Monroe Community Players

The Art & Business of Community Theater

Arts EN ↓ 124 episodes

Have a seat in the Green Room and listen to the "groupies" as they discuss all things related to operating a community theater and putting on a great show! topics such as the philosophy of set design, how to sell more tickets, theater accessibility, diversity, show selection and what the hell is wrong with audiences/directors/actors are thoroughly covered and sometimes even researched. in addition show news, reviews and even trips to the Tangentverse (you'll have to listen to find out what this is)!

Author

Monroe Community Players

Category

Arts

Podcast website

mpactstudio.org

Latest episode

Jun 22, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 99: ""Celebration: Overture!" 09.06.2025

The Groupies relax in the Green Room and reintroduce themselves by talking about show moments that have inspired them. Broadway Brian gives a review of the musical "Pirates!" with Jinx Monsoon and David Hyde Pierce while some of the groupies raise their concern over Brian's personal finances. Join them as the celebration to the 100th episode continues!

Episode 98: "And the Winner Is...." 26.05.2025

The Groupies continue to count down to their 100th episode by asking the question, "Are awards important to give out in your group?' First Broadway Brian shows just how little he knows about this years Tony Awards and it's Carol's turn in the hotseat as she reveals which Broadway musical you couldn't pay her to ever see. Also Broadway Brian reviews the Broadway comedy, "Oh Mary!" All this and a sh...

Episode 97: "Why is Community Theater Still Alive? 12.05.2025

The Groupies return to ask the philosophical question, "Why is Community Theater Still Alive?" The Groupies have mail! Bob gives us the show that he is "So Over!" and Dave gives a review of "39 Steps" by The Village Players Theater in Toledo, Ohio.

Episode 96: "How to Dress a Princess: Costume Design Tips from the Magic Kingdom" 21.04.2025

The Groupies are all together and Carol regales everyone with what she's learned about costume design from a friend at Disney World. Brian gives his final two reviews from his Broadway trip in November: Gypsy and Hells Kitchen. Come on in and pop a squat and let's talk theater!

Episode 95: "Deja Vu All Over Again: Typecasting in Community Theater" 14.04.2025

The Groupies are back! Kathleen gives us the show she is so over. Dave fills us in on more AACT Fest fun. The Groupies receive mail and ask the question: "Is there typecasting in community theater?" Join us in the Green Room!

Episode 94: "Lost in Space: Fit Your Show to Your Stage!" 24.03.2025

Dave, Bob, Ron and Carol return to talk about trying to fit big shows into small spaces. Tangents abound, and if you've been in a Green Room you know how that goes. Ron gives his "Show That I'm So Over" opinion and Carol has a review of the show called - "Summer 1976". So join us, come and waste an hour or two.... doodly do!

Episode 93: "AACTing Up!" The Michigan AACTfest Round Up 10.03.2025

The Groupies welcome guest, Ryan Albrecht from Toledo's Village Players as they talk about AACTfest.

Episode 92: "Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight" 24.02.2025

The Groupies gather in the Green Room to discuss the difference for preparing a role in comedy compared to drama. Brian's up next in the new segment, "Show's I'm SO Over", and it's not Oklahoma folks! Carol gives us a review of a "Dr. Rides American Beach House". So come on into the green room and join them for what is one of the liveliest conversations they've had to date! (And that is saying som...

Episode 91: "Am I Supposed to Be Here?" 10.02.2025

As all the groupies return to the table they pick up a new member along the way! The main topic may be how to schedule rehearsals, but tangents exist and Dave introduces their newest segment "I'm so over this show!", with Carol up first and wait til you hear what she is SO over! All this and Broadway Brian reviews The Roommate starring Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone!

Episode 90: "The Movies Have a Musical In It! Lord Have Mercy on Our Souls!" 27.01.2025

The Groupies are back, and as El de Facto always says: "You know how those Green Room conversations go" and this episode proves it as Dave, Carol, Ron and Bob spend some time discussing the good, the bad and the WICKED of Broadway musicals turned into Movies. It's something a little bit different!

Episode 89: "Yet Another Christmas Carol Discussion" 13.01.2025

It's a New Year and four of the groupies come back excited at the multitude of responses to their Christmas episode! Further discussion is had about Christmas Carol before the Groupies veer into the topic of finding members and keeping them.

Episode 88: "Not Another Christmas Carol Discussion!" 23.12.2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Or is it? The Groupies gather together to talk Christmas Carol and the best way to choose a show...BUT!... For the first time in recorded Groupie history, the Tangentverse takes over! GASP! And Broadway Brian reviews the new Broadway Musical: "Death Becomes Her". And all of us here in the Green Room wish all of our wonderful listeners a joyous and happy ho...

Episode 87: "What Is Wrong With Playwrights?" 09.12.2024

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".

Episde 86: "Beyond Blocking - Directors - Director's Challenges" 25.11.2024

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 gratef...

Episode 85: "Beyond Character - Actors' Challenges" 11.11.2024

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!

Episode 84: "Things That Go Bump In the Night" 28.10.2024

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!

Episode 83: "Sshhh, Quiet in the Library" 14.10.2024

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".

Episode 82: "Living On the Fringe" (Festivals and other theater experiences) 30.09.2024

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 ma...

Episode 81: Playing Historical Characters" 16.09.2024

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 Edin...

Episode 80: "Whose Turn Is It To Direct This Time? Attracting and Keeping New Directors" 12.08.2024

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 sur...

Episode 79: "Who Am I This Time? Playing Multiple Roles" 05.08.2024

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!!!!

Episode 78: "Do You Hear the People Sing?" Choosing Auditions Songs vs. Director's Choice 22.07.2024

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 M...

Episode 77: "I Had a Dream, Baby!: Visioning For Your Theater" 08.07.2024

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!

Episode 76: "Little Set of Horrors: Scene Design" 24.06.2024

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?

Episode 75: "The State of Community Theater Since Covid' 11.06.2024

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.

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