Theatre Tales of the Techie
Damon Atwood
Show overview
Theatre Tales of the Techie has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 82 episodes. That works out to roughly 55 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 33 min and 47 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.
The show is still active — the most recent episode landed 3 months ago, though releases have slowed compared with earlier in the run. The busiest year was 2023, with 52 episodes published. Published by Damon Atwood.
From the publisher
In these episodes, I am going to share over forty years of working on the tech side of the theatre industry. Lighting, Rigging, Scenery, being a TD, LD, stagehand, working as an installer of theatre equipment systems, and ultimately getting into sales and leadership roles. What sparked this idea was talking with a young man who was trying to decide if a future in the theatre industry was right for him. The views and opinions expressed in this program are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.
Latest Episodes
View all 82 episodes
Ep 82The Curtain Closes after 45 Years
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Ep 81Why you must NEVER give up!
In a world obsessed with instant results, this podcast dives into the grit behind greatness. Hosted by Damon “Dag” Atwood, an engineer, designer, and creative who has lived through both the thrill of success and the pain of setbacks, Never Give Up explores the real stories behind innovation, the failures, the late nights, and the sparks of inspiration that refuse to die. This episode unpacks how persistence fuels ideation, design, engineering, and development, from garage inventors to aerospace visionaries. You’ll hear how prototypes fall apart before they fly, how ideas evolve through rejection, and why the phrase “never give up” isn’t cliché, it’s the foundation of progress. If you’ve ever felt like quitting, if you’ve ever wondered why you keep building when no one’s watching, this is for you. Because in the world of creation, endurance isn’t just a trait; it’s the ultimate technology. Rock ON!
Ep 80Networking-Reps-Prep
In this episode, I delve into some of the most overlooked yet absolutely critical aspects of working in the theatre industry. The Power of Networking – Why knowing people isn’t just about shaking hands, but about building long-term relationships that open doors, solve problems faster, and lead to opportunities you’d never expect. How Reps Work (and What Happens When They’re Replaced) – Sales representatives are the bridge between manufacturers, rental houses, and end users. I’ll break down how reps really function, what makes a great rep so valuable, and what shifts when that person is suddenly replaced. Prepping a Rental the Right Way – In theatre, a rental isn’t just a box of gear—it’s a reputation on wheels. I’ll share why proper preparation is the difference between a flawless show and a career-ending disaster, and give real-world examples of what happens when things are missed. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a seasoned pro, this episode is all about the behind-the-scenes truths that make or break careers in our industry.
Ep 79Failing Forward Fast/Public Speaking/Why we Fail
Ep 78Where is the Talent going?
In this episode- Cool Brushes Engineered Models Talented People Awards Packaged Hoist 20 years later.
Ep 77Safety and Mitigating Risk in the Theatre
Ep 76Everything (Yes, Everything!)
Everything- -Theatre People -Dealers -Big Sales -Management -To be on Top -Interview -Phase Changing -Bob Holland -Ship and get paid
Ep 75F-The-Naysayers and USITT 2025
Ep 74USITT-Everyone Counts-Theatre Systems
Ep 73Tools & Passion-Drive-Determination-Confidence-Connections
Ep 72A Giant
This podcast is about a person who was a coach, mentor, and a great guy, but moreover, a Giant to me.
Ep 71Coolness/Careers/Greatest Invention EVER/Creativity
Ep 702024 the year we didn't give up! Also- My Mentor!
Ep 69Rock ON!
In this episode, I cover all sorts of things, including being interviewed, Ecceptinal ability, exceptional work ethics, and much more.
Ep 68Normalizing Deviation-Getting Promoted-Standing Out
Ep 67Your True Talent! Complaining? Awesomeness!
Ep 66Safety-Behind the Scenes-Design
Hey folks! Sorry for the delay in getting a new podcast up. In this podcast, I talk about safety, why I like working behind the scenes, and a bit about design.
Ep 65awe·some·ness
Ep 64USITT-MTV-STS37
Ep 63A bunch of STUFF!
Karma Working Genius Trust Micromanaging NPD Shop Trade Shows