Asheville Theater Alliance (ATA) "Behind the Curtains" Weekly Podcast

Storyteller Cory Howard was the latest guest on the "Behind the Curtains" podcast. Find out how he got into the storytelling industry, details about his show "Campfireball,' why storytelling is popular in Western North Carolina, his unique approach to getting the audience members involved in his shows, and how his events actually help these patrons. Also learn about his show ""The Dead Man" being presented at the Asheville Fringe Festival and what he would most love to hear audiences saying after the show.

We had such an interesting conversation with Theatre Artist Dakota Mann about a multifaceted et of topics. Find out how he got into the theater industry, his views on watching movies of plays before directing/acting in the production, some interesting roles he has had in the past and his isight into the health of the Western North Carolina theater industry. Also get all the details about "Life Sucks" (which is based on Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya") which he is directing for the Hendersonville Theatre, what he would like to hear audience members talking about when leaving the theater, and teasters of how he has put his own spin on the production.,

The Artistic Director of the HART Theatre in WAynvesville Candice Dickinson came on the show to talk about their many diverse productions being offered this year from the main stage (7 productions all with strong female leads), studio season, cabarets and academy events (the education program) all being performed in their three venue spaces. Also learn about their unique audition process this year (for those who hate auditions) for ensembles and technical opportuniies on Feb. 4. (Regular auditions are Feb. 2 and 3.) Finally get all the details about their subscription packages and summer camps.

The Managing Artistic Director of the South Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) joined us on the "Behind the Curtains" podcast to update us on their exciting 51st season. Get all the details about the mission of SART, the organization's goal of creating opportunities for local artists, how at least one show each season highlights Appalcahia in some way, how they choose plays each season, all the shows in this year's spectacular season, really unique twists in several productions, and information on the many different ticket purchasing options. Also hear his story about how he got into the theater industry, what brought him to Asheville and how he ended up at SART.

One of the founders of the Street Creature Puppet Collective - Jen Murphy - recently chatted with us about puppets. Hear how her activism activities led to puppetmaking and the formation of this collective. Get all the details about what kind of puppets the artists make, how these large puppets are actually manipulated, some of the past and future events and parades where their puppets have "performed," information on the upcoming "Toe Down Festival" in Green Mountain and how interested folks can get involved and learn about this unique craft.