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Whispers In The Wings

Whispers In The Wings

Written by: Joshua Broadbent
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 Welcome to Whispers in the Wings, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the theatrical world! Join host Australian-based Associate Producer and Stage Manager Joshua Broadbent as he welcomes seasoned industry professionals to share their fascinating career journeys, from humble beginnings to the exhilarating present. With a focus on stage managers and technical creatives, each episode dives deep into their experiences, passions, and even the challenges they've faced along the way. This podcast is a must-listen for stage managers, theatre enthusiasts, and anyone aspiring to pursue a career in the industry. With an active working creative as your guide, get ready for an informative and entertaining exploration of the backstage realm. Whispers In The Wings is proudly a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Questions can be submitted any time on Instagram @WhispersInTheWings. Whispers in the Wings acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.Marker Creative Co. Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Reimagining how (and why) we make art

    Reimagining how (and why) we make art
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode of Whispers in the Wings, Joshua is joined by multi-hyphenate artist Evan J. Lawson (he/they) — composer, writer, curator, singer, conductor, and Artistic Director of Melbourne’s Forest Collective. With a career that refuses to sit neatly in one box, Evan shares how following multiple creative threads has shaped a practice that lives at the crossroads of music, theatre, opera and community. Together, they dive into the surprisingly powerful world of Tessitura (yes, the ticketing CRM!), why learning the so-called “unsexy” skills can be the key to staying employed, and how Forest Collective creates brave, interdisciplinary spaces for new work — including an immersive, multi-room opera set inside a labyrinth. Evan also opens up about burnout, boundaries, the realities of funding and ticket pricing, and why accessible, risk-taking art is crucial if we want future generations to fall in love with live performance. In this episode, we chat about:• Wearing multiple creative “hats” and building a portfolio career in the arts• How learning Tessitura helped Evan pay the bills and survive COVID• The origins and ethos of Forest Collective, and supporting artistically vulnerable work• Rest, boundaries and what it really takes to lead an indie company long-term• Ticket pricing, accessibility and why audiences will come back if you meet them where they are• Evan’s immersive labyrinth opera and his next steps in electronic/acousmatic music If anything in today’s episode brought up questions around balance, burnout or sustainability in the arts, Support Act offers a free, confidential wellbeing helpline for anyone working in Australian music or performing arts: 1800 959 500. If you’re listening from overseas or outside the industry, please reach out to your local support service. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@whispersinthewings⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠@whispersitwings⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠Whispers In The Wings Podcast⁠ Whispers In The Wings is produced by ⁠Marker Creative Co⁠, and is a proud member of the ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠. Whispers in the Wings acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • It’s knowing when not to press the button - with Dale Norris

    It’s knowing when not to press the button - with Dale Norris
    Nov 20 2025
    Join Joshua as he chats with freelance Production Manager, Operations Specialist, and Special Effects Supervisor ⁠⁠Dale Norris⁠⁠, whose career spans theatre, large-scale city events, and lighting up the sky with meticulously crafted pyrotechnic spectacles. Dale shares his journey from studying technical production at QUT to finding his place in event operations, production management, and ultimately designing and delivering fireworks for some of Queensland’s biggest celebrations. He opens up about balancing study with industry work, moving from backstage technician to client-facing creative, and how switching to a 9–5 reshaped his wellbeing and work–life balance. Follow Dale on instagram ⁠@dalenorris This episode touches on topics of mental health and wellbeing in live performance and events. If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please reach out to Support Act, who offer a free, confidential counselling service for anyone working in Australian music or the arts by calling 1800 959 500. If you’re overseas or outside the industry, please reach out to your local support service. See Feedspot's Top 10 Australian Theatre Podcasts – Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@whispersinthewings⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠@whispersitwings⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠Whispers In The Wings Podcast⁠ Whispers In The Wings is produced by ⁠Marker Creative Co⁠, and is a proud member of the ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠. Whispers in the Wings acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • You start when the queen is ready and the vibes are right - with Caitie Murphy

    You start when the queen is ready and the vibes are right - with Caitie Murphy
    Oct 30 2025
    Join Josh as he chats with stage manager ⁠Caitie Murphy⁠, who swears drag shows are “held together with gaff tape and prayer,” and whose work spans theatre, opera and the glitter-filled world of drag. Caitie shares her journey from studying music to calling operas and managing the beautiful chaos of drag shows. She opens up about the realities of working in nightlife venues, the importance of safety and boundaries, and how her love of music and theatre collide in unexpected ways. In this episode, we discuss what it’s like to manage shows that thrive on improvisation, the challenges of working in non-traditional spaces, the overlap between drag and theatre, and how to protect your wellbeing while keeping the show running smoothly. This episode touches on topics of safety and wellbeing within live performance spaces. If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please reach out to Support Act, who offer a free, confidential counselling service for anyone working in Australian music or the arts by calling 1800 959 500. If you’re overseas or outside the industry, please reach out to your local support service. You can find Caitie online at caitiemurphysm.com.au, on Instagram at @caitiemurph – Follow us on Instagram: @whispersinthewingsFollow us on TikTok: @whispersinthewingsFollow us on Facebook: Whispers In The Wings Podcast Whispers In The Wings is produced by Marker Creative Co, and is a proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Whispers in the Wings acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
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