Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast

16/01/2022

Happy New Year! We are hoping to bring you all a new episode soon. Sadly, we have been rather busy as we have had to postpone our pantomime - Robin Hood - to March. But that does give you more time to get your tickets if you haven't already!

Tickets for Robin Hood are available now at: www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk/tickets

We will be back soon for our new series of Treading the Boards!

ROBIN HOOD:
Thursday 17th March 2022 at 7.30pm (Socially Distanced Performance)
Friday 18th March 2022 at 7.30pm
Saturday 19th March 2022 at 2.30pm (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Saturday 19th March 2022 at 7.30pm

Wykham Theatre, Wykham Park Academy, Banbury

www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk/tickets

17/12/2021

After not being able to record for a while due to her leg injury and her lost voice, we are unable to bring you a new episode this week because Gill has the dreaded COVID! Don't worry though - she's feeling fine! Her family have quarantined her in a room (which we think they quite enjoy!) and so we can't meet to to film. We will be back in the new year to wrap up season 3 as well as deliver a special during our Robin Hood show week. Tickets for Robin Hood are available now at www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk/tickets.

Tickets for Avocet Theatre Company's upcoming shows and productions

10/12/2021

S3E5 - Christmas Show (with ATC) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

After a short break due to lost voices and busy schedules, Ben and Gill return - just as the festive season starts - to talk Christmas Shows! Various members of Avocet Theatre Company give their experiences in school shows, Ben and Gill tell of their surprise that the podcast has ended up in a top 10 list and Ben explains why it's best to own a tea towel if you want the lead in the Nativity.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

21/11/2021

No podcast this week because Gill has lost her voice! But we will be back very soon :)

12/11/2021

S3E4 - Choreography (with Amelia Haverson) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

In the week when Gill finds herself using a crutch, Ben decides the topic of the week should be all about movement and choreography! Joined by Amelia Haverson, they discuss what it takes to be a good choreographer, if anyone can choreograph and the differences between choreographing for different groups.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

06/11/2021

S3E3 - School Shows - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Ben and Gill are at a school today and, ironically, talking about School Shows! They discuss the differences between staging a school show and an amateur show and why school productions deserve our support. Don't forget to comment on this video with your pictures and memories from your school shows!

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.
Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

24/10/2021

S3E2 - Show Repeats (with Bodicote Youth) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Ben and Gill are 'on location' at Bodicote Youth's rehearsal this week to chat about staging a show more than once. They discuss the challenges that come from staging a show a second time and chat with the cast about how they feel about performing something they did 6 years previously. And be sure to stick around to the end to find out why Ben thinks the Pope listens to the Podcast and why Gill may have just made him unsubscribe!

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.
Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

21/10/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
'What's it like doing the same show more than once?'
Have you done the same show more than once? Perhaps with a different group or at a different venue? What was it like and did you play the same part? Share your thoughts and experiences by 6pm tomorrow (Friday).
This week's podcast will be slightly delayed this week and released over the weekend.

15/10/2021

S3E1 - Drama in School (with Alfie Blackwell) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Ben and Gill are back for Season 3 to discuss Drama in School. Gill gets the lowdown from Ben about being a Drama teacher before the duo interview Drama student Alfie Blackwell about his educational pathway in Drama. Just don't ask them about the concerning sounding story that took place prior to the interview...

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

14/10/2021

WE ARE BACK FOR SEASON 3!!!
Join us from 10.00am tomorrow when we are joined by Alfie Blackwell in a brand new episode all about Drama in Schools.
Watch the video version here and on our YouTube Channel or you can listen along using all major podcast providers.

20/08/2021

S2E6 - Summer Special (with YOBOS - Youth of Banbury Operatic Society) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Gill and Ben return for an extra special summer edition episode and the Season 2 finale! Gill chats with Ben who has been directing the first musical back in his local theatre since Lockdown. Taking place at the theatre, the pair chat - right before dress rehearsal! - about what it's been like returning to the stage. They then chat with some of the cast and team of YOBOS' production of In the Heights after the show is over to get their thoughts on the process.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

20/08/2021

Join us this evening at 6.00pm for our Summer Special where we join YOBOS - Youth of Banbury Operatic Society before and after their four sell out shows to discuss what it's like being back in the theatre!

16/07/2021

S2E5 - Editing (with Ben!) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Gill joins Ben in his office to see the work that goes into editing the Podcast as well as digital content for amateur theatre.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

09/07/2021

S2E4 - Confidence (with Louise Nunneley) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

As theatre groups return to the rehearsal room, Ben and Gill discuss how people's confidence have taken a hit over lockdown.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

25/06/2021

Episode 12 - Accessible Theatre (with Mandy Cox and Kate Maclean) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Ben and Gill take a fan request this week and discuss how amateur theatre and professional training can be more accesible to everyone. With statements from top drama schools as well as special guests - Mandy Cox and Kate Maclean - this episode provides an important insight into how we can support everyone when it comes to theatre. This is not one to miss!

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.
Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

24/06/2021

You really don't want to miss tomorrow's brand new episode where we do some actual journalism (!!) and investigate how amateur theatre and professional drama training can be more accessible to everyone - particularly those with special educational needs. With statements from some of the countries top drama schools, we discuss practical ideas that our amateur theatre community can implement to ensure inclusivity.
Join us at 10am tomorrow for this important episode!
Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

21/06/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
'How can we make amateur theatre and professional training more accessible to all?'
We have taken a fan request this week and will be talking all about being inclusive in amateur theatre and professional training. We are in touch with a number of establishments for this episode so it should be a good one! Comment below with your questions or thoughts before Wednesday and we will respond in the podcast. :)

17/06/2021

Join us tomorrow (Friday) at 10am on Facebook, YouTube or on all good podcast streaming services for the extra special Series 2 premiere of Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast !

07/06/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'What are your best/worst audition stories and what are your top audition tips?'
We are back for season two next week with a special episode where we will be discussing everything to do with auditions. We are filming in two parts this week - Tuesday and Sunday - so please comment below with your stories, tips or thoughts to be included in next Friday's podcast!

05/06/2021

Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast returns on Friday 18th June 2021!

01/06/2021

Thank you to everyone who has been listening to (or watching!) our podcast! We are so proud of everything we've achieved during these tricky months and we couldn't do it without all of you.
We will be back for series 2 of Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast sooner than you think...... ;)

02/04/2021

Episode 10 - Costumes (with Jeanette Gee) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

For the last episode in the series, Ben and Gill chat with Jeanette Gee who runs Wacky Wardrobe Costumes ! The trio discuss some of their favourite costumes and how Jeanette started her famous costume shop. To find out more about Wacky Wardrobe, search for them on Facebook or do a virtual tour of the shop by searching for it on Google Maps!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfxTisGyCbnBAJ7X7

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

28/03/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'Tell us about (or show us a picture of!) your most favourite costume that you've ever worn or seen on stage!'

We hope you loved Friday's newest episode all about Drama Schools. This week, we are talking all things costume! Tell us all about your favourite costumes or perhaps share a cheeky picture! We also want to know about any costume mishaps or malfunctions as well as any exciting costume changes.

We will be recording on Tuesday evening so get your comments (and pictures) in by 6pm on Tuesday to be included in the podcast.

26/03/2021

Episode 9 - Drama School (with Luke Wetherill & Nathan Shaw) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Luke Wetherill and Nathan Shaw join Ben and Gill to discuss what it's like at Drama School. The group also discuss Nathan's professional debut (during a pandemic!) as well as their top tips for those wanting to study Drama.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

19/03/2021

Episode 8 - Panto (with Kay Andrews-Kuhn) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

It's Panto week ("oh no it isn't!"), and Ben and Gill are joined by writer Kay Andrews-Kuhn who discusses her original pantomimes as well as some of the best (and worst!) pantomime jokes and stories!

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

17/03/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'What do you want to know about Drama Schools and professional training?'

We've got a great Panto themed episode coming out on Friday ("oh yes we have") and we will be filming our next episode this coming Sunday to discuss all things drama school and theatre training! Do you have questions about turning your theatre hobby into a career? Want to know the drama school gossip or what not to do at an audition? Want to find out what routes are available? Ask away in the comments and our TWO special guests will be on hand to answer! Be sure to post your questions or comments before midday on Sunday :)

11/03/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'Tell us your favourite Pantomime story or your best/worst panto joke'

We are excited about the release of tomorrow's episode but we also can't wait to record our next episode this Sunday ("oh yes we are!"). We are going to be talking about Pantomime and comedy! We want to know your favourite Pantomime stories or your best/worst Pantomime jokes. Share your stories or jokes for us to discuss on next week's show.

05/03/2021

Episode 6 - The West End (with Kerry Jay) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Former West End performer, Kerry Jay, discusses her time in Les Miserables, Grange Hill, Chicago, Follies and We Will Rock You. Along with Ben and Gill, Kerry discusses what the amateur theatre community can learn from the professionals! A fascinating insight into the West End world.

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

04/03/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'How important is it to be a "triple threat" in amateur theatre?'

With our next episode being released in only a few hours, we are busy preparing for recording next week's episode this coming Sunday. We want to know your opinions - particularly on DANCE! Do you need to be a dancer to be a good performer? Does dancing help with other aspects of being a performer? Share your thoughts for us to discuss on next week's show.

02/03/2021

You won't want to miss Friday's episode of Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast when we are joined by West End legend Kerry Jay who tells us all about her time in the West End productions of Les Miserables, Chicago, Follies and We Will Rock You as well as her time on Grange Hill!

Ben's interested in what amateur theatre can learn from the West End.
Gill's interested in Ben's choice of shirt....

26/02/2021

Episode 5 - Mistakes On Stage (with Mandy Cox) - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Mandy Cox joins Ben and Gill this week to swap some hilarious and awkward stories about mistakes that have happened on stage!

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.

Links: linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

25/02/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'What questions do you have for someone who has performed in the West End?'

Next week's guest has been a lead in West End musicals and we want your questions for her! What would you like to know? We will be filming this episode this weekend but don't forget to keep an eye out for Episode 5 tomorrow! ❤️

22/02/2021

You don't to want to miss this Friday's episode where we are joined by Mandy Cox to discuss our embarrassing stories about mistakes that have occurred during performances! As you can see, Mandy and Gill were not ready for Ben's "revealing" story!

17/02/2021

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
'Tell us your funniest/craziest/most shocking story about on stage mistakes'

Episode Four will be out on Friday but we are busy preparing for our next Topic of The Week ready for Episode Five. What are some of the funniest mistakes or accidents that have happened when on stage or in rehearsal? Is it a set or costume malfunction? A funny piece of improvisation? Tell us your excellent stories in the comments and we will give you a shoutout on the podcast! ❤️

17/02/2021

Well this picture just says it all really!
Join us on Friday for a new episode of Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast when we will be joined by Jennie Healy and Louise Nunneley to discuss running a community group.

Subscribe and watch:
https://linktr.ee/TreadingTheBoards

12/02/2021

Story to Show (with Amanda Anderson) - Episode 3 - Treading The Boards: The Amateur Theatre Podcast

Ben and Gill are joined by Amanda Anderson to discuss what stories (true or fictional) could be turned into a stage show. They also discuss Amanda's journey in the amateur theatre world, including what it's like to be a first time director just as a pandemic hits!

Listen to the audio version of our podcast on all good podcast streaming services (Spotify, Amazon, Google, Apple etc.) and join our page (Treading The Boards - The Amateur Theatre Podcast) to be part of the conversation and give your thoughts on the next Topic of the Week.