Join host Scott Smith for an engaging episode of No Small Parts, a podcast celebrating the heart and soul of community theatre. In this episode, Scott interviews Martha Tidball, director of the Bucyrus Little Theatre’s upcoming production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! in Bucyrus, Ohio. The conversation delves into the nostalgic joy of the musical, inspired by the iconic Schoolhouse Rock cartoons that taught generations about civics, math, and grammar through catchy songs like “Conjunction Junction” and “Just a Bill.” Martha shares her extensive background in theatre and music, her vision for the production, and the challenges and excitement of working with a tight-knit cast and innovative projection technology. The episode captures the spirit of community theatre, blending nostalgia, creativity, and a passion for storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages.

What You'll Hear

1. Nostalgic Storytelling with Modern Flair: Schoolhouse Rock Live centers on a teacher overcoming first-day jitters, with her personality traits embodied by a vibrant cast who teach lessons through iconic Schoolhouse Rock songs. The production uses projections to enhance the storytelling, marking a technological leap for the Bucyrus Little Theatre.

2. Talented and Tight-Knit Cast: The small cast, including Mary Hart as the teacher, Abbey Kanalakis, Patty Schwall, Jada Robinson, Rick Walker, and Martha herself as George, brings a mix of veteran talent and fresh energy, with close harmonies and live music adding depth to the performance.

3. Family-Friendly Fun with Retro Appeal: The show, running June 6–8 and 13–15, 2025, at Bucyrus Little Theatre, offers a joyful experience for kids and adults, combining nostalgic tunes with a colorful, fast-paced production reminiscent of classic variety shows.

Tickets are available at bucyruslittletheatre.com or by calling 419-562-0731.

In episode three of No Small Parts, hosted at Bucyrus Little Theatre in Bucyrus, Ohio, Scott Leon Smith hands over the mic to Abbey Kanellakis, the theater’s board president, for a lively discussion about Scott’s Master Classes in Acting series. This podcast celebrates community theater artists who pour their passion into local storytelling, and this episode shines a spotlight on Scott’s mission to empower performers through accessible, practical training. With Abbey steering the conversation, the duo explores why these classes matter, not just for aspiring actors but for anyone looking to boost confidence and creativity.

What You'll Hear

1. Craft for All Levels: Scott emphasizes that his classes welcome everyone, from seasoned performers to newcomers. His approach breaks down acting into clear, actionable skills, helping participants feel confident on stage or in professional settings like presentations. Abbey, having taken the classes herself, praises Scott’s ability to make complex concepts relatable and immediately applicable.
2. Community Impact: Scott passionately advocates for artists to stay in their hometowns, where their talents are most needed. He highlights the decline of arts programs in small towns and positions his classes as a way to nurture local creativity, ensuring kids and adults alike have access to skill-building opportunities that foster self-assurance.
3. Diverse, Practical Workshops: The episode previews upcoming classes, including audition techniques, Shakespeare, voice acting, comedy, and even “How to Be a Villain.” Scott’s May 3rd class on auditioning and collaboration stands out, teaching participants how to prepare confidently and authentically, skills that translate to job interviews or even first dates.

Scott’s classes, held the first Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m., cost $25 per session, with a 10% discount for early registration before May. His MFA in acting and professional experience in Chicago and regional theaters inform his teaching, yet he keeps it grounded, drawing from his own struggles to connect with students. Whether you’re dreaming of the stage or just want to sharpen your public speaking, these workshops offer hands-on learning with a seasoned pro.

Ready to unlock your creative potential? Register for the Master Classes in Acting at www.BucyrusLittleTheatre.com. Join Scott and the Bucyrus Little Theatre community to hone your craft, build confidence, and maybe even discover your inner villain. Don’t miss out. Sign up today!

On this episode of No Small Parts, we hear from Karellyn Sterling, director of Bucyrus Little Theatre's upcoming production of Silent Sky. Karellyn explains the synopsis of Silent Sky, the cast of characters, and the surprises she has in store for this year's full-length play. Also, hear about other initiatives BLT has in store over the next few months. Listen Now!