Shows
The Backstage CreativeCelia KasbergCelia Kasberg is currently pursing her MFA at Carnegie Mellon University. We talk about working on a degree during a pandemic, advice for people looking for a college to go to, and the structure of a costume shop. 2021-08-1750 min
The Backstage CreativeKatie SpelmanKatie Spelman is a New York City based Choreographer. We talk about her work on Moulin Rouge, issues facing women in the industry, and how growing up in Chicago has influenced her work. 2021-08-1259 min
The Backstage CreativeAna Maria AburtoAna Maria Aburto is a New York City based painter. We talk about her favorite projects to work on, skills needed to do her job, and what she is excited about right now. 2021-07-2730 min
The Backstage CreativeEmma FordEmma Ford is a New York City based drummer. We talk about the Australian theater scene, playing on the Australian production of Hamilton, and how running has benefitted her life. 2021-07-2051 min
The Backstage CreativeTara HoustonTara Houston is a scenic designer and painter based in Louisiana. We talk about some of the issues in higher education, being a community based artist, and managing priorities. 2021-07-1359 min
The Backstage CreativePaul ThompsonPaul Thompson is a Pittsburgh based bassist. We talk about being in the moment, what he likes about teaching, and the importance of keeping the music first. 2021-07-0658 min
The Backstage CreativeHarry NadalHarry Nadal is New York City based costume and scenic designer. We talk about knowledge being a safety net, how he gets unstuck in the design process, and what he is excited about right now. 2021-06-2946 min
The Backstage CreativeBeth LakeBeth Lake is a New York City based sound designer. We talk about deciding what projects to take on, her favorite parts of being an associate sound designer, and being a women in the sound world. 2021-06-2256 min
The Backstage CreativeShantez TolbutShantez Tolbut is a theater artist in New York City. We talk about Black Stage Everything, theater education, and entrepreneurial advice. 2021-06-0856 min
The Backstage CreativeGerman MartinezGerman Martinez is a New York City based sound designer and audio engineer. We talk about taking time to ask big questions, the importance of telling first generation stories, and keeping calm as an audio engineer. 2021-06-0154 min
The Backstage CreativeCynthia MengCynthia Meng is a New York City based musician. We talk about working on Hadestown, deciding when to leave a day job, and the benefits of thinking like an engineer. 2021-05-2545 min
The Backstage CreativeJamie RoderickJamie Roderick is a New York City based lighting designer. We talk about growing up in the theater industry. building rapport with other collaborators, and working on new works. 2021-05-1847 min
The Backstage CreativeSalmah BeydounSalmah Beydoun is a set designer who works in Mexico City and LA. We talk about Salmah's background in architecture, working in Mexico, and asking quality questions. 2021-05-1142 min
The Backstage CreativeAria EvansAria Evans is a Toronto based choreographer. We talk about elitism in the arts, inviting people into the artistic process, and body intelligence. 2021-05-0456 min
The Backstage CreativeMelissa CrespoMelissa Crespo is a multi-disciplinary theater artist based in New York City. We talk about decision fatigue, honesty with respect, and the Werking Artist podcast. 2021-04-2745 min
The Backstage CreativeCrystal LeeCrystal Lee is a Toronto based production manager. We talk about the Canadian theater scene, how to make changes in the industry, and empowering others to do their jobs. 2021-04-2049 min
The Backstage CreativeCarolina Ortiz HerreraCarolina Ortiz Herrera is a New York City based lighting designer. We talk about adaptability, supporting others' art, and the La Gente Network. 2021-04-1345 min
The Backstage CreativeCherie B TayCherie B Tay is a New York City based stage manager. We talk about trusting the people you work with, Cherie's experience working on Hadestown, and getting into the voice over world. 2021-04-0641 min
The Backstage CreativeDirty Laundry PodcastJohanna Pan and Shayna O'Neill recently started a podcast called Dirty Laundry: Unpacking the Costume Closet. We talk about the purpose of the podcast as well as issues in the theater world such as feminized labor and decolonizing costume history.2021-03-301h 02
The Backstage CreativeDeanna ChoiDeanna Choi is a Toronto based sound designer. We talk about her pandemic projects, favorite parts of the design process, and cultural appropriation in sound design. 2021-03-2349 min
The Backstage CreativeRich RosenzweigRich Rosenzweig is a New York City based drummer. We talk about his podcast called Big Noise from Planet Earth, playing on Broadway, and touring. 2021-03-091h 04
The Backstage CreativeMark ExlineMark Exline is a Kansas City based scenic designer and production manager. We talk about navigating the digital space when doing productions, the Kansas City theater scene, and empathy. 2021-03-021h 01
The Backstage CreativeMichi EggerMichi Egger is a New York City based guitarist. We talk about being on the SpongeBob SquarePants national tour, handling nerves, and the importance of being kind. 2021-02-2332 min
The Backstage CreativeBenjamin StaynerBenjamin Stayner is currently pursuing a graduate degree from Ithaca College. We talk about what it's like pursuing a degree during the pandemic, working with singers versus instrumentalists, and looking on the positive side of difficult circumstances. 2021-02-1654 min
The Backstage CreativeKristy NorterKristy Norter is a New York City based musician and contractor. We talk about working on Broadway, subbing as a musician, and the role of a music contractor. 2021-02-0958 min
The Backstage CreativeJon DienerJon Diener is a Michigan based musician. We talk about separating your worth from your art, imposter syndrome, and Jon's podcast Beyond the Spotlight. 2021-02-021h 06
The Backstage CreativeCara SpencerCara Spencer is a Kansas City based scenic charge artist. We talk about the role of a scenic charge, the skills needed to do this job, and separating your identity from your work. 2021-01-2648 min
The Backstage CreativeSara SharosSara Sharos is a props master. We talk about all of the different jobs in props departments, Sara's path through the theater world, and what can help you stay in the industry when things get difficult. 2021-01-191h 07
The Backstage CreativeBill ShinoskiBill Shinoski is a Kansas City based technical director. We talk about leadership, organization, and balancing work with life.2021-01-1239 min
The Backstage CreativePaige HernandezPaige Hernandez is a Maryland based theater artist. We talk about all of the different roles she fills in the theater world, imposter syndrome, and getting unstuck in the creative process. 2021-01-0551 min
The Backstage CreativeThe Backstage Creative is 2!On this solo episode of the anniversary of TBC, I talk about quitting, the Resistance, and starting overwhelming projects. 2020-12-2721 min
The Backstage CreativeLuqman BrownLuqman Brown is a New York City based sound designer and musician. We talk about Luqman's path into sound design, taking ego out of your art, and work as your reward. 2020-12-1535 min
The Backstage CreativeJhanae BonnickJhanae Bonnick is a New York City based stage manager. We talk about her work on Hadestown and Slave Play, communicating effectively, and cultivating a healthy work environment. 2020-12-0851 min
The Backstage CreativeTom HipskindTom Hipskind is a Chicago based drummer. We talk about the Chicago production of Hamilton, the importance of technique, and internalizing music. 2020-12-0157 min
The Backstage CreativeAri FultonAri Fulton is a New York City based costume designer. We talk about the books she has been reading during the pandemic, how diversity should be organic, and the importance of making mistakes. 2020-11-2456 min
The Backstage CreativeBrian MorganBrian Morgan is a trombonist who was touring with A Bronx Tale. We talk about touring, preparing for gigs, and finding love in what you do. 2020-11-1751 min
The Backstage CreativeJulianne MerrillJulianne Merrill is a music director based in New York City. We talk about building a network, pit technology, and audition coaching. 2020-11-1053 min
The Backstage CreativeJoanna StaubJoanna Staub is a New York City based sound designer. We talk about diversity in sound design, mixing shows, and some of the realities of Broadway. 2020-11-0355 min
The Backstage CreativeSusan SamplinerSusan Sampliner is the company manager for Wicked on Broadway. We talk about what a company manager does, dealing with difficult people, and the Broadway Green Alliance. 2020-10-2743 min
The Backstage CreativeEmily GrishmanEmily Grishman is a New York City based music copyist. We talk about what a music copyist does, the importance of community, and changes in the industry over the past several decades. 2020-10-2048 min
The Backstage CreativeKate Sutton-JohnsonKate Sutton-Johnson is a scenic designer based in the Twin Cities. We talk about measuring effectiveness, importance of transitions, and creativity. 2020-10-1354 min
The Backstage CreativeRobbie CowanRobbie Cowan is a music director, singer, and pianist. We talk about doing theater during a pandemic, touring, and balancing ambition with satisfaction. 2020-10-061h 06
The Backstage CreativeMeredith RiesMeredith Ries is a New York City based scenic designer. We talk about getting stuck in the design process, asking good questions, and the different ways to lead while creating. 2020-09-2947 min
The Backstage CreativeNia SciarrettaNia Sciaretta is the production stage manager at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Florida. We talk about the Nia Explains It All videos, diffusing tense situations, and organization. 2020-09-2237 min
The Backstage CreativeAdriane HeflinAdriane Heflin is a Minneapolis based technical director. We talk about inviting collaboration, leadership, and effective communication. 2020-09-1552 min
The Backstage CreativeKyra SimsKyra Sims is a New York City based musician, writer, and actor. We talk about subbing on Broadway, the New York Neo-Futurists, and working on off-Broadway. 2020-09-0840 min
The Backstage CreativeAnne McPhersonAnne McPherson stage manages in NYC. We talk about effective communication, self advocacy, and building trust with those you work with. 2020-08-2554 min
The Backstage CreativeLawrence MotenLawrence Moten is a New York City based scenic designer. We talk about self care, working on new plays, and the 2020 Antonyo Awards. 2020-08-1840 min
The Backstage CreativeRichard HammondRichard Hammond is the bassist for Hamilton. We talk about recording versus live performance, creating musical currency, and musicians as athletes. 2020-08-1150 min
The Backstage CreativeStacey DerosierStacey Derosier is a New York City based lighting designer. We talk about advocating for yourself, balancing life, and minorities in theater. 2020-08-0448 min
The Backstage CreativeJustin EllingtonJustin Ellington is a musician and sound designer. We talk opportunities in the field of music, handling healthy conflict, and the importance of representation in the theater and music industries. 2020-07-2856 min
The Backstage CreativeAnna MurphyAnna Murphy is a Twin Cities based music director and pianist. We talk about breaking into a scene, having a day job, and engaging with your community. 2020-07-2150 min
The Backstage CreativeDominique HillDominique Hill is a costume designer who splits her time between NYC and LA. We talk about empathy, staying healthy, and viewing clothing as language. 2020-07-1447 min
The Backstage CreativeJiyoun ChangJiyoun Chang is an East coast lighting and set designer. We talk about letting go in the design process, staying healthy during stressful times, and motherhood. 2020-07-0748 min
The Backstage CreativeScott ThorntonScott Thornton is a New York City based bassist. We talk about his background, what it's like playing Chicago on Broadway, and his advice to young musicians. 2020-06-2333 min
The Backstage CreativeTilly GrimesTilly Grimes is a costume and set designer. We talk about the art of asking good questions, leadership as a designer, and the beauty of live events. 2020-06-1650 min
The Backstage CreativeChloe TreatChloe Treat is a director and choreographer. We talk about interpretation, story telling's impact on culture, and leadership. 2020-06-0944 min
The Backstage CreativeVictoria DeiorioVictoria Deiorio is a Chicago based sound designer. We talk about women in theater, life in academia, and the myriad of opportunities in the sound world. 2020-06-0249 min
The Backstage CreativeKelli HarrodKelli Harrod is a Kansas City based set designer. We talk about her set design for a production of Puffs, her design process, and the value of having an open mind. 2020-05-1936 min
The Backstage CreativeTyler MicoleauTyler Micoleau is a Tony winning lighting designer. We talk about the correlation between lighting design and music, healthy disagreement, and how to say no. 2020-05-1256 min
The Backstage CreativeCarleigh WagnerCarleigh Wagner is a painter and designer currently working at the Glimmerglass Festival. We talk about why Carleigh loves painting sets, what it's like working in the off-season at a large company, and the benefits criticism. 2020-05-0540 min
The Backstage CreativeMaddy HenryMaddy Henry is a Canadian stage manager and podcaster. We talk about her podcast called Standing By, the importance of positivity when dealing with conflict, and balancing life and career. 2020-04-2849 min
The Backstage CreativeSean McDanielSean McDaniel is a New York City based drummer. He was responsible for developing the drum books for Hamilton, Book of Mormon, 9 to 5, Spamalot, and others. He is currently the drummer for Frozen. 2020-04-2140 min
The Backstage CreativeKaitie HughesKaitie Hughes is a props artisan however most of this interview revolves around her experiences with mental health. Kaitie shares stories from her life as well as advice for people struggling with mental health and advice for people who want to help coworkers and friends who are dealing with mental health issues. 2020-04-1438 min
The Backstage CreativeClaire Summers-JonesClaire Summers-Jones works in New York City as an assistant technical director at The Public Theatre. We talk about freelancing, over communicating with your coworkers, and creativity in the technical design field.2020-04-0739 min
The Backstage CreativeRachel DeanRachel Dean is a New York City based pianist and playwright. We talk about the creative process, what it's like being a rehearsal accompanist on Broadway, and how to handle failure. 2020-03-3055 min
The Backstage CreativeKrystle HenningerKrystle Henninger is involved in many areas in the theater world. We talk about being a playwright, communicating as a stage manager, and her favorite aspect of designing sound. 2020-03-1636 min
The Backstage CreativeEaton SaylorEaton Saylor is a sound engineer who works primarily in the Kansas City area. We talk about the importance of building trust, pre-show rituals, and letting go as an artist. 2020-03-021h 02
The Backstage CreativeKatherine AbellKatherine Abell is a stage manager. We talk about what it's like stage managing for a dinner theater, the importance of communication, and how she stays organized. 2020-02-1731 min
The Backstage CreativeJordan StandleeJordan Standlee is a woodwind player currently on the national tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. We talk about taking care of yourself while on the road, life as a woodwind player, and how to increase your consistency as a musician. 2020-02-0349 min
The Backstage CreativeJess MckelveyJess Mckelvey is an Ohio based student currently studying stage management. We talk about what life is like as a student studying stage management, the importance of empathy and kindness, and the importance of self care. 2020-02-0127 min
The Backstage CreativeSara IceSara Ice is a California based costume designer. We talk about her design process, research strategies, and her path through the theater world. 2020-01-1443 min
The Backstage CreativeMichelle EnglemanMichelle Engleman is a stage manager currently involved with Opera Orlando. We talk about the challenges of a touring stage manager, the qualities of a great stage management team, and how to be a leader who inspires others. 2020-01-0341 min
The Backstage CreativeThe Backstage Creative is 1!The Backstage Creative turned one year old! I am so proud of this podcast so I took a little time to sit down and talk about how this project got started and some of what I've learned over this past year. 2019-12-2222 min
The Backstage CreativeMegan CulleyMegan is a sound designer based in New York City. We talk about dealing with frustration, the differences between designing for a musical and a play, and composition.2019-12-1736 min
The Backstage CreativeSteph WaaserSteph Waaser is an associate technical director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We discuss the skills needed to be a technical director, the benefits of having a master's degree, and the importance of embracing change in the industry. 2019-12-0644 min
The Backstage CreativeJo FarleyJo Farley is an Oregon based scenic artist. We talk about the West Coast theater scene, the importance of taking care of yourself, and advocating for yourself. 2019-11-2631 min
The Backstage CreativeLaura ValentiLaura Valenti is a New York City based scenic designer and artist. We dive into life in NYC, what it's like assisting a top tier scenic designer, and the importance of passing on what we know through teaching. 2019-11-2642 min
The Backstage CreativeCory PattakCory Pattak is a New York City based lighting designer and podcaster. We talk about the relationship between lighting and music, becoming better at saying yes, and his own podcast called In 1. 2019-10-2958 min
The Backstage CreativeKatie SiegmundKatie Siegmund is a New York City based keyboardist and music director. We had such a fun conversation discussing how to build trust with the people you work with, how to navigate conflicts and failure, and the business skills needed to be a freelancer. 2019-10-0550 min
The Backstage CreativeDawn YoungsDawn Youngs and I sat down and had a great conversation about the benefits of community, the importance of good habits, and the arts scene in the Kansas City area. 2019-09-2546 min
The Backstage CreativeSean PatrickSean Francis Patrick is a multi talented stage manager based in New York City. We talk about teaching, changes in the theater industry, and the amazing theater scene in Cleveland. 2019-09-0649 min
The Backstage CreativeJessica PazJessica Paz is a Tony award winning sound designer for her work on Hadestown. This is a great conversation where we talk about her interesting path to the theater world, the importance of perseverance, and women in technical fields. 2019-08-1656 min
The Backstage CreativeBrad CarlsonBrad Carlson is a designer, technical director, and professor who is based in Missouri. We talk about puppetry, the role of a TD, and the importance of creative problem solving. 2019-08-0651 min
The Backstage CreativeRachel HauckRachel Hauck is a Tony award winning scenic designer who has worked on shows like Hadestown and What the Constitution Means to Me. We talk about her creative process, the magic of theater, and how to find inspiration in everyday life. 2019-07-191h 02
The Backstage CreativeTrevor JonesTrevor Jones is a bassist in the Chicago area. We talk about what characteristics make a good pit player, how to build a network, and what it's like subbing for Hamilton. 2019-07-0947 min
The Backstage CreativeJamibeth MargolisJamibeth is a casting director and teacher in New York City. We talk about how to negotiate contracts, advice for actors, and the importance of having your own projects to work on. 2019-06-1732 min
The Backstage CreativeJamie QuinnJamie Quinn is the audio engineer at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. He and I talk about a lot of great topics that are relevant to everyone in the theater field! 2019-06-0429 min
Contrabass ConversationsKrista Kopper and The Backstage Creative PodcastKrista Kopper recently launched a podcast called The Backstage Creative focusing on the people who work behind the scenes of theater to create the scenes, music, costumes, props, and everything else that goes into live productions. We chat about her background, starting a podcast, and the benefits that come from tackling a project like this. Be sure to check out this cool new podcast, and a huge shout-out to Krista for being a part of the Contrabass Conversations team! Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Co...2019-05-231h 02
The Backstage CreativeMiranda ShunkwilerMiranda Shunkwiler is a Twin Cities based stage manager. Amongst other things, we talk about her strategies for staying organized, conflict resolution, and stress management. 2019-05-1735 min
The Backstage CreativeIan LeRoyIan LeRoy is a New York City based music director. We had a wonderful conversation talking about networking, communication, and the importance of having intra and inter personal intelligence. 2019-05-0245 min
The Backstage CreativeKristof JanezicKristof is a Chicago based scenic and lighting designer. We talk about his design process, the incredible privilege of story telling, and much more! 2019-04-1845 min
The Backstage CreativeElly HuntElly Hunt is a Chicago based costume designer. We talk about all sorts of fantastic topics like impostor syndrome, her design process, resources for costume designers, and stories of favorite shows. 2019-04-0953 min
The Backstage CreativeMike MorrisThis episode is my conversation with Mike Morris who is a music director and arranger. He has done a lot of really neat things in the industry and has many stories to tell! We dig into topics like the many opportunities in the theater world and the importance of being a problem solver. 2019-03-311h 00
The Backstage CreativeJessica MorylJess works at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire where she designs the costumes and choreography for dozens of shows throughout the season. We talk about her design process, being open minded, and the importance of having a positive attitude when working in theater. 2019-03-1242 min
The Backstage CreativeTawna DabneyTawna Dabney is a choreographer who is so passionate about theater and community and art. We get into numerous topics like education, creativity, the choreography process, and creating your own opportunities. 2019-02-2654 min
The Backstage CreativeDevon MukoDevon Muko is a stage manager who currently works at the Asolo Theatre in Florida. She has several great insights on what makes a successful stage manager as well as a few very entertaining stories from the world of theater! 2019-01-2638 min
The Backstage CreativeZach RyanThis episode is my interview with Zach Ryan who is the music director at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. He great stories about working for Disney and his experience working off Broadway. The music on this podcast was improvised and performed by Ian LeRoy. 2019-01-2252 min
The Backstage CreativeBecca PearceWelcome to the Backstage Creative! This podcast focuses on the people who work behind the scenes of theater to create the scenes, music, costumes, props, and everything else that goes into live productions. 2018-12-2643 minThe Backstage CreativeIntroducing the Backstage Creative!Welcome to the Backstage Creative! This podcast focuses on the people who work behind the scenes of theater to create the scenes, music, costumes, props, and everything else that goes into live productions. 2018-12-2001 min