The Curtains Up Podcast

Erin Sullivan grew up in Wilmington, NC and has been a part of touring productions of Legally Blonde, Hairspray, and much more. We sit down with Erin to discuss her career, her advice to high school students/performers, and BBQ. Let us know what you think about the podcast! We would love to hear your feedback going into the summer and the new school year.   www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod Instagram: @curtainsup_pod Email: curtainsuppod@gmail.com

During this year's NC Thespian Festival, we had a chance to sit down with International Thespian Officer Audrey Burgoon. In between selling ducks, name tag labels, and concessions, we sat down with Audrey to get to know her a little bit, chat about her role in ITS, and her future theatre plans.   Facebook.com/curtainsuppod Instagram: @curtainsup_pod Email: Curtainsuppod@gmail.com    

What unique rehearsal strategies do you use in your productions to save time, energy, and be more effecient? What problems have you solved by doing seemingly "crazy" alternative rehearsal strategies that led you to better outcomes in spite of your circumstances? Olivia, Kristin, and Matt discuss some unique ways to rehearse large ensemble numbers and productions that may be different than our first instinct. Are you liking the pod? Let us know! Facebook.com/curtainsuppod Instagram: @curtainsup_pod Email: curtainsuppod@gmail.com We would love to hear from you!

What do you do for your end of the year gala or banquet? Do you do a formal induction ceremony for International Thespian Society? We talk about what things should you think about when planning one, starting new traditions, changing old traditions, and giving your students an opportunity to be recognized for their hard work.   Follow us! Instagram: @curtainsup_pod Facebook.com/curtainsuppod Email: curtainsuppod@gmail.com  

On this week's episode, Kristin, Olivia, and Matt discuss what's going on in their productions before, during, and after tech week. It's a grind with a lot of things to do, but worth it in the end to be organized, efficient, and productive.   Are you liking the podcast? Please send us an email or hit us up on social media and let us know! Have podcast topics? Send those as well!   www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod Instagram: @curtainsup_pod Email: Curtainsuppod@gmail.com

We discuss some of the top ticketing services used by high school theatre and performing arts organizations, including Booktix.com, Thundertix.com, and Seatyourself.biz. We also discuss pros and cons for them, how we make it work at our schools, and things to look for when choosing a ticketing website. www.booktix.com www.seatyourself.com www.thundertix.com What do you think about the podcast? We would love to hear from you. Instagram: @Curtainsuppod Email: curtainsuppod@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod  

Olivia, Kristin, and Matthew sit down and discuss some more topics from the UNC School of the Arts job fair, held in Winston Salem, NC.   Topics include: How do you define success? What does success look like in the high school, collegiate, and professional settings?   What is life after graduation? How can you be prepared for the workplace and how do you network to build connections and opportunities?   Send us an email at curtainsuppod@gmail.com www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod www.instagram.com/curtainsup_pod

We discuss the Broadway hit show, The Band's Visit, which closes on Broadway April 7th, 2019. We also interview Walker White with NETworks Productions. He is a production manager for the upcoming tours of Bronx Tale, Band's Visit, and more. www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod www.curtainsuppod.com instagram: @curtainsup_pod  

What is innovation in the theatre workplace in 2019? What new techniques and strategies are people using to get the most out of their productions? Kristin, Olivia, and Matthew reflect on a panel discussion at UNC School of the Arts and how professionals in the theatre field are defining innovation. Have a podcast topic? Email us at curtainsuppod@gmail.com www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod www.instagram.com/curtainsup_pod

New graduate in the theatre field, looking for a job with professionals on a touring show or production on Broadway? We can help you get your portfolio, cover letter, and resume squared away to make an impact in the workforce. There is a lot of competition out there, and we want to save you a lot of rejections by taking care of the nuts and bolts of what you have to offer. If you would like Kristin, Olivia, or Matthew to take a look at your portfolio, send us a link at curtainsuppod@gmail.com and we'll be glad to help you in any way we can. www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod  www.instagram.com/curtainsup_pod  

Ever wondered how to hold a musical theatre audition workshop? Olivia and Kristin discuss the formats and structure that have worked for them in holding these, including when and how to hold these to give the best opportunity for students and feedback after the audition.    How can we help? Send us a note at curtainsuppod@gmail.com.   www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod www.instagram.com/curtainsup_pod  

Wondering what musical theatre production you should do this season? We walk you through a full list of things to consider before spending your money on a musical. We talk about your budget, space of your performance area, electronics, levels of shows, musical requirements, and more.  Have a question or a topic for a future podcast? Send us an email at curtainsuppod@gmail.com   www.facebook.com/curtainsuppod www.instagram.com/curtainsup_pod

We had a great conversation with Heather Haskins from Corning, NY about her process for choreography and working with students of all different ages. She was in for the week working on Hairspray and we hope you enjoy our sit-down with our choreographer!

What do you do when you get a new theatre job? What are your first steps and things to think about when taking over a brand new program, a small program, or a large program? If you don't do 4 productions during your first year, are you a failure?  Hosted by Matthew Parunak, Olivia Bellido, and Kristin Winchester. Have a topic idea or need help? Email us at curtainsuppod@gmail.com.

The very first episode of this podcast! Learn more about the hosts, where we came from and what we hope you get out of this project.