James Farncombe and Bruno Poet, both freelance stage lighting designers based in the UK, started The Making Theatre Podcast in June 2020. 

Their initial intent was to interview leading stage lighting practitioners.  However, in the context of the pandemic, and the existential threat facing every aspect of the performing arts, they decided to turn outwards, and broaden the scope to involve people from all over the theatre community.

The result is an ongoing series of informal yet revealing conversations, each episode featuring a different discipline, and a guest talking in depth about their experience of the complex and sometimes messy business of making theatre. 

From fight direction to stage management, via lighting, sound and set design, from acting and directing to costume, props and voice coaching, and everything on the way, The Making Theatre Podcast offers an insight into the working lives of celebrated theatre makers, their routes into the industry and their unique perspective on the work. 

The aim is to create a comprehensive listening resource for students, professionals and inquisitive members of the theatre-going public. It will provide a detailed introduction to each occupation onstage, backstage and in the surrounding industries. It is an opportunity for even the most seasoned practitioner to learn more about their colleagues and how our contributions all fit together.  For anyone who has paused at the list of names in the back of a theatre programme and wondered what on earth it is they all do, The Making Theatre podcast offers them the chance to find out. 

Available on all reputable podcast platforms.