Curtain Call Conversations: A Van Wezel Podcast
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents a broad spectrum of the world's finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. Curtain Call Conversations takes listeners behind the scenes of the iconic purple building on Sarasota Bay giving audiences insights into upcoming shows, secrets of the trade, and news on the entertainment industry. Episodes include rotating hosts of staff members, performers, and more. Tune in every other Wednesday!
Episodes
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, Justin Gomlak, Director of Education, sits down with Azara Ballet company artists and teachers Baylie Dockins and Drew Travis Robinson to talk about their love of dance, the pressures and unrealistic standards of the professional dance world, and the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive future for dancers.Founded by neurodivergent artists, Sarasota-based Azara Ballet ...
What does an airport and a performing arts hall have in common? A lot more than you might think!
Whether it's in a busy terminal before boarding a flight or a crowded lobby before opening night, both places are rethinking how to make your experience more memorable and enjoyable.
Dania Harvey, PR Director of the Van Wezel, sits down with Paul Hoback Jr., President and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in the star dr...
In an all-new episode of Curtain Call Conversations, Director of Education and Community Engagement Justin Gomlak sits down with Kennedy and Avery Cole, two student ushers at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.Kennedy and Avery share stories from their summer travels to London, talk about their favorite musicals, and give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to be a student usher. They also discuss how the pr...
In this very festive episode of Curtain Call Conversations graphic designer Thom Gravelle and general manager Kyle Turoff sit down and chat all things Christmas in July at the Van Wezel. Learn what a day in the life of a performing arts hall is like for two of the *busiest* people in showbiz!
From favorite holiday traditions, gift guides, and even playing a few "reindeer games", Thom and Kyle will get you in the spirit of Christmas...
Get ready for plenty of laughs in the latest Van Wezel podcast episode as Kyle, Mary, Nate and Griff dive into all things comedy! From favorite comedians and unforgettable moments on the Van Wezel stage to what makes live comedy such a one-of-a-kind experience, this episode is packed with fun stories and fast-paced laughs.
Plus, hear the team tease upcoming comedian Jay Leno coming to the Van Wezel in January 2027, take on a hilari...
🎭 In this engaging new podcast episode, elementary teacher Kim Hall shares the powerful impact theater education can have on young students. From sparking creativity to building lifelong appreciation for the arts, discover how live performances help shape the next generation. 🌟
Listen now and tag a teacher or arts advocate who needs to hear this!
Back again this season, we’re revisiting a fan-favorite episode! Muffy sits down with Clover and Dani, two students who share their experience from last summer’s Van Wezel Education & Community Engagement Department’s Technical Theatre Camp. From hands-on activities to behind-the-scenes insights, it’s a great look at what makes this camp so special—and a perfect preview of what’s ahead.
Beginn...
Learn how children's theater engages creativity and learning. Discover insights from Caroline Saldivar on the importance of theater for kids and how it shapes their imaginations.
This episode of Curtain Call Conversations should come with a warning label.
For April Fool's Day, Griffyn and Nate from the Van Wezel technical department dream up an entire fake Van Wezel season -- and present it with just enough confidence to make you question everything you thought you knew.
- A month-run long run of The Sound of Music?
- Twins: The Musical?
- A trailer just for roller skates?
Reader, listener, viewer...none of...
A Season Fit for a Queen – Broadway at the Van Wezel
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to announce its upcoming Broadway season, featuring the hit musical Six the Musical along with many other Broadway favorites. In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, hosts Justin and Kyle provide an in-depth look at the full season lineup, share details on how to subscribe, and discuss what audiences can look forward to th...
In a captivating conversation between Muffy Lavens, PR Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Robert Westenberg, a key member of the cast of "A Beautiful Noise," listeners are treated to an insider’s glimpse of this extraordinary Neil Diamond musical. This engaging podcast highlights the depth and emotional resonance of the show, which promises to transcend the typical jukebox musical experience.
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, host Justin Gomlak speaks with Gretchen Beaumier, a multifaceted artist at Dingbat Theater Project. They discuss the theater's commitment to inclusivity, the Funny Girls program aimed at empowering young women through improv, and the Technical Theater Summer Camp that provides hands-on experience in various backstage roles.
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, Kyle and Justin are back to talk about how love is in the air! They highlight upcoming shows and wonder what might happen if famous Broadway characters swapped love interests from other shows.
This episode of Curtain Call Conversations blends education, Broadway, and a little musical fun.
Justin and Muffy talk all things Broadway-themed masterclasses at the Van Wezel, then Muffy sits down with Devin, a performer from MJ to discuss touring, performing, and what it’s like being part of such a high-energy production.
The episode wraps with a fun and silly segment where they build the ultimate masterclass playlist &mdash...
Curtain Call Conversations is back for 2026, and we're bringing the laughs — and the tap shoes — as we spotlight the hit Broadway musical Some Like It Hot playing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall January 21-25.
We’re joined by Devon Goffman, who plays Spats, the scene-stealing mobster you love to fear (and laugh at). Devon shares what makes Some Like It Hot such a crowd favorite, from its nonstop comedy and big B...
In this episode of Curtain Call Conversations, Education Director Justin Golmak is joined by Deb Lombard to spotlight one of the Van Wezel’s most joyful community offerings: Golden Groovers — a dance class series designed especially for seniors and adult learners.
Golden Groovers is all about movement, music, and connection. Taught by dynamic Van Wezel teaching artists Deb Lombard and Eric van Baars, each class invites p...
‘Tis the season for tech elves, holiday chaos, and…Celsius-fueled conversations?
In this festive episode, Griffyn and Nate from the technical department take over the mic for a laugh-heavy chat about their favorite holiday foods, movies, and music — plus a few opinions nobody asked for (but we’re glad they shared).
Once the sugar and caffeine settle, they also preview upcoming shows at the Hall, including Mic...
The 2025-2026 Broadway season is here at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens had a chance to speak with Shafiq Hicks from The Book of Mormon. Learn about the upcoming performances at the Van Wezel, playing December 9-14, 2025. Plus, learn about Shafiq's career touring with other productions and performing for the Pope! It's a career you'll want to learn more and more about. Get tickets to ...
Executive Director Mary Bensel and Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens sat down with the mean, green one himself...The Grinch! All the way from Mount Crumpit, The Grinch stopped by the Van Wezel to share a little bit about his musical, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, coming to Sarasota November 14-16 for five performances. Tickets on sale now at VanWezel.org
October 22 is National Make a Dog's Day so Manatee County-based nonprofit Dogs, Inc. joins Van Wezel Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens to discuss what exactly Dogs Inc does. Duo-Certified Training Marisa Blanco shares the importance of training guide dogs and service dogs, and talks about the day guide dog trainers spent at the Van Wezel so the dogs could get some real life experience in a theater setting. Then, meet the dogs ...
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