Dayton Drama Queens

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Dayton Drama Queens as they sit down with Andrew Mitakides, Executive Artistic Director & Co-Founder of Gem City Groundlings. In this illuminating episode, Andrew shares:

• A twist of fate from dentistry to drama: how one unforgettable chemistry class and a nosebleed led him straight into Macbeth at college.

• Late-night laughs: behind the scenes of “Gem City Tonight,” his Dayton-based...

Join Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Dayton Drama Queens as they welcome David Sherman, a fixture of Dayton’s local theatre scene. In this episode, David reflects on:

• Early stage magic: landing his first role at age seven in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, discovering acting as a refuge during family hardship.

• Muse Machine mentorship: stepping into My Favorite Year and My Fair Lady alongside future pros, and how Dayton’...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Dayton Drama Queens as they welcome Isaac Jones, company member of the Dayton Ballet, for an in-depth conversation about life on pointe. In this episode, Isaac shares:

• A coast-to-coast dance journey: from trainee at Sarasota Ballet (FL) and four years touring with Eugene Ballet (OR) to landing his contract with Dayton Ballet in 2017.

• Dayton Ballet’s rich legacy: stepping into a small-b...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stuckey on The Dayton Drama Queens as they sit down with Tina McPhearson—Dayton native, veteran arts educator, and longtime programming director at the Victoria Theatre and Dayton Playhouse. In this episode, Tina shares her journey from ushering at Kenley Players to teaching high school theater, managing prominent Dayton institutions (Dayton Playhouse, Victoria Theatre, and the Dayton Art Institut...

On this episode of Dayton Drama Queens, hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky sit down with Scott Winters—legendary high school drum major turned Winter Guard International (WGI) instructor, lead designer at FJM, and one-of-a-kind performer with the RubiGirls. Discover how Scott:

• Found his calling as a teen drum major in Medway, OH, and learned to “run your arms” his own way.

• Joined Miller’s Blackhawks baton corps and later drove ...

Join Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Dayton Drama Queens as they welcome Joe Deer—legendary Wright State musical theatre professor, Broadway dancer, award-winning director, and author of Acting in Musical Theatre and Directing in Musical Theatre. In this episode, Joe shares:

• 27 years at Wright State University: how he built a national-level BFA Musical Theatre program and mentored stars like Nicole Scherzinger and countless be...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Dayton Drama Queens as they sit down with Heather Jones, renowned fiber artist, quilter, and newly appointed Curator & Director of Programs & Engagement at The Contemporary Dayton. In this episode, Heather shares:

• Her journey from Cincinnati painter to Dayton-based textile innovator—why motherhood inspired her shift from paint to patchwork.

• The story behind her 2022 solo exhibi...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Dayton Drama Queens as they welcome special guest Jes McMillan, founder of the Mosaic Institute. In this inspiring episode, Jes shares her journey from learning mosaic art at age 16 to leading large‑scale public art installations across Dayton. Discover:

• How Jes fell in love with mosaic art and turned a historic medium into a modern community‑building tool.

• The story behind the Oregon ...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on Season 2, Episode 10 of The Dayton Drama Queens as they sit down with Brandon Ragland, the newly appointed Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet (part of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance). Discover how Brandon transitioned from a 13‑year performing career at Louisville Ballet to leading one of Ohio’s most storied dance companies. Learn about:

• Dayton’s vibrant arts ecosystem and what m...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on this energetic episode of Dayton Drama Queens as they sit down with Allie Haines, the Membership Manager for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA). In a conversation full of passion and insider insights, Allie dives into how DPAA’s groundbreaking merger of the Dayton Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic is revolutionizing the local arts scene. Learn about the impressive growth of their m...

Join hosts Philip Drennen and Josh Stucky on this unforgettable episode of The Dayton Drama Queens as they sit down with Dayton native and LGBTQ+ icon Darryl Demure, host of Harpers Bazaaroworld Presents The Ms. Demure Show – the longest running LGBTQ+ Variety Talk Show in the country. In this candid conversation, Darryl shares his journey from growing up in Dayton to becoming a trailblazer in the world of drag and theater. He reco...

Join hosts Josh Stucky and Philip Drennen on the Dayton Drama Queens Podcast as they explore the vibrant world of Dayton's arts and entertainment scene. In this engaging episode, special guest Ben Douglas shares his journey from theater roots to the dynamic realm of improv at Black Box Improv Theater. Discover how Dayton's creative community comes together through improv, innovative performance art, and transformative class...

Dive into this captivating episode of the Dayton Drama Queens podcast as hosts Josh Stucky and Philip Drennen chat with theater visionary Gina Minyard of Magnolia Theater Company. Discover Gina’s inspiring journey from Indiana roots to becoming a creative force in Dayton’s vibrant arts scene, her passion for empowering women in leadership, and the behind-the-scenes insights into Magnolia’s innovative productions—including an all-fe...

In Season Two of Dayton Drama Queens, hosts Josh Stuckey and Philip Drennan sit down with Lisa Wagoner from Levitt Pavilion to explore a truly transformative journey. From a simple kitchen table discussion to a thriving free concert series, discover how Levitt Pavilion is uniting the people of Dayton through the universal language of music. In this heartfelt episode, the conversation dives into the power of community, the healing m...

In this must-listen, Dayton Drama Queens episode, event maestro Lisa Grigsby spills the secrets behind Dayton’s vibrant events scene. From her groundbreaking comedy club days at Joker’s Comedy Cafe—where she booked stars like Chris Rock and Paula Poundstone—to launching innovative fundraisers like the Bloody Mary Showdown, Dayton Donut Tour, and Grounds for Hounds, Lisa reveals how she transforms chaos into unforgettable experience...

Welcome to the latest episode ofDayton Drama Queens! In this engaging video podcast recorded in the heart of downtown Dayton, hosts Josh Stucky and Philip Drennen sit down with special guest Eva Buttacavoli from The Contemporary Dayton. Discover how downtown Dayton’s historic arcade is undergoing a renaissance—and how innovative spaces and community partnerships are transforming the local art scene.

In this episode you’ll learn:
• Ho...

Join the "Dayton Drama Queens" in this captivating episode as we dive into the heart of Dayton's cultural scene with the esteemed Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director of the Dayton Opera. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the upcoming performances that promise to enchant and inspire. Kathleen shares her visionary approach and the transformative power of opera in the community. Whether you're a seaso...

Dive into the latest episode of Dayton Drama Queens where we chat with the insightful Daniel Zehringer about the dynamic world of arts at Wright State University and the much-anticipated Annual Arts Gala. In this engaging discussion, Daniel shares his expert perspectives on how Wright State University’s arts initiatives are transforming the local creative landscape, nurturing emerging talent, and energizing the community’s cultural...

Join Josh Stuckey and Philip Drennen in this enriching episode of Dayton Drama Queens as they welcome Philip back from his successful stint in New York. Dive into tales of artistic endeavors and the joy of returning to Dayton's charming fall season. This episode also features a special guest, Mike Griest from the Dayton Art Institute (DAI), who shares exciting updates about upcoming events, exhibitions, and how the community ca...