Navigating the world of theater can be a complex, yet rewarding journey. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice dipping your toes into the theatrical world, the breadth of knowledge needed is vast. Luckily, there’s a wealth of resources right at your fingertips—podcasts!
For directors, the job is all about vision and leadership. It’s about guiding a team to bring a story to life in a compelling way. So, where can you find new inspiration and ideas? Here’s a list of the most valuable podcasts for theater directors that can help you hone your craft:
StageCraft with Robert Diamond: This podcast features interviews with top-notch directors, offering insights into their creative processes. Diamond’s conversations with these industry veterans provide a peek behind the curtain of successful productions.
British Theatre Guide podcast: Discussions on British theatre and interviews with theatre makers and experts from around the UK and sometimes beyond, including directors, writers, dramaturgs, actors, designers, producers and critics.
The Director’s Cut – A DGA podcast: While this isn’t strictly theater, it’s an invaluable resource. Film directors share techniques and strategies that can be applied to theater direction too. An adaptation of a classic play into a blockbuster movie? You’ll find it here!
Off Book: The Black Theatre Podcast: This podcast explores the rich history and future of Black theater, providing inspiration for directors of all backgrounds.
The Compass Podcast: This podcast focuses on the creative life and struggles of various theater professionals. It’s a must-listen for directors seeking to understand the nuances of a creative life.
Remember, the best way to learn is often by listening—absorb the knowledge, insights, and experiences of these seasoned professionals. Whether you’re driving to rehearsal or taking a break between scenes, these podcasts can be your secret weapon in becoming a more effective and inspired director. This list of the most valuable podcasts for theater directors is just the starting point—there’s a whole world of theater knowledge waiting for you in the podcast realm!
As a director, what’s your favorite or go-to podcast? Send me (WebmasterMACT@gmail.com) the information and maybe I’ll use it in a followup article.