace Hampton to share an inside look at the rehearsal process, the teamwork that brings the show to life, and the joy of watching young pe...

How do you bring the world of Sherlock Holmes to life on stage? In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we go behind the curtain of Moriarty to uncover the artistry that makes this mystery shine. Host Jessica Perry is joined by Director Philip Powell and Technical Director/Scenic Designer Tab May (aka This Robot Dreams) for a conversation about balancing suspense, wit, and spectacle. From c...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles, we open our 91st Season with Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, a fast-paced, witty mystery that brings Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson face-to-face with their most cunning foe. Host Jessica Perry sits down with three of the show’s stars—Daniel Becker (Sherlock Holmes), Chad Edwards (Dr. Watson), and Emily Emerson (Irene Adler)—to talk about the play’s themes of lo...

In this bonus episode, we turn the spotlight on our fall classes and this year’s Youth Production, Murder on the 518 . Host Jessica Perry is joined by educators Britt Cannino and Robyn Shapllo , who share their teaching philosophies and how they spark creativity in young performers. We also hear from youth actor Eden Bailey and her theatre parent,  Shelley Bailey , who talk about the joys of being...

Season 2 of LTWS Backstage Chronicles kicks off with big news, big plans, and even bigger heart. This season’s theme— A Season of Love & Friendship —highlights the connections that bring theatre (and our community) to life. In this episode, host Jessica Perry sits down with Executive Director Joelle Irons , Board President Kathy Cissna , and Board Vice President Jordan Xu to talk about what ma...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we sit down with director Katie Jo Icenhower and cast members Chris Cannon (Curly), Rachel Squier (Laurey), and David McDonald (Jud) to explore what it takes to bring these iconic characters to life. From the complexities of Jud’s inner world to the playful tension between Laurey and Curly, we dig into character development, chemistry-building, and ho...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we shift the spotlight to the creative forces behind the scenes of Oklahoma! Join director and choreographer Katie Jo Icenhower, scenic designer This Robot Dreams (a.k.a. Tab May), and costume designer Daisy Neske as they share how the magic happens beyond the footlights. From design inspiration and choreography choices to the collaborative process th...

In this bonus episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we shine a spotlight on our talented youth performers and the creative team behind Anything Goes: Youth Edition ! Host Jessica Perry chats with director Heather Levinson and youth actors Alex and Eden to talk about the excitement, growth, and teamwork that go into staging a full musical with young performers. From learning tap choreography to br...

In this special episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , host Jessica Perry sits down with director David Bricquet , actor Tanisha Watkins , and award-winning playwright Kirsten Greenidge to explore the layered world of Feeding Beatrice . Together, they dive into Kirsten’s creative process, her distinctive voice as a playwright, and how she developed the characters and themes of Feeding Beatrice . K...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles, we dive into the art of comedic timing, physicality, and the hilarious challenges that come with performing a farce. We sit down with Philip Powell , director of the upcoming farce, along with cast members Isaac Hampton , Rene Lynn Walek , and Ann Breitbach . They discuss what makes farce so uniquely demanding for actors, how trust is built within the...

In this exciting bonus episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we’re thrilled to announce The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem’s 91st season! Join us as we unveil the lineup for next year’s productions, including fresh, thought-provoking new plays. We discuss how our theme of Love & Friendship , with a subtheme of “coming together as a community,” will guide our season, and explore the val...

In this special episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we celebrate Black History and Culture by exploring the significance of African American voices in theatre. We begin with a conversation with Tomeka Allen, director, and several cast members of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom , diving into the play’s themes of race, power, and artistic expression. Then, we’re joined by Jackie Alexander, Produci...

In this bonus episode, we’re putting the spotlight on education and youth theatre at The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem! Join us for an exciting preview of our spring class offerings and get an insider’s look at the upcoming youth production of Anything Goes Youth Edition . We chat with educators and production team members about what makes these programs special, how they inspire creativity in y...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we delve into the themes of family and relationships at the heart of What They Have . Join us as we sit down with the director, Janel Boyd, and key cast members to explore the nuances of this powerful play. Together, we discuss the creative process, the challenges of portraying complex familial dynamics, and the universal truths that make this story s...

In this episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles, we dive into the enduring magic of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Join us as we explore what makes this holiday tale resonate year after year, speaking to the director and actors about the timeless characters and cherished storylines that continue to captivate audiences. We’ll discuss the creative process, character portrayals, and how th...

In this special bonus episode of LTWS Backstage Chronicles , we’re taking you behind the scenes of our fall youth production, The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales . Join us as we chat with the talented young cast, their director, and some of the creative minds involved in bringing this quirky, comedic world to life. Discover what goes into a Youth Production at LTWS, hear about th...

In this episode, we go behind the curtain to explore how the iconic Audrey II is brought to life in Little Shop of Horrors . We’re joined by Technical Director and Set Designer Tab May, AKA This Robot Dreams, and Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer Daisy Neske. They’ll share insights on the creative and technical processes that make this man-eating plant come alive on stage and how the overa...