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Backstage Babble

cbroadwaypodcast
Broadway
Theater
Theater Industry
Acting
Tony Awards
Wicked
Choreography
New York
Rent
Shakespeare
Musicals
Juilliard
Neil Simon
Career Development
Theater Collaboration
Les Misérables
Death Of a Salesman
A Chorus Line
Stephen Sondheim
Susan Stroman

A new podcast interviewing professionals in the theater industry about themselves, their careers, and the people they’ve worked with along the way.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes286Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsPerforming Arts

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Artwork for Backstage Babble

Latest Episodes

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominee Jeremy Shamos, who will be starring in the newly announced revival of Awake and Sing. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the experience of starring in ... more

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary playwright Sarah Ruhl. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her experience breaking the fourth wall in EURYDICE, telling her own story in LETTERS FROM MAX, ... more

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominee Michael Hayden. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the real questions asked by CAROUSEL, finding his singing voice for the role, why he decided to leav... more

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Deirdre O’Connell, who is currently starring in Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the intensive process of... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Michael Hayden
Tony-nominated actor known for Broadway roles including Carousel, Cabaret, Angels In America, Festen
Episode: Michael Hayden
Deirdre O'Connell
Tony Award–winning actress, renowned for Dana H., The Front Page, and other stage roles
Episode: Deirdre O'Connell
Patricia Conolly
Veteran actress with extensive Broadway and international stage credits
Episode: Patricia Conolly
Danny Mefford
Broadway director and choreographer
Broadway productions including Spelling Bee and Bigfoot
Episode: Danny Mefford
Linda Emond
Three-time Tony nominee, Broadway actress known for Becky Shaw, Death Of A Salesman, Cabaret, 1776, Life X 3
Episode: Linda Emond
Sam Gold
Visionary director behind multiple Broadway and off-Broadway productions
Episode: Sam Gold
Daphne Rubin-Vega
Two-time Tony nominee and actor known for Rent, The Adding Machine, and more
Actor, The Adding Machine at The New Group
Episode: Daphne Rubin-Vega
Laurence O'Keefe
Tony-nominated writer/composer for Heathers, Legally Blonde, BAT BOY
Episode: Laurence O'Keefe
Tina Landau
Tony-nominated director and writer; renowned theater artist
Episode: Tina Landau

Host

Charles Kirsch
Host of Backstage Babble, known for engaging, thoughtful interviews with theatre professionals.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 95 ratings
  • So interesting, Bravo!

    I learned so much! I have a very short attention span, but this podcast kept me listening the whole time. Charles is so captivating, and speaks with such fluency and his guests are amazing!! Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to listen to the next episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ireviewet10!
    United States7 months ago
  • A listening treat!

    I only recently discovered this podcast. I have so many shows to catch up with! Charles is a most knowledgeable host. He asks insightful questions that shows he has done his homework. The guests are the cream of the theatrical world.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Billhaven
    United Statesa year ago
  • Easy Listening

    Really comprehensive interviews! I am new to the theater world and I am enjoying this immensely

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    rachforce
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great show!! Wonderfully revealing and entertaining!!

    I’ve heard every episode and can’t wait for more! Brilliant, knowledgeable and provocative questions!Revealing and insightful answers! Wonderful show that brings out the best in so many Broadway stars!! Great insights and stories!! Can’t wait to hear more!! My favorite podcast!! Brings all areas of the theater to life through intelligent and knowledgeable questions and conversation. Always rewarding liatening!

    I agree with this review! I learn something about the theater from every interview a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marniesal
    United States2 years ago
  • The best guests interviewed by the host with the most!

    Charles Kirsch’s Backstage Babble is a wonderful window into theater through interviews with exciting new artists as well as legends/luminaries from Broadway’s past.

    And Charles Kirsch is the perfect host: engaging, attentive, and intuitive. He allows his guests the opportunity to tell their story and is never intrusive. It’s refreshing to encounter a young person so passionate about preserving and promoting theater’s rich history.

    If you love theater, this podcast represents the Who’s Who o... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Doug Cohen
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Episodes are described as engaging, comprehensive, and deeply informative for theater lovers and industry newcomers alike.
Fans note the show reveals behind-the-scenes realities and career wisdom for aspiring artists.
Listeners praise the host for insightful, well-researched questions and strong interviews with top theater talents.
The host is commended for balancing respect for guests with probing, meaningful dialogue.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Linda Emond
Q: What was your experience like working with Mike Nichols toward the end of his career?
He was generous, a storyteller who created an environment for collaboration; his mentorship and friendship deeply influenced my approach to performance and choice of roles.
Linda Emond
Q: What was your Broadway debut experience like for 1776, especially given the initial singing difficulty?
I auditioned with a cold, the original cast member left after an accident, and I returned to audition again when I could sing; the moment of satisfaction came when the ensemble supported me as I finally found my footing.
Linda Emond
Q: How did you first come to be interested in performing?
A teacher recognized something in me in sixth grade, which sparked a path through forensics and later formal training, shaping my decision to pursue acting seriously.
Daphne Rubin-Vega
Q: What was it like navigating life after Rent's enormous success?
I wanted to form a band, make music, and explore creating my own material rather than just following the next big role; it was about articulating experiences I felt drawn to express.
Daphne Rubin-Vega
Q: What drew you to The Adding Machine and this project?
I read it and thought, oh my God, let's do it; it was completely opposite of the character I would usually embody, and I felt a strong pull to explore that tension.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Backstage Babble

What is Backstage Babble about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A long-running interview series centered on theater professionals, exploring career paths, craft, training, and behind-the-scenes dynamics. Episodes commonly feature deep dives into acting method, directing and choreography process, collaboration with legendary mentors, and the realities of sustaining a life in live performance. Notable angles include training at prestigious programs, balancing iconic roles with personal artistry, and navigating changes in the theater industry post-pandemic. The show often highlights mentorship, ensemble work, and the evolution of stagecraft across Broadway and beyond, making it a rich resource for aspiring artists, casting directors, and theater fans seeking practical insights and inspirational career stor... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Backstage Babble?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Backstage Babble:

1. Broadway Breakdown
2. The Playbill Podcast: A Show on Broadway
3. The Comeback Official Podcast
4. If Books Could Kill
5. Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

How many episodes of Backstage Babble are there?

Backstage Babble launched 6 years ago and published 286 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Backstage Babble?

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What guests have appeared on Backstage Babble?

Recent guests on Backstage Babble include:

1. Michael Hayden
2. Deirdre O'Connell
3. Patricia Conolly
4. Danny Mefford
5. Linda Emond
6. Sam Gold
7. Daphne Rubin-Vega
8. Laurence O'Keefe

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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