FINAL FIVE: George Heslin, Actor, Director and Producer.

In our last episode, George Heslin shared some incredible stories about founding the Origin Theatre Company and his work as an Irish actor coming to New York. But as always, there’s more to discover. And these Final Five Questions are where we really get to know George, from personal lessons and thoughts on the future to offering some advice for those just starting out. We also debate one of my favorite topics to rant about: the good and bad of self-tapes (mostly bad, of course). — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Heslin Helps Bring Irish Theater to New York City

George Heslin came to New York in the mid-‘90s, but it wasn’t quite his idea to come here. So when he landed in the city he didn’t exactly hit the ground running. Instead, he spent four years as a struggling actor trying to find his footing, but mostly feeling lost and lonely. But with the help of a legendary acting teacher, out of that struggle came something remarkable. In 2002, George founded the Origin Theatre Company—literally with a credit card and a dream—and spent almost 20 years bringing bold international voices to the New York stage. And now he’s continuing that work in a new way as the Executive Director of the New York Irish Center. In this episode, we talk about that journey—how someone who came here reluctantly ended up becoming a champion for Irish and European artists in America. And how his story is really just one chapter in the long rich legacy of Irish theater finding new life across the ocean. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bret Shuford Turns Broadway Lessons into Guidance for Others (REWIND)

Bret Shuford has spent his career balancing two passions—performing on Broadway and helping others achieve their creative goals. From The Little Mermaid to Paramour, he built a successful stage career while also becoming a sought-after coach for actors and artists. But finding that balance wasn’t always easy. In this rewind episode from 2019, Bret shares how he navigated the highs and lows of the industry, the importance of authenticity in his work, and why he’s passionate about guiding others toward success. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Moshe Lobel, Actor and Filmmaker

In last episode with Moshe Lobel, we covered so much ground, from why he left his Hasidic roots and pursued a career as an actor to his latest film project that forced him to confront his past and reconcile who he is with who he was. But one of the most enlightening parts of every conversation is when guests answer the Final Five Questions. It’s where we hear about personal lessons, hopes for the industry, and those moments that truly define an artist’s career. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moshe Lobel Leaves Hasidic Roots to Pursue Theater and Filmmaking

Leaving behind everything he once knew, Moshe Lobel walked away from his Chasidic faith and roots to pursue a life in theater and film—an unthinkable choice for most in his community. A native Yiddish speaker from Brooklyn, he made his New York stage debut as the lead in Awake and Sing! with New Yiddish Rep before joining the award-winning Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, directed by Joel Grey. His career has since expanded into film and television, including HBO’s High Maintenance, Netflix’s Unorthodox, and the one-shot Ukrainian drama SHTTL. As a filmmaker, he’s crafted original works featuring Emmy-nominated talent, proving that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most unexpected and fulfilling journeys. Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Final Five: Akiko Aizawa, Actor and Teacher of Viewpoints/Suzuki Method

In our previous conversation with the talented Akiko Aizawa, we delved into her journey from a modern dancer to a dedicated actress facing challenges in New York City. But there's always more to uncover, and that's where the Final Five Questions come in. This is when Akiko opens up even further to share personal lessons learned, her hopes for the theater industry, and those intimate moments that define her artistic passion. Join us as we explore what success and making it truly mean to her, relive memorable performances, and discuss how meditation plays a role in her life as she navigates the ups and downs of a creative career. Get ready for an inspiring and heartfelt continuation of Akiko's journey. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Akiko Aizawa Leaves the Dance World and Embraces Uncertainty as a Theater Actress

When I worked at Tokyo DisneySea, I fell in love with Japan—the culture, the food, the people. But working there was a whole different experience. The structure, the discipline, the expectations—it took time to adjust. As much as I admired it, adapting wasn’t always easy. Akiko Aizawa knows that challenge firsthand, but from the other side. Originally from Akita, Japan, she built a career in modern dance before transitioning to theater and eventually moving to New York. But that transition wasn’t exactly smooth. She left behind a prestigious theater company, underwent a dramatic personal transformation, and took a leap of faith—only to have her first New York production canceled before it even began. She shares her journey of reinvention, resilience, and risk and how it has shaped her artistic life. Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Elizabeth Hess, Founder and Director of The Hess Collective

Last week, actor, director and playwright Elizabeth Hess shared some of her missed opportunities as well as the creation of her own theater company The Hess Collective. And while that was such an insightful conversation, there’s still so much more to explore! And that’s why it’s exciting to have Elizabeth back here for the Final Five Questions. These are where we get a little more personal—uncovering lessons learned, hopes for the industry, and a deeper look at what drives her as an artist. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth Hess Brings Resilience and Creativity to Her Theater Work

Elizabeth Hess is Founder of The Hess Collective and has developed various theater projects off-Broadway as well as traveling the globe with her own acclaimed solo works. (Their latest production is No Reservation.) And she joins us today to talk about the early years in her career as she tried to join a theater company in Canada. We also discuss her Broadway debut in M. Butterfly as well as the rather unconventional route that led her to her biggest television role in the Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All. And she’s accomplished all this despite having grown up in the Mennonite faith, which does not look kindly upon the performing arts as a career choice. Nonetheless, Elizabeth has certainly found a community—a family—in the various shows and production throughout her illustrious career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE - Lynn Nottage, Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright

Last week you heard from the award-winning playwright Lynn Nottage as she shared the joys and struggles of being a writer. Well, now Lynn is back to talk about how the industry has changed throughout her decades as a writer as well as sharing one important lesson she learned from August Wilson by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. --- Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lynn Nottage Continues Writing Through Some of Her Most Difficult Moments

As a playwright, Lynn Nottage has crafted fascinating stories and emotionally rich characters. She is a true artist with the credentials to back in up. She has won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama as well as numerous Off-Broadway awards, not to mention three Tony Award nominations. She joins me WINMI the first episode for Season 9 to talk about her art and a moment when she realized she was born to write, regardless of whether or not she could actually make a living as a writer. It’s a moment that happens in every artist’s life—when the calling outweighs the worries or doubts, when the desire to create is stronger than the fear of failure. --- Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 9!

Well, here we are it's 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to Season 9 of the Why I’ll Never Make It podcast! Every other week this season you'll hear candid conversations and inspiring stories from theater artists across Broadway, regional stages, and beyond. And we’re kicking things off with someone--the likes of which I never thought I'd get on my humble theater podcast--the incredible Lynn Nottage. After her, we’ll hear from Japanese-American actor and teacher Akiko Aizawa as well as Broadway actress Elizabeth Hess, who you may know as Janet Darling from Clarissa Explains It All, and so many more extraordinary artists throughout the season. Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast platform as well as on Instagram at winmipodcast, so you don’t miss a single episode! Join me in February for Season 9 as we talk more about Why I’ll Never Make It. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gregg Daniel Faces Life’s Hardest Moments with Grace

With more than 100 television and film credits, including his memorable four-season run as Reverend Daniels on HBO’s True Blood, Gregg Daniel brings the depth of an actor’s understanding to his directorial work. And for that he has received multiple Ovation nominations and has earned an NAACP Theatre Award as Best Director for Fences at the International City Theatre. Gregg’s passion for storytelling extends to his work in higher education as well, where he teaches directing at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, mentoring the next generation of theater artists. And this special end-of-the-season episode, I’m giving you the full conversation with Gregg, including his three stories, the final five questions, AND his audition story for True Blood, which normally only subscribers get. But I’m sharing it with you for being a loyal listener this season, as yes, in hopes that you’ll want to be come a subscriber as well so that you too can get these conversations ad-free. You’ll even get to hear some of our banter after the interview as a special gift to you, because through it all, Gregg shares his heart and his artistry, highlighting the resilience and vulnerability required to thrive in this industry. --- Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Tepper Explores Women Writing Musicals and the Legacy That History Books Left Out

In this special video podcast combo between Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night, I’m joined by theater historian and author Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who has written a truly remarkable book - Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out.  Jennifer’s work is the first comprehensive exploration of women who have shaped Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals over the last century and beyond. From Tin Pan Alley composers to protest writers of the 1970s, and the voices shaping today’s theater landscape, this book is a treasure trove of history and inspiration. Together, we explore the hurdles these women faced, their remarkable stories, and the profound ways they’ve shaped the art form. And Jennifer’s book resonates deeply with both podcasts: Why I’ll Never Make It delves into the challenges of building a creative career Closing Night reflects on the legacy of shows may not always get the spotlight they deserve In our conversation, we highlight trailblazers like Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, a Black playwright and novelist whose multi-hyphenate career began in the late 1800s; then there’s Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, the longest-running female duo in musical theater history that began in 1955 and continues today; and then Shaina Taub, the Tony Award-winning force behind the Broadway musical Suffs. These are just a few of the extraordinary women we discuss—names that, thanks to Jennifer's book, are finally getting their due. --- Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night are independent productions of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of these podcasts please subscribe or donate. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie Torns Has Been Both WICKED and a WAITRESS and Now Brings Her Talents to EPIC Players

When it comes to Broadway, few shows have captured hearts quite like Wicked. Its spellbinding story, unforgettable songs, and iconic performances have become a cultural phenomenon—especially now, with the movie adaptation igniting fresh excitement. And among the very few to take on one of the hardest roles in all of musical theater is our guest, Stephanie Torns. Stephanie has soared to incredible heights—literally—during her time in Wicked, where her breathtaking performances have cemented her place among Broadway’s finest. She's also won hearts in Waitress, showcasing her extraordinary talent and the resilience needed to shine in some of Broadway’s most demanding roles. But Stephanie’s impact isn’t limited to the stage. As a board member of EPIC Players, an inclusive theater company dedicated to empowering neurodivergent performers, she’s forging vital connections between the Broadway community and EPIC's mission. Her work here is as authentic and meaningful as the performances she's known for, highlighting her dedication to creating space for talent in all its forms. In today’s episode, we explore Stephanie’s journey to EPIC Players and her passion for supporting the neurodivergent community. Along the way, we’ll reflect on her unforgettable time with Wicked, the lessons she’s learned from tackling the role of Elphaba, and how her Broadway experiences continue to shape her work both onstage and off. ---------- Subscribe to get ad-free access to the full conversations, which include auditions stories. Donate to WINMI and support podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. Contact me directly if you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then I can offer you reduced-price or even free access to the subscription. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Theme music created by Patrick Oliver Jones, and background music is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Actor and Writer

In the previous episode, you heard from actor and writer Ryan Bauer-Walsh and the creative journey to composing and producing an LGBTQ lullaby album. Well, now Ryan is back to talk about the importance of finding happiness outside of being an actor as well as a humorous discussion on khakis and corduroys by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. --- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber today. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Bauer-Walsh Finds New Life as an Artist After Mother's Death

Ryan Bauer-Walsh is an actor and artist living in Harlem. Ryan has starred in shows such as Les Miserables and the Billy Elliot national tour and is also known for voiceover as well. After the death of their mother, Ryan created the world's first LGBTQ+ lullaby album with a team of over 50 LGBTQ+ stars and composers, which was shortlisted for a grammy nomination. Ryan also owns Banana Duck Clothing, a hand painted gender-free clothing line. Their art can be seen in homes and businesses around the world, the NYTimes and the National Archives. ---------- Subscribe to get ad-free access to the full conversations, which include auditions stories. Donate to WINMI and support podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. Contact me directly if you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then I can offer you reduced-price or even free access to the subscription. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Theme music created by Patrick Oliver Jones, and background music is by John Bartmann (used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Matthew LaBanca, Performing Artist and Teacher Fired from his Job

In the previous episode, you heard from actor and teacher Matthew LaBanca and his new show that just opened called Communion, a one-man show about his rather contentious experience with the catholic church and being fired from his teaching position once he married his husband. Well, now Matthew is back to talk about the solitary life of being an actor as well as his own struggle with vanity and several other topics by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. --- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber today. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew LaBanca Creates a One-Man Show After Being Fired From a Private Catholic School

A couple of months ago, I talked with a friend and fellow actor Dominic Thrasher about his experiences with a catholic church and the criticism and harsh accusations he faced for being gay and married. Well, another friend and fellow actor of mine also heard that episode and reached out to me with his own story to tell about being fired from his teaching job for the same thing. Matthew LaBanca has starred on Broadway in the original companies of Young Frankenstein, White Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. We touch on auditioning or both onstage and on-camera roles as well as the importance hair brings not only to our type and castability as men but how it also influences the way we carry ourselves and the confidence we bring into the room. A confidence that Matthew once had as a teacher as well at a private catholic school, but he shares how and why he no longer has that job.  ---------- Subscribe to get ad-free access to the full conversations, which include auditions stories. Donate to WINMI and support podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. Contact me directly if you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then I can offer you reduced-price or even free access to the subscription. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Theme music created by Patrick Oliver Jones, and background music is by John Bartmann (used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Chad Beguelin, Broadway Lyricist and Book Writer

Producing theater is often difficult and never a guarantee. In fact, anything produced for the stage can be hit or miss. Just a few hours before I sat down to record this intro, a concert of Lerner & Loewe music that I was producing had to be canceled. Artists were dropping out and audiences weren't buying tickets. It was tough to let it go, but there came a point where the venue had to cut its losses. This was just a concert at a cabaret venue, so imagine the greater disappointment and loss when a Broadway show doesn’t open. In the previous episode with Chad Beguelin, he shared how one of his musicals was headed to Broadway, until it wasn’t. He turned that heartbreak into his debut novel Showmance that was released earlier this month. Well, he’s back to talk about what has kept him going and what making it really means to him as he answers the final five questions here on this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It.  --- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber today. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lights, Camera, Lerner and Loewe!

Chad Beguelin Uses His Own Broadway Failure as Inspiration for His Debut Novel SHOWMANCE

In the world of Broadway, success can seem like a dazzling dream. But behind every show that makes it to the stage, there are countless moments of uncertainty and setbacks. For writers, especially, the journey from writing a script to getting it produced is anything but predictable. As an actor, I know firsthand that without writers, I wouldn’t have a character to play or lines to say. It’s their words that bring us to life on stage, and one of my greatest joys is collaborating with writers—especially on new works—helping to refine characters and the dialogue that shapes them. And our guest today knows a little something about that unpredictable journey. Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony nominee and five-time Drama Desk nominee for his lyrics and book writing. And while he may not have any wins yet for his work, his shows have sure have been big hits with audiences, musicals like Aladdin, The Prom, Elf, and The Wedding Singer. However, his career has taken some surprising turns as well. He’s been hung up on by a Broadway producer, he’s tried venturing into motion pictures, and earlier this month he just released his debut novel called Showmance. Through it all, Chad has learned that success in this industry is never guaranteed, and perseverance is everything. But as you’ll hear, even when a show seems poised for greatness, things can unravel in ways no one could predict. ---------- Subscribe to get ad-free access to the full conversations, which include auditions stories. Donate to WINMI and support podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. Contact me directly if you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then I can offer you reduced-price or even free access to the subscription. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Theme music created by Patrick Oliver Jones, and background music is by John Bartmann (used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway Touring Understudies and Swings Often Perform Anonymously Onstage

FINAL FIVE with Dwayne Washington, Actor and Educator

In the previous episode you heard from actor Dwayne Washington as he shared what he learned from leaving the industry. Well, now Dwayne is back to talk about what “making it” means to him as well as one of my least favorite parts of the business, self-tapes, by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber today. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dwayne Washington Left the Industry Twice But "La Boheme" Kept Bringing Him Back

"Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This is how renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner defined what it means to be an actor. This principle helps performers build empathy with our characters and forge meaningful connections onstage. But as our guest today reveals, this approach can also be a powerful guide for navigating life offstage. Dwayne Washington, with the help of the prestigious Juilliard School, mastered the craft of acting and singing, but life itself has been one of his greatest teachers. From his time as a retail manager to his work as a high school teacher, Dwayne has grown in unexpected ways. We talk about his time in London as well as his current role in a new Off-Broadway production, That Parenting Musical. And while the personal growth he’s experienced over the years may not always be visible, he has certainly gained a depth and perspective that now enrich his performances as well. Hear the full performance by Simon Estes and Grace Bumbry of "Amonasro" from Aida. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to full conversations with guests, including bonus auditions stories. Donate to WINMI and support podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Theme music created by Patrick Oliver Jones, and background music is by John Bartmann (used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Oliver Jones Joins StoryBeat with Steve Cuden

FINAL FIVE with Dominic Thrasher, Actor and Writer

In the previous episode you heard from actor and writer Dominic Thrasher as he shared how a diagnosis of ALS has dramatically changed his life and career. We also discussed how writing has given him a new focus for his energies and creativity. Well, now Dominic is back to talk playing one of his dream roles as well as share more lessons he’s learned from his terminal illness by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast intro music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dominic Thrasher Finds Another Meaning of Success as He Slowly Loses His Ability to Perform

In the year before the pandemic, I was on a contract with Norwegian Cruise Line performing the musical Footloose. In past seasons you’ve heard me speak with some members of that company (Megan Hoxie, David Ruttura, Eric Jordan Young) And in today’s episode I’m bringing on another one of the people that I met through that show, Dominic Thrasher, one of the ones who I grew closest to during that contract who was actually in a cabin just a couple of doors down from my own. But just as the world was coming out of the pandemic, getting back to a somewhat normal life, Dominic was diagnosed with ALS, similar to Broadway actor Aaron Lazar. We talk about his very difficult journey of realizing and accepting his own illness and how he is choosing to live the remaining months and possibly years that he has left. And if there’s anything you take away from this very heartfelt and thoughtful conversation, I hope it is a sense of both gratitude and persistence in your own life: being grateful for what you have, even the most basic of things, and a drive to continue to pursue the things that you want. It is a lesson that Dominic has carried with him his whole life and is now being put to the test in a way he never thought or imagined. ----- (And with this episode Why I’ll Never Make It begins its new release day of Wednesday instead of Monday. This is mainly to adjust to my touring schedule with Beetlejuice, as the weekends are full of shows and Tuesdays give me more time to produce these episodes each week.) ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre. This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show. Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Sarah Hester Ross, Singer and Comedian

In the previous episode you heard from singer and comedian Sarah Hester Ross, who talked about bringing her comedic songs to Vegas piano bars and the vocal injury that almost ended her singing career. Well, now Sarah is back to talk about lessons she’s learned from those dueling pianos and why she feels like she may never truly “make it” by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Hester Ross Loses Her Voice But Finds Her Passion

When it comes to performing, whether in musical theater or in the pop world, a singer’s voice can be their identity, their money maker, the one instrument that often defines their careers. And so losing their voice can be life-changing and demoralizing. On my other podcast Closing Night I did an episode on the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria and chronicled the surgery that ended Julie Andrews vocal career. There’s also a new documentary out about Celine Dion and her battle with Stiff Persons Syndrome that has left her unable to sing. I’ve even had my own struggles with vocal paresis, which for me means that one of my vocal cords moves weakly and has a hard time fully closing compared to the other. And today’s guest has had her own vocal struggles and knows what that loss feels like. Sarah Hester Ross has become a one-of-a-kind entertainer and social media star, amassing 2.4M followers on TikTok and over 260K on Instagram. She has also been touted as the “Best Of Las Vegas” for her comedy and one-woman show. And she’s achieved all this with a vocal injury that still affects her to this day. We talk about that as well as her struggles with a lack of motivation and even interest in her comedy work. Nonetheless, her good-natured, comedic exuberance has earned her the moniker of "The Hilarious Redhead!" And I think you'll hear why in this witty and thoughtful conversation. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at Alley Theatre

In the previous episode you heard from theater writer and director Rob Melrose, who is the artistic director of Alley Theatre in Houston. He shared what it means to create and produce his own works and others. Well, now Rob is back to talk about lessons he’s learned behind the table as well as from a heart attack he suffered two years ago by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Melrose on the Joys and Challenges of Directing and Producing Regional Theater

In a recent opinion piece for The Daily Iowan, a vital point was made about the importance of regional theater. It said “not every production is ultra famous, boasting popular actors in leading rules. But every production is important.” (I even posted about it on WINMI’s instagram feed, which you can follow: @winmipodcast.) The point being made was that Broadway may get all the attention, but it is in venues across the country, including college theaters, where the true heart and soul of theater resides. They bring diverse stories to local communities, they nurture new talent, and ultimately keep the art form vibrant and accessible to so many people of all backgrounds and experiences. And today’s guest has been on a mission to bring live theater to as wide an audience as possible. Rob Melrose faced many challenges in founding the Cutting Ball Theater, which involved a lot of crap, literally, and we’ll discuss his current position at The Alley Theatre and the unique audition of sorts he had to go through to land that leadership role. But what’s truly fascinating is the work he’s done as a writer of new works and translator of existing plays. And by wearing many hats in theater from writer and director to producer, he’s learned valuable lessons not only for his own career but for the theater arts as a whole. Support Cutting Ball in its efforts to remain open by donating here. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Aaron Ronnie Almani, Actor and Producer

Last week you heard from actor and producer Aaron Ronnie Almani as he shared his creative journey from New York to Isreal and back again. We discussed audition challenges and even personal tragedies he witnessed in Isreal. Well, now Ronnie is back to talk about how to find fulfillment and balance in our creative life by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Ronnie Almani Discovers Life Lessons from Being an Actor and Growing Up in Isreal

The art of theater and acting is a cornerstone of cultures globally, serving as a powerful medium for storytelling, expression, and communal reflection. It allows societies to explore and challenge social norms, convey historical and contemporary narratives, and foster a shared cultural identity through performances that resonate with audiences. For actors like Aaron Ronnie Almani, the discipline of theater and acting goes beyond mere performance; it is a transformative journey. The rigorous training and diverse roles demand deep emotional exploration and empathy, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. This immersive process enhances an actor's understanding of the human condition, cultivating a profound sense of connection and authenticity both on stage and in real life. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Schele Williams, Director of The Wiz and The Notebook Musicals

In the previous episode you heard from theater director Schele Williams as she shared her journey from actress to director. We discussed her work in two of this season’s most highly anticipated Broadway shows: The Wiz and The Notebook. Well, now Schele is back to talk about the importance of gratitude and what it means when she puts her name on a theater project by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. Schele mentions Black Theater United in our conversation, learn more about this organization here. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schele Williams Is the First Black Woman to Direct a Broadway Musical in 40+ Years

The 2024 Tony Awards were certainly a night to remember, celebrating a very full Broadway season filled with remarkable performances and groundbreaking productions. Yet amidst the accolades and celebrations, some highly anticipated shows were left without a single nomination. One of these was The Wiz, a revival production directed by the wonderful Schele Williams. But despite the lack of Tony recognition, Williams' work on The Wiz has made its mark on Broadway this year with near capacity crowds at every performance and averaging more than $1.4 million dollars each week since it opened back in April. But Schele wasn’t content with just one Broadway show this season, she was also part of the directing team for The Notebook musical. However, her illustrious career actually began as an actress, performing in iconic Broadway productions such as Rent and Aida, and eventually transitioned to directing. Her journey from celebrated performer to visionary director has been marked by perseverance and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices. As the first Black woman to direct a musical on Broadway in more than 40 years, she hopes her work this year will inspire kids of all backgrounds to follow their dreams. Here are her three stories: Schele shares her journey from being a child prodigy drummer to choosing a path in musical theater (Her father is famed drummer James "Diamond" Williams of the Ohio Players). We delve into her memories of seeing The Wiz as a child and the profound effect it has had on her, ultimately leading to her directing its first Broadway revival. We discuss the personal trials she faced as her mother struggles with Alzheimer's and how it influenced her decision to co-direct The Notebook with her longtime friend and collaborator Michael Greif. So listen as we explore the remarkable career of Schele Williams and the stories that shaped her path in the world of theater. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. A snippet of "I Want to Be Free" by the Ohio Players was used to highlight James "Diamond" Williams on drums. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelvin Moon Loh Brings Otho to Life in Beetlejuice on Broadway (REWIND)

As I leave New York City to join the North American Tour of Beetlejuice (to play the role of Otho and understudy Charles and Maxie) I wanted to share a special rewind episode of my memorable conversation with Kelvin Moon Loh from 2019, the original Otho on Broadway and a wonderful friend, who was an invaluable resource during my auditions for the show.  In this episode, Kelvin shares the story of how he landed the role of Otho and his own unique audition process. He also gushes about his fellow cast members and the show's journey from movie to musical. This chat goes beyond the fun and macabre world of Beetlejuice to touch on the broader aspects of the theater business, discussing what keeps us going and how to treasure the moments along the way. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Conor Tague from How to Dance in Ohio

In the previous episode you heard from Conor Tague, one of the stars from the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio. He shared his experiences in that history-making production as well as the struggles he faced early on as an actor, both at school and in the audition room. Well, now Conor is back to talk more about his Broadway debut and share how auditioning is still a challenge for him by answering the Final Five questions in this bonus episode. To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conor Tague Is an EPIC Performer Who Learns How to Dance in Ohio

Every Broadway season, one of the most heated discussions about the Tony Awards centers the snubs—those notable shows that didn’t get any nominations. This year they include musicals like The Wiz, Harmony, and The Heart of Rock and Roll. Another one of those shows that was left out made history as being the first Broadway musical to cast autistic actors in autistic roles, and it was called How to Dance in Ohio, based on a Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name. And today's guest is one of the stars of the musical, Conor Tague. The musical dates back to early 2018 when the legendary Harold Prince announced he was working on a musical adaptation of the film. But after Prince died the following year, it was Sammi Cannold, a former guest of this podcast, who took over as the show’s director. How to Dance is the real-life story of a group of young autistic adults and their families as they prepare for their first-ever formal dance. They face challenges and changes to their routines, and they experience all the things you go through when it comes to formal dances and asking someone out on a date—the love and stress and excitement of it all. The musical began previews on November of 2023, officially opening the following month, and played through February of this year.  Though completely shut out of the Tony Awards, How to Dance did receive Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Book of a Musical (Rebekah Greer Melocik) and Outstanding Lead Performance (Liam Pearce). Conor and I talk about his experience with the show, but we also dig into his background and how his autism may be a unique and important part of him, but it’s also just one facet of who he is as person and performer. ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Des McAnuff, Broadway Theater Director

Last week you heard from theater director Des McAnuff as he shared his experiences with three of his biggest shows, Tommy, Jersey Boys, and Big River. We discussed his approach to each of these unique musicals. Well, now Des is back to talk his musicianship and his composition efforts as well as share the lessons and insecurities he’s discovered in the director’s chair by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Des McAnuff Offers a Candid Discussion on the First Revival of TOMMY and Other Musicals

The Who's Tommy is back on Broadway for its first revival, 30 years after the original production. And directing this revival is the original director from that first Broadway run, Des McAnuff. While he is known for his work in musicals, he is also quite adept in the works of Shakespeare and other classical works, having been Artistic Director of Canada‘s Stratford Festival. And we will touch on some of his other projects, but today’s conversation will mostly focus on three of his standout shows: Tommy and this season’s revival of it, the Best Musical smash hit Jersey Boys, and his Broadway debut and first Tony award for Big River. We talk about his penchant for doing musicals that feature pop music scores, and why some people look down on “jukebox musicals.” (03:14) The Dodgers theatrical group and his directing in Canada (08:53) Story #1 - Tommy (25:43) Story #2 - Jersey Boys (36:18) Story #3 - Big River ---------- Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers. You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Jack Viertel, Theater Producer and Historian

In the previous episode, you heard theater producer and historian Jack Viertel share stories of how his talents and interests weren’t in acting, his interactions with playwrights like Lanford Wilson, and the process of adapting a novel into a musical. Now he’s back to talk about his new book Broadway Melody as well as share more lessons learned by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Viertel and the Secret Life of the American Musical

Jack Viertel has the kind of knowledge I wish I had about Broadway history, having studied the various journeys of great shows for his book The Secret Life of the American Musical, but he’s also worked with playwrights like August Wilson and Tony Kushner. He’s even conceived the long running Smokey Joe's Café and the critically acclaimed After Midnight and served as dramaturg as well for Hairspray and Dear Evan Hansen. And through his many colleagues over the years he’s learned the fine art of collaboration.  Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kerry Sandell & Marci Duncan Explore the Dissonance in Race Relations

Theater can serve as a powerful platform for difficult discussions, especially offering a space for nuanced exploration of racial dynamics. It allows audiences to empathize with characters from diverse backgrounds, challenging preconceptions and fostering dialogue. It provides a visceral experience that can elicit strong emotions and provoke introspection. Kerry Sandell and Marci Duncan wrote such a play that was born from their own backgrounds, preconceptions, and even misunderstandings. They took on a difficult subject yet were both open to where it would take them. For the purposes of our conversation today, it’s important to note that Kerry is white and Marci is black. Yet they not only share a common birthplace and are both mothers, but they each have a deep affection and appreciation for the performing arts. And by showcasing diverse perspectives, these two use theater to foster more inclusive storytelling and promote compassion. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara Gettelfinger Shares Her Long and Struggling Journey Back to Broadway

Sara Gettelfinger's Broadway debut came in 2000 with the musical Seussical. And she worked steadily on Broadway through the years until she and I met and worked together on The Addams Family national tour in 2011. But then she had to take a break from acting, a break from New York City as well. And except for an Off-Broadway musical in 2014, Sara focused instead on her life and let the career she loved so much take a back seat. She’s now back on Broadway in a new musical, Water for Elephants, that opened at the Imperial Theatre on March 21st. We sat down during the preview process, and she openly talks about the struggle and warning signs that led up to her long absence as well as the lessons she’d had to learn, both personally and professionally. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabrielle Ruiz Discusses THE ADDAMS FAMILY National Tour and Female Representation in the Arts (REWIND)

As we talked about in Part One, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is what put Gabrielle Ruiz on the map. However, it was her theater training and performance abilities that made it possible for her to be cast in the show. In this rewind episode from 2021, we talk more about her time on the stage and what drives her most as an artist. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Ann Harada, Broadway Actress and Singer

In the previous episode, you heard actress and singer Ann Harada share her stories of grinding it out as an Asian actress trying to fit in with what she thought casting directors wanted but then discovered her superpower as an artist, being herself. Now she’s back to share more lessons she’s learned and answer the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. To get more bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Harada Learns That Her Greatest Asset as an Actor Is Being Herself

Ann Harada will be the first to tell you that finding happiness and satisfaction in the acting business didn’t come quickly or easily for her. In fact, her first Broadway credit came as a production assistant, not as an actor. She followed that up with ensemble roles in M. Butterfly and Suessical. But between those two shows was a ten-year gap, and it wasn’t until her next Broadway show that Ann Harada truly made a name for herself as Christmas Eve in Avenue Q. In our conversation, she talks about those lean years before Avenue Q but also how she has had continue working hard and pushing herself even after her breakout role at the tender age of 39. Listen to Ann's recent performance in BPN's audio drama TWITS. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE with Lydia-Renee Darling, Actress and Producer

Last week you heard actress, writer, and entrepreneur Lydia-Renee Darling share her stories of growing up in an immigrant household and then her own experiences of living and working in other countries as an artist. Now she’s back to answer the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode. To get more bonus content like Auditions Stories and listen to these full conversations ad-free, then become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lydia-Renee Darling Embraces Change and Learns to Become a Better Artist

Lydia-Renee Darling is the very definition of a well rounded, multi hyphenate artist. She got her BFA in musical theater from Webster University in St. Louis and a Masters in writing for stage and broadcast media from the Royal Central School in London. She’s a filmmaker and a playwright and founded her own DEI entertainment marketing and virtual production company called Oh! (My Gosh) Creative. Being someone who has both embraced and been challenged by changes throughout her life, Lydia-Renee shares with us how they serve as a motivation to continually better herself as an artist and an individual.  Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Cuden (Part 2) Discovers His Talent for Animation Writing & The Art of StoryBeats

As an actor I fully appreciate and recognize that I couldn’t do what I do without a writer doing what they do. Their words and characters are the basis for any work I’ve had in theater, television, or film. The writer’s strike this past summer highlighted just how important they are, because without them there is no entertainment industry. In part one of my conversation with writer Steve Cuden, we talked about the process of creating the musical Jekyll & Hyde with Frank Wildhorn. For this second part of our discussion, we dive into his work in television, where he's written for shows like The Avengers, Biker Mice From Mars, Extreme Ghostbusters, and Pocket Dragon Adventures. Steve also gives us a crash course on what it takes to craft an engaging story that not only touches an audience but more importantly means something to the writer personally. Listen to StoryBeat with Steve Cuden and find his books here. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Cuden (Part 1) Leaving the Jekyll & Hyde He Helped Create

For the first guest of this season, I’m talking with writer Steve Cuden, who was a part of a musical and its beginning stages, but was eventually replaced right before it began to take off and become the hugely iconic Jekyll & Hyde musical we all know. In fact, it was Steve's first foray into writing with another unknown composer and writer at the time, Frank Wildhorn. And in part one of our conversation, Steve opens up about their personal and professional relationship in ways that he has not done so before publicly. A little backstory...Steve and I actually met last year when he reached out to me via email after listening to an episode of my other podcast Closing Night, which focuses on theater history. That began a series of emails back and forth that eventually led me to invite him onto this podcast to share his side of the story. A side of the story that Frank Wildhorn himself doesn’t really talk about in his own interviews. The 1986 demo version of "Murder, Murder" featured in this episode can be found on Cuden's website. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Subscribing helps support this podcast, while also giving early access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Donating can be done on a one-time on ongoing basis. So whether you subscribe or donate, your financial contribution to this podcast is greatly appreciated! If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 8 Preview

A Moment to Revisit "The Band's Visit" on Broadway (REWIND)

Five years ago, "The Band's Visit," a musical defying convention, closed on Broadway after a year and a half of acclaim. Composed by David Yazbek and written by Itamar Moses, it emerged as a masterpiece, transcending Broadway norms. At the 2018 Tony Awards, it earned 11 nominations, winning 10, including Best Musical, beating stiff competition like SpongeBob Squarepants and Frozen. Now, in 2024, amidst current Middle East headlines dividing people, let's revisit this Arab-Israeli musical that explored human connection over 598 performances with an encore presentation of my 2018 interview with Jeff Theiss, associate conductor of "The Band's Visit." We delve into its score, unique storytelling, and its focus on shared human experiences beyond political divisions. Join me on this journey rediscovering the timeless beauty of "The Band's Visit," reminding us of the profound commonality that unites us all. Learn more about Closing Night and listen to it on your favorite podcast app. --- Just like this podcast, Closing Night is also a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clifton Duncan (Part 2) Addressing Groupthink in the Theater Community

With politics becoming more and more a part of our daily lives, the theater and acting profession are certainly no strangers to it influence and impact. While it can be a force for change and understanding, my guest today talks about the ways in which it can further divide as well. In the first part of my conversation with Clifton Duncan, he shared deeply personal reflections on the complexities of the theater industry's response to the pandemic and the challenges he faced as an individual in the midst of it all. For part two, our conversation turns to a thought-provoking exploration of "groupthink" and the influences of social media on theater and the broader society as a whole. He offers valuable insights into the impact of differing viewpoints, the blurring of what is considered extreme, and the need for open-mindedness in the arts and beyond. Also, in the latter half of this episode are some bonus conversations with Clifton, offering a powerful conclusion to an episode filled with honesty and a quest for deeper understanding and introspection. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get early access to full episodes and bonus content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clifton Duncan (Part 1) Embracing Authenticity and Its Consequences

Meryl Streep once said that "acting is not about being someone different. It is about finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.” She is in essence urging us to discover the common threads in our seemingly diverse experiences. And the final guest of the season has had quite a few experiences these past couple of years. Clifton Duncan is a seasoned performer on stage and screen, with appearances in critically-acclaimed productions on and off Broadway and a TV slate that included work for NBC, Fox, CBS and Starz. But after the pandemic, Clifton’s adherence to “authenticity” meant that opportunities slowly dried up and his agent eventually dropped him. His story in and around the effects and consequences of covid, vaccines, and theater shutdowns may be one you relate to or it may confuse or even anger you. But I hope that you can hear him out as I did and understand where he’s coming from and the place he ultimately came to. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get early access to full episodes and bonus content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Grace on Directing Ourselves and Our Own Careers

We read and hear a lot these days about how actors need to be their own producers and creating their own work. In my own career about the only thing I’m creating are self-tapes, which are truly productions in and of themselves for sure--based on all the requirements and props and lines and technical aspects that are required to just put together a one-minute audition. But actually writing producing directing starring in our own work is a daunting task, so I wanted to talk to someone who is not only doing this, but helps those of us novices do it for ourselves. Learn more at the Pickford West Society For the past 15 years, Emily Grace has been helping actors create success on our own terms. And she comes out at not from a writing or producing angle, but as an actress herself. She even won an award at Sundance, a special jury prize for emotional truth. That’s something we all want to bring to our work, right? So in this episode, Emily shares not only her own experiences in front of the camera, but what she has learned behind the camera as well, and how each of us can discover our own strengths and weaknesses, as we venture beyond acting.  INTRO - Catching the acting bug from her failed Annie audition STORY #1 - Smoking in a scene as a non-smoker and frustrating her director STORY #2 - The pressures of investor readings and what she learned from Judith Ivey STORY #3 - Why she branched out into making her own work and how she helps others Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get early access to full episodes and bonus content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke Yankee Highlights the Mishaps and Misadventures We All Endure as Actors

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of the acting world with today's guest, Luke Yankee, who is no stranger to the trials and triumphs of the industry. As a versatile artist sporting multiple hats, Luke draws inspiration from the incredible legacy of his mother, the legendary Eileen Heckart—a powerhouse who clinched the Oscar, Drama Desk, Golden Globe, and Emmy Awards with a special Tony Honor as well. In this engaging conversation, Luke unveils the behind-the-scenes tales of his journey, sharing the hard-fought lessons and uproarious moments that have shaped his career. From writing a captivating biography and a one-man show about his iconic mother to snagging his own accolades for playwriting, Luke's story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the arts. But that's not all—Luke delves into his unexpected roles as a teacher and coach, shedding light on his unique perspective in the bonus final five questions (subscribe here). This episode is a treasure trove of anecdotes, showcasing Luke's love affair with theater and his ingenious ways of navigating the inevitable bumps in the road. INTRO - Hosting conversations with actors STORY #1 - Misadventures in regional theater STORY #2 - Lessoned learned from performing his one-man show STORY #3 - The bovine scene in the barn EXTRA - Anecdote from Broadway production of MAN OF LA MANCHA Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get early access to full episodes and bonus content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharon Catherine Brown Live at BroadwayCon 2023!

In an enjoyable BroadwayCon encounter this past summer, I found myself in the heart of all things Broadway, rubbing shoulders with the stars and hosting live interviews for the Broadway Podcast Network. While my conversation with Jelani Alladin about Frozen and Hercules was already shared in a previous episode, today we delve into my interview with the talented Broadway actress Sharon Catherine Brown. I had the pleasure of working with her on a new musical last year, and we dive into some of the other shows on her resume, with a primary focus on her role in Jekyll & Hyde. We'll also explore her contributions to iconic musicals like Dreamgirls and Caroline, Or Change, gaining valuable advice for aspiring performers along the way. Join me in this special episode recorded live at BroadwayCon 2023 for an insightful and entertaining conversation with the remarkable Sharon Catherine Brown. INTRO - What she looks for when auditioning for roles and shows STORY #1 - Tackling the demanding role of Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde STORY #2 - Playing such iconic characters as Dorothy in The Wiz and Effie in Dreamgirls STORY #3 - Why she never gives advice to others on how to make it to Broadway EXTRA - What it was like working with Andre Deshields Subscribe or Donate to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get early access to full episodes and bonus content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tjasa Ferme Engages Audiences by Blending Science and Theater

Tjasa Ferme is more than an actress; she's a dynamic creator who writes, produces, and stars in her own work. Her artistic vision revolves around transformation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and challenging traditional relationships between actors and audiences. Tjasa shares her journey from Europe as a rock star's daughter and early experiences on the Slovenia stage, to becoming a fearless actress and artistic director in the heart of New York City. We'll dive into three stories that have shaped her life and career... In Slovenia, Tjasa never used a headshot, but that changed once she moved to NYC. She called up an old friend to help her find work as actress, but came to realize the ability to create was within her the whole time. Her theater company Transforma blends science and stage into one theatrical exploration. Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Rubinstein, a Man of Many Talents

John Rubinstein was born the son of renowned pianist Arthur Rubinstein, and his early exposure to theater in the 8th grade ignited a passion that would shape the trajectory of extraordinary career. He catapulted to Broadway stardom originating the title role in Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse, and won a Tony Award for his compelling performance in Children of a Lesser God. A true renaissance man, John's artistic pursuits extend beyond the stage into television and film as well, both as an actor and composer, where he’s written the scores or theme songs for several movies and TV shows. We also talk about his work as a director, and even touch on one my favorite topics: the art and craft of auditioning. Never one to rest on his laurels, John also shares the impetus behind his return to New York in the current off-Broadway play Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, which adapts General Dwight Eisenhower's memoirs, speeches, and letters into a one-man stage play. Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Maltby Jr. and the Curious Case of Nick & Nora's Failure on Broadway

This summer marked the beginning of my new podcast venture, Closing Night, where I delve deep into the captivating world of Broadway history. Our journey takes us through the tales of shows that have graced the Marquis Theater in the heart of Times Square. Among the unforgettable productions is the notorious musical Nick & Nora, boasting a creative team brimming with legendary figures of musical theater: director Arthur Laurents, composer Charles Strouse, and lyricist Richard Maltby Jr. Several years back, during my very first off-Broadway contract, I had the privilege of collaborating with Richard. He held the title of creative consultant, but in essence, he served as the de facto co-director of a groundbreaking new musical called The Magdalene. So when the time came to explore Nick & Nora on Closing Night, I couldn't resist reaching out to Richard to share his remarkable experiences with the show. And believe me, he's got some stories to tell... How Nick & Nora came to be and what led to its ultimate demise Other Maltby shows including Miss Saigon and Ain't Misbehavin' Follow Closing Night on Instagram and listen it on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jocelyn Panton Finds Freedom After Failure in the Pageant World and Being $50K in Debt

As a child, Jocelyn Panton attended a musical theater production that came to her hometown in Canada, and she just knew that’s what she wanted to do one day. Well, she stuck to that dream and has gone on to do television and film, including Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and the CW’s DC‘s Legends of Tomorrow, among others. But as any actor will tell you, money becomes an important part of our career, whether you actually have it or not. It can inform the decisions we make and the opportunities we can or can’t take advantage of, and at one point Jocelyn was $50,000 in debt because of acting expenses. She shares how she got out of debt, and what it taught her about the hustle needed to stay in this business. But as Jocelyn came to realize, family and personal life can mean so much more and are far more important than “making it” or not. INTRO - Our mutual degrees in Broadcasting STORY #1 - Learning from failure in the pageant world STORY #2 - Being $50,000 in debt from acting expenses STORY #3 - Connecting with herself in a deeper way from being a mom Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Knechtges Goes from Broadway Director to Artistic Director

Regional theater is really the lifeblood of the performing arts in America. It’s the place where we get that first spark and inspiration to become lifelong theatergoers or decide to become actors ourselves. But in recent years regional theaters have been struggling to find audiences and to just stay open. The pandemic caused some to close their doors for good, and the ones that remain suffered through uncertain futures. Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas was one such theater that canceled their season and lost millions of dollars in revenue and donations. But it slowly came back in 2021 and is about to start a new season under the leadership of its Tony-nominated artistic director, Dan Knechtges. He previously directed and choreographed Broadway shows like Xanadu and 110 in the Shade as well as his Broadway debut with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I’ve worked with him twice: at The Muny doing Seussical and then at TUTS with How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. We not only discuss Xanadu and his tenure at TUTS but we also delve into a creative crisis he faced, where he almost quit the business. It’s a candid conversation with one of the most approachable and down to earth directors I’ve ever worked with. INTRO - What he looks for in actors he works with STORY #1 - Landing Spelling Bee after a creative breakdown and giving up STORY #2 - Getting to choreograph Xanadu and then the struggling in previews STORY #3 - Transition from director/choreographer to artistic director/producer Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jelani Alladin Live at BroadwayCon!

In July of this summer, I did my very first BroadwayCon, which is an annual conference here in New York City about all things Broadway and theater, and while I was there, I got to be a part of events hosted by the Broadway Podcast Network. I conducted live interviews with two actors that I’ve had the pleasure of working with before: Jelani Alladin and Sharon Catherine Brown. Sharon’s interview will actually be featured in a few weeks on my other podcast Closing Night, so follow that theater history podcast on my episode about Jekyll & Hyde. But for today on this podcast, you’ll get to hear from Jelani Alladin as we discuss his time in Frozen and Hercules, and why the musical Violet is so meaningful and important to him. You’ll also get to hear his answers to the final five questions, which I usually reserve for WINMI subscribers, but that’s just some of the little treats you’ll be getting in this special episode live from BroadwayCon 2023.  INTRO - Working together in Boy Meets Girl in 2017 STORY #1 - Making his Broadway debut in Frozen STORY #2 - What he learned and why he got fired from Hercules STORY #3 - He didn't always love singing EXTRA - the final five questions Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noah Crandell Finds a Silver Lining in the Struggles of Being an Actor

In the midst of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the arts, there's a unique perspective rarely explored--that of artists just entering the performing arts world when Covid struck. In this episode, Noah Crandell shares how he not only survived these challenges but also experienced a profound personal and artistic transformation. Noah's visionary approach to theater sets him apart, and we delve into how college programs prepare actors (or fall short) for the real world of acting. Interestingly, he turned down auditions for Hamilton not once, but twice. We'll also uncover the deeper meaning and purpose Noah has found beyond theater, shedding light on why being more than just an actor is essential to him. So, stay tuned for this inspiring conversation about resilience and self-discovery amidst trying times. INTRO - How he caught the acting bug from the Red Sea STORY #1 - Leaving NYC after a terrible year of auditioning STORY #2 - Saying no to Hamilton...twice! STORY #3 - rejecting the notion of always doing something to better your career Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Closing Night at the Marquis Theatre!

Last year, the idea for a new theater history podcast came up as Dan Delgado and I were working on The Little Prince episodes. Well, it took me awhile to get the ball rolling, but the first season of Closing Night is finally here with a focus on Broadway's Marquis Theater. This first episode preview covers the contentious history of this theater and the protests that surrounded its construction. Future episodes will chronicle the many troubled productions that have come and gone in this theater's young history. Click here to follow and listen to Closing Night on your favorite podcast app! --- This podcast is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer. Much appreciation goes to Joe Rosenberg and Mark Robinson for their insights, Tim Dolan for his support, Robert Armin who captured those street protests back in 1982, as well as the voice talents of our own Dan Delgado and Kate McClanaghan from Actors’ SOUND ADVICE. Click here for a transcript and full list of resources used in this episode (and there were a lot of them believe me). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Lampanelli, The Queen of Mean Makes Nice and Gets Personal About Life on the Stage

I was in college when I first discovered Lisa Lampanelli, a stand-up comedian, insult comic, actress, and writer who is known for her sharp wit, fearless humor, and ability to push the boundaries of comedy. She has legions of fans around the country and has performed on countless stages across the country, released numerous albums and appeared on various TV specials. So it is an honor to have Lisa on the podcast as we explore her unique style of comedy that made her a staple in the entertainment industry. It's an intimate and no-holds barred conversation of her triumphs, struggles, and setbacks throughout her career in stand-up comedy. INTRO - Her connection to Lisa Howard, and the off-Broadway play she wrote STORY #1 - Why she retired from stand-up and what she's been doing STORY #2 - Food addiction and weight loss (and why not to trust the internet!) STORY #3 - Her connection to the LGBT community and the Gay Men's Health Crisis Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

E. Clayton Cornelious on Persistence and Opportunity as a Broadway Actor and Producer

E Clayton Cornelious has been a part of 10 Broadway shows: in the ensemble, as an understudy and swing, as well as in starring roles, and even as a producer. And in one of those he made an appearance in voiceover. And it is this diversity of work that we will be talking about today. It will shed light on the fact that things haven’t been as easy for him as it may seem. He’s had to overcome some definite obstacles, and gather a bit of persistence along the way. So from the bright lights of Broadway to his own quiet moments of reflection, we'll hear about a career that is always evolving and the resilience it takes to navigate this ever-changing industry. STORY #1 - Coming to NYC at 19 with bags packed thinking he had a job and realizing he still had to audition STORY #2 - When he tore my ACL in 2009 on the Dirty Dancing Tour STORY #3 - Going on tour with Kinky Boots and not really loving it to the point it made him question his place in this industry Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award Nominees Talk About RAGTIME and XANADU on Broadway

My first conversation is with Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who I am so grateful to have met for the first time in this interview. We had a wonderful discussion about her 2009 production of Ragtime that started at the Kennedy Center in D.C. and then transferred to Broadway later that year. Though that revival had a short run, she did receive a Tony nomination for best direction. The second conversation is with Dan Knetgches, and we have worked together on a couple of shows. The first was Seussical at The Muny in St. Louis, and the other was How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Theater Under the Stars in Houston, where Dan is now the Artistic Director. He and I discuss his 2008 Broadway production of Xanadu, which earned him a Tony nomination for best choreography. It’s directors like Dan and Marcia who put in countless hours of work to bring a show to life, and they deserve our recognition and gratitude, which is what this special episode is all about. Because without them, musical theater wouldn’t be the magical experience that we know and love. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sidney Myer Found a Home and Family in New York Cabarets

Cabarets have been an integral part of New York City's cultural fabric for over a century, offering a unique blend of entertainment, social commentary, and artistic expression. From the early 1900s to the present day, cabarets have served as a hub for artistic experimentation and innovation. They have also served as a launching pad for many Broadway stars, including Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Audra McDonald, and others who got their start honing skills and building a loyal fan base before transitioning to the Broadway stage. The intimacy and informality of cabaret performances have allowed performers to develop their craft and connect with audiences in a way that is impossible in larger, more formal venues. And here in New York there’s been one man in particular helping artists find their voice onstage.  Sidney Myer has been a cabaret booking manager for four decades at venues like Don’t Tell Mama, Rose’s Turn, and Panache. He’s also a performer himself, having won MAC and Bistro Awards (MAC stands for Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs). As Sidney can attest to, cabarets offer performers a chance to showcase their vocal talents and connect with audiences on a personal level. They have given voice to marginalized communities, including African Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants. Through this cabarets have played a significant role in shaping New York’s cultural identity as well as giving a home to many artists like Sidney. STORY #1 - The struggles he faced at an all male prep school, especially when he happened to say he liked Judy Garland instead of the TV show Bonanza. STORY #2 - The random set of events that led up to his first acting experience in summer stock theater. STORY #3 - A very special act that he recruited to open up a new nightclub. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why I’ll Never Make It Joins the Broadway Podcast Network!

Well, after more than five years, Why I’ll Never Make It is taking a big leap forward as a Podcast, joining the highly respected and expansive Broadway Podcast Network. So over the coming weeks, you’ll notice some changes to the podcast format. You’ll hear that short ID tag before every episode, and there will also be something that this podcast has never had: advertisements.  For years I have remained a tried and true independent podcaster, but with the ever-increasing costs of producing a podcast, this move to the Broadway Podcast Network is an exciting new chapter in growing this podcast and helping sustain it for many seasons to come. Thank you so much for listening to this podcast, and I hope you will continue to enjoy the guests and conversations throughout the rest of this season and beyond. Why I’ll Never Make It is actually starting to make it a bit, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corrie Legge Shares How Choices Have Shaped Her Acting Career

Previous guest Michael Kushner loves to use the term multi-hyphenate to illustrate the many ways we can express our creative selves. Well, Corrie Legge describes herself as a multi-passionate actor, having performed in television, film, theater, commercials, video games, audiobooks, and more. She's also a filmmaker and a coach, helping others to build thriving creative careers without having to sacrifice a fulfilling personal life in the process. Corrie and I spoke earlier this year about a particular struggle she faced that actually led her into work as a voiceover artist, which she now balances with her other role of being a mother. But we start off talking about back-to-back experiences that made her question even pursuing a career in theater altogether.  STORY #1 - Back-to-back negative experiences in theater & not taking those experiences personally EXTRAS - Letting go of fear in performance and auditions STORY #2 - How an adopted dog led her into voiceover work STORY #3 - Balancing motherhood and a career as an artist & how parenthood has made her a better actor SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Canfora Continues to Learn as a Playwright, Even From His Critics

Writing is by its very nature, a solitary practice. Whether with pen and paper or in front of a computer screen, it is generally time spent alone, creating a world of characters and stories. Acting, on the other hand is generally a collaborative and shared effort in bringing those characters and stories to life. Psychologist Marti Olsen Laney says that writing and speaking use different pathways in the brain. Extroverts tend to speak more easily in front of others, while the writing pathways simply seem to flow more fluently and easily for introverts. So it is always a unique combination when a playwright becomes an actor or vice versa. Jack began his theater career as an actor, but now primarily writes plays like Jericho and Poetic License, both critically-praised works for their dialogue. In our conversation, we talk about these two plays as well as some of the hard lessons he’s learned in producing plays in general. We also discuss the parallels between acting and writing, and how each one has helped improve the other. But like any creative endeavor, it’s a back-and-forth process of elimination, that includes being able to take feedback and comments. So with this episode I’m going to start sharing comments I get from listeners like you. Because whether its podcasting or playwriting, it’s important to highlight and expand upon what works and either improve or outright eliminate what doesn’t. STORY #1 - Learning from a harsh but accurate NY Times review STORY #2 - A high-profile play reading that didn't go as Jack had hoped & the collaborative nature of playwriting STORY #3 - Jack makes a major mistake as an actor...in his own play EXTRAS - Working with directors as a playwright (and actor) SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remembering Phantom of the Opera with Cast Member Jeremy Stolle (REWIND)

It took 35 years, but Phantom of the Opera has finally left Broadway. It was a show that I first discovered in high school, and I went on to perform “Music of the Night” several times in high school and college. So when I moved to New York in 2008, Phantom was certainly at the top of my list of musicals that I wanted to audition for. I did actually get to audition for Raoul as well as Monsieurs Fermin and Andre, with multiple packets of music and sides, but it just wasn’t meant to be. #whyillnevermakeit However, I’ve known and worked with several people who have gone on to perform in this amazing show. One of those is Jeremy Stolle, who was with the show for 15 years. He joined me at the end of last season to share his experiences with the show and with the closing of Phantom, I wanted to revisit that conversation and share some highlights as he talked about playing the role of Raoul and the Phantom himself. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Kushner Embraces and Defends the Multi-Hyphenate Performing Artist

There was a study that came out the year before the pandemic called “Quantifying and Predicting Success in Show Business.” It starts off by saying that the unemployment rate for actors hovers around 90% —now, this was before Covid, when unemployment shot up to 100% for all actors. More recent statistics, however, show us bouncing back with about 85% of actors unemployed at any given time, while only 12.08% earn more than $1000 a year. Now, any actor who’s been around for a while has probably heard these doomsday numbers before. This is why being a multi-hyphenate can be extremely beneficial-- not only for us professionally, but personally as well. Michael Kushner is an expert at multi-hyphenating—he's producer, director, podcaster, actor, photographer, and educator. Earlier this year he added author to that list, when he released his first book titled How to Be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business. It’s full of conversations, advice, and tips from his wonderful podcast called Dear Multi-Hyphenate. More importantly, though, he’s the partner, and soon to be husband of another former guest of this podcast, Remy Germinario, and so it’s great to bring Michael here to talk about his own career—the challenges he’s faced in figuring out its many paths and what it’s taught him about his own value and worth as an artist.  INTRO - Michael and Patrick discuss his upcoming marriage STORY #1 - Almost making his New York City debut STORY #2 - The long-term effect of Covid on his life and work  STORY #3 - Why people think he's given up acting (even though he hasn't) EXTRA: Michael answers the Final Five questions EXTRA: Michael shares his audition story for '13' the musical on Broadway SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jocelyn Jones Helps Actors and Individuals Awaken Their Artistry and Creativity

Recently, I went googling for articles about downsizing and simplifying my life, and I found this one called Simple Living Manifesto, which sounded great. But then the title of the blog post was “72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life“ — who has time for 72 ideas?? That doesn’t sound simple to me, but in all fairness, the writer did give a short list before going into that very long list of ideas. And on the shortlist, they were only two steps: 1) identify what’s most important to you and 2) eliminate everything else.  Figuring out what’s important to us can sometimes be a little difficult, and today’s guest is Jocelyn Jones, who has spent her career figuring out ways to simplify the way we actors move and interact on stage, and how we use our energy in performance has been an in-demand acting teacher for over thirty years. From A-list movie stars to hand-picked beginners, and she is here with us today offering insights that can enhance our confidence, guide us in own unique perspective, and leave us with some inspirational nuggets of wisdom. She’ll also be sharing insights from her most recent bestselling book Artist: Awakening the Spirit Within, which provides a blueprint for awakening and connecting to the spirit within each of us. And this is useful for all individuals, whether you’re in the arts or not. Because, as Jocelyn believes, each of us has artistry and creativity within us that should be respected and cared for.  STORY #1 - Overcoming loneliness and connecting with nature as a child EXTRAS - Can anyone be a good actor? STORY #2 - Discovering her own way of learning as the result of dyslexia  STORY #3 - Overcoming age stereotypes by producing work in her 70's SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maestra and Their Efforts to AMPLIFY Women & Non-binary People in the Musical Theater

Music director Julianne Merrill and broadcast technology director Jessica Ryan join the podcast for Women's History Month, to talk about Maestra and their annual Amplify concert.   Maestra was founded by composer Georgia Stitt (who has been on this podcast before), and Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin (also a former guest) hosts the third annual evening of music by Maestras like Cyndi Lauper, Debra Monk, Brenda Russell, and Lucy Simon. Their music performed by some of Broadway’s brightest stars, including: Abby Mueller, Andy Kelso, Alysha Umphress, Bre Jackson, and Blake Stadnik (yet another former WINMI guest). Amplify is a hybrid event, with in-person performances at in New York City and a virtual simulcast with online-only features by our partners at All Together Now (Jessica's company) available worldwide on March 27, 2023. Learn more about Maestra and how you can help them Amplify women musicians. Jessica mentioned Broadway statistics on female composers, find them here on Maestra's website. STORY #1 - What drew Jessica and Julianne to the arts STORY #2 - The intersection of technology and the arts and how Actors Equity is (not) helping theaters embrace the digital age STORY #3 - Maestra's mission and impact & the Amplify concert SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Howard on Originating Roles on Broadway and the Unjust Stigma Associated with Plus-Sized Actors

As collaborative as theater can be, there are sometimes when the creative process can be more like herding cats—with no clear direction as everyone tries to get on the same page…hopefully. And that’s Broadway or community theater, a web series or major motion picture. I’ve certainly been in shows that started off a bit chaotic but got better as the cast and creative team could unify around a singular vision for the show. But today’s guest has a few stories about the various ways shows come together, some more successful than others.  Lisa Howard began her Broadway career almost 20 years ago with a little show with a big name: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Since then she’s gone on to originate roles in three other Broadway shows and will be talking about two of them in this episode. The first is 9 to 5, which she calls one of the roughest rehearsal periods she’s ever gone through, followed up by Escape to Margaritaville, a fun show for the cast that didn’t find as much fun here in New York City. And we end with a discussion of a topic that she says comes up in every interview--but for this podcast, she wanted to talk about it on her own terms rather than it being something someone else found brave or unusual. INTRO - performing in 42ND STREET at Goodspeed & what made SPELLING BEE so much fun STORY #1 - 9 TO 5's rough and challenging rehearsal process STORY #2 - Escape to Margaritaville was fun for the cast but not audiences  STORY #3 - how being plus-sized is portrayed onstage and in interviews Audio clips in this episode were used from Ghostlight Records and 2005 Tony Awards. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharon Catherine Brown (Part 2) - Performing in Milestone TV Shows & Knowing Our Worth as Actors

One of the important aspects of Black History Month is that it’s not just about what happened 50, 100, 200 years ago. It’s also about the present, the world around us and what’s happening now to bring greater representation and celebration of African-American accomplishments and contributions. Of course, we should recognize and respect what has come before us. Black history is an integral part of American history and culture. But it’s also important to recognize the lives and experiences of those we meet and work with everyday. Sharon Catherine Brown, or ShayCat as I came to know her during our recent production of Anne of Green Gables, is someone with such a rich history of experiences and a wealth of knowledge and insight from her 45 years as an actress and singer on both stage and screen, notably in TV shows with all-black casts like Good Times, The Jeffersons, and A Different World. It is a surety of herself and confidence in her actions that makes her someone to admire and applaud. Not because she’s better than you or me, not because she’s got it all together (which she'd be the first person to admit that's not the case), but rather because she is one of us, she’s gone through her own challenges and felt the ups and downs of this career and has come through them a better performer and a better person. STORY #3 - a actor's nightmare experience onstage in Flora, The Red Menace EXTRA- milestone TV shows she was a part of with all-black casts & the importance of knowing our worth as actor Listen to PART 1 of my conversation with Sharon. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharon Catherine Brown (Part 1) - Born to Be a Drama Queen in Her Broadway Family

One essential ingredient to any actors career is experience. It allows us to develop our craft and hone our skills over time. With each performance, we refine techniques, learn from mistakes, and develop greater emotional and psychological depth in our performances. But this growth in credibility and authenticity in acting comes as much from our offstage lives as it does from our onstage experiences. And today’s guest shares both personal and professional challenges that have shaped her not only into a great actress, but an amazing person as well. Sharon Catherine Brown has appeared in films like A Chorus Line and Sister Act 2, in soap operas like Generations, and sitcoms like The Jeffersons, Good Times, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But theater is where she got her start and remains her first love. From Broadway productions of Dreamgirls and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the national tours of The Wiz, Rent, and Jekyll & Hyde, ShayCat (as she’s known to friends) has the kind of experiences and resume that any actor would love to have. She and I met this past year doing a new musical version of the classic novel, Anne of Green Gables. And in part one of our conversation, she shares with us the long line of performers in her family (namely Johnny Brown, her father), a harrowing experience in her first Broadway show (Maggie Flynn), and the moment she knew she was born to be a drama queen. STORY #1 - Coming from a long line of Broadway performers STORY #2 - The moment she knew she was a drama queen  EXTRAS - Performing difficult scenes with children as well as adults and Productions needing to cast big names to get an audience Listen to PART 2 of my conversation with Sharon. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake Stadnik from ”This Is Us” Doesn’t Let His Disability Stop Him Onstage or in Life

One of the joys that can come from being an actor, besides getting to perform on stage and feeling the energy of a live audience, is that of working and collaborating with other wonderful actors onstage as well as building friendships off stage. Throughout the past six seasons, I’ve had the pleasure of bringing on some of these wonderful castmates, and not only share their stories, but get to learn a little more about them as well. This past year I was cast in my second production of 42nd Street, this time at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. You heard from Kate Baldwin last season, and so for the first episode of this season, I wanted to bring on another wonderful performer from that production.  Blake Stadnik is probably most well known for his role as Jack Damon in NBC’s This Is Us, but he’s actually been performing since childhood thanks to his mother, who introduced him to dancing and performing after he lost the majority of his eyesight due to Stargardt’s Disease. He went on, though, to get his BFA in musical theater from Penn State University. In our conversation, Blake will talk more about this disease and how it’s impacted his life on and off stage. We’ll also discuss the responsibilities of being an actor, and how Blake has had to remind himself at times why he is a performer. Lastly, he shares the tragic events that led to his father’s passing, the impact of that loss, and the ways in which he carries on his father’s legacy. STORY #1 - Not getting cast because of his disability STORY #2 - Blake's internal struggle with selfishness for being an actor  STORY #3 - Losing his father just as he was about to start This Is Us SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season Seven!

Welcome to Season Seven of Why I’ll Never Make It, an award-winning theater podcast. After a few weeks off, I’m so excited to be back for another year of great guests and wonderful discussions. Some of these artists are just getting started in the business, while others are Tony-nominated actors and directors.  I’m your host and producer, Patrick Oliver Jones, an actor and singer living in New York City with more than 30 years of experience. This season I’ll be talking with guests every other week as they share meaningful stories and experiences that have affected them and their careers. The defining moments uncover personal setbacks as well as professional failures.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bettering Our Mindset with ”Dr. Drama” Alisa Hurwtiz, PsyD (REWIND)

As we start off this new year, I’m continuing where we left off last week with Brooke McNamara by talking with another psychologist, Alisa Hurwitz. In this episode from 2020, we dive into why mindset is so important and how we as actors can better handle rejection and the challenges we face in this business. Each of us has an inner voice that can be very loud and persuasive. Hopefully, it’s pushing us to do better and reminding us of all we can accomplish, but sometimes it leads us to believe that the theater industry is too hard by constantly telling us we’re not good enough or don’t deserve an amazing acting career. With an inner critic like that it can be really difficult to motivate ourselves to keep going, to go to that next audition. The very title of this podcast is an example of the ways in which we can stifle our own potential. Yes, training and talent are certainly important too, but it’s our mindset that is the key to using our training and talent to their fullest extent. Her moniker Dr. Drama comes from her many analytical interviews, discussions, and articles on theater, specifically her lifelong passion for musical theater. She’s even consulted on regional and off Broadway productions on elements related to psychological concepts and mental health issues. So she is the perfect person to help us face some of the realities of this make-believe world of theater, a profession that can bring us tremendous joy but also disappointment and frustration. STORY #1- Setting Realistic and Aspirational Goals  STORY #2- Defining Success as an Actor STORY #3- The Peter Principle EXTRAS- Comparing Ourselves to Others EXTRAS- Our Performance Onstage and Online EXTRAS- Strategies of How to Push Forward in Life and Career EXTRAS- The (Not-So) Secret of Positive Thinking SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bettering our Acting Training and Practice with Brooke Macnamara (REWIND)

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to Why I’ll Never Make It! The next season is just a few weeks away and I wanted to start off the year by going back to conversations I had to with two psychologists in 2020. I think their insights are a good reminder for us as we continue to grow and better ourselves as artists. In this episode you’ll hear from Brooke MacNamara, Ph.D. We talk about the amount of training, coaching, and practice it takes to continually hone our craft as performers. One often talked about strategy is called the 10,000 Hours Rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his 2008 book Outliers: The Story of Success. This rewind episode focuses on this rule, its implications, and how or if it can even be applied to us as artists. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Look Back at 2022

Happy birthday and thank you for joining me as Why I’ll Never Make It turns 5 years old today! It was on December 28, 2017 that this theater podcast began from very humble beginnings and has slowly gained attention and even some accolades in the past five years of talking with actors and creative professionals. There’s a certain kind of magic in the art of theatre, as the Tony award-winning actor Brian Stokes Mitchell once said, ”It has the power to transform an audience, an individual, or en masse, to transform them and give them an epiphanic experience that changes their life, opens their hearts and their minds and the way they think.” The same can be said of podcasting as well. Why I’ll Never Make It strives to engage and enlighten with every episode as I have insightful and meaningful conversations with artists who truly share from the heart about their own experiences and challenges in this industry. And in this anniversary episode I’ll be sharing some of those former guests of the past year as well as provide an overview for what this podcast has accomplished in 2022. Guests mentioned and featured in this retrospective episode... Matt Vinson and Matte O'Brien - writers of Anne of Green Gables Kate Baldwin - Tony-nominated actress Barton Cowperthwaite - dancer and actor on stage and screen Elizabeth Swain - acting teacher and Broadway actress Steven Warner - former child actor and professional ice skater Brian Patacca - podcaster and life coach for actors Briana Packen - actress and movement coach Al Blackstone - Emmy-winning director and choreographer Judy Tenuta - award-winning comedian Muriel Miguel - Artistic Director of Native American Spiderwoman Theater Company SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angela Lansbury and Her Bumpy Road to MAME on Broadway

Back in October of this year we lost a beloved star of the stage and screen, Angela Lansbury. Her performing career spanned 80 years in which she received six Tony Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and one Laurence Olivier Award. Despite her years in television and movies (her last film role was Glass Onion in 2022), theater was always her first love, having appeared in 14 Broadway productions and four national tours. As you’ll hear in this special episode (with a big help from fellow podcaster Dan Delgado), it was a long and bumpy journey towards the role in Mame that would cement her Broadway career and earn her that first Tony Award. You'll hear from composer Jerry Herman and from Angela Lansbury herself in this unlikely audition story of how a character actress from the movies became a leading lady on Broadway. Episode research and sources: "Look Back at Angela Lansbury in the Original Broadway Production of Mame" - Playbill "How Angela Became Mame" - Medium But Darling, I'm Your Auntie Mame! by Richard Tyler Jordan (2004) Anyone Can Whistle - Wikipedia MAME - Wikipedia Sound bites came from these full interviews: Angela Lansbury Discusses Mame - Television Academy Broadway MAME - Sony MasterWorks Broadway ANYONE CAN WHISTLE - Sony MasterWorks Jerry Herman with Barbara Walters on 20/20 (1984) Lansbury with Barbara Walters (1985) Herman Interview for Musical Theater Guild Herman on NPR  “Open a New Window” - 1971 Tonys Awards "We Need a Little Christmas" Piano Version - Steven C Opening Night of MAME in 1966 - Fred Robbins, radio reporter At times certain reports or articles conflicted on particular details or order of events, so best efforts were made to rely on the most reliable sources and err on the side of those who knew more about the events surrounding Lansbury's journey. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Stolle Shares 15 Years at Phantom of the Opera and the Struggles He Faced Getting There

Back in September of this year, news came out that both shook and shocked the Broadway theater world: Phantom of the Opera will be closing and have its final performance in February 2023. After 35 years, the longest running Broadway show in history, this iconic show was going to be leaving the Majestic Theater for good. That closing date has since been updated to April 16th, no doubt due to the increase in ticket sales after that initial closing announcement, nonetheless the end of an era is near. And my guest today has been on Broadway with this show for 15 years, and he’ll be sharing some fascinating and funny stories from his long tenure with Phantom of the Opera. Jeremy Stolle and I first met doing Gaston at Disney World down in Florida. Now, if that sounds familiar to you, Will Swenson is another Broadway actor who’s been on the podcast, and he and I also shared Gaston duties during my time at Disney World, but Jeremy left Disney and came to New York a little bit before me, and during his years with Phantom has performed the featured part of Passarino in the ensemble, the supporting role of Piangi, and has also played the two leading roles of Raoul as well as the Phantom himself. We talk about what has kept him at the show for so long and the various opportunities, experiences, and mishaps it’s given him these past 15 years.  Story #1: Phantom and the infamous swoosh Story #2: Raoul and the cheeky bow Story #3: Meeting his idol, Anthony Warlow  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Jeremy talks about one of the many times he has auditioned for Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Although, this time he tried a different take on the character, with hilarious results. Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Tam and The Slants Battle Asian Stereotypes and the Supreme Court

During the past 30 years there’s been a growing list of pop and rock musicians trying their hand at musical theater. And they range in style and scope from artists like Cindy Lauper, Dolly Parton, and Elton John to rock bands like The Who, Green Day, and The Go-Go’s. Well, today’s guest has been venturing into musical theater and is from a band you may not have heard of, but their name is certainly one you’re not likely to forget: The Slants. Simon Tam, founder and bassist of the all-Asian rock band, has recently begun a transition from rock star to musical writer, and he shares why this new artistic endeavor is so important to him. But his path up till now has taken some surprising turns... We talk about the bullying he faced as a child just because he’s Chinese. He gives the reasons why he and the band turned down not one but two million-dollar contracts. And then there's the famous eight-year trademark battle that ultimately landed him and the band’s name at the Supreme Court. It’s what has branded Simon as a Troublemaker -- a name he now wears as a badge of honor. The Slants Foundation In 2018, members of Asian-American dance rock band The Slants decided to expand their cultural work by using their platform, resources, and experience to better serve the community. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to changing culture using arts and activism. They seek to amplify underrepresented voices, especially those within the Asian-American community and those addressing controversial and timely issues through a social justice lens. If you're an AAPI artist or what to join their cause, please learn more about The Slants Foundation. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: The Slants took band membership very seriously, and Simon used to make candidates applying for my band fill out a 4 page questionnaire, then audition on stage in an empty venue while being filmed. Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Curtis Found Fame as the Dell Dude But Found Himself as the Wellness Dude

Do you want to be famous or do you want to be an actor? Very few truly achieve both. For most of us it’s a choice, and the direction we choose impacts the roles and opportunities that we pursue going forward. Today’s guest has been presented with both during his career and came to discover which one mattered more to him.  Bettering Ourselves, Bettering Our Careers (Part 3) In the early 2000s, Ben Curtis was training to be a serious actor at NYU, but one commercial audition for Dell computers completely changed the trajectory of his life and career. He became the face of the computer company, performing in about 26 national commercials over the span of four years. Ben shares with us the lessons he learned from reaching a level of fame that he never imagined, but he also talks about how it led him down some dark paths that took him years to resolve and come out of. 02:28 - Welcome and Ben talks about coming to NYC 06:02 - Story #1: Becoming the Dell Dude 11:01 - The business of commercial acting 16:34 - When Ben realized he was "famous" 21:31 - Story #2: The reality check of getting arrested 33:55 - Story #3: Surviving 9/11 through drugs and alcohol 41:14 - Lessons he has learned and now shares with other men Subscribe to WINMI and get Bonus Episodes  OR Make a one-time Donation to the podcast ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is hosted by Off-Broadway actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media, LLC. It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Background music in the episode by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube   Dude, You're Getting Well  Ben's mission with the podcast is to share the real challenges that leaders, innovators, and influencers face every day as humans -- to show that it's okay to be human and have hard days, that all people experience pain and challenges. He wants to shed light on how we overcome these odds, the tools that we can use for self-care and sur-thrival, all while growing our vision and sharing these lessons with others.     Audition Story In this week’s bonus episode, Ben shares an experience back in Chattanooga when he had to choose between playing on the school’s soccer team or doing theater. He couldn’t do both. While you can probably guess which one he chose, as often happens it didn’t quite turn out quite the way he had hoped. Subscribe to WINMI and get access to this and other bonus episodes. Final Five Questions In this interview, Ben shared his journey from fame to failure and points in-between. And the conversation continues on the WINMI Blog as he answers five final questions about “making it” and useful advice he's received. Discover even more about Ben here.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elaine Romanelli Battles Criticism and Self-Doubt as a Singer and Songwriter

One of the greatest obstacles to becoming a better performer is thinking you aren’t good enough, that the dreams and aspirations you have for yourself are just too far out of reach and beyond your capability. So in today’s episode we explore that feeling with someone who knows all too well the crippling effect of self-doubt and self-criticism. Elaine Romanelli is a singer, songwriter, and actress who has performed off Broadway and on radio as well as hosted an improvised streaming show and released three vocal albums of original music. She also teaches singers and composes church music, so Elaine stays pretty busy. But she also recognizes the importance of fostering collaboration and finding her own tribe of like-minded souls. Not only has it helped her as she continues to create new work, but it has been a source of support when her own confidence is tested and that self-doubt creeps back in. Story #1: Why she left classical music Story #2: Losing her singing partner and going solo Story #3: Finding connection and her own tribe Final Five Questions In this interview, Elaine explores her journey from singer to songwriter with hopes of returning to theater again soon and the conversation continues on the WINMI Blog as she answers five final questions about “making it” and lessons she’s learned along the way. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Elaine talks about a time when she was determined to show her personality and bring a bit of levity to the audition process…and singing a song about farting certainly helped her achieve that goal. Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jules Helm Explores Personal Growth and Self-Discovery On Stage and Off

Jules Helm chats about how to focus on self-care and personal growth by using movement and acting techniques to bring both our mind and body into alignment. He will be sharing his own journey of self discovery as he learned to better love himself and be more comfortable with others, keeping performance onstage rather than having it mask the rest of his life as well. We will also get into the various techniques he teaches to bring actors into a more authentic presentation of themselves as well as their characters. As Jules says, “The first step toward great acting is deeper self-discovery and realization,” which is a great place for us to start bettering ourselves and bettering our careers. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dena Hammerstein, from Actress & Writer to Producer & Founder of Only Make Believe (REWIND)

Back in 2008, I made the move to New York City to finally pursue my acting career here. And after a couple of years of doing regional work, though, I was looking for more opportunities that could keep me in the city. So I went to the Actors Fund (now called the more generic Entertainment Community Fund and featured on previous episodes), and at that time they offered assistance to actors looking to beef up their non-performing resume. I talked with someone about places I’d work at in the past, and she asked if I had considered approaching non-profit organizations. Of the ones I looked through, the one that stood out to me was a children’s charity called Only Make Believe. I sent them an email and setup a time to meet with a woman named Melissa who was in charge of their volunteers at the time. That was in March of 2010, and what began as a few hours here and there of volunteer office help led to part-time work as their Media Consultant and assisting with their gala and other marketing efforts.  Learn more about this amazing children's organization: https://www.onlymakebelieve.org And all of it was the idea of one woman: Dena Hammerstein. She started out as a British actress who eventually came to the US, met and married into a famous Broadway family, and began producing shows here in New York. In 1999, Dena established Only Make Believe, and every November since 2001 they have held their annual gala to raise funds and awareness for the work they do. In the last episode you heard from Joe DiPietro about his beginnings with the organization, but today you’ll hear from the founder herself in this encore presentation of our conversation back in 2018 for a special segment of this podcast called The Spotlight Series. At the time Dena was still head of the whole organization. We talk about her early years as a TV and film actress in London and then what led her to establish Only Make Believe. Find out a bit more about Dena's early years in TV and film: IMDB   Giving Dena a Better Episode When this interview was originally recorded back in 2018, I only had one microphone and guests and myself would sit on either side of that mic for the interviews, so audio quality wasn’t that great. For this episode I’ve been able to go back and improve that audio quality as best I can, thanks in part to the financial support of listeners like you.  Get Bonus Episodes by supporting WINMI with a monthly subscription OR Donate to this podcast and help further its production efforts Also in 2020, as the pandemic was upon us and Dena was spending more and more time in London, it seemed the appropriate time for her to step aside. So I’ve edited this conversation (using better software, thanks again to listener support) as a reminder of her legacy and the important work she has left to a new generation of capable leadership as they carry on Dena’s vision for years to come.       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe DiPietro and How Theater Has Made a Difference in His Own Life

Joe DiPietro is certainly no stranger to theater and has been writing for the stage since 1991. His musicals and plays have received multiple awards and nominations on and off-Broadway, including Memphis starring Montego Glover and All Shook Up with Cheyenne Jackson. He talks about these two talented performers and shares his affection for Only Make Believe, a non-profit theater company that has been creating and performing live in-person and virtual interactive theater for children in hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs for 23 years. We also get into two of his most recent Broadway shows: Diana, the Musical and Living on Love, his lone Broadway play so far (starring former WINMI guest Douglas Sills). Both shows had their own challenges coming and surviving on Broadway. In fact, Diana filmed their stage production for Netflix during the Covid shutdown, and that movie notoriously went on to win Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Screenplay and Worst Picture, among others. Joe takes it all in stride and shares with us not only his passion for theater, but also what has kept him going through the ups and downs. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muriel Miguel and the Art of Story Weaving Her Native American Experiences

The art of theater is really just storytelling, and the stories that are told from region to region often come from within those communities and offer a shared experience on the stage. Broadway illustrates this with musicals like In the Heights, Allegiance, and The Color Purple—even shows like Noises Off and 42nd Street provide a backstage glimpse of the theater community. Well, today’s guest is here to share her stories as a Native American, and the specific experiences that have helped her foster and create a unique kind of storytelling that values the past as much as the present and future.  Muriel Miguel has been working in the world of experimental theater since the 1960s, when she was an actor in the Open Theater, a pioneering avant-garde ensemble founded by the visionary director Joseph Chaikin. When Spiderwoman Theater was formed in 1975 by Muriel and her two older sisters Lisa and Gloria, she conceived of it as a direct push back against the sexism that she says was plaguing the American Indian Movement at the time.  As part of her creative journey, Muriel developed the art of storyweaving, which is Spiderwoman’s signature Indigenous performance practice. You’ll learn more about this as Muriel intertwines stories and experiences throughout our conversation, sharing important moments that have shaped who she is as a woman, a Native American, and an artist. Final Five Questions After our main conversation, Muriel sat down to answer the five final questions. Among several topics, she shares what success has meant to her (a continuation of what she said at the very end of this episode) and what frustrates her most about this industry, particularly in New York City. Read it all on the WINMI Blog.   SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Muriel recounts the time as a teen when she auditioned as a dancer at Julliard...without ballet slippers. Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Become a monthly subscriber to get access to this and other bonus episodes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricky Schroeder and Why Booking a Show Doesn’t Always Mean You’ve Booked the Show

The life of an actor is often a cross between a seesaw and a rollercoaster. Sometimes it’s as simple as an up or down choice between opportunities and trying to find the balance between life and work. Other times we are just along for the ride, going in directions we can’t control. Today’s guest reminds us how unpredictable that rollercoaster be and the difficulty in finding balance. Ricky Schroeder has been dancing since he was 3 years old and has gone on to do a variety of projects from musicals like Kinky Boots and Hairspray Live ,to television shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Pose. Now, his name may sound similar to another actor from Silver Spoons and NYPD Blue, but on Twitter he’s quick to point out he’s not that Ricky Schroder. In fact, he’s been working to make his mark as more than just a dancer, but also as an actor, singer, and even improv performer. This conversation with Ricky will be slightly different from other episodes as it highlights a journey common to all actors, one of hopeful expectation as well disappointing missed opportunities.  Final Five with Ricky Schroeder  After this conversation, Ricky sat down to answer the five final questions. Among several topics, he shares why "making it" is an elusive concept and how social media can put undue pressure on some performers. Read it all on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Baldwin Looks for Deeper Creative Purpose When Performing 8 Times a Week

For only the second time in my career, I’m doing back to back shows at the same theater. First there was Anne of Green Gables this past summer and now there’s 42nd Street here at the Goodspeed Opera House. It’s a show I’ve did a few years back and in the same role as too, only this time there’s a lead producer who’s working to bring this production (and hopefully its cast) to Broadway. It has Carina-Kay Louchiey as the young starlet Peggy Sawyer and Max von Essen as the hard-nosed director Julian Marsh. I’m in the role of Pat Denning, playing opposite one of my favorite leading ladies of Broadway... Kate Baldwin, who plays the veteran actress Dorothy Brock, joins the podcast to talk about this current production of 42nd Street and why it means so much to the both us. Then we take a surprisingly candid and unvarnished look at her career and why she was told she’d probably never have one in theater. We also discuss the ways we performers often compare ourselves to others and how to handle those times when someone else books the show instead of us. As Kate mentions in this episode, she and Georgia Stitt have worked together for years. And it was back in 2017 that MAESTRA MUSIC was formed by this composer/lyricist and music director to give support, visibility, and community to the women who make the music in the musical theater industry. Their membership is made up of female-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming composers, music directors, orchestrators, arrangers, copyists, rehearsal pianists and other musicians who are an underrepresented minority in musical theater (Back in Season 4,Stitt came on this podcast to talk about her career and this wonderful organization). FINAL FIVE QUESTIONS WITH KATE BALDWIN In addition to our main conversation, Kate answered the five final questions on topics that we only briefly touched on in this episode. She shares her definition of "making it" as well as what annoyed her most about some singers (riffing). She also discusses music directors, her early days in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and the importance of going where you are loved. Read it all on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Acito and the Steep Learning Curve from Theater Writer to Filmmaker

Sometime before the pandemic, I auditioned for a small off-Broadway production of the Lerner and Loewe musical The Day Before Spring. It was at the York Theater, which is known for refreshing older musicals that have had a shorter shelf-life. I wasn’t cast in that particular production, and like most failed auditions I put it out of my mind as soon as it was done, but I never was able to forget the director behind the table, and so I finally reached out to bring him onto the podcast. Marc Acito is a playwright, novelist, and director. He talks about the work that he does in adapting older shows or contemporary works, bringing fresh set of eyes and perspective to creative process. Marc is also a writer of his own work from plays like Bastard Jones and novels including How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theater to short films like Mad/Woman. Through each of these mediums, has fallen short, but he’d be the first to tell you how grateful he is for those lessons learned.  Final Five with Marc Acito After this main conversation, Marc stuck around to answer the five final questions. He shares his definition of "making it" as well as what keeps most Broadway shows from doing the same. He also discusses minimum wage, happy marriages, and one of the best theater people around, Andre DeShields. Read it all on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Harper Talks About Non-Traditional Casting & Writing for Superheroes Like Stargirl

Steve Harper is an actor, writer, and producer of the stage and screen. He shares his actor’s nightmare in a Shakespeare production in Cincinnati, but we also discuss the pivotal time when he found himself lacking a plentiful array of shows and roles he could connect with, so he began writing and producing theater, which in turn led him into television and writing for superheroes like Stargirl. He shares how through that process, he became aware of the nuances between the collaborative process of TV writing versus his singular process of writing for theater. Steve introduces a new collection of his short plays recently published that leads us into a delicate yet important conversation of race and non-traditional casting and what it means to be a black actor in theater. With a focus on inclusivity, humor, and insight, Harper brings current subjects to light in an enduring and entertaining way, much in the same way that his work does writing and producing for TV shows such as the CW’s Stargirl, God Friended Me, and ABC’s American Crime.  The plays were originally performed at theaters such as The American Airlines Theater on Broadway, The John Houseman Studio (NYC), New Jersey’s Vivid Stage, The American Theater Company (Chicago), Baltimore Playwrights Festival, Northwestern University’s Wirtz Center and The Falcon Theater in L.A. (NBC Universal) to name a few.   Buy it on Amazon or at a book shop near you. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daryl Eisenberg and the Evolving Role of the Casting Director for the Stage and Screen

As noted in the previous episode, auditions are the backbone of this industry, but there is an important gatekeeper when it comes to submitting our self tapes or actually getting in the audition room: The Casting Director. You’ve heard from actors and their experiences in front of the proverbial table, but now it’s time to hear from the other side of that room and learn what goes in to casting and the vital role casting directors play in the production for the stage or screen. Daryl Eisenberg, along with fellow casting director Ally Beans, works to create a comfortable space for actors, so they can take risks and really show their full potential as artists. You’ll hear Daryl’s thoughts on how actors can make their mark in the audition room or on a self-tape, and then you’ll get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how she uses her position and expertise to make the audition process enjoyable and inclusive for artists on both sides of the table. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Daryl shares a few of her own experiences as she advocates for more diversity on both sides of the table. Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audition Stories 2022 with Jerry Mitchell, Carmen Cusack, Barton Cowperthwaite, Kathryn Allison & More

As much as we actors wish it wasn’t so, auditioning really is our job. Performing it’s just an added perk, if we do that job really well. That being said though, there are times when we mail an audition and simply couldn’t have done any better, yet we still don’t book the part. Such is the life and labor of an actor. Welcome to the annual episode of Audition Stories…the good, the bad, and the hysterical. And today you’ll be getting a sampling of the bonus episodes available to monthly supporters of this podcast. You’ll hear from the following actors, directors, and choreographers as they share their most memorable auditions: Barton Cowperthwaite - actor and dancer from Tiny Pretty Things Misty Rosas - actress, singer and performance artist from The Mandalorian Carmen Cusack - actress and singer from Bright Star and Flying Over Sunset Jerry Mitchell - director and choreographer of Kinky Boots and Pretty Woman Al Blackstone - director and choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance Michael Learned - famed actress from The Waltons Kathryn Allison - actress and singer from Company and Aladdin Briana Packen - actress and coach from Movement 4 Everybody The Prom Tony Nominees - Caitlin Kinnunen, Beth Leavel, and Brooks Ashmanskas   SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barton Cowperthwaite from Tiny Pretty Things Discovers He’s More Than Just a Dancer

Barton Cowperthwaite is a dancer first and foremost, with performances ranging from the opera La Traviata to Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound dance tour. The esteemed choreographer Lar Lubovitch describes Barton as a “movement poet” and credits him with having what he calls musical visualization. “Rather than hearing the music, this kind of dancer has the impression of being the music." This connection to music is evident in Barton's experience singing the music in productions at City Center Encores and in the national tour of American in Paris. He has also crossed over into the world of being a triple-threat, exercising his acting chops in a few movies, most notably in his breakout role of Oren in the Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things. In this conversation, he shares both the joys and disappointments of working on a hit TV show that ended up being canceled, he opens up about realizing his own weaknesses as a performer, his commitment to constantly work at improving his abilities, and about the time he went on as the lead role in An American in Paris with just 15 minutes notice.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ——— Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Lippa Shares Disappointments and Lessons Learned as a Broadway Composer & Lyricist (REWIND)

Back in the summer of 2020, there was a new Netflix docuseries everyone was talking about, a little show called Tiger King. Well, in the midst of all that I sat down with composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa. He talked about a few of his bigger profile shows like The Addams Family, Big Fish, and of course The Wild Party, as well as a Tiger King parody he did with Kristin Chenoweth. We discuss the years of writing and rewriting he's put into his various shows as well as the challenges and big budgets that come with creating a Broadway musical—something that I have seen firsthand this summer with Anne of Green Gables and its continuing creative journey. So join me as I take a look back at this insightful and honest conversation with my friend and fellow artist Andrew Lippa. (Recorded April 8, 2020) SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gina Harris Finds Magic in the Ordinary Things of Life and Theater

In the previous episode, I spoke with a musical writing team about their process of writing a full show for the stage with a cast and creative team bringing their story to life, but in today’s episode I’m speaking with a singular artist about her one-woman show and the long journey it took to go from thoughts and ideas in her head to an actual production and a dramatic podcast as well. Gina Harris has performed in theaters and jazz clubs in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. She’s a veteran of the famous improv group The Groundlings and had a leading role in the Broadway and national touring productions of Beethoven’s Tenth. A show that you’ve probably never heard of, and Gina will share with us why that is. She also lets us in on dealing with the loss of her parents and mentor, the experience that led her to write a one-woman musical called The Magic of Ordinary Things, even though she’d never written a song before in her life and how she went through 10 different directors before finally finding the right person to guide her creative efforts. Final Five Questions with Gina Harris After our conversation on the inspirations and struggles of creating her one-woman show, Gina answered five final questions on the inspirations and advice he's received throughout her time in theater. You'll find her answers and more on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Composer Matt Vinson & Book Writer and Lyricist Matte O’Brien

In the last episode, I spoke with composer Matt Vinson and writer Matte O'Brien about their new musical Anne of Green Gables. It was the first time I’ve spoken with a musical writing team here on Why I’ll Never Make It, and so for the two of them I thought I would bring back a bonus episode I haven’t done in a while: The Final Five. After that main interview they answered five final questions about what “making it” means to them, lessons they’ve learned both as individuals and as a writing team, as well as useful advice that has helped them creatively and personally. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Vinson & Matte O’Brien on the Joys and Challenges of Bringing a Musical to the Stage

Writing a musical is a long process, and once the writers are have finished that last page…that’s really only the beginning of their journey. By the time an actor comes along to audition for it, there’s usually been years of drafts, workshops, and revisions.  Listeners of this podcast know that this summer has been a welcome return to the stage for me in a new theatrical adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, my first musical since the covid shutdown and it all started with a self-tape audition back in February of this year that then culminated in several callbacks with the creative team a few weeks later. Well today, I’m joined by two of the people who were in that audition room: composer Matt Vinson and writer Matte O'Brien. While there have been individual writers and composers on previous episodes, this is the first time welcoming a musical writing team to the show. Matt and Matte have done several musicals together, but for this conversation we focus on the many years it has taken for Anne of Green Gables to get to Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut, and how they are preparing for its potential future. Matt and Matte share three stories of its humble beginnings, learning to take (and not take) feedback from others, and how actors influence the rewriting and editing process.  Click here for a transcription of this episode. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Stocker and the Theater Interview That Went All Wrong

Just like actors show off their skills in the audition room, other artists and creatives have their own ways of showcasing talents to prospective theaters, directors, or employers, and these interviews can be just as anxious and nerve-racking as what we actors face, especially if you aren’t as prepared as you could be. Adam Stocker is a Broadway costumer and returns for this bonus episode to share a story from his junior year at Western Michigan University. He recounts an interview he had for what would’ve been his first internship. However, from the moment the phone interview began, Adam was caught off-guard and just trying to keep up… SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Stocker Shows How Broadway Costumers Are Like Engineers & Should be Paid Accordingly

This past week as Anne of Green Gables went into tech rehearsal and we finally had our first public performance, I was reminded that there is a very particular important step that happens as you leave the rehearsal studio and finally start working on stage and that is the introduction of costumes. For me as an actor the adding of costumes is a big step forward in the development of my character. It informs how I move, how I stand or sit, and gives a sense of class or position, even the confidence my character has and so today I’m talking with someone who does costumes for a living and shares with us the true artistry that goes into this element of theater making. Since moving to NYC from Michigan, Adam Stocker has made costumes for Broadway, Off-Broadway, cruise ships, and even Disney. Lately, he's also been advocating for workers rights and focusing on inequalities in theater that affect the costume industry. And this was actually how we connected on Instagram, as he was creating posts and messages to find solutions for a more equitable future. Final Five Questions with Adam Stocker After our lengthy interview on the ins and outs of costume-making, Adam answered five final questions on the inspirations and advice he's received throughout his time in theater. You'll find his answers and more on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Adam Stocker and the Theater Interview That Went All Wrong Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playwright Cris Eli Blak Proves That Persistence Can Overcome the Most Challenging Hurdles (REWIND)

For the past four weeks I’ve been in rehearsals for a new musical adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. During that time I even got Covid for the second time and had to miss several days of rehearsal while I was recovering. In fact, I wasn’t the only one who got Covid during the rehearsal process, so it’s been quite a journey for the creators and the cast as a whole and putting the show together. But we’ve now done all the blocking and scene work and are headed into tech rehearsals this week. With that in mind I wanted to revisit a conversation from June 2020 with a playwright who is still just getting started in his own journey as a writer, an actor, a director and producer. Cris Eli Blak has remained one of my favorite guests and was someone who actually found me and requested to be a guest on the podcast. I’m so grateful for him reaching out and for the very personal, honest, and at times uncomfortable conversation we had. We talk about the writing process of bringing a show from the page to the stage as well as what it means to him to be a Black writer in theater today. He was only 21 when we sat down for this interview, but his insights and life experiences show maturity and wisdom far beyond his years.  Topics covered in this episode:  - Do The Right Thing 30 Years Later   - Spike Lee on HuffPost Live   - The Brother's Survivor short film   - The World Changes Through Art   - Our Duty to Confront Racism in Theater Industry   - "Like Father, Like Son" on the Logue Lounge   - All-White Production Of HAIRSPRAY In Texas Raises Eyebrows   - Should There Be All-White Productions of HAIRSPRAY?    "I want to give a shoutout to the people who push me, drive me, motivate me and hold me accountable. So, this goes out to my mother. This goes out to my grandfather. This goes out to my grandmother. This goes out to my sister. This goes out to my aunt. This goes out to everyone who came before me. This goes out to the late great August Wilson and Lorraine Hansberry who are on my personal Mt. Rushmore. And this is to everyone who wakes up and turns their dreams into goals and their goals into realities, for everyone who struggles and keeps going anyway." Follow Cris: Instagram / YouTube / Medium  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website / Blog   Cris Eli Blak Answers the Final FiveAfter our conversation, Cris answers the Final Five. He shares why he'd love to teach and his dream to be in CATS as well as what he learned from Tyler Perry. A transcript of this interview can be found at the WINMI Blog and is available thanks to those who support this podcast.    ----------    Producing a podcast isn’t cheap and it needs support from followers and listeners like you. With your help WINMI can continue to share these important stories in audio format but also using tools like video production and transcription options, which would greatly increase WINMI’s accessibility to more artists. So please consider a one-time donation (via PayPal) or a monthly subscription to bonus episodes (via Supercast), which will help further podcast production. Whichever way you choose to contribute, your help is so very much appreciated!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Patacca Lets Go of Expectations and Finds Artistic Freedom

Among the many repercussions of the Covid pandemic, it caused actors, including myself, to question our purpose, our abilities, and our own belief in what it means to be an artist. Well, today’s guest had many of these same doubts and questions well before there was any pandemic affecting our industry. He felt an internal struggle between what he wanted to do and what he thought he should to be doing. Brian Patacca is a life coach and podcaster (Brian Breaks Character) as well as a non-denominational minister, but he started out as an actor, grinding it out, going to auditions, and looking for representation. He shares three stories of how he let go of expectations and allowed himself to find his purpose and to find his true calling. In the process he had to let go of plans and the very clear path he had laid out for himself, but in doing so he found a joy and fulfillment beyond anything he had anticipated.  FINAL FIVE with Brian Patacca On the WINMI Blog he answers five final questions we didn't get to in this podcast episode, sharing the importance of making an impact as an artists rather than just making it in this industry. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Victoria Robinson Never Settles, Constantly Pushing Herself as an Actor and Creative

This past week I started rehearsals up in Connecticut at the Goodspeed Opera House doing a new musical version of the beloved Anne of Green Gables. It’s a well-known story around the world but especially in its home country of Canada. So in honor of that I thought I would bring a Canadian onto the podcast.  Ashley Victoria Robinson is an actress, writer, producer and podcaster, and though she and I won’t be talking about Anne of Green Gables, we do hit upon some of the themes from that story...dealing with the loss of family and how that can impact our lives, finding our place in this world and where we belong, and learning how to control our emotions and our words so that they don’t get us into trouble. Now, I hadn’t met Ashley until we sat down for this interview, But just like Anne is constantly searching for that kindred spirit, I too found a wonderful connection with Ashley throughout our conversation and thankfully a kindred spirit in this industry. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Mitchell Knows His Worth as Director & Choreographer Despite 6 Losses at the Tony Awards

June is always a busy time for New York City with two major events taking place: one is of course the month-long Gay Pride celebration and the other is the biggest day of the Broadway season -- the Tony Awards. And today’s guest ticks off both of those boxes. Jerry Mitchell is a prolific Broadway Director and choreographer as well as a gay advocate with shows like Broadway Bares and Kinky Boots, just to name a few. He is also an eight-time Tony nominee, but he is quick to point out that he’s lost out on the award six times. In our conversation, he discusses his creative career, full of fascinating anecdotes, and shares the importance of knowing our worth as artists, loving what we do on and off stage, and the value in saying "yes." Read more insights and experiences from Mitchell on the WINMI Blog.   Everybody Say Yeah! You've heard what Jerry has to say about Kinky Boots. Now listen as the musical force behind this Tony-winning show is interviewed by ABC News in Australia. Cyndi Lauper has been a source of celebration and inspiration for music lovers since the 1980s. Then she turned her talents to theater, writing the music for this international smash hit. Broadway Bares Broadway Bares’ 30th anniversary celebration, originally set for June 21, 2020, was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The in-person event is set to return this month and will more bodacious dancers, fierce queens, and sexy starlets. Broadway Bares was created in 1992 by Mitchell, then a Broadway dancer, as a way to raise awareness and money for those living with HIV/AIDS. In Broadway Bares‘ first year, Mitchell and six of his friends danced on a New York City bar and raised $8,000. Since then, Broadway Bares has raised more than $21 million for Broadway Cares.   SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ——— Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning Artistry Into Activism with Playwright Jason Odell Williams and Producer Charlotte Cohn

Four years ago this spring, a new play opened off Broadway called Church & State. It dealt with the contentious intersection of God, guns, and politics and featured four actors on a single set. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a part of this production as the understudy for the two male actors. It was written and produced by two former guests of this podcast: Jason Odell Williams as the playwright and his wife Charlotte Cohn as lead producer. In this special episode, they share the passion and persistence that goes into creating works like Church & State that can actually make a difference in the hearts and minds of audiences, especially on such an important issue like gun violence. References in this episode: The Power of Political Theater - Brooklyn Rail  The Critical Role of Humor in the Grief Process - St. Catherine University Jason Odell Williams (playwright) Charlotte Cohn (director and playwright) Sandy Hook Promise  Safer Country  Brady Campaign    Church & State Origin Story by Jason Odell Williams The seeds for this play date back to 2007. The issue of gun violence in America first became important to me after the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech. I went to UVA (Virginia Tech's “football rival”) and the images on TV of candlelight vigils by Cavaliers for their rival Hokies touched me profoundly. And I realized then, like many Americans, that we had a problem in our country. Guns were a national crisis. Then the shooting in Tucson where Gabby Giffords was shot. And I watched the news, riveted and angry, scared and hopeless. How could this happen? To one of our own politicians? Will this force Congress to finally take action? When it didn't, I wondered, bleakly, if the response would have been different if something like this had happened to a Republican.* And I couldn't get that dark, nagging thought out of my head. Then over the summer of 2012, I was talking to a friend from Raleigh, NC about religion and politics and a new seed was planted for this vague idea I had cooking for a play, somehow combing religion, guns and politics. And then in Dec. 2012, the tragic shooting in Newtown. And I'd had enough. I had to turn my rage and fear into action. So I did what I know how to do. I wrote a play. A month later, in January 2013, I had a first draft of what would eventually become Church & State. I had three friends read the play with me in our living room. We talked about what worked what didn’t. I shared the play with a few director friends who offered some great feedback. And eventually one director, Ralph Meranto from JCC CenterStage in Rochester, read the play saw a lot of potential. He committed to producing it if we could develop it together. So for the next few months, I’d write a draft, he’d ask questions and make comments and suggestions, I’d do a rewrite and we’d repeat the process. I think it was late 2015 when we felt good about the final product. I then shared the play with two friends in DC who loved it and wanted to do a reading for their Actors Salon. And that was the first public reading, January 2016. I knew then the play was basically ready. (BroadwayBox) *Just a week after Church & State's Off-Broadway production closed, a gunman walked onto a baseball field at Eugene Simpson Park in Alexandria, Virginia, opening fire on politicians and wounding Republican U.S. Representative and House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and four others.  Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ——— Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Keith Graziani Illustrates How Talent Agents Impact an Actor’s Career

My on-camera agent Brian Keith Graziani and I have been working together since late 2020 for a range of projects--from commercials and industrials to TV dramas and docu-series. Brian himself started out as an actor and singer, and just sort of fell into casting, which then led to talent management and representation. While he still loves performing, this new career path has allowed him to have a greater impact on the careers and livelihoods of other actors. Having had such wide-ranging experiences in theater, Brian is uniquely qualified to guide and represent actors like myself. And he certainly has a lot to say, he’s not one to hold back what he thinks at all, especially when it comes to auditioning, communication, and one of my least favorite parts of this business: self-tapes. He also answers five final questions on the WINMI Blog. Audition and Submissions Tips When Using an Agent by Brian Keith Graziani If you decline an audition through an online system, email your agent as well. They often do not get notifications when you decline for some reason.  Unless your tape request specifies not needing one, always include a slate (stating name, height, and location). Be sure to double check casting self-tape labeling requirements (i.e. how to name the video file) and how to submit it (YouTube, DropBox, eco-cast, etc.). Each office has their own system for receiving and organizing submissions. Be sure to double check if casting specifies they want everything in one file or separate files. If casting doesn't specify, it's probably best to separate files as a safe alternative.  Double check due dates! Extensions are sometimes possible, but asking for it after everything is due just makes everyone look like we dropped the ball.  Be open about needing a break. The self tape fatigue struggle can be real and it's important to communicate such a feeling if you ever need a minute to recharge.  A piece of advice: Say yes and get seen. Unless you feel like the quality of work you're presenting wouldn't present you in the best light, there is always merit to getting into the "room" and making sure casting knows who you are. If you have a major "why" then ask...but remember, every minute spent trying to convince you to submit for a job is a minute that could have spent submitting or pushing you, so trust the process.  Are any traits that make for a successful actor? The answer is always "the actors who work the most and garner the most fruitful results from auditions are the ones who work with an agent daily to make their expectations clear". Clearly communicate what you will do, and want to do, just as much as what you won't do. Connect with Brian and The Hell's Kitchen Agency - Website | Instagram | Email  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ——— Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ethan Steimel Lights the Way to Talking About Money and Finances

“There are few things that can cause joy, shame, contentment, anxiety and stress the way that money does,” says Korrena Bailie, Consumer Finance Editor at Forbes. “If your finances cause you stress and anxiety, it’s natural to want to keep this to yourself because you might feel embarrassed or ashamed about the decisions you made.” (NY Times) Well, one artist who is trying to break down that wall of fear or shame when it comes to money is lighting designer and fellow podcaster Ethan Steimel. In this episode we both confront the stigma around such discussions. He shares three specific stories of his own financial journey, including how he paid for college and one important money issue that’s come up between him and his wife.  Artist Spotlight: Abundance Bound Miata Edoga is a former guest of WINMI (Season 4) and is the CEO and Founder of Abundance Bound. For over two decades, she has been helping individuals of all backgrounds establish a healthier, more compassionate relationship with their money – whether they are just starting out, starting over, or starting to wonder how they should handle their growing wealth. Learn more about her Financial Empowerment Program.  THE BIG NEWS... Why I’ll Never Make It is now an award-winning podcast, having been recognized by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts at their 28th Annual Communicator Awards. WINMI was given the Award of Distinction in the area of Featured Episode for producing a Tribute to Alvin Ailey. He was dancer & choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and spent his life preserving the African-American cultural experience through dance and music. With over 5,000 entries received from across the US and around the world, the Communicator Awards are the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals. So it is such a thrill to be recognized for the work that went into this celebratory episode on the life and career of a luminary like Alvin Ailey. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Treating Yourself as a Business with Jonathan Cerullo and Artistic Finance

Ethan Steimel talks with Jonathan Cerullo about seeing ourselves and our careers as more than an artistic craft in this special collaboration and presentation with Artistic Finance. There are two fundamental sides to every actor: the artistic part of us that loves rehearsing and performing, and then there’s the business aspect which handles money, contracts, and other details. It is so important that our business side gets just as much attention and preparation as the creative side, because both are crucial to our success. While we are good at taking lessons, being coached, or joining classes to work on that creative side, we aren’t often as diligent or even aware of our need to build up our fiscal muscles and business know-how. That’s where Ethan Steimel comes in and his podcast Artistic Finance, this Month's Artist Resource. He crunches the numbers and breaks down the nitty gritty of various financial concepts within the arts. Asking questions such as: Why some artists get big breaks and others never break through to financial security? Why do artists pursue careers that are guaranteed to hold financial risk? Why do some artists get paid more than others for doing the same job? These questions led to creating Artistic Finance in order to have honest conversations with artists about money. He even sat down with WINMI host Patrick Oliver Jones for an episode about his own finances. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Dean Bottrell Faces His Fears and Unlocks a Greater Love for Acting and Performing

No matter how many conversations I have with artists, no matter how many episodes this podcast releases, I’m amazed at the variety of insights and lessons that each person brings to these discussions. In this episode, I think we hit upon one of the biggest obstacles, if not THE biggest, that holds us back as actors and creatives-- fear. The fear of the vulnerability it takes to give an honest performance, the fear of not making enough money or simply not being good enough to be cast. This fear is the cause of our self-doubt and uncertainty and it can hold us back or even paralyze us from moving forward. David Dean Bottrell knows all too well what fear can do to us. Though he's been in TV shows like Boston Legal and After Forever (created by former guest Kevin Spirtas), David has also battled fear as an artist and has even written a book to help us navigate the ins and outs about this business in order to become a WORKING ACTOR. David joins the podcast to talk about three specific examples of fear... Story #1- His upbringing and the strange reaction his family had to success. Story #2- The book he wrote and how completely inadequate he felt while writing it. Story #3- His desire to imitate and be someone else, rather than understand or even accept his own unique talents.  The Final Five Questions Learn more of David's journey from Louisa, Kentucky to Los Angeles and New York, as he chronicles various roles and milestones. It highlights his struggle and successes as well as covers topics we didn't get to in this interview. Find it on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ——— Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carmen Cusack and the Journey to Finding Her Bright Star

One of the main themes and messages of this podcast has always been that success can mean different things to different people and the path of how someone gets there, if they get there, is always unique to the person. Today’s episode is with someone that I had the privilege of working with in the musical adaptation of First Wives Club back in 2015 in Chicago (with Faith Prince and Christine Sherrill). We were gearing up for a hopeful Broadway transfer that unfortunately never happened. However, Carmen Cusack gave a memorable performance in that show and a few years later went on to star in her Broadway debut of Bright Star and most recently Flying Over Sunset. Her journey to Broadway has been a very unique one – from Denver and Texas to London and Shanghai, but as you’ll hear in her stories, the bumpy road to success is as much a personal journey as it is a professional one... Story #1- Jazz lounges not Broadway theaters are her true musical home Story #2- Her tumultuous relationship with Sunday in the Park with George Story #3- James Lapine and Flying Over Sunset Story #4- Finding her musical voice through the loss of theater during Covid  The Final Five Questions Learn more of the details of her journey from Denver to Broadway, as she chronicles her various roles and milestones. It highlights both the struggle and the joy of her time onstage, and finding the freedom to explore her own voice and artistry. Find it on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthony Rapp Becomes The Little Prince and Later Finds Seasons of Love

Years after the failed Lerner & Loewe movie musical of The Little Prince, producer Joseph Tandet tried again with composer John Barry and a full Broadway production, which brought with it a whole new set of problems. The Little Prince and the Aviator began rehearsals in late 1981 and starred TV and film actor Michael York as the pilot with a 10-year-old newcomer in the title role, Anthony Rapp. We talk about that troubled production, which never actually opened on Broadway, and we also discuss other shows like Rent and Star Trek Discovery. So in today’s episode you’ll be hearing four stories from his life and career: Story #1- How he was cast in The Little Prince and the Aviator and why it failed Story #2- Three movies where the directors wanted to cast him but producers did not Story #3- How Rent changed his life and what it was like coming back to the show years later Story #4- Dealing with the loss of his mother and the memoir and one-man show it inspired WINMI Blog: The Final Five Anthony Rapp has been acting and singing professionally since he was nine years old. Even with an extensive list of wonderful achievements, Rapp also knows the hardships and uncertainty of this business. And through it all he's discovered what truly matters most in his life and career. He gives further thoughts and insights in the Final Five. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Anthony Rapp Talks About You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown This week's main episode is already full of intimate stories and insights from Anthony's life and career. But there's a special segment from our interview saved just for subscribers. He goes into details of the collaborative process to create this Broadway revival production and what led to it's short-lived run.  Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ——— Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Warner (Part 2) - The Little Prince Grows Up and Finds a New Path

As an actor it is rare to have long stretches of employment, especially in theater. Television actors can certainly be a part of a successful show for years on end and same goes for movie franchises where roles can come back film after film. Unfortunately, for most of us, it is simply job to job; we work hard to land a gig, the show ends, and then we work hard to book the next one. For Steven Warner, he scored the biggest role in his life…at the age of seven. So what was next for him? In part two of our conversation we explore the years after The Little Prince and how his life and career took a dramatic turn. It’s a story of persistence and tenacity but also a recognition of the realities we face as actors and how it’s as much a personal journey as an artistic one. Listen to Part 1 of my conversation with Steven Warner. Watch Holiday on Ice with Steven Warner from 1985, performing Disco A Movie Star at 8, but He'd Much Rather Be an Ice Skater - New York Times Listen to Two Princes Part 1 and Part 2 on The Industry podcast  Final Five Questions As a child actor, Steven Warner was working with some of the most talented and famous actors and directors in Hollywood, but as a teenager his path took a turn away from film and has only recently begun a slow turn back to the camera again. In these five final questions, he addresses topics we didn't get to in this conversation and provides extra insight into the importance of determination and handling rejection. You can find his Final Five on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Warner (Part 1) - Becoming The Little Prince

Today’s episode is going to be slightly different from most episodes of Why I’ll Never Make It, because it was born out of a collaboration between myself and another podcast called The Industry hosted by Dan Delgado. In some ways it’s the movie version of this podcast, focusing on the challenges and failures that go into film production and taking a closer look at some of the lesser known and sometimes forgotten stories of Hollywood. One of my all-time favorite movie musicals is Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe's adaptation of The Little Prince in 1974. It starred such legendary performers as Bob Fosse, Richard Kiley, Gene Wilder, and Donna McKechnie. It may not have done well at the box office or with many critics, but there's a lot to love about this star-studded film.  So I reached out to Dan with the idea for an episode about this film adaptation of Little Prince, and I am so grateful that he ran with it. Ultimately, it evolved into a two-part miniseries, covering not only the Lerner and Loewe movie musical, but also the recent Netflix movie adaptation and a couple of Broadway productions. So, today you’ll get to hear our commentary on The Little Prince movie musical, meet Steven Warner, and gain insight into what went wrong with one of my favorite movie musicals of all time.  This episode only features about 20 min of my interview with Steven about The Little Prince. Listen to Part Two of our conversation. Listen to "Two Princes" on The Industry, which goes on to talk about the other Little Prince film from Netflix and two Broadway productions.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Spirtas Takes the Stage and Shares from the Heart

Back in January 2022, this podcast held its first ever live event: a night of conversation with Emmy-winner Kevin Spirtas. He not only shared stories and struggles from his time on Broadway and television, but he also sang five songs that evening that highlighted the work he has done and moments that have meant the most to him throughout his career. On today’s episode you’re going to hear a portion of this cabaret performance and discussion that was presented here in New York City at the Green Room 42. In fact, BroadwayWorld was there that night and called the evening “entertaining and informative.” They were extremely complementary of Kevin and his performance and even had a few nice things to say about me (as well as some well-deserved critiques). It was a rare chance to see Kevin Spirtas in a candid interview, opening up about personal and professional experiences that he doesn’t often talk about in public. I am immensely grateful to have shared the stage with Kevin and happy to showcase a portion of our honest and frank conversation with you today. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by Eugene Gwozdz and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judy Tenuta Shares Her Journey from Stage to Standup and Her Battle with Cancer

In 1987, HBO had a comedy special called Women of the Night. It featured four women who were known regionally and at certain comedy clubs, but had yet to really reach a national audience. They were Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone, Rita Rudner, and today’s guest Judy Tenuta. In fact, for the next four years each one of these women would be named Best Female Stand-up Comic at the American Comedy Awards, with Tenuta being the first in 1988. Throughout the 1980s and 90s Judy was a part of a big boom for women in comedy. She branded herself as The Love Goddess and starred in national commercials, published her first book, and received Grammy nominations for her comedy albums. If you’ve seen the movie Waiting for Guffman, one of my all-time favorite films, you’ll notice a certain Judy Tenuta T-shirt worn by Corky St. Clair. However, her introduction to the stage was when she majored in theater in college. In this interview we’ll talk about Judy Tenuta's transition from plays and musicals to stand-up comedy, her long-standing connection with the LGBTQ community, and the cancer diagnosis she received during the height of the Covid pandemic. As the Aphrodite of the Accordion, though, she hasn’t let that stop her, releasing a a music video called “Kicking Cancer’s Ass" on New Year’s Eve that is in perfect keeping with her campy and offbeat persona that has made her one of the most unique comedians and performers of her generation. NOTE: Tenuta passed away on October 6, 2022 at her home in Los Angeles after a long battle against ovarian cancer. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth Swain Leads a New Generation of Theater Artists

In the final episode of Season Five, I spoke with a talented and passionate actress and producer Debra Ann Byrd. In our conversation, she mentioned Elizabeth Swain as one of the professors who had a significant impact on her own training and understanding theater. She spoke so highly of this mentor that I looked her up and decided to ask her to come on his podcast as well. What I came to learn is that Elizabeth Swain is so much more than just a professor of theater—she is a Broadway actress with national tours, television credits, and quite the prolific director as well, with a specialty in classics of Shakespeare and the Greek tragedies. Elizabeth is also a member of the prestigious Antaeus theater company in Los Angeles. As you’ll hear today, Elizabeth is the perfect guest for Women’s History Month as she provides such a unique and wide perspective through her decades of work both on stage and off. In today’s episode you’ll be hearing three stories from her life: Story #1- Her first theater tour before she had actually decided to be an actress Story #2- Balanced her growing Broadway career with motherhood Story #3- How and why she was ousted from Barnard College This Week's Spotlight: Antaeus Theater Company Antaeus began in 1991 as a project of the prestigious Center Theatre Group. Founding Artistic Directors Dakin Matthews and Lillian Groag believed there could be a world-class classical ensemble in a city driven by the TV and film industry. They brought together a remarkable group of 30 members in Los Angeles to embark on this ambitious project, and committed to meeting every Monday night to read, study and rehearse great classical plays. The Final Five Questions Though studying economics first, Elizabeth Swain eventually found a place in theater and has gone onto to acting, directing, and teaching. She has guided so many students through the Classics, and continually inspires a new generation of artists. You can find her Final Five on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental Talk About Performance Anxiety with Mostafa Ashraf and Yara

The art of performing is certainly filled with joy and passion and can offer a creative fulfillment not found another professions, but as this podcast highlights with each episode, there are also underlying bouts of stress, anxiety, and frustration that come with being an artist and the choice to offer our creativity to the world. Last year I sat down with Mostafa Ashraf and his co-host Yara to talk about performance anxiety on their podcast Mental Talk. I wanted to share with you this candid discussion with Mo and Yara about my own struggles with doubt and worry and what I do to push through that. Learn more about Mental Talk here! Their show is produced by a nonprofit organization called Advice Seekers, which aims to provide help in the areas of mental health and online anti-bullying campaigns.  Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terron Brooks Discovers There’s More to Success Than Fame

Back in 2014, I met Terron Brooks as we were both working on a workshop of a new musical based on the hit movie FIRST WIVES CLUB. We both continued on with the show as it traveled to Chicago for its out of town pre-Broadway tryout. The musical never made it to New York, but as you’ll hear in my conversation today with today's guest, the journey of most performers is never a straight line and certainly there are many more failures and disappointments than successes. 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 award-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! Today he's brought us three stories on how he's had to learn that lesson the hard way: Story #1- Managing his own expectations of success after the fame of starring in the The Temptations. Story #2- Confronting the possible loss of his voice and what that would mean for his career. Story #3- How his son's autism diagnosis helped him learn to face his own pains and disappointments and become a better father and husband.  This Week's Artist Resource Honest Answers with Terron Brooks invites listeners to reconnect to the soul. Everybody in the world asked the same questions, but the answers are never the same. Terron takes you behind the scenes as his guests reveal honest parts of their story you’ve never heard before. Experience and unrehearsed, open and candid conversation with creative forces like Leon, Shoshana Bean, Sheila E, Stephanie J. Block, and more. You’ll hear transparency and vulnerability from the most inspiring sources.  Final Five Questions Terron has traveled many roads in his life and career. On his journey there have been plenty of lessons, but the greatest has been discovering his authentic self and using his gifts to serve humanity. And in these five final questions, he addresses topics we didn't get to in this conversation and provides extra insight into the importance of grace and living authentically. You can find his Final Five on the WINMI Blog.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black History Month - Vinnette Justine Carroll and Alvin Ailey (Encore)

In honor of Black History Month, this episode is an encore presentation of two pioneering Black artists and the legacy they left in the performing arts. Vinnette Justine Carroll, PhD - Actress, Playwright, Director, Teacher Alvin Ailey - Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director Vinnette Justine Carroll’s professionalism in theatrical arts paved way for black professionals in the industry. She was an actress and playwright who expressed herself through gospel music. In a 1979 interview, Carroll told The Times, “I decided my salvation was to create something for myself, a theater for myself and others where your main worry wasn’t getting a TV series. When I first heard gospel -- I’d grown up in the Anglican church -- I just flipped. You mean religion can be like this?” When it comes to the performing arts and certainly to dance, there are few people more worthy of admiration, of inspiration and imitation than Alvin Ailey. He was both uniquely gifted and qualified to tell the African-American experience which he lived and saw and reacted to through the art of dance.    SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gina Morgano Learned That Self-Awareness Is Key to the Performer’s Journey

No matter what profession you’re in, setting goals is an important part of finding the best path to get you there, but just because you know your goals, does that mean you also have a clear picture of your mission as an artist or the purpose of your life? My guest today is Gina Morgano, a fellow singer and podcaster who also teaches voice and she’s brought along three stories that highlight that distinction between what we do as an artist and who we are as individuals. One story deals with an illness and losing her voice, while another talks about her big move to New York yet not getting cast in any shows. Since then Gina has found her joy in concerts rather than musicals, and in this episode she helps us understand that self-awareness is key to both reaching our goals and finding our purpose even as they may change direction. This week's Artist Resource Vocal Mentorship is a powerful voice is about much more than how you sound. As we talked about in this episode, it’s about being secure in who you are and wholeheartedly offering your creativity to the world so that you can make a difference in people’s lives. Gina's dream for singers is for them to understand the value of their own voice. That’s why these are not your normal voice lessons. These are life lessons - training for your inner voice as well as your outer one - so that you can embody freedom, ease and expansion while serving audiences to your highest capacity. Learn more here and discover a new facet of your voice and yourself Final Five Questions with Gina Morgano As a voice teacher as well, Gina Morgano brings an important perspective to her work as a performer. And in this episode she shares the wisdom and experience she’s gathered from her own performing and the work she’s done with her students. In these five final questions, she addresses topics we didn't get to in this conversation and provides extra insight into the work and practice she puts into being a performer. You can find her Final Five on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathryn Allison Shares How She Found Her True Authentic Self Outside of Broadway

With live theater happening once again here in New York, one of the joys has been seeing friends back on stage doing what they do best. I certainly hope to be joining them soon, but in the meantime, it’s wonderful to reconnect with today’s guest. Kathryn Allison is a singer and actress who I got to know at The Muny in St. Louis just as she was really beginning her professional career.  Since meeting her, she’s gone on to perform in Wicked, Aladdin and is currently in the revival of Company (she seems to have a thing for Broadway shows with one-word titles.) In this episode, Kathryn shares the importance she places on her mental health, embarrassing auditions where she didn’t book the show, and how she continues to push for the inclusion of strong, diverse voices. This Week's Artist's Resource Find a Reader for Your Next Self-Tape: WeAudition And as self-tapes are now the norm, WeAudition has been a great help to me this past year and provides a wonderfully creative, safe space to create the best video submissions possible. I just recently used them in a TV self-tape for Uncoupling and got a callback! Join today using the promo code WINMI25, which not only saves you money but it also helps support WINMI through this affiliate link. So join me and thousands of actors helping each other rehearse auditions and make better self-tapes. The Final Five Questions In these five final questions Kathryn addresses topics not covered in that episode, providing extra insight into her work and experiences in the performing arts. You can find her Final Five on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Kathryn recalls another audition for Waitress and performing for Sara Bareilles. Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Al Blackstone On Knowing Yourself as an Artist & Not Waiting for Permission to Create

The act of creating is both a testament to and a full embodiment of its creator. An actor gives so much of themselves to the role that they’re playing; a dancer utilizes every muscle to express an emotion; a writer pulls from their own life and experiences to create other worlds and powerful stories. So, it is only natural that we often tie our own self-worth and meaning to the success or failure of that creation.  In this episode, I’m having a conversation with Emmy-winning director/choreographer Al Blackstone, who I had the pleasure of working with a few years back. He brings us three stories of doubt and uncertainty and aloneness, when his own talent as a dancer was questioned and his value as a director was dismissed. This is an honest conversation on who we really are beyond the labels of actor or artist and how the idea of “making it” comes more from ourselves than from the acceptance or validation of others.   This Week's Artist Spotlight MOMEN NYC was born out the pandemic to meet the needs of dancers, who just needed the time and space to move again. Al co-founded MOMEN NYC as a way to bring adult dancers together so they could focus on their craft and make lasting connections with other dancers. He truly believes deeply in the power of dance, community, and kindness to express what is more true about ourselves and help bring us all closer together. Follow MOMEN on Instagram for the latest updates. The Final Five Questions For the past few seasons, the Final Five has been a bonus episode to this podcast, but for Season 6 it’s in the form of a blog post where guests answer the five final questions. You can find Al's Final Five on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Bonus Episode: Al talks about when he was at a dancer call years ago for the revival national tour of Sweet Charity and how he created Freddie Falls in Love that the NY Times thought it was"frothy" and "meandering production". Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Briana Packen on Finding Balance and Stability in our Lives and Acting Careers

Sometimes the biggest obstacle standing in our way as actors is ourselves. Whether it’s self-doubt and a disbelief in our own abilities or maybe it’s giving too much weight to the criticism or expectations of others, or maybe a shift in priorities comes along and we have to make life decisions that go against our creative ambitions. To kick off season six, I’m talking with actor and coach Briana Packen about ways we can stop getting in our own way. She brought three stories with her today: one about the importance of training and mastering our craft, a second one how the me too movement still has ramifications today for her as a mother and teacher, and finally, the need for balance and stability as an actor and an individual. This Month's Artist Resource Movement 4 Everybody For about a decade now, Briana and her colleague Julia Crockett have been teaching movement to actors at conservatory programs and are thrilled to finally offer their classes to people not currently enrolled in an acting or university program. Strengthen your artistic physical practice, crack open your creativity, become more present in your body, or simply have a good time. Whatever your reason for going, you will leave feeling stronger, more connected, more creative, and with a richer connection to your body and others. Contact them for the latest class schedule or follow them on Instagram. The Final Five Questions For the past few seasons, the Final Five has been a bonus episode to this podcast, but for Season 6 it’s going to be in the form of a blog post where guests will answer five final questions. Briana starts it off by talking about learning from her mistakes and the ability we have as actors to grow and change throughout our life and career. You can find her Final Five on the WINMI Blog. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Help WINMI Transcribe Every Episode! One of my goals this season is to help Deaf/hard-of-hearing actors like John McGinty access the Why I’ll Never Make It podcast by offering transcriptions of each and every episode (I actually did it once). However, this is both time-consuming and would add a major cost to the production of this podcast (approximately $5000 per season). Regardless, I think the effort is worth it, don't you? So I’ll definitely need your financial help to make this a reality. Please consider a one-time donation (via PayPal) or a monthly subscription to bonus episodes (via Supercast), which will help offset the cost of this important service. Whichever way you choose to contribute, your help is so very much appreciated!   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Look Back at 2021 and What’s Next for Theater and This Podcast

Normally at the end of each season I take a chance to look back at the guests and conversations we’ve had throughout the year, but for this special episode you aren’t gonna be getting some "best-of" retrospective (although I will be counting down the Top 5 guests of 2021). Instead I’m bringing back two former guests and introducing you to a new creative ,as we talk about what this year has meant for theater in general and special events coming up next year. Featured in this episode: Clayton Howe and his podcast Entertainment(X)  Justin Guarini, MoonAmie Productions, Terry Knickerbocker, Will Swenson, and Brad Oscar & Diego Prieto  Review of Season Five on Why I’ll Never Make It Matthew Stern and Broadway Stage Manager Symposium Anna Robb and TheaterArtLife SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debra Ann Byrd (Part 2) - A Black Girl‘s Journey to Becoming Othello

The experiences of our lives influence the paths we choose and shape who we are. In Part One of my conversation with Debra Ann Byrd, she revealed the ups and downs of her own life that eventually ignited a desire to perform and pursue a life on the stage. In this second half of our conversation, we discuss how Debra’s path toward becoming an actor was slow, but steady, and how her first steps as a producer started from very meager beginnings. At her very core, Debra is a storyteller and that is on full display in this episode as she talks about taking on Shakespeare’s iconic role of Othello as well as the early years of forming her own company: Take Wing and Soar Productions.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debra Ann Byrd (Part 1) - Classically-Trained Actress Shares Her Bumpy Road to Theater

I first found out about Debra Ann Byrd through an article in the Guardian titled “Black Shakespeare champion working to change views on color blind casting.” She was just starting a residency at Stratford upon Avon, and this article talked about one of Debra's college professors who discouraged her from getting into classical theater. That story alone piqued my interest, so I reached out to her and the conversation that we ended up with certainly had many more stories than that one instance. Most actors can talk about how they got into theater and then trained and grew from there, but for Debra it was definitely a start-and-stop journey that veered off course several times throughout her life due to personal, medical, and racial issues that she had to face and deal with. Her story has so many interesting twists and turns that I just couldn’t fit it into one single episode.  We start off Part One with a unique story of who Debra looked up to as a child, but as we continue our conversation you’ll hear an array of hardships and challenges that would cause any of us to question ourselves and wonder what to do next. Listen carefully, and you’ll also hear an inner strength and a hope infused into each one of those struggles. It is certainly inspiring and a true testament to the strength of Debra’s character and spirit. Listen to Part Two of our conversation! SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Learned Bravely Shares Her Struggles and Secrets to Longevity in the Arts

In this day and age of everything going digital, and especially with zoom becoming an important part of both personal and professional connections, it’s a very rare moment to have a phone interview. Back in August of 2021, I had the privilege of calling up a wonderfully talented actress both on stage and on screen, four-time Emmy winner Michael Learned. Though she is best known for playing Olivia Walton, on the long-running 70's TV show The Waltons, it’s important to point out that she has had a stellar Broadway career as well, which began in 1969 with a production of Anton Chekhov’s The Three Sisters, produced in association with the San Francisco-based American Conservatory Theater. As you’ll hear in this intimate and revealing Interview, she’s also had to face her own struggles and disappointments. She opens up about divorce, alcoholism, and regret. We also discuss the evolution of women’s roles on television and the stage, and Michael confesses her true feelings of playing Olivia all those years on The Waltons. She has such depth of knowledge and experience so we start off talking about her about longevity as an actress and what has kept her going for 60 years.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Sav Shares His Process of Storytelling Through Musical Composition

The main focus and message of this series has been on storytelling. From Kate who talked about how to use our voices and acting skills to connect with casting directors as well audiences, to Max who broke down the elements of a good story and how to craft that for print, stage, or screen. On this episode, I’m talking with composer and audio producer Matt Sav about musical storytelling and how the path from initial idea to an actual finished product can be a long and sometimes stumbling journey. While we focus in on his audio drama In Strange Woods, Matt and I also talk in broader terms of production, composition, and writing as well as the future of podcasting as it provides a new way for artists to create and tell their musical stories.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Stossel Shows Us How to Improve Our Storytelling with Words That Move

Though the theater is my main focus as both an actor and a podcaster, it is often interesting and educating to talk with those outside the theater world. Today’s guest has performed on many stages, but he is the last person who would consider himself to be an actor of any sorts. Nonetheless, Max Stossel has a lot to teach us actors about how we present and perform stories, and maybe even write our own. Max is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, speaker and a former media strategist, named one of the best storytellers of 2016 by Forbes.  Max has traveled around the world, and his performances have been described as mind-expanding, profound, and hilarious. In this episode we talk about the basics of storytelling, how to get our thoughts and ideas down onto the page, and his one-man show Words That Move, which was selling out theaters all over the country before Covid and is currently being developed into a digital special. Max goes on to discuss the importance of staying authentic and true to yourself, especially on social media.  If the last name Stossel sounds familiar to you, you know of his father, journalist and sometimes contrarian John Stossel. While I do my best to keep this podcast free from political themes and discourse, I did ask Max about his father and what he has taught him about telling stories and using video as a medium. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Standby for Places" Uses Podcasts to Exercise and Explore an Actor‘s Creativity

This is a continuation of part one’s look at voiceover work and acting behind the mic. You will hear from a group of actors, directors, and producers applying voiceover and acting techniques into their radio play podcast called Standby for Places. As the pandemic was shutting down most opportunities for actors, this group of artists found a way to keep acting and producing throughout the pandemic. Standby for Places was co-created by Freda Mattea, Margie Zarcone, and Graydon Gund. They then brought on Dunya Karam and others to make it a full audio drama production team. I’ll be talking with three of them today. They’ll give us a bird’s eye view, as well as hands-on experience of the art and craft of producing audio dramas which gives us actors a new way to both exercise and explore our creativity. To be a part of their audio drama productions, contact them via email: info@standbyforplaces.org. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate McClanaghan Helps Actors Find Their Voice

Today begins the second annual presentation of this month-long series with actress and voiceover coach Kate McClanaghan. We will be touching on the various aspects of voice work and technique but also addressing some fundamental struggles every actor faces. About 30 years ago Kate founded Actors’ SOUND ADVICE with fellow producer and coach Jeff Finney. Together they sought to provide an honest and personalized approach to career consulting, voiceover coaching, and demo production. As both an actress and casting director, Kate has a unique dual perspective of what is expected of us as actors, both in the audition room as well as in performance. While this episode may be focusing on the art and craft of voiceovers, these lessons and insights are useful to any artists of the stage and on screen. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Millsaps Goes from Political Theater to Talent Management and Production

One of the themes of this podcast is how we as actors are constantly changing, adjusting, tweaking our careers as we transition between to stage, screen, commercials, and voiceovers. That same kind of transition happens for those behind the table as well. Patrick Millsaps has had a unique journey of started off as an attorney, turned political adviser and pundit, and then pivoting to becoming a talent manager AND THEN, ultimately a movie producer and studio head at Kane Studios. Today we talked about how he took skills from one job to the next. Patrick’s story is not only one of diverse experiences and opportunities, but also one of persistence and a constant drive to learn and improve. He was often a fish out of water, but that didn’t stop him from constantly diving into the deep end…headfirst. Kane Studio's Work: I'll See You in My Dreams (2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1VbBOTXzfI Finding Noah (2017) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvLe1q3Wkdk  Here Are Better Ways to Protest Georgia’s Abortion Law Than a Boycott (2019) - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/georgia-s-abortion-law-are-better-ways-protest-a-boycott-guest-column-1210096  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Allen Vogt - Actor and Comedian on Weight Loss, Jealousy, and the Need to Reinvent Ourselves as Artists

As an actor, one of the more difficult attitudes for me to manage is that of jealousy and an elevated sense of competition for roles and status in this industry. I’ve particularly noticed this since theater has opened up again after the long pandemic shutdown and other actors, not me, are back onstage again. My guest today, Peter Allen Vogt, is a talented actor in his own right but has struggled with this as well from time to time, especially considering he has a well-known identical twin who is also an actor and comedian.  I first got to know Peter Allen Vogt working for Disney. Both he and I worked at Tokyo and Orlando Disney. He has since moved on to Universal out in Los Angeles, and he is also appeared in such TV shows as Hannah Montana, Parks and Recreation, and American Horror Story. But our first love is theater. We talk about what keeps Peter going and the longevity of his career, as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with those who support and nurture you as an artist. Whether it’s classic shows or new musicals, Peter brings a larger than life quality to all of his roles. In fact, his size has been one of Peter‘s notable characteristics for many years. In our conversation today he gets candid and shares his weight loss journey and what that has meant for his career. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Final Five Episode with Peter Allen Vogt Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alessandra Mai Vinh Navigates American Immigration as She Pursues Her Dreams

Every year more and more artists come to this country and face the challenges of the language and the culture while facing the nuances of auditioning and performing in America.  Born in Italy with a Vietnamese background, Alessandra Mai Vinh began dancing at the age of 13. In Italy, she became known for working on national TV shows, commercials, and tours, as well as choreographing and dancing for several popular artists. In 2012, on a mission to pursue her dreams, she decided to move to New York City, where she attended Broadway Dance Center. Years later she moved to her current home in Los Angeles. In this episode, she talks about the unique obstacles of immigrating to the US as a performer, and she shares her thoughts on greater representation for Asians on stage and on screen. But we also get into the challenges common among all performers -- the self-doubts and judgments that can come from comparing our accomplishments to others. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI The Final Five Questions with Alessandra Mai Vinh Get access to Audition Stories and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Oscar & Diego Prieto - Theater Husbands on Balancing Marriage and Careers

Balancing work and life is a tough juggling act for most any actor or artist. Adding a relationship to the equation can be even more difficult to maintain and actors as a whole aren’t known for the longevity of their relationships. Brad Oscar and Diego Prieto are actors and husbands who have learned their own lessons in both living and working as a couple. Brad has appeared in nine Broadway shows and is a Tony-nominee for his performances in The Producers and Something Rotten. Diego has performed at some of the biggest regional theaters and is also an actor with one of my favorite organizations, Only Make Believe, bringing interactive theater into children’s hospitals and care facilities. These two talented gentlemen remind us that just like our acting careers, being in a relationship isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence through the ups and downs. We talk about how they met, what they've learned living and working together, and how they support each other emotionally and creatively.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misty Rosas (Part 2) - Saying ”Yes” to Ourselves Is the First Step Toward Realizing Our Full Potential

In part one of our conversation, Misty Rosas talked having the opportunity to pursue one of her first passions as an artist -- singing -- and the thrill of opening for her favorite band Air Supply. In the second half of our conversation, we talk a bit more about that journey to becoming a singer, but first, Misty shares the joy and fulfillment that can come from finally saying yes to yourself and how to handle our own inner critic. I’ve even included the final five questions in this episode, where we do an even deeper dive into her work in the Mandalorian. Watch the full interview with Misty. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misty Rosas (Part 1) - Performance Artist from Star Wars‘ The Mandalorian Opens Up About Her Hearing Loss

I’ve been a fan of The Mandalorian since it debuted in 2019, and when I found out that one actor had played two wonderful characters on the show (Kuiil and Frog Lady) I was really impressed with her work. That’s when I looked up Misty Rosas and discovered her long résumé of other character work besides the Disney+ Star Wars series. She is also a dancer, singer, gymnast, stunt woman, and voiceover artist. While her résumé is impressive, it was when I read her personal story that I truly became a fan of Misty. So, while we will certainly be touching upon the Mandalorian and other projects that she’s been a part of, it is her journey with hearing loss that takes center stage in this conversation. We crack open how her medical challenges forged her character and crafted her into the actor and person that she is today. I have to admit that there have only been a handful of interviews in the five seasons of this podcast where I was a mixture of nervous and excited to talk to a guest, my time with Misty was certainly one of those time. As you’ll hear in part one of our conversation, she has a warm and open heart with so much wisdom to share from the lessons she’s learned in her life and career and I am so grateful she came and this podcast to share it with you and me. Listen to Part 2 of our conversation! Watch the full interview with Misty SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nate Patten on the Strange and Wonderful 2020 Tony Award Nominations (REWIND)

We're less than a week away from the 2020 Tony Awards ceremony (finally!) so I wanted to bring back this special episode all about those surprising Tony Award Nominations and the fallout that came from the announcement. My conversation is with music director, conductor, and fellow podcaster Nate Patton. Nate and I first met when he was associate conducting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway. And his podcast called Booked It. The title to one of his episodes on his podcast, Booked It was “Broadway is broken and I alone can fix it.” It's this kind of witty, tongue-in-cheek, knowledgeable opinion that I wanted to bring on the show as we talk about things like: The lone best actor nomination of Aaron Tveit The complete snubbing of The Lightning Thief How only plays were nominated for best original score SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rodney Hicks (Part 2) - Broadway Actor Shares His Difficult Journey of Self-Discovery

When it comes to work as an actor, there’s that old adage of "feast or famine." For myself that has meant going 11 months without any work…all while still auditioning of course, but there have been other times when three shows come up at once, and I had to decide which ONE of them I’m going to do. In Part Two of my conversation with Rodney Hicks, we’re going to be talking about the feasts and famines of his career -- various shows and original casts he’s been a part of as well as the shows he didn’t get and the lessons he’s learned from both experiences. As he shared in Part One, Come From Away marked a time in Rodney’s life that was certainly a feast. Not only was the show a wonderful chance for him to create a rich character, but the show itself opened on Broadway with a lot of fanfare and high expectations. At the same time other aspects of his performing and coaching career were taking off, but his diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia and it’s unfortunate progression took him in a very unexpected direction. That's the part of his story where we pick up our conversation today: a look at how everything was going right in his life and how quickly it all changed.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rodney Hicks (Part 1) - Musical Theater Actor Opens Up About What Caused Him to Leave Broadway

Here in America, we just marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and on the eve of that anniversary a live recording of the Broadway production of Come From Away was released. It featured many past and present members of the cast, but one of the original cast members, Rodney Hicks, was absent from the filming. In part one of our conversation, Rodney takes us through his long journey with the show and how it came to a sudden end. He reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still some light to be found. Listen to Part Two of my conversation with Rodney! SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Swenson (Part 2) - Actor/Singer on the Changes He Hopes to See in Theater, Especially Broadway

As we came to the end of Part One of our conversation, Will Swenson and I were talking about the deeper questions of who we are as artists and the absolute importance of bringing our full selves to the stage. In this episode, Will’s performance in the Broadway revival of HAIR back in 2009 and how the show and the character of Berger allowed him a freedom and an energy that he had never gotten the chance to express on stage before. We also continue to explore the more personal side of who we are and Will opens up about the about lessons he and his wife Audra McDonald have learned from each other. We also discuss I've included the Final Five has been included, although these questions are normally a bonus members-only episode, it's been added here as I try out a slightly different format for the show. What do you think? SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Swenson (Part 1) - Broadway Actor Talks About Failed Shows and Leaving the Mormon Church

For the next three weeks I’ll be talking with two Broadway actors and a music director about their careers in New York and their own thoughts on the the theatre world and the Tony Awards. I start today with actor and singer Will Swenson, a Tony nominee for his outstanding work in the revival of the musical HAIR back in 2009. He's someone I’ve known since the late 90s when we were working at Disney World in Orlando, both sharing the role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. We are both baritone leading man, who grew up in the church, and both had first marriages that didn’t last. To be candid, we have shared so much in common that one of my initial reasons for bringing him on the podcast was to figure out what I could’ve done differently, what are the one or two things I could’ve done that would’ve let me mirror his career path, but instead what I came away with was a greater understanding of shared experience, of commonalities we all have, both professional and personal, that go far deeper than who is better than who, or who has a better life or career. Listen to Part Two of our conversation here! SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darren Darnborough - British Actor and Producer & CEO of WeAudition

Whether from personal experience or hearing stories from the past two episodes on this podcast, you know that almost anything can happen in an audition room. Sometimes it’s defined by magical moments, while other times it is filled with frustration. Yet even still, the most “perfect“ audition doesn’t always lead to a call back or a contract. It is this uncertainty that can bring both excitement and dismay. Not to mention the fact that auditioning for the stage is slightly different from auditioning for the screen. With me today to discuss these differences is television and film actor Darren Darnborough, CEO of WeAudition. I first met and got to know Darren when he reached out to me as the CEO of WeAudition.com back in January of this year. He is someone truly dedicated and motivated to helping all actors get better at their craft and reach even greater heights in their career. I’m very proud and grateful that he’s become a big fan of this podcast. You’ll certainly be hearing about more collaborations together in the future, but today, I sit down with Darren to talk about his own journey as an actor, the wonderful opportunities he’s been given, as well as the hard lessons learned along the way. He reveals a lot during our conversation and offered me new perspective not only on auditioning, but the art and business of being an actor as well. Listen to Part Two of our conversation! Listeners of this podcast get 25% off a WeAudition Membership by using the promo code WINMI25. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More Audition Stories 2021 with Will Swenson, Mykal Kilgore, Gabrielle Ruiz, Justin Guarini and more!

For most theater actors, Broadway is the ultimate status to attain in this industry. It’s the highest level any of us can reach and is the utmost definition of making it, but just because an actor has been on a Broadway stage, it doesn’t mean they don’t go through the same frustrations and doubts that we go through. That really gets to the heart of Why I’ll Never Make It and especially today’s episode, which is brought to you by We Audition (get 25% off membership with promo code: WINMI25). This is part two of my focus on Audition Stories: the good, the bad, and the hysterical. You’ll hear from the following Broadway stars about the trials and tribulations of auditioning, including those pesky self-tapes... Mykal Kilgore - actor and R&B singer from MOTOWN and HAIR Hannah Elless - actress and singer from GODSPELL and BRIGHT STAR Douglas Sills - iconic leading man from SCARLET PIMPERNEL and THE ADDAMS FAMILY Gabrielle Ruiz - quintessential triple threat from IF/THEN and CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND Geoffrey Owens - actor and director best known as Elvin from THE COSBY SHOW Sally Wilfert - actress and singer from ASSASSINS and KING DAVID Will Swenson - actor and singer from WAITRESS and PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Justin Guarini - American Idol and Broadway actor from WICKED and IN TRANSIT Here's a special gift to you for listening to these stories (and reading these notes) - a bonus video episode with Adrienne Walker sharing her LION KING audition story. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to more Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audition Stories 2021 with Chaz Wolcott, Megan Carver, Damian Thompson and more!

Actors have been returning to the stage this summer as some regional theaters have returned to normal with live audiences. That, of course, has brought in a fresh wind of auditions. So, it is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the third annual Audition Stories here on the podcast. The last time these audition episodes were on the podcast was a month before the Covid shutdown and there have been a lot of guests with worthwhile stories since then.  Today’s episode, brought to you by We Audition (promo code: WINMI25), is actually part one of these wonderful tales from the room where it happens. Now, we’ve been doing a lot of self tapes lately, but it's time for a need a reminder of the happy and hysterical things that can happen in person and in front of the audition table. At the end of this episode none other than Bryan Cranston has some sage words of wisdom we can all apply to auditions and self-tapes.  Here's the list of former guests sharing their audition experiences: Chaz Wolcott - triple threat performer who also directs & choreographs Megan Carver - actress and singer who also produces films Damian Thompson - classically-trained actor who does musicals...occasionally Meredith Aleigha Wells - dancer and singer diagnosed with POTS Carrie Bernans - actress and stuntwoman in Black Panther Alex Pires - actor and writer who created his own web series Kimberly Faye Greenberg - actress and singer known for her Fanny Brice show Christophe Zajac-Denek - little person actor, musician, stuntman, and podcaster Eric Jordan Young - actor and singer who directs and produces Bryan Cranston - amazing actor who tells us a thing or two about being in the room where it might happen. SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eff Your Fears with Actress and Model Ashley Monique Menard

For the past week I have been doing a deep dive into podcasting at a yearly conference called Podcast Movement. It's a place where podcasters like me can learn how to make better episodes, conduct riveting interviews, sincerely engage with listeners, and figure out ways to make my podcast both sustainable and profitable. The goal is to give you and future listeners even more reasons to come back week after week for another episode. At last year‘s conference I actually met a guest you’ve already heard from earlier this season, Ashley Monique Menard.  She is energetic, fun, and talented lady who talked about her own creative journey and zeroed in on the idea of patience and what we expect from ourselves. Right after she appeared on WINMI podcast, she invited me on her own podcast called Eff Your Fears. It is a bold and deliberate effort to help artists overcome what holds them back, because as we all know fear is one of the biggest reasons why we’ll never make it.  So while I’m off learning and growing to be a better host and producer of this show, I wanted to share my conversation with Ashley on her podcast. You’ll certainly learn more of my story and hear it from a unique and quirky perspective that only Ashley can bring.  SUBSCRIBE TO WINMI Get access to Audition Stories, the Final Five questions, and other bonus content by becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber to Why I’ll Never Make It. Producing this podcast is rewarding in its own way, but I’m essentially a one-man operation. So it is both costly and time-intensive to put together each episode. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube ———- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast hosted by actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Hetzel and Keep the Flame Alive Talk Team USA Duathlon & Maintaining Her Acting Career

Last year I started releasing bonus episodes to those who supported this podcast on a monthly basis. Well, this is one of those special episodes with Kristen Hetzel. I brought along the co-hosts of Olympic podcast Keep the Flame Alive. Jill and Allison ask questions which bring a different perspective to my conversation with this silver and bronze medal duathlete. They ask about Team USA, correlations between acting training and athleticism, and even wonder about guys who challenge Kristen to dumb physical contests. It's a wide ranging talk that offers unique insight for us actors. Thank you Jill and Allison! Support WINMI with one-time donations or monthly giving, please go to the website.  Sign up for the monthly newsletter  Learn more about Keep the Flame Alive by checking out my recommendation episode.  And here's a bit of behind-the-scenes info... Jill and Alison actually recorded their part separately. I asked Kristen the questions, and then added their audio with some editing magic to create the bonus episode you have here. Enjoy!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Hetzel - Actress and Team USA Duathlete Reveals What Artists Can Learn from Sports (REWIND)

As the Olympics head into their second week, it’s been a great reminder of the lessons we as artists can learn from these Olympians. Remember the episode with Sally Wilfert? She reminded us singers how we are small muscle athletes. And anyone who’s been through a tech rehearsal process knows what a marathon can feel like and striving to reach the finish line. Mindset and mental health are also so important. Athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka are recent examples of how competition and especially expectation can wear down even the best performers. In November 2020, WINMI did a five-part series called "Bettering Ourselves, Bettering Our Careers" and in the last episode of that series I spoke with Kristen Hetzel. She is a Team USA silver and bronze medalist in the duathlon (which is running and cycling) and she's also an actress, model, personal trainer, motivational speaker, and holds a doctorate in physical therapy. Today’s episode is a rewind back to my conversation with Kristen. She shares her secret to getting it on the field and how she overcomes what stands in her way. Most importantly, Kristen gives a lot of insight into how the two worlds of sports and acting are similar and why the discipline and lessons of one can help the other. Follow Kristen: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sydney Irving - Young Singer/Songwriter Shares How Hard Work Defines Her as an Artist

When it comes to theater we all know Broadway and the big lights of New York City. There’s also organizations like the public or playwrights horizons that present notable off Broadway productions as well. But for the most part stage work is done by small to midsize theaters across the country some bring in equity Actors but a lot of them don’t. They are simply gathering together actors, directors, and designers to put on a show to entertain and engage local audiences.  Well, the music industry is much the same way. There are the A-list stars that go on the Tonight Show and sign record deals with Sony or Motown records. But most of the music being produced in America is done by smaller independent artists who simply love the joy of performing and songwriting. Sydney Irving is someone who was born to sing and perform, you can hear it from the moment you press play on any one of her five albums. As a native of Syracuse New York, Sydney’s first album was released when she was only 14 and her latest is an EP that just came out in May. And last year she was twice named artist of the year by two different organizations. Being a teenage female singer songwriter, it’s probably no surprise that she looks up to Taylor Swift and was inspired by her to pick up the guitar and start writing music. But Sydney‘s influences don’t stop there. She’s into Barnes Courtney, post Malone, and Ryan Adams. But also surprisingly she pulls a lot of influence from older artists Like AC/DC, the doors, and her current favorite Tom Petty.  We will certainly be talking about those influences and how they’ve impacted her own singing and songwriting. And you’ll even get to hear a song off of her latest EP all I need is you at the end of this episode. But first we talk about the early success that she’s had in her career and the hard work it took to get her there as well as her disregard for social media and why she prefers other ways to connect with friends, family, and her fans.  After getting a chance to meet and talk with her I certainly count myself among one of her fans, and I’m sure by the end of this conversation you’ll be one too. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  Follow Sydney - Website / Instagram / YouTube  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. "All I Need Is You" by Sydney Irving is also used with permission.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sabine Kvenberg - German Actress Who Discovered Musical Theater and a Love for Teaching

During this past year as Covid wrecked the theater scene, ending so many shows and seasons, Andrew Lloyd Webber was doing his best to bring musicals back to the West End. And in much the same way, although for very different reasons, it was Lloyd Webber in the 1980s who was bringing the modern musical theater to Germany and the rest of Europe with grand spectacles like Cats. At that time Sabine Kvenberg was a stage actress at the very start of her performing career. So of course when Cats came along, she jumped at the chance to audition for it. And for most of her career, music and musical theater has been at the forefront. She's recorded original music, performed in various touring productions in Europe, and also found plenty of work on screen as well. Since moving to America, though, she has taken an active role in coaching and mentoring current performers as they navigate their careers, both on stage and on screen. She’s also a public speaker, an author, and even has her own YouTube channel and future podcast. Which is actually how we met, through a podcasters forum led by another former WINMI guest, Dave Jackson.  Secrets on How to Succeed in Showbiz - A Practical Workbook for the Future Star (by Sabine Kvenberg)   In our conversation today, Sabine recounts the lessons she has learned in front of audiences as well as in the audition room. She gives us a deeper understanding of the importance of mindset and preparation when it comes to our professional and personal lives. It is this wealth of creative wisdom that she imparts to her students, and thankfully will be sharing it with us as well.  Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  Follow Sabine - Website / Instagram / Coaching  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damian Thompson - A Jamaican-Born Actor Who Shares How Stuttering Led Him Into Acting

Communication and interacting with each other through words is really at the heart of what it means to connect and relate to other people. This is even more clear as actors and writers in the way that we tell stories and share experiences. Clear and understandable communication is a vital part of the performing arts. We do this through dance, visual media, physical gestures, and other ways, but most importantly though language.  For Damian Thompson, this of course has been an essential part of his career, from Shakespeare productions like MacBeth and King Lear, to contemporary plays like Angels in America and Little Rock. He even wrote and starred in his own short film called Black? But it hasn’t always been easy for him to communicate verbally , especially in auditions and cold readings. As a young child he suffered from a speech disorder that affects approximately 3 million Americans speakers, and that is stuttering.  Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  And so in today’s conversation we talk about things that Damian has had to overcome. We even get into the importance of not only diverse but accurate representation within the arts. But we start of with Damian sharing how his stuttering and Martin Luther King‘s “I Have a Dream" speech eventually led him into theater…with a little help for Dawson’s Creek.  Follow Damian - Vimeo / Instagram / IMDB  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes like the Final Five. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 15 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Hyson is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Danyew - Musician and Educator Shares the Importance of Being a Portfolio Artist

in many ways today’s episode is almost a masterclass from beginning to end in how to bridge the gap between being artist and an entrepreneur. Ashley Danyew is a musician and educator who shares how she has had to branch out in many different directions to build both an enjoyable and sustainable career.  Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  Even before the pandemic, the life of any artist was one of constant change. Times when you have more work than you know what to do with and other long stretches of time where you have to take other side jobs just to keep going. For centuries the term "jack of all trades" has been used to describe an individual who knows a variety of skills and is able to bring these disciplines together in a practical and ideally profitable manner. In more recent years, though, “jack of all trades” has become synonymous with another term: multi-hyphenate, especially when it comes to actors and other artists who branch out beyond their main creative focus. But in my conversation today with Ashley Danyew, we will be talking about yet another term: the portfolio artist.  A few years ago The Guardian wrote about the need for more portfolio musicians. The article says, “As 21st-century professional practitioners, a musician must not only excel as a performer, but also as a teacher, leader, and creative collaborator across a range of styles and genres.” It goes on to say that artists and musicians are increasingly engaging with people, places and digital technology, producing all sorts of environments for creation and performance, with an ever-greater blurring of boundaries between artforms. Now, in addition to all this artistic creativity, we must also be entrepreneurs who thrive as much on the business side as we do the performance. That of course can be much easier said than done. Especially during times like this past year with the pandemic. Ashley even had her own devastating setback when she lost her voice and had to learn how to just speak and sing again. Through that experience and others, Ashley learned how important it is to pivot throughout our careers and find work in a variety of way. And so in today’s episode she shows through her own experiences as a teacher, musician and performer how each of us can blend the creative and corporate halves of our career together, in a more seamless and sustainable way. Follow Ashley - Blog / Podcast / Musician & Co.  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex and Podington Bear is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Turchin - Actor, Composer, and Musical Theater Wunderkind

Well, here we are at the third and final installment of my young artist series. And it could be argued that I’ve saved the most prolific artist for last. As both a performer and writer, Joshua Turchin has crammed a lot of experience into his very young career. Whether it’s on stage at the Hollywood bowl or a national tour OR composing his own award-winning musical OR Music directing his weekly cabaret series, Joshua certainly stays busy. Oh yeah, he also has school and homework to deal with as well. And so in the conversation you’re about to hear we’ll talk about the many facets of his creativity, and how he learned to play 11 instruments and compose his first musical at the age of 11 called The Perfect Fit. The New York Times reviewed his musical, saying "Joshua Turchin proves his worth as a composer, actor and a book writer, delivering a richly layered show about the lives and loves of showbiz preadolescents." Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  I have to admit it’s artists like Joshua that make me realize I haven’t done as much with my own career as I could’ve or should’ve. That being said, we can all learn a thing or two from this teenage musical tour de force. Joshua is a beautiful light with a never-ending positive attitude, whose smile and spirit are definitely contagious.  Follow Joshua - Website / Early Night Show / YouTube  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out these Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Incidental music in the episode by Chad Crouch is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chloe Noelle - Young Actress from TRUE BLOOD Continues to Learn and Grow in Her Career

When it comes to actors, we really are part of a family and community with one another, and no matter how long or how short a time we’ve been in this business, there’s always something we can learn from each other. I mean that's really the basis of this podcast, and today’s guest is a perfect example of this. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  For the most part Chloe Noelle is just your average teenager, who loves games, movies, and time with her friends. But Chloe‘s first big acting job came on the huge hit show TRUE BLOOD. And while it was certainly a big juggernaut for her career, in today’s episode she shares how it came with expectations of what kind of actress she should be. In this episode, we discuss the ups and downs of her young career and how she continues to grow with each new role and performance. In addition to TV, she’s done classic musicals, had her own segment on the morning news show, and has even performed stand-up comedy for Comedy Central. Chloe has certainly done a lot in the last 10 years and shares with us what she’s learned during that time as well as the sometimes difficult journey it’s been.  Follow Chloe - Website / Instagram / Twitter  Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Kai Engel and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex J. Dean - Young Actor and Director Graduates from Film School During a Pandemic

Being a coach and leading master classes has been something I truly enjoyed doing. Imparting my experience and insights to students and watching them have those a-ha moments and discovering something new about themselves or their own skills and talents. But sometimes it’s good to flip that around and ask those just starting out their career what THEY have learned so far and where THEY see not only themselves going in this career but where the industry is going as a whole. So for the next three episodes I’m going to be talking to young artists about what they’ve discovered along their own journeys. And I begin today with actor, writer, director, and producer Alex J Dean, who is actually graduating from film school this month. What a time to be starting an arts career, huh? But as you listen to our conversation I think you’ll recognize that he has a pretty good head on his shoulders that will enable him to navigate these very strange and tumultuous times. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter.  Alex started out as an actor on stage and on screen, and was co-host of the award-winning Nerdtabulous series. Even in real life he has embraced the nerd moniker, as a fan of Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Japanese anime. So it should come as no surprise that Alex has found a real home behind the camera as a director and writer, creating worlds and stories from his own imagination. His final thesis project for college was a horror anthology film, with plans to release it later this summer or early in the fall under his own production company Penny Arcade Pictures. So suffice it to say, Alex loves to stay busy and immerse himself and creativity and production. But as you and I know this is certainly a tough time to get started in the arts field, and that is where we begin our conversation today. Follow Alex - IMDB / Instagram  Join WINMI and get Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Check out Artist Resources and Offers Follow WINMI - Instagram / Twitter  ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Flame Podcast Musical with Creators Ellie Brigida and Leigh Holmes Foster

In this past year, as most actors and artists were forced to stay at home, we found new ways to keep creating. The most obvious is the explosion of zoom readings and productions of both new and existing works. Others discovered this medium of podcasting, and in just one year the number of podcasts doubled. But in today’s episode, in honor of Pride Month, I’m talking with two women who set out to explore a relatively new art form, the podcast musical. Ellie Brigida and Leigh Holmes Foster are the creative force behind The Flame musical. It's the story of two women -- Jamie, a queer bar owner, and Sam, the woman selling the building that the bar inhabits -- and the inevitable sparks that end up flying between them Follow Ellie | Leigh | The Flame And at the end of this episode I play one of the songs from the first episode of The Flame: "Keep It Lit" Lead vocals: Jenn Colella as Jo, Ellie Brigida as Jamie, and Leigh Holmes Foster as Heather Ensemble vocals: Dayna Arnett, Briana Bonilla, Leesa Charlotte, Benjamin Doncom, Ashton Grooms, E. Maloney, Quince Mobley, Liz Mongrello, Sydney Nicholson, Vico Ortiz, Dana Piccoli, Saria Schuyler, Mickie Rose Wadsworth ————— Just some of the ways to connect with WINMI as well as opportunities to grow as an artist: The monthly WINMI Newsletter Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols

This week I'm sharing a conversation I had on another podcast called Blatantly Honest. At the end of this episode I also talk about the recent survey and the need for a reassessment of WINMI Podcast. Makaila Nichols is the founder of the Blatantly Honest Foundation. She is also a national speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author of Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen, Abnormal Life. In her book, she shares her personal struggles with issues teens may encounter such as: bullying, body image, sexual assault, peer pressure, and more.  To reach an even larger audience, Makaila has a podcast series that focuses on changing the stigmas behind teen social issues. She is able to accomplish this by chatting with celebrities, influencers and experts about their own struggles and triumphs. ————— Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diane Foy - PR & Marketing Coach Shares Her Roadmap for Actors and Musicians

Last week on the podcast I spoke with an acting teacher (Terry Knickerbocker) about techniques and the creative process for us actors. Well, this week a publicist will guide us through the business side of our profession, and how best to promote and grow our careers, not letting others and especially ourselves stand in our way.  Join or Donate to WINMI - whyillnevermakeit.com Back in March 2021 I appeared on a podcast called sing dance act thrive hosted by PR and marketing coach Diane Foy. Other guests of that podcast have included Akon, Bif Naked, Timbaland, and Broadway life coach and former WINMI guest Bret Shuford. And I enjoyed being on her podcast so much, I invited her to join me here and share her vast knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. The 6 C’s Roadmap to Book Gigs & Make Money Clarity - laying your personal vision and professional goals Confidence - finding motivation and acknowledging your skill, strengths, and weaknesses Captivate - evaluating your personally, exploring your story, and embracing your image (Big Five Personality Test, https://www.truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test) Competitive Advantage - researching those who have the career you want as well as what sets you apart, figuring out your business and artistic audiences, and what other sources of income can come your way Content Creation - sharing your personal and professional stories systematically yet authentically, making sure your brand is consistent across all platforms Communication - finding your target audience and how to engage with them, interpersonal and business/media skills Are You A Multipotentialite? A TED Talk On Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling Follow Diane - Website / Instagram / Podcast  ————— Just some of the ways to connect with WINMI as well as opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evelyn LeBel & Chris Stepanek - Broadway Dresser and Off-Broadway Technician Share Their Work and Love of Theater

The last time a couple came on the podcast was way back in Season 1. And on today's episode Evelyn LeBel and her fiancé Chris Stepanek join me to discuss their different roles backstage, why unions are so important, and how networking is the name of the game in finding work. Give your feedback in the 2021 Listener Survey. This Broadway dresser and Master Technician would have been married last year but something called Covid got in the way, and it continues to affect all arts workers professionally and personally. Follow Evelyn and Chris on Instagram. ————— Just some of the ways to connect with WINMI as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Monthly WINMI Newsletter Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Knickerbocker - New York Acting Teacher and Theater Director Helps Actors Become Their Best

Give your feedback in the 2021 Listener Survey. Ever since I became WINMI's sole host and producer, I have wanted to have an acting teacher on this podcast. Well, it certainly took long enough, but that time has finally come. Terry Knickerbocker has been guiding students for almost 30 years, having trained and taught with William Esper, one of the most respected protégés of Sanford Meisner. And The Terry Knickerbocker Studio is this month's featured Artist Resource.  You can find a full list of artist resources at resources.whyillnevermakeit.com.  The studio has four primary objectives when it comes to their actor training, and Terry and I will be touching on these topics throughout today’s episode: To provide students with tools and a process for creating authentic imaginative acting. To cultivate uncompromising Standards of craftsmanship and artistry. To empower students to embrace the full range of their unique humanity. To support students with the entrepreneurial skills needed to be a successful working actor. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter.  Follow Terry - Website / Instagram / YouTube  ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly Faye Greenberg - An Actress and Singer Making It as a Broadway Dresser

As you and I certainly know there is so much more to Theater then just what happens on stage. There are those behind the scenes and backstage, contributing just as much to the production of any show. The next four episodes will be focusing on this important work and how we as Actors can collaborate with them. Today’s guest is not only an actress but has worked as a dresser in more than 20 Broadway shows. But for Kimberly Faye Greenberg, performing in a Broadway show is still on her bucket list. If you’ve ever listened to the very end of one of these episodes, you’ll hear me talk about this podcast’s association with Broadway Makers Alliance. They are a collective of small business entrepreneurs and artists who have all found outlets for their love of theater and especially Broadway. Well, it was actually one of the leaders of Broadway makers that introduced me to today’s guest, and I am so grateful to have met and spoken with Kimberly. And after this episode, you will be too. Follow Kimberly - Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $5-10/month Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MoonAmie Productions - Training Children and Young Adults in the Performing Arts

It’s really no big secret that having children involved in the performing arts can have a major impact on them in school and out of school. Well, today’s guests are training some of these young artists in a fine arts conservatory down in Miami, Florida called MoonAmie Productions. Monica Rosell and Priscilla Blanco join me to discuss their important work and the creative home they provide their students.  Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter.  My conversation begins with Monica, Owner and Artistic Director, who holds both a master of fine arts and a bachelor of arts. She’s taught script analysis and theater history it has been both a private acting coach as well as director of many musicals and plays in South Florida. While MoonAmie productions focuses on stage work and musicals, they also produce short films with their students Who are receiving highly structured and individualized instruction, and this really sets moonamie apart from most other theater schools for young artists. "How the Performing Arts Benefits Kids" - Scholastic I then bring on Music Director Priscilla, who has a Bachelor's and Master's in music education, and she works as a vocal coach and accompanist throughout South Florida. She was also in the public school system there and was the president of the Dade County music educators Association. But her work has gone beyond just Florida —she is also the cofounder of Spark music initiative, a nonprofit based in Grand Cayman, which focuses on introducing and igniting students’ interest in music through free workshops and camps that focus on world music, technology, improvisation, and songwriting. And the work she does with the students at MoonAmie is very similar. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow MoonAmie - Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel B. New - Musical Theater Composer Learning to Craft Music and Marketing

In the last episode we learned the importance of producing our own work as actors. Well today's guest, Joel B. New, will show us that just because you build it doesn't mean people will come. After the hard work of creating, then comes the daunting task of producing and promoting it, getting others to take notice and support that work. Learn how Joel found unique ways to get the word out on one of his own musicals. "Strong Hands" - performed by Ernie Pruneda "The Fort" - performed by Marita Stryker Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter.  Follow Joel - Website / Instagram / YouTube  Joel's Birthday Concert - https://joelbnew.com/birthday ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes like the Final Five Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Kate Adams - Broadway Actress Who Learned How to Be Her Own Producer

At one point or another there is a lesson that all actors have to learn, and this past year has driven home that lesson even more so, and that is the need to create our own work. Today’s guest, Ashley Kate Adams, Not only added producing to her already sizable acting resume, but she put all of her thoughts and lessons learned into a new book called Be Your Own Producer.  #BYOP - https://amzn.to/3wUPUF9 (pre-order for August publication) Join WINMI - http://whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Ashley - Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $5-10/month Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Incidental music in this episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcus Scott - Theater Playwright and Journalist Who Embraces His Inner Black Geek

On today’s podcast journalist Marcus Scott shares his love of telling stories and how he suddenly found himself writing musicals.  Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter  Real life writing, that’s really the best way to describe the kind of work Marcus does. It’s something of the moment. It's meaningful, insightful, and true to the experiences that Marcus knows firsthand or has researched down to a minute detail. And one of the most ever present issues affecting Artist right now is the pandemic, and even through this hardship Marcus continues to grow as a an artist and a writer.  Besides the pandemic, the social justice and race issues of the past year have been particularly inspiring to Marcus‘s writing. List of Marcus' works on New Play Exchange  His Interview in MIRANDA  Follow Marcus - Website / LinkedIn / Twitter  ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joyce Hshieh (Part 2) - Line Memorization Techniques to Help Actors OFF BOOK IT

While natural talent certainly plays a part in the capabilities of any actor to perform, there’s one skill that has to be learned and nurtured for any actor to really make it in this business, and in part two of my conversation with Joyce Hshieh, she talks about this all important ability to learn and memorize lines.  As an actor she struggled with memorizing lines, but as a trivia enthusiast she learned several simple and easy techniques to boost her memory. She studied and researched the science of memory and learning and figured out what works and what doesn’t. She shares what she learned and the program she created to help actors, called OFF BOOK IT. Watch the free masterclass - Line Memorization Without the Stress and Headache! Sign up for the free WINMI Newsletter and get your Members-Only Bonus Episodes starting at only $3/month. Topics and references in this episode: Actors who couldn't memorize lines - Grunge  Rita Ora in Fifty Shades of Grey - The Independent  How actors remember lines - Psychology Today  Regional actor Patrick Treadway and the Body List - Spokesman Review  FOR EXTRA CREDIT - Marilu Henner and her ability to remember everything   ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Bortexx, Chad Crouch, and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joyce Hshieh (Part 1) - BFA Trained Actress Becomes Jeopardy Champion

Almost every actor would seize upon the opportunity to be in a big TV show. But even with a BFA in acting and conservatory theater training, none of it had really prepared Joyce Hshieh for one of the biggest roles of her life, Becoming a three day champion on the game show jeopardy. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter.  In part one of my conversation with Joyce, we talk about her theater training and her struggle to find fulfillment as an actor. She shares how surprising it was to find herself on Jeopardy and how similar it is and isn’t to her work as an actor. In part two, we’ll talk about the course she created all about memorization and how Actors can better learn lines and retain scripts. Follow Joyce - IMDB / Instagram / WeAudition / Website ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Bonus Episodes starting at $3/month Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.  Music in the episode by Bortexx and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sally Wilfert (Part 2) - ALL THE GIRLS and a Tribute to Broadway’s Leading Lady, Rebecca Luker

On December 23, 2020, Broadway and musical theater lost one of its most beautifully talented leading ladies, Rebecca Luker. In the second half of my conversation with Sally Wilfert, we talk about their close friendship and the last project of Rebecca’s life, a duo album called All the Girls.  We also touch on what made her such a unique and special individual who touched the lives of so many. We also share personal stories of knowing and working with Rebecca, and discuss the legacy she leaves behind. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. Follow Sally - Website / Instagram / Twitter  ---------- Music in the episode by Bortexx is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Other music from YouTube: Luker and Wilfert at 54 Below: https://youtu.be/Ndw6NNhlq5M  "And This Is my Beloved" from KISMET: https://youtu.be/-qvxqRKmuLA "All I Ask of You" at the Mormon Tabernacle: https://youtu.be/bqGcB1f6Z9E  Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter    Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sally Wilfert (Part 1) - A Singer’s Journey from the Piano to Broadway

Sally Wilfert is a Broadway actress and an amazing vocalist who understands the rigors and demands of performing at the top of her game. In part one of my conversation with Sally, she and I discuss the difficulties, injuries, and self-doubts she’s endured.  Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter.  Unlike other jobs like accounting, engineering, or even medicine, singing is uniquely personal, expressing parts of ourselves that may go unspoken or unknown at any other time except through the music and lyrics that we bring to the stage. But for Sally singing was something that she did in private, a secret enjoyment just for herself. As she slowly began to let others hear it, though, it changed not only that enjoyment but gave her added purpose as well. Follow Sally - Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.   Music in the episode by Bortexx and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Other music from YouTube: "Unworthy of Your Love" from Assassins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRD1OJDxC1k, "Anytime" by William Finn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVLV654tUD4     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabrielle Ruiz (Part 2) - EVITA National Tour and Female Representation in the Arts

As we talked about in Part One, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is what put Gabrielle Ruiz on the map. However, it was her theater training and performance abilities that made it possible for her to be cast in the show. In this episode we talk more about her time on the stage and what drives her most as an artist.  Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Gabrielle - Website / Instagram / Twitter / WAFF Podcast ————— Here are ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabrielle Ruiz (Part 1) - From Broadway Actress to TV Star on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

My good friend and amazing performer Gabrielle Ruiz joins me for Women's History Month to chat about her journey from ensemble member on Broadway to a principal role on primetime television. It's a path many of us actors wish to have, but hers has not been without personal and professional setbacks. And in part one of our conversation we touch on some of the highlights as well as how she's handled the low points. Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Gabrielle - Website / Instagram / Twitter / WAFF Podcast ————— Here are ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Bortexx is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dorothy Fields and Broadway Collaborations Over Five Decades (Part 2) with Kristin Stultz Pressley

Fifty years ago this month 10 people were inducted into the songwriters Hall of Fame. Included on that list are well-known names like duke Ellington, Ira Gershwin, and Alan J Lerner. The only woman in that group was Dorothy Fields. But despite her talents for lyrics and storytelling, her journey to becoming a songwriter wasn’t easy. In fact, there were some pretty big roadblocks in her way. This episode Is presented in conjunction with Maestra Music. Women's History Month continues wirth part two of my conversation with musical theater historian Kristin Stultz Pressley. We dig a little deeper into her Dorothy Fields biography: I can’t give you anything but love baby. We discuss what it was like for a woman writer in a man’s world, how Fields transitioned from one decade to the next, from one musical genre to another, and we get into this idea of fame and success and what that meant to Dorothy Fields. Listen to part one of our conversation.  Kristin's biography of Fields at Amazon - https://amzn.to/38sPxXQ WINMI Newsletter and Members-Only Episodes - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Kristin - Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot and a member of Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Chad Crouch, Bortexx, Kevin Macleod, and Latch Swing is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dorothy Fields and Her Impact on Broadway Musical Theater (Part 1) with Kristin Stultz Pressley

This week for Women’s History Month, I’m sharing a special conversation with Dr. Broadway about prolific lyricist and librettist Dorothy Fields, who collaborated with some of the most iconic and legendary composers in Broadway history. For much of the Golden Age of the American musical, Fields was one of the only women writing for the Broadway theatre. This episode is presented in conjunction with Maestra Music. Even if the name Dorothy Fields isn't completely familiar to you, her songs and musicals are some of the most well-known words in the Great American Songbook: On the Sunny Side of the Street A Fine Romance The Way You Look Tonight Hey, Big Spender It's Not Where You Start Kristin Stultz Pressley first appeared in Season Two, talking about the Tony awards and musical theater history in general. Well, she is back and talking about her new book, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby, chronicling the remarkable life and career of one of the most successful female songwriters of all time. Listen to part two of our conversation.  Follow Kristin - Website / Instagram / Twitter / PhD Dissertation on Fields ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $5-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music in the episode by Crowander and Latch Swing is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrie Bernans (Part 2) - Connecting with Other Actors and Confronting Stereotypes of Black Women

The church plays and school musicals of Carrie's childhood eventually gave way to on-camera acting and her desire to become a "black girl James Bond." So she was introduced to stunt work and martial arts classes, giving her a whole new set of skills that she also created careers of themselves. That's when she also discovered WeAudition and it online video community for actors. Sign up for the WINMI newsletter and get 25% off a WeAudition membership.  We also talk about her travels abroad and the interesting stereotypes and fetishes she had to confront in other countries as well as America.  Learn more about CB Seed - https://www.cbseed.org/ Follow Carrie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers plenty of ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrie Bernans (Part 1) - From Actress on Stage to Stuntwoman in Black Panther

Carrie Bernans is the perfect person to kick off Women's History Month. She is a strong individual who knows who she is, what she wants, and usually how to get there. That’s not to say it’s been all smooth sailing for her, either personally or professionally, but she never lost her faith or belief in what’s possible. She isn’t just an actress, she’s also trained in martial arts, stunt work, and body movement in addition to theater. Growing up she not only performed in plays and dance recitals but also competed in track and field. She’s been a world traveler and now speaks six different languages. There is simply no way to pigeonhole Carrie into this box or that genre. And it is this variety in her life and her work that has created so much opportunity for her, particularly landing roles in Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame. Sign up for the WINMI newsletter and get 25% off a WeAudition membership.  Learn more about CB Seed - https://www.cbseed.org/ Follow Carrie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers plenty of ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and John Bartmann is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brie Eley (Part 2) - Using Her Force for Good in Star Wars and with Fellow Black Actresses

In part two of my conversation with Brie Eley, she talked about her latest project that has been such a mountaintop experience for her and we get into her organization that promotes and supports black actresses, providing them with opportunity and community but also showcasing the vast diversity among these black actresses. Topics discussed: The High Republic - a new digital series from STAR WARS Pew Research - social media and Black Americans Nielsen Company - 2019 Diverse Intelligence Series report on African Americans Any actresses interested in learning more about Here and Ready and how to build a profile, head to the Actor Portal: Here and Ready Talent Database for Black Actresses  Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Brie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brie Eley (Part 1) - Classically Trained Theater Actress Chooses TV/Film Career

When it comes to being an artist, Brie Eley is the very definition of a multi-hyphenate. She is a classically trained actress and improviser, spent more than 10 years in marketing and small business development, and she creates, produces, and directs independent productions. As Black History Month comes to a close, Brie joins me to talk about the wide variety of projects in her career, the daily grind of being an actor, and the persistence that we all need to keep going. Because no matter how busy we get or how many projects we may take on, finding real success can still be tough and elusive. Rules for Using Social Media - Jeremy Gordon, casting director Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Brie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB / Here & Ready ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions, and Chad Crouch is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrienne Walker (Part 2) - Offering Audition and Theater Advice to Fellow Actors with 32 Bar Cut

One of the hardest lessons for any actor to learn is to not take constant rejection personally. Adrienne Walker and I continue in part two of our conversation with stories from our own struggles and failures in the audition room and on stage. We also get into her YouTube Series called 32 Bar Cut as she seeks to help others navigate this tricky business. But first, I did a little deeper into something she said about bringing her blackness into the audition room and try to gain a better understanding of what that means to her.  join.whyillnevermakeit.com  Follow Adrienne: Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB  ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist:  Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot    Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. John Bartmann music is public domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrienne Walker (Part 1) - Broadway Actress and Singer Found a Home in The Lion King

While the goal of every actor is to perform, our day-to-day job is actually auditioning. As we continue Black History Month here on the podcast, Adrienne Walker from The Lion King on Broadway joins me for a very open and candid conversation about being in such an iconic show. We also touch on some very important issues: auditioning as a black actress and the need for authentic black voices in theater. But we start off talking about The Lion King, when it and Broadway are coming back, the show’s history both culturally and theatrically, and the pressures she faced in taking on the role of Nala. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Adrienne: Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 brings new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot    Music used in the episode by John Bartmann and is Public Domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Cherry (Part 2) - An Actress Producing and Creating Her Own Work

In the second half of our conversation, Erin Cherry focuses on her weekly show Sundays with a Cherry on Top, a health and lifestyle show that showcases Black Culture in all its forms. She also joined playwright Mfoniso Udofia, Ngozi Anyanwu, and Chinyere Anyanwu as a founder producer of NOW Africa. This playwrights festival seeks to introduce, and sometimes reintroduce, artists and academics to the masters of African Dramatic Literature, both classic and contemporary. Thank you for joining me and Cherry for these episodes. Stay tuned next week for my conversation with Adrienne Walker from The Lion King. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Cherry: Website / Instagram / YouTube ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Cherry (Part 1) - This Emmy Winning Actress Can Teach Us a Thing or Two

For almost a year now Actors have had very little in the way of exercising and using our creative muscles, so in this episode I wanted to remind us of the craft and joy of acting. As Black History Month continues here on the podcast, who better to discuss the ins and outs of acting with than Emmy-winning actress Erin Cherry. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Cherry, as she prefers to be called, coaches and teaches actors at Maggie Flanagan Studio in New York City. It’s a Meisner based acting program, which basically aims to help actors get out of their head and behave instinctively to the surrounding environment. Well, Cherry put her training and coaching to good use in the Amazon Prime show After Forever. In 2019 she received her first Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Digital Daytime Drama Series.  In part one of our conversation, Cherry talks about her first love, theater, and the amazing experience she had sharing the stage with Andre DeShields. She talks about making that transition from the stage to the screen and how us actors can handle the consistent self doubt and rejection we face.  Follow Cherry: Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. And John Bartman's music is Public Domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geoffrey Owens (Part 2) - The Trader Joe’s Photo and Shift Happens

The life of any actor is one of going in and out of employment. But for Geoffrey Owens back in 2018, his side job was captured in a photo and spread across the Internet. In part two of our conversation for Black History Month, Geoffrey opens up about what led to his job at Trader Joe’s. We talk about the importance of work and how hard it can be for Actors to find it. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Geoffrey: Website / Instagram / IMDB ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Bortexx is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geoffrey Owens (Part 1) - So Much More Than Just Elvin on The Cosby Show

Throughout his career Geoffrey Owens has been an actor, director, and teacher. But for more than 35 years he has been known as Elvin from The Cosby Show. As we kick off Black History Month here on the podcast I sat down with Geoffrey to talk about his own history as an actor, the lucky breaks that have come his way as well as the hardships he’s faced, the photo that surfaced in 2018 of him working at Trader Joe’s, and what it means to be so singularly identified with one show. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Links and References: Huxtable family watches "I Have a Dream" • Carsey/Werner Production • Alvin Poussaint Interview • Claire sets Elvin straight  Follow Geoffrey: Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions, Kevin MacLeod, and Chad Crouch is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Monique Menard (Part 2) - Writer and Comedian Who Knows What She’s Capable Of

I think it’s fair to say that artist are an emotional bunch in general. We feel things deeply and react with conviction. And that goes for the wonderful and exciting emotions but also goes for the heavy and worrisome emotions as well. In part two of my conversation with Ashley Monique Menard, she reveals the yen and yang of her confidence and her self-doubt, she compares her dating life to Broadway, and has a few choice words for perfectionism.  Join WINMI to listen to the Final Five episode: join.whyillnevermakeit.com Don't forget to check out EGCC.edu for free college course and degree programs. Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with Ashley. Come back next week when I talk to Cosby Show actor and theater coach Geoffrey Owens. Follow Ashley: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the website: whyillnevermakeit.com  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Monique Menard (Part 1) - Actress and Plus Size Model Who Just Wants to Make You Laugh

In theater or really in any performing art, we have certain genres or types of characters and stories that fit us better than others. And today’s guest Ashley Monique Menard found her niche in comedy. But often, even what we’re good at doesn’t really begin to blossom and grow until we really hone that craft and work on it. So in part one of our conversation we’ll talk a lot about that comedy, how it’s helped her find and strengthen her voice, but also how an honest assessment of her talents and limitations was key in finding the best ways for her to shine. One of those ways was going back to school to learn more about business and writing and marketing, and she’s doing it all for free. And she’ll share how you can do it for free as well: EGCC.edu Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with __________. Come back for part two in just a couple of days. Follow Ashley: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Instagram / Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the website: whyillnevermakeit.com  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Ober (Part 2) - How Podcasting Makes a Great Home for Performers

As the host of NPR‘s the big listen, Lauren Ober was basically podcasting about podcasts and through that became a bona fide podcast expert. Maybe you’ve thought of starting your own podcast. In part two of our conversation, she takes us through her production process on Spectacular Failures and what it takes to make a great podcast.  Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Newsletter Thank you for joining me for part two of my conversation with Lauren Ober. Come back next week for for my discussion with actress and comedian Ashley Monique Menard. Follow Lauren: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the newly updated website: whyillnevermakeit.com  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Ober (Part 1) - Podcaster, Journalist, and Voice Coach Shares Her Spectacular Failures

Here on Why I’ll Never Make It, we focus on the challenges and setbacks that artists face, but there is one podcast out there focusing on the Spectacular Failures of companies and organizations. Lauren Ober is the host and producer of that podcast and is also a journalist, a noted speaker, and voice coach. In part one of our conversation She and I discuss some of the parallels between being onstage and behind a mic, but we focus mainly on the rise and fall the big Broadway production company Livent. Listen to "The Curtain Falls on a Big Broadway Company" on Spectacular Failures. Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with Lauren Ober. Come back for part two in just a couple of days. Follow Lauren: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Instagram / Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the newly updated website: whyillnevermakeit.com  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Guarini (Part 2) - Lessons Learned from His Broadway Career after American Idol

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Justin Guarini! He’s already shared pivotal moments from his childhood and given us a cautionary tale of his college experience. So we pick up with his decision to stick with American Idol instead of making his Broadway debut with The Lion King.  Get Justin's book Audition Secrets and learn his tips and secrets to auditioning.  Topics discussed in this episode: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown  Julie Andrews and her vocal surgery  Justin in Wicked  Follow Justin: Website / Instagram / Twitter Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Instagram / Twitter  —————  Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Guarini (Part 1) - His Bumpy Musical Journey Leading Up to American Idol

Happy New Year to you! And welcome to the premiere episode of Season Five. Today’s guest is Justin Guarini, who you probably know from American Idol but has done so much more and has a lot to teach us about becoming an artist, finding our own path, and realizing that fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Get Justin's book Audition Secrets or possibly win a signed copy of this book by becoming a member of WINMI as a Maker, Producer, or Artist. Sign up for one of these memberships by January 31, 2021, and one lucky winner will get Justin’s tips and secrets to auditioning.    Follow Justin: Website / Instagram / Twitter Join WINMI: Website / Supercast / Instagram / Twitter  Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot  ---------- Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the newly updated website: whyillnevermakeit.com  Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with Justin Guarini. Come back for part two in just a couple of days. All music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look Back at 2020 & the Last Final Five

A look back at the year that was unlike anything we hoped for or would ever imagine. Still, this podcast had its good moments and a plethora of fantastic guests. Here's just some of what you'll get in this end-of-the-year episode: Broadway Makers Alliance & Helium Radio Networks Season Recap and Top 5 Guests My two favorite episodes Season 5 Preview with Justin Guarini Final Five questions with Sammi Cannold Members-Only episodes ————— Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes.  WINMI is a Top Theater Podcast thanks to you - blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE PROM Special Episode with Caitlin Kinnunen and Abigail Rose Solomon (REWIND)

Merry Christmas! :) In honor of the recent release of THE PROM movie on Netflix, here is a special combo episode of my conversations with star of the Broadway production, Caitlin Kinnunen (starts at 1:58), and one of the co-producers, Abigail Rose Solomon (starts at 35:18). Also, this holiday season don't miss the 12 Days of Auditions, available at donate.winmipodcast.com. Become a WINMI Producer and listen to former guests share their most memorable audition stories. Listen to Caitlin's full second season episode and audition story here. And Abigail's full conversation and Final Five from season four is here. ————— Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts There's also another way to listen to this podcast: https://vurbl.com/station/6Wr76KvsqOG     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sammi Cannold (Part 2) - Don’t Keep Your Distance from This Innovative Theater Director

Today’s episode is part two of my conversation with the final guest of Season 4. Sammi Cannold is a remarkable artist and director. She was even named to the 2019 Forbes List of 30 under 30 in entertainment for her innovative and unique approach to directing for the stage. And today’s conversation is going to be focusing on a few of those productions: her remarkable staging of the musical Violet on an actual bus AND her 2019 New York City Center Gala production of Evita. I have my own personal connection to Evita having done the national tour of the latest Broadway revival. Even our music supervisor Kristen Blodgette worked with Sammi in her production. In fact, It was that revival production that inspired Sammi to become a director in the first place. Follow Sammi: Website / Instagram / Twitter  ————— Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sammi Cannold (Part 1) - Director Who Shows How Theater Can Be COVID-Safe

Here we are at the final guest of Season Four... In part one of my conversation with New York director, Sammi Cannold shares the details of an article she wrote for The Stage, detailing how South Korean producers have made theater safe and possible for both creatives and audiences. While Sammi remains more diplomatic, I am not gentle in my rebuke of the Broadway League and Actors Equity, who have either kept silent for much of this pandemic or have actually been a hindrance to getting theater up and running again. We highlight the leading efforts by Andrew Lloyd Webber and how there is no equivalent here in the US. Part two discusses her directorial projects in New York and regionally as well as her affinity for all things Andrew Lloyd Webber. She was also on the 2019 Forbes List 30 Under 30 in Entertainment. Follow Sammi: Website / Instagram / Twitter  --- Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christophe Zajac-Denek (Part 2) - Twin Peaks Actor and Podcaster on Dwarfism

In part one of my conversation with Christophe Zajac-Denek, he talked about growing up with dwarfism, his love of music and drumming, and how he just kind of fell into the world of acting on camera. For part two, we continue that journey with the movie and experience that had a profound impact on his life.  As we start this episode Christophe has moved back to Michigan to go to music school and return to his first love of drumming, but life had other ideas for what Christophe needed to be doing. Follow Christophe: IMDB / Demo Reel / Website  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christophe Zajac-Denek (Part 1) - Little Person Actor and Musician on Finding Acceptance

If I’m being honest, I have never really met a little person. Maybe in passing, but never actually sat down and had a conversation with one. But once we got on Zoom, Christophe Zajac-Denek and I chatted for more than two hours and even then we still could’ve kept on talking. There were so many areas of his life and experience that were not only interesting but also inspiring. So this is actually just part one of that conversation. His fascinating story is such a departure from most conversations I’ve had on this podcast. He answers questions about dwarfism was and the day-to-day life of someone living with this condition. Christophe also shares his love of music and how he found acting...or rather how it found him.   Follow Christophe: Website / Instagram / Podcast  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cecy Treviño (Part 2) - Her BroadwayMania Actors and Christmas Creative Team

It's been one heck of a year, yet one arts group wanted to come together and make something to celebrate this season. They asked me to be a part of the event by hosting their Virtual Red Carpet. These interviews with the actors and creative team behind BroadwayMania's Holiday Special were first shown Thanksgiving weekend and led up to the hour-long Christmas program. Amanda Varelakis, singer/director (1:51) Sean Milas, singer (5:15) Amber Dickson, singer (9:38) Toby Blackwell, singer/writer (12:43) Sadie McCurry, singer (17:46) Scott Polovitch Davis, singer (22:04) Gray Norton, singer/technician (26:59) Cecy Treviño, singer/producer (32:45) To watch these Red Carpet interviews on YouTube as well as the Holiday Special, go to: https://youtu.be/OyK_xT3tY98  ————— Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   The instrumental music in this episode: "Christmas" by AShamaluevMusic  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cecy Treviño (Part 1) - Founder and Artistic Director of BroadwayMania

This past summer, as we were in the midst of massive theater shutdowns and summer season cancellations, I found BroadwayMania on Instagram. It was mostly videos of singers belting out show tunes, well-produced performances that were earnest and passionate. As I found out more about this organization and their mission to provide opportunities to performers around the world, I was truly captivated by their love of theater. While there are some professional artists in the group, many others come from a variety of backgrounds, from technology and teaching to advertising and the military.  And Cecy Treviño is the force behind it all, founding the group in 2018 as a hodge podge group of people on a singing app to now a theater company that has just released a YouTube Christmas Special and Holiday album. Cecy shares this journey and the many lessons she learned to make this dream a reality. The BroadwayMania Holiday Special: https://youtu.be/OyK_xT3tY98  Their GoFundMe page: https://gf.me/u/zajjnw    Follow Cecy & BroadwayMania: Website / Instagram / YouTube  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you from WINMI guests: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs we all face.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WINMI Recommends: ”The Politics of Culture” on Left, Right & Center

When it comes to the arts, I aim to give as wide a field of experience and opinion as possible here on the podcast. Yet for the most part I steer clear of politics. This is for a few reasons, but the main two are that I don’t want to add to the already divisive nature of some political activism and I want the content of this podcast to be as relevant today as it will be a year or more from now. Causes come and go, elected officials also change regularly (as does their rhetoric and positions on key issues).  The closest I’ve come to venturing into the political realm is when I had on two of the founders of Be An Arts Hero, highlighting their efforts to lobby Congress for more funding and attention given to the arts here in America. So there is no doubt a relationship between the arts and politics, throughout history they have been both supporters and adversaries of one another.  And recently there was a podcast that veered from its normal format to highlight the Politics of Culture that is inherent with so many works of art. The podcast is called Left, Right, and Center. And as the name implies they bring on guests and pundits from all sides to discuss the issues of the day. However, in this recent episode their guests are a television writer, a pop music songwriter, and a stage playwright. The discussions are led by Keli Goff, who is a journalist as well as a playwright and screenwriter herself.  Of the four guests in this episode, I was particularly struck by the conversations with Stan Zimmerman, who wrote for the classic TV show The Golden Girls, and award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau, who wrote the book for the hit Broadway musical Ain't Too Proud. They both share how their own writings have contributed to social conversations and have addressed important issues. Like with any episode of Left, Right, and Center there will opinions you agree with and those you may not, but the discussions are nonetheless thoughtful and in-depth. Stay tuned for the next recommendation, which will be my year-end pick for the best podcast to take us into the new year. Until then take care, and subscribe to this podcast wherever you listen to audio. ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Kristen Hetzel, Team USA

Thanks for coming back to join me and Kristen Hetzel again! This is a bonus episode to the previous conversation, where we cover topics and five specific questions that we didn’t address on the last episode. Today, Kristen talks about her athletic and acting bucket lists and shares wisdom from her Aunt Zee.  The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding.  Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Hetzel - Team USA Duathlete on Bettering Our Attitudes with Persistence and Gratitude

In this podcast’s continuing series, Bettering Ourselves, Bettering Our Careers we’re finding ways to improve how we work and create, how to push through challenges we face. So far we’ve looked at ways to better our public relations, our mindset and deliberate practice as well as branding strategies and how best to use social media. Join the WINMI newsletter: whyillnevermakeit.com  Today, as we head into a long Thanksgiving weekend, we’ll be tying it altogether by talking about persistence and gratitude with Team USA silver and bronze medalist Kristen Hetzel. She’s a runner and cyclist who is also an actress, personal trainer, and holds a doctorate in physical therapy. She shares her secret to getting it all done and how she overcomes what stands in her way. Follow Kristen: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Interview with Tony Howell

Become a WINMI Producer today: donate.winmipodcast.com  This interview was conducted back in August 2020, hence the reference to my air conditioner. Tony also mentions his episode with Lea Salonga, which has since been released. He goes on to rant a bit about podcasting and getting interviews, and we discuss online classes from Domestika and General Assembly. And once again, the title of this podcast comes under the microscope. Take Tony's Digital Wellness Survey, a quick self-assessment of your online presence and learn more about his classes and seminars at tonyhowell.me. ---------- As always, thank you for supporting and donating to WINMI. I couldn't do this without you! Sign up for the monthly newsletter or reach out to me, I'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Howell - Bettering Our Online Presence and Social Media Strategy

When it comes to our lives and our careers, perhaps no shift has been more dramatic or significant as our increase in time online and on our phones. The biggest driver of this is social media. Digital strategist Tony Howell pays another visit to the podcast as we talk about branding, online presence, and our use of social apps. Sign up for the WINMI newsletter... Tony first appeared on the podcast back in season two. Since performing together on a national tour, he has left the physical stage behind and now helps us artists on the virtual stage, which in this pandemic has grown to be even more important. What I love about Tony’s approach is that it isn’t about tricks and filters and quick fixes for our social media lives. He takes a very personal path to growing and connecting with followers, helping us become a unique presence both online and offline.   Follow Tony: Website / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to the supporters-only episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alisa Hurwitz (Dr. Drama) - Bettering Our Mindset for Auditions and Performance

In part three of the month-long series bettering ourselves bettering our careers, this episode is a continuation from the previous conversation about deliberate practice and the 10,000 hours rule. Another psychologist, Alisa Hurwitz, PsyD, joins me today to dive into mindset and how we actors can deal with rejection and the challenges we face in this business. Her moniker Dr. Drama comes from her many analytical interviews, discussions, and articles on theater, specifically her lifelong passion for musical theater. She’s even consulted on regional and off Broadway productions on elements related to psychological concepts and mental health issues. So she is the perfect person to help us face some of the realities of this make-believe world of theater, a profession that can bring us tremendous joy but also sorrow and frustration. Follow Alisa: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast: pod.fan/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooke Macnamara, PhD - Bettering Our Practice and Applying the 10,000 Hours Rule to Actors

When it comes to bettering ourselves as artists, it involves a lot of training, coaching, and practice. One popular strategy is called the 10,000 Hours Rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell. But today’s guest, psychologist Brooke Macnamara, has done research showing the importance of quality over quantity. Get the WINMI Newsletter: whyillnevermakeit.com In his 2008 book Outliers: The Story of Success, Gladwell proposes this rule based on a study of violinists conducted by psychologist Anders Ericcson. And the rule is pretty simple: mastery comes after someone practices one skill, like playing the violin, and according to Gladwell “10,000 hours is the magic number of greatness.” Today’s episode is going to focus on this rule, its implications as well as how or if it can be applied to us as artists. Follow Brooke: Website / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  Join this podcast as a WINMI Producer and gain access to exclusive episodes and special content.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Goldberg - Bettering Our Acting Careers through Public Relations

This is the first episode in a new series on the podcast: Bettering Ourselves, Bettering Our Careers. And today’s guest provides a great example of both - Lisa Goldberg, Owner of LSG Public Relations.   Support WINMI and get your supporter-only episodes: donate.winmipodcast.com   Lisa represents actors, writers, directors, and choreographers both nationally and internationally, who have won Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, and Tony awards. She’s also represented companies and charities as well. But she hasn't always been talking about other performers. When she first came to New York, she was a dancer herself. Pounding the pavement and putting herself out there.   In this episode, she gives some good tips you can use even in a pandemic, ways that you can put yourself out there, network with others, and find projects to stay busy.   Follow Lisa: Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2020 Tony Award Nominees with Broadway’s Nate Patten

On this special bonus episode all about the recent Tony Award Nominations, I’m so happy to introduce music director, conductor, and fellow podcaster Nate Patton. Nate and I first met when he was associate conducting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway. And his podcast called Booked It. The title to one of his episodes was “Broadway is broken and I alone can fix it.” And it's this kind of witty, tongue in cheek and knowledgeable opinions that I wanted to bring on the show as we talk about these Tony nominations: The lone best actor nomination of Aaron Tveit The complete snubbing of the lightning thief Only plays being nominated for best original score Nate and I will also get into these topics and more, including what these nominations in general say about the state of theater today, and even make a few Tony predictions. Broadway reaches for normalcy with Tony Award nominations  Snubs and Surprises: The Tonys Point a Middle Finger at The Lightning Thief  Tony Award Snubs, What Ifs And That Strange Case Of Aaron Tveit The 2020 Tony Award nominations were weird and sad  Tony Awards Announces 2019-2020 Nominating Committee Outer Critics Circle Honorees  Tony Nominee Reactions  Support WINMI and get access to a members-only private podcast feed. Join the monthly WINMI Newsletter by going to whyillnevermakeit.com  --------- Music in this episode provided by Chad Crouch and Admiral Bob.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Meredith Aleigha Wells

Meredith and I continue our conversation from the previous episode as she answers the Final Five questions. She shares her national tour ambitions and her love of interior design as well as what she learned from Ali Stroker. Make your one-time or monthly donation at donate.winmipodcast.com      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith Aleigha Wells - Actor/Singer Who Is Dysfunctioning Just Fine in Her Wheelchair

In honor of Dysautonomia Awareness Month, Meredith Aleigha Wells joins the podcast to share her struggles and challenges onstage and in life all from the vantage point of a wheelchair. After becoming disabled at the age of 19, Meredith performed in a college workshop production of the new musical Donny Johns, making UMass Amherst history as the first actor who uses a wheelchair to perform in a Mainstage production. Meredith graduated with a Bachelor's Degree with Individualized Concentration in Musical Theatre. Immediately after graduation, Meredith moved to Cleveland, Ohio to dance with Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated touring repertory company. In this episode, she opens up about the hard-fought lessons she has been through and how much more there is learn, both in herself and for others. Topics discussed in this episode:  - Mayo Clinic Physician Philip Fischer, MD   - 10 Facts about POTS   - Dancing Wheels Company founder Mary Verdi-Fletcher   - What does the 30th anniversary of the ADA mean to youth with disabilities? - Youth Today   - Able-Bodied Actors Play 95% of Disabled Characters - Variety   - Ali Stroker's Tony Award acceptance speech  Follow Meredith: Website / Instagram / YouTube  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  Support WINMI through monthly or one-time donations. ————— Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WINMI Recommends: Keep the Flame Alive

This month’s Recommendation comes from co-hosts Jill Jaracz and Allison Brown and their podcast: Keep the Flame Alive, the podcast for fans of the greatest sporting event in the world. Each week, hosts Jill Jaracz and Alison Brown explore the stories of the Olympics, which is basically the Broadway of sports. They talk to athletes and sports writers as well as coaches and organizers. They explore host cities and sporting histories, showcasing different aspects and perspectives of the Olympic Games.  Here’s a bit of trivia, can you name some Olympians who have appeared on Broadway?   - One received both a Tony nomination and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. She played the role of Peter Pan into her 60s.  - Another Olympic gymnast is gold medalist played Patti Simcox in Grease during the late 1990s and then went back to the Olympics for a third time in 2000 and won the bronze.  - And in 2014, a world champion figure skater and two-time silver medalist played Billy Flynn in Chicago.  Another thing I love about Jill and Allison and Keep the Flame Alive is they cover the Paralympics as well. In a recent episode they brought on author David Davis, who wrote the book Wheels of Courage. He talked about how paralyzed veterans from World War II invented wheelchair sports and fought for disability rights. KEEP THE FLAME ALIVE - https://flamealivepod.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlotte Canning, PhD - The History of Pandemics and Theater Closings

British historian and philosopher R.G. Collingwood said, "History is for human self knowledge, the only clue to what men can do is what man has done. So with an ongoing pandemic and theaters shut down for the foreseeable future, what can history teach us about dealing with such hardships and what to expect going forward? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this episode with Professor Charlotte Canning, Ph.D, a theatre and performance historian at the University of Texas at Austin. Topics discussed in this epiosde: Actor's Equity First Strike - American Theatre Katherine Anne Porter’s Pale Horse, Pale Rider  Shakespeare and the Plague - The New Yorker  "Finding Hope in Theatre That Hasn’t Happened Yet: How to Survive a Global Pandemic" - Sight Lines  Is Merchant of Venice Anti-Semitic? - Smithsonian Magazine  Our Students Are Depending on Us - The Atlantic  For Part 2 of my conversation with Charlotte, go to donate.winmipodcast.com for access to this special episode. ---------- All music underscoring and segues by Blue Dot Sessions, except for WINMI intro music by Patrick Oliver Jones and "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear. All licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historias Hispanas en Español - Bianca Marroquín, Luis Salgado, Jaime Lozano y Mas

Bienvenidos y gracias por acompañarnos en esta edición especial de Why I’ll Never Make It! En esta segunda parte de mi serie sobre historias hispanas, escucharán a mis invitados anteriores compartir sus propias historias y experiencias en español. Roberto Araujo - 1:06  Bianca Marroquín - 5:57  Luis Salgado - 11:50  Jaime Lozano - 16:59  Alina Alcántara - 24:43  Tadeo Martinez - 28:39  Cecy Trevino - 30:52  Sin embargo, hay una mujer en este episodio que no ha aparecido anteriormente, Cecy Treviño. De hecho, la conocerás más adelante en esta temporada, pero quería aprovechar esta oportunidad para presentarla. En este episodio no habrán entrevistas, sólo historias hispanas vividas y contadas por los propios protagonistas. Sitio Web - whyillnevermakeit.com Apoya este podcast - ko-fi.com/winmipodcast ---------- Musica: "Being Together" y "Road Trip" por el artista Borrtex. Licencia bajo Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hispanic Stories in English - Matt Zambrano and Dan Domingues

This is part one in a series of former Hispanic guests coming back to share their stories in their own words. The second part - la segunda parte - comes out tomorrow and will be en espanol.   My original idea was to bring back all Hispanic guests for a single Spanish episode. And I ignorantly assumed they would all want to share stories in that language. But Matt Zambrano and Dan Domingues expressed their hesitation at speaking fluently off the cuff about their experiences. While they speak the language, Spanish is not their first language.   In the past year there’s been another clear example of this from one of the Democratic Presidential candidates, Julián Castro. He's talked about his own relationship with the Spanish language.    Matt Zambrano was the very first guest on the podcast and he and i did MAN OF LA MANCHA together in Orlando. Dan Domingues is a NY actor who took part in my Spotlight episode on Only Make Believe, a nonprofit that brings interactive theater into children’s hospitals and cafe facilities. They both share insights about the work they do as well as very personal feelings about their own ethnicity and heritage.    In this episode as well as the Spanish one, there are no back and forth questions from me. In fact, I’ve done very little editing to these recordings, just cleaning up sound quality as much as possible and structuring these episodes together. But in general, I’m simply stepping back to let previous guests tell their own story, and say what THEY want to say.    whyillnevermakeit.com  donate.winmipodcast.com    Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.   ---------- Music in this episode: "In Paler Skies" and "Lost Shoe" by Blue Dot Sessions and "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Tadeo Martinez, DFW Theater Critics Outstanding Actor

Welcome back to more conversation with Tadeo Martinez as he answers the Final Five. Tadeo shares two of his favorites pieces of advice and his dream to be on YouTube. He also talks about his award-winning performance in Noises Off in Dallas, Texas. Would you like to be a part of creating an episode? Find out how you can and support this podcast at the same time: https://ko-fi.com/winmi/commissions       ----------      For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hispanic Heritage Month - Tadeo Martinez, BFA in Theater from SMU

When it comes to the guests on this podcast most of them are fairly well established. This allows me to the Google them, find pictures and stories about them, and get to know their body of work. But for Tadeo Martinez, there wasn’t much to go on. I found a couple of show reviews and his website. Now, this is no slight on Tadeo. I didn’t have much either coming out of college. But what I did find certainly gave me enough cause to bring him on the podcast, especially when I read of his desire to bring more Latino and Hispanic representation to theater. So in today’s episode you and I are going to get to know this extraordinarily talented young man, who graduated from college just one year ago. Just like last week's guest Bianca Marroquín, Tadeo grew up in Monterrey, Mexico learning both English and Spanish. So while he did have an smoother transition then some coming to America to go to college, that didn’t mean language and communication was easy for him. And it was once he found the secret to address this barrier that his performances and opportunities really opened up. Follow Tadeo: Website / Instagram / Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast, either one time or on a monthly basis: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/     Music used in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear and licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Bianca Marroquín, who played Chita Rivera in FOSSE

Well, I hope you listened to our previous conversation because Bianca is back to answer the Final Five questions. She shares her disappointment in not getting to play Evita but also her joy to portray Chita Rivera in the hit TV show Fosse. She also goes deeper into her love of family and being a stepmom. Would you like to answer the Final Five questions? Let me know at winmipodcast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hispanic Heritage Month - Bianca Marroquín, CHICAGO’s Roxie Hart

In today's wide-ranging conversation with Bianca Marroquin, one of the issues she addresses is that of language and accent. Growing up near the Texas border, she had the opportunity to learn both languages. So in addition to being the first Mexican woman ever to land a leading role on Broadway, she is also the only one ever to do Chicago in two different languages. Yet in the 18 years since the Broadway debut as Roxie Hart, she has still faced confusing and ignorant statements from casting directors and reporters, for example, regarding their expectations of what a Mexican is or should be. At the end of this episode I'll shine a spotlight on this week's Hispanic Icon, John Leguizamo, who has a few things to teach us about Latin History.  But first, Bianca and I discuss an issue we are all dealing with as artists: the state of theater and the arts during this pandemic and what that might look like in COVID's aftermath. Since childhood Bianca's life has been one filled with change. Though she was born in Monterrey, she grew up living on the Mexican side of the border in Matamoros, yet went to school on the Texas side in Brownsville. She first studied dance at the age of three but by high school was also learning flamenco, jazz, and tap. For college she wanted to study in Spain but her father insisted on a technical college in Monterrey, where she majored in Communications with the intention of becoming a reporter. But she soon found her dancing feet again in a flamenco company as well as various festivals and concerts. She had made a name for herself, so much so that by the time she was doing Roxie Hart in the Spanish version of Chicago in Mexico City, she won best actress and caught the attention of Chicago's Broadway producers. And in 2002 she came to NYC in the show and role that has come to be the one constant in her life.   CBS News - Language Barriers Cause Problems Patrick Swayze on working with Bianca Marroquin in LA  Follow Bianca: IBDB / Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WINMI Recommends: The Industry with Dan Delgado

Well, it's the last Monday of the month, so that means it's time for this month's podcast recommendation: THE INDUSTRY, hosted by Dan Delgado. Every week Why I’ll Never Make It likes to highlight and dive into the areas that hold us back as artists, the realities of this business with all of its ups and downs. Sometimes we find success and other times, like now, we face hardship and/or failure. So when I happened upon a television and movie podcast that did the same thing, focusing on lesser known stories behind the scenes, I was immediately intrigued.  Since 2018, THE INDUSTRY has taken a closer look at actors who thought too much of themselves, producers who did not know what they were doing, and studios that would do anything for a hit show. Delgado's exposé, for example, of the rival movies Lambada and The Forbidden Dance, which both came out at the same time in 1990, revealed a lot of the behind the scenes bickering and was highly entertaining. But it was actually a very different kind of episode that first introduced me to THE INDUSTRY. Last Christmas Dan did a bonus episode all about the first Charlie Brown Christmas Special on CBS and how it almost didn't get made. Since that episode I've been hooked. Dan gives some backstory to his podcast, and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, he also shares a bit of his own background as well. So in your playlist of podcasts, I heartily recommend you add The Industry. Just put it after Why I’ll Never Make It, of course.  :) Listen and subscribe to THE INDUSTRY  Website: theindustrypodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hispanic Heritage Month - Luis Salgado, Reaching New HEIGHTS Through Dance

Luis Salgado was born and raised in Puerto Rico and studied theater there at the University of Puerto Rico. He moved to New York City in 2012 and it was slow going at first for him to book work. But eventually things started to click for him and his career as featured as many credits on stage as off stage, behind the scenes, in addition to film and television work.   But this year has not been kind to so many artists, and work has come to a grinding halt. And so Luis brought himself and his family back to Puerto Rico during this pandemic. And being back has give him a chance to connect with others around all Latin America.   You see, back in 2008 while he was performing his Broadway debut with in the Heights, Luis began a nonprofit organization called Revolucion Latina. Their mission is to activate individuals and promote human growth through artistic experiences they can lead to personal transformation and social change within the Latinx community. And so with his performing career on hold, Luis has been able to focus solely on his organization and reaching out to others.   Follow Luis: Website / Facebook / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/     Music and Sound Bites used in this episode: "Bom Jardim" by Lobo Loco "Latin Rhythm" by Sunsearcher "Hot Salsa Trip" by Arsonist "Escape" (Karaoke Track) by Rupert Holmes "True Blue Sky" and "Copley Beat" by Blue Dot Sessions "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear "Ayer" (Karaoke Track) - Gloria and Emilio Estefán "Somewhere Nice" by John Bartman "Meekness" by Kai Engel Lin Manuel Miranda on CBS Good Morning  VOX - Why Puerto Rico Is Not a US State  Oscar Hijuelos on New Mexico PBS  Keez in the Pen with DC-7  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Jaime Lozano, Voting Member of the Grammys and Latin Grammys

After our conversation on the previous episode, Jaime talks about the process of voting on songs and albums for the Grammys, and then he answers the Final Five. He shares his love of Law & Order and his dream to work with Lin-Manuel Miranda as well as what he learns from those who are humble. The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in Jaime's episodes: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hispanic Heritage Month - Jaime Lozano, Musical Theater Composer

For the next few weeks WINMI is going to be highlighting some amazing Hispanic artists, ranging from composers and dancers to actors and singers. And it's all in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.  In addition to these interviews I’ll be showcasing important creatives in Hispanic history. It’ll be a chance for us to learn about the wonderful artists who have made such an impact not only in Hispanic communities but to our nation as a whole.  And so we begin Hispanic Heritage Month with Jaime Lozano, a native of Monterey, Mexico. As a composer his works have been produced Off-Broadway, regionally here in the US, and internationally in France, Germany, England, and of course his home country of Mexico. Jaime has also taken on the roles of arranger, music director, and orchestrator, in addition to adapting, producing, and directing the Spanish world premiere of Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS in 2006 and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD in 2005. And it was around that time that Jaime came to New York to study at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. He's been on quite the journey and it's a fascinating story of an immigrant artist here in America. Follow Jaime: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   ————— Music in this episode: "Yellow Light District" by Lobo Loco. "Kitty in the Window" by Podington Bear. "Basketliner" by Blue Dot Sessions. Savage, a musical by Tommy Newman and Jaime Lozano, performed and recorded at University of Alabama in Birmingham. "Una Historia sin Final Concierto" by Jaime Lozano. "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear. "Night Emotions" by Lobo Loco. "Ayer" by Gloria and Emilio Estefan (Karaoke Track). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Too Can Be an #ArtsHero with Carson Elrod and Brooke Ishibashi

Mid-March of this year was a uniquely devastating time for theater and the arts industry as a whole. Broadway and Off-Broadway here in New York as well as theaters all around the country began to close for what they thought would be a possible one-month shut down.  At the time playwright Lynn Nottage tweeted: “Emotionally and financially preparing for theaters across the country to be shut down. Mourning the beautiful work that will be lost. Alas, protecting our practitioners and our audiences is essential.” But as you and I know, it’s lasted much longer than anyone anticipated. And while the loss of jobs and the lack of theater options for audiences were immediately felt, there has been a further impact in communities and states around the country. From regional and local theaters to touring companies, stage work has a financial impact beyond just the box office.  For example, the 2016-17 touring season in cities like Charlotte, NC generated more than $38.2 million in economic impact. In Tempe, AZ their Broadway Season brought in $100 million. And more recently, in Denver the seven-week pre-Broadway run of frozen added about $30 million to the local economy. Theater and the arts are a driving economic indicator in cities and regions around the country, which is why it is vital that we save this industry and do what we can to become an arts hero. Be An Arts Hero is an intersectional grassroots movement emphasizes arts and cultures $877 billion value added contribution to the nation's economy, highlighting the human and financial toll of letting the contribution collapse. Carson Elrod and Brooke Ishibashi, two of the organization's founders, join the podcast today to share their goal of keeping all 5.1 million Americans who work in the arts 1) alive 2) in their homes and 3) with jobs to return to when the crisis subsides. Join their efforts: https://beanartshero.com/get-involved  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website  ————— Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Music used in this episode:  "Appreciation" by Chad Crouch is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Alex Pires

After our conversation on the previous episode, Alex answers the Final Five. He shares his love of Christopher Nolan movies and his dream to be on Law & Order: SVU as well as what he learned from Will Smith and Michelle Obama. Check out Alex's web series: P's in a Pod       ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Pires - Actor and Writer of the Comedy Web Series P’s in a Pod

The process of getting an idea, a story from conception to production to finally being onstage or onscreen can be a rather lengthy process. Hamilton took seven years and La La Land was almost nine. Alex Pires is another one of those with plenty of ideas. He’s an actor who came to NYC with a mission to not only act but to write as well. But as we know having the idea is just the first step on a long journey towards actually seeing it come to life. His comedy web series P's in a Pod released its Pilot Episode in January 2019, but the rest of the seven-episode season didn't come out till April 2020. He talks about that long journey as well as some of the serious subjects addressed on this funny show: stereotypes, racism, depression, and even germaphobia.   Follow Alex: Website / Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter  ---------- Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WINMI Recommends: The Tony Howell Podcast

For the second month in a row Why I’ll Never Make It goes outside its own podcast walls to recommend another podcaster doing great work in the arts or beyond. The first one was The Ensemblist as part of the episode with Mo Brady. And this month features a recommendation of another one inside the creative arts as well as a former WINMI guest: The Tony Howell Podcast. Tony is a former actor and singer who has now become a highly sought-after author, speaker, and expert in digital marketing and branding. On this podcast, you’ll find enlightening 1:1 conversations with artists and thought leaders who are changing the world (and web) through their work. And on occasion Tony shares his own original strategies and formulas to help you design your future and impact your career. To determine your own digital wellness, check out his self-assessment quiz. Listen to the show on your favorite podcast app. ---------- May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs we all face.  Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Bart Shatto

After our conversation on the previous episode, Bart Shatto answers the Final Five. He shares his broadcasting aspirations and his dream to do all the roles I've done as well as what he learned from Albert Einstein and Booker T. Washington. Also, check out his latest project, coming up in October, the 2020 New Works Virtual Festival. Twenty plays in seven days! Everything from full-length plays and short plays to TV pilots and screenplays. It features a star-studded lineup, including Oscar nominees, Emmy Award nominees, and Tony Award winners/nominees! Like and subscribe to the New Works Virtual Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.   ----------   Take the WINMI podcast survey: survey.winmipodcast.com Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bart Shatto - Broadway Veteran on Maintaining Creativity and Artistic Power

Broadway is no cure against challenges or setbacks. Bart Shatto has experienced the joys and the hardships of a life in theater, both personally and professionally. He gives an open and vulnerable look at how this business can create wonderful moments and powerful lessons. Bart particularly shares his time with WAR PAINT, playing opposite Patti LuPone, as well as being in the cast of Tom Kitt's SUPERHERO and dealing with the negative reviews. Even I, the host, open up about the lowest point in my acting career, one that Brat shared in.   The WINMI Podcast Survey: https://winmipodcast.typeform.com/to/SdODaMU7 Singers & Songwriters Playlist: spotify.whyillnevermakeit.com   Follow Bart: Instagram / Twitter / Website Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog  Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/    ----------   Music used in this episode:  "Bon Journée" by Chad Crouch is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.  "Meekness" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License.  "Barbara" by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.  "Driven to Success" by Scott Holmes is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License.  "Old City Bar" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, sung by Bart Shatto, recorded at a live concert in Las Vegas, 2011. "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Jason Odell Williams

Thanks for coming back to join me and Jason Odell Williams for the final five! This is a bonus episode to the conversation we had previously, covering topics and five specific questions we didn’t address on the last episode. Today, Jason talks about how his teachers inspired him and how he's still learning to process and handle criticism and feedback.  Take the survey & join the WINMI newsletter - whyillnevermakeit.com         ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Odell Williams - Playwright and Producer Walking the Line Between Stage and Screen

Jason Odell Williams is an award-winning playwright and Emmy-nominated television producer. But his first love was acting...until it wasn't. In this episode he shares that journey from saying the words to writing them. We specifically talk about his plays Handle With Care and Church & State, both of which were produced by his wife (and former WINMI guest) Charlotte Cohn. He opens up about his difficulty with taking criticism and how different writing is from the stage to small screen, especially when those shows involve true crime or brain teasers. Take the survey & join the WINMI Newsletter - whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Jason: Instagram / The New Play Exchange  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog  Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/      Music used in this episode:  "Small Hours" "Dim" "Arrival of the Geese" "Daybreak" and "The Gloaming" by Chad Crouch is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Eric Jordan Young

Well, here we are at the Final Five questions, a bonus episode to our previous conversation. Eric is back and shares his passion for branding and being a stylist. He also mentions what distinguishes Gayle King and why he'd love to pick her brain as well as the two distinct life lessons he learned from his parents. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at winmipodcast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider supporting this podcast: ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Jordan Young - Broadway Actor and Singer on the Importance of Letting the Work Inspire You

During his years in New York City, Eric Jordan Young bounced around from Broadway productions and national tours to regional shows and concerts. According to most performers, he was living the dream. But he wanted something else, we wanted something more. So Eric branched out into his own endeavors, from a solo recording album to a one-man tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr. Along the way he met some challenges and found out he knew more about the show than he did the business. And Vegas became the testing ground and base of operations for his own production company, and he found the stories he was truly meant to tell.  Listen to Eric and other previous guests on the new WINMI Singers & Songwriters Playlist - spotify.whyillnevermakeit.com.  Follow Eric: Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog  Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/    Music used in this episode:  "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com.  "Nocturnal" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.  "Holiday Gift" by Chad Crouch is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "Retreat" by Gold Coast is licensed by soundstripe.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: David Ruttura

After our conversation on the previous episode, David answers the Final Five. He shares his political aspirations, what he's learned from Broadway directors as well as where the best ideas come from. Do you have other questions you'd like to ask? Let me know at winmipodcast.com and fill out the survey.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Ruttura - Broadway’s Associate Director of Plays and Musicals Cuts Loose

David and I first met last year as he directed the 90-minute version of FOOTLOOSE on Norwegian Cruise Line. But In New York, he spends his time working with some of the best directors on Broadway from SCHOOL OF ROCK and BEAUTIFUL to LOMBARDI and NETWORK (starring Bryan Cranston). As assistant director, I ask what's kept him from being In the top spot as well as what he think of cruise ship productions. But the show I really focus on is the most reviewed and vilified Broadway show so far this century -- SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK. As Resident Director, how did he manage and maintain such a constantly changing show? It's a full conversation with plenty of theater know-how and behind the scenes stories.   Podcast Survey: https://winmipodcast.typeform.com/to/SdODaMU7  Follow David: Website / Instagram / Twitter   Follow WINMI: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Blog Check out all the artist resources available to you through WINMI: resources.winmipodcast.com  ————— Support and donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/    Audio used in this episode: FOOTLOOSE Promo Video and "Somebody's Eyes" (underscoring), Norwegian Cruise Lines. "Hill And Dale" and "Dusk" by Chad Crouch is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com. "Broadway's 'Spider-Man' Musical Turns Off The Lights At Last" by Jeff Lunden on NPR, January, 3, 2014. https://www.npr.org/2014/01/03/256602469/broadways-spider-man-musical-turns-off-the-lights-at-last Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Mo Brady

Thanks for coming back to join me and Mo for the final five! This is a bonus conversation covering topics and five specific questions we didn’t address on the last episode. Today, Mo talks about his love of NEXT TO NORMAL and how Susan Blackwell from TITLE OF SHOW inspires him.    Don't forget to check out all the offers and resources available to you through WINMI: resources.winmipodcast.com    Follow Mo: Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog  Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mo Brady - Broadway Actor/Podcaster Advocating and Supporting the Ensemblist Community

Co-creator of The Ensemblist podcast and blog shares his love of theater, especially for those out of the spotlight and in the ensemble. Mo Brady grew up building sets and imagining a life on the stage. After finally getting his Broadway debut, two other more personal roles came his way: husband and father. But he still manages to keep up the podcasting and working on the communications team at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. http://www.theensemblist.com/podcasts  Don't forget to check out all the resources available to you through WINMI: resources.winmipodcast.com  Share your feedback at survey.winmipodcast.com  Follow Mo: Instagram / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog  Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast    —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/      Music used in this episode:  "Hill and Dale" and "Daydream" by Chad Crouch are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.  "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Cronican (Part 2) - Taking Theater Online and Streaming

Instead of answering the Final Five questions, Erin Cronican continues our conversation on producing theater for the online world as well as some insight into her cooking habits (or lack thereof).   For now, COVID has ended live theater as we know it, and digital platforms have become a new home for actors and writers to reach audiences. So Erin shares how she's made it work and how Actors Equity Association has (not) helped.   Follow Erin: Instagram / Twitter   - Donate to the The Seeing Place    Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog   - Newsletter / Survey: whyillnevermakeit.com   —————    WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/    The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.     The instrumental song "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Cronican (Part 1) - Producing Theater in the Midst of COVID and Cancer

Erin Cronican first came on the podcast back in Season One, sharing the ups and downs of making theater while still being an actor. Today, she faces new challenges of producing theater in the middle of a pandemic while also battling cancer once again. She opens up about her very real and present reality, just living 3 months at a time. Legacy has become very important to her, and through our conversation she shares insights into living with a terminal illness and how it changes the way she approaches theater and the idea of bucket lists. Follow Erin: Instagram / Twitter   - Donate to the The Seeing Place: resources.winmipodcast.com  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Blog   - Take the Survey / Join the newsletter: whyillnevermakeit.com —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   —————    Music used in this episode:  - "Whispers" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License.   - "Cobweb Morning" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License.   - "Smooth Actor" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Chaz Wolcott Shares an Audition Story

After our conversation on the previous episode, Chaz answers the Final Five. But first, he shares a hilarious audition story, then goes into his dream to work in physical therapy as well as how he learned the importance of preparation.  ----------      Jazz with Chaz - resources.winmipodcast.com Give your feedback - survey.winmipodcast.com Support WINMI - donate.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chaz Wolcott - Choreographer and Dancer Goes from NEWSIES to a New Normal

Chaz started dancing at the age of 2in Gahanna, Ohio, and several years later he won the Gold Medal at the US Tap Championships and then won Bronze for the United States at the World Tap Dance Championships in Germany at the age of 14. From his BFA in Musical Theatre Dance to serving as dance captain in the American Spirit Dance Company, Chaz has led a busy life on his feet. And so it was that I first met Chaz Wolcott at a regional theater in upstate New York during a production of MARY POPPINS. Later that same year he joined the National Tour of NEWSIES and then went on to even bigger heights with "So You Think You Can Dance."    In this episode, he shares the ups and downs of tour life and the doors it opened in his career. He also shares his experience of being cut from FOX's popular dance show and the lesson he learned from it.  Take the podcast survey and let me know how WINMI can improve as well as what keeps you coming back each episode: survey.winmipodcast.com   - Chaz on SYTYCD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMs24fYbzG0   - THE ADDAMS FAMILY National Tour parody video for NEWSIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxSvcqFu7tQ&t=149s  Follow Chaz: Instagram / YouTube / Twitter  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website / Medium  —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Podcast thanks to you! https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  Tunes from NEWSIES featured in this episode: "Something to Believe In" • "Seize the Day" • "Movin' in Circles" • "It's a Fine Life"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Brian Lowdermilk

After our conversation on the previous episode, Brian answers the Final Five, talking about software engineering and his dream to fix CHESS as well as lessons learned from Elizabeth Gilbert. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Lowdermilk - LGBTQ Composer and Songwriter from Kerrigan & Lowdermilk

Featuring the third composer of the season, Brian Lowdermilk is a fantastic contemporary songwriter who's found a great deal of success from the internet. And in this day and age where not much theater is happening onstage, that bodes well for both Kerrigan & Lowdermilk.  Brian (they/them, she/her) shares the nuts and bolts of writing and collaborating on musicals (and is joined by Kait for part of the interview). Then we get into more personal matters of gender identity and theater's place in the LGBTQ community. It's an in-depth, personal conversation with a talented and insightful composer.  Follow Brian: Instagram / YouTube / SoundCloud  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website / Medium  —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  Reach out with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com    The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support the work that goes into each episode.    —————    Brian's music featured in this episode:  "Run Away with Me (Instrumental)" - "How to Return Home" - "Avalanche" - "Say the Word" - "Five and Half Minutes" - "Not a Love Story" - "Run Away with Me (sung by Brian at 54 Below)"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Roberto Araujo

After our conversation on the previous episode, Roberto answers the Final Five. He shares his love of CBS Sunday Morning and his dream of playing the Baker in INTO THE WOODS as well as that the time he forgot to press the record button. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode: ko-fi.com/winmipodcast For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/    Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roberto Araujo - Actor, Photographer, and PLAYBILL’s Director of Video Production

Season 4 Survey: https://winmipodcast.typeform.com/to/SdODaMU7 I first got to know Roberto when putting together the Season Three opener with Caroline Bowman. He had taken beautiful photos of her as she was preparing for the National Tour of Disney's FROZEN. I wanted him to come on the show to share his experiences and insights on making the best headshots possible. So get ready to take some notes.  Little did I know, though, the backstory and struggles he's been through. From a family unwilling to accept his sexuality and being homeless in NYC to the "casual racism" he has encountered in the industry. Roberto really opens up and shares an enlightening story that can both inspire our craft and push us to change the underlying biases still present in theater.  Follow Roberto: Instagram / Twitter / YouTube / Website  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website / Medium  —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  Reach out with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com    The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Cris Eli Blak

After our conversation on the previous episode, Cris answers the Final Five. He shares why he'd love to teach and his dream to be in CATS as well as what he learned from Tyler Perry. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cris Eli Blak - African-American Actor, Playwright, Producer, and Poet Shares His Story

In this longer episode than normal, I am honored and grateful to have this enormously gifted artist on the show. Cris Eli Blak may only be a senior in college, but he has wisdom far beyond his years to share with all of us. From thoughts on the current racial tensions gripping this country to how theater can be a voice in the midst of it, Cris shares from the heart and from his art. He opens up about his own challenges and struggles as a writer, how growing up without a father affected him, and the type of writing and storytelling he wants to give the world. This is a touching and moving episode that will leave you with a better understanding of where we are and a brighter hope for where we can ultimately go. Topics covered in this episode:  - Do The Right Thing 30 Years Later   - Spike Lee on HuffPost Live   - The Brother's Survivor short film   - The World Changes Through Art   - Our Duty to Confront Racism in Theater Industry   - "Like Father, Like Son" on the Logue Lounge   - All-White Production Of HAIRSPRAY In Texas Raises Eyebrows   - Should There Be All-White Productions of HAIRSPRAY?    Follow Cris: Instagram / YouTube / Medium  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website / Medium —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Podcast thanks to you! https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  Reach out with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com    The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Francis McBride - Dancer Who Found Love and Passion at Alvin Ailey

The third and final look at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with Michael McBride, a 10-year veteran with the company. Through this organization he not only gained skills and experience in collaborating with some of the best dancers and choreographers on the planet, but he also found the love of his life, Samuel Lee Roberts, a fellow dancer in the company. But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Michael. He's had some hard lessons to learn along the way and he talks about some of those, especially in the Final Five questions, also included in this episode. Topics and People Mentioned: Alvin Ailey's REVELATIONS - https://www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/revelations  Michael's engagement to Samuel - https://www.dancemagazine.com/when-two-ailey-dancers-get-engaged-of-course-there-are-professional-ba-2404644366.html  Michael and Samuel dancing together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aD9fGhW7xI  Hope Boykin Teaches Revelations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QefuHRw5948  Matthew Rushing - https://www.dance-enthusiast.com/features/video/view/Matthew-Rushing-and-Hope-Boykin-Rushings-Surprise-Role-in-LIFT-by-Aszure-Barton-/#.XumIcmpKgWo  Follow Michael: Instagram / Website —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  More episodes: listen.winmipodcast.com Join the WINMI community: Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast)  Reach out with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com    The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Music in this episode: "Ah Been 'Buked" by Hall Johnson. The Chamber Singers of Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges, Thomas Lloyd, director. "Kitty In The Window" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samantha Figgins - Dancer and Ballerina Finds a Home at Alvin Ailey

Samantha Figgins is currently in her sixth season with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. But what many people don't know is that this gorgeous dancer suffers from single-sided deafness. As a baby, Figgins contracted spinal meningitis, which caused her to lose all hearing in her right ear. She never gave up on her dance dreams, though, and fought her way through uncomfortable situations, never missing an opportunity to learn and grow. In this episode, she shares her love of dance, her passion in telling stories, and the discipline that makes it all possible. Listen to the previous episode all about Alvin Ailey. Dance Spirit cover in 2013  Watch Samantha dance in Revelations on TED: https://youtu.be/0f4wtD8eXNk  Follow her: Instagram / Twitter  —————  WINMI is a Top 20 Podcast thanks to you!  https://blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/  More episodes: listen.winmipodcast.com Join the WINMI community: Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast)  Reach out with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com    The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. ----------- "I Been 'Buked" and "Fix Me, Jesus" arranged by Hall Johnson. G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. "Kitty In The Window" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tribute to Alvin Ailey - Dancer & Choreographer Preserving the African-American Cultural Experience

When it comes to the performing arts and certainly to dance, there are few people more worthy of admiration, of inspiration and imitation than Alvin Ailey. He was both uniquely gifted and qualified to tell the African-American experience which he lived and saw and reacted to through the art of dance.  If you follow me or the podcast on social media, you know that I’m a white man who also grew up in the South. I was certainly witness to and heard tinges of racism growing up, but was fortunately sheltered for the most part from those who held such a deep-seeded hatred. A bigotry that Ailey knew first-hand. Growing up in the South, he had his own struggles with self-esteem due to the acts of racial violence so prevalent in those formative years. Within the theater, we have playwrights and lyricists who can put difficult feelings and hard lessons into words. They show us parts of humanity that can be both glorious and despicable. But theater is not with us right now, the stage is silent. And so in the last few days, in light of the events that led to George Floyd‘s death and its aftermath, I have looked for and listened to past voices for both understanding and action, comfort and courage.  One of my most treasured experiences and memories of being here in New York City is getting to watch the Alvin Ailey American dance concerts each winter and summer. They consist of powerful and moving performances by amazingly talented dancers. And so it was only natural that my thoughts would go to the stories and emotions told through the pieces that Alvin Ailey choreographed himself, namely his iconic Revelations, which was inspired by his involvement within the Southern Black church. In fact, all of his work came forth from the people and places and experiences of his life.  People and choreography discussed:  Alvin Ailey - https://www.alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/alvin-ailey Judith Jamison - https://www.alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/judith-jamison Robert Battle - https://www.alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/robert-battle Lester Horton - https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/h/ho-hz/lester-horton/  Cry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuTJSbWm2QY  Masekela Langage - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxsWWYBxKE0  Revelations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrPJ4kt3a64  Videos and interviews used in the making of this episode: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at 50 A Golden Anniversary Celebration  Big Lives: Profiles of LGBT African Americans - Alvin Ailey  Alvin Ailey Celebrates 50th - CBS Judith Jamison: Early Days with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Alvin Ailey and the Importance of the Arts - The New Yorker Alvin Ailey connects cultures through dance Alvin Ailey speaking at UCLA - 3/9/1983 Revelations from a lifetime of dance - TEDtalk  ------------ The time and expense needed to compile and edit this epiosde was at times challenging but ultimately rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.  Music used in this episode: "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost. 2010 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) "Smoldering" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License. "Jazz Brunch" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License. Based on a work at incompetech.com. "Barbara" by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License. "Something About John Coltrane" by Alice Coltrane. Licensed to YouTube by UMG (on behalf of Verve); BMI - Broadcast Music Inc., UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA - UBEM, UMPI, LatinAutor, Jowcol Music (Publishing), LatinAutor - UMPG, and 8 Music Rights Societies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Douglas Sills

At the end of our previous insightful conversation, Douglas Sills gave his answers to the Final Five questions. He shares a story of his mentor who recently passed away as well as his interests finance and veterinarian medicine. After his answer to best advice, I kept the recording going and it opened into a deeper conversation about happiness and feeling (un)motivated. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas Sills - Broadway’s Leading Man Almost Led Another Life

His iconic Broadway debut in SCARLET PIMPERNEL may have made Douglas Sills a Broadway star, but his head has never been in the clouds. In today's episode, he has his feet firmly on the ground and shares how he left the business (twice) and what brought him back. His insights are a seasoned look not only at his career but at the kind of person he wants to be. From understanding luck's role in his career to realizing that having a life means so much more than making a living, Douglas is both confident and vulnerable in this honest look at what "making it" really means. That Tony Awards performance that inspired me and made me a fan of Douglas Sills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpAXrY2rf_s&list=RDgpAXrY2rf_s&start_radio=1 Follow Doug: Twitter / Instagram  Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter ————— May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Music in this episode: "Little Idea" by Scott Holmes is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Mykal Kilgore and Hannah Elless

After our conversation on the previous episode, Mykal and Hannah answer the Final Five questions. They share stories of the individuals who have inspired them as artists as well as their interests in education and geology. They finish with why it's so important to be on time and the proper place for performance in an artist's life. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodast.com.      ----------      The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hannah Elless & Mykal Kilgore - Broadway Performers Who Crave New Works and Musicals

Hannah Elless and Mykal Kilgore (and myself) first met doing a reading of a new musical called THE STAR CHILD. They have each gone on to do three Broadway shows, but they still love that new-car smell of a fresh, unknown piece of theater. In today's conversation they explain why new works are so important, how their big families taught them to collaborate, and what success means to them and how they are still striving for it. Plus, they talk about the dream of a Broadway debut versus the reality of getting one.  - Listen to my episode with Jenny Stafford, book writer for STAR CHILD.   - Hear a song from Mykal's A MAN BORN BLACK.   - Watch Hannah's multi-instrument talents on display in "Ashville" from BRIGHT STAR.  Follow on Instagram: Hannah Elless / Mykal Kilgore  ————— May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com  Support WINMI through your kind donations: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast    Music used in this episode from Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "Sidecar" • "Kitty in a Window" • "Smooth Actor" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Andrew Lippa

Welcome back to my talk with Andrew Lippa as he answers the Final Five questions. This is a bonus episode to the conversation we had previously, covering topics we didn't get to last time. From political aspirations to advice he gives to aspiring artists, this is a deeper dive into a talented composer and performer. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com.      ----------      May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Lippa - Composer and Lyricist on Being a Big Fish in a Little Broadway Pond

From his first intimate musical, john and jen, to his bigger productions on and off Broadway, Andrew Lippa has been a prolific and award-winning writer. He joins the podcast to talk about his growth along that sometimes bumpy path and what it means to bring a bit of himself into his compositions and lyrics. He shares the disappoints he felt with The Wild Party and Big Fish, the lessons he learned from The Addams Family, and the personal journey he took in becoming Harvey Milk. Learn more about Andrew... Website: https://andrewlippa.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/lippaofficial  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lippaandrew/  His recent shows: The Man in the Ceiling, I Am Harvey Milk, Unbreakable  —————  May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Reach out to me with comments or questions: contact.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Hal Luftig

After our conversation on the previous episode, Hal Luftig answers the Final Five. He shares his love of teaching and his dream to work with Audra McDonald as well as what he learned from famed Broadway producer Emanuel "Manny" Azenberg. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com. ----------  May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hal Luftig - Broadway Producer Finds Value in the Hit Musicals As Well As the Flops

Welcome to a month-long look at previous Broadway seasons...the nominations, the wins, and the losses.  With four Tony Awards to his name, including two as lead producer, and two Olivier Awards, also as lead producer, Hal Luftig knows and thing or two about theatrical success. But he also knows the pitfalls that come and how not every show finds an audience or makes a lot of money.  Today, he shares those insights and more from the heights of success with KINKY BOOTS to his disappointment with the early closing of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD. He opens up about the lessons he's learned and what keeps him going.  Website: https://www.halluftig.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rialtoguy  Twitter: https://twitter.com/halluftig  Previous guests who have appeared in his productions:  J. Harrison Ghee - KINKY BOOTS Caroline Bowman - KINKY BOOTS and EVITA James Monroe Števko - FIDDLER IN YIDDISH John McGinty - CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD  ----------  Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Alina Alcántara

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode with Alina Alcántara! After our last conversation about staying motivated and the joy she found in performing, Alina sat down to answer five questions on topics and insights not covered in the previous episode. She also mentioned mutual friend and fellow artist Juan Cantu as someone who inspires her both personally and professionally. If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ————— The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alina Alcántara - Actress and Singer Found Passion and Purpose in Theater

Former flight attendant Alina Alcántara is a New York native of Dominican heritage, who has lived in Florida for most of her life. And in this episode she shares the rocky road to finding her true calling in life as an actor and singer. But even with this love and passion for performing she has her bad days of feeling inferior and unmotivated. So what keeps her going? Her story will inspire you and put a smile in your heart. Follow her online and social media: twitter.com/BroadwayBaby73 instagram.com/broadwaybaby1973  https://alinaalcantara.com/ Listen to her on Diagon Alley - https://youtu.be/fwuk_UxndlY ----------  May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast  Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  ----------  Music in this episode: "Elephants On Parade" and "Shines Through Trees" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. (Based on work at http://soundofpicture.com)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Seán Cullen

It's been a month-long break, so welcome back to the FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! After our last conversation, Seán answers five final questions not covered in the previous episode. He talks about his bucket list Sondheim musical and reveals his comedic idol...  If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received?   ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seán Cullen - Stand-up Comedian and Actor on the Serious Business of Being Funny

Seán Cullen is a Canadian actor, voice artist and stand-up comedian, known for combining improvisation with mimicry and music. He joins me today to share his love of comedy and writing books for his children. But we also dive into the worries and frustrations that come from almost making it and how to bounce back from a canceled show or that inner voice saying we aren't good enough. Follow Seán on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mrseancullen  Listen to his podcast - http://www.theseanpod.com/  Watch some of his stand-up - https://youtu.be/jTG2Nfcwm6A  Corky and the Juice Pigs sing "Eskimo" - https://youtu.be/CwO33oUawM8  —————  Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. —————  Music in this episode: "Whispers" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial Wellness (Part 2) Rebecca Selkowe from The Actors Fund, COVID Edition

In the last episode, Rebecca Selkowe reminded us of the groundwork needed to organize and manage our money. Today, she brings it to the present with useful tips and insights we can use during times of crisis like COVID-19. For more on how The Actors Fund can help you (or ways you can donate to them) go to actorsfund.org and for a mental and artistic break from the daily grind go to starsinthehouse.com, hosted by Seth Rudetsky & James Wesley and benefiting The Actors Fund. ---------- Do you have specific questions? Anything you need? Reach out to me with anyway I can be of help: contact.winmipodcast.com Also, join the WINMI Community on Twitter and Instagram @winmipodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial Wellness (Part 1) Rebecca Selkowe from The Actors Fund (REWIND)

Since 1955, April 15th has been Tax Day, until this year...the year of COVID-19 and economic uncertainty. With so many unemployed, especially those of us in the arts, what are we to do. How can we manage our money? What money!? In this episode, I'm sharing my conversation a year ago with Rebecca Selkowe, author of DOMINATE YOUR DEBT and head of the Financial Wellness Program at the Actors Fund in New York City. This is part one, where she gives us the basics of how we need to approach financial matters, not just from a numbers perspective but also the mental and emotional aspects as well. Part two comes in the next episode, where Rebecca joins me again to talk about the here and now and what we need to do today to make it through such tough economic times brought on by quarantines, self-isolations, and shutdowns. —————  May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  ----------  Music used in the episode: - Theme songs from both Why I’ll Never Make It and The Spotlight Series, created by Patrick Oliver Jones on GarageBand. - "Miss You" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laziness - How Doing Less Can Bring More Success (Bite-Size Edition)

Overcome with laziness and procrastination, feeling unmotivated, stuck, and just can’t get started? Believe me, you are not alone.  But there is hope when mired in such complacency. However, it may not be the solution you think it is. You and I were taught from an early age that we need to stay busy and keep moving. And while the intent behind those ideals was good, putting them into practice is neither easy nor always helpful.  In this episode, I consider what we do as artists and the energy we expend to see if we can eliminate some actions, to see if laziness can be our guide to achieving a greater impact by doing less. This doesn't mean less is more. It means less can be better.  Explore "laziness" in these articles:   - 7 Reasons Why Lazy People Are More Likely To Be Successful - Lifehack   - BEING LAZY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS - The Independent   - Science: Lazy people are likely to be smarter, more successful, and better employees. Who knew? - CNBC  ----------  May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.  For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/  Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/  Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com  WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast  ----------  Music in this episode:  "Here" and "All Will See" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License.  "Kitty In The Window" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. (Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social Distancing - A Special Coronavirus Conversation with Clayton Howe

Well, coronavirus is all people can talk about. It has completely changed our daily lives and interactions with others, especially in the world of theater. So I wanted to address it head on with friend-of-the-podcast Clayton Howe. We share how each of us lost our jobs and what we're doing now to keep going and make it through this extraordinary time in the world.  I also give 5 ways we as artists can regain control during a very uncertain moment in our lives and careers: Commitment, Outside, Variety, Introspection, and Dreams.  To follow Clayton and his podcast Entertainment(x):  instagram.com/inclaynation & entertainmentx.podbean.com/  Articles mentioned in this episode:  How stress influences disease - Science Daily A Connecticut Theater Finds New Ways To Get Art To Audiences - WSHU Getting At Least 7 Hours Of Sleep Helps Prevent Colds - NPR How Coronavirus Impacts Broadway – Variety How Coronavirus Shifted the World of Theater - The Guardian Broadway Finds a Way for the Show to Go On - NBC News  ----------  May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.    For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com  Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee.  ----------  Music used in this episode: "March" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License.  "Jazz Brunch" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Tiffany Coyne

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! After our last conversation Tiffany answers five final questions not covered in the previous episode. She talks about how she still hopes to do musical theater one day and opens up about her late father and the lessons he taught her...  If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received?  Also in this episode, the last of the Women's History Month features. This one highlights three television icons: the very first female game show host, Arlene Francis; the First Lady of Games Shows, Betty White; and the master of letters, Vanna White. https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/first-ladies-game-shows http://www.tvparty.com/games-female-hosts.html   ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tiffany Coyne - LET’S MAKE A DEAL Co-Host & Former Vegas Dancer (Women’s History Month)

Whether as sidekick or the lady in charge, Tiffany Coyne has made her mark on the popular game show LET'S MAKE A DEAL. She can keep up with Wayne Brady and holds her own in the chaotic fun of each episode. Starting out as a dancer, she had no thoughts or goals toward television. But when the time came and the support of family, she and her husband made the decision to leave their lives in Las Vegas for what has become an 11-year residence in Los Angeles and the stability to raise two beautiful children. She has studied and learned hosting and improv techniques that have not only boosted her abilities on-camera but also her confidence in life. This often soft-spoken woman has a powerful story to tell and an example to set of what it takes to seize opportunity while continuing to learn and grow. Find out more:  Tiffany Coyne - Instagram (@tiffanylcoyne) • Twitter (@TiffanyCoyne) • IMDB Let's Make a Deal - Website • Twitter (@letsmakeadeal) (Her husband Chris Coyne was also on the podcast in Episode 15.) ---------- May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.   For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com  Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. ---------- Music in this episode:  Barbara by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.  Clear Progress by Scott Holmes is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Charlotte Cohn

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! After our conversation on Wednesday about opera and directing, Charlotte gave her answers to five questions and topics not covered in the main interview. Also, in honor of Women's History Month, this week's Broadway pioneer is Vinnette Justine Carroll, PhD. As an actress and playwright and later as a director, she holds the distinction of many firsts in theater and television: first black female to direct on Broadway as well as receive a Tony nomination for direction, and the first African-American to appear in a week-long television show. ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlotte Cohn - Former Tank Commander & Opera Singer Finds Her Voice in Theater (Women’s History Month)

Charlotte Cohn was born in Denmark and raised in Israel where she served in the Israeli Army as a commanding officer. She was a founding producer of the New York Music Theatre Festival (NYMF) and MainStreet Musicals. Other producing credits include Rated P For Parenthood, The New York Times critics’ pick Handle With Care and Church & State. In this episode she chronicles her journey from commander to singer, from Broadway actress to Off-Broadway producer and director. Despite the setbacks faced as she progressed from one to the other, her passion and persistence kept her going...along with a good sense of humor. Follow her on Twitter (@charlottecohn) as well as her website: https://charlottecohn.wixsite.com/charlotte ---------- May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.   For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com  Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee.   "Traces" by Hyson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License. "Here" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. "September" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAESTRA MUSIC with Georgia Stitt, Advocating Women Musicians in Theater (Women’s History Month)

MAESTRA MUSIC was founded by composer/lyricist and music director Georgia Stitt to give support, visibility, and community to the women who make the music in the musical theater industry. Their membership is made up of female-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming composers, music directors, orchestrators, arrangers, copyists, rehearsal pianists and other musicians who are an underrepresented minority in musical theater. For Women's History Month, Georgia continues our conversation from the previous episode, talking about her efforts to foster and celebrate more women in musical theater. Also, in this episode is a feature on Mary Rodgers, daughter of famed composer Richard Rodgers and a composer in her own right of the rollicking musical comedy Once Upon A Mattress. The episode ends with the Final Five questions posed to Georgia...all about bucket lists and the best advice she's received. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgia Stitt - Composer, Lyricist, and Music Director (Women’s History Month)

GEORGIA STITT (georgiastitt.com) is a composer and lyricist whose original musicals include Snow Bird, Big Red Sun, The Water, and Samantha Spade, Ace Detective, which was the National Youth Theatre “Outstanding New Musical” in 2014. She is currently working on the The Big Boom with Hunter Foster and is also preparing to release her third album later this year.    Now I haven’t even gotten to her work as producer, music supervisor, pianist, orchestrator, vocal coach, music director, and conductor. Needless to say she lives and breathes music. Not to mention her role as mother and wife and founding director of Maestra (maestramusic.org), an activist organization for women musicians in theater, which we will talk about more in the next episode.   For more information on the articles and quotes used in this episode follow on Twitter (@winmipodcast). ---------- May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow. You can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com  Each week there’s audio that doesn't make it into the episode. You'll get these extra nuggets only on Instagram (@winmipodcast) as well as other insights and motivations.  Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee.   Music: "Oldie Song" by David Szesztay is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "All Will See" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Abigail Rose Solomon

After our in-depth discussion on producing in NYC and balancing that with an acting career, Abigail now shares bucket lists and who she looks up to. These final five questions get into topics and insights not covered in our previous conversation. If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abigail Rose Solomon - Actress and Broadway Producer of Musicals and Plays (Women’s History Month)

For the first episode of Women's History Month, I'm talking to New York-Los Angeles actress and producer Abigail Rose Solomon, who founded Rosalind Productions in 2005. We talk about the differences between acting and producing NYC and LA as well as her process of finding shows and working on them with other producers and creatives. Rosalind Productions' credits include THE PROM, THREE TALL WOMEN, WAR PAINT, THE LAST SEDER, PROOF, and AS YOU LIKE IT. Also, this week's female Broadway pioneer is Cheryl Crawford, founder of Group Theater and the Actors Studio. ---------- May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.   For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com  Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee.   ----------- Music: September by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More AUDITION STORIES 2020 with Lauren Kennedy, Justin Guarini and others!

On the second half of AUDITION STORIES we dive into the comparison game with Justin Guarini. This kind of jealousy is so common to actors and affects us in the audition room more than we know. Former guests share their experiences from onstage to on-camera, from the wonderful to the embarrassing, and everything in-between. (Listen to Part One as well.) Those featured in this episode: JUSTIN GUARINI - "Comparison Trap" (Audition Secrets podcast) LAUREN KENNEDY - Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh MEGAN HOXIE - Actor/Singer in FOOTLOOSE REMY GERMINARIO - Actor and Stand-Up Comedian MEGAN CARVER - Actor, Writer, Filmmaker MIATA EDOGA - Actor and Financial Coach CHARLOTTE COHN - Actor, Director, Producer (Episode coming in March) MAISIE WILLIAMS - Actor from GAME OF THRONES (TED Talk)   Join The Chain with Megan Carver and Adventuress Films. NY Actorfest - Casting Directors panel discussion ---------- I want this podcast to be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow. You can always reach out to me: contact.winmipodcast.com Also, don't forget Miata Edoga's special financial empowerment offer for WINMI listeners from Abundance Bound.   For further insights and unreleased audio clips of these episodes, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram (@winmipodcast). Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AUDITION STORIES 2020 with Caroline Bowman, Kelvin Moon Loh and more!

The 2nd Annual Auditions Stories is here! And this is only part one...focusing on the Audition Book and debunking 5 myths about what this book is supposed to be. The typical audition book has at least 20 songs (or monologues). It must contain material from every genre and era. "Show your range" means to hit your highest note. You don't need the full song in your book. It doesn't have to have a table of contents. Here are the former guests featured in this episode with all-new stories from the audition room (click on their name to listen to their episode): Kelvin Moon Loh - Otho in BEETLEJUICE on Broadway Sherryl-Lee Secomb - Australian Director and An Idiot on Stage J. Harrison Ghee - Lola in KINKY BOOTS (Broadway & National Tour) Caroline Bowman - Elsa in FROZEN National Tour Janine DiVita - Anne in IF/THEN National Tour, Rizzo in GREASE on Broadway Joshua Morgan - Shelly Berger in Broadway's AIN'T TOO PROUD Terri Dollar - Talent Agent in North Carolina & Director of S.T.A.R. Bret Shuford - Broadway Husbands and Life Coach Amy Marie Stewart - "Definitive Guide to Building Your Audition Book" on Soundfly and at Theory Works.  ---------- May this podcast be a resource as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow. You can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com   For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram (@winmipodcast).   Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SING FOR YOUR SENIORS with Founder & Producing Artistic Director Jackie Vanderbeck (Spotlight)

Throughout history artists have known that music provides benefits for both the creator and the listener. It can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing. This is especially true in the senior community.    Sing For Your Seniors is a nonprofit built around the mission of enriching lives through the universal language of music. They bring professional artists to the communities of seniors in need...to entertain them, to foster inter-generational connection, and most especially to create shared joy.   Jackie Vanderbeck is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of SFYS. From her great grandmother, whom she lovingly called grandma Dee Dee, she realized the enormous therapeutic value of music for seniors, especially those who are showing signs of withdrawal. And so in Grandma Dee Dee’s honor and memory she started SFYS in 2005 as a one-person a cappella hour at the Village Adult Day Center in New York’s West Village. But it has now grown into a much bigger organization, and today Jackie joins me in this Spotlight episode to talk about that journey.    Last summer, she invited me to participate in one of their sessions at the Actors Fund Home in New Jersey. So we also talk about that experience and how SFYS brings hope and joy to a very vulnerable group that is often forgotten by our society.   Discussed in today's episode: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (Tom Viola) Alzheimer's Foundation of America Broadway for the Blind The PROM's Broadway Session Donating Pianos Follow Sing For Your Seniors: Website | Instagram | Twitter ----------   Contribute your own Audition Story: contact.winmipodcast.com   ----------   For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram and you can always reach out to me directly: whyillnevermakeit@gmail.com   Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: buy me a coffee.   ----------   Music used in this episode:   "Reverie (small theme)" (ft. Pitx), 2010 by _ghost. Licensed to the public under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/   "Stardust" by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.   "Stompin At The Lough" by The Underscore Orkestra is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.   "In Your Arms" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American Sign Language for Theater - Providing Access to Deaf Audiences with ASL Interpreters

This podcast mainly focuses on the artist and the creative, the actor or composer or director, etc. But in today’s episode I’m turning the tables and focusing on the audience, specifically those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Their access to what we do onstage is often limited and often times they can’t make it to the theater because there is no way provided for them to understand what is happening. That’s where sign language interpreters come in and provide access for this underserved community of theater-goers. (Click here for a full transcript of this episode at the WINMI Blog.) The history of ASL-interpreted shows is actually fairly young. It was not until the early 1980s that the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles would offer the first regularly-scheduled ASL-interpreted performances of theatre in the nation. This was spurred on by its own success with the play Children of a Lesser God in 1979, which went on to a Broadway production and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1980. (Source: howlround.com, an essay by David Kurs) In fact, Children of a Lesser God had a Broadway revival a couple of years ago and I was grateful to have one of the actors from that play, John McGinty, on the podcast. (Listen to that conversation here: smarturl.it/johnmcginty) As I was putting together this episode, I contacted John again and asked him about the importance of ASL-interpreted shows: "It is imperative to show that audiences prefer the personal aspect that a great, certified, sign language interpreter can bring to a theater performance. It helps build a “family” and a sense of belonging in the audience for those who happen to be Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Also, once the audience sees that the show is interpreted, they will be able to leave and say, 'Hey, I saw a show that was interpreted.' This will at least build a foundation and awareness of the Deaf/HoH community in their future." Recently one of our FOOTLOOSE shows on Norwegian Cruise Lines was ASL-interpreted by two women who travel to many different events and venues to provide sign language interpretation, Heidi Johnson and Mia Engle. In all my contracts aboard ships I’ve never seen ASL done for any show, so it was a real honor to be a part of the night’s presentation and it was an even bigger pleasure to sit down with them and talk about the important work they do. These are some of the people and topics covered in this episode: Mairéad MacSweeney - Director of the Deafness, Cognition, and Language Research Centre at the University College London Children of a Lesser God - A play by Mark Medoff based on a story written about deaf characters for deaf actors in the late ‘70s—featuring a deaf woman named Sarah Norman who falls in love with a speech therapist named James Leeds. John McGinty - Deaf actor and advocate, who also teaches sign language David Kurs - Artistic Director of Deaf West theater company Prosody - the rhythmic structure, intonation, and stress in spoken and signed languages ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider donating and supporting the work that goes into each episode. donate.winmipodcast.com   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to me with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Jackson - Hall of Fame Podcaster on How and Why Actors Should Start a Podcast

This is a special episode where someone I consider to be one of the best in podcasting joins the show to discuss what he's learned about this growing medium and how we as artists can use this as another outlet for our creativity. Dave Jackson has been podcasting since April of 2005. His School of Podcasting has been downloaded nearly 2 million times, and he has helped hundreds of people launch podcasts. He was also inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame in 2018. And now he's here to help you! Here are some of the people and items discussed in this episode: The Audacity to Podcast - Another podcasting guru, Daniel J. Lewis, shares his findings on the state of this medium and the 800,000+ podcasts currently listed by Apple. Ultimate Guide to Hosting and Guesting Podcast Interviews - More than any episode I've ever listened to, this one by Dave gives a helpful overview of the the nuts and bolts of creating the best interview-style podcast. Building a Better Dave - The personal diary of Dave Jackson. Each short episode attempts to make you laugh, cry, think, groan, educate, or entertain. Here's a list of Dave's other podcasts: podcastreviewshow.com podcastersroundtable.com askthepodcastcoach.com podcastrodeoshow.com Connect with Dave: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube ---------- I want this podcast (and especially this episode) to be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.   For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram and you can always reach out to me directly at whyillnevermakeit@gmail.com   Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Megan Carver

Welcome to the FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode with Megan Carver! After our in-depth discussion on finding our artistic niche and creating work for ourselves, we then chatted about others job and where inspiration comes from. These final five questions are posed to each guest on topics and insights not covered in our previous conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Megan Carver... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan Carver - Actress, Producer, Writer, and Filmmaker

Whether in life or her profession, Megan lives by three simple mottos... Work Hard  •  Be Kind  •  Stay Classy  • And it is these ideals that led her to turn a punch to the gut into another creative outlet for finding work and fulfilling her passion. She opens up about the tough road she faced coming to NYC from Oregon and what propelled her into a world on the page and behind the camera. She's got a lot of wisdom and insight to share today...this is a jam-packed episode! Here are links to what she talked about today: Blog Post - Megan first joined the WINMI community in April of 2019 with her own Why I'll Never Make It story. Adventuress Films - Art is important and has the power to make us realize, on a deep level, that we’re not alone in the world. And we need that now more than ever. Glasgow Lyman - her friend and former guest on the podcast, who spoke about the mental game of auditioning Anthony Meindl - an LA-based Writer, Director, Teacher, and Founder of AMAW studios Her social media - Twitter, Instagram, YouTube ---------- I want this podcast to be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.   For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram (@winmipodcast) and you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com   Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Remy Germinario

Thanks for joining me and Remy for this week's FINAL FIVE! After our discussion of the rigors and challenges of stand-up comedy, we got down to the serious business of bucket lists and sage advice. (I even throw in a new Final Five questions just for Remy.) The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Mr. Germinario... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. What is a time in your life when you messed up and had to own up to it? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remy Germinario - Theater Actor Finding Another Stage with Improv and Stand-Up Comedy

I first met Remy Germinario while taking improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC. He’s an actor as well as a comedian, and he shares how he got into stand-up and how we as creatives wear many hats and have to showcase many talents.    It was a few months ago that I was at an audition and ran into Remy. It had been awhile since our UCB classes together, and we started talking about all the stand-up he’s been doing and it absolutely fascinated and surprised me as to what all actually goes into being a comedian. And it’s that conversation that inspired this episode.    Remy says there's no reason to pigeon-hole ourselves as just an actor or dancer or director. We can do many things, and for our well-being we should pursue as many avenues as we can to not only feed our bank accounts but also to feed our souls by finding creative outlets for the kind of art we want to make.   In our conversation, Remy talked about... Freemics - a comprehensive listing of comedy open mics across the East and West Coast. Stand Up NY - opened its doors in 1986 and has since become one of New York City’s premiere comedy clubs. Comedy Mob - over 60 comics compete for the winning title in this annual festival, where New York City's up and coming talent try to win over our panel of judges and the audience vote. Social Media - Twitter & Instagram: @RemyGerminario ----------   I want this podcast to be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.   For insights and motivations you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram and you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com   Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Miata Edoga

Welcome to the first FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode of 2020! These are five questions I ask each guest on topics and insights not covered in our main conversation on Wednesday. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Miata Edoga... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ** To join Miata in her MASTERY LEVEL FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, go to abundance.winmipodcast.com and enter promo code WINMI for a your listener discount rate. ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miata Edoga - TV/Film Actress & Financial Coach with Abundance Bound

Miata Edoga is the President and Founder of Abundance Bound, the premiere financial education company for actors, artists, and creative entrepreneurs. She created The Artist’s Prosperity System, which has provided thousands of creatives with a specific, step-by-step process to significantly improve their financial situation – giving them more time, energy, and freedom to focus on their creative careers and artistic pursuits. ** To join Miata in her MASTERY LEVEL FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, go to abundance.winmipodcast.com and enter promo code WINMI for your listener discount rate. Miata serves as the National Financial Wellness Consultant for The Actors Fund – a national human services non-profit for everyone in the entertainment industry. (Listen to my previous episode with Rebecca Selkowe from the Actors Fund Financial Wellness Program.) She has also led workshops and seminars on financial empowerment for a wide range of organizations including: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Center for Cultural Innovation. With a strong belief that early financial education empowers young people to live their very best lives, Miata shares her signature seminars with students (and their parents) in schools around the country including: NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Columbia University, and the California Institute of the Arts. Abundance Bound was launched with the mission of reducing the feelings of intimidation, overwhelm, and stress that too often impede folks from having a healthy relationship with their money. Miata’s guidance continues to empower individuals of all backgrounds to establish a more compassionate, conscious, and prosperous financial life on their own terms. ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support the work and mission of this podcast. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Look Back at 2019

Welcome to the 2nd Anniversary episode of the podcast! And what a year it has been! We’ve had wonderful guests from actors and singers to stage managers and artistic directors. And this episode is a look back at some of the best moments from the past year as well as a look ahead to what’s in store for 2020.   There’s a mix of previous released conversations and new clips never heard before now. I share clips from the popular Audition Stories episode, and then I highlight and critique the very first episode of the year, which was not my best to say the least.   The guests featured during this anniversary: (click the name to go to their episode)   Lothair Eaton • Tony Howell • Misha Osherovich • Caroline Bowman • Bret Shuford • Maggie Bera • Ilana Levine • Sherryl-Lee Secomb • Amy Marie Stewart • Caitlin Kinnunen • Ben Davis   With a special appearance by Andre DeShields (on the Tony Awards).    Check out these podcasts by…  Maggie Bera -  ACTOR AESTHETIC Ilana Levine - LITTLE KNOWN FACTS   ----------   The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artists Striving to End Poverty / ASTEP with Samantha Manfred (Spotlight)

ASTEP was conceived by Broadway Musical Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Juilliard students. It’s goal was to transform the lives of youth using the most powerful tool they had: their art. Today, ASTEP connects performing and visual artists with youth from underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world to awaken their imaginations, foster critical thinking, and help them break the cycle of poverty.   ASTEP is deeply committed to empowering individuals who suffer from an absence of choice, especially children. The right to choose is a fundamental human right, and we strive to end the poverty that robs us of that humanity. The performing and visual arts create a unique safe space to rediscover choice.   To talk about that mission as well as the recruiting and training of volunteer teaching artists is ASTEP’s Manager of Programs, Samantha Manfredi. She shares how these programs currently serve youth affected by immigration status, homelessness, gun-violence, incarceration, the justice system, HIV/AIDS, systemic poverty, and the caste system. Yet despite all these challenges ASTEP finds a way to reach these young people and change their lives.    The Teaching Artists are highly successful Broadway performers, professional artists, or students and faculty from schools such as Juilliard, offering a variety of disciplines such as dance, visual art, music, and drama. They become transformative role models by combining their passion for the arts and their ability to use artistic tools to teach important life skills to young people around the world.   Learn how you can support ASTEP through a DONATION or as a TEACHING ARTIST.   ----------   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Mike Isaacson

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Jenny Stafford... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Click to learn more about other Artistic Directors who Mike mentioned in his answer to number 3 - Mark Hoebee at Papermill and Dan Knechtges at TUTS. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Isaacson - Artistic Director of the Muny on the Challenges of Producing Broadway Musicals

Mike Isaacson has led the Muny for almost ten years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In this episode he shares not only the challenges of producing 7 musicals in 10 weeks each summer, but he also opens up about his Tony Award winning Broadway ventures, Fun Home and Thoroughly Modern Millie. These shows almost didn’t happen, yet their eventual success proved that listening to your heart and to an audience are ultimately more important that listening to critics. Follow Mike on social media as well as the Muny on Twitter and Instagram. --------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Jenny Stafford

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Jenny Stafford... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Click here to listen to the previous episode with Grace McLean. And to learn more about Taylor Mac and his work go to Playbill or the New York Times. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Stafford - Lyricist on Writing, Collaboration, and the Day Broadway Called

In the entertainment industry, we are all essentially storytellers. But there is one among us who is the spark and drive of those stories...the writer. Jenny Stafford is a prolific lyricist and book writer with her work featured on and off Broadway as well as regional and children's theaters across the country. She has a lot to share about her own journey and what led her back home to Denver, Colorado where she found herself at a crossroads, not only in her career but in her life as well. We talk about fate, being our true selves, relationships, and of course writing. Go to Jenny's website and follow her on Twitter and YouTube. --------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five Reasons Artists Have to Be Thankful (Bite Size Episode)

Happy Thanksgiving! We’ve all been with our families and gone around the proverbial table to say what we are grateful for. Well, it’s my turn and this episode is dedicated to YOU, who listen and follow and support this podcast. I mention a few listeners by name for their extra dedication to the WINMI community.   Also, I go through 5 reason each of us as artists should be thankful this holiday season…and all year round. There are many reasons that hold us back or get in the way of our dreams, but along the way we do find successes and support from others. This episode is all about recognizing those influences and resources in our lives that keep us going.   —————   The time and expense needed to bring these episodes to you each week is at times challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into this podcast.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Misha Osherovich

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Misha Osherovich... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misha Osherovich - Actor and Filmmaker on Body Image and His Own Battle with an Eating Disorder

Misha Osherovich is a Russian-American actor, filmmaker, and mental health/LGBTQ+ activist.    Misha's latest short film E.VERY D.AY is currently screening at festivals internationally. The film is autobiographical - written and produced by Misha - that gives the audience a look inside the minds of people affected by eating disorders and distorted body image.   You can also catch Misha in AMC's new series NOS4A2.  He can also be seen in theaters in Warner Bros' new film THE GOLDFINCH.   Follow Misha on Instagram or Twitter.   Misha aims to use his platform in TV/film and on social media (as well as this podcast) to speak frankly and openly about body image and eating disorder recovery from the perspective of the entertainment industry, as well as the intersection between queerness and mental health.   For more info on recognizing and dealing with eating disorders: Six Common Types of Eating Disorders National Eating Disorders Helpline buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Also, you should join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Janine DiVita

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Janine DiVita... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Janine DiVita - Broadway Actress on Maintaining the Voice and Surviving Under Pressure

This is part two of my conversation with Janine DiVita. Last time was a Spotlight episode on her work with the USO Show Troupe. In this episode she and I dig into what drives her as an actor and singer, the choices she’s made in her career, and how she maintains a work/life balance since getting married. Janine opens up about going to therapy and how it’s helped her focus on what truly matters, especially in auditions. She also shares what is was like filling in for Idena Menzel in the Broadway musical IF/THEN. Janine is a poised and consummate professional, whose singing voice is as angelic as it is powerful. She co-founded Empowered Voices, a company that combines dynamic theatrical techniques with traditional prevention education tactics to combat and prevent Sexual Assault within the U.S. Military and beyond. Follow Janine on Twitter and Instagram as well as her website. You can also find out more about the USO Show Troupe. ----------- Reach out with your own questions or comments about the podcast at contact.winmipodcast.com. The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USO SHOW TROUPE with Janine DiVita for National Military Families Month (Spotlight)

November is National Military Families Month, and in honor of that I have Janine DiVita joining me today to talk about her work with the USO Show Troupe in New York City. Now when most people think of the USO, the first thing that comes to mind, understandably, is the legendary entertainer Bob Hope, who first performed for U.S. troops in California in May 1941, just a few months before the Pearl Harbor. But the USO is certainly much more then any one celebrity. It’s mission is to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. For over 77 years, the USO has done just that. And the show troops play a vital role in that mission by entertaining service members and conveying the support of the nation through their uplifting shows.  As an actor herself Janine knows firsthand what it takes to reach an audience, and she’ll be joining me next week to talk about work-life balance and how is she maintains her voice and acting chops. In fact, she and I did Bridges of Madison County together this past summer, but during that run she continued to do work for the USO both as an administrator and as a producer. She said down with me recently in the USO offices in New York City to discuss the importance of this organization and what it means to her as well as military service members and their families. She co-founded Empowered Voices, a company that combines dynamic theatrical techniques with traditional prevention education tactics to combat and prevent Sexual Assault within the U.S. Military and beyond, which was an important step in her becoming director of the USO Show Troupe. See how you can support the efforts of the USO. And if you would like to be a part of the show troupe, click here. ---------- At the end of this month I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving with your stories of gratitude and appreciation. Go to contact.winmipodcast.com and send me a text or voice message. I’d love to share your stories of thankfulness with all of us in the WINMI community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan Hoxie - Actress in Norwegian Cruise Line’s FOOTLOOSE on Scene Work and Taking Notes

As I’ve mentioned since the beginning of the season, I’m currently in a production of FOOTLOOSE on Norwegian Cruise lines. And so on today’s episode I’m talk about the show and the process of putting it together now that we’ve opened here on the ship, Also, joining me is fellow actor Megan Hoxie who plays the role of Ariel in the show. After that conversation I answer a listener question about cruise ships and resumes.   Reach out with your own questions or comments at contact.winmipodcast.com.    You can find Megan on Instagram: @foxieehoxiee   —————   The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KU Talent Agency and Artsplosure with Terri Dollar (Bite Size)

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Terri Dollar. In the previous episode we focused on STAR, her program working with special needs theater artists in Raleigh. Normally this would be another Final Five episode. However, after our initial conversation about her work with special needs actors I had a lot more questions about the other work that she does. So today in this bite-sized episode we chat about her talent agency and what she looks for in actors she represents as well as how she works to open up casting opportunities to all of her clients, including a couple of the STAR actors who are on her roster. We then discuss her work with Artsplosure, a huge arts festival she runs every year in Raleigh that is completely free and open to the public. All in all Terry is one busy lady. I know that when I grow up I want to be more like Terri Dollar, and I’m sure after listening to the rest of our conversation you’re probably going to feel the same way too. ---------- To learn more about Terri and Artsplosure check out kutalentagency.com and artsplosure.org. For more info on Why I'll Never Make It go to winmipodcast.com where you can also support and donate to this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terri Dollar - Arts Director Working with Special Needs Actors in Raleigh

If you ever feel like you can’t do something or or get down about hard this business is, then this episode it for you (and me). Terri Dollar shares her own story of working with special needs actors in Raleigh, NC. She talks about the commitment and dedication they put into each class and performance and how hard she pushes them to do their very best at all times. You’re bound to walk away from this episode with a greater appreciation of the work we do as artists and how it can truly change lives.   —————   The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Also, reach out to me via email with your questions and comments about this episode or any other topic you want to discuss. I love getting your feedback and will answer your questions at the end of each month: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Lauren Kennedy

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions each guest will be asked all season long, giving concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Lauren Kennedy... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Kennedy - Broadway Actress and Artistic Director on Auditioning and Being Your Authentic Self

Having worked with Lauren Kennedy at Theatre Raleigh on BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, she joins the podcast today to talk about her transition from Broadway back to doing theater in her hometown of Raleigh. From her time growing up and studying theater in college to landing her first Broadway show and ultimately deciding to direct, Lauren shares her own experiences in auditions and what she now looks for on the other side of the table. It's a great conversation about the business and how she found fulfillment in what can often be a trying and frustrating profession. ----- Contact me with your own "why I'll never make it" story or ask me a question you'd like to have answered on this podcast. Email me at whyillnevermakeit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail message at contact.winmipodcast.com. As the WINMI community continues to grow there are two ways you can help: 1) Please consider subscribing or donating to support the work that goes into each episode. 2) Share this podcast with those who you think would benefit from the stories and conversations featured on each episode.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Bret Shuford

These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, giving concise and focused insights not covered in our conversations on Wednesday.   If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Today, Bret talks more about dream roles, his autistic brother, and the most important life lesson he's learned. Reach out to me directly with your own questions or comments via email (whyillnevermakeit@gmail.com) or on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bret Shuford - Broadway Actor and Life Coach on Being Sober and Dealing with Our Inner Critic

Bret Shuford has dedicated his life to creating theatre. Most recently, he played Robbie in Cirque Du Soleil’s Paramour. Other credits include Broadway shows, national tours, and principal roles in feature films; including Martin Scorsese's The Wolf Of Wall Street.   As the Broadway Life Coach, Bret helps people find their full potential, get clear about their purpose, and create balance and self-confidence. He also gives us all a chance to be a part of his FIVE-DAY BALANCE ON BROADWAY CHALLENGE. Click here to sign up. I also mentioned my blog post on Dealing with Our Own Inner Critic. Reach out to me directly with your own questions or comments via email (whyillnevermakeit@gmail.com) or on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FINAL FIVE: Caroline Bowman & J. Harrison Ghee

The very first FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions each guest will be asked all season long, giving concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to both Bowman and Ghee... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received?   Listen to Parts One and Two of my conversation with these two talented stars.   ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Bowman & J. Harrison Ghee (Part 2) How to Handle Criticism and the Importance of Recognizing Your Gifts

Welcome to Season Three and part two of my interview with J. and Caroline! These two Broadway performers join me to share their own journey to the Great White Way. We also discuss how to deal with detractors, handling disappointment in auditions, and finding confidence in being yourself. Caroline Bowman has played Elphaba in WICKED, Eva Peron on the EVITA National Tour, and is Elsa in the current National Tour of FROZEN. J. Harrison Ghee has performed in Tokyo Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, and taken on the role of Lola in KINKY BOOTS. In fact, this past summer all three of us were in the first regional production of KINKY BOOTS since it closed on Broadway. We put up the show in 11 days in St. Louis at The Muny for the 101st musical season.   Find Part One here and the Final Five bonus episode.   ------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Bowman & J. Harrison Ghee (Part 1) Their Broadway Debuts in KINKY BOOTS and Leadership in a Cast

Welcome to Season Three! These two Broadway performers join me for three episodes to share their own journey to the Great White Way. We also discuss the pressure of playing a leading role, handling criticism, and knowing who you are. Caroline Bowman has played Elphaba in WICKED, Eva Peron on the EVITA National Tour, and is Elsa in the current National Tour of FROZEN. J. Harrison Ghee has performed in Tokyo Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, and taken on the role of Lola in KINKY BOOTS. In fact, this past summer all three of us were in the first regional production of KINKY BOOTS since it closed on Broadway. We put up the show in 11 days in St. Louis at The Muny for the 101st musical season.   Find Part Two here and the Final Five bonus episode.   ------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway Closings and Listener Questions (Bite-Size Edition)

A surprise bonus episode this summer...I just couldn't stay away! And also introducing the first-ever listener question. - First and foremost, I'd love to hear from you and get your thoughts on this podcast. Share what you love and especially what bothers you about WINMI episodes or the blog or the online presence. It's all fair game in the Season Two Feedback Survey: survey.winmipodcast.com - There's also been a slew of Broadway show closings announced recently. By summer's end 16 shows will be gone, with two more set to leave Broadway in the Fall and Winter. Is this normal? Should we be worried about the state of NY theater? As always, money plays a big part in the equation, but there's also an interesting trend or market correction at play as well. Read more from Ken Davenport as well as Forbes and TheaterMania. - It's been awhile since I've mentioned it, but there's yet another reason why I'll never make it: my own lack of time management and keeping up with my schedule. I share a personal story of messing up big time, and it involves a former guest on the show. - And for the first time on the podcast, I answer a listener's question about moving to NYC, auditioning, getting an agent, and when is the best time to join Actors Equity: Hi! My name is Carley and I'm an actor that's living in Florida. I've been to NYC for "audition season" for the past 2 years to go through the motions. I haven't been too successful because I've been non-union, so I'm hoping that I'm seen more at this upcoming season in 2020. I was wondering if you had any advice for people who are living outside of NYC but still working to make it? I plan to move there soon. I'm getting married so my fiancé and I are hanging out here right now because it's easier to save but plan to move after the wedding that's in October 2020. So I guess I'm just wondering what advice you have for people outside of NYC, do any agencies take talent outside of the city, etc. I love the podcast. Thanks in advance! (Thanks so much to Carley for reaching out and I hope more of you will do the same. If you'd like your own question or comment addressed on a future episode, send your message to whyillnevermakeit@gmail.com.) So here are some of my thoughts on the issues raised... - I used to live in Florida as well, in Orlando for nine years, and I was taking trips to NYC also for specific auditions. So I think it’s smart that you come up for the audition season as a whole. That way you can focus on getting seen as much as you can, which as you said is unfortunately hampered by being Non-Equity. But there’s still plenty of tour work and regional theaters that need non-Eq performers to fill out their casts. - As you prepare for 2020, I would say find as much theater work as you can there in Florida. Don’t hesitate to drive (if you can) to Miami or Jacksonville or Tampa for specific theater season or show-specific auditions. There are plenty of Equity theaters that could possibly get you your Equity card before you get to NYC, which would of course be such a leg-up in getting in the audition room. - If you know any directors in Florida who work in NYC, whether as a director or teacher, get in front of them again, especially if they’ll be in NYC auditioning. Connections and networking are a big help in this business, like schooling I mentioned above. It’s one of the aspects of the business I’d not given as much thought or attention to as I should’ve. So even after 11 years here, I’m still not known to as many directors and producers as I'd like. ---------------- Two ways to show your support for WINMI: Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Davis - Broadway Actor and Singer, Tony Award Honoree

For the final episode of Season 2, Ben Davis joins me in St. Louis to talk about the life of an actor on the road and in New York. His accomplishments on Broadway and elsewhere are many and magnificent, from his award-winning turn in La Boheme to the epic leading man in BBC's Kiss Me, Kate. His journey is both inspiring and instructive in what it means to make it.  "Davis' seductive baritone is swoon-worthy." -Fran Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter Follow Ben on Instagram and Twitter and see more on his website. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ethan Paisley - Filmmaker, Director, Producer and Speaker

Audition season is winding up here in New York City as we prepare for the summer months. I hope you have some good plans for the summer. For myself, I will be doing a couple of shows: one in St. Louis the other in Raleigh.  My special guest today is also keeping himself busy. Ethan Paisley is a writer, producer, and director, with a TV series this summer on DVD Netflix called Set Life. Other projects include the feature film .453 which is on Amazon, two films that have screened at the Cannes Film Festival...and when it comes to awards Ethan is no stranger. He won Best Overall Film at the San Mauro Torinese Film Festival, Best Young Filmmaker at the Los Angeles Film Awards, and Best Young Director at the Young Entertainer Awards.  Just how young is he? He's accomplished all this by the ripe old age of 18.  So when I ask myself why I'll never make it, it's guys like this that have the drive and ambition to keep them going. He and I discuss his rapid rise to success and the setbacks he's faced in getting there. He has definite points of view on filmmaking and auditions and directing. It's a fascinating interview with a talented, young, and upcoming artist. Go to Ethan's website and follow him on Instagram and Twitter. Also check out his growing list of IMDB credits. ----------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thoughts on the 2019 Tony Awards (Bite-Size Edition)

The Tonys have all been handed out and another Broadway Season comes to a close. While the trophies themselves are the main attraction, it was really the speeches and heart of the awards ceremony this year that captivated my attention and truly moved me. I talk about some inspiring acceptance speeches from winners like Andre DeShields, Rachel Chavkin, and Ali Stroker as well as the acceptance speech Sam Mendes never gave. Then, I give some background to one of the names In Memoriam that was a first for the Tonys. Read all the speeches here and the full list of winners here. ----------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sherryl-Lee Secomb - Actor, Director, Marketer, and An Idiot On Stage

Welcome to WINMI's first international episode! Joining me on the show today is Sherryl-Lee Secomb from Australia. With over thirty-five years on stage, creating roles in musical theatre, farce and dramatic works, she began working as a freelance theatre director, creating large scale musical theatre productions in her home town of Brisbane, Australia. ​In 2011, she was appointed as Communications & Online Marketing Manager to Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, a large community-based theatre company, and began the process of creating their online presence. In 2014, an experience with a another passionate but under-resourced regional theatre company, inspired her to begin a blog, An Idiot On Stage, highlighting ways community theatre organizations can improve and grow. But Sher's work not only focuses on the theater companies themselves but the artists and actors and technicians that make up the whole creative team producing and making art on stage. She gives plenty of insight into how to approach art as a business while still maintaining the creative vision and passion. Follow her on Instagram and read her blog. ----- As you enjoy these guests and conversations each week, please consider buying me a coffee to support this podcast. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Awards - BEETLEJUICE with Kelvin Moon Loh

The third and final Awards Season Bonus Episode features Kelvin Moon Loh of BEETLEJUICE, nominated for eight Tony Awards. We discuss his audition for the role of Otho...or rather lack of an audition. Then there's the other fellow performers who Kelvin simply gushes about, sharing his love and gratitude for such a wonderful group to perform with. But we also delve into the business itself and what keeps us going and how to treasure the moments along the way. It's wonderful and far-reaching chat about this fun show about death as well as the Great White Way that keeps us all striving and hoping for our chance to one day be under the big lights. Follow Kelvin on Twitter and Instagram as well as BEETLEJUICE. ----- As you enjoy these guests and conversations each week,  please consider buying me a coffee to support this podcast.  I wouldn't be here without listeners like you,  so your donations are greatly appreciated. (support.winmipodcast.com) Find out more about the WINMI blog and other episodes, go to winmipodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ariel Estrada - Actor, Producer, Founder of Leviathan Lab

Broadway is all abuzz with the latest shows and performances making all the headlines. But theater in New York is so much more than what happens on the great white way. There's important and significant work being done off-Broadway and by theater companies around the city.  One such company is Leviathan Lab, and today I'm talking to Ariel Estrada . . . an actor, singer, arts advocate, producer, and Founder of Leviathan Lab. They are an award-winning not-for-profit creative studio whose mission is the advancement of Asian and Asian American performing artists and their work. With Leviathan Lab (now celebrating its 10th year), Ariel has produced acting and writing salons, cabarets, fundraising events, staged readings, showcase productions, and short films, including the award-winning film Two Weeks.  But today's conversation is so much more than just shop talk about auditioning and producing and running a non-profit. Our conversation really digs into some weighty topics of race and opportunity for people of color and the struggles that go with that. Ariel is quite candid and open about his experiences and how they've shaped his career. This is an episode you don't wanna miss! Follow Ariel and Leviathan Lab on Twitter. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drama Desk Awards - FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (IN YIDDISH) with James Monroe Stevko

Having already won the Best Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle. James Monroe Stevko and the entire FIDDLER cast and crew wait to see if their winning continues with the upcoming Drama Desk Award. But before becoming the rabbi's son, James was an instrumental musician and at the age of 18 decided to become a dancer. Transforming himself into a dancer through college, he landed his first job before graduation in Milwaukee Ballet II. And he's continued to become a successful storyteller through song and dance, telling stories through movement in America's top musical theater houses, including performing alongside the Rockettes in New York City's longest-standing theatre tradition - the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  FIDDLER IN YIDDISH marks James' off-Broadway acting debut, directed by Academy/Tony/Emmy Award winner Joel Grey. James shares stories of auditions, learning languages, becoming a dancer, and working with icons like Joel Grey. Earlier this year in The Ensemblist, he wrote about his experience with such a familiar work like FIDDLER in an unfamiliar language like Yiddish. FIDDLER was originally performed in the Museum of Jewish Heritage before moving to its current home at Stage 42 (formerly known as the Little Shubert Theatre). Follow James on Twitter and Instagram...and learn more about FIDDLER in Yiddish! L'chaim! ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Stern - Stage Manager, BROADWAY SYMPOSIUM

The job of a stage manager may be behind the scenes, but all that they do makes its way into each and every performance we actors give onstage. Matthew Stern joins me today to explain the very nature of their work, giving insight into the art and craft of stage management. He recounts of his time with LES MISÉRABLES, 700 SUNDAYS, SPIDER-MAN, and other shows in New York and on the road. This is a must-listen for any actor wanting to know more about what SMs do and all the grunt work they go through to make our shows happen. In addition to his time backstage, Matthew still finds time to share and give back to the next generation of stage managers, as he teaches at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Design and Technology.  His work in the classroom, sharing his Broadway experience and having his students observe his productions, has shown the incredible benefits students receive with access to Broadway.  By combining his love of teaching and experience on Broadway, Matthew has created the Broadway Stage Management Symposium. The Symposium is an incredible opportunity for those interested in stage management, considering a career in the theatre or anyone interested in how Broadway really works. There are a variety of registration options available to keep the Symposium affordable for students. See the website for more info.  Follow Matthew and the Symposium on Instagram and Twitter. ----- As you enjoy these guests and conversations each week,  please consider buying me a coffee to support this podcast.  I wouldn't be here without listeners like you,  so your donations are greatly appreciated. Find out more about other episodes, go to winmipodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Awards - AIN’T TOO PROUD with Joshua Morgan

The first Award Season Bonus episode of 2019! And it's a musical that's tied for the most Tony nominations with 12, including Best Musical. (A full list of those nominations can be found here.)  Joshua Morgan plays Shelly Berger, who was the real-life manager of the Temptations as well as The Supremes and Jackson 5. Josh is no stranger to Broadway as he was in the closing cast for the most recent revival of LES MISÉRABLES, which played at the same Imperial Theater.  I first met and worked with Josh at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas where we performed HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. And in this episode we talk a lot about succeeding in this business and how hard that can be. he give great insights into the mindset and discipline needed to withstand the rigors of rejection and persistent which are essential components of any actor's journey.  Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram and find out more on his business, Artist's Strategy. ------ Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lothair Eaton - Actor, Singer, U.K. and Germany STARLIGHT EXPRESS

You'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. (See this video of him with Count Basie.) Follow Lothair on Twitter and Instagram as well as his website. You can also find him teaching Eleanor England: https://singing-lessons-nyc.eleonorengland.com/NYC/ ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musical Theater Trivia Challenge with Dr. Broadway (Bite-Size Edition)

After 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 doozies. 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! Follow Kristin on Twitter and learn more about her at DrBroadway.com. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DR. BROADWAY - Kristin Stultz Pressley PhD, Musical Theatre Historian

Well, 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 pre-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 theatergoing.    Follow her on Instagram and find out more at DrBroadway.com.    ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WINMI Host Patrick Oliver Jones on ENTERTAINMENT(X) with Clayton Howe

After being on WINMI Episode 32, fellow podcaster Clayton Howe invited me to return the favor and come on his podcast. We chatted about my own journey as an actor and what led to the creation of WHY I'LL NEVER MAKE IT. I share my own fears and battles with not "making it" but also what keeps me going and hoping along the way. There's plenty of wit and wisdom in this great conversation with my friend, and I'm so glad to have been a part of his podcast. Enjoy! Subscribe and listen to ENTERTAINMENT(X) and follow Clayton on Instagram. ----------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Ort - Casting Director, Board Member of Artist’s Patron Fund

As 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 & 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. Follow John on Twitter. He is also on the board the Artist's Patron Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity founded in 2016 that provides fiscal sponsorship of mid-career artists, with project-specific grants. http://artistspatronfund.org ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AUDITION STORIES 2019 with Caitlin Kinnunen, Lothair Eaton, Tovi Wayne, Ilana Levine, and more!

Welcome 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 & 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. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE ACTORS FUND Financial Wellness Program with Rebecca Selkowe (Spotlight)

Welcome 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 episode 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. The overall goal of the Financial Wellness program? Establishing a stable method of managing your finances. So check out their free classes and seminars today! Learn more about Rebecca Eve Selkowe and her book Dominate Your Debt. -------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Gabel - Actress, Singer, Coach, Founder of TRIPLE THREAT THERAPY

Kelly 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... "We all know that we aren't supposed to take rejections personally...but seriously?! How can we NOT? It stings when someone doesn't see our talent, or sees our talent but just doesn't want us. We have poured our heart and soul into that performance and their response is simply, "thanks but no thanks" or "we'll call you." ⁣So what do we do with that rejection?" Read the full blog article here. Kelly is also starting a brand new Masterclass series, featuring many artists and professionals, including myself and former guest, Maggie Bera. To learn more about her Journey to Broadway Masterclass and the other coachings and consultations she provides, visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram & Facebook.  ----------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clayton Howe - Actor, Singer, Host of ENTERTAINMENT(X)

Fellow actor and podcaster, 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 influencer, 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. Watch the video that started it all. Notice the 22+ million views so far! 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! :) Follow Clayton on Twitter and Instagram.  ----------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Marie Stewart - Actor, Singer, Vocal Teacher, Founder of THEORY WORKS

From 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 in this episode, 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 belters 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 theatres across the country. Learn more about Amy here. ------------ Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ilana Levine - Actress, Singer, Host of LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

Today, 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 & 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! Listen to her podcast: http://www.littleknownfactspodcast.com ----------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caitlin Kinnunen - Actress and Singer, THE PROM on Broadway

Happy Promposal Day! Caitlin Kinnunen may go to THE PROM eight times a week on Broadway as Emma, a high schooler 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. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DRAMA CLUB with Founder & Executive Director Josie Whittlesey (Spotlight)

For 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 improv 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 & Mentoring Services, Josie has proven to be staunch advocate for those who are underserved 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. Find out more about Drama Club and Josie. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather Botts - Actress, Singer, Swing in MY FAIR LADY on Broadway

How 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. In this episode, 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. Follow her on Instagram. Check out her website.   -----------   The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan K. Bailer - Actor, Singer, CEO of Ryan Bailer Tech Support

The 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.  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. Click here to have Ryan and his team help you with any of your own tech needs. You can also follow Ryan on Instagram -------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Howell - Digital Strategist for Creative Artists, Social Media Branding & Marketing

Tony 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. He gives Patrick a digital branding session and talks about what to work on when creating a social media strategy. That session begins at 26:44, almost midway through the episode. Learn more at TonyHowell.me. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter. ----------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2019 Broadway Chat with Ryan McPhee, Managing News Editor at PLAYBILL

We'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. Here's the list of all shows we mention in this episode: • Andrea McArdle and Donna McKechnie at 54 Below • Getting the Band Back Together did not get good reviews • Head Over Heels was thrown out on its heels in January • The Cher Show gets a diva endorsement • American Son getting a Netflix adaptation • The Intricacies of Family in Waverly Gallery and The Ferryman • Lifespan of a Fact with Daniel Radcliffe • Network and Bryan Cranston's electrifying performance reviews • To Kill a Mockingbird overcame lawsuits to make it to Broadway • Are you going to The Prom? • King Kong stirs up controversy and bad reviews • Be More Chill goes from Off-Broadway to the big time • Kiss Me Kate in the #MeToo era • Oklahoma! sets a darker tone in this reboot • Hadestown's road to Broadway • Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus is a new comedy with Tony veterans  • Tootsie gets a facelift • Beetlejuice...Beetlejuice...Beetlejuice out of town • Ain't Too Proud to Beg, the latest Broadway temptation We also give special shoutouts to Bonnie Milligan and Stephanie J. Block. Follow Ryan McPhee on Twitter. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maggie Bera - Musical Theater Actress, Singer, and ACTOR AESTHETIC Blogger

Maggie 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 & 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. Follow her on Instagram. Read her insightful blog on Actor Aesthetic. ---------------------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tovi Wayne - Musical Theater Actor, Joffrey Ballet Dancer, Dance Teacher

A good 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! So join the conversation as we dig a little deeper into what it takes to make it in this business and why we keep going. https://www.toviwayne.com/ --------------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cupcakes & Kudisch (Bite-Size Edition)

The first episode of the year has me chatting about my failed attempt to make Red Velvet Cupcakes...and I mean utter failure. I hurried through the prep and ended up with inedible red mushy hockey pucks. Such wasted time and effort and ingredients.  What wasn't a waste of my time, though, was a recent chat I had with Marc Kudisch. I met him at the Only Make Believe Gala after-party, and he graciously talked with me for about 15 minutes. From the business to Broadway and keeping it all in perspective, it was an informative and surprisingly honest chat about making it in theater and in New York itself. So I wanted to share my reflections from this impromptu discussion. (Hopefully he can come on the show at some point to expound upon these topics and more.) ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Look Back at 2018

It's been a wonderful ride despite some growing pains and losses along the way. My first year of podcasting 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 on this episode: 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. ---------- Music is this episode -  "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) ---------- Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jury Duty, One Actor’s Journey Into the Justice System (Bite-Size Edition)

In this episode, Patrick shares one thing that has kept him from auditioning and finding work lately...and that's jury duty. That civic obligation that many try to get out of has become yet another obstacle to making it.  But Patrick diligently fulfilled his duty and rendered a verdict on an attempted murder case involving a babysitter. This is certainly a different kind of episode for the podcast, but nonetheless it's a fascinating story with twists and turns and surprises, just the kind of "ripped from the headlines" case they feature on LAW & ORDER. For more on the case, read about some of the most important moments in the trial: The Retrial of Marianne Benjamin-Williams The Father Takes the Stand Mother's Emotional Testimony Defense Doctor Provides Alternate Possibility Defendant Takes the Stand Manhattan DA Press Release on Verdict ------------- Whether you call it "dun, dun" "chung, chung" or "bong, bong"...the Law & Order sound effect is ubiquitous with the franchise and was conceived by Mike Post, produced by Dick Wolf. Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John McNally PhD - Award-Winning Author, Screenwriter, Lecturer, English Professor

As 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. The most recent book from John Mcnally 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. Follow John on Instagram. ---------- Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NY YOUTH SYMPHONY Jazz Program with Andy Clausen (Spotlight)

Andy 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.  --------- Intro music and interludes: "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glasgow Lyman & Jeff Rosick - Writers, Actors, Producers from Hollywood Fringe, WE NEED THIS MUSICAL...

These 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 Lyman 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 Rosick 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. For more info, go to www.whyillnevermakeit.com. Follow them on social media:  facebook.com/danielglyman facebook.com/jeffreyrosick & @jeffrosick ---------- Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NY YOUTH SYMPHONY Musical Theater Composition Program with Anna Jacobs (Spotlight)

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of the New York Youth Symphony's Musical Theater Composition program under the direction of the talented Anna Jacobs. As an accomplished composer and lyricist, she has an impressive portfolio that includes musicals such as POP! with book and lyrics by Maggie-Kate Coleman, ANYTOWN with a book by Jim Jack, TEETH with co-book and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson, and collaborations on CAGE MATCH and MAGIC 8 BALL with Prospect Theatre Company alongside Sam Salmond and Michael R. Jackson. Her upcoming project, KAYA: TASTE OF PARADISE, a movie musical commissioned by the New York Film Academy, features Okieriete Onaodowan, with a screenplay by Jerome Parker and direction by Paul Warner. Anna's contributions to the world of musical theater have earned her recognition, including the prestigious Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award. A former Sundance Fellow and Dramatists Guild Fellow, Anna has also served as an Artist in Residence at esteemed institutions such as Ars Nova, New Dramatists, Musical Theatre Factory, Goodspeed, and Barrington Stage Company. Holding an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU-Tisch, Anna now imparts her expertise as a faculty member at The New School. Join us as we explore the journey and achievements of this remarkable musical talent. www.annakjacobs.com ---------- Also featured in this episode are two students in the MT Composition program, Sydney Altbacker and Tate Robinson, along with their new piece "Song for Marilyn" which was written for the class. Watch the full interview with Sydney, Tate, and two other students on the WINMI YouTube Channel. Learn more about the New York Youth Symphony, founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area's most gifted young musicians. ---------- Intro music and interludes: "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Subscribe to WINMI for access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Wartella - Singer, Songwriter, Broadway Actor in the National Tour of WICKED

Michael Wartella 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. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. See more of his work on YouTube. ---------- Subscribe to WINMI for access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NY YOUTH SYMPHONY with Conductor Michael Repper (Spotlight)

For 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 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! Learn more about New York Youth Symphony and Michael Repper. Intro music and interludes: "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John McGinty - Broadway Actor (Children of a Lesser God), Deaf Advocate and Sign Language Teacher

John 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. On this episode 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. Follow John on Twitter and learn more about his career on is website. You can also watch this interview, our very first video podcast, on YouTube. (ASL Interpreter - Craig Fogel)   ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tribute to Marin Mazzie (Bite-Size Edition)

The 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 positivity 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. Opera News did an excellent interview and chronicle of her life. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE with Artistic Director Jackie Miller, Actors Dan Domingues & Jeanette Bonner (Spotlight)

In 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 & 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. You too can make a difference in children's lives. Go to https://www.onlymakebelieve.org and see ways you can help and contribute. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost 2010 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Coyne - Actor, Singer, Foley Mixer, Emmy-Nominated Sound Editor

Chris Coyne’s career in the entertainment industry spans more than 30 years, and in this episode he talks 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 Dreamworks animated series The Adventures of Puss in Boots available on Netflix.  Check out his credits on IMDB and follow him on Instagram. Also, in 2015 he released an EP of original material available on iTunes and Amazon. Check out the lead single "By God's Grace" on YouTube. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE with Founder Dena Hammerstein (Spotlight)

Geraldine 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 episode 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. To find out more and see how you can make a difference in children's lives: https://www.onlymakebelieve.org And to find out a bit more about Dena's early years in TV and film: IMDB ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost 2010 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Wojcik & Gayle Seay - Casting Directors for Regional Theater, National Tours, and Off-Broadway

When Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay entered the entertainment industry, headshots 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 | 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. In this episode, 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. https://wscasting.com ----- Listen to every episode and help support WINMI!  Follow on Instagram and Twitter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joey Fatone - Singer with *NSYNC, TV Host, Broadway Star

Before 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! Follow Joey on Twitter! ----- Support WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2018 Tony Awards Predictions with PLAYBILL Managing News Editor Ryan McPhee

With 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? Find the full list of nominees here: TonyAwards.com Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rdmcphee ----- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Awards - CAROUSEL with Actor/Singer Nicholas Belton (understudy for Billy Bigelow)

For 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. Follow Nick on Twitter! ----- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Awards - THE BAND'S VISIT with Associate Conductor Jeff Theiss

From 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. Find out more about Jeff here: www.jefftheiss.com ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Awards - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS with Actor/Singer Kelvin Moon Loh

Tying 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. http://www.kelvinmoon.com/ http://spongebobbroadway.com/ ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Awards - ONCE ON THIS ISLAND with Musical Director Alvin Hough, Jr.

We 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! Learn more about Alvin as well as ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. ----- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com   "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grace McLean - Actress, Singer from GREAT COMET & Them Apples

The “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 & the Great Comet of 1812 or her career both as a solo artist and with her band Grace McLean & Them Apples. Learn it all at www.gracemclean.com!!! ----- Support WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Cronican - Theater Actress, Producer, Director, Coach

The actor and all-around fun gal, Erin Cronican joins us "in studio" to discuss her own formula for making it in the entertainment industry. From coaching to her theater company, Erin keeps a lot of irons in the fire. Learn more about those irons at http://www.erincronican.com/. Update: Erin Cronican passed away on June 30, 2022, so this episode remains as a tribute to her talent and contributions to theater in New York City and beyond. ----- Support WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content   Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.   Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices