Randy Read, 72, has been involved with the Academy Theatre for a long time, not just as an audience member but as a performer, musician, director, stage hand, and much more. Making a podcast about the theatre has been a dream project for years because he has been enchanted by the stories the building has been a part of since it first opened its doors almost 130 years ago in 1893, as well as the productions he’s seen and has contributed to. The Now & Then podcast’s first episode premieres Tuesday, November 1st, and its first season will have a new episode every month with guest stars discussing stories from our complex history and what is currently in production, set to grace the stage! Randy lives with his wife Susan and their two dogs at a quaint farmhouse just out of Lindsay.

The very first episode features guest stars Ian McKechnie, revealing some of the building’s rich history, Pie Eyed Monk Executive Director Erastus Burley about a recent competition the theatre is involved in, General Manager of the Theatre Craig Metcalf discussing upcoming attractions, some of the cast and crew of the upcoming Seussical play, and a guest star who for now is under the pseudonym Mary The Ghost!