Sweeney Todd with Director David Winstead

Khatari Lane: NextUp Theatre Company, DPAC Rising Star Awards, and Godspell

Local theatre performer, director, and producer Khatari Lane discusses how he got into theatre, his production company, NextUp Theatre and its summer camp for Shrek, Jr., his experience with the DPAC Rising Stars Awards, and music directing the Imperial Centre's upcoming summer production of Godspell. Takeaways * The importance of theater for preteens * The role of volunteers in musical theater * Be intentional when on stage DPAC Rising Star Awards https://www.dpacnc.com/community/dpac-rising-star-awards [https://www.dpacnc.com/community/dpac-rising-star-awards] Godspell Imperial Centre, Rocky Mount July 17-19, July 24-26 2026 https://imperialcentre.org/theatre/upcoming/ [https://imperialcentre.org/theatre/upcoming/] NextUp Theatre Company https://www.facebook.com/p/NextUp-Theatre-Company-61566918926322/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/NextUp-Theatre-Company-61566918926322/]

Bridges of Madison County with Seth Greene

Matt and Seth discuss Playhouse of Wilson's upcoming production of The Bridges of Madison County, The Musical. Seth discusses his philosophy regarding taking artistic liberties in performances. Takeaways * Love for theater * Taking artistic liberties Bridges of Madison County, The Musical Edna Boykin Cultural Center Wilson, North Carolina Friday, May 29 and Saturday May 30 at 7:30 PM Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 PM Playhouse of Wilson: https://www.playhouseofwilson.com/productions [https://www.playhouseofwilson.com/productions] Tickets: https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/?_gl=1*oja8sb*_ga*NjM0MjQ4ODkuMTc3NDIzNzc0Mg..*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3Nzg1MDcwNDckbzExJGcwJHQxNzc4NTA3MDQ3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA [https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/?_gl=1*oja8sb*_ga*NjM0MjQ4ODkuMTc3NDIzNzc0Mg..*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3Nzg1MDcwNDckbzExJGcwJHQxNzc4NTA3MDQ3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA]..

Sweeney Todd with Director David Winstead

On today's episode, Matthew interviews David Winstead, the President of S2P2, Inc., and they discuss S2P2's upcoming production of Sweeney Todd. The conversation covers the introduction to S2P2 and Sweeney Todd, directing style and collaboration, the importance of table work rehearsals, mental and physical preparation for acting, and an overview of Sweeney Todd as a dark comedy with themes of revenge and madness. Takeaways * Collaborative directing style * Significance of table work rehearsals Sweeney Todd https://wilsonarts.com/event/s2p2-inc-presents-sweeney-todd-2/ [https://wilsonarts.com/event/s2p2-inc-presents-sweeney-todd-2/] Edna Boykin Center Wilson, North Carolina May 1 & 2 at 7:00pm May 3 at 3:00

Shrek the Musical with Jillian Hale (Fiona) and Matthew McKellar (Shrek)

Matt (Shrek) and Jillian Hale (Fiona) discuss their roles in Nash Central High School's upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. Jillian also shares her journey in theater, from early experiences to favorite roles and the challenges of performing. She provides insights into the adaptation of Shrek to Broadway, the rehearsal process, and the message of acceptance in the show. Jillian also offers advice for aspiring performers and invites the audience to attend Shrek the Musical this week: April 16-18 at 7:00pm Imperial Centre Rocky Mount, NC Tickets: https://www.ncpschools.net/aboutus/news/news-details/~board/ncps-updates/post/nash-central-high-school-presents-shrek-the-musical-at-the-imperial-centre [https://www.ncpschools.net/aboutus/news/news-details/~board/ncps-updates/post/nash-central-high-school-presents-shrek-the-musical-at-the-imperial-centre] Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Shrek the Musical * 05:23 Passion for Dance and Theater * 10:30 Rehearsal Process at Mass Central * 17:03 Audience Takeaways from the Show * 22:21 Advice for Aspiring Performers

Director Seth Penwell and Tar Heel Tales

Director Seth Penwell discusses ACT! for Youth's production of Tar Heel Tales. He also discusses directing, balancing drama and comedy in theater, teaching and directing youth in theater, directing SpongeBob, theater challenges and uncertainties, and advice for young actors. Tar Heel Tales- Edna Boykin Cultural Center Wilson, North Carolina Friday, April 10 at 7pm Saturday, April 11 at 2pm Sunday, April 12 at 3pm Tickets: https://wilsonartsnc.square.site/product/act-for-youth-presents-tarheel-tales-advance-/52QRSEG5MCVOJY5TBEKZ6UOQ?cs=true&cst=custom [https://wilsonartsnc.square.site/product/act-for-youth-presents-tarheel-tales-advance-/52QRSEG5MCVOJY5TBEKZ6UOQ?cs=true&cst=custom] Get Involved! https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/ [https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/]