Explore every episode of the podcast The Art & Business of Community Theater

It's Dave and Brian in the Green Room as they welcome back Groupie Mark, and discuss what to look for and how to determine choosing shows for an upcoming season. Dave reveals another show worth taking a look at and Broadway Brian is back to ramble on about the Tony Award winning musical, "Maybe Happy Ending". Have a seat in the Green Room and join us!

It's Dave, Bob and Carol, back in the Green Room for another episode as they discuss what they consider to be the 3 C's of acting. Tangents abound as they patiently wait for that "dead weight" to return. If you know, you know! Dave also discusses a show he thinks would be great for community theater groups, with or without the nudity. Come on in and have a seat!

Some of the groupies return and discuss children's theater as well as a maybe not so well known play that is worth taking a look at. Dave, Bob and Carol hold down the fort while the others prepare for the next MCP show. Have a seat in the Green Room and enjoy!

The Green Room groupies welcome back Kori as Dave brings up the topic of marketing and social media. They've touched on it before but they get a younger person's perspective this time. Kori even teaches them a thing or two! Also, Broadway Brian and Chorus Line Kori give a dueling review of the Broadway hit, "Stranger Things". Come on in and have a seat in the Green Room! It'll be divoon, darling! Simply divoon!

The groupies return and ask the question, are all plays that are considered classics, worth bringing back? The Tangentverse is in full swing and even Kathleen has a hard time bringing them all back. Dave gives his review of Les Misérables and the usual Hijinx ensues. Dave interviews Thom Henke! Come check it out!

The Groupies gather in the Green Room to discuss how to be more welcoming in your theater, but as can happen, the groupies take a Tangentverse ride down another road and seem to react more to Dave's intro to the topic, creating a spirited conversation with different views and opinions. Dave and Patricia Middleton gives us a review of the show "Clue", and Brian gives us his second show that he's completely over. Have a seat and listen, and don't forget to send in those emails on your opinion of our topic! We want to hear from you!!!

AACTFest Dave returns from Iowa and fills the Groupies in on all the winners of the event, as well as who he met there and for the first time ever, a remote interview!!! Look at us getting all tech-savvy! Who took the top prize this year, come on into the Green Room and find out!

The groupies are having a celebration! One hundred episodes and still going strong!!! Join us in the green room as we reminisce about the first 100 episodes through a quiz that Dave gives the gang. How many questions can you get right? Who were the original groupies? How many times did Dave play Daddy Warbucks in Annie? (Seriously you all better get that one!) All that and the gang reflects on characters they'd like to revisit.

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!

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 shout out to Pekoopsi, wherever you are!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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 something!)

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!

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!

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.

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 holiday season!

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?