Whispers In The Wings

In this episode of Whispers in the Wings, Joshua is joined by multi-hyphenate artist Evan J. Lawson (he/they) — composer, writer, curator, singer, conductor, and Artistic Director of Melbourne’s Forest Collective. With a career that refuses to sit neatly in one box, Evan shares how following multiple creative threads has shaped a practice that lives at the crossroads of music, theatre, opera and c...

Join Joshua as he chats with freelance Production Manager, Operations Specialist, and Special Effects Supervisor ⁠⁠Dale Norris⁠⁠, whose career spans theatre, large-scale city events, and lighting up the sky with meticulously crafted pyrotechnic spectacles. Dale shares his journey from studying technical production at QUT to finding his place in event operations, production management, and ultimate...

Join Josh as he chats with stage manager ⁠Caitie Murphy⁠, who swears drag shows are “held together with gaff tape and prayer,” and whose work spans theatre, opera and the glitter-filled world of drag. Caitie shares her journey from studying music to calling operas and managing the beautiful chaos of drag shows. She opens up about the realities of working in nightlife venues, the importance of safe...

Whispers in the Wings is back! Guest host Tim Iffland (Popcorn Podcast) turns the mic on Josh for a candid chat about life after stage management, career pivots, and finding balance in the creative chaos. From backstage to Producing and beyond, Josh opens up about burnout, growth, and rediscovering the magic of theatre — one act at a time. Connect with Tim on Instagram, and listen to Popcorn Podca...

Whispers in the Wings is back for Season 3! After two years away, the podcast returns with new conversations, fresh insights into the magic of theatre, and plenty of tips and tricks to take backstage with you. This sneak peek episode gives you a taste of what’s coming this season, with clips from the first three guest spot episodes: ➡️ Caitie Murphy — Stage Manager ➡️ Dale Norris — Production Mana...

Join Joshua Broadbent as he learns all about the world of sound with special guest host Monique Orton.  Monique Orton is live entertainment tech working in Australian theatre, cabaret, music, burlesque, circus and comedy. She shares her experiences on YouTube, aiming to provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look and inspire aspiring technicians. Currently, she works as a Radio Mic Technician for "...

On this episode of Whispers In The Wings Josh is joined by Daniel Story, a Sydney-based theatre practitioner specialising in stage management for experimental, physical, and durational performances. Daniel strives to be part of impactful storytelling teams, particularly in experimental theatre, physical theatre, and durational performances. The duo discuss durational performances and how vital a s...

To celebrate the launch of Season 2 Josh is joined by Stage Manager turned Production Manager Darren Kowacki. Darren Kowacki has been immersed in the entertainment industry for two decades, taking on creative and production roles. With a background in stage management and production, he has contributed to numerous musical productions such as "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," "School of Rock," "King...

This week New Zealand Stage Manager Annah Jacobs drops by the studio to join Josh as this week's guest host. Annah talks about what life is like touring New Zealand, she gives the listener a great tip on how to spike using electrical tape, we hear about out how the pandemic lead her to study a Cert in Project Management and we find out how the hell you manage a show with a REAL baby onstage!! In A...

Join Joshua on his first solo episode of Whispers in the Wings as he gathers you for another Toolbox Talk. On this weeks episode he answers one of the most asked questions from the audience... "What are the roles within Stage Management". Theatre is ever evolving and changing, and while there are many areas within theatre this episode is focused towards musical theatre. — Follow us on Instagram: @...

This week Josh is joined by special guest host Tom Rogers (them/they) as the hosts dive into Tom's career. Tom started in community theatre at a young age and without any university qualifications has found their way into the industry. Gain insight from Tom and their time as a swing on shows like A Chorus Line, North By Northwest and Nearer the Gods. In Act Two we find out what are the host's favo...

This week Josh is joined by a very special guest host, Erin Coubrough. Erin has a diverse career in stage management working on drama, musicals, contemporary dance and ballet. She is also a seasonal lecturer in stage management at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. In Act One the hosts dive into Erin's career, and discover what the differences are between drama, musicals, contempor...

In this weeks BONUS Toolbox Talk, Josh and Kelly deep dive into their SM Kits to discuss what are important items to have and what sort of kit you should purchase when you're starting out in the industry. We want to hear all about what you have in your kit, jump onto our Instagram and join the conversation.  Want to ask us a question, or share your experiences within theatre? Here’s how to reach u...

In this episode of Whispers in the Wings your hosts open their mail box and answer questions submitted by YOU the listner. We find out what the hosts favourite part of backstage life, how to manage fatigue during long tech periods and if any changes need to be made for Auslan-interpreted performances. Want to ask us a question, or share your experiences within theatre? Here’s how to reach us. DM u...

This week the Stage Management duo talk about their expereince in job hunting - from how to find them, where to find them and when is the right time to email.  In Act Two an annoymous listener writes in to get some help from the hosts on what to do when you've been offered a contract but then another potentially better offer comes your way.  Want to ask us a question, or share your experiences wit...

In Act One this week Josh and Kelly talk about their experience on 9 to 5 after the production was struck by COVID, the hosts were given the opportunity to go above and beyond their duites as they stepped into new Stage Management roles to ensure the production was able to go ahead.  In Act Two the hosts welcome their first voice message asking the question "do you prefer when things go to plan or...

In this BONUS episode of Whispers in The Wings Josh and Kelly stand around the toolbox to discuss spiking. Find out what spiking is, why you spike, how you spike, and what you spike.  Want to ask us a question, or share your experiences within theatre? Here’s how to reach us. DM us on Instagram: @whispersinthewings Email us: whispersinthewingspodcast@gmail.com — Follow us on Instagram: @whispersin...

Say hello to your hosts, Joshua Broadbent and Kelly Plank. On this introductory episode of Whispers In The Wings take a look behind the scenes of Josh and Kelly's careers as they discuss the differences between working in Australia and the UK. Stick around for Act Two where they respond to questions related to being a Stage Management Swing and how to spike a chair. Here's how to ask a question: D...

Welcome to Whispers in the Wings, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the theatrical world! Join host Australian-based stage manager Joshua Broadbent as he welcomes seasoned industry professionals to share their fascinating career journeys, from humble beginnings to the exhilarating present. With a focus on stage managers and technical creatives, each episode dives deep into their expe...