Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party | Podcast on RSS.com

Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party

Shea's Performing Arts Center presents Cast Party

by Ken Liszewski, Julianna Tracey, Rita Sirianni

Performing Arts

Season 2

Behind the Curtain with Carmina Wood Design's Bradley Everdyke and Todd Piotrowski

This week on Shea’s Performing Arts Center Presents Cast Party, we’re getting constructive and welcoming two very special guests: Bradley Everdyke, Senior Historic Preservation Architect, and Todd Piotrowski, Senior Associate at Carmina Wood Design! Get the inside scoop from the masterminds behind the Elevate Shea’s Expansion Project and hear firsthand what you can expect from every floor of Shea’s exciting new addition. From preserving the character and legacy of a historic theatre to creating spaces that will carry Shea’s into the future, Bradley and Todd take us behind the scenes of what it takes to elevate Shea’s into its next century of wonder.

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Michelle Merlo

This week on Cast Party, we're shining a spotlight on one of Shea's very own Events & Hospitality Coordinators, Michelle Merlo! Get the inside scoop on Shea's signature show-themed cocktails, how to reserve your table at the Shea's Bistro, why we love our friends at The Bijou, and what it takes to create an unforgettable guest experience from the moment you walk through our doors. So pull up a seat, raise a glass, and don't leave this episode on the rocks. Cheers!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Bill Hedrick

Alright, Party People, it's summertime! And you know what that means? It's time for some good old-fashioned backstage stories from the incredible people who make the magic happen at Shea's Buffalo. This week on Cast Party, we're joined by Bill Hedrick, Shea's Technical Director of 23 years, to hear some of his favorite backstage stories, from his very first day on the job to a myriad of memorable run-ins with legendary artists and everything in between. Trust us, Bill has stories for days! And did we mention Bill knows how to rock? Tune in to today's episode and then bike on over to Shea's Buffalo to catch Bill and his band, IOT, taking the Shea's 710 Cabaret Stage following the Shea's Centennial Slow Roll!

Behind the Curtain with Shea's Ricky Needham

School's out, summer is here, and that can only mean one thing. It is time for some Shea's Summer Theatre Camps! This week on Cast Party, we're joined by Shea's resident teaching artist, Artie Award-winning actor, and all-around theatre enthusiast Ricky Needham. Hear firsthand about all the exciting educational programming coming to Shea's this summer, from Comedy on Cue to Actor's Edge, and learn what it's like balancing life as both a teaching artist and a working actor in Western New York. Plus, Ricky shares one of his favorite vocal warm-ups, and let's just say it's a little more heavy metal than your average scales and lip trills. We've got so much to learn, and Ricky has all the answers. Tune in and get ready for a summer of comedy, musicals, and more!

Bubbles, Baker Street, and Burn Books

We've got the inside scoop on the Shea's 710 Theatre Frey Electric 2026–2027 Season this week on Cast Party! Join the gang as we sit down with not one, not two, but three incredible artistic leaders from Western New York who are bringing exciting productions to the 710 stage next season. First up, Katie Mallinson of D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre joins us to spill the tea (and the bubbles!) on SpongeBob the Musical. Then, Scott Behrend of Road Less Traveled Productions clues us in on the mystery, intrigue, and excitement behind Miss Holmes. And last but certainly not least, Kelly Copps of 2nd Generation Theatre is here to wear pink and talk all things Mean Girls the Musical—a show we're absolutely stupid with love for! So whether you're ready to plunge to the Bikini Bottom, get on the Case, or feel a little Fetch, we've got something for you. Tune in to learn more about these fantastic productions, how to get tickets, and what each theatre company has in store for the season ahead!

Behind the Curtain with A Few Good Men's Nick Stevens & Renee Hawthorne

This week on Cast Party, we’re gearing up for the final production of the Shea’s 710 Theatre Frey Electric 2025–2026 Season with Road Less Traveled Productions’ A Few Good Men starring Nick Stevens as Lt. Daniel Kaffee and Renee Hawthorne as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway. Join the gang as we dive into Aaron Sorkin’s gripping script, what it means to be part of the Road Less Traveled ensemble, and what it’s like working with local director and Shea’s alum Katie Mallinson. Plus, hear more about bringing this iconic courtroom drama to the Shea’s 710 stage. We’ve got nothing but the truth here, and the truth is, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. Follow the link in Shea’s bio to listen now!

Cast Party is at the Gate

This week on Cast Party, we’re learning all about SUFFS and the Women’s Suffrage Movement as we gear up for the final show of the Five Star Bank 2025–26 Broadway Season! Join the gang as we dive into the power of historical musicals, the magic of musical study guides, and Shaina Taub’s incredible journey creating SUFFS. Plus, we explore what it means to learn about the groundbreaking work of the Women’s Suffrage Movement through song. Funny, poignant, and deeply inspiring, SUFFS is a celebration of the wonderful women in our lives and all those who paved the way before us. We're ready at the Gate!

Behind the Curtain with Starring Buffalo's Ally Hasselback

Alright Party People, We’ve got an exciting new episode of Cast Party for you and there’s no day but today to tune in! This week, we’re joined by the one and only Ally Hasselback, local stage manager and production stage manager, who’s gearing up for Starring Buffalo’s RENT in Concert at Shea’s Buffalo this Saturday, May 9th! Check out the link in our bio to learn more about how to get tickets. Join us as we dive into what makes Starring Buffalo such a unique theatrical experience, what to consider when looking into graduate school, and what it really means to be a professional stage manager! Everyone to your places!

Behind the Camera with Casting Buffalo & Lemur Studios

S2, Episode 8: Behind the Camera with Casting Buffalo & Lemur Studios Lights, Camera, Cast Party! This week, the crew takes their first-ever field trip and dives into the world of on-camera acting with Peter Johnson and Harry Lipsitz of Casting Buffalo LLC, plus Jordan Lema of Lemur Studios! From acting for the camera to breaking into the Buffalo film community, the Actor’s Expo, Casting Buffalo's own podcasting, Podcasting Buffalo, and what it really takes to book your first gig — we’re talking all things film. Plus, get the inside scoop from Jordan on Buffalo’s own 48-Hour Film Project and what makes it such a can’t-miss event. There's no business like show business, and we're ready to talk shop.

Behind the Curtain with Water for Elephants' Connor Sullivan & Tyler West

Step right up! This week on Cast Party, the gang runs away to the circus with two incredible guests from Water for Elephants: Connor Sullivan (August) and Tyler West (Walter). Go behind the curtain to hear what to expect from the show — including its phenomenal score by Pigpen Theatre Co. — what life on the road is really like, and the surprisingly important question: just how many puppets are there… and more importantly, how many of them have names? There’s still plenty of time to dive into Water for Elephants, the beloved novel that inspired this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical! Join the ride!

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