First of all-full disclosure. I’m on the board of the Tennessee Repertory Theatre. Ask me about it sometime and I’ll talk to you about what a transcendant theatre experience they offer until your ears fall off.

But for a look behind the curtain, you should check out the blog of David Wilkerson, the stage manager of the Rep. He is also a local actor and fight-choreographer (coolest job ever!) and just an all around cool dude.

“A View from the Booth” offers a behind the scenes insider’s view of each Rep production, and I’ve always found it to be a fascinating read. David does more than just describe what’s happening on stage and backstage. He also writes eloquently about the decisions made during the creative process that most folks never think about. We are lucky enough to see the excellent end product.

His latest post is about the Rep’s upcoming production of “It’s a Wonderful Life-The Live Radio Play.” It sounds like it will be a treat.

“The story is the same one that we know and love from the movie of the same name. However, in this incarnation, it’s presented as a 1946 radio play. What’s great fun about this production is that we’re going to present a complete world from the moment the audience steps into the theatre. From the production assistant carrying scripts to my voice over the loudspeaker (what we call “the God mic”), we’ll all be a 1946 radio sound stage–WTRT. What’s a special challenge for us is that the “performance” won’t just start at 6:30pm (or 7:30pm) when It’s a Wonderful Life starts; no, when the house opens at 1/2 hour, we’ll be out there moving around and getting ready in our 1946 world. “

The interested public is also invited to a free LookIn next week.

“Tennessee Rep’s LookIns are a chance for the public to come get a peek at our rehearsal process. The director and designers will talk about their processes, the actors will present a short scene from the play, and there’s free food and drink. Our LookIn this time around will be 5:30pm on Tuesday, Nov. 20th at our studio in the NPT building at 161 Rains Ave. If you’re in the Nashville area, I encourage you to drop by and say hi.”

I’ve been to several of these and they’re always worth the trip over to the Fairgrounds for free food, drink and interaction.