Lessons from Backstage Banter Ep: 25 w/ DJ Maloney
Most community theaters aren’t broken — they’re just missing a blueprint. In this episode, Jay and DJ crack open the real issues and explore community theater stage management solutions.
When you’ve been in the room where the decisions are made (or worse, not made), you start to notice patterns. Broken systems. Burnt-out volunteers. Rehearsals that run on passion and fumes. In this candid conversation between Jay and DJ (with Bryan on assignment), the two unpack what they’re seeing in community theater spaces right now — and what might actually help.
From untrained ASMs to misaligned production calendars, it’s not a lack of talent. It’s a lack of structure.
Theater Programs Are Losing People — And It’s Not Just Burnout
Across campuses and community theaters, people are dropping out — not because they don’t care, but because they’re unsupported.
- DJ shares what he’s hearing from students: entire programs losing momentum, unclear expectations, and roles going unfilled.
- Many young stage managers are self-taught or mentored by “whoever was there,” with no formal structure or training in place.
- Without a reliable pipeline, the future of backstage leadership is at risk — unless we build it ourselves.
“They’re trying to learn something that nobody ever really taught them. And that’s not their fault.”
Most Problems Are Process Problems (and That Means They’re Fixable)
Jay and DJ reflect on recurring themes at the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) conference — things like under-planned seasons, no tech director input, and unclear board governance.
- They discuss how inclusive planning could save time, labor, and money — but requires cultural change.
- Many issues, like poor budget transparency or lack of crew, aren’t due to malice. They’re due to missing systems.
- The big idea: what if we offered consulting to help community theaters get their season planning (and tech planning) right?
“Nobody’s doing that. And when they are invited to the table, it’s too late.”
Teaching Isn’t Just About Classrooms — It’s About Legacy
Both Jay and DJ found their way into teaching almost by accident — but it stuck.
- They reflect on the power of sharing knowledge early and often, especially when students don’t know what they don’t know.
- DJ talks about how Miracosta College gave him the foundation he needed, and how he’s now building that for others.
- The episode hints at a future initiative: creating pre-rehearsal digital training to better onboard new stage management teams.
“Every cast is going to have a different thing. You practice communication every day.”
Key Takeaways
- Real change requires structure, not just good intentions.
- The backstage pipeline is fragile — we need real systems to support future leaders.
- Most community theater challenges come down to process, not passion.
- Better planning = less burnout, stronger teams, and better shows.
- Teaching is legacy work — not just instruction, but empowerment.
Listen to the full episode now for more behind-the-scenes reflections.
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