In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, many of us artists have suddenly found ourselves housebound, gig-less, and with an abundance of unscheduled time to fill. Want to feel a little more connected to your theatre community, discover some new plays as audio dramas, or hear experts dig into issues concerning your craft? I’ve compiled a list of my favourite podcasts for your listening pleasure as you wait out your self isolation.
PLAYME
The Pitch: PlayME from CBC Podcasts celebrates the best of Canadian Theatre on a national and international scale. This project helps raise the profile of Canadian playwrights by highlighting new works through a series of podcasts, making it accessible to audiences worldwide. PlayME from CBC Podcasts is transforming the way we experience Canadian theatre, by taking a bold and innovative approach to disseminating plays. The podcast features distinguished actors, and focuses on current and relevant scripts geared to the growing “on-demand” audience.
Recommended for: Anyone who wants to hear new Canadian plays (or program them!)
My Favourite Episodes: Huff by Cliff Cardinal; Quiver by Anna Chatterton.
CI TO EYE
The Pitch: Eric Gensler, President of Capacity Interactive (a digital marketing consulting firm for the arts), speaks with thinkers inside and outside of the arts about leadership, marketing, organizational culture, and innovation.
Recommended for: Arts marketers, administrators, managers, and folks who are curious about the business of art.
My Favourite Episodes: How Do We Compete with Netflix? with Emily Simoness and Dynamic Pricing; What Arts Can Learn From Starbucks and the Airline Industry with Sean Kelly.
TITS AND TEETH
The Pitch: Jen and Kyla – two performing artists coming to you from Toronto & New York City. We have a blast of a time interviewing our peers in show biz, unveiling their secrets about balancing this crazy unconventional life, and debating issues in the arts. We play games and ask insightful questions, all while sipping on our guests’ favourite drink (or chugging…chugging is a better description.) Join us for lots of laughs, endless banter, and insight into the minds of some of North America’s finest theatre workers, onstage and off.
Recommended for: Musical theatre enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a strong drink & a good laugh.
My Favourite Episodes: Episode 4, where performer Julia McLellan talks her low-waste lifestyle; Episode 21 where stage manager Matthew MacInnis talks negotiating contracts without the help of an agent.
TITLE BLOCK
The Pitch: The Title Block is a podcast about Canadian theatre designers and their craft. It is hosted by Michael Kruse, a former lighting designer. Each episode we focus on one designer and their body of work and talk about their training, philosophy, and history.
Recommended for: Designers, and those who want to learn more about what they do!
My Favourite Episodes: Epsiode #50 with set and costume designer Dana Osborne; The Bellows: Unions and Associations.
STANDING BY
The Pitch: Standing By is an original podcast recorded across Canada, featuring conversations with individuals whose silent actions make live performance happen. Take a listen behind the curtain, and meet the people who bring the live experience of arts and culture to life! (Hosted by effervescent Canadian stage manager, Maddy Henry!)
Recommended for: Artists working behind-the-scenes, including SMs, PMs, wardrobe magicians & beyond!
My Favourite Episodes: Check out Episode 3 with stage manager Cole Vincent, and Episode 7, where performer Nathan Carroll talks mental health in the industry.
Also from Erika Morey:
The 5 C’s of Intimacy: In Conversation with Siobhan Richardson
Freelancing in Theatre: Choosing Programs & Planning the Season
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