Blue Jesters Backstge: A High School Theatre Podcast
Looking to get started in high school theatre or want to share in your experiences? Go behind the curtain with Northeast Early College High School's Blue Jesters Theatre program in Austin, Texas. Each episode features students, teachers, and special guest sharing stories, tips and tricks, and the real backstage ups and down of high school theatre. From rehearsals to performances, to teamwork and creativity, this podcast shines a spotlight on the voices of the next generation of theatre makers.
Episodes
The Blue Jesters look back on their fall play, Luchadora. The students break down their full run and talk through what went right, what went wrong, and what they learned on stage. They walk through missed cues, quick fix saves, line drops, and the moments that pushed them to grow as performers and tech artists. This is a simple, honest look at high school theatre, how you stay calm when the show tilts sideways, and how a cast turns...
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the students sit down with Laura Maxwell Scott of Collier Talent. She tells the story of how she went from actor to casting agent, what she learned on both sides of the table, and what young performers should know about auditions today. We talk about confidence, prep work, high school theater, and how to build a real career in Austin’s film and TV world. This episode is a gre...
The Blue Jesters high school theatre seniors sit down for a mid-year check-in to talk about the reality of balancing school, rehearsals, work, and everything in between. They share what’s working, what’s hard, and how they’re getting ready for life after senior year. A candid look at senior year, high school theater, motivation, and the lessons they’re learning along the way.
The Blue Jesters break down what it takes to get through a fall play while school is still in full swing. They talk about managing homework, keeping energy up during Luchadora, and trying to grab enough sleep to stay sane. This episode gives a clear, honest look at how high school actors survive a fall play run, balance their schedules, and keep the show strong night after night. Ideal for listeners searching for real student persp...
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we talk with students who didn’t choose to be in theater class—but ended up here anyway. What happens when you’re randomly placed in a drama class you never planned to take? Hear their honest perspectives, surprising lessons, and how theater has helped them build confidence, communication, and teamwork skills they didn’t expect to find on stage. Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone cu...
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, NECHS Theatre alumna Luna Ruiz returns to share what the theater department was like in her day — from backstage memories to life lessons learned on stage. Now an actress, Luna offers honest advice for current students chasing their creative dreams and reflects on how the Blue Jesters Theatre program shaped her journey in the performing arts.
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, theater-trained science teacher Eliza Renner shares how performance skills translate into leadership, teamwork, and classroom connection. She talks about embracing the “cringe” moments, building confidence through collaboration, and finding the creative spark between science and the stage. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone learning to lead with authenticity.
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theatre podcast, the students get real about what it feels like to face rejection in auditions. They share personal stories, how they learned to stay confident, and tips for turning “no” into motivation. A must-listen for any young actor learning that every role—won or lost—can help you grow.
In this episode, Northeast Early College High School theater students interview Nicole Malone, AISD’s Coordinator for Theatre and Dance. Nicole shares her journey in technical theater, what inspired her path, and her advice for students beginning their own theater careers. From backstage work to big-picture leadership, her insights help young performers and techies understand the many ways to grow in the arts.
Auditions can feel scary, but they don’t have to. In this episode, we talk about audition tips from a high schooler’s point of view—what works, what doesn’t, and how to handle nerves when it’s your turn in the spotlight. From choosing the right monologue to making a strong first impression, these are the things we wish someone told us before our first audition. If you’re getting ready for theater tryouts or your school musical, thi...
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we sit down with Northeast Early College High School’s Academic Dean, Lauren Kajdas. She shares how her theatre training in starting in junior high shaped her career path and the surprising ways those skills support her leadership today. From communication and collaboration to creative problem-solving, Lauren explains how lessons from the stage translate into education and administration.
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theater Podcast, students from Northeast Early College High School in Austin ISD share stories of mistakes, mishaps, and unexpected surprises on stage. Recorded in Austin, Texas, this candid look at high school theatre shows how young performers handle challenges with humor, resilience, and teamwork.
In our first episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theater Podcast, students from Northeast Early College High School in Austin, Texas, share how they got started in theatre. Hear real stories about first auditions, backstage nerves, and the spark that made them fall in love with performing.
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