Behind the Curtain with Ricky Needham

Behind the Curtain with 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!

Campus Catch-Up: June 22, 2026

Join the Cast Party gang for the first ever Campus Catch-Up; a new Minisode series brought to you by Shea's Performing Arts Center! Hear firsthand from Kenny, Julianna, and Rita what's going on on the Shea's Campus for the week of June 22nd, 2026 and get ready for our next full length episode out next Monday, June 29th!

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 Nick Stevens and 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!