SoundstageEDU: Building Better Theater Tech

Why is it always the same few parents doing everything? Why do so many people stay on the sidelines? In this first episode of the Booster Culture Series, we talk honestly about the frustration, burnout, and cliques that so many parents are seeing in their fine arts booster groups. But there’s also hope. I’ll share real stories—from overwhelmed parents to leaders who created a culture of belonging—...

It’s Band Season. This episode is a love letter—and a challenge—to every stadium: stay for halftime, show up at a Saturday comp, and see how marching band builds grit, belonging, and school spirit. We pull back the curtain on band camp’s grind, heat/hydration realities, and five tips to watch a show like a pro. Parents, directors, coaches, and ADs—this one’s for you. Share it with your booster gro...

Fine arts students—this one’s for you. Whether you’re a theater kid, band kid, choir singer, orchestra musician, or show choir performer, this episode is packed with the motivation you need to crush this school year. We dive deep into the stories of artists and programs who prove that discipline, grit, and creativity matter more than grades alone: Yo-Yo Ma – mastery and service through music. Bill...

After a post in the Band Parents community took off, I’m jumping in to read the room out loud: the “first YES” moments that kept students in band, the found-their-people stories, the rides and fee help that made participation possible, and the quiet truth so many shared— the arts don’t just decorate school; they stabilize it . I’m a Midwest band dad with Kansas/Oklahoma roots and a drumline backgr...

Theater kids, band kids, choir, and orchestra—it’s time to step back into the spotlight this school year. Fine arts students have always been known for their grit, discipline, and leadership on stage and on the field, but now it’s about bringing that same energy into the classroom. In this episode of the SoundstageEDU podcast, I’m talking directly to fine arts students about why academics matter j...

Tired of begging for help and only getting crickets (or worse, the same 3 burned-out parents)? In this episode of SoundstageEDU, we dive into the real reasons booster clubs struggle with recruitment—and how to fix it. Whether you're a director, a veteran booster, or a parent who just got voluntold, this one’s for you. We’ll unpack: Why your current pitch isn't working How to appeal to diff...

What do a Texas gas station and your band’s electronics setup have in common? A lot more than you think. In this punchy episode of the SoundstageEDU Podcast, we take inspiration from the rise of Buc-ee’s —the mega-convenience store that's become a destination —and explore what it teaches us about building better experiences in the marching arts. We’ll talk about: Why drum corps kids are obsess...

In this episode, we explore the pivotal role of electronics in marching bands and how they’re transforming the way performances are experienced. From sideline audio and wireless mic systems to integrating sound effects and amplification, electronics are making marching band performances more immersive and dynamic than ever. We’ll dive into the gear, challenges, and best practices for incorporating...

In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on where SoundstageEDU is headed — and why the marching arts are taking center field. This isn’t a pivot. It’s a focus. A deep dive into why tech education, mentorship, and systems-building in the marching arts matter now more than ever . If you’re a director, educator, or parent wondering what we really do — this is the episode to hear it all. 🎧 Wh...

In this raw and honest episode, I open up about a major shift in direction for SoundstageEDU — one that feels less like a pivot and more like a homecoming. While this project began as a wide-reaching support system for all fine arts tech, the truth is clear: the marching arts are where I’m being called right now. It’s where I speak the language fluently. It’s where I’ve lived the grind. And it’s w...

Band camp shouldn’t send students to the ER. In this short health check episode, we talk about what really causes heat-related illness during summer rehearsals — and what you can do to stop it before it starts. Whether you're a student, tech, or director, this episode breaks down why heat shock happens and introduces a simple, 14-day solution to get your body ready. 🎁 Download the free prep g...

Sparked by a comment in a parent Facebook Group for Band parents, I felt this conversation, or this topic, could not be ignored. It was one of those moments where my eyes opened up and I realized that we have a cultural issue really brewing within the arts in our schools. So, I brought it up. It is uncomfortable, it is a bit raw, and it may be a bit out of place, but as a parent, I have to conside...

Why do tech students sometimes feel like outsiders in their own theater programs? In this episode, we talk about what makes student techs feel valued—and how directors, educators, and performers can help create a unified, respectful culture backstage. If you’ve ever felt the tension between cast and crew, this one’s for you. #SoundstageEDU #BackstageMatters #TheaterCulture Episode 3: “Cast vs. Cre...

Summer break doesn’t have to mean skills on pause. In this episode, we explore practical ways student techs and educators can stay sharp, stay engaged, and even have some fun during the off-season. Whether you’re setting a personal tech goal or just showing up for a student production, this is your guide to making the most of your downtime—without burning out. #SoundstageEDU #TheaterTech #SummerGr...

🔧 Episode Summary: Welcome to the very first episode of the SoundstageEDU Podcast — a space dedicated to the tech crews, educators, creatives, and students working behind the scenes to make school theater thrive. In this episode, we take a high-level look at what this podcast is all about: Why tech education matters What’s missing in our current systems The vision for a more inclusive, more unite...

What if the curtain call wasn’t just for the cast? Welcome to SoundstageEDU — a podcast for the parents, directors, students, and techs who make fine arts happen long before the lights ever come up. Hosted by Mike DeJohn — live event producer, drumline instructor, and founder of SoundstageEDU — this show is where culture, burnout, and behind-the-scenes chaos meet real talk and practical change. 🎭...