Everything Theater Podcast

Podcasting from New York's Capital District, Ellen Cribbs and Benita Zahn talk all things theater - why we got into this crazy, creative business to what's currently happening on stages locally and around the world. Join us as we interview guest artists in various theatrical fields every other week. The spotlight will shine on theater artists onstage and behind the curtain.

Nietzsche - A New Musical 09/17/2025

Nietzsche - A New Musical Kimerer LaMothe does it all. An award winning author, dancer, playwright, and farmer, Kimerer's latest endeavor has been writing the musical, Nietzsche, about the famous German philosopher. We discuss the process of writing and mounting the new musical, as well as the timeliness of it's message. "A love that teaches us to hate is not love." "Do not throw away your love and your hope." Off-Brand Opera in NYC is producing the musical, running from Oct 10th - 12th, 2025. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Deep Blue Sound", playing Sept 12th - 21st, 2025 at Steamer No.10 Theatre. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/38248595

The Box Office 09/09/2025

The Box Office The theatrical experience starts as soon as you walk in the door and collect your tickets. Jeffrey Hocking has been the box office manager at Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC Musical Theater) for 10 years and has many stories to share. Jeffrey also manages the Capital District events calendar and announcement/audition mailing list that spreads info across the area to boost support and involvement in the theater community. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Deep Blue Sound" running Sept. 12 - 21 at Steamer No. 10 Theatre. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/38138650

Save Fort Salem 08/27/2025

Save Fort Salem Fort Salem Theater has been entertaining audiences with exceptional performances over the past several years, but now they are facing a financial crisis due to unexpected expenses and loss of funding. We talk to Kyle West and Jared West about their outreach for help to keep the curtain up in Fort Salem. https://mailchi.mp/fortsalem/urgent-appeal-for-support?fbclid=IwY2xjawMbRfRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFla003enRMNFM3d0JQZFhRAR62lkvyGDF61FmYdQnenlPuw-lUO23sn_9X_T3B-n58Dr2qcHAQWmc24k9pnQ_aem_doqE0vxkEVG-FilVB-Knrw /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37973985

Backstage Episode 46 - New Plays and Summer Theater 08/22/2025

Backstage Episode 46 - New Plays and Summer Theater The summer is coming to a close! But Ellen and Benita have been super busy exploring the wealth of summer theater in the area, including many new plays at companies such as the Cape Cod Theater Project and the Great Barrington Public Theater. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37918205

Sandhill Repertory Theatre 07/25/2025

Sandhill Repertory Theatre Michael Pizzi is Producing and Artistic Director of the Sandhills Repertory Theatre, bringing all NYC and Broadway talent to the Sandhills, with a percentage of ALL show net profits funding performing arts in Moore County schools. He is also the creator and producer of the Special Broadway Camp for children with special needs in the Sandhills.Besides being an artist, Michael is an occupational therapist, a health and wellness lifestyle coach and co-owner of the NC organization Sandhills Adaptive Living (SAL). We talk to him about the cabaret-style shows he had developed in the Berkshires, as well as how theater touches other elements of people's lives. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37544010

Programming for Audiences Today 07/15/2025

Programming for Audiences Today Martha Banta, the Founding Artistic Director at the Adirondack Theater Festival, an Artistic Associate at New York Theater Workshop, the Associate Director of MAMMA MIA! on Broadway and the National Tours, and the Original Resident Director of RENT for NYTW, Broadway, two National Tours, and London, joins us to talk about her current production of "Gutenberg! The Musical!" at the Adirondack Theater Festival and thoughts about how to program shows for these current times. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37408835

Oklahoma! 07/11/2025

Oklahoma! "Oklahoma!" is commonly considered the first modern American musical, shaping the theatrical forum for decades. Playhouse Stage Company is presenting a bold new interpretation of the classic musical in Washington Park in Albany this summer. Director Chuck Kraus and assistant director/choreographer Ashley Simon Kirchner join us to talk about the production and how it applies to our modern world. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37371375

On Tour with "Beauty and the Beast" 06/30/2025

On Tour with "Beauty and the Beast" Be our guest! And join our conversation with Danny Gardner, who is traveling the country playing Lumiere in the national tour of "Beauty and the Beast." We chat about this iconic Disney show and Danny's life on the road as he tours with his wife, Emily Larger (who is also in the show), their dog, and their infant son. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37206000

Hair, Wigs, and Makeup 06/11/2025

Hair, Wigs, and Makeup J. Jared Janas is an acclaimed hair, wig, and make-up designer who has worked on over 700 shows, including the recent Broadway productions of "John Proctor is the Villain", "Dead Outlaw", and "Glengarry Glen Ross" to name a few. In addition to his thriving work on Broadway, Jared remains steadfast in his mission of supporting the craft, and platforming up and coming designers to work alongside him on high end productions – opportunities they may not have been afforded otherwise. We chat with Jared about his career, his approach to design, and the shocking lack of a hair and makeup category at the Tony Awards. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "At the Wedding" running at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts June 6th - 15th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36948750

Tony Awards 2025 06/03/2025

Tony Awards 2025 It's Tony time! Adam Prado-Deremer joins us again to discuss all things Broadway, from our favorite shows of the season, to changing audiences, and award predictions! The Tonys will air on Sunday, June 8th (6:40pm - Act One on Pluto, and 8:00pm - Act Two on CBS/Paramount Plus). This episode is sponsored by Harbinger's Production of "At the Wedding" playing at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts from June 6th - 15th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36829895

Capital Region Festival of Theatre - CRFT 05/31/2025

Capital Region Festival of Theatre - CRFT The first Capital Region Festival of Theatre is here! From June 12th - 15th, audiences can enjoy over 100 theatrical events, including one-acts, workshops, panel discussions, senior performances, improv, and more all for FREE! Patrick White and Kelly Blitz join us to run through all the events and discuss how to develop a new region-wide festival. https://www.crftinc.org/ /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36797880

Antonio or What I Would 05/27/2025

Antonio or What I Would Antonio from "Twelfth Night" is perhaps one of the most studied and talked about minor Shakespearean characters. After playing Antonio in a production, Shayne Cameris developed a one-man show all about the pirate through the lens of queer representation in Shakespeare's work. We talk about his upcoming performance as Antonio with Troy Foundry Theatre at UPH. https://www.troyfoundrytheatre.com/programming /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36724185

Backstage Episode 45 - Auditions Auditions Auditions 05/08/2025

Backstage Episode 45 - Auditions Auditions Auditions Benita and Ellen share their stories about auditions; how to prepare for auditions, tips to keep in mind, and horror stories from the audition room. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36481465

What's New at the Albany Barn 04/30/2025

What's New at the Albany Barn There is so much going on at the Albany Barn! New Executive Director, McCauley Cannizzo, chats with us about the Barn's 3 locations, how artists can work collaboratively to create projects, and what exciting events are coming up! This episode is sponsored by Schenectady Light Opera Company's production of "Pippin". /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36368525

Funny Girl on the Road 04/03/2025

Funny Girl on the Road Annabelle Duffy is no stranger to the Capital Region. She has been wowing audiences in the area for many years before heading off to train at Carnegie Mellon. And now she's back (albeit briefly) as the understudy for Fanny Brice in the national tour of "Funny Girl." We chat about life on the road, and how to tackle such a classic and mammoth role. "Funny Girl" runs at Proctors Theatre until April 6th 2025.https://www.atproctors.org/ /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/35986340

Hudson Valley Shakespeare 04/01/2025

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Hudson Valley Shakespeare has been performing outdoor theater since 1987, and now they are building a beautiful new state-of-the-art open air theater venue that will open in the summer of 2026. We talk to Artistic Director Davis McCallum about the structure of their summer repertory season, Shakespeare's connection to an audience, and what to look forward to in the future! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/35953950

Backstage Episode 44 - We're back! 03/10/2025

Backstage Episode 44 - We're back! We're back to the backstage episodes! We've been crazy busy with our own shows, but Ellen and Benita are back to chat about upcoming shows in the area, auditions, and the future of theater in today's climate. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/35601955

Oscars 2025 02/25/2025

Oscars 2025 For the 5th year, Jackson Murphy joins us to discuss the upcoming Academy Awards. Similar to past years, theater has made a big impact on the movies this year, with big contenders like "Wicked." We chat about our sister industry and Jackson's predictions on who will take home the golden statues Sunday night! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/35419340

Intimacy Coordinator 02/18/2025

Intimacy Coordinator One of the newer and most important jobs on a stage production team is the intimacy coordinator - the person who ensures that intimate scenes are performed safely and respectfully. We speak with intimacy coordinator, Yvonne Perry, about her work and how it is applied to the stage. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/35324830

Tango Illusion 02/04/2025

Tango Illusion "Tango Illusion" is an interactive dance play, portraying the onstage and offstage lives of a troupe of Tango/ Salsa dancers who nightly perform their show Fuego in New York City. Creator/ Writer/Choreographer/Producer Diane Lachtrupp Martinez and Script Editor/Choreographer/Fight Choreographer Johnny Martinez join us to talk about this new play making it's way to a stage near you! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/35141865

SLCA's New Executive Director 01/21/2025

SLCA's New Executive Director Sand Lake Center for the Arts has been producing such exciting work for years, and now Tanya Gorlow has taken over as Executive Director. We chat with Tanya about her position at SLCA, her plans for the future, and the ability to create a true community surrounding your theater. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/34937050

Parade 01/13/2025

Parade We're going backstage at Proctors Theatre to meet the cast and crew of "Parade" - the Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry musical that is teching and starting it's national tour right here in Schenectady! We chat with Max Chernin and Talia Suskauer (who are playing Leo and Lucille Frank) and get a peek of what the tech process looks like at Proctors! "Parade" plays at Proctors from Jan 11 - 17, 2025. Get tickets at /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/34831525

2024 Theater Wrap Up with Chris and Patrick 12/19/2024

2024 Theater Wrap Up with Chris and Patrick Here we are again at the end of another great year of theater! Our annual guests, Chris Foster and Patrick White, join us to talk about changing trends in theatre and some of the biggest highlights of 2024. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/34527450

2024 Theater Wrap Up with Chris and Patrick 12/19/2024

Meeting Theater Now 11/20/2024

Meeting Theater Now Let's face it. Audiences are different than they used to be. And because of that, theater is different too. Rob Bailis, Artistic & Executive Director for BroadStage in Santa Monica, California, joins us to discuss cultivating an artistic space for modern audiences while developing a true community between theaters and their patrons. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/34029478

Psalm 91 - Releasing Religion 11/12/2024

Psalm 91 - Releasing Religion Multidisciplinary artist, D. Colin, joins us with actress Angelique Powell, to discuss her new play, Psalm 91:Releasing Religion, performing with Creative Action Unlimited. We talk about the piece, the vulnerability of presenting an autobiographical story, and the impact art has on an audience. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Into the Breeches" /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/33892757

House Managers 11/05/2024

House Managers Diaka Kaba Hill is the best "people person" you'll ever come across, which is why it makes sense that she is a cherished House Manager in the Capital Region. Diaka joins us to talk about the job of a house manager and how an audience's experience with a show starts from the moment they enter the theater lobby. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Into the Breeches." /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/33787817

The Business of Acting 10/22/2024

The Business of Acting Performing on stage is one thing, but not many people think about the immense amount of work actors have to do off-stage in order to get their moment in the spotlight. Actor Marc Christopher chats with us about the business of acting, including Equity status, finding representation, auditions, and making a living as a professional actor. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/33562687

Capital Region Festival of Theatre - CRFT 10/15/2024

Capital Region Festival of Theatre - CRFT The Capital Region in New York is a thriving theatre scene. It's why we host a podcast from here! And for the first time, the community is being celebrated with a weekend-long theatre festival in June 2025. The festival is kicking off with a "cast party" fundraising evening at Cohoes Music Hall with entertainment, food, wine, and thousands of dollars in raffle prizes. Patrick White chats with us about what is in store for CRFT (Capital Region Festival of Theatre). Join us on Oct 27th, 2024 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) for the cast party! Tickets available at: This episode is sponsored by the CRFT Cast Party. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/33460087

Colorworld - A Children's Book Turned Play 10/08/2024

Colorworld - A Children's Book Turned Play The Charles R. Wood Theater is working with Artist Anthony Richichi to turn his award winning children's book, "Colorworld", into a LIVE Stage Play! We chat with the author, Anthony Richichi, as well as Executive Director, Emily Murphy, and Facilities Director, Eric Potter, about the origins of the project and how they are adapting this new children's piece for the stage! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/33371182

Everything Theater Podcast

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