Episode 632. Preparing And Doing

There’s a difference between rehearsing and performing and this week actors Dan Saski and Austin Tichenor, plus stage manager Elaine Randolph, talk about the specific challenges of touring a show with multiple combinations of actors to different venues around the country. Featuring unabashed fondness for The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), many comings and goings, the trick of doing a show you can only perform 4-5 weeks a year, unconventional processes, how much preparation can you actually do without the other actors, what’s language-driven and what’s movement-or-music-driven, incorporating new technicians in every city, speedy backstage changes captured on video, keeping theatre a living thing, how sometimes the lack of preparation brings magic, and ultimately the joy of seeing what different actors bring to the same roles. (Length 21:48)

Episode 407. Executing the Extravaganza

”The Complete Works of the Reduced Shakespeare Company (abridged) Extravaganza at the Center Stage of Reston Community Center was a massive undertaking and an unabridged success, due in large measure to three ladies: Alli Bostedt, Elaine Randolph, and Linda Ifert, respectively the RSC Company Manager/Wardrobe & Props Goddess, RSC Stage Read more…

Episode 221. Ginger Stage Manager

”European stage manager Davey Naylor shares his background, expertise, and adventures working with the RSC. Featuring lessons learned at Drama School, breakdowns of American and European sport, making a living on the Internet, massive and geeky dedication to fantasy sports websites, and fantastic insight into how to work for the Read more…

Episode 215. Touring In January

”It was a week right out of Planes, Trains, & Automobiles as we attempted to dodge winter storms. Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor, Matt Rippy, and stage manager Elaine Randolph regale us with tales of canceled flights and performances, lost luggage and personnel, impromptu trains, rescheduled hotels, and rerouted trunks. Featuring Read more…

Episode 206. Michael Faulkner’s Measure

”Michael Faulkner returns to the RSC fold and regales us with tales of Measure For Measure at A Noise Within in Los Angeles, where he’s playing Elbow. Featuring the differences between acting and stage managing, between real Shakespeare and reduced Shakespeare, how to get Shakespeare up into fifth gear, and Read more…

Episode 125. Fighting Stage Fright

”A fan question prompts this analysis of RSC stage fright, and what we do when we get it.  Featuring true confessions from five RSC actors and one stage manager, the difference between performance anxiety and audition anxiety, a special appearance by Robin Pressman of KRCB-Sonoma County (CA) Public Radio, and Read more…

Episode 70. More From London

”LIVE! from the Captain’s Cabin pub in London: a conversation with former RSC stage manager Davey Naylor. Featuring the pitfalls of the Internet, a glorification of the Facebook Group I Worked With the Reduced Shakespeare Company!, a distinct cry for help, and fascinating technical details about how we record our Read more…

Episode 60. Bea Arthur Lookalike

”Stage Manager Kea Watson returns from Hollywood, where she’s the second 2nd AD (Assistant Director) on the hit CBS show Cold Case. Since production has been suspended due to the writers strike, Kea joins us in Charlotte and talks about her other job. Featuring insight into what it’s like being part Read more…