Listening & Learning
Theater Podcasts to Listen to
Even the best theater podcasts do different things well — some shine in interviews, others in conversation or behind-the-scenes storytelling. Here’s what’s on my radar as we work towards launching Scene in Boston. Is there something you’d like to add to the list? Let me know!
Critics, Commentary & News
Roundtable or review-style shows that blend theater criticism, news recaps, and conversation about trends and performances.
Broadway Podcast Network
What it is: A network of almost 150 theater podcasts
What to know: I’ll list a dozen or so individual podcasts in this roundup, but it’s fun to explore this network. From deep dives on productions such as Mamma Mia, Six, and Oh, Mary!, to interviews with stars and more, there’s something for everyone in this catalogue.
Notes: Most podcasts are centered on New York.
What’s On Stage
What it is: “WhatsOnStage managing editor Alex Wood and chief theatre critic Sarah Crompton host a weekly podcast on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to what’s happening on stage (and in film and on television) now, in the past and in future. From musicals, to plays, to immersive shows, to interviews with the biggest stars, there’s something for everyone!”
Notes: Episodes average about 30 minutes.
Status: Active
Playbill
What it is: “The two most common questions anyone at Playbill gets from friends or family are: “What’s on Broadway? And what should I see?” The Playbill Podcast is here to help. Each episode highlights a currently running Broadway show and features an interview with members of the cast and/or creative team.”
Notes: Episodes average about hour. Airs about every other week.
Status: Active
Critics’ Table
What it is: “A diverse roundtable of theater critics that review current Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Every episode features three luminary theater critics ready to give you their opinions on some of your favorite shows. The table looks forward to you pulling up a chair and joining them!”
Status: Last aired in 2022
From the Mezzanine
What it is: “From The Mezzanine is THE podcast for fans of Broadway! We gush and gossip about the latest breaking news in the theatre community each week as well as track the top shows on Broadway week to week. The host, Lindsey, always keeps you updated on her New York City lifestyle including the latest shows and events in the Broadway world she’s attended. Get ready to spill the Broadway tea with your musical theatre-obsessed bestie every Tuesday on From the Mezzanine!”
Notes: Episode length all over the place, from 15 minutes to more than 40
Status: Active
Token Theatre FriendsWhat it is: “A community of BIPOC theater enthusiasts offering opportunities for theatre lovers to discover and engage with the works of artists we love. We bring a fresh perspective to the performing arts, exploring new work from underserved artists in our weekly web series and podcast, as well as our features and reviews. We don’t talk about representation, we are representation.”
Notes: Episodes are 30 minutes to an hour. Inconsistent publishing.
Status: Active
Interview & Conversation Shows
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales
What it is: “This podcast brings you intimate, personal conversations with the biggest talents from professional theatre, tv, film, and more. It features both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters or productions themselves.”
Notes: Weekly. About an hour each episode.
Status: Active
Stagecraft with Gordon Cox (Variety)
What it is: “Behind the scenes with the biggest stars on Broadway, Off Broadway and beyond. Hosted by Gordon Cox.”
Notes: Roughly monthly. Each episode 30-40 minutes
Status: Active
The Present Stage
What it is:”Each episode spotlights the writer(s) of a new play or musical running in New York City, inviting each guest to explore the genesis and development of the script, the transition from page to stage, and the questions that animate each work. With its focus on plays and musicals still running in New York, The Present Stage offers listeners a closer look at current theater and provides audience members with the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the creation of a show they’ve just seen.”
Notes: Roughly two episodes a month, 30-40 minutes long
Status: Active
Billboard on Broadway
What it is: “Billboard senior editor Rebecca Milzoff chats with Broadway’s current stars, discussing today’s most exciting musical theater and its overlap with pop music.”
Notes: Roughly weekly, with episodes 30 minutes- an hour.
Status: Last aired 2019
Theater Forward
What it is: “From Madison to Manhattan, this podcast discusses theater issues on a local, regional and national level. Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray, Managing Director Julie Swenson, and Theater Writer/Dramaturg Mike Fischer offer a glimpse at the inner workings of Forward Theater while exploring a variety of current topics affecting the American theater world. Insightful and timely conversations about the arts from the heart of Wisconsin.”
Notes: Monthly, about 30-40 minutes
Status: Active
Behind the Scenes & Craft
BroadwayRadio (Today on Broadway)
What it is: “Since 2016, “Today on Broadway” has been the first and only daily podcast recapping the top theatre headlines every Monday through Friday.”
Notes: Daily episodes 15-20 minutes, weekly recaps are 1 hour
Status: Active
The Ensemblist
What it is: “The Ensemblist celebrates the performances and careers of ensemble performers, recognizing the unique contributions they bring to the theatrical landscape.”
Notes: very frequent, but I can’t figure out cadence
Status: Last aired 2024
The Making Theatre Podcast
What it is: “Lighting Designers James Farncombe and Bruno Poet host conversations about the complex and sometimes messy business of making theatre.”
Notes: roughly monthly, about an hour each episode
Status: Last aired 2024
American Theatre’s Offscript
What it is: “Offscript is the official podcast of American Theatre, containing conversations with critics, playwrights and the editors of AT.”
Notes: Every other week. Most episodes are 10-15 minutes. Special episodes are an hour.
Status: Active
MusicalSplaining
What it is: “A podcast to unite people who love and hate musicals”
Notes: episodes about an hour long. Roughly twice a month.
Status: Last aired 2023
History, Legacy & Deep Dives
Broadway BreakdownWhat it is: “Broadway Breakdown is a conversational podcast hosted by Matt Koplik, offering deep dives into Broadway shows, musical theatre history, and the culture surrounding the stage. Each episode pairs Matt with a guest—often actors, critics, or superfans—to explore a single show, composer, or theatrical moment. The tone is lively, opinionated, and insider-y, balancing humor with genuine analysis of craft, performance, and legacy.”
Notes: Roughly weekly. About an hour each
Status: Active
