TBOT_S02E16 - EP.49 - Pollen Is In The Air

In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss various topics related to theater. They share their theater experiences, including seeing the national tour of Frozen and Dreamgirls at the McCarter Theater. They also talk about the importance of opening nights and creating a special experience for the audience. Additionally, they discuss the lack of diversity in theater schools and the representation of black men in leading roles. This conversation explores the challenges of diversity and accessibility in the theater industry. It discusses the lack of diversity in theater showcases and the financial barriers that prevent marginalized individuals from accessing opportunities. The conversation also highlights the issue of unpaid internships and the need for more inclusive internship programs. It emphasizes the importance of networking and making connections in the theater community, as well as the value of translating theater skills to other industries. The conversation concludes with discussions on the role of Theater Philadelphia in connecting theater companies and the future of Broadway.

HOSTS: Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss

00:00 Introduction and Theater Experiences

02:53 The Importance of Opening Nights and Audience Experience

07:56 Representation in Theater

22:11 Challenges of Accessing Theater Opportunities

23:13 Issues with Unpaid Internships

24:08 Lack of Diversity in Internship Programs

25:36 Translating Theater Skills to Other Industries

26:06 Networking and Making Connections

27:31 Writing Letters to Industry Professionals

28:21 Approachability of Artistic Directors

29:19 Building Relationships in the Theater Community

30:23 Overcoming Shyness and Opening Up

31:13 Utilizing Affinity Nights for Networking

32:13 The Importance of Communication and Collaboration

33:14 Theater Philadelphia's Role in Connecting Theater Companies

34:41 Struggles of Off-Off-Broadway Theater Companies

36:10 The Challenges of the New York Theater Scene

38:36 Theater Pet Peeves

39:57 The Future of Broadway

40:26 Philly Theater Week and The Farm We Grow Theater

Takeaways

The theater industry needs to work harder to embrace diversity and make the pipeline to opportunities more accessible.

Unpaid internships in the theater industry create financial barriers for aspiring professionals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

Networking and making connections are crucial for success in the theater industry, and individuals should not hesitate to reach out to industry professionals.

The theater community should prioritize communication and collaboration to overcome challenges and support each other.

The future of Broadway is uncertain, with the industry facing challenges such as competition, high costs, and the need for more audience engagement.