Davenport Junior Theatre Podcast

Don Souhrada was deeply involved in DJT as a kid in the 80's. Today he calls Chicago home, where he uses his childhood skills daily. Join Don as he shares memories of then and experiences of today.

Cynthia’s journey in the performing arts has taken her coast to coast and back again. She was a longtime DJT kid, teacher, and mainstage director. Cynthia earned her masters in psychology and uses all her skills leading kids in the classroom today.

Gail has led a life full of theatre, teaching, and athletics. She says that DJT gave her the confidence to do all of these things. Doing theatre even led her to meet her husband!

Cayla has spent almost a decade at DJT doing everything there is to do. She has spent the past two years serving as the Junior Board President. As she gets ready to head off to college we reflect on her years spent at DJT.

Tina Luse aka "The Captain" spent many years at Junior Theatre, watching it grow and evolve. Today she is an epidemiologist studying disease in the Military. Listen to to learn about her years at DJT and how she got her nickname!

Ali discovered DJT while she was in high school, but being a little late to the party didn't stop her from making lasting memories and relationships. Since she graduated from DJT, she has had quite the adventure with internships, jobs, and other unique opportunities. One of her many projects was producing a documentary-style short film  about DJT. You can find that film here! :

You can't talk about QC theatre legends without mentioning Denny Hitchcock. He opened Circa '21 in 1977 and has kept it running ever since. Listen to hear the story of Circa 21 and it's 44 years as a wonderful dinner theatre.

Amanda was a dancer who found her love of theatre through DJT. While at DJT she learned many skills that she still uses today!

Did you know that DJT's podcast originally premiered in 2009? Podcasts weren't as popular back then, but we do have some pretty cool podcasts in our archives! In this week's podcast from the past you will get to hear all about Bonnie Guenther, the former program supervisor for DJT.

Ashley was our dance coordinator right before Jenny! She was the original creator of the DJT shoe exchange which helps our dancers shoes keep up with their growing feet. She talks about DJT dance during an important time of growth.

Livvia and Brian both spent their entire childhood and teen years at DJT taking part in shows, being on crew, running the show wagon, and creating lasting relationships. Today they are happily married and living in Wisconsin!

Bobby is one of our DJT teachers and is also the director of our upcoming mainstage, Alice in Wonderland! He has done theatre all around the Quad Cities and even across the world! Stream Alice and Wonderland this weekend and next weekend on the DJT website. Saturdays (2/20 and 2/27) at @4pm and Sundays (2/21 and 2/28) @1pm and @4pm.

Sarah Thole grew up as a DJT kid and never let theatre leave her life. Today, she uses her DJT skills in the classroom teaching 2nd graders and with a local high school's theatre department. If you listen closely to this podcast, you might even hear some of Sarah's students passing by!

Since 2009 Aaron has written shows, directed, designed, and seen his own kids on the DJT stage.  He is also very involved in the local Theatre scene and has advice for aspiring artists.

In part two of our student double feature current student, Sophie Pepper, talks the dance side of DJT!

In part one of our student double feature current student, Katelyn Morris, talks the theatre side of DJT!

Her first ever dance recital was on the DJT stage, now she oversees the entire dance program as the dance coordinator! Listen to learn more about DJT dance, and how Jenny became a dancer.

Between gardening, writing, and running her own theatre troupe, Mary Swander is quite the busy alumni! Listen as she tells not only stories about herself, but stories about our founder, Mary Fluhrer Nighswander as well.

There are so many jobs that DJT alums us their theatre experience for. In Kayla's case, it's being a children's librarian and running a voice acting website!

Jim has used his DJT background in many interesting ways including museum work, writing, and many role playing games! Listen for another great tale of a DJT alumni.