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

Dec 22, 2025

11 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the students talk honestly about the attitude it takes to be successful in high school theatre.
They break down what matters before talent. Work ethic. Consistency. Preparation. Supporting the ensemble. Taking notes without getting defensive. Showing up on time and ready to work.
The conversation focuses on mindset. How rehearsal behavior affects the whole cast. Why trust matters. How confidence is built through effort, not ego. Students share real examples from rehearsals, performances, and moments when things went wrong and how attitude made the difference.
This episode is for students who want to grow, parents who want to understand the process, and educators building strong theatre and theater programs. It’s about discipline, teamwork, and learning how to take the work seriously while still enjoying the process.

Dec 22, 2025

11 min

Dec 15, 2025

12 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the tables turn. The students interview their own theater teacher, Mr. B.
They talk about how he found theater, why he chose teaching, and what he actually hopes students take away from being part of the Blue Jesters. Mr. B shares stories from his career as a performer, director, and writer, plus what it’s like building a high school theater program from the ground up.
The conversation is honest, funny, and reflective. It’s a look at theater education from both sides of the stage and a chance for students to ask the questions they don’t usually get to ask in class.
Perfect for students, parents, and anyone curious about why theater teachers do what they do and why the work matters.

Dec 15, 2025

12 min

Dec 8, 2025

15 min

The Blue Jesters look back on their fall play, Luchadora. The students break down their full run and talk through what went right, what went wrong, and what they learned on stage. They walk through missed cues, quick fix saves, line drops, and the moments that pushed them to grow as performers and tech artists. This is a simple, honest look at high school theatre, how you stay calm when the show tilts sideways, and how a cast turns mistakes into real progress. This episode is a good listen for anyone interested in high school theatre, student performers, and the work behind a full production.

Dec 8, 2025

15 min

Dec 1, 2025

9 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the students sit down with Laura Maxwell Scott of Collier Talent. She tells the story of how she went from actor to casting agent, what she learned on both sides of the table, and what young performers should know about auditions today. We talk about confidence, prep work, high school theater, and how to build a real career in Austin’s film and TV world. This episode is a great listen for students, parents, and anyone curious about how casting works behind the scenes.

Dec 1, 2025

9 min

Nov 24, 2025

14 min

The Blue Jesters high school theatre seniors sit down for a mid-year check-in to talk about the reality of balancing school, rehearsals, work, and everything in between. They share what’s working, what’s hard, and how they’re getting ready for life after senior year. A candid look at senior year, high school theater, motivation, and the lessons they’re learning along the way.

Nov 24, 2025

14 min

Nov 17, 2025

14 min

The Blue Jesters break down what it takes to get through a fall play while school is still in full swing. They talk about managing homework, keeping energy up during Luchadora, and trying to grab enough sleep to stay sane. This episode gives a clear, honest look at how high school actors survive a fall play run, balance their schedules, and keep the show strong night after night. Ideal for listeners searching for real student perspectives on theater, time management, and the fall production grind.

Nov 17, 2025

14 min

Nov 9, 2025

3 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, we talk with students who didn’t choose to be in theater class—but ended up here anyway. What happens when you’re randomly placed in a drama class you never planned to take? Hear their honest perspectives, surprising lessons, and how theater has helped them build confidence, communication, and teamwork skills they didn’t expect to find on stage. Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone curious about how the arts can impact every student.

Nov 9, 2025

3 min

Nov 3, 2025

6 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, NECHS Theatre alumna Luna Ruiz returns to share what the theater department was like in her day — from backstage memories to life lessons learned on stage. Now an actress, Luna offers honest advice for current students chasing their creative dreams and reflects on how the Blue Jesters Theatre program shaped her journey in the performing arts.
 

Nov 3, 2025

6 min

Oct 27, 2025

8 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, theater-trained science teacher Eliza Renner shares how performance skills translate into leadership, teamwork, and classroom connection. She talks about embracing the “cringe” moments, building confidence through collaboration, and finding the creative spark between science and the stage. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone learning to lead with authenticity.

Oct 27, 2025

8 min

Oct 20, 2025

11 min

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage: A High School Theatre podcast, the students get real about what it feels like to face rejection in auditions. They share personal stories, how they learned to stay confident, and tips for turning “no” into motivation. A must-listen for any young actor learning that every role—won or lost—can help you grow.

Oct 20, 2025

11 min

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