Plus, talking sound design with Jason Ducat and reviewing Eureka Day at Curious and The Thin Place at BETC
In this week’s episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller talk about a recent NYT article’s grim outlook on Broadway musicals. Also discussed are the production of Eureka Day at Denver’s Curious Theatre and the BETC production of The Thin Place at the Denver Savoy.
Later in the episode is Alex’s interview with veteran Colorado sound designer Jason Ducat, who talks about his latest shows and how he made a career in sound after starting out as an actor.
Chapter summary
Show Reviews
[00:29 – 09:00] Recent Theatre Experiences
- Eureka Day at Curious Theatre – vaccine comedy set in 2018 Berkeley private school
- Toni’s strong review praised performances by Karen Slack, Eric Sandvold, and Kristina Fountaine
- Standout town hall scene with projected online parent comments that drowned out stage dialogue
- Both hosts felt the satire lost steam toward the end, with resolution feeling dated given current political climate
- The Thin Place at BETC – Alex less enthusiastic than Toni’s rave review
Theater Industry News
[12:30 – 24:00] American Theater Magazine Lists
- Top 10 Most Produced Plays 2025-2026:
- Come From Away (23 productions)
- Primary Trust by Eboni Booth (21 productions)
- Eureka Day (14 productions)
- Friends of the pod on Most Produced Playwrights list:
- Lauren Gunderson tops list with 24 productions
- Kate Hamill (#7 with 13 productions)
- Sandy Rustin (#17 with 8 productions)
[24:00 – 37:00] Broadway Financial Crisis
- New York Times article revealed none of 18 commercial musicals from last season have made profit
- Major flops: Tammy Faye, Boop, and Smash each lost $20+ million investments
- Only 3 new musicals have recouped since pandemic (MJ, & Juliet, Six) – all with government assistance
- OnStage blog response suggested structural fixes:
- Renegotiate theater owner deals
- End “open run” myth, embrace limited runs
- Embrace streaming as revenue source, not threat
- Plays currently more profitable than musicals due to lower costs and celebrity draw
Local News Update
[35:00 – 37:45] Ovation West Decision
- Annie Get Your Gun production resumed after Evergreen High School shooting
- Show retitled to Annie Get Your Man
- Eliminated gunshot sound effects
- Replaced firearm props with “non-threatening objects”
- Mental health professionals on standby
- Full refunds offered to uncomfortable patrons
Interview: Jason Ducat – Sound Designer
[39:47 – 67:06] Sound Design Deep Dive
Background & Career Path:
- Started wanting to be actor, discovered preference for backstage work
- Originally studied lighting design at University of South Florida
- Transitioned to sound through recording studio classes
- First sound design project led to career focus change
Creative Process:
- Multiple script reads to understand story and character emotions
- Collaborates with director on vision
- Considers other design elements (set, costumes, casting)
- Thinks in terms of colors and how sounds invoke visual associations
- Balances when to add sound vs. letting stage action speak
Technology Evolution:
- Moved from tape reel-to-reel to digital systems
- Modern capabilities include surround sound and object-based mixing
- Can create “whole symphony on hard drive”
- Immersive experiences possible with Dolby Atmos-style technology
Play vs. Musical Differences:
- Plays: More creative control over music selection and creation
- Musicals: Focus on translation and amplification of existing music
- Works with musical directors on desired sound aesthetics
- Microphone placement crucial for natural vs. amplified feel
Space Considerations:
- Adapts approach based on venue capabilities and budgets
- Intimate spaces like Curious Theater can be more engaging despite limited equipment
- Focuses on “what’s the best I can do with what I have”
Advice for Beginners:
- Listen actively to everyday sounds and their emotional effects
- Attend professional productions to study sound integration
- Everything has musical qualities and emotional attachments
- Join TSDCA (Theater Sound Designers and Composers Association)
- Reach out to other sound designers for mentorship
- Learn through trial and error
Current/Upcoming Projects:
- Eureka Day at Curious Theater
- Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Arvada Center
- Good Night Moon remount at Denver Center
Alex Miller is editor and publisher of OnStage Colorado. He has a long background in journalism, including stints as the top editor at the Vail Daily, Summit Daily News, Summit County Journal, Vail Trail and others. He’s also been an actor, director, playwright, artistic director and theatre board member and has been covering theatre in Colorado since 1995.
A Colorado-based arts reporter originally from Mineola, Texas, who writes about the evolving world of theater and culture—with a focus on the financial realities of making art, emerging forms and leadership in the arts. He’s the Managing Editor of Bucket List Community Cafe, a contributor to Boulder Weekly, Denver Westword and co-host of the OnStage Colorado Podcast. He holds an MBA and an MA in Theatre & Performance Studies from CU Boulder, and his reporting and reviews combine business and artistic expertise.
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