The Colorado Theatre Guild president joins the guys to talk about the year ahead and more. Plus, our Top 10 Colorado Headliners.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Toni Tresca and Alex Miller welcome guest host Betty Hart. As the president of the Colorado Theatre Guild, Co-Artistic Director at Boulder’s Local Theater and avid show-goer, Hart has a unique perspective on — and deep knowledge of —theatre in the state.

Later in the show, we review our weekly lists of Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows to keep an eye out for. This week’s list:

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OnStage Colorado Podcast – April 15th Episode Outline

Introduction (00:01 – 02:20)

  • Hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca introduce special guest Betty Hart
  • Betty’s roles: President of Colorado Theater Guild, Co-Artistic Director at Local Theater Company

Recently Seen Shows (02:21 – 15:46)

  • Betty discusses nine shows she recently saw (02:55 – 06:37)
  • Discussion of “The Wiz” at the Buell Theatre (06:38 – 12:00)
  • Alex discusses “The White Chip” from Boulder Ensemble Theater Company (12:01 – 15:46)

Discussion About Theatre Criticism (15:47 – 19:34)

  • Betty questions reviewers about their criteria for excellence
  • Conversation about what constitutes a “new” theatrical experience

More Recently Seen Shows (19:35 – 22:06)

  • Alex mentions finishing “The White Lotus” TV series
  • Discussion about weekly vs. binge-watching TV shows

Toni’s Recent Show Experiences (23:51 – 29:08)

  • “Inheritance Kitchen” immersive theater experience (23:51 – 26:00)
  • Chinese mystery game Jubensha in Louisville (26:01 – 29:08)
  • “Bright Star” at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse (29:09 – 33:15)

Theatre News (33:16 – 36:37)

  • Leadership changes at Colorado Springs theaters (33:16 – 34:41)
  • Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center season announcement (34:42 – 36:37)

Media Recommendations & Theater Discourse (36:38 – 44:14)

  • Freakonomics podcast series on theater (36:38 – 37:37)
  • Discussion about giving feedback to friends after seeing their shows (37:38 – 44:14)

Colorado Theater Guild Updates (44:15 – 52:48)

  • Unified Auditions on May 4-5 at Aurora Fox Arts Center (44:15 – 48:31)
  • State of Colorado theater post-pandemic (48:32 – 54:42)
  • New CTG initiatives regarding theater safety (54:43 – 57:48)

Local Theater Company’s Local Lab (57:49 – 1:06:01)

  • Overview of the 14th annual Local Lab festival (57:49 – 59:56)
  • Discussion of featured plays:
    • “Batshit” by Stephen Burge (59:57 – 1:01:35)
    • “A Bedtime Story for Black Boys on the Moon” by Kori Alston (1:01:36 – 1:03:00)
    • “Bloodsucking Leech” by Amy Tofte (1:03:01 – 1:06:01)

Colorado Headliners – Upcoming Shows (1:09:10 – 1:20:27)

Wrap-Up and Announcements (1:19:34 – 1:22:08)

  • Upcoming website content (1:19:34 – 1:20:27)
  • Podcast scheduling changes – moving to bi-weekly format (1:20:28 – 1:22:08)
  • Information about the next episode on social media in theater (1:20:28 – 1:21:27)