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Podcasts from EncoreMichigan.com:
Encore LIVE!
A series of original podcasts that explores the issues facing Michigan's professional theaters.
Encore LIVE! - it's like radio, but over the internet! A production of EncoreMichigan.com. Produced for EncoreMichigan.com by Barton Bund and Tony Caselli. Theme music by the World Famous Love Machine.
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- Season 4, Episode 17: The past, present and future of the Michigan Opera Theatre
Ever wonder what it would be like to eavesdrop on a fascinating conversation between two longtime friends and experts who are discussing their mutual love of Detroit and the opera? Well, here's your chance to do just that, as Dr. David DiChiera (founder and general manager of the Michigan Opera Theatre) and co-host Michael H. Margolin (critic and raconteur) sat down recently for a wide-ranging chat about MOT's long history, its financial struggles, DiChiera's bombshell regarding his upcoming plans to step down as general manager, what he has planned for future seasons, and much, much more. Join host (the mostly silent) Donald V. Calamia as the two men share their reflections on what became one of the primary driving forces behind the revitalization of Downtown Detroit's ever-expanding theater district. - Season 4, Episode 16: Discussing a 'State of Emergency' with Andrew Morton
A new, Flint-based ensemble theater company is preparing to bring a new production exploring the impact of Michigan's controversial Public Act 4 (the Emergency Manager law) to the stage. Shop Floor Theatre Company aims to create original and transformative theater with and for people of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds. Shop Floor uses verbatim theater and other community-centered techniques to create work that represents diverse voices and opinions, encourages civic dialogue and engagement, and promotes social and political awareness. Since last fall, members of Shop Floor Theatre Company have been conducting interviews and collecting material to create "State of Emergency," and host Barton Bund talks with Andrew Morton about his theater's innovative new project inspired by Governor Snyder's appointment of an emergency manager in the city of Flint. This documentary or verbatim-style production runs now through March 9. - Season 4, Episode 15: The puzzle comes together with 'Show and Tell'
It's become somewhat of a tradition in recent years for young theater artists in Southeast Michigan to do one of two things after they leave college: They either start their own theater company, or they leave the state looking for greener pastures in theater-friendly cities such as Chicago. (Some prefer to call it "searching for living-wage work" in their chosen field.) Many stay, of course - and we're all the richer for it. But what's unusual is to discover someone who grew up in another state, found work in the Windy City - and CHOSE to move to Detroit to ply his trade. Yet that's part of the story behind the arrival of D.B. Schroeder, who moved to the Motor City and founded Puzzle Piece Theatre, which officially makes its debut Feb. 7 with - thanks to recent news events - what could be a controversial and very emotional opening. Host Donald V. Calamia met with Schroeder at Puzzle Piece's temporary home at the Russell Industrial Center to talk about his company's origins and its soon-to-open production of "Show and Tell." - Season 4, Episode 14: The meaning of 'The Meaning of' at The Purple Rose
Host Barton Bund talks to Purple Rose Theater artistic director Guy Sanville and actors Matt Gwynn and Michael Brian Ogden about Jeff Daniels' new play, "The Meaning of Almost Everything." The unconventional new work, now playing through March 9, has sparked a lot of conversation, and here the artists get a chance to analyze and explain what the show might mean and how it was created. This podcast contains the new "Spoiler Bell," which is rung during the interview to indicate that a listener who has not seen the show may want to turn down the volume. The bell will be rung a second time, inviting the listener to turn the volume back up again. This lively conversation takes us inside The Purple Rose process and dissects the play from a technical, aesthetic and philosophical point of view. - Season 4, Episode 13: Getting 'Conned' at the City Theatre
In centuries past, the fine citizens of Western culture held thespians in the same regard as they did prostitutes and scoundrels. Or in today's terms, about on par with Congress. Flash forward to the 21st century, and scoundrels have returned to the stage - but this time purposely so, in a new production featuring the world's most famous con artists. Running Jan. 17-27 at Detroit's City Theatre, "Conned" features a cast of con men, cheats and swindlers who "expose the secrets of the streets in a hilarious evening of schemes and scams." And to top it off, they also charmed the heck out of host Barton Bund, who met with mentalist Banachek, "king of New York con men" Todd Robbins, and card cheat Richard Turner for an intriguing discussion about their lives and their show. Joining them is director Jim Millan, a veteran of more than 100 productions in his native Canada. - Season 4, Episode 12: Introducing Shakespeare Against Cancer
Professional theater artists in Michigan are known not only for their creativity on stage, but also for their capacity to boldly go where few (if any) thespians have gone before. That's certainly true of a new project created by Samantha White that brings plays by Shakespeare into local hospitals - for children battling cancer. Like most new ideas, it took plenty of hard work and dedication for the project to take shape. But since its launch in 2012, Shakespeare Against Cancer has proven popular with hospital administrators and young audience members alike. Intrigued by the concept, host Donald V. Calamia met in mid December with White and actors Hugh Duneghy III and Elizabeth Rager to discuss the innovative project. - Season 4, Episode 11: Mosaic Youth Theatre 20-year retrospective with Rick Sperling
The internationally acclaimed Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, founded by Rick Sperling in 1992, was born out of a need to fill the gaps in arts education in Metro Detroit schools. While providing an artistic home for young actors, singers and stage technicians, Mosaic's primary goal is to help young artists excel both on stage and in life. As it says of its website, "Mosaic's mission is to empower young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of first-rate theatrical and musical art." And the unarguable fact is that for the last 20 years, Mosaic has done just that with great success. Now recognized as a highly regarded cultural treasure for the city of Detroit and Southeast Michigan, Mosaic's national and international touring performances bring recognition to Detroit as a center for arts and culture and promote a positive image of metro Detroit area youth. With two decades of challenges and successes behind him, Sperling talks with host Barton Bund about the company's history, as well as its upcoming production, "Only The Best: 20 Years of Mosaic Memories," that runs Dec. 14-16 at the Detroit Film Theatre in Midtown Detroit. - Season 4, Episode 10: Getting the scoop on the new Dionysus Theatre
If the name Steve DeBruyne doesn't immediately ring a bell, his face likely will - especially if you've been attending shows at The Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter since 2009, where he both served as associate artistic director until March of this year and was a much-loved audience favorite. Regular attendees of the popular theater were disappointed to learn of his departure from The Encore, but they'll likely be pleased to discover the reason why: He and partner Matt Tomich are set to open their new Dionysus Theatre in the not-too-distant town of Hartland in Livingston County. The road to opening a new theater is rarely easily traveled, as the co-founders have discovered. But their original debut production, "Home for the Holidays," premieres Dec. 7 - and host Donald V. Calamia talks with DeBruyne about The Dio's hard-fought journey from concept to reality. - Season 4, Episode 9: Explaining the changes at Encore Michigan - part 2
In the first part of our discussion regarding the recent acquisition of EncoreMichigan.com by the Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance, host Barton Bund delved into the history of the ownership change and what it means to the company's business operations. In this second chapter, Bund sits with co-founder and editorial director Donald V. Calamia for an in-depth conversation about EncoreMichigan.com's editorial philosophy and its content - and in particular, reviews, which is a concern expressed recently by some in the professional theater community. Along the way, other related topics are addressed as well - making this two-part interview a far-ranging discussion that should help clarify the direction of EncoreMichigan.com well into the future! - Season 4, Episode 8: Explaining the changes at Encore Michigan - part 1
The recent acquisition of EncoreMichigan.com by the Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance has generated plenty of questions from both inside and outside of Michigan's professional theater community. While many theater professionals embraced the fact that EncoreMichigan.com would continue uninterrupted, others expressed concern with the fact that their competition now owns a media company that is supposed to be unbiased in its coverage of the entire industry. It's a totally understandable question to ask, as the acquisition and the switch to a membership-funded operation resulted in an unparalleled paradigm shift in the world of media arts coverage - and it's one META's board struggled with as well prior to its decision to acquire the company. Add to the mix the hiring of a new (and to many, an unfamiliar) executive director to oversee the daily operations of META - which includes management of EncoreMichigan.com's business functions - and it becomes clear why the changes implemented so far have not been easy for everyone to understand or accept. So to help answer the many questions we've received about our mission going forward - and how, if any, it will change - host Barton Bund met with members of the organization's leadership for a two-part, wide-ranging discussion that we hope will answer the many questions that are circulating throughout the community. In this first part, Bund introduces META executive director Lesley Braden-Phillips to the community, joined by EncoreMichigan.com co-founder and editorial director Donald V. Calamia.CLICK HERE for other listening and downloading options.
- Season 4, Episode 7: A new era for Planet Ant Theatre with Shawn Handlon
Planet Ant Theatre's 2012-13 season not only continues its mission to highlight local writers, directors and performers, it's also the first under the leadership of long-time Planet Ant artist Shawn Handlon who has been named its new artistic director. Handlon has been with the Ant since 1999 when he joined the cast of the theater's first sketch/play hybrid, "Sardines," under the direction of Josh Funk. He has since written, directed or and/or performed in more shows than he could probably name - and now he's charting the course for the popular, intimate theater located in the Detroit suburb of Hamtramck. Host Donald V. Calamia met recently with Handlon to talk about his background, his training, the return of "Cancer! The Musical" and more - plus what life is like living and performing on a cruise ship for 13 months! - Season 4, Episode 6: Deaf actors join OU students to explore relations with hearing community
"Police Deaf Near Far" is an innovative and provocative examination of the deaf community's interaction with law enforcement. Produced by TerpTheatre in cooperation with Oakland University's Department of Music, Theatre & Dance, the story focuses on a deaf activist trying to reconcile his devotion to his community and his feelings for a sign language interpreter. Called a "super-complex" play, TerpTheatre's unique creation features a cast of students training for careers in theater and two professional deaf actors, which offers them an opportunity to explore together the difficulties faced by both law enforcement officers and members of the deaf community in situations like the one portrayed in the play. Host Barton Bund speaks with TerpTheatre co-founder Dan MacDougall about "Police Deaf Near Far," which runs through Sunday, Oct. 14 in the Varner Studio Theatre on the campus of OU in Rochester. - Season 4, Episode 5: Jeremy Winchester takes the reins of Flint Youth Theatre
In the second of a two-part series, host Donald V. Calamia returns the spotlight on the Flint Youth Theatre, which recently saw two of its longtime and much-loved leaders retire. Waiting in the wings, however, was Jeremy Winchester, whose association with FYT dates back to 1997 and who returned in 2010 to learn the ropes as artistic director designate. Winchester took the reins as artistic director June 1, and is in the midst of launching its fall season. Calamia talked recently with Winchester about what's new at FYT and what he has planned for the popular, 55-year-old institution. - Season 4, Episode 4: Adult storytelling at The Acorn with Scott Whitehair
On the last Thursday of every month, The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks teams up with the Chicago literary community and storyteller Scott Whitehair to present a series of live storytelling shows. It's a night of the risque, the grotesque, and, most importantly, the 100-percent true, as "Adult Education: Storytelling After Hours" presents the best and brightest of the Chicago scene sharing their not-so-best-and-brightest moments in an intimate setting. You know that story you would never dream of telling in public? The tale you would have trouble even sharing with your closest friends? A revolving cast of Chicago's finest storytellers take the stage to titillate, horrify and entertain - and host Barton Bund talks with Whitehair about the series and why audiences are encouraged to "bring an open mind, a strong stomach, and your sense of humor - but not the kids." - Season 4, Episode 3: Magenta Giraffe behind bars (and other places around town)
One fact that surprises most people is this: There's a lot more live theater happening in Downtown and Midtown Detroit than most people realize. Sure, most are familiar with the Fisher, the Fox, the Michigan Opera Theatre and the Hilberry. But the city is also home to an ever-growing number of small companies that exist with little fanfare - and that offer patrons of all backgrounds and interests an evening of entertainment they may not find anywhere else. One such company is Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company, whose mission includes the reestablishment and expansion of Detroit's once bustling theater district. Host Donald V. Calamia talks with co-founder and artistic director Frannie Shepherd-Bates, one of the young movers and shakers of Detroit's artistic renaissance, who discusses a number of innovative projects in which she's involved - and what theatergoers can expect from Magenta Giraffe in its new home this season! - Season 4, Episode 2: A 'superior' chat with actor Randolph Mantooth
The Purple Rose Theatre Company opens its 2012-13 season later this month with a new play most will not be familiar with and an actor new to the PRTC stage - but both have pedigrees that make this a show not to be missed. "Superior Donuts" by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts stars Randolph Mantooth, who played Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedic Johnny Gage in the long-running 1970s NBC medical drama, "Emergency!" Although much of his work has been in film and television, Mantooth returns to his roots - the legitimate stage - in a role that allows him to explore the unlikely friendship between a burned-out donut shop owner and his idealistic new employee. Host Donald V. Calamia talked with Mantooth recently about his work, his efforts on behalf of firefighters, and how this appearance reunites him with The Purple Rose and director Guy Sanville. (How can that be, you ask, since "Superior Donuts" marks his first time on the Purple Rose stage? You'll have to listen to find out!) - Season 4, Episode 1: Doing the Time Warp with John Manfredi and the cast of 'The Rocky Horror Show'
For nine years now, John Manfredi and a team of Detroit-area performers have entertained thousands of fans of all ages with the cult-favorite "The Rocky Horror Show." The musical, ranked eighth in a BBC Radio 2 listener poll of the "Nation's Number One Essential Musicals," tells the story of a young, innocent couple who find themselves at the home of a mad transvestite scientist on a dark and stormy night. Just like the popular film, audience participation is a major part of this production - made all the more fun since the live actors are sometimes within reach of the theatergoers. Hosts Barton Bund and Donald V. Calamia talk with Manfredi - who's retiring Dr. Frank N. Furter's fishnets after this year - and fellow cast members James Bowen, David Regal, Alison Ortwein, Andy Huff (and others who wander in and out of the interview) about what has become a much-loved annual event at Meadow Brook Music Festival, which hits the stage this year on Sept. 7-8.
PODCAST ARCHIVES - - - - - - - - - -
Season 2: Coming soon
Season 1: Coming soon
