we’re joined by Clay High School's director and two featured actors for a deep dive into how they bring characters to life. From the first read-through to final performances, they share candid insight into script analysis, building confidence onstage, and the collaborative magic of theatre. If you’ve ever wondered how a performers character comes together, this one’s for you.
Starring Role Alden Fournier: A graduate of Notre Dame Academy and BGSU, Allen began her theatre journey at OLPH, where her passion for the stage quickly grew. That love eventually led her to become a stage manager , and most recently, a Production Manager for an Off-Broadway show!
The American Theatre Guild’s Senior Director of Presenting Operations, Craig Aikman, joins the show to share exciting news, season tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Broadway season at The Stranahan Theater in Toledo! The 2025–26 season kicks off December 16–21 with & Juliet, and this year there’s even more to celebrate. Theatre is booming in Northwest Ohio, and due to overwhelming demand, additional show nights have been added to each production, giving everyone more opportunities to experience live theatre close to home.
Craig walks us through each of the shows coming to Toledo, from big-name Broadway hits to fan favorites, and explains how you can grab season passes, single tickets, and sign up for the newsletter so you’ll never miss an update. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or new to the scene, this episode is your all-access pass to the best of Broadway in Toledo.
om heartwarming classics to bold modern storytelling, FCT celebrates seven decades of local theatre magic.
Fremont Community Theatre is stepping into its 70th year with a season that honors the past while embracing fresh, exciting performances for a new generation of theatre lovers. The celebration kicked off with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair this September, a feel-good musical that set the tone for what’s to come.
Up next, audiences can look forward to the larger-than-life fun of Shrek The Musical in December 2025, the spine-chilling suspense of Misery in January 2026, and the deeply moving Tony Award-winning Fun Home in March 2026.
This milestone season is more than a collection of shows, it’s a tribute to the community, creativity, and countless volunteers who’ve kept Fremont’s stage lights shining for 70 years. Whether you’re a longtime patron or new to FCT, this is one anniversary season you won’t want to miss.
https://fremontcommunitytheatre.org/shows/
This week on Stage Door, Kyle is joined by two special guests from Genoa Civic Theatre: director Tony Esposito and longtime member (and current president) Brenda Clough. Together, they share the story of this “biggest little theater group this side of the Maumee,” from its 40-year history in Genoa’s historic Town Hall to their upcoming comedy, A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody. It’s a classic murder mystery farce packed with laughs, lies, and maybe a little love.
If you’re part of the NW Ohio or SE Michigan theater community, or just looking for a fun night out, you’ll want to hear why GCT has been a local favorite for decades. Plus, get the scoop on how you can grab your tickets for opening weekend, October 10–19, at GenoaCivicTheatre.com
This week on Stage Door, Rachel and Jason Budd sit down with Kyle to chat about Toledo Opera’s upcoming production of Carmen. Jason, who takes on the role of Zuniga, helps guide the conversation—while Rachel and Jason fill Kyle in on the twists and turns of Bizet’s classic opera in their usual lively style.
Get the inside scoop on what makes Carmen one of the most beloved operas of all time, and why you won’t want to miss it on the Valentine Theatre stage.
Performances:
October 10 at 7:30 pm
October 12 at 2:00 pm
Tickets available now at Toledo Opera’s website
Children’s Theatre Workshop is turning the page to an exciting new chapter. Sophia and Kyle sit down with Aimee to talk about CTW’s brand-new home, an inspiring training center built right alongside one of Ohio’s most historic theatres. Together, they explore the vision behind this move, what it means for the neighborhood, and how CTW plans to expand its impact while keeping the same strong focus on the performing arts.
We just wrapped up an incredible conversation with Ian Knauer, St. Francis alum, Broadway veteran, and national tour performer. From his early days at Westgate Dinner Theatre to his training at the University of Michigan, to the Broadway stage, Ian has built a remarkable 40-year career traveling the country and performing on some of the biggest stages. He shares stories of grit, growth, and the joy of bringing characters to life, all with the warmth and humility that make him as down-to-earth as they come. Whether you’re a theatre fan, a student dreaming of the stage, or just someone who loves a good journey, you’re going to love this one.
We sat down with the cast and crew of She Kills Monsters from Issue Box Theatre to dive into theatre, community, and the power of storytelling. Based in Toledo, Issue Box is a company of “Actorvists,” blending performance with activism to amplify unheard voices, spark conversations, and bring theatre directly into the community. In this episode, we explore how their latest production connects with audiences, breaks down barriers, and carries forward their mission of healing and social change through theatre. Tune in for a conversation about art, activism, and the transformative role of live performance.
Performance Dates & Location:
Friday, Sept. 19 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, Sept. 20 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 2:30 PM
at The University of Toledo Ritter Planetarium and Brooks
Tickets available at: issueboxtheatre.org
We had an absolute blast chatting with Ann Sommers, OCT’s President, and Josh Wagner, director of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Together, they give us an inside look at OCT’s exciting upcoming season and even drop a sneak peek of the very first show. From behind-the-scenes stories to the creative vision driving the season, this episode is full of energy, laughs, and inspiration for theatre lovers everywhere.
Kyle, Thom, and Ron continue the 4-Year Anniversary celebration of Stage Door, reflecting on how far the show has come, from its scrappy beginnings to delivering fresh episodes every week. In this special conversation, they share their favorite guests, most memorable on-air moments, and give listeners a peek behind the curtain at how they brainstorm and shape new content. It’s part nostalgia, part roadmap for the future, and above all, a heartfelt thank-you to the community that’s made it all possible.
Kyle Thom and Ron celebrate four incredible years of Stage Door—from the scrappy early days of building the show from scratch to delivering fresh episodes every single week. They reminisce about their favorite guests and most memorable moments, and pull back the curtain on how they plan new content and ideas. It’s a look back, a look ahead, and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who’s been part of the journey.
Savanah and Brook from Aria Performing Arts in Maumee join us to share how their nonprofit is helping students discover and nurture their passion for the performing arts. From dance and theater to voice lessons and more, Aria focuses on each student’s individual goals, celebrating what makes them unique and embracing progress over perfection. We talk about how they spark creativity, build confidence, and create a space where every performer can shine in their own way.
Still Talking, with Clay Graduate, Jacob Toth: Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little post
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415
Starring Role: Clay Graduate, Jacob Toth. Professional Choreographer Director, casting Director performer, and Designer. You’re going to love our conversation He's had so many adventures and opportunities over his career, and it all began in Oregon Ohio.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415
Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little snip-it
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415
This week on Stage Door, we step into the vibrant world of Bowling Green High School’s Drama Department with longtime educator and director Jo Beth Gonzalez. With 31 years of inspiring students in the Bowling Green City Schools, Jo Beth shares her passion for teaching drama, theatre tech, and public speaking, the class she’s especially proud of. We also take a closer look at the stunning Bowling Green Performing Arts Center, a facility that reflects the community’s deep commitment to the arts. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about building confidence, storytelling, and the lasting impact of arts education.
Take a quick tour of Bowling Green City School’s impressive Performing Arts Center, a beautifully designed, state-of-the-art facility built just 15 years ago. From the lighting system to the orchestra pit, this space shows just how much BG values the arts in their district.
Big thanks to Jo Beth Gonzalez for guiding us through!
Catch the full Stage Door conversation with Jo Beth and BG High School, dropping tomorrow!
Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little snip-it
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415
Exciting things are happening at Horizon Youth Theatre!
Tonight, HYT sat down with the Stage Door podcast to talk about all the big changes coming to the organization. From new leadership to a fresh approach in educational philosophy, HYT is entering a brand new chapter, and it’s one you’ll want to be a part of.
We covered it all: the upcoming season, new classes and workshops, expanded opportunities for young artists, and what this new era means for students and families. It’s not just a theatre program, it’s a reimagined space for creativity, growth, and community.
