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
And just like that, another school year is officially in the books! While our graduating seniors are busy packing their bags and heading off to their next big adventures (we’ll miss you!), the rest of us are officially stepping up. In this final episode of the season, the returning crew looks ahead to what’s next. We’re talking about the bittersweet feeling of becoming the "old wise ones" on campus, our personal goals for next year...
We are one week away from the finale of our high school theater podcast! In our penultimate episode, we're joined by Austin Community College Associate Drama Professor Jamie Rogers. From the audition room to the director's chair, Jamie gives us an inside look at ACC’s vibrant theater department and shares what students and audiences can expect from their upcoming productions. Whether you're looking to break into the industry or jus...
As we wind down Season 1 of Blue Jesters Backstage, Seniors Messiah and Hailey look back at the ups and downs of their senior year in High School Theater.
As the curtain begins to close on Season 1 of Blue Jesters Backstage, we’re passing the mic to the Class of 2026. In this bittersweet episode, theater seniors Teagan and Charles join us to reflect on four years of rehearsals, opening nights, and the inevitable "post-show blues."
But it’s not all nostalgia—we’re diving deep into the legacy they’re leaving behind. Teagan and Charles share the inside story of developing the new depart...
In this episode, the "unsung heroes" of the auditorium—the High School Light and Sound Crew—finally step into the spotlight (metaphorically, because we hate being seen). We’re looking back at the 2025-2026 school year of high school theater. Whether you're a fellow "theatre kid," a curious parent, or a tech geek, join us as we break down our favorite shows, our biggest "oops" moments, and why we wouldn't trade the 12-...
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, Avril interviews Mr. Cason, our music director, about what does what led him to work with musicals, his experience so far, and what he has learned from past mistakes. Check out the latest episode and comment your thoughts! Recorded at Northeast Early College High School in Austin, TX.
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, Bernardo interviews Dom who after a strong start to the year had to leave our school during the production of Little Shop of Horrors. Now, Dom is back and he shares his personal story of what it feels like to return to a theatre program in progress and advice he’d have for anyone in the same situation. Recorded at Northeast Early College High School in Austin, TX.
Step into the high-intensity world of competitive theatre with the Blue Jesters! In this episode, we’re breaking down our journey to the Texas UIL One-Act Play (OAP) contest with our production of The Killing Game.
From the grueling rehearsals to the adrenaline-pumping "7-minute setup," we share what it’s really like to compete in one of the most prestigious high school theater competitions in the country. We discuss the creative c...
Join your favorite theater kids, Tegan and Messiah, as they take you behind the scenes of Northeast’s very own MTC Workshop! From theatre tech like 3D printing and prop restoration to the intricate craft of tailoring, discover the artistic dedication that brings high school stage productions to life.
In this episode, Messiah shares his journey as a fashion designer and costume manager, detailing the pressure and pride of outfitting...
Every great show starts with a great crew! In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we’re introducing the newest member of our high school theater family. Our seasoned lighting designer sits down with our new techie to talk about joining the team, learning the ropes of theatre tech, and what it’s like to work behind the scenes. Whether you’re a theater veteran or a total theatre newbie, join us for a look at how we build the magi...
We sit down with the actors playing Mushnik and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors to talk about their complicated relationship onstage. They break down power, dependence, guilt, and loyalty, and how those dynamics shape every scene and song in high school theater. A close look at building believable tension and connection inside one of musical theatre’s most iconic pairings.
An alum returns to the Blue Jesters at Northeast to reflect on their high school theatre experience and the lessons that stuck. We talk about confidence, collaboration, failure, and the skills that carried over into adult life. A grounded look at how theatre training shapes who you become long after the curtain closes.
This episode follows students who took on the job of building a tech theatre workshop. They explain how they planned it, built it, and adapted when things went wrong. The focus is on process, collaboration, and how technical theatre skills are learned through doing the work.
In this episode, the leads of Little Shop of Horrors talk about an outreach effort that goes beyond the stage. They share how visiting middle schools, talking directly with students, and demystifying high school theater has helped spark interest in performing arts programs early. The conversation covers why early exposure matters, what middle schoolers are actually curious about, and how student performers can become ambassadors fo...
The lights go down, the crowd roars, and the wrestlers hit the ring—but who makes the magic happen in the dark? In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we’re stepping off the stage and into the wings to interview the student crew behind our recent production of Luchadora!.
From managing complex set changes to perfecting the lighting for high-flying stunts, our technical theater students do it all. We sit down with members of the...
Have you ever felt like you were fading into the background? In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we sit down with a student performer to discuss the life-changing impact of the performing arts. We dive deep into her personal journey of finding confidence and how joining the high school theatre program helped her finally come out of her shell.
Whether you are a seasoned "thespian" or someone considering auditioning for your f...
In this episode of the Blue Jesters podcast, the students interview high school theater director Jason Escandell. They talk about what it really means to run a program day to day and why directing students is different from directing adults.
Jason shares how he builds culture in a rehearsal room. How he balances discipline and creativity. How he handles pressure from shows, schedules, and expectations. He also talks about mistakes ...
In this episode of the Blue Jesters podcast, the students sit down with Jason Vines. He started as a theater kid and now works professionally as a special effects makeup artist.
Jason talks about how his early time on stage shaped his career. Building characters. Solving problems fast. Working as part of a team. He explains how skills learned in theater carried directly into the world of special effects makeup.
They discuss what th...
In this episode of the Blue Jesters podcast, the students talk honestly about group conflict in high school theater. They share what really causes tension in rehearsal rooms. Ego. Miscommunication. Different levels of commitment. Pressure as opening night gets closer.
They trade real stories from their own experiences in theatre. Times when conflict showed up loud or quiet. What made things worse. What helped calm the room. And how...
In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the high school theater student stage manager interviews Dani Pruitt, a professional stage manager working in the theatre and live performance world.
They talk about what a stage manager actually does, how Dani got started, and what skills matter most backstage. Organization. Communication. Leadership. Staying calm when things go wrong. Dani shares real stories from professional production...
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