Backstage Talk
Backstage Talk, hosted by Colombian performing artist Martín Acuña, features the voices of those entertainment professionals who are backstage, not under the spotlight.
All Episodes
Episode #137: Sean Hayden 💪🏼
We've got to keep the conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry going. Sean Hayden, performer, lawyer, and advocate, shares his story and how it inspired the Stage Combat Podcast, a show about his and other artists' story regarding mental health.
Episode #136: Chita Rivera Tribute with Eric Ulloa ✨
Chita Rivera was an icon and a legend in the Musical Theatre world. 🔥 How come a Broadway theatre hasn't been renamed after her? This episode features returning guest and friend Eric Ulloa, recorded live from the West Side Story exhibit at the Museum of Broadway, to honor the historic and renowned Chita Rivera.
Episode #135: Marilyn Caserta 👑
She's THE Queen of the Castle! Marilyn Caserta is here with her incredible Broadway debut story with SIX: the Musical. 🎤 Marilyn shares how her Cuban-Italian heritage has driven her life. 🔥 Let's celebrate her Broadway-Universal Alternate-debut anniversary!
Episode #134: Sebastián Treviño 🇲🇽
This incredible Mexican actor shares his story from his home country all the way to New York City! 🔥 Please visit his Instagram to see what he's been working on! If you want to know more about our host, please visit his website!
Episode #133: Shereen Pimentel 👸🏾
This Afro-Latina queen has made her roar be heard ever since she started performing! 🤩 In this episode, the incredible Shereen Pimentel shares her Broadway journey from The Lion King as the first Afro-Latina Young Nala to her work in West Side Story, the 2020 revival, Into the Woods at New York City Center, and regional productions of Evita.
Episode #132: Mateus Cardoso 🇧🇷
Mateus Cardoso is the future Broadway Royalty; MARK OUR WORDS! 🔥 We are delighted to have recorded this episode with Mateus before his upcoming Broadway Debut! Get to know his background and his story before he takes a bow in the world's greatest stage.
Episode #131: Rebbekah Vega-Romero 🌟
Tri-racial performer, writer, and producer Rebbekah shares a little about her life in the performing arts world. 🔥 Please visit her Instagram to see what she's been working on! If you want to know more about our host, please visit his website!
Episode #130: Miguel Gil 💙
Miguel Gil, an astounding young performer, is taking Broadway by storm, and we are here for it! 🫶🏼 From Venezuela, to Orlando, to New York, Kimberly Akimbo's cast member Miguel always brings his 100% to every work he does, because he understands that for many Latin people, being an artist is a privilege we cannot take for granted.
Episode #129: Maria Bilbao 🩸
From Miami to Broadway, Maria Bilbao shares how her Latinidad has influenced her most recent work: Johanna in the recent Broadway production of Sweeney Todd. 🩸 Her passion, like all Latinos, carries throughout this episode, take a listen!
Episode #128: Philippe Arroyo 🐯
To celebrate & Juliet's first year on Broadway, Philippe Arroyo, who plays François in the show, gets candid about how his heritage has played a role in his acting journey.
Episode #127: Valeria Ceballos 👕
Valeria Ceballos has had great opportunities to showcase her heritage and talent through some iconic Latiné roles, but also on the Dear Evan Hansen Tour! 🤩 Please visit her Instagram to see what she's been working on!
Episode #125: Florencia Cuenca 🇲🇽
Florencia Cuenca is paving the way when it comes to bringing Broadway to Spanish-speaking audiences! 🤩 This incredible Mexican actress and singer started a project with husband and past guest Jaime Lozano to mix Spanish words into Broadway songs, and the best part?
Episode #124: Angel Sigala 🗽
Angel Sigala, the original actor who portrayed Mateo Díaz in the recent Broadway Show "New York, New York," goes down memory lane to the auditions for this production and the moment he got the part!
Episode #123: Kalyn West ✨
Kalyn West gets real and vulnerable about her Colombian Heritage and what it has meant to navigate the world as a Colombian-American in the Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry.
Episode #122: Jorge Rivera-Herrans 🔱
TikTok superstar Jorge Rivera-Herrans talks all things Epic, his musical, which blew up TikTok, and his latest Album, My Heart Says Go, intertwining his story and the power of his heritage. 🔥 He's working with Broadway Royalty, and we LOVE how his musical had trending audios all over social media.
Episode #121: Belén Moyano 🌹
Straight from the underworld comes this Latina actress to share her journey of resilience and pride! 🔥 Belén Moyano, an incredible performer, has been with the Hadestown tour for over two years and she recognizes the incredible relationship between this story and her heritage!
Episode #120: Joey Contreras 🌟
This episode is a dream come true episode! 🔥 Joey Contreras is an incredible songwriter and composer who has a LOT of shows in the works! 🫶🏼 Tune in to this incredible episode about heritage and how anyone can celebrate their past at any point in their lives.
Episode #119: Legna Cedillo 💫
Legna Cedillo shares how she owes everything to her beautiful parents. 🤩 Tune in to listen to her story in the industry all the way to Americano! The Musical! 🔥 Please visit her Instagram to see what she's been working on!
Episode #118: Kevin Corte 🇲🇽
Kevin Corte is a Mexican performer who is here to share his side of the story working on the West Coast! 🔥 Tune in and listen to his wonderful journey with Latinness and queerness playing Angel in Rent! 💙 Please visit his Instagram to see what he's been working on!
Episode #117: Debra Cardona 🥰
Debra Cardona teaches us that it is never too late to make your Broadway debut! ✨ Her wonderful journey in this industry is inspiring, especially when she talks about her family's heritage in New York's Spanish Harlem!
Episode #116: Danny Marin 🌟
After a self-discovery journey, Performer and Producer Danny Marin is ready to take this industry by storm. 🔥 Danny always brings their whole self into their work, from their heritage and their family history to their queerness self.
Episode #115: Shelby Acosta 🫶🏼
Our characters will always bring our baggage with them. ✨ Actress Shelby Acosta shares her experience on Broadway with the 1776 musical, a very political show, and how she portrays a Founding Father as a queer Latina performer.
Episode #114: Joél Acosta 🎩
Joél Acosta, an incredible actor, dives into his experience bringing his Latinness to many characters. 🤩 He also breaks down his amazing work at The Great Gatsby, the immersive experience. 🎩 Please visit his Instagram to see what he's been working on!
Episode #113: Ana Villafañe 💃🏽
The iconic Ana Villafañe is our season premiere episode guest! 🤩 Ana has portrayed iconic female roles on Broadway and in several films, and she takes us on a sneak peek at her latest work all the way from London: Sinatra, the Musical.
Episode #112: Bekah Walsh 🎁
Bekah Walsh, theatre influencer, is here to talk to us about her POTUS Theatre Trail in this in-between-seasons special episode! 🤩 This iconic play that was on Broadway will embark on a tour in the USA soon and Bekah wants to go on the road with them!
Episode #111: Dean Cestari ✨
Season 4 finale is here! 🔥 Episode 111 (our lucky number) is out now! Dean Cestari is one of those people that will make you feel your soul replenished after talking to him.
Episode #110: Kate Reinking & Ashley Hufford 📲
Influencers have rocked every single industry, and Theatre wasn't going to get behind! 🔥 In this episode, we have two of Broadway's best influencers: Kate Reinking and Ashley Hufford.
Episode #109: Caseen Gaines ✨
Shuffle Along was the Hamilton of its era, this author claims back this iconic show's place in Musical Theatre history. 🔥 Tune in to listen to Caseen Gaines discuss his latest book, "When Broadway was Black." 🤩 Please visit his Instagram to see what he's been working on!
Episode #108: Tony Predictions with Connor and Dylan MacDowell 🏆
The Tony Awards are here and we have over our favorite Twins to do our Predictions on the winners!! ✨ Listen to Connor and Dylan MacDowell and our host spill their tea about who will get the beloved Theatre Award! Please visit their Instagram to listen to their latest eps!
Episode #107: Bella Faye ✨
Queer composer and lyricist Bella Faye is here to talk about their craft!! 🤩 After being an alum of Drew Gasparini through the pandemic, they present Catching Fireflies, a new song cycle! Please visit their Instagram to see what they've been working on!
Episode #106: Anant Das 👏🏻
Anant Das is one heck of a Broadway producer! 🔥 With a desire on changing the industry and really create shows that make a difference, he explains his work co-producing shows on Broadway like The Piano Lesson, A Beautiful Noise, and the recent New York, New York!
Episode #105: MiMi Scardulla 💫
Some people were meant to bring happiness into this world and MiMi is one of them! 💫 She shares her incredible journey as a fat performer on Broadway, how she's breaking stigmas and misconceptions, and her current work on A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond Musical!
Episode #104: Alberto Garrido 🎤
Writer and Performer Alberto Garrido has incredible advice for people that want to begin in the entertainment industry. 😏 With a background in performing and writing, Alberto’s journey has been one of perseverance, chasing new dreams, and leaps of faith.
Episode #103: Micayla Brewster ✨
Micayla Brewster, Digital Nomad and social media strategist, has had quite a run among Broadway shows! 🔥 She shares her journey with the Broadway community and the perks of traveling the world with work. 😍 Please visit her Instagram to see what she's been working on!
Episode #102: Gabe Karr ⚡️
Musical Theatre student and performer Gabe Karr is here to share his journey within Viterbo University! 🔥 Gabe talks about his audition process and college experience; and if you follow Theatre TikTok closely, you'll for sure know him!
Episode #101: Grace Aki 😍
Multi-hyphenate artist Grace Aki is one of the most wonderful human beings out there. 😍 She details how her show, To Free a Mockingbird, came to life and how she unites her different crafts to make a living as an artist!
Episode #100: Eli Tokash 🤩
We are celebrating ONE HUNDRED EPISODES! 🔥 Our friend Eli Tokash shares his Broadway journey from being a kid in the industry to his renowned podcast Take a Bow! 🤩 Tune in to this incredible and amazing conversation about growing up in the Broadway Industry!
Episode #99: Amanda LaMotte 📚
With 4 Broadway shows on her resume, Amanda knows how showbiz works! 🤩 Amanda shares her experience coming to New York, working with Broadway’s biggest stars, and finding other gigs while performing! Please visit her Instagram to see what she's been working on!
Episode #98: Carson Lambert 😎
Our dear friend Carson is here to share his experience as a Theatre Administration student, finding internships in the industry, and how he discovered he was a Theatre kid!
Episode #97: Alisa Hurwitz 🧠
The incredible psychologist Dr. Alisa Hurwitz has been working on bridging Mental Health and Musical Theatre. 👏🏻 She talks about how Stephen Sondheim was a mastermind in observing human behavior and how to put that into his craft.
Episode #96: Ryan Donovan 📚
Ryan Donovan is here to share his book “Broadway Bodies” and how musical theatre has historically erased specific types of bodies. 👏🏻 He also shares his own experience as a performer and his journey into education. 🔥 Please visit his Instagram to see what he's been working on!
Episode #95: Mara Lucas 😃
Mara Lucas, an astounding swing in Musical Theatre and founder of Center+Center is here to tell us about her journey in our industry and what led her to start her own business! 🔥 If you’re beginning to book shows and are asked to cover some tracks, this episode is absolutely for you!
Episode #94: Ed Bell 🔥
Ed is a wonderful composer that has built his way across the world. 🌎 As a Musical Theatre composer and songwriting educator, he has built his career around the live magic on stage and collaboration with other artists.
Episode #93: Tonya Pinkins 👑
Tonya Pinkins, a Tony Award-winning actress, shares her Broadway beginnings in this episode! 😍 She also talks about the Broadway Community and how she pivots through her different craft hats. 👌🏻 This episode is available on the Broadway Podcast Network and wherever you listen to your favorite pods!
Episode #92: Sandy Gooen 🎼
Being a multi-hyphenate in our industry is very common, and Sandy is no stranger to being one! 🔥 With a background in performance, he also produces, writes, composes, and works as an educator in Musical Theatre!
Episode #91: Kristin Stokes ⚡️
We are back, celebrating our 3rd Anniversary with one of the sweetest human beings we've ever met: Kristin Stokes! 🤩 Kristin was on Broadway with The Lightning Thief a couple of years ago and her journey is one we absolutely loved.
Episodio #90: Sergio Trujillo ✨ - Español
¡Bienvenidos al cierre de temporada del Especial de Latinos en Teatro Musical! 👏🏻 Esta semana tenemos el honor de entrevistar a uno de nuestros ídolos: ¡el increíble Sergio Trujillo!
Episode #90: Sergio Trujillo ✨ - English
Welcome to the Latinx in Musical Theatre Special Finale! 👏🏻 This week we are honored to interview one of our all-time idols: the incredible Sergio Trujillo! 🔥 Sergio is a Tony Award-winning director, choreographer, and performer whose work on Broadway and Off-Broadway has been linked to his Latin roots from the start.
Episodio #89: Luis Salgado 🇵🇷 - Español
Luis Salgado es un Director, Coreógrafo y Actor de Teatro Musical que también tiene un corazón por la Filantropía. 🔥 Através del arte, Luis siempre ha tenido en alto la bandera Latina, impulsando el trabajo de nuestra gente en cada producción en la que ha estado.
Episode #89: Luis Salgado 🇵🇷 - English
Luis Salgado is a Musical Theatre Director, Choreographer, and Performer with a heart for Philanthropy. 🔥 Through his art he has always had the Latinx banner, lifting up the work of our people in every single production he has been in.
Episode #88: Gaby Diaz 💃🏻 - English
Gaby Diaz is a renowned dancer that is dipping her toes in Musical Theatre! 👏🏻 With a long background in dancing and after working in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story remake, Gaby is now in New York City working in the industry!
Episode #87: Mateo Lizcano 👕 - English
Mateo Lizcano is one of the youngest performers we've had on Backstage Talk, and he's here to share his story on one of Broadway's favorite contemporary shows. 🤩 He is part of the Dear Evan Hansen family as an Evan alternate and Connor/Jared understudy, and he knows how his Hispanic Heritage has influenced his acting.
Episodio #86: Caesar Samayoa ✈️ - Español
Caesar Samayoa, quien hizo parte de Come From Away desde el comienzo, pasó por acá para contarnos su lado de la historia acerca de los Latinos en Broadway!
Episode #86: Caesar Samayoa ✈️ - English
Caesar Samayoa, who was part of Come From Away from the beginning, came by to share his side of the story about Latinx artists on Broadway! ✨ He knows how solid the Latinx Community can be, and he's not only proud to be part of it but an ambassador of showing off his brothers and sisters.
Episodio #85: Laura Duque y Valeria Barberi ☀️ - Español
Laura Duque, co-fundadora de Teatro Musical de Colombia, una compañía que crea musicales en Medellín, y si mano derecha, Valeria Barberi, estuvieron en Backstage Talk para contar su historia, su proceso creativo, y cómo ven ellas la industria del Teatro Musical desde la segunda ciudad más grande de Colombia.
Episode #85 - Laura Duque & Valeria Barberi ☀️ - English
Laura Duque, co-founder of Musical Theatre of Colombia, a company that creates musicals in Medellín, and her right hand, Valeria Barberi, came over to the show to chat about their story, creative process, and how they see the Musical Theater industry from Colombia's second biggest city.
Episodio #84: Roberto Araujo 🎥 - Español
Roberto Araujo ha estado trabajando tras bambalinas en nuestra industria por mucho tiempo para dejar el nombre de la comunidad Latina en lo más alto. ✨ Dentro de sus pasiones está la actuación, la fotografía y la creación de piezas audiovisuales, cosas que lo han llevado a ser el Director de Producción de Video Playbill.
Episode #84: Roberto Araujo 🎥 - English
Roberto Araujo has been working backstage to leave the Latinx people's names high in our industry. ✨ With a passion for acting, photography, and video making, he is now the Director of Video Production at Playbill.
Episodio #83: Felipe Salazar 🇨🇴 - Español
Felipe Salazar nació dentro de la industria del Teatro Musical en Colombia. 👏🏻 Junto a su tía, María Isabel - Misi -, han mantenido viva este arte en el país con la escuela más grande de Teatro Musical en Colombia. 🎉 Este episodio también está disponible en Inglés!
Episode #83: Felipe Salazar 🇨🇴 - English
Felipe Salazar was born into the Colombian Musical Theatre Industry. 👏🏻 With his aunt, Maria Isabel - Misi -, they have kept this art form alive in the country with the most prominent Musical Theatre school in Colombia. 🎉 Listen to this episode now!
Episodio #82: Valentina Berger 🇦🇷 - Español
Valentina Berger siempre ha sabido cómo abrir puertas para ella; a través de su experiencia como productora ha logrado abrir muchas más para estudiantes Latinos.
Episode #82: Valentina Berger 🇦🇷 - English
Valentina Berger has always opened doors for herself; through her experience as a producer, she has opened many more for Latinx students. 🤩 She started an education program called GoBroadway, that brings students from around the world, specifically from Latin-American countries, to live the Broadway experience for some weeks.
Episodio #81: ¡En Vivo desde BroadwayCon! 🤩 - Español
¡Hicimos historia en BroadwayCon 2022! 🔥 Este episodio fue el primer panel hablado en Español en la convención de Teatro Musical más grande del mundo: BroadwayCon, hecha en Nueva York el 9 de Julio.
Episode #81: Live at BroadwayCon! 🤩 - English
We did history at BroadwayCon 2022! 🔥 This episode is the translated version of the first-ever Spanish-speaking panel done at the biggest Musical Theatre Convention ever: BroadwayCon held in New York City on July 9th.
Episodio #80: Jennifer Florentino ❤️ - Español
Jennifer tiene ascendencia Dominicana, y aunque creció en los Estados Unidos, siempre encuentra una forma para conectarse con los demás artistas Latinos que trabajan con ella en los shows. 🤩 Curiosamente siempre es a través de la comida!
Episode #80: Jennifer Florentino ❤️ - English
This performer comes from a Dominican Republic heritage, and even though she grew up in the States, she always finds a way to connect with her Latinx people in the shows she works on. 🤩 Curiously, it's always through food!
Episodio #79: Xavier Reyes 🔥 - Español
El actor Puertorriqueño Xavier Reyes le ha implorado a los Directores y Directores de Casting que le den a la gente Latina las oportunidades en las audiciones. 👏🏻 Con un bagaje increíble actuando en Estados Unidos y en Puerto Rico, él sabe de primera mano el poder que tiene la representación y la visibilidad en la industria.
Episode #79: Xavier Reyes 🔥 - English
Boricua performer Xavier Reyes has implored Directors and Casting Directors to give Latinx people a chance on their auditions. 👏🏻 With a great acting background performing in both the United States and Puerto Rico, he knows the power that representation and visibility have firsthand.
Episodio #78: Andrés Quintero 🎡 - Español
Oriundo de Caracas, Venezuela, Andrés Quintero es un artista increíble que pasó por acá para contarnos sobre su experiencia como un actor Latino en los Estados Unidos.
Episode #78: Andrés Quintero 🎡 - English
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Andrés Quintero is an incredible performer that came to share his experience as a Latinx artist in the United States. 👏🏻 He shares the challenges he's faced in the industry that ultimately led him to play Baby Doll in the Moulin Rouge First National Tour.
Episodio #77: Juan A. Ramírez 😎 - Español
Juan A. Ramírez llegó para hablar de la Industria del Entretenimiento y de Broadway desde otro punto de vista: la escritura de críticas y reseñas para teatro. 🔥 Originalmente de Venezuela, Juan creció con una pasión por el cine y el teatro que evolucionó a la escritura de reseñas, piezas críticas, y diferentes textos.
Episode #77: Juan A. Ramírez 😎 - English
Juan A. Ramírez joins us to chat about the Entertainment Industry and Broadway from another point of view: theatre critic writing. 🔥 Originally from Venezuela, Juan grew up with a passion for film and theatre that evolved into writing reviews, critics, and different texts throughout the years.
Episode #76: Tanairi Sade Vazquez 🔥 - English
This queen's journey in Musical Theatre has been one of a lifetime. ✨ Tanairi shares her Broadway experience and also how it was to work with Spielberg in the latest West Side Story movie revival! 🤩 She's a social justice warrior and a diversity and inclusion advocate in our industry.
Episodio #75: Fernando Cárdenas 🤩 - Español
Fernando Cárdenas comenzó escribiendo para revistas en México, y escaló a ser uno de los productores digitales de NY1 Noticias hablando sobre la escena teatral Latina en New York. 🔥 Él ha cubierto la presencia Latina en la gran manzana durante los últimos 20 años!
Episode #75: Fernando Cárdenas 🤩 - English
Fernando Cárdenas started writing for magazines in Mexico, and then he escalated to be one of NY1's Digital Producers talking about the Latinx theatre scene in New York. 🔥 He has been covering the Latinx presence in the big apple for the last 20 years!
Episodio #74: Paula Calvo 🧞♂️ - Español
Paula Calvo es una actriz Colombiana viviendo en Ciudad de México que está brillando por su talento! ⭐️ En este episodio podrán oírla hablar sobre su experiencia como actriz en musicales en Colombia y su trabajo más reciente con la producción Mexicana de Aladdin.
Episode #74: Paula Calvo 🧞♂️ - English
Paula Calvo, a Colombian performer living in Mexico City is shining bright showcasing our talent! ⭐️ She came over to chat about her experience as a performer in shows in Colombia and her most recent role in the Aladdin production in Mexico!
Episodio #73: José Solís ✍🏼 - Español
Desde Honduras hasta Nueva York, José Solís es uno de los críticos Latinos que arrancó todo un movimiento en los Estados Unidos, y específicamente en Broadway. 🔥 Su trabajo como crítico de Teatro Musical y Arte ha sido vital para muchos futuros escritores, periodistas y críticos.
Episode #73: José Solís ✍🏼 - English
From Honduras to New York, José Solís spearheaded the Latinx Critics movement in the United States and specifically on Broadway. 🔥 His work as a musical theatre and art critic has been vital for a lot of Latinx soon-to-be journalists, writers, and critics.
Episodio #72: Luis E Mora 🔥 - Español
Este hermano y actor Colombiano, Luis E. Mora, tiene una iniciativa increíble llamada Bilingual Broadway! 🤩 Él quiere acortar el espacio entre las audiencias latinas y nuestra industria, traduciendo los shows a Español!
Episode #72: Luis E Mora 🔥 - English
Colombian brother and actor Luis E. Mora has an incredible initiative called Bilingual Broadway! 🤩 He wants to close the space between Latin audiences and our industry by translating shows to Spanish!
Episodio #71: Pedro Salazar 🇨🇴 - Español
El director de Teatro Musical y Ópera, Pedro Salazar, pasó por acá para compartir sus pensamientos e ideas acerca de la industria en Colombia. 🇨🇴 Sú punto de vista es único y con un bagaje de estudios internacionales decidió volver a Colombia para compartir ese conocimiento.
Episode #71: Pedro Salazar 🇨🇴 - English
Colombian Musical Theatre & Opera director, Pedro Salazar, stopped by to share his thoughts about the industry in Colombia. 🇨🇴 His unique point of view is based on going abroad and bringing back all that knowledge.
Episodio #70: Ilda Mason 🤩 - Español
Esta reina Latina llegó para compartir su viaje desde sus comienzos en Panamá hasta su debut en Hollywood y Broadway! 🤩 Ilda Mason, una asombrosa artista de teatro musical, también comparte lo que significa la representación y visibilidad en su carrera.
Episode #70: Ilda Mason 🤩 - English
This Latina queen is here to share her journey from her beginnings in Panamá through her Hollywood movie debut and Broadway debut! 🤩 Ilda Mason, a stunning musical theatre performer, also shares what representation and visibility have meant in her career.
Episode #69: Gil Torres 🇲🇽 - English
My Twitter bestie, Gil Torres, came over to chat about his experience in the Musical Theatre Industry! 🤩 For him, acting in Musical Theatre as a Latin man is all about being truthful, and finding those artists that have paved the way for younger people was truly important.
Episode #68: Ryan Duncan-Ayala 😎 - English
It's time to listen from the producer's side of Broadway! 🔥 Ryan Duncan-Ayala, a young theatre producer, tells us about his perspective and approach to producing and his journey with ¡Americano!, a new Latinx show currently running Off-Broadway!
Episodio #67: Mauricio Martínez 🕺🏻 - Español
Desde México, Mauricio Martínez es un actor de Broadway que se ha movido entre las tablas con la potencia de una estrella fugaz. ⭐️ En este episodio, nos cuenta su historia, desde los escenarios Mexicanos hasta su debut en Broadway con "On Your Feet!" 🤩 También nos habla de su experiencia con la representación y visibilidad de la comunidad Latina en Broadway.
Episode #67: Mauricio Martínez 🕺🏻 - English
All the way from Mexico, Mauricio Martínez is a Broadway performer that moved through the stages like a rising star. ⭐️ In this episode, he retells his whole story, from the Mexican stages to his Broadway debut with On Your Feet!
Episodio #66: Jaime Lozano 👏🏻 - Español
Jaime Lozano, un prolífico compositor y director mexicano está abriendo el camino para artistas Latinos en Broadway. 🤩 Tenerlo en el podcast fue una experiencia espectacular y oír su recorrido desde el comienzo hasta donde está hoy es increíblemente inspirador.
Episode #66: Jaime Lozano 👏🏻 - English
Jaime Lozano is a prolific composer and director that is paving the way for Latinx artists on Broadway. 🤩 Having him on the show was a spectacular experience, and listening to his journey from the beginning to where he is right now is incredibly inspiring.
Episodio #65: Laura Kalop 🎤 - Español
Laura Kalop ha estudiado cómo hacer que su voz sea flexible. 🔥 También nos comparte cómo ella cree que hacer audiciones es una forma de mantenerse visible y vigente en la industria, cómo el Teatro Musical es más grande que Broadway y el West End, y lo importante que es ser fiel al artista interior.
Episode #65: Laura Kalop 🎤 - English
Laura Kalop has studied how to be flexible with her own voice. 🔥 She also shares how auditioning is a way to be visible in the industry and it is an art in itself, how the Musical Theatre industry is bigger than Broadway and the West End, and how important it is to be true to one's inner artist.
Episodio #64: Felipe Sánchez 🎉 - Español
Felipe Sánchez, director, actor y productor colombiano de espectáculos de Teatro Musical nos acompaña esta semana. 🤩 Empezó haciendo espectáculos en la sala de su casa y eso lo llevó por un camino de exploración y educación en la industria, hasta llegar a dirigir y producir sus propias obras.
Episode #64: Felipe Sánchez 🎉 - English
This week's episode features Felipe Sánchez, another Colombian performer, director, and producer of Musical Theatre shows. 🤩 He started doing shows in his living room and that has taken him down a path of exploring and educating himself in our field, leading him to produce and direct shows.
Episode #63: Ryan Rodiño 🌟 - English
Ryan Rodiño is a talented young man that has toured the world performing musicals. 🕺🏻 Visibility and representation is a topic that he has had intertwined into his work lately and it's not only for the Latinx community, is for every single color, race, and culture.
Episodio #62: Camila Brugés 🤩 - Español
Camila Brugés nació en esta industria, siendo parte de una familia de teatreros y estrellas de cine/TV, había un sólo camino para que ella andara por la vida: las artes.🔥 En este episodio, ella recuenta sus inicios, cómo aborda la dirección y escritura en Teatro Musical usando un proceso creativo en el que estuvo Martín, nuestro anfitrión, y ella como ejemplo.
Episode #62: Camila Brugés 🤩 - English
Camila Brugés was born into this industry, coming from a family of theatremakers and film/TV stars, there was only one way she was going to walk through life: through the arts.
Episode #61: Eric Ulloa 🔥 - English
Eric Ulloa is one of the most talented human beings I have ever had the chance to talk to. 🤩 As he says: Latin excellence! 🌟 After his Broadway debut, he has embarked on writing and he is here to share his thoughts on Latinx representation and visibility on Broadway.
Teaser Episode - Season 3: Latinx in Musical Theatre
The power a community has makes us run out of words. ✨ 2021 was a powerful year for the Latinx community, specifically on Broadway and Musical films with West Side Story, Encanto, & tick, tick... BOOM! being released.
Special Episode: Telly Leung & Joey Monda 🌟
On March 12th, 2020, Broadway experienced a complete shutdown due to the pandemic, something we didn't expect at all. 🤔 After one year, 13 Broadway ensemble members came together to have a conversation about our industry.
Episode #60: Sean Doherty 🌟
Welcome to the Finale Episode of Season 2 of Backstage Talk!
Episode #59: Jason Aguirre 👏🏻
Jason Aguirre is here to talk to us about his work as a Musical Theatre director. 🤩 Having the chance to work on new shows and reimagine some old ones, Jason knows that he starts from a point of imagination. 👏🏻 This amazingly talented young man will take Broadway by storm, I know that.
Episode #58: Greg Kotis 🖋
To start the new year we have the two-time Tony award-winning writer Greg Kotis over on the show! He chats about his creative process with new shows, both plays and musicals, how he approaches character creation, and his award-winning musical Urinetown.
Episode #57: Stephanie Lexis
We bring our lived experience into everything we do. 🤩 This conversation with Stephanie Lexis is super eye-opening to the inequalities that people with different body sizes have in our beloved industry.
Episode #56: Ry Armstrong 🍃
Ry Armstrong, an actor that took the producer and activist way came to talk about his journey in Musical Theatre. 🤩 His endeavors in the industry have taught him a lot of things, and as he explains, right now you can create any type of content you want for all the different social media platforms available.
Episode #55: Kathy Olsen 🍸
Kathy Olsen is one of the most experienced artist managers on Broadway and TV! 🤩 Her vast knowledge started with her background as a performer and this took her down the path of artist management after she hooked up a friend on a gig.
Episode #54: Davon Williams 🦁
Davon Williams is ready to keep rocking this industry! 🔥 😃As an international performer, you might have seen him in different commercials or TV/film projects, or on the stage. 🤩 Davon reunited 500 union members to craft the recently passed Black Theatre Matters Bill, and he is here to chat about his craft!
Episode #53: Nathaniel Hill 👏🏻
Nathaniel Hill, founder and CEO of Broadway Plus is here to chat about his incredible platform! 🤩 Broadway Plus has been working since 2016 to make Broadway and the Musical Theatre industry more accessible worldwide through one-on-ones, group calls, master classes, or individual training sessions with the BEST performers on the Great White Way.
Episode #52: Bruce Dow 🌟
Bruce Dow is a musical theatre performer, director, and educator that has been on Broadway 5 times! 👏🏻 In this episode, Bruce opens his heart to us and reflects on his own journey in the industry, how he got where he is today, his experience filming Diana: the Broadway Musical, and how his words of advice turned around the life of the young actor John Rapson.
Episode #51: Garrett Poladian 🔥
Garrett Poladian, an upcoming actor and writer, joins me today in this episode of Backstage Talk! 👏🏻 He is a talent to be reckoned with, I can foresee so much greatness in his future.
Episode #50: Reed Luplau 🌟
This episode is a milestone for us: it's Episode 50!! We are joined by the talented Musical Theatre Performer Reed Luplau, who shared his journey since his beginnings in Australia all the way to Broadway!
Episode #49: Tralen Doler 👏🏻
Tralen Doler, vice-president of Partnerships and Brand Engagement at Broadway On Demand, came over to share his thoughts about accessibility in theatre. 👏🏻 His work and his team's efforts at Broadway Licensing are taking theatre to new corners of the globe just by pressing a screen.
Episode #48: Faith Maria Porter 🤩
The beautiful Faith Maria Porter joined me to chat about what a Company Manager is and does in the entertainment industry!! 🤩 She also shares her thoughts about graduating from Pace University, how through several internships she has gotten a lot of experience to work and her work in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway!
Episode #47: Michael Fasano ✨
Michael Fasano has an incredible journey as a Musical Theatre performer! He came over to Backstage Talk to chat about how he creates characters in musicals, how different characters he has played, and his experience on Jesus Christ Super Star, Grease, and Jersey Boys!
Episode #46: Paul Winkler ✍🏼
The incredible Broadway Journalist, Mr. Paul Winkler is here to talk about the Tony Awards celebrated on September 26th and his craft as a journalist in the industry. 👏🏻 He also shared his thoughts on the great work Matthew López is doing for the Latine community after he won his Tony award for The inheritance.
Episodio #45: Leonardo Palacios 🎼
Leonardo ha sido un amigo de toda la vida y también ha sido uno de mis grandes maestros. Él trabaja como director musical para Teatro Musical en Colombia. 🇨🇴 En este episodio, nos comparte su experiencia a lo largo de su vida, su proceso creativo apara componer musicales y la relación entre la letra, la música y los personajes.
Episode #44: Blair Russell 🤩
Blair Russell is a Tony Award-nominated theatre producer for Slave Play, has a lot of knowledge in the industry, and is here to share every single bit of it! 🤩 Through his craft, Blair knows how to connect people that do different things and has different skill sets to have the best of the best on the table.
Episode #43: Tommy Antonio 🎸
Tommy Antonio, a wonderful and incredible musician, composer for Musical Theatre and other theatrical projects is here today! 🤩 He shares with us his creative process and how has it been working on an original project with "Rebel" and the musical adaptation of a Roald Dahl Title.
Episode #42: Pup! Creative Team 💪🏻
Meet the creative team of Pup! A Chew Story, a new musical about friendship! 😍 They have worked across distances during the trying times of the pandemic and came up with this amazing new project. 🐶 Listen to the creative process from their composer, book writer, and orchestrator.
Episode #41: Kevin Johnson
Kevin Ray Johnson is here to share his journey as an actor!! 🤩 Since high school, Kevin got bit by the theatre bug and after being discouraged by a teacher about pursuing a career in the arts, he demonstrated to the world that you can make it.
Episode #40: Leonardo Palacios 🎼
The episode with Leonardo Palacios is out now! 🤩 Leonardo has been a long-time family friend and Musical Theatre music director in Colombia. 🇨🇴 He shares his experience through his creative process composing for musicals, and the relationship between lyrics, music, and character.
Episode #39: Spencer Williams 🎶
Spencer Williams is an incredible educator that understands how to use the power of Musical Theatre to create experiences. 🤩 His latest work, For Tonight ✨, a new original musical, based on Spencer's third great grandfather's journal, has just released a concept cast recording!
Episode #38 - Zack Zaromatidis 🌟
This actor opens his heart completely to share his experience in showbiz. 🤩 Zack Zaromatidis, the leading man of the Bandstand 1st National Tour, came over to Backstage Talk to dive deep into his journey as a performer and musician.
Episode #37: Kenny Ingram 🕺🏻
Kenny Ingram, a marvelous director, choreographer, and musical theatre performer is here! ✨ Do you want to know something funny? I had a full-circle moment with him because during our chat I discovered I saw him on the Lion King's stage on Broadway 13 years ago!!!
Episode #36: Meg Masseron ✍🏼
Meg Masseron is another incredible theatre journalist that came over on the show! 🔥 She firmly believes that journalists have the potential to be heroes and public servants, their job is to always expose the truth and hold society accountable.
Episode #35: Jeffrey Schmelkin 🎼
Jeffrey Schmelkin is an award-winning composer and he is here today to talk to us about his latest work: The Parts I Keep Inside! 👏🏻 This musical will be premiering Off-Broadway on July 31st as a one-night-only event!
Episode #33: Amanda Flynn 🎤
Amanda Flynn had her share as a performer until something called her towards vocal health and education. 🎶 She worked with the companies of The Lightning Thief and Be More Chill while they were running on Broadway!
Episode #32: Philip Stern 🎶
Philip David Stern is here to talk to us about his latest project: Stone Crossed! 🎉 This new musical has a concept album featuring Broadway stars Antonio Cipriano, Telly Leung, Celia Rose Gooding, Krystina Alabado, and much more!
Episode #31: Spencer LaRue ⚡️
All the way from Hogwarts comes Spencer LaRue to take us through his magical journey. ✨ This performer is part of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child company on Broadway ⚡️ and has been cast in several other regional musicals.
Episode #30: Cameron Tweed 🕺🏻
This is Episode #30 and I couldn’t be more proud of where Backstage Talk is right now. 👏🏻 Across the pond, Cameron Tweed, an incredible performer sat with me and chatted about his journey in Musical Theatre.
Episode #29: Ayanna Prescod 💪🏻
BROADWAY NEEDS TO CHANGE! And more if we're coming back this September. 💪🏻 Through 2020 and 2021 we have seen the type of transformation everyone needs as human beings in every aspect of our lives. 👏🏻 Broadway and the Entertainment Industry isn't the exception!
Episode #28: Marci Skolnick 💫
My friend Marci Skolnick joins the Backstage Talk Podcast Family to tell you her story in the Entertainment Industry. 🤟🏻 How she ended working in Theatre was a turn of tables and she found her passion in managing cues and things backstage.
Episode #27: Julie Garnyé 🎶
In a year like 2020, every single Art and Entertainment Industry worker had to pivot and find new paths. 🧐 Even though most of us keep working on something arts-related, we’ve also found new passions. 😃 Julie has been auditioning and sending demos but she also started her own chocolate factory!
Episode #26: JJ Niemann 🕺🏻
The whole performing arts and entertainment industry had to adapt to the virtual world through this pandemic. 🌎 Many people pivoted, but this is not the case for JJ Neimann. 💪🏻 This performer broke the internet through TikTok and his Theatre Kid POV videos.
Episode #25: Steve Cuden ✒️
From writing for the stage to film and TV, Steve Cuden has a lot of works under his wing! 👏🏻 Surely we grew up watching his work without even knowing it on The Pink Panther, Gargoyles or Beetlejuice. He has also written a series of books on the craft of storytelling.
Episode #24: Michael Kushner 🎉
Michael Kushner is a man of many hats. 🎩 He’s a photographer 📸, a performer 🎭, a writer ✒️, a podcaster 🎧, and a producer 👏🏻. This Multi-Hyphenate shares his experience navigating this industry and how he has enjoyed the wild ride.
Episode #23: The Aviatrix Creative Team ✈️
Is she a bird? 🕊 Is she a plane? ✈️ No! She’s Harriet Quimby, ✨ the first female pilot from the United States of America! 🔥 Soaring from the sky comes Lily Dwoskin and Casey O’Neil, the spectacular creators of this new musical: The Aviatrix!
Episode #22: Jake Smith 🤴🏻
What is better than being a Disney Prince 🤴🏻? Being a Disney Villain, of course!! 😈 Jake Smith is a force to be reckoned with and he joins us on today’s show! 🤩 This talented young man wants to make a stamp on the history of Musical Theatre and without a doubt, we believe he will!
Episode #21: Chaining Zero Creative Team 💪🏻
This week’s guests are four talented men from across the entertainment industry! Jeffrey, Justin, John, and Griffin come from different backgrounds and joined forces to create a brand new musical: Chaining Zero.
Episode #20: Bonnie Comley 🎥
Making theatre accessible worldwide… what a dream is not it? 🌎 Bonnie Comley, CEO and Founder of BroadwayHD ✨ shares her journey and how she is showing the way to digitalize theatre to help the world see more shows.
Episode #19: Marlon Feliz 💃🏻
Straight from Broadway’s West Side Story, Marlon Feliz has a wonderful chat with us about her journey as a performer! 😍 She shares: 💃🏻 Tips to self-care as an artist. 💃🏻 Wisdom on how to deal with 8+ shows a week. 💃🏻 Pros & cons touring the world with different shows.
Episode #18: Bret Shuford 🤩
Bret Shuford has several tricks up his sleeve! 🪄 This performer goes deep on: 🎭 #Storytelling through musical theatre. 🎭 Getting started with his own business: BroadwayLife. 🎭 How working with #Disney Theatricals has changed his professional life.
Episodio #17: Miguel González 🎭
Hoy nos acompaña el actor Miguel González! ⚡️ Miguel comparte con nosotros. 1️⃣ Su viaje en la televisión nacional. 2️⃣ La manera en la que ha navegado sus dos carreras. 3️⃣ Su forma de abordar la creación de personaje para teatro y cine.
Episode #16: Dawn Chiang 💡
Lights up! 🚨 Dawn Chiang, our guest on today’s episode, shares with us: 💡 How she ended up doing Theatre. 💡 How it is to travel the world lightning several shows. 💡 The way she gets involved in different projects and how light design can enhance the storytelling.
Episodio #15: Santiago Sanmiguel
¡El episodio con Santiago Sanmiguel, abogado de entretenimiento y músico de hobby, ya está al aire! 🎉 Durante nuestra conversación pasamos por: 🎶 Los aspectos que todo artista debe saber del derecho. 🎶 Por qué tener un mejor amigo abogado siempre es una buena idea.
Episode #14: G. Victoria Campbell
Have you ever heard about an Eco-Musical? 🧐 Well, this is your chance because G. Victoria Campbell explains her creative process writing TREESON: an Eco-Musical! 🌱 Vicki shares with us her story, how during 2020 she started writing and assembled a team with people from around the world to bring this musical to life!
Episode #13: Chris Luner
✨ Chris Luner is with us today! 🎉 As a Broadway Production Manager, Chris gives us his insights on the main skills you must have to be successful in this position, additionally he shares his experience transferring to film!
Episode #12: Sharon Fallon
There is no greater way to start 2021 than having a Broadway Producer 🎭 and Musical Theatre 🎶 Developer and Consultant on the show! Sharon Fallon 🤩 will be with us in Episode #12 sharing her experience since the day she started in the Broadway World until today!
Episode #11: Trent Soyster
Trent Soyster is one of the most amazing young artists I've got the chance to interview. He is such a wonderful guy and walked us through his experience performing, creating choreography, directing and more!
Episode #10: Jessy & Steve Tomsko - Creators of 'Boleyn, The Musical'
I sat down with Jessy & Steve Tomsko, father and daughter, creators of Boleyn, The Musical. Both of them talked me through their experience creating this musical based on Anne Boleyn's life, how it came to be and the challenges they've faced during this crazy year.
Episode #9: Alexandria Bellivan
This week’s episode is truly a special one. My dear friend Alexandria joined us to chat about the advantages of being an artist on LinkedIn and why the Entertainment Industry should be part of this platform.
Episode #8: Sam Leicht
In this week's episode I had the honor to interview one of my most recent idols, Broadway performer and personal trainer Sam Leicht. It was so fun knowing Sam's journey since he chose to be an actor, starting to work on Broadway to developing Leichtning Health, a whole sustainable fitness program.
Episode #7: Anna Robb
We sat down with producer and stage manager Anna Robb, co-founder and managing director of TheatreArtLife! She talked to us about how she started the website that now has contributors all over the world, including this Podcast’s Host, Martín Acuña.
Episode #6: Dylan Kaplan
Dylan Kaplan is our latest guest! He's currently studying Performing Arts Administration at NYU and he shared with us his work at the Broadway on Demand, a new online streaming platform for performing arts shows.
Episode #5: Jane Bruce
I got the chance to interview the amazing Jane Bruce. She talked us through her journey in the arts, mental health, how she started doing theatre and how she finally got to Broadway's Jagged Little Pill.
Episodio #4: Juan Caballer - Español
Nos sentamos con el actor español Juan Caballer para conversar acerca de su experiencia como un ejecutante inmigrante en los Estados Unidos. Nos contó cómo es el proceso de la Visa de Artista y los tipos de contratos que uno puede obtener con la Unión de Actores (Actors Equity).
Episode #4: Juan Caballer - English
We sat down with Spanish performer Juan Caballer to have a conversation about his experience as an immigrant performer. He also talked us through the Artist Visa of Extraordinary Talent and the types of contracts you may have with the Actors Equity.
Episodio #3: Jeremiah Mitchell - Español
Tenemos a nuestro primer invitado! Es un amigo querido, Jeremiah Mitchell. En este episodio hablamos de la experiencia de ser un estudiante de pregrado en Teatro, de su experiencia como ejecutante en varios musicales y finalmente sus musicales favoritos (top 5).
Episode #3: Jeremiah Mitchell - English
We have our very first guest on the show! It is a dear friend of mine, Jeremiah Mitchell. In this episode, we go through his experience as a Theatre major student, as a performer in several musicals and finally we talk a bit about his top 5 favorite shows.
Episodio #2: Un Buen Día en el Vecindario - Español
Este episodio está dedicado a hacer una reseña de la película Un Buen Día en el Vecindario. Transitando por el elenco y los temas que trata la película, obtendrás un acercamiento íntimo con la película. El Podcast que recomiendo esta semana es: Dr.
Episode #2: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood - English
This episode is totally dedicated to a review about the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Going mainly through the cast and what the movie is about, you'll get an intimate perspective of this film.
Episodio #1: Bienvenidos al Moulin Rouge! - Español
En este episodio hago una reseña de la adaptación de Moulin Rouge del cine a la escena. Hablando del elenco, la coreografía, la dirección y finalmente la música, obtendrás una perspectiva completa del éxito de esta obra.
Episode #1: Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! - English
In this episode I review the adaptation of Moulin Rouge from the film version to the stage version. Going through the cast, the choreography, the direction and finally the music, you'll get an overall perspective of this show's success.
Episodio #0: Presentándome - Español
Este es un episodio introductorio para que conozcan a su anfitrión. Hablo también de mis 5 musicals favoritos, con unas historias entrelazadas entre ellos, la razón por la cual empecé este podcast y unas recomendaciones antes de despedirme.
Episode #0: Introducing Me - English
This is an introduction episode so you get to know your host a little bit better. I talk about my top 5 favorite Musical Theatre plays, with some little stories in between, the reason I started this podcast, and a musical recommendation before saying goodbye.
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