The Upstaging Gentlemen (Chasing Theatrical Dreams): Recent Episodes
Michael Tennant and Nathan Prince
Michael Tennant, producer at Play With Your Food Productions, and Nathan Prince, producer at Legendary Productions, discuss all things related to theater.
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Michael asks Nathan to help him brainstorm for his upcoming production of Misery.
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Michael and Nathan discuss the challenges on their recent projects. Nathan directed a touring production of The Little Mermaid and Michael directed his original work, Rigby Redd. The music for Rigby Redd is available on any streaming platform!
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Michael and Nathan discuss recent ways they've been involved in the educational system. Nathan talks about Legendary Productions rentals to schools of sets, props, and costumes, and Michael discusses his CTE (Career Technical Education) class and the products his classes create. A great listen for teachers wanting ideas to do with their theater classes, and for theaters who might create an alliance between themselves and a high school.
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John, the soundman, challenges Michael and Nathan to a game of theater trivia. Do they actually know anything, or will they be stumped?
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Michael and Nathan discuss the challenges of putting up their recent productions.
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Michael and Nathan take questions from listeners, and discuss advice to new playwrights, casting family members, loyalty vs talent, and the discussion of politics in the theater.
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Michael and Nathan discuss the shows on their line ups. Michael talks about his love for the mischief Theater Company.
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Michael and Nathan reflect on the year 2023 and the lessons they learned.
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After a mid season hiatus, Michael and Nathan are back, and catching up with everything that transpired in their lives over the last few months. Nathan discusses his latest production, and Michael talks about his recent trip to New York.
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Michael and Nathan host a small panel discussion about the lessons taught in theater, particularly the controversial lessons. This can apply to educational theater, church theater, community theater, etc. It is nearly impossible to create deep, thought provoking theater without offending someone. How do you paint an accurate picture of reality when reality is ugly? Check out the discussion!
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Colby Banks joins Michael and Nathan to discuss the casting of different races in productions.
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Michael and Nathan discuss Nathan's recent production of Steel Magnolias, done in the round. Nathan has never tried directing "in the round" but he didn't let that stop him. Listen and hear what he learned!
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Nathan and Michael discuss Michael's upcoming season at Play With Your Food, and Michael announces his next original show which will debut in March.
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Michael interviews Nathan about "Hello Dolly" at the Redlands Bowl. Nathan talks about directing the musical for the Redlands Bowl centennial season.
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Michael and Nathan start out their second season discussing keyboard warriors - aka, people who did not get cast by a theater and go home and post angry rants on social media. Want to hear what directors and producers think of these posts? Have a listen!
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Michael and Nathan take a question from an anonymous listener who asks
about directors and producers who cast themselves in roles or give the best parts to their family members. Michael feels this question may be directed at him.
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On this episode of The upstaging Gentlemen Podcast, Nathan discusses his newest addition to Legendary Productions, Legendary Nights. "Legendary Nights" is an upscale afterhours event that features specialty performances. Michael interviews Nathan on the process of starting a new theatrical program. A great interview for theaters who are looking to expand on to their regular productions.
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Michael and Nathan take two questions from listeners. The first question asks what a director should do when cast or crew decides they're not on board with the vision of the director. The second question is about the benefits/dangers of method acting. Michael and Nathan have different positions on method acting, which makes for an interesting discussion.
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Michael and Nathan take a phone call from an upset parent whose young daughter was publicly embarrassed and yelled at on stage by her director. The theater's vetting practices are called into question. This is a great episode to remind directors that patience is indeed a virtue - something ALL directors need to remember from time to time.
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Nathan asks Michael about his new original play, "The Girl In The Picture". Michael discusses the writing process, the characters, the cast, and what the audience can expect when the show debuts in Hemet, CA this may.
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Michael and Nathan take a question from a listener on actors who audition for multiple shows at the same time. Disclaimer - Michael is in a grumpy mood this day.
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Nathan discusses his recent production of Into the Woods in which a lead actress broke a bone mid show.
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In this episode, guest writer and performer, Cathy Flores, interviews Michael Tennant on the art of writing a script.
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Nathan and Michael discuss lessons their dad's taught them, and how those lessons have proven useful to them in their theatrical endeavors.
Also.... while we have listeners on all continents, we really want to hear from our German listeners. Contact us at theupstaginggentlemen.com
theater #theatre #performingarts #communitytheater #actor #director #producer #lifelessons #upstaginggentlemen #whatisthecapitolofthailand
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Michael and Nathan get a tricky question from a listener - What's better, a Theater degree or practical experience? If you are considering spending the money on a theater degree, check out this episode. We won't try and sway you either way, but we do give you some things to consider.
theater #theatre #performingarts #communitytheater #collegetheater #theaterdegree #techtheater # acting #director #producer #upstaginggentlemen
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Michael and Nathan take a question from a listener asking how to handle conflicts with an actor. This episode discusses a bit of "actor etiquette", so actors, if you'd like to know what directors are looking for behind the scenes, have a listen.
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In this episode, Michael and Nathan talk with an actor was was mugged in the park, and shot through the chest. During his years of recovery, he thought he may never be able to perform again. What would your life be like if you could never again contribute artistically? Imagine if someone took it all away from you.
theater #theatre #communitytheater #performing #acting #directing #producing
broadway #theaterpodcast
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Guest Dustin Ceithamer joins Michael and Nathan once again as they discuss their most requested topic to date - SHOWMANCE
theater #theatre #showmance #acting #directing #producing #communitytheater
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Michael and Nathan talk with Obi Wan actor Dustin Ceithamer about his early years as an actor. Dustin offers an intimate view into his life. Star Wars fan or not, this is a great episode!
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Michael and Nathan interview Dustin Ceithamer (Ned -B) from the show Obi Wan.
Dustin talks about his audition, character development, being on the set of a Star Wars shoot, and much more.
theater #theatre #starwars #Obiwan #acting #directing #producing #droid #Mosesingram #Georgelucas
Michael and Nathan talk with Zach Michel about his career as a magician. A great listen for those breaking into the magic industry, or curious about the world of magic. Wanto to hear about the websites magicians use, best place to buy tricks, how to book shows, and how to put a performance together? Listen here to get Zach's take on it all!
theater #theatre #magic #communitytheater #magiccastle #acting #directing #producing #theactinglife
Nathan and Michael discuss theatrical growth, and what to do when you feel you've reached a plateau. This is a great episode for exploring new areas of growth in the new year.
Nathan and Michael take a question from a listener, asking their opinion about directors who precast roles in a show.
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In this episode, Nathan, Michael, and special guest John Guminiak discuss a few extremely unique shows, including "The Polar Express" train and Butoh Beethoven.
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Michael and Nathan take a question from a listener asking us to discuss our thoughts on the Inland Theater League Awards.
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In this episode Michael discusses a recent trip to New York where he met renowned artist, Ping Chong. Nathan and Michael each discuss their upcoming productions, Christmas Carol and Perfect Timing.
Michael and Nathan bring costumer Debi Casey onto the show to discuss her legendary designs.
Michael and Nathan discuss their recent productions, The Addams Family and Playing Doctor. Nathan discusses the challenges and joys of touring a show.
- Note: This episode , while we love the content, has moments of terrible audio difficulty. We still wanted to release this episode because we enjoyed the content, and enough listeners encouraged us to do a release despite the audio problems. We apologize for the inconvenience as you listen.
In this episode, Nathan and Michael welcome guest star John Guminiak. John is a stand up comedian, musician, magician and painter. Michael, Nathan, and John discuss recovering from a failure.
The show must go on..... until it can't. Nathan and Michael discuss times when their shows have had to come to a hault.
Nathan and Michael are asked "what made you both want to be involved in the theater", and the two producers share the events that led to their future careers.
Nathan and Michael talk about the difficulties of making a profit in the theater, as well as getting actors to return to your theater.
In their fifth episode, Michael and Nathan welcome special guest John Guminiak (author, stand up comedian, musician and magician) . The three of them discuss how to overcome the fear of failure, which can be so crippling to those chasing their theatrical dreams. Michael shares a painful memory from his childhood, and John talks about his performance on the Mickey Mouse Club. Don't miss episode five of The Upstaging Gentlemen!
How do we work with people from different walks of life?
What happens when your content offends the audience?
What are some of our worst experiences on stage?
Hear about the time Michael and Nathan were beat up by an old man.
All this and more on episode 4.
Nathan and Michael discuss the process of selecting plays to present at their theaters. Catchy titles, set requirements, talent factors, budgeting concerns - its all here. If you're curious about the ins and outs of finding the perfect script for your theater, this is the episode for you!
In this episode, Nathan and Michael each discuss how they built their theater companies, including all the challenges they faced along the way.. A great listen for those interested in what goes on behind the scenes in starting a theater company.