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Backstage Babble

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

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes289Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsArts

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Artwork for Backstage Babble

Latest Episodes

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including writing about her grandmother in 4000 MILES, why AFTER THE REVOLUTION was a bigger play than ... more

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with two-time Tony winner Stephen Spinella, who is currently starring in Jerome at Playwrights Horizons. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including a transcendent experience ons... more

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominee Elizabeth Stanley, who will be starring in the newly announced production of Disruption. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including John Rando’s mantra for ON ... more

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

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Recent Guests

Amy Herzog
Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright
Episode: Amy Herzog
Stephen Spinella
Two-time Tony-winning actor
Theater
Episode: Stephen Spinella
Elizabeth Stanley
Tony-nominated Broadway actress
Episode: Elizabeth Stanley
Jeremy Shamos
Tony-nominated stage actor with a broad theater career
Actor
Episode: Jeremy Shamos
Sarah Ruhl
Playwright and author known for Eurydice, The Clean House, Becky Nurse Of Salem, and more
Playwright
Episode: Sarah Ruhl
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

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 States8 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.

Amy Herzog
Q: What drew you to intimate, character-driven storytelling over sprawling plots?
She notes a preference for plainspoken, emotionally grounded work and describes unlearning overly critical approaches to allow for more authentic human stories to emerge.
Amy Herzog
Q: How did your early study at Yale shape your path into playwriting?
She explains balancing English literature with theater, shifting from chemistry, and finding mentors who emphasized character and voice rather than academic rigor, which steered her toward writing that centers human experience.
Stephen Spinella
Q: How did Tony Kushner influence the scope and structure of Angels In America as it evolved?
Tony expanded the material by incorporating more voices and layering, which transformed the piece from a focused drama about the AIDS crisis into a sweeping meditation on American life.
Stephen Spinella
Q: What drew you to Angels In America, and did you sense early on that it would be revolutionary?
I felt from the start that the play was different because it treated America through the lens of marginalized people and wasn't just a single issue piece; it allowed a broader exploration of identity, politics, and history.
Jeremy Shamos
Q: What was it like working on Corpus Christi in terms of controversy and audience reaction?
The play was surrounded by headlines and threats, yet the cast trusted the material and the process, which created a bold sense of ensemble purpose and a commitment to the work that resonated with audiences despite outside noise.

Audience Metrics

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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. MickeyJoTheatre
3. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
4. This American Life
5. Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin

How many episodes of Backstage Babble are there?

Backstage Babble launched 6 years ago and published 289 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Backstage Babble?

Recent guests on Backstage Babble include:

1. Amy Herzog
2. Stephen Spinella
3. Elizabeth Stanley
4. Jeremy Shamos
5. Sarah Ruhl
6. Michael Hayden
7. Deirdre O'Connell
8. Patricia Conolly

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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