The Upstaging Gentlemen (Chasing Theatrical Dreams)
Hey there! Welcome to The Upstaging Gentlemen: Chasing Theatrical Dreams, hosted by Michael Tennant and Nathan Prince.
We have a ton of experience in theater and business, but look—we definitely don’t know everything! We are still learning as we go, and we want to share that journey with you.
While we talk a lot about the arts, this podcast is really for everyone. It is a show about chasing your biggest dreams and just going for it. Our goal is to be the spark—the change, the energy, and the positive push that moves our friends, families, and networks forward.
Whether you are an artist, a business owner, or just trying to figure out your next step, tune in for real stories, great guests, and a lot of laughs as we figure it out together!
Episodes
64 episodes
More Than Just Steps
Michael and Nathan interview Bethanne, a choreographer, discussing her method and process.
Upstaging Gentlemen With Their Upstaging Daughters
Michael and Nathan have their daughters on the show for an honest discussion about how their lives have been shaped by their dads who run theaters. Get ready for the good, the bad and the ugly.
Supporting Local Theater: The Redlands Theater Festival
Michael and Nathan are joined by members of the Redlands Theater Festival. This incredible group of actors perform in an outdoor theater, and are currently performing five shows at once. How do they do it? Why do they do it? Check out the episo...
What Nobody Warns You About Your First Show
Michael, Nathan, and host Alfonso Garcia interview actress Leah Burns, who is new to the stage, having just landed a role in Frozen. They discuss the audition process and what happens when a new actress joins an experienced cast of a major prod...
AI: Art or Cheating
Host Alfonso Garcia asks Michael and Nathan their thoughts on theaters that use AI for their productions.
Revisiting Negative Experiences
Michael and Nathan revisit their negative experiences and discuss what they learned from those experiences in hindsight.
The Problem With Being Prepared
When a listener writes in and asked if an actor can be over prepared, Michael and Nathan are stumped for an answer at first. An interesting discussion follows about actors who are just too prepared to play their roles.
Theater: Welcoming Community or Private Club
Host Alfonso Garcia asks Michael and Nathan about welcoming newcomers into a theater that already has established circles of friends.
The Most Important Thing Directors and Actors Forget…
Host Alfonso Garcia asks Michael and Nathan the best ways for actors to earn a director's trust.
Chemistry Between Actors
Host Alfonso Garcia asks Michael and Nathan about chemistry between actors.
Community Theater, Professional Theater (Both are Great)
Host Alfonso Garcia asks Michael and Nathan their thoughts on the difference between community theater and professional theater, primarily where money is involved. There is a place for both! It's more about the work ethic and standards.
Relationships Between Actors And Directors
Host Alfonso Garcia asks Nathan and Michael about the relationships between actors and directors and how to prevent a disconnect between them.
Drama, Controversy, Nothing Personal!
In regards to casting, Alfonso and Nathan seemed to have touched a nerve with some listeners,. Michael reveals one of his unpopular opinions as well.
Actors and Use of Social Media
Michael and Nathan take questions about actors posting on social media. What helps and what hurts a theater? Have a listen to find out their take on the subject.
A Barrage of Questions
Michael and Nathan are joined by guest Alfonso Garcia who asks them a series of contributed questions.
Back in the Saddle
Michael and Nathan reunite after a year and a half to bring back their podcast. Having been kept apart by busy schedules, they catch up on what they've been doing and talk a bit of shop.
Misery
Michael asks Nathan to help him brainstorm for his upcoming production of Misery.
The Little Mermaid And Rigby Redd
Michael and Nathan discuss the challenges on their recent projects. Nathan directed a touring production of The Little Mermaid and Michael directed his original work, Rigby Redd. The music for Rigby Redd is available on any streaming platform!&...
Theater in the Classrooms
Michael and Nathan discuss recent ways they've been involved in the educational system. Nathan talks about Legendary Productions rentals to schools of sets, props, and costumes, and Michael discusses his CTE (Career Technical Education) class a...
Theater Trivia
John, the soundman, challenges Michael and Nathan to a game of theater trivia. Do they actually know anything, or will they be stumped?
Bell, Book and Candle/ Little Shop of Horrors
Michael and Nathan discuss the challenges of putting up their recent productions.
Questions From Our Listeners
Michael and Nathan take questions from listeners, and discuss advice to new playwrights, casting family members, loyalty vs talent, and the discussion of politics in the theater.
Upcoming Shows At Legendary Productions and Play With Your Food
Michael and Nathan discuss the shows on their line ups. Michael talks about his love for the mischief Theater Company.