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“We Could Fix That”: Why Community Theater Needs a Better Backstage Playbook
Community theaters aren’t broken—they’re missing a plan. Jay and DJ explore how better systems, mentorship, and mindset can fix what’s not working backstage.
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Who Knows You? Why Reputation Still Matters in Entertainment
In live entertainment, your reputation is your resume. In this episode recap, we explore how Laura Zingle built a legacy of trust, why backstage relationships are the real currency of the industry, and how your name can open doors—long after the gig ends. It’s not just who you know. It’s who knows you, and what…
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Managing the Unknown: What Rock Shows Taught Us About Calm Under Pressure
In high-pressure live shows, calm isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership tool. In this recap of Ep 23 of Backstage Banter, we dive into how Kate Poundstone leads labor teams through unpredictability with grace, structure, and trust. Learn what makes a great deck leader and why people still remember how you managed the hard days.
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Riding the Rollercoaster: What to Do When the Gig Ends (and You’re Still Needed)
In live events, gigs come and go. What matters is how you handle the handoff. In this episode, Jay reflects on what it means to lose a client—but stay essential. From instinct-driven calls to mindset shifts, this one’s about staying sharp in freelance live event production—even when you’re not the one in charge anymore.
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Creative Leaps: Why Reaching Out Can Rewrite Your Career
Creative careers don’t follow a blueprint—they follow questions. In this episode of Backstage Banter, casting director Pavel Kotov shares how one simple message sparked a cross-country conversation. From Montreal winters to bold outreach, this episode reminds us that the leap often starts with “Hello.” And that sometimes, the best things come from simply reaching out.
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Breaking Boxes: The Stage Manager Behind the Mask
What if strong leadership means showing more of yourself? Liza Marie Hackman shares how vulnerability and honesty transformed her stage management style and team trust.