Welcome to Lessons from the Stage, a podcast about the people, experiences, surprises, and lessons that come from a life in theater.
Hosted by author and longtime theater founder and director Gary Scarpa, Lessons from the Stage features conversations with the people who have helped make live theater such a powerful and memorable part of our lives. Actors, directors, teachers, writers, designers, and others share stories about the productions they've been part of—and how those experiences have impacted their lives, no matter what career paths they may have chosen.
Whether you've spent decades onstage or simply love sitting in the audience, there's a story here for you.
"Profound experiences on the stage as a child actor" with Ben Souza | Episode 8
In Episode 8, I have a wonderful conversation with NYU sophomore, Ben Souza, who acted in several of my productions when he was a child.
Ben is, thus far, the youngest guest I have interviewed, and he brings a host of profound insights to our discussion of the importance of theater.
Our talk gave me a lot of hope for not only the future of the theater, but also the future of the world.
In the process, we had a lot of fun.
I know you'll really love getting to know Ben!
31 Oct 2026
Our “MVP” from Georgia with Tanya Gilmer | Episode 7
When Tanya Gilmer moved from Georgia to Connecticut as a teenager, she found her way to the Drama Club at school. Even though she wasn't cast in the first play she auditioned for, Tanya chose to volunteer behind the scenes. A year later, she transitioned to performer, but that didn't mean that she was done playing her role behind the scenes. Whenever she didn't have rehearsal, Tanya could be found painting scenery and doing whatever she could for the good of the production. After graduating, Tanya went to college in her native Georgia, and as only a freshman received the outstanding actress award at Georgia Southern University. She would go on to act, direct, and found a theater, Lionheart Theatre, in her native state. Early on, it was clear that Tanya was a person who wanted to make an impact in the world of theater. That never changed! It was my honor to interview Tanya and to compare notes as theater founders!
25 Oct 2026
A high school essay leads to a career in the theater with Scott Brill | Episode 6
Welcome to Lessons from the Stage, a podcast about the people, experiences, surprises, and lessons that come from a life in theater. As a teen, unlike many who had passed through out doors, Scott Brill already has a love for musical theater. When, as a high school sophomore, he wrote an essay for my class, I encouraged him to audition for the drama club musical. Somehow, it took him a year to work up the courage, but once he did, Scott never looked back. His life has been filled with theater ever since. Scott has acted and directed and served a variety of theater groups throughout Southwestern Connecticut, not the least of which was Center Stage Theatre which my wife and I founded. You won’t want to miss this one because I know you’ll love what Scott has to say about a lifetime on the stage!
19 Oct 2026
“Mr. Versatility” with Brett Boles | Episode 5
I met Brett Boles when he was only a rising ninth grader and appeared as Friedrich in our production of The Sound of Music we directed here in Shelton. Little did we know, at the time, what a versatile talent he would become and what a remarkable human being. He would go on to perform in many of our productions well into his adulthood. In this episode, we talk about his years performing with us, and he even composes a jingle for my podcast on the spot! So much fun! Actor, singer, composer, teacher of song writing, and social media star (check out The M TEA), Brett is a a gifted talent who it has been an honor to know. If you haven’t encountered Brett before, I know you’re going to love him!
12 Oct 2026
“Shy girl thrives in the theater” with Alexa Wild | Episode 4
Today’s guest is Alexa Wild who talks about her experiences on the stage, from her early auditions when she was cut to landing a lead role in Anything Goes to starting and abandoning a degree in acting to eventually becoming a director herself. It's an inspiring success story of how a shy girl found a home in the theater and thrived on the stage! You’re going to love Alexa’s story!
4 Oct 2026
“Crazy Brave” with Michael Pereira
In episode 3, Gary chats with Michael Pereira who, when he auditioned for his first play, sang badly off pitch and didn’t appear able to match a single note on the piano. But through a love for performance, tireless commitment and hard work, and what he calls “carzy” courage, Michael went on to work in the professional theater, open his own performance school in Paris, and sing in night clubs in New York and Paris. About his early experiences in the theater with Gary and Fran Scarpa, Michael says, “They changed my blank and white world to technicolor!” We think you’ll enjoy hearing about Micheal’s amazing journey which included working alongside Broadway legends.
4 Oct 2026
“From the Stage to Dartmouth” with Lee Coffin | Episode 2
Today’s guest is Dartmouth Dean of Admission, Lee Coffin, who appeared in Scarpa directed productions between the ages of 14 and 24. Enjoy Lee’s conversation with Gary and Francesca Scarpa, as he remembers some of his funniest as well as his most meaningful experiences on the stage. We know you’ll love hearing about how a small town boy felt his experiences on the stage led him to success in the Ivy League!
We know you’ll love hearing about how a small town boy felt his experiences on the stage led him to success in the Ivy League!
Lessons from the Stage Hosted by Gary Scarpa
30 Sept 2026
“Firsts” with Brenda Zaprzalka
My first guest is Brenda Zaprzalka, an actor who was there at the beginning of our directing careers—and who appeared in the first plays of two theater companies my wife and I would go on to found. Now, as my first podcast guest, Brenda and I look back at those early days, the first steps that led to much more, and the people and experiences that made those years memorable. Because in theater, as in life, “firsts” often turn out to be just the beginning.
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