Matt Croke

Change The Podcast?

On the eve of the RSC Podcast’s 15th anniversary, podcast host and RSC actor/consigliere Matthew Croke, joins us to discuss whether it’s time to change things up. What do you think? Should we change the format or the emphasis? Make it longer or more infrequent? Should we eliminate some annoying tics or regular features, or is it just perfect the way it is? Let us know what you think as we discuss how to stimulate engagement; changing trends; supply and demand; the importance of stories and anecdotes; unnecessary whining; more inside baseball; which Stephen King novel would make a good Shakespeare play; and – most importantly – which Shakespeare character would make the best Starfleet captain. Also: Should we upgrade our equipment?? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! (Length 21:03)

Podcast: Download (24.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 533. Matt Croke’s Memoir

”Old friend Matthew Croke discusses his newly-published memoir Yes, And…: A Journey of Hope Through Tragedy, which begins with the discovery that his wife Lisa’s cancer has returned while she’s pregnant with their third daughter. During this time, Matt kept a journal which became an up-close and personal account of what friends and family said Read more…

Podcast: Download (25.9MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 525. Ten Year Highlights

”We highlight ten signature moments, one from each of the ten years of the first decade of the RSC Podcast, that best represent the scope of what we’ve attempted to do week after week. Featuring behind the scenes conversations showcasing how our shows are created, in-depth interviews with comedians, directors, authors, and award-winning actors, and invaluable Read more…

Podcast: Download (28.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 451. Our First Repeat

”Hectic schedules and a horrible summer cold necessitate something we hoped we’d never do: Repost a previous podcast episode in lieu of a new one. So as a midsummer treat, from May of 2007, comes a tale of blizzards, close-calls, dead instruments, wind shear, and plummeting Continentals. Plus nostalgic theme music, an Read more…

Podcast: Download (19.0MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 409. More Lost Works

”LIVE! From Reston, VA, comes Part Two of our excerpts from the evening of Lost Works from The Complete Works of the Reduced Shakespeare Company (abridged) Extravaganza. Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor welcome RSC alumni Matt Croke and Dee Ryan as they discuss Dalek-y voices, lost jerks, the mystery of the Read more…

Podcast: Download (26.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 403. The Reston Extravaganza

”Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor announce an unprecedented event: The Complete Works of the Reduced Shakespeare Company (abridged) Extravaganza, produced by the Reston Community Center in Reston, VA, from September 12-21, 2014: seven shows in ten days, appearances from past and present members of the RSC, workshops, special performances, talkbacks, live Read more…

Podcast: Download (16.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 399. The Second City

”Second City‘s legacy informs every aspect of contemporary comedy (including many alumni who’ve performed with us) and this week Executive Vice President and President of Second City Theatricals Kelly Leonard gives us the reduced history of Second City’s over-fifty year impact on popular culture. Featuring phenomenal growth, changing trends, ensemble spirit Read more…

Podcast: Download (17.4MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 284. The Widow’s Voice

”For this Mother’s Day, we remember all mothers, even the ones who are gone. Every Sunday, Matthew Croke blogs about his experiences as a widower and father at Widow’s Voice, a website dedicated to examining “the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of life as a widowed person.” Featuring Read more…

Podcast: Download (16.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 248. Matson V. Croke

”It’s He Said/He Said as our good friends Matt Croke and Bill Matson testify about what happened to Bill’s pristine first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Featuring photographic evidence, conflicting testimony, medically-suspicious eye-rolling, and the value of stories, literature, and books. Even destroyed ones. (Length 20:04)

Podcast: Download (20.0MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 229. Our Christmas Show

”Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor announce the RSC’s eighth stage show (which premieres at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in November 2011) and discuss why the show was chosen and what will go into its creation. Featuring how much material from our Christmas CD will be re-gifted, how to walk that line Read more…

Podcast: Download (18.4MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 227. Sharing Lisa’s Story

”Long-time RSC member Matthew Croke kept a journal during his wife Lisa’s battle with cancer while at the same time being pregnant with their third child. Now, Matt’s trying to publish his journal to share his experience with others. Matt returned to the RSC (briefly) to talk about how therapeutic Read more…

Podcast: Download (19.9MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 159. Our Holiday Traditions

”From Madison, WI to Sonoma, CA, a special holiday podcast. Featuring expert opinions on proper terrain for house lighting, ancient pizza recipes, words of Wisconsin wisdom, Christmas tsotchkes from the holy land, a bold new experiment called present-giving, and some very helpful notes from an old friend. (MP3. Length 23:24)

Podcast: Download (21.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 130. Teachers We Love

”As Van Halen put it so eloquently, we’re hot for teachers. This week we remember the ones who influenced us the most. Featuring excerpts from the Alan Harvey Memorial Concert, a special appearance by Paul And Storm, and how to accurately measure a teacher’s greatness. (MP3. Length 20:54)

Podcast: Download (19.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

FOLLOW Us on Twitter!

Yes, Twitter is a time-sucking distraction from your real life. We don’t disagree. But it’s also the fastest and easiest way to keep up with Reduced Shakespeare Company activities in anything approaching real-time. Some RSC fans have families, jobs, other interests and demands on their time. We’re not happy about Read more…

By austin, ago

Episode 126. Audiences Talk Back

”We interact with fans and audience members during post-show talkbacks in both Springfield, Illinois and San Diego, California. Featuring info about whether we dumb down our material (as if that were possible), whether we’ve ever adopted an audience member, two great RSC Voice Mails and a major milestone in our Read more…

Podcast: Download (9.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 121. Places We’ve Stayed

”Sometimes they’re great, sometimes they ain’t. Memories this week of the best and worst places we’ve ever stayed, including the horrors of leftover nachos, the limits of what lilac-scented Fabreze will and will not cover up, and what exactly constitutes a “Casa De Awesome”. Featuring a special appearance by Rich Read more…

Podcast: Download (17.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 111. Fall Tour Stories

”As we start the Winter-Spring 2009 World Tour, we bring you road-trip stories from last fall 2008. Featuring passionate pie patter, terrible tales of technical trauma, a special appearance by Niamh Crowley of the West Ocean String Quartet, and a very special deal for U.S. podcast listeners from DVDPlayground.com. Listen Read more…

Podcast: Download (16.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 102. Soothing Epsom Assaults

”We return this week to the Epsom Playhouse in England and remember the time a simple post-show game of Jenga almost caused an international incident. Featuring blatant jingoism, latent jengaism, a special appearance from UK media superstar Lauren Laverne, and a report on the RSC’s sponsorship of the UK charity ok2b. Read more…

Podcast: Download (16.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 101. Clown College Reunion

”Since it’s election week in America, let’s talk to clowns! RSC actors Reed Martin and Matt Croke, veteran clowns and alumni of Ringling Brothers Clown College, attend the school’s 40th reunion and catch up on old gags. Featuring lessons learned, what to do if they’re laughing at you not with Read more…

Podcast: Download (19.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Lisa Croke Charity Benefit

A huge golf tournament and fundraising event will be held this Sunday October 5 to benefit Lisa Croke, the wife of RSC member Matthew Croke who succumbed to cancer July 23rd. The money raised will help retire the extraordinary medical costs Matt and Lisa’s insurance didn’t cover, as well as Read more…

By austin, ago

Lisa Croke (1969-2008)

The Reduced Shakespeare Company lost a beloved member of its extended family recently. Lisa Croke, wife of RSC stalwart Matthew and mother of Haley, Kelly, and Molly, lost her three-year battle with cancer on July 23, 2008.Donations in Lisa’s memory can be made in several ways. Gilda’s Club is a Read more…

By austin, ago

Episode 89. Our Lisa Moments

”Our beloved Lisa Croke, wife of Matthew, mother of Haley, Kelly, and Molly, lost her three-year battle with cancer on July 23, 2008. We’ve spent the last several weeks sharing our Lisa moments and this week Matt shares his. Donations in Lisa’s memory can be made to Gilda’s Club or Read more…

Podcast: Download (19.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 79. We’re Always On

”Is it always a laugh a minute with RSC members offstage? Not hardly, yet many people are surprised to discover comedians aren’t always as energetic offstage as they are on. Featuring the perils and pitfalls of being constantly ‘on’, the difference between choosing to perform and chasing demons, some tiny Read more…

Podcast: Download (8.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 72. The Authorship Question

”Don’t know your Bacons from your Marlowes, your deVeres from your Rutlands? Fear not. As William Shakespeare turns the big 4-4-4, we review the candidates some people consider the actual authors of Shakespeare’s plays. Featuring scandalous scholarship, an excerpt from Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged), and Read more…

Podcast: Download (21.2MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 68. The Alaska Story

”This week’s Alaska trip prompts recollections of a series of unfortunate (but fantastic) RSC events which took place in our 49th State. Featuring memories both fond and horrific, things not to say to an Alaskan woman during the winter, favorable comparisons to other comedians, and a special appearance by Matt Read more…

Podcast: Download (17.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 56. What Are We

”Our religious backgrounds are many and varied, and this week we reflect on how they affect our creating and performing The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged). Featuring some questionable theology, the perks of agnosticism, and a special appearance by an honest-to-God JuBu! God bless us, every one! (MP3. Read more…

Podcast: Download (16.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 55. Holiday Panic Begins

”Have you finished your shopping? Neither have the people who shop at DVD Playground, judging by the panicky phone calls and emails logged by Matt Croke. Featuring holiday shopping tips, an excerpt from the RSC’s holiday jingle Mrs. Santa Claus, a special appearance by Bob Redell from NBC 11 in Read more…

Podcast: Download (15.9MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 53. Just For Us

”The RSC Podcast begins its second year by swapping tales of shows we loved being in more than audiences loved seeing. Featuring the realities of performing for non-English-speaking crowds, the dangers of casts that outnumber audiences, and the perils of adapting Dostoevsky’s The Possessed. Plus, a special appearance by Billy Read more…

Podcast: Download (16.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 50. San Francisco Treats

”The RSC Podcast turns the big 5-0! We hear news from San Diego, the site of the worst of the recent southern California wildfires, and get answers to such burning questions as: what Matt Croke does inside people’s heads, which RSC member likes the teddy bear rub, and which two Read more…

Podcast: Download (19.8MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 48. Play By Play (Pt. 2)

”The commentary continues! LIVE! from the balcony of the Royal George Theatre in Chicago: Matt, Reed, and Austin provide play-by-play commentary during an actual performance of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)“. Featuring live performances from Brad Harbaugh, Tim Schueneman, and Kiff Vanden Heuvel, and a special appearance Read more…

Podcast: Download (20.1MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 47. Play By Play (Pt. 1)

”LIVE! from the balcony of the Royal George Theatre in Chicago, Matt Croke, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor provide play-by-play commentary during an actual performance of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged). Featuring live performances from Brad Harbaugh, Tim Schueneman, and Kiff Vanden Heuvel, and a special appearance Read more…

Podcast: Download (20.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 46. The Chicago Guys

”Meet Karl Hamilton, Brad Harbaugh, Tim Schueneman, and Kiff Vanden Heuvel, the newest members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, and hear what it’s like to learn two RSC shows in four weeks. Learn some tricks about performing RSC shows and marvel at the attendance record we shattered last week! Featuring Read more…

Podcast: Download (22.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 39. Behind The Table

”Between seeing great Chicago actors this week, we had plenty of time to chat about fan concerns, joke selection, and smart actor choices. Featuring the results of the Podcast Awards, some highly technical medical jargon, a scary excerpt from Reduced Idol, and a special appearance by Chicago’s Improvised Shakespeare Company. Read more…

Podcast: Download (18.3MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 38. Memories of Edinburgh

”The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is in full swing, and we’re not there! If you’re not either, listen to our tales of Edinburgh discoveries, inventive sleeping arrangements, freak show skills, false alarms, and confused protesters. Featuring excerpts from The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged) and The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show, and a special Read more…

Podcast: Download (19.5MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 35. Best Podcast Ever!

”You did it! We received two nominations for 2007 Podcast of the Year Awards! In honor of that, we give you…the Best Podcast Ever. Featuring “lost” podcast bits, a plethora of fan voice messages, a special appearance by four junior pseudo (in their own minds) celebrities, and — don’t blink Read more…

Podcast: Download (28.7MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 34. The Windy City

”We’re coming to Chicago! Our opening at the Royal George Theatre prompts this tribute to the City of Big Shoulders. We celebrate this great theatre town, debate the merits of the Cubs v. the White Sox, and reveal the truth about Mrs O’Leary’s cow. Featuring a special appearance by Charna Read more…

Podcast: Download (26.4MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 32. The Celtic Tiger

”Whatever you call it….the Emerald Isle….the Land of Saints and Scholars….the Celtic Tiger…Ireland is one of our favorite places. Since we’re touring there for eight weeks, we tell Irish tales of the perils of pub singing and the legend of Oliver Reed. Featuring special appearances by Irish natives Jane Fitzpatrick Read more…

Podcast: Download ()

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 31. Happy Birthday America!

”In honor of America’s big 2-3-1, we feature The Complete History of America (abridged) in all of its reverent irreverence, and some truly patriotic behind-the-scenes info about how to celebrate and needle a large world power. Featuring a special appearance by Peter Hulne, star of the Comedy Central show American Read more…

Podcast: Download (23.4MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 29. The Word Nerds

”Reed and Austin chat with Dave Shepherd, producer and host of The Word Nerds podcast, and we share podcast gossip, details of rhythm, intonation, pronunciation, and the glories of the Liquid U. Plus, a special appearance by David Koechner (The Office, Anchorman) — and we get to hear Beowulf as Read more…

Podcast: Download (29.3MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 25. Follow The Mistakes!

”Mistakes…or oh-so-brilliant bits of comic invention!? You be the judge. We honor the god of chaos (Harpo?) and analyse the funny moments in our shows which began as screw-ups. Featuring excerpts from several of our stage shows, unnecessary vomiting, and a special appearance by Bridget Fonger, author of The Lazy Read more…

Podcast: Download (24.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 24. Let It Snow!

”We’ve died many times onstage, but only once for real (almost!) on this terrible flight into upstate New York. Memories of a horrible blizzard, prompted by our performance at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. Featuring bi-coastal fan feedback and a special appearance by Neil Flynn, the Janitor from TV’s Scrubs. Read more…

Podcast: Download (26.1MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 8. Words Words Words!

”Austin chats with RSC actor Michael Faulkner about how he teaches Shakespeare, and checks in with his own kids about what nasty words they’ve picked up. Featuring a very special RSC Q&A with Adam Long, an excerpt from The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show (originally b’cast on the BBC World Service), Read more…

Podcast: Download (25.0MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 7. Be A Clown!

”Reed Martin and Matthew Croke share clown experiences from their days with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, and respond (badly) to criticism. Featuring an excerpt from the Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show (originally b’cast on the BBC World Service and available from iTunes), random fan shoutouts, RSC Q&A, and a special Read more…

Podcast: Download (22.1MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago

Episode 3. Happy Wholesome Holidays

”Austin Tichenor talks about Christmas in LA, speaks with DVDPlayground owner Matt Croke about what business is like this time of year, and premieres “Reduced Tales of Hollywood” with former RSC’er Dee Ryan, who talks about famous people from Lowell and describes her encounter with Jay Leno. Featuring Reed Martin‘s Read more…

Podcast: Download (22.6MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS | More

By austin, ago