Dan Husson — The On and Off Theatre — Interview

Earlier this year we reviewed The On and Off Theatre Workshop, a show that is part of the audio drama subgenre that we think will be a growing medium within podcasting.

We interviewed theatre founder Dan Husson to talk about the process of producing audio drama, the future of podcasting, and his vendetta against celebrity podcasts.

When did you start listening to podcasts and what was the first you were a fan of?

I started listening to radio plays when I was in Scotland. BBC Radio 4 plays them all the time. I think the one that sticks out for me is called WHEN THE PIPS STOP by Oliver Emmanuel. It’s based on this (possibly) apocryphal idea that when BBC Radio 4 stops broadcasting it means there’s nuclear war or something. I was always fascinated by audio drama, but never thought I could produce it. Then the pandemic hit and I had to stay creative so I got some of my actor friends together virtually and decided to give it a shot.

What is the most challenging part of making the On and Off Theatre?

I just finished recording a new translation/adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS, which has fourteen actors. FOURTEEN! Getting everyone’s schedules to coordinate was a challenge. Apart from that, it’s been quite a steep learning curve teaching myself the ins and outs of editing and sound design.

What advantages does podcasting have over traditional theatre?

Intimacy. The way I see it, you’re sacrificing the live-ness of traditional theatre for the kind of intimacy that can only be achieved in audio. You’re quite literally in your audience’s heads.

Do you see the increasing influx of celebrity podcasts as a worry for independent podcasting voices that have carved out their own space, or does it bring legitimacy to the industry?

I’m wholeheartedly and actively disinterested in celebrity podcasts. They’re like reality tv for me. A lot of people are coming to podcasts for Joe Rogan, sure, but at the end of the day it’s just aural trash. I bet he still owns his podcast, too, unlike the poor bastards who distribute on anchor. To answer the question, I think celebrity podcasts show that the industry will have staying power, otherwise Hollywood…