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In today’s episode, I have special guest host Aaron Nichols as he interviews Loria Perez and Dekota Smallwood. Loria is the Guest Service Manager at SBCT. She is here to discuss #Enough along with one of her Change Agents Dekota Smallwood.  

In today’s episode, we talk with Jerry O’Boyle, who is currently directing A Little Night Music which opened last weekend. If you aren’t familiar with A Little Night Music, it’s a musical by Sondheim about a lawyer with his young bride who he takes to a play starring a former lover. Jerry explains all the twists and turns of the plot during our conversation.  Originally from Chicago, Jerry began his theratre involvement in 6th grade when he was cast as “Raymond the stocky stock boy.” While he was not thrilled about that title, he was thrilled when he heard the applause after the performance. 

In today’s episode, I have Michelle Reynolds. If you have come to the theater, you have most likely been in contact with Michelle. She works in the Box Office at the South Bend Civic and her job title is Director of Smiles and Happiness! Michelle will be celebrating her 5th year anniversary with SBCT when this episode drops, so listen in on how this non-theater gal became one of the most important people at the theater. From Alex:“Michelle is without a doubt my most requested guest and it took a while to get her one! I’m not joking, since my first episode with Aaron and other SBCT employees, her name has been dropped well over a dozen times to be a future guest.”

In today’s episode, I have Kirsten Campbell. Kirsten is a long-time volunteer and current part-time employee under the Children’s Education program at South Bend Civic. We discuss how she became a part of SBCT via her kids, what she has volunteered for over the years and her “tragic” history of trying to be on stage for a show! She is also a fellow Band Geek! 

In today's episode, I have Johnny Yoder. This week is another 'Behind the Scenes' episode. Let's just say COVID is making this really hard! With cancelations, postponements, and sickness, it is making it difficult to find and keep guests. So I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight another episode I recorded in preparation for Civic Stories. "Johnny's story is a good tale for many young actors to hear. He had a plan, and that plan changed (a few times!). But he kept moving forward, and while his life's original plan didn't happen, he has found a new one that is bringing him much happiness." - Alex 

In today's episode, I have my wife, Lindsey, on! As you know, when she is on, I wasn't able to get a guest; listen in to find out why. Today, we discuss the history of the Tony Awards. Listen in to find out its origins, where Tony's name comes from, and the Bests and Mosts from the Tonys.

To understand the title, you'll have to listen in! But know, since the CIVIC is closed (for the holidays) and all are on vacation, this was recorded a few weeks ago, so that may give a little insight on the title. In today's episode, I have on Executive Director Aaron Nichols. It is that time of year where Aaron and I wrap up 2021 and let everyone know what's in store for 2022!

In today’s episode, I take you backstage to the Green Room at SBCT to hear from the cast of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ This was before a show performance where I grabbed as many people as I could for short interviews to talk about their time with SBCT. They shared their experiences with A Christmas Carol and many fond Christmas memories. A good time was had by all!

In today’s episode, I have returning guest Jeremy Phillips. I wanted to catch up with Jeremy and see how his first few months at the theater have been. After catching up, the conversation went to talking about his role as the Volunteer Coordinator. We both discuss the importance of volunteers at the theater and the large role they play to make sure the theater keeps moving forward. To learn more about how to volunteer at SBCT you can email Jeremy at ‘jeremy@sbct.org’ to be added to the volunteer email list.

In today's episode, I have Aaron Mays. Aaron is the Playwright of SBCT's new adaption of 'A Christmas Carol.' Today's episode goes deep into what everyone coming to see 'A Christmas Carol' can expect. We get into how Aaron was brought on to adapt the Novella into something new for all to see at SBCT. We also get into what inspired his adaptation and what we hope people will get out of the show! I say we because I'm actually involved in this show! And you'll get to hear about my involvement with 'A Christmas Carol'! 

In today's episode, I have Caitlin LeVan. Caitlin will be one of our Elsa's for Frozen Jr. Frozen Jr. is Caitlin's first lead role at SBCT and only her second performance with the Theater, her first being The Lion King. In the episode, we get into Frozen Jr. and what that experience has been like. We also touch on her first lead role she performed this past summer as Rizzo in Grease Jr. with Premier Arts!Personal Note from Alex:"Caitlin was the easiest guest to schedule for the podcast because we go to the same church! When I found out she was playing Elsa, I turned to her and said, 'this means you're my guest on the podcast!' She really didn't have a choice in the matter because I could get her Mom to help me make it happen :)" 

In today’s episode, my wife Lindsey and I regale you with tales of seasonal spookiness! We’ll be discussing two of the most well-known haunted theaters in America, The Birdcage Theater in Tombstone, AZ, and The New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway in New York City. So light your pumpkins, pick your poison of choice and join us for some haunted theatrical history. 

In today’s episode, I have Billie Bennett. Billie will be playing the part of Dr. Frank-n-furter in the upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Picture show. We discussed her experience of auditioning for the show and what it was like performing in Matilda while rehearsing for RHPS all in the same weeks! We also talk about how she got into Theater and how she came to SBCT.  “Fun Fact: As you will hear at the beginning of the show, Billie and I did Jesus Christ Superstar. She is my first guest of someone I recently performed with at a production at SBCT!”

In today's episode, I celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Civic Stories! To celebrate I'm doing a "behind the scenes" episode. I have a special guest and it's someone who I interviewed as an "audition" for Aaron to prove that I could actually do this thing! I interviewed my friend Karleen who has a very interesting history and felt that her story should be heard. And as you listen, remember, this is from last year!  

In today’s episode, I have Ste Clough. Ste is a recent import from England to the South Bend Civic Theater. How you might ask, did he end up here in South Bend?! Listen in and find out! We also discuss his Theater experience, how he got involved in the Theater, and we only dive a little bit into his long resume’ which includes a lot! So we are lucky to have someone with his experience coming to SBCT! I also take a moment to ask my dumb American questions because I always like to know what others think about certain things when they immigrate into the States.

In today’s episode, I have Joe Roman. Joe has been around the South Bend Civic Theater for over a decade; either seen on stage, backstage or in the house as an usher, he seems to have done it all. As discussed in the episode, Joe was diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers in 2004; however, this was a late in life diagnosis. In the episode, you will hear how Joe has never let this hold him back in the theater or in front of the camera, as he has done a number of films as well. 

In today’s episode, I have the director for the show ‘Cry it Out.’ We start the show off by briefly talking about Deb’s life in the theater, starting off in her home state of Wisconsin, then moving to Kansas City, then to New Orleans to complete her education, and then taking a job in New York State. All this before her Spouse took a job in South Bend and was brought to SBCT. We take a deep dive into ‘Cry it Out’, including how she became the director of the show, who makes up the cast, and a general look at the show. 

In today’s episode, I have newly hired Jeremy Phillips. Jeremy is taking on the role of Director of Production at South Bend Civic Theater. We discuss how Jeremy realized early in life that being on stage was not his future in theater but being on the other side of putting on a show, doing Student Directing. From there, he went to college with a focus on Theater Administration, and after college, he was on his way to China for his first gig! After many years of travel and freelance work in multiple theaters all over the world, Jeremy has found his way to a permanent role here at SBCT. 

In today’s episode, I have South Bend Civic’s summer interns Elisabeth and Maya, and we discuss what their summer has been like at SBCT. We talk about their current time at university, their majors, and their ambitions after college. We also touch on the experiences they have been gaining while working at SBCT and what projects they are doing. And just a warning for the listeners, we had a blast recording, so be ready to hear a very giggly episode!

In today’s episode, we have Calliee Lorenz. Calliee is the Choreographer for the upcoming show Xanadu. We discuss how everything went down for last year’s attempt at performing Xanadu, and then we get into what it has been like for Xanadu 2.0. We also dig into her origins of getting into Dance and how it has something that has always been a passion for her.