Theatre Fails

Two productions of Phantom. One possibly haunted theatre. Six stories that make an alarmingly convincing case for this episode’s title.

In this special Halloween episode, a wardrobe department receives a request no one expected, a Phantom dress rehearsal takes an immediate turn, missed entrances and missing props test an entire company—and something comes crashing down inside a historic theatre.

Featuring true theatre stories from John Sweeney, Paul Cartwright, Lauren Slagowski and Cooper Howell.

Because these aren’t really stories about failure. They’re the stories that remind us why we fell in love with live theatre.

Hosted by MacKenzie Skye
Music by Steve Newman

Follow Theatre Fails for new true stories of live theatre gone wonderfully wrong.

Theatre sets are supposed to quietly support the story. This week, ours would like a featured role.

A curtain develops its own sense of timing. Rapunzel gets trapped in her tower. A child pulls part of the scenery off the wall. And one wildly ambitious outdoor production of The Wizard of Oz gives us three very committed apple trees, one flying monkey…and a drill.

Plus, at Intermission: Would you rather give a perfect performance to a completely dead audience, or a messy performance to an incredible one?

Because sometimes the set has one job. And sometimes, all you can do is pick up the hat and keep going.

Featuring stories from Tom Hohl, John Sweeney, Matthew Tripp, Dale Hoopes, Tony Carter, and MacKenzie Skye.

Hosted by MacKenzie Skye
Music by Steve Newman

An actor forgets the monologue that's supposed to end the entire play. Welcome to Theatre Fails, a comedy theatre podcast sharing hilarious true stories of live theatre gone wrong.

In Episode 1 of Theatre Fails, six theatre people share their funniest onstage mishaps: We're talking about the night the script stopped being helpful, the costume stopped being cooperative, the prop did the exact opposite of its ONE job, and somebody "yes-anded" SO HARD that they potentially changed the ending of the entire show...you couldn't make up if you tried.

*🎭 WHAT IS THEATRE FAILS?*
Theatre Fails is a comedy and storytelling podcast hosted by professional stage actor MacKenzie Skye, featuring real stories from actors and theatre professionals about the wonderfully unpredictable world of live performance.

Every episode celebrates the hilarious mistakes, quick thinking, backstage chaos, and unexpected teamwork that make live theatre so special.

Because these aren't really stories about failure. They're the stories that remind us why we fell in love with theatre in the first place.

The show went on. ⭐

00:00 Welcome the Show!
01:53 "The Play is Done" - Liz Whittaker
05:38 "My skirt just fell off" - Jenni Hohl
08:52 "My Brother! I'll Save You!" - Ben Henderson
14:52 Intermission - Hamilton vs 1776
16:06 "Now Dear..." John Sweeney spills Ruth Hale's stage secret
18:41 "I know my line, it's that still doesn't explain" - Tony Carter
22:29 "He decided his character was gonna die in that moment" - Paul Cartwright
27:24 What is Curtain Call?
28:37 "Perfection is the enemy of theatre" - John Sweeney
29:44 Finale - MacKenzie Skye

*🎙️ FEATURED IN EPISODE 1*

Liz Whittaker, Jennifer Parker Hohl, Ben Henderson, John Sweeney, Tony Carter, and Paul Cartwright

Hosted by MacKenzie Skye
Music by Steve Newman

*🎭 HAVE A THEATRE FAIL OF YOUR OWN?*

What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever witnessed during a live performance? Tell me in the comments!

Or share your story with us:

Instagram: @theatre.fails
YouTube: @theatrefails
Email: TheatreFails@gmail.com

New episodes every Thursday!

#TheatreFails #TheatrePodcast #FunnyTheatreStories

Every theatre person has a story. Not about the night everything went right - but about the night everyone came together when it didn’t.

Hosted by MacKenzie Skye, Theatre Fails brings together real stories about the ridiculous, unexpected moments that could only happen during a live performance- and celebrates the people who somehow kept the show going.

Join the community and follow Theatre Fails now! New episodes every Thursday beginning October 15.

The show went on. ⭐