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- Fellow creatives offer up honest conversations and insights on the fine line between setback and success in the performing arts, sharing their own journey and the lessons they've learned along the way.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeIntroducing your hosts Dewey Caddell and Patrick Oliver Jones as they share their own ups and downs in the performing world. They welcome their very first podcast guest Matt Zambrano. He is an actor originally from Denver, Colorado who also writes and performs as a mime and improviser.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeBefore he became a part of the worldwide phenom *NSYNC, Joey was a theater kid in Orlando, Florida. And since his days of touring around the world, he has been on Broadway, appeared in films and television, and has hosted more shows than he can count. Through it all, he makes time for his family and friends and even our little podcast. We catch up with him on the phone from his home in Florida to chat about life in the spotlight and how his career is constantly evolving. There is no better way to say "bye bye bye" to Season 1 than with Mr. Joey Fatone.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAn interview with musical theater composer extraordinaire, Jeff Thomson. He shares his backstory and the influence Phantom of the Opera had on his young creative life. Jeff also gives his thoughts on "making it" and plays samples of some of his recent work.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAn interview with theater couple Mara Davi and Aaron Gaines. This dynamic duo talks about how they balance home and work as well as the addition of a new child in their lives. We even touch on areas of finance, auditions, and gardening in this insightful episode.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAs you'll hear in this conversation with Terron Brooks, the journey of most performers is never a straight line and certainly there are many more failures and disappointments than successes. And Terron certainly knows something about success: he's a two time NAACP award nominee and widely recognized for his critically acclaimed role as the great Eddie Kendricks in the Emmy-winning NBC miniseries The Temptations, not to mention his Broadway shows and concerts around the country. Through music, acting, writing, and speaking, Terron wants to encourage everyone to reach their highest potential, including himself. And he's brought us three stories on how he's had to learn that lesson the hard way.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFor the fourth Bonus Episode of our Tony Award series, Patrick catches up with Nicholas Belton, who understudies the lead role of Billy Bigelow in the current Broadway revival of CAROUSEL, which received 11 nominations. Nick talks about the joy of working with his nominated director and fellow actors as well as what's it's like to be back in the Imperial Theatre again after last season's THE GREAT COMET.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeToday on our program we have an actor, a singer, a dancer, a voice/public speaking coach and a singing/audition coach. And...it's all one person, Casey Erin Clark. Learn all about her 15 minutes of terrifying fame and how she manages to be all of those things listed above.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeThis podcast would never have happened if today's guest had not written the show where that brought Dewey and Patrick together. We'll get into that and much more with writer/director/producer and all-around talented lady Marella Martin Koch.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeThe "electrifying" (Huffington Post) and "phenomenal" (NY Times) Grace McLean joins us "in-studio" to tell a couple of jokes and give insight on how we might make it. You might recognize her from Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 or her career both as a solo artist and with her band Grace McLean and Them Apples.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeWe have a doozy for you this week. We solve what's wrong with kids today (it's emojis) and we talk with the actor/teacher/audition coach/director/writer Michael Kostroff. You can find out more about this amazing man by following any of the links below.
- 2017–Podcast Episodehe Jessica Holt joins us for today's discussion about all things theater. With her Ivy League roots and a love for new, contemporary and classical plays, this director delights in adventurous theatricality and believes theater has the power to transform.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeWe chose to make our first Bonus Episode in honor of the Tony Awards. To celebrate those truly making it on Broadway we invited Alvin Hough, music director and conductor for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, to chat about the glorious music and amazing cast that make this Broadway revival so magical. He gives insight into the making and staging of this uplifting musical and its eight Tony nominations.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeTying for the most Tony nominations this Broadway season, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS The Musical is as energetic and colorful as they come. In this bonus episode Patrick sits down with Kelvn Moon Loh, who plays Perch Perkins in the show, and chats about the 10 years it took to bring SpongeBob to the stage. From the songs to the staging to the sound effects, every detail has been lovingly and tirelessly crafted to give audiences a true musical experience, welcoming one and all to Bikini Bottom.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeIt gets a little chilly in the studio as FROZEN's Kristoff joins us for today's episode. Mega-watt Broadway star and Drama Desk Award nominee, Jelani Alladin, took time out of his morning talk show schedule and Tony Awards preparation to talk about what it's like to be on that theatre mountain top.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFrom the longest running Best Musical nominee this year comes Jeff Theiss, who joins Patrick on the third installment of the Tony Awards bonus series. This associate conductor shares how THE BAND'S VISIT has grown since its off-Broadway run at the Atlantic and what makes this nominated score and orchestration so wonderful to play as well as hear. The show maybe one of the quietest musicals this season, but it makes a loud statement on what brings us together and the ties that bind us all.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFor the fourth Bonus Episode of our Tony Award series, Patrick catches up with Nicholas Belton, who understudies the lead role of Billy Bigelow in the current Broadway revival of CAROUSEL, which received 11 nominations. Nick talks about the joy of working with his nominated director and fellow actors as well as what's it's like to be back in the Imperial Theatre again after last season's THE GREAT COMET.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeWith just a week to go before the Tony winners are announced, Patrick joins Ryan McPhee at the Playbill headquarters in midtown Manhattan to chat about the whole Broadway season and this year's nominees: the surprises, the snubs, the favorites, and the underdogs. Who do you think will win the big prizes this year?
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeMartine is a theater professor at SUNY New Paltz and freelance dramaturg, with work at Oregon Shakepeare Festival, Pioneer Theatre Company, and Court Theatre to name a few. Her research interests include violence in African American Theatre, African diaspora theatre, and gender and race in American theatre and issues of sustainability in the theatre. She talks with us about the role of dramaturgy in creating both new and classical works, and how we all share in the craft of bringing stories and characters to life in the trueness of their surroundings onstage. She even shares her thoughts on Bento Boxes and Collard Greens.
- Episode:(2018)
Scott Wojcik & Gayle Seay - Casting Directors for Regional Theater, National Tours, and Off-Broadway
2017–Podcast EpisodeWhen Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay entered the entertainment industry, head shots were black and white and fax machines and beepers were high tech ways to communicate. The mode of casting has changed dramatically from when they began their careers. What has not changed is their commitment to the process, their care for the actor and their collective love of show business. Both Scott and Gayle were both actors and eventually worked in casting prior to merging their experience into the thriving partnership of Wojcik and Seay Casting. They opened their doors in January of 2009 with the non-union National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has been working non-stop ever since. The lead-off to Season Two of our podcast, Patrick talks with Scott and Gayle about their life before casting and gets an inside perspective on auditions, casting, and making in this business. They not only answer questions on who makes it and who doesn't, but more importantly address the "why" as well. - 2017–Podcast EpisodeGeraldine Sherman was born in Middlesex, England and became a busy actress on BBC and in film when she met and later married James Hammerstein. She is now known as theater producer Dena Hammerstein, President/CEO of James Hammerstein Productions and Founder of the non-profit organization Only Make Believe. OMB brings interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities, those with illnesses and disabilities and special needs. They entertain the kids with specially created plays designed for their needs and to encourage their participation. Starting in one hospital in 1999, OMB has now grown (thanks to private and corporate support and donations) to more than 50 hospitals in New York City and Washington D.C. This is Part One of a two-part look at this wonderful organization and is also the first installment of the Spotlight Series. Dena shares part of her life story in entertainment and what/who brought her to America. We also discuss the founding of Only Make Believe and how it has shaped her work and her life ever since.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeChris Coyne's career in the entertainment industry spans more than 30 years, and he tells about his work onstage and in television commercials from Los Angeles to Europe as well as Las Vegas. where he has the distinction of playing leading roles in both of the longest continuously running shows in Las Vegas history: JUBILEE. and LES FOLIES BERGERE. Chris also shares why, after finally getting his first national commercial for Southwest Airlines, he decided to go back to school for 2 years and learn the craft of Sound Editing for film and TV...and then what is was like to be nominated for both an Emmy and a Motion Picture Sound Editors Award for his work on the Dream works animated series The Adventures of Puss in Boots available on Netflix.
- Episode: (2018)2017–Podcast EpisodeIn Part Two of our look at Only Make Believe, Patrick talks to Jackie Miller, Artistic Director of the acting company, and two of the actors, Dan Domingues and Jeanette Bonner. They share the process of bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities. From choosing the right type of shows that best fits the kids and their medical conditions to rehearsing scripts and coordinating actor schedules, a lot of time and effort goes into these productions...and all at no cost to the hospitals or children. Each of them also discuss their lives before OMB and what they currently do in addition to their work with this organization. With over twelve years of experience as a director and curator of arts programming across New York City's cultural sector, Jackie joined Only Make Believe in 2012. She holds a B.F.A. in Performance and M.A. in Arts-Politics, both from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Jeanette joined OMB in 2013. She received her BA in Theater from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and has performed with Magic Futurebox Productions, Ars Nova ANT Festival, Manhattan Theatre Source, as well as her solo show, "Love. Guts. High School." at the 2012 Midtown International Theatre Festival and won nominations for Best Actress and Best Solo Show. She performs weekly with the Improv troupe National Comedy Theater and is also a licensed NYC tour guide...welcome to New York. Dan has been with OMB since 2007. Off-Broadway credits include Atlantic Theater, Joe's Pub, LaMAMA, Baruch PAC, HERE and Soho Playhouse. He's worked regionally at Studio Theatre, Cape Playhouse, Long Wharf, Kansas City Rep, Florida Stage, Portland Stage, Pioneer Theatre, Rep of St. Louis, George Street Playhouse, ART. On TV his credits include Royal Pains, Law and Order, Hope and Faith, Third Watch, and As The World Turns. Dan has an MFA from ART/IATT at Harvard and is an associate artist with The Civilians.
- he first ever mini-episode with Patrick, focusing on why he'll never make it as well as why he's still here. Patrick talks about the wonderful camaraderie within theater and gives a loving tribute to Marin Mazzie, who passed away last month from ovarian cancer. (Read about Marin's remarkable joy and positive as she confronted cancer. A career that spans 30 years, she was always a consummate professional yet easy-going and always herself. She brought passion and true enjoyment to each role she played. Her light still shines and her impact is still felt on a grateful Broadway community to whom she gave so much. "We've been laughing and laughing, and hoping that the audience thinks it's as funny as we do," she says of her time in Bullets Over Broadway.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeJohn McGinty lost his hearing at a young age and for years headed toward a career in Finance. But theater kept calling him, and he finally answered by moving to New York to see if he could make it. He shares the twists and turns of that journey and what keeps him motivated and focused. John also opens up about lessons he learned, and that we all can learn, from his Broadway debut in the revival of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, which The Hollywood Reporter called "forceful and spontaneous." He also spoke of his performance in Hunchback of Notre Dame and in a short film Sign, directed by Andrew Keenan Bolger.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFor the next couple of weeks will be talking to directors of the New York Youth Symphony. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area's most gifted musicians ages 12-22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, and jazz, with performances at world class venues including Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Today's guest is Michael Repper who is in his second year as Music Director of the NYYS Orchestra. He is an emerging conductor of classical music, jazz, pops, and musical theater. A graduate of Stanford University, he recently completed his doctoral residency at the Peabody Conservatory of Music as a student of Gustav Meier and his longtime mentor, Marin Alsop, a world-famous conductor and violinist who is also an alumna of the NY Youth Symphony. Michael Repper conducting NYYS orchestra Michael talks about his own path to conducting and the importance of music education and his passion for helping foster the next generation of artists. These kids truly sound amazing.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeMike spent ten years in the city before landing his dream role and first major New York production, RENT at the Off-Broadway venue New World Stages. Since then he's reached even greater heights on Broadway with WICKED, TUCK EVERLASTING, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. But there's also been some pauses and setbacks along the way, both personal and professional, from divorce and sharing custody of his son to years of struggling to be noticed and cast in shows. With age comes wisdom, though, and Mike shares the insights he has learned and continues to learn about the entertainment industry as well as himself and finding balance in his life.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeToday's episode focuses on the Musical Theater Composition program of the New York Youth Symphony, directed by Anna Jacobs. Her musicals include: POP. (book and lyrics by Maggie-Kate Coleman) ANYTOWN (book by Jim Jack) TEETH (co-book and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson) CAGE MATCH and MAGIC 8 BALL (Prospect Theatre Company; w/ Sam Salmond and Michael R. Jackson) KAYA: TASTE OF PARADISE, a soon-to-be-released movie musical commissioned by the New York Film Academy and featuring Okieriete Onaodowan (screenplay by Jerome Parker, directed by Paul Warner) Anna was recognized for her work as a composer/lyricist with the prestigious Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award. She's a former Sundance Fellow and Dramatists Guild Fellow, and has been an Artist in Residence at Ars Nova, New Dramatists, Musical Theatre Factory, Goodspeed, and Barrington Stage Company. Anna holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU-Tisch and is on faculty at The New School.
- Episode: (2018)2017–Podcast EpisodeThese two writers and actors join the podcast to talk about their new show...WE NEED THIS MUSICAL TO KEEP US FROM KILLING OURSELVES: THE MUSICAL. (Oh yes, it's a mouthful.) But Glasgow is more than just a writer, by day he works as a licensed therapist, applying the work of Dr. John Sarno to patients with chronic pain and TMS. Before that he was a farmer, shepherd, and set decorator for Playboy. And we definitely talk about all that. Jeff has had a more traditional path in the arts by getting a degree in theater, composing commercial jingles, and having a recurring character on the hit TV show FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. They talk about the creative process in creating this new musical for the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and then being asked to come to NYC and perform their show at the Soho Playhouse. But the writing process certainly wasn't smooth sailing, and they share the twists and turns that finally gave them a show worthy of production. But it is when they talk about themselves that we really get an inside look at what drives these two and keeps them motivated beyond the "glitz and glamour" of the stage.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAndy Clausen is a New York-based composer, trombonist, bandleader, and graduate of The Juilliard School. Hailing from Seattle, Clausen relocated to NYC in 2010 where he enjoys a diverse schedule collaborating with filmmakers, folk and blues artists, classical composers, as well as New York's jazz elite. An active educator, Clausen has taught workshops across the United States and currently serves as Artistic Director of The New York Youth Symphony Jazz Program.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAs the school year winds down, a Ph.D joins the podcast once again, this time to talk about fiction writing and The Promise of Failure. His most recent book is a collection of lectures and essays he's given to writing students about the certainty of rejection and how best to handle it and move on from it. I mean, what better guest and topic are there for the Why I'll Never Make It podcast?? He shares how he combats writer's block and why acting and theater play a vital role in his own writing as well as how he teaches his students.
- It's been a wonderful ride despite some growing pains and losses along the way. My first year of pod-casting has nonetheless taught me a great deal, and I hope you've learned a thing or two as well. I honestly do this for you and try my best to give you interviews and insights as well as some fun along the way. A lot of effort goes into these episodes and sometimes they hit the mark and other times fall short (mostly technical hitches and glitches and my own verbal fumbles). So I may not have made it on anyone else's Top Podcast Lists, but here's my own best-of retrospective on the highs and lows of 2018. The guests and sounds clips featured are: Marella Martin Koch . Erin Cronican . Joey Fatone . Jeff Thomson . Scott Wojcik . Mike Wartella . Stephen Wallem . Casey Erin Clark . Jessica Holt . Matt Zambrano . Grace McLean . Jelani Alladin . Glasgow Lyman . Alvin Hough, Jr. . Jeff Theiss . Dena Hammerstein . Michael Repper . Sydney Altbacker . Tate Robinson . John McGinty . Chris Coyne Though there was no way to include every episode on this best-of-2018 edition, I am immensely grateful for ALL the guests that have come on the podcast. It most certainly would not be the same or nearly as good without their contributions.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAgood friend of mine and the podcast joins me for the first interview of 2019. Tovi Wayne opens up about starting dance late in his performing career and how that put him behind other dancers but also motivated him to get better, to learn as much as he could. He came to NYC with the dream of being in NEWSIES and through a lot of hard work finally did a regional production of the show down in Florida. But he certainly has a long career ahead of him with more shows he wants to do.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeMaggie graduated from Texas State with a BFA in Musical Theatre just two years ago and has been pounding the NYC pavement ever since. In today's episode she talks about how she holds herself back sometimes from being her best in the audition room and in pursuing this career. She also opens up about what keeps her going and how theater has truly changed her life, enjoying every step of it along the way.She studied for ten years at Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Theatre Conservatory under the leadership of Mark Hoebee and Patrick Parker. There she was nominated for a Paper Mill Rising Star Award two years in a row for her performances as Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. Regionally she appeared as Aquata (u/s Ariel) in The Little Mermaid and understudied Christine Daae in Phantom, both at the Fireside Theatre. Also, she struck "the perfect balance of sarcasm, selfishness and underlying heart" (BroadwayWorld) as Lucy Van Pelt in The World According to Snoopy at Theatre Under The Stars choreographed by Adam Cates. Broadway legend and Tony-nominated Terrence Mann directed her in Les Miserables at Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and he also starred in a production of Peter Pan alongside Maggie, who played Wendy.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeWe're now about halfway through the 2018-19 Broadway season, and several shows have closed and some still have yet to open. Ryan McPhee, Managing News Editor at PLAYBILL, joins the podcast once again to talk about the notable shows of the 2018-19 Broadway Season. We focus especially on those that are likely to get some Tony Award recognition.
- Episode: (2019)2017–Podcast EpisodeTony Howell is a digital strategist for Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Olivier award-winning artists. His work has been featured by Google, Squarespace, SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity Association, and more. On today's episode, he shares his insights of how to match our online presence with our in-person persona.Before becoming an entrepreneur, he was an actor for 20+ years-performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, and more. In addition to weekly free content and scholarships to his quarterly programs, Tony donates a percentage of profits to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and 100% of all the profits from his book, Artists to Artist to the ACLU.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeThe man who has been in more EVITA productions than Mandy Patinkin joins me on the podcast to talk about his back and forth in show business and finding the balance between "making it" and making a living. Ryan Bailer As founder and owner of Ryan Bailer Support, he's created a thriving company that he enjoys and supports him and his family. But he still dreams of being on the stage and knows that he's not quite complete if he's not pursuing his acting career as well. He gives the hilarious story of his first audition in 10 years for the EVITA National Tour, which he booked, as well as gives us some tech tips and strategies for our own use of computers and mobile devices.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeHow would you like to learn 13 different roles for one show, and be ready at a moment's notice to perform anyone of them...or even combine two or three of them in one show? That's exactly what Heather Botts is prepared to do 8 times a week in MY FAIR LADY, currently on Broadway. She recorded backstage in the Lincoln Center Theater, she shares her process for gearing up for such a demanding part in cast as well as her journey from regional theaters to the Great White Way.Born and raised in Walla Walla, WA, Heather started singing at a very young age. She grew up performing all over the Northwest and spent her extra time doing community theatre and competing in singing competitions. In college, she double majored in acting and voice. After earning both of her bachelor degrees, she moved to Seattle, WA to explore all facets of the professional theatre world. She worked at Taproot Theatre and Seattle Children's Theatre performing, teaching and working in the administrative offices. Her time in Seattle also paved the way for her own private voice studio, where she taught aspiring artists. In 2010, Heather went back to school to work on her Master's degree. She studied at Oklahoma City University under the direction of Professor Florence Birdwell. Mrs. Birdwell taught Broadway veterans Kelli O'Hara and Kristin Chenoweth as well as many others. After receiving her Master's degree in Music Theatre, Heather worked regionally around the United States and has since moved to NYC to pursue her acting career. Favorite credits include: Clara (The Light in the Piazza), Nellie Forbush (South Pacific), Cosette (Les Misérables), The Baker's Wife (Into the Woods), Ellen (Miss Saigon), Sandy (Grease), and many more. When not on stage, she loves to teach voice and inspire the next generation of performers.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFor the first Spotlight Series of 2019 I'm joined by Josie Whittlesey, the founder and Executive Director of Drama Club. The organization started in 2013, providing theatre programming to incarcerated and court-involved young people. They bring classes into juvenile detention centers, jails and community centers throughout New York City. Currently, Drama Club works with about 500 individual students between the ages of 10-21, using improve as their core curriculum, empowering young people to tell the stories they want to tell, in the ways in which they want to tell them. From her previous work with Rehabilitation Through the Arts and Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, Josie has proven to be staunch advocate for those who are undeserved and in need of the outlet and experience that theater provide. I caught up with her at the Drama Club office in Long Island City, where she shares how this important organization began and talks about the lives they impact in such positive ways.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeHappy Promposal Day. Caitlin Kinnunen may go to THE PROM eight times a week on Broadway as Emma, a high school-er who wants to bring her girlfriend to the big dance. But when she was a teenager herself, she never actually attended prom. On today's episode, Caitlin opens up about being home schooled and how she could only go to the before and after parties with a friend. Her home schooling was largely due to being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, and being at home meant better care of her condition. She stayed active in local theater, though, auditioning and performing in her hometown of Seattle, Washington. But it was when she landed the role of Thea as a replacement in SPRING AWAKENING in 2008 that she finally moved to New York City. Once that Broadway run ended the following year, it would be another 5 years before her next Broadway show, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and almost another 5 years until THE PROM opened at the Longacre Theater. There were times during those in-between years Caitlin wasn't sure she would "make it" in this business. She even had to go on Medicaid at one point when her Actors Equity health insurance ran out.So being a part of THE PROM isn't just making up for her lack of one in high school, it is also giving her wonderfully supportive cast and stage management team, who also help monitor her blood sugar levels throughout the show and make sure she has plenty of fruit snacks hidden around the stage. Lastly, Caitlin shares her thoughts on the upcoming Tony Award nominations and what that could mean to the show. But she had even more fun with some fantasy casting of her fellow actors in Sondheim's classic INTO THE WOODS. One giveaway: Beth Leavel would play the Witch, of course.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeToday, I'm joined by the wonderfully charming and talented Ilana Levine. She takes a break from her own podcast, LITTLE KNOWN FACTS, to talk with me about her career on Broadway and in TV/film as well as share stories of auditions and her obsession with British royalty. From her big Broadway turn as Lucy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN to her various appearances in The Nanny Diaries, Law and Order, and the infamous Seinfeld episode "The Contest," she has had a storied career. But Ilana has also directed and produced and her contact list is a veritable who's who of Hollywood and Broadway. It is from this wide array of stars that she brings guests onto her own podcast to talk about the ins and outs of entertainment and performing. I'm so honored and proud to add her to my list of guests today. She's an inspiration and motivation to keep striving and reaching for the best from myself and this career. I'm sure she'll inspire you as well.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFrom musical theater to opera, from Disney Cruise Line to New York's famed Town Hall venue,Amy Marie Stewart has seen first hand the struggles that singers and actors face. Most of it coming from our own preconceived notions or those expectations heaped on us by others. Her recent blog post "Failing our Singers" went viral as she tried to dispel those do's and don'ts in order to free us up to give our best performance, whether onstage or in the audition room. Due to a recent illness, which she opens up about, Amy now focuses on teaching and helping singers be their best. As the founder of TheoryWorks she specializes in distilling down effort, finding a filter-free sound, helping legit singers belt and belts sing legit -- and, most importantly, in being her student's new number-one cheerleader. She works with musical theatre folks to build a cohesive book. To get a sense of her approach, check out the (free) TheoryWorks online masterclass on putting an audition book together. Amy is also a published Backstage Expert and distinguished representative of the CU College of Music Alumni in NYC. Her students are currently performing on Broadway, and in Broadway tours, on cruise ships, with the Rockettes, and in theaters across the country.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeFellow actor and pod caster, Clayton Howe, riffs on the business of auditioning as well as creating new work and making a difference in the world...whether that world is our own theater community or a larger presence influencing millions. He even brings up one influence, Casey Neistat, who is a filmmaker and was ticketed here in NYC for not riding his bike in the bike lane. Through his videos and mission to fight back against the ticket, he ended up exposing a flaw in the enforcement of bike lanes and galvanized a strong following behind him Okay, now back to Clayton...he and I first met during my contract with Disney Cruise Line. He was Vocal Captain and became a true friend on the ship. Since being back on land, our careers have led us in similar directions as we pursue more theater gigs around the country.Born and raised on Long Island and schooled at State University of New York (SUNY), Clayton has a resume that stretches from New York theater to regional theater and beyond. He most recently performed in From Here to Eternity at Ogunquit Playhouse and just finished a production at Gateway Playhouse for Cabaret. All of this has brought Clay to a higher understanding of what it means to change the world through storytelling, which is why he created his podcast Entertainment(x). Clayton believes in understanding the roots of one's successes and struggles so others can learn from them and live a more fulfilled life...sounds familiar, eh? Much like WINMI, Clayton brings in names you might recognize, names you won't, and names you don't yet. In fact, in the coming weeks he'll be bringing me on his show. So stay tuned as your favorite host turns into Clayton's favorite guest.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeKelly and I talk about the mindset needed to get through the ups and downs of this business, and as founder of Triple Threat Therapy she even gives me a bit of therapy, asking questions and giving insights into my own thinking when it comes to auditions and making decisions for my career. But it all started the ripe old age of 4, when Kelly stepped on stage for the first time during a kindergarten musical. From that moment on, she was hooked. Most of us have a story similar to that, right? She performed throughout my childhood but focused on choir and singing during high school and college. In her 20's, she started auditioning for local community theater productions. Up to that point, she had never been to a professional or semi-professional audition and had no clue what to expect. So she learned by doing and was soon performing regularly at a local theater. But she struggled to move beyond chorus, or small featured roles. Now in her 30's and after taking several years off from auditioning and performing, she focuses on family and her vocal students. She also writes a blog, which is how I first found out about Kelly. Her honesty and openness about the rejection that comes with auditioning and performing was both eye-opening and refreshing.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeWelcome to your favorite holiday: Tax Day. One of the most difficult but important issues we face in the arts is our finances. How to make more of it and how to spend (and save) it in the best way possible. Rebecca Selkowe, head of the Financial Wellness Program at The Actors Fund, covers some of the challenges people working in performing arts and entertainment face when trying to balance variable income and expenses, and also touches briefly on important tax issues. A performing artist's financial life is complex, so it's easy to get confused when trying to organize your money. This will help you distinguish between regular and irregular income, and determine what this means for building yourself a financial cushion, saving for periodic expenses and investing for your future.
- Episode: (2019)2017–Podcast EpisodeWelcome to the first annual Auditions episode. I'll be sharing stories from those in the audition room as well as some tidbits of wisdom along the way. For the past few months during my conversations with guests I've asked them about their own audition stories. I saved those tales of wonder and woe, so I could bring them to you now for the first time. And that's what today is going to be all about...sharing and commiserating on auditions - the good, the bad, and the funny. Here are the guests featured today with links to the their previous/upcoming episodes: Glasgow Lyman and Jeff Rosick, WE NEED THIS MUSICAL... Caitlin Kinnunen, THE PROM Amy Marie Stewart, Founder of Theory Works Tovi Wayne, MEAN GIRLS Ilana Levine, LITTLE KNOWN FACTS Wojcik/Seay Casting John Ort, Casting Director of BULL and Casting Associate on OZARKS (episode is next week) Tony Howell, Brand Marketing Strategist Kelly Gabel, Founder of Triple Threat Therapy Lothair Eaton, STARLIGHT EXPRESS A big thank you to each of my guests for sharing their personal tales of triumph and dismay and also to you for joining me on this fun and insightful episode.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAs part 2 of the focus on auditions, John Ort joins the podcast. He is a member of CSA (Casting Society of America) and works on TV, film, new media and theatre. His insights on the audition process are informative and useful as we continue to navigate this sometimes rough and mysterious process. John sheds light on on-camera vs theater auditions, how best to do self-tapes, and even tackles some of your questions. John's work includes: CBS's "Bull," feature films Last Ferry and Anya, and short films The Water Song and Etymology. Associate credits include season 1 of the series "Ozark" (Netflix) for which he won an Artios Award for outstanding casting, the pilots of "Bull" (CBS) and "Blindspot" (NBC), "Younger" seasons 1 and 2 (TV Land), and the last 2 seasons of "Royal Pains" (USA). Previously, John was Manager of Casting at ABC Primetime NY searching for series regulars for numerous pilots and series. For 7 years he oversaw the casting and production of the annual Disney ABC Talent Diversity Showcase in NY. Independent theatre projects include musicals, plays and cabarets produced downtown at the legendary Joe's Pub at The Public, Green Room 42, The Cherry Lane Theatre, Le Poisson Rouge, The Duplex Cabaret and various venues in the NY International Fringe Festival.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeWell, the Award Season is now in high gear with all the major theater nominations out: Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and of course the mother of them all, the Tonys. Everyone seems to be talking about the hottest shows on Broadway. So today I'm jumping into the deep end as well, talking about some of the current Broadway darlings. And joining me is Dr. Broadway herself to also discuss the history that went into making Broadway what it is today as well as some of the backstory to the Tony Awards. Dr. Broadway, also known as Kristin Stultz Pressley is a Musical Theatre Historian, and as you would guess one of Broadway's biggest fans. As a passionate and energetic presenter, Pressley has taught theatre at every level - from prey-school all the way up to university. And yes, she is an actual doctor with a PhD in Theater and Film Studies. For her research on the life and work of Tony Award-winning lyricist and librettist Dorothy Fields, she was awarded the Bruce Kirle Emerging Musical Theatre Scholar Award. That's a long-titled award all to say she knows a whole lot about Dorothy Fields. And we'll also be discussing her important and pivotal work during Broadway's golden age. Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "Work is what you do for others; art is what you do for yourself." And for Dr. Broadway that's exactly what she loves about being a Musical Theatre Historian as it also informs her ongoing mission: educating theatergoers in order to enhance theater going.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeAfter our great discussion of Broadway history, Tony Awards, and Dorothy Fields, Kristin was a sport enough to take on some trivia questions...and some of them were doziest. I didn't even know most of them before looking them up. So test your own Broadway knowledge and see how many you know in the first-ever WINMI Theater Trivia Challenge.
- 2017–Podcast EpisodeYou're not likely to hear a more infectious laugh than on today's episode with Lothair Eaton. His joy of life and performing shine through in this engaging conversation about life on tour with STARLIGHT EXPRESS, the struggles of finding work here in NYC, and how we learn and grow as performers. Lothair was also seen in the '95 UK Tour of 5 GUYS NAMED MOE. Throughout Germany and the UK Lothair has performed in many Musical Galas and events, as well as his own Cabaret shows to rave reviews. In New York, Lothair was seen in the original cast of NUNSENSE A-MEN as Sister Mary Hubert to wonderful reviews. Also in the York Theatre production of LOST IN THE STARS. And the Papermill Playhouse production of SHOW BOAT, which was also taped and shown on P.B.S. Great Performances. Enjoying time in Vegas, he went back to play the Master Of Laughter (no surprise there!) in EFX at the MGM Grand Hotel starring Tommy Tune. But before all that Lothair was born in Chicago, into a musical family. His father, Cleveland J. Eaton is a famous Jazz musician, playing Contra Bass with the incredible Ramsey Lewis Trio, as well as the World famous Count Basie Orchestra.