A rundown of best practices and alternatives for theatre marketing. Plus, Colorado theatre news, an interview with ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ sound designer Elisabeth Weidner and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller get in the weeds of social media and how theatres can use it (or not). Everyone may be hating on

Elisabeth Weidner

Elisabeth Weidner

Facebook for its annoying-as-hell algorithms and it’s sketchy political stances these days, but it still has relevance. It’s important to diversify how theatres are reaching audiences, and the two give plenty of examples about how to reach beyond simple social posts to drive real engagement and authenticity.

Later in the episode is an interview Alex did with freelance sound designer Elisabeth Weidner, who talks about her standout work on the Denver Center Theatre Company production of Little Shop of Horrors and what it’s like to focus entirely on the audio component of a theatrical production.

Also this week, our roundup of the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows to be on the lookout for. This week’s list, in no particular order:

Listen to the podcast

Episode Summary

Host Introduction & Overview [00:00-00:37]

Alex Miller and Toni Tresca host this episode, covering recent theater productions they’ve seen, upcoming shows, industry news, and featuring an interview with Elisabeth Weidner, sound designer for DCPA’s Little Shop of Horrors.

Recent Productions [00:37-03:32]

  • The hosts discuss attending Local Lab, Local Theater Company’s 14th annual new play festival in Boulder
  • They mention Local Theater Company has produced 70 new plays since beginning this festival
  • They attended readings including Batshit by Stephen J. Burge and A Bedtime Story for Black Boys on the Moon by Kory Alston

Theater News [03:32-22:01]

  • DCPA Theatre Company announced their 2025-2026 season with productions including:
    • The Happiest Man on Earth (September-November)
    • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (October-November)
    • Cowboys and East Indians (January-March)
    • Godspeed (January-February)
    • Next to Normal (April-May)
    • English (April-May)
    • Somewhere (May)
  • Bas Bleu Theatre Company announced their 2025-2026 season including:
    • Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play
    • Dinner with Friends
    • Rabbit Hole
    • The Importance of Being Earnest
  • Film on the Rocks announced their summer lineup at Red Rocks
  • Wheat Ridge Theater has rebranded as Elemental Theater Company

Main Topic: Social Media & Theatre Marketing [22:01-38:59]

  • Discussed a New York Times article featuring Denver’s Wonderbound Dance Theater, which stopped using social media
  • Analyzed the effectiveness of social media for ticket sales and engagement
  • Shared strategies for effective theater marketing beyond Facebook
  • Discussed the importance of short-form video content, authentic behind-the-scenes footage
  • Emphasized diversification in marketing approaches (email newsletters, community outreach)

Headliners (Upcoming Shows) [38:59-50:49]

Interview: Elisabeth Weidner, Sound Designer [50:49-1:19:24]

  • Discussed her work on Little Shop of Horrors at DCPA
  • Explained her decision to bring in a custom sound system for the production
  • Detailed the work of sound designers (speaker selection, microphone choices, sound effects)
  • Described the relationship between sound designers and engineers
  • Shared insights about technological advancements in theater sound over her 20+ year career

Closing Comments [1:19:24-1:21:48]

The hosts promoted upcoming reviews on their website and mentioned a special podcast segment coming next week about The Hot Wing King at DCPA.

Avatar photo
+ posts

News about live shows in Colorado, press releases 'n' such