Breaking Broadway with Kerry Butler
Ever wonder how to break into the business of Broadway? From how to get an agent to how to navigate open calls, we cover it all. This podcast is an insider’s roadmap to making it on Broadway.
All Episodes
S4 EP14 I Can't Say No with Ali Stroker
You'll love this episode with Ali Stroker, someone who really hasn’t let anything stop her. Even though no one in a wheelchair had ever been nominated for a Tony award, or even been on Broadway, she still let herself dream!
S4 EP13 Make 'Em Laugh with Roger Bart
Roger Bart, one of the funniest people on Broadway, joins us this week. I really wanted to know how he approaches comedic roles- like Doc in Back to the future. He tells us all about his technique to finding the funny.
S4 EP12 Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now with Laura Bell Bundy & Marissa Jaret Winokur
My friends and castmates, Laura Bell Bundy & Marissa Jaret Winokur join me for a special announcement about our show Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now! We also talk about Marissa's career journey, audition songs, and memories from Hairspray.
S4 EP11 Into the Woods wth Matt Lenz
Matt Lenz created In The Works- In The Woods. I always tell young actors to try to get in on the ground level of new shows- here is your chance! In The Works is a like a summer camp for creatives!
S4 EP10 Stay Gold with Danya Taymor
Danya Taymor just directed her first big Broadway musical, The Outsiders, and got nominated for a Tony! She tells us all about the casting process, what draws her to a certain actor, and gives great advice on how to start your career and break into Broadway!
S4 EP9 I'd Rather Be Sailing with Henry Koperski
Musician, composer, and writer, Henry Koperski, joins Reeve Carney and Jeanine Tesori in our final installment of the live interviews from The Broadway Cruise. Henry Koperski is a composer, writer, and music director based out of Los Angeles.
S4 EP8 Great Adventure with Jeanine Tesori
Jeanine Tesori talks casting, piano training, writing and more! She gives great advice on auditioning, and what she looks for in the room in part two of The Broadway Cruise! Jeanine Tesori is an American composer and music arranger, best known for her work in the theater.
S4 EP7 All I've Ever Known with Reeve Carney
We are going live from the Broadway Cruise! Our first of three guests is Reeve Carney. He tells us about the highs and lows in his career, and how he takes control and creates his own work.
S4 EP6 Clues to Creating the Hat with Sandy Rustin
How can you create your own work? Sandy Rustin started out as a performer and transitioned into writing. The Cottage, written by Rustin, recently played on Broadway and her play Clue is on tour.
S4 EP5 Oh My Pod, We're Breaking Broadway! Crossover Episode with Jayke Workman
Today's episode is a crossover with Jayke Workman's podcast, Oh My Pod U Guys. Oh My Pod U Guys Episode Description: From Hairspray to Beetlejuice, to a Tony Nominated performance as Kira in Xanadu, Kerry Butler has one of the most extensive careers on Broadway.
S4 EP4 Opening Doors to Open Calls with Jason Styres - Part 2
We have casting director, Jason Styres, back for part two- giving insight into the casting process. Jason discusses casting from open calls- What makes someone stand out in auditions? How to work on the material for auditions.
S4 EP3 Opening Doors to Open Calls with Jason Styres - Part 1
We have casting director, Jason Styres, on this episode giving insight into the casting process. Jason discusses casting from open calls - What makes someone stand out in auditions? How to work on the material for auditions.
S4 EP2 Tik Tok Boom! with Emily Kristen Morris - Part 2
Back for Part 2! We have TikTok star and Wicked National Tour standby for Elphaba, Emily Kristen Morris. In addition to being a working actress and social media influencer, Emily is a certified vocal coach. Because she has so much to share, Emily is my guest for the next two episodes.
S4 EP1 Tik Tok Boom! with Emily Kristen Morris - Part 1
We have TikTok star and Wicked National Tour standby for Elphaba, Emily Kristen Morris. In addition to being a working actress and social media influencer, Emily is a certified vocal coach. Because she has so much to share, Emily is my guest for the next two episodes.
S3 EP21 I Hope I Get - In with "Mapping the College Audition"
It’s college audition time! I did a joint podcast with "Mapping the College Audition" and talked about MY college experience and how that is different from today. (Loved Ithaca College!) They don’t cut people anymore?!!! Hope this helps you trust the process!
S3 EP20 Go The Distance with Jose Llana
Your show is moving to Broadway! Actually, not happening. Your show may move to Broadway! Not yet... How do you handle the hope/stress and live your life while you are involved with a show that MAY go to Broadway?
S3 EP19 How to Survive a Killer Musical- Part 2 with Douglas J. Cohen
Douglas J. Cohen recently wrote a a book, How to Survive a Killer Musical, Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway, giving great insight into creating a new musical. Great insight for anyone who wants to get in on the ground level of creating a new show!
S3 EP18 How to Survive a Killer Musical- Part 1 with Douglas J. Cohen
Douglas J. Cohen recently wrote a a book, How to Survive a Killer Musical, Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway, giving great insight into creating a new musical. Great insight for anyone who wants to get in on the ground level of creating a new show!
S3 EP17 Children and Art with Matthew Scott
Broadway star Matthew Scott - best known for Jersey Boys and Sondheim on Sondheim talks about creating his own show. Get some tips on how to create your own work and how to write your own show.
S3 EP16 Have to Believe You Are Magic, with Cheyenne Jackson
Reunited with my co-star from Xanadu, Cheyenne Jackson. Cheyenne moved from a very small town, not knowing anything about theater to… Not Broadway... Seattle! From there he eventually made it to Broadway and then Hollywood. I asked him about that transition.
S3 EP15 Take It Up A Step, with Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman
Brilliant award winning song writing team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are my guests. Currently they are represented on Broadway in the smash hit Some Like it Hot. I had the privilege of working with them on Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can.
S3 EP14 Do The Hustle, with Mandy Gonzalez & Aurore Joly
Continuing our discussion of side hustles, we have Mandy Gonzalez. She starred in Hamilton for five years, was Elphaba in Wicked, and originated Nina in In the Heights. Even with all those amazing credits, she still finds other work.
S3 EP13 I Can Cook Too, with Katie Webber & David Josefsberg
I have been doing a series on side hustles, because people don’t talk about how much an actor’s salary can fluctuate. There could be one great year, and then a few years where you barely make money acting. That’s normal.
S3 EP12 What You Want, with Laura Bell Bundy
Laura Bell Bundy is about to star on Broadway in The Cottage! She has been acting in this business since she was eleven, when she starred in Ruthless! Off-Broadway.
S3 BONUS - Welcome to the Theater, with 2023 Tony Nominees
Dream of getting a Tony on Broadway? Here are some words of advice from this year's Tony nominees, including Nikki Crawford, Wendell Pierce, Kevin Cahoon, Kevin Del Aguila, Jordan Cooper, Jen Weber, James Ijames, Eva Price and many more!
S3 EP11 - It's Corn with Robert Horn
Robert Horn, the Tony nominated writer of Shucked and classic tv shows Designing Women, Teen Beach Movie and so many others, tells us what the creative team looks for during auditions. And, why you may have given the best audition, but still not have gotten the part!
S3 EP10 - When Opportunity Knocks with Bonnie Milligan
Bonnie Milligan tells us how she went from open calls to getting a Tony nomination for Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway. Follow Bonnie in Instagram at @beltingbons and Twitter @BeltingBonnie. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc.
S3 BONUS - Nothing else but you…Tony, Tony
The 2023 Tony Nominees share the tough times they made it through before becoming a nominee. We spoke live with Nikki Crawford, James Ijames, Kevin Cahoon, Julia Lester, Lorna Courtney, NaTasha Yvette Williams, and Miriam Silverman just days after the nominations were announced.
S3 EP9 - Who Taught Her Everything She Knows? with Tovah Feldshuh
We have Tovah Feldshuh, star of Funny Girl, as our guest. Tovah celebrates a milestone this month - 50 years being on Broadway! Listen as she shares her unconventional journey to getting on Broadway and decades of incredible stories along the way.
S3 EP8 - Gonna Sell Some Cookies, with Dana Steingold
Once you have made it on Broadway are you set? NO! We are always hustling! Dana talks about how she kept her “day” job while performing on Broadway. The dry spells can be long, so we all have to have other ways to make a living.
S3 EP7 - At the Ballet, with Aurore Joly and Dana Steingold
This week we have Aurore Joly, a dancer who lived and trained in Paris alone at a very young age, talking about her journey to New York. She is my Pilates instructor, and she helped me be able to do 8 shows a week with an injury.
S3 EP6 - FEARLESS with Mandy Gonzalez
This week we have my dear friend - the fearless Mandy Gonzalez. Mandy has starred in so many amazing Broadway shows - Wicked, Hamilton, and In the Heights to name a few. Mandy talks about getting her start in theater, and how she was able to do 8 shows a week in Hamilton while being a mom AND going through cancer treatments.
S3 EP5 - Feed Me Seymour, with Katie Webber
This week we have triple threat Katie Webber on. Not only has Katie been in 9 broadway shows, but she is also a trained holistic nutritionist. Performers are athletes. She talks about how best to fuel our bodies to be able to do eight shows a week.
S3 EP4 - BREATHE with David Josefsberg
David Josefsberg has been in 9 broadway shows, and most recently he had the great pleasure of playing my husband in Beetlejuice 😂. Staying on the topic of doing 8 shows a week, I interviewed David to find out his tricks. When you are put in for a show, it can be very stressful.
S3 EP3 - Consider Yourself(Tape) - Part 2, with Andrew Fem
Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with casting director Andrew Fem! I found Andrew through Instagram and LOVED their content. Andrew breaks down the do’s and don’ts of self tape auditions from the casting director’s perspective.
S3 EP2 - Consider Yourself(Tape) - Part 1, with Andrew Fem
All auditions have changed in a big way since Covid! I found casting director Andrew Fem‘s Instagram and LOVED their content! Andrew breaks down the do’s and don’ts of self tape auditions from the casting director’s perspective.
S3 EP1 - When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It, with Angie Schworer
Ever wonder how dancers can do the things they do eight shows a week?!! Me too! I have my dear friend and Broadway darling Angie Schworer (Currently in Some Like it Hot) on to let us know how she has the stamina and energy to keep going from show to show.
S2 EP10 - It’s A Hard Knock Life - Part 2, with Laura Bell Bundy and Telly Leung
As someone who gets rejected pretty much every day, I have always felt comfort in hearing other people’s rejection stories. My advice is know that rejection is just part of being an actor and try not to take it personally.
S2 EP9 - It’s A Hard Knock Life - Part 1, with Constantine Maroulis and Ann Harada
As someone who gets rejected pretty much every day, I have always felt comfort in hearing other people’s rejection stories. My advice is know that rejection is just part of being an actor and try not to take it personally.
S2 EP8 - What’s the story morning glory? - Part 2, with Bret Shuford
What’s the story morning glory?... Insta-story that is! Find out how to work social media to market yourself. This episode is the second part of our conversation with the incredibly knowledgeable Bret Shuford - Broadway Actor, Create Life Coach and one half of the Broadway Husbands.
S2 EP7 - What’s the story morning glory? - Part 1, with Bret Shuford
What’s the story morning glory?... Insta-story that is! Find out how to work social media to market yourself. Our guest is the incredibly knowledgeable Bret Shuford - Broadway Actor, Create Life Coach and one half of the Broadway Husbands.
S2 Bonus - BEETLEJUICE CAST EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE!
The ghost-with-the-most is returning to Broadway! Barbara Maitland herself goes behind the scenes with Alex Brightman, Elizabeth Teeter, David Josefsberg, Adam Dannheisser, and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer!
S2 EP6 - A Fresh Take, with Director Sammi Cannold
In this episode we talk to Sammi Cannold about her journey to becoming a director - from putting on shows with shampoo bottles as a kid, to going to Stanford to study theater, to landing on Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment list.
S2 EP5 - I’m just a Broadway Baby! - Part 2, with Presley Ryan, her mom & some VERY special guests
This episode features more of my conversation with my friend from Beetlejuice, Presley Ryan, and her mom Kim about getting into the business as a kid and what it’s like being the youngest person in the room. We also have some VERY special guests.
S2 Ep4 - I’m just a Broadway Baby! - Part 1, with Presley Ryan and her mom Kim
I ask my friend from Beetlejuice, Presley Ryan, and her mom Kim all about getting into the business as a kid and what it’s like being the youngest person in the room. This episode is for all the child and teen actors out there (and your parents!) As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1.
S2 Ep3 - A New Lens, with Schele Williams
In this episode we're joined by Schele Williams, director of the upcoming revival of AIDA. We explore looking at the world and theater through a post-COVID lens, talk about her children’s book Your Legacy, in which she looks at slavery through a new lens - and as always we get some great audition advice.
S2 Ep2 - Learn Your Lessons Well - Part 2, with Kaitlin Hopkins
We continue our interview with Kaitlin Hopkins from Bat Boy fame and currently the head of the Musical Theatre program at Texas State University. In this episode she talks about the mental wellness program that she founded and shares with universities around the world.
S2 Ep1 - Learn Your Lessons Well - Part 1, with Kaitlin Hopkins
Ask and you shall receive! This episode is all about going to college for theater. Kaitlin Hopkins created the BFA Musical Theatre program at Texas State University, ranked in the top 10 musical theatre programs in the nation.
S1 Ep13 - Sing Sing Sing - Part 2, with Scott Coulter
Turn those no’s into yes’s and make your own work. Scott Coulter tells us how he started his own company spot-on entertainment, and now produces concerts around the country. He explains how you can use your voice and passion for performing in other ways outside of broadway.
S1 Ep12 - Sing Sing Sing - Part 1, with Sierra Boggess (LIVE from BroadwayCon 2020)
Recorded LIVE at BroadwayCon 2020. Find singing jobs while you wait for your broadway break; or create your own door to broadway through cabaret and concert work. Sierra is such a positive force in this world!
S1 Ep11 - I'm Crazy for You (Tube), with Todrick Hall
This is the episode I have been waiting for. If the doors to Broadway aren’t opening for you, find a window! YouTube sensation Todrick Hall is so inspiring. He talks about how he created his own opportunities using social media.
S1 Ep10 - Reading is Fundamental, with Aron Accurso, Joey Mazzarino, Alan Lewis
How do you get in on the ground level of a new Broadway Show? Readings and workshops for no money of course! Think of it as an investment. We have Joey Mazzarino and Aron Arcurso on talking about the process of creating their new show Seeing Red, and how people can get cast in readings and workshops.
S1 Ep9 - Just Keep Singing, with vocal coach to the stars, Liz Caplan
Liz Caplan is one of the most sought after vocal teachers in New York. She is even hired by broadway shows to help the company. We discuss how to do 8 shows a week healthily and even give you all the tricks on how to sing over a cold, or tears or even scream on stage.
S1 Ep8 - Direct from the Director, with Alex Timbers
Award winning director Alex Timbers whose work is currently represented in three broadway shows- Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge and American Utopia gives audition advice, and tells what he looks for in actors. Resources mentioned in this episode.
S1 Ep7 - Put it in your book! with Seth Rudetsky
What is the best song to sing for your audition? Seth Rudetsky helps to find the right song and 16 bar cut. He also gives great advice on performing the song, and his audition pet peeves. Resources mentioned in this episode. Seth’s Twitter and Instagram accounts.
S1 Ep6 - Working through those nerves, with Barrett Weed
Barrett Weed gives insight into how to deal with anxiety and the nerves that go along with auditioning and performing. Connect with Barrett via Instagram: @barrettweed. Resources mentioned in this episode. Elon College. Walnut Hill Opera.
S1 Ep5 - It's not over till it's voiceover! with Annie Meisels
Actress & coach Annie Meisels gives advice on how to get voice work: voice overs, cartoons, audiobooks, and video games to help pay the bills while you wait for your big break on Broadway. Connect with Annie on IG: @AnnieMeisels or via email: Annie [at] apowerfulvoice.net.
S1 Ep4 - Equity and the open call of the wild, Jen Cody & Margot Plum
What are EPA’s and how do you find them. This episode we discuss the actors union Equity and whether or not you should join, how to find auditions, and advice from choreographer/actress Jen Cody on how to stand out in dance calls. Connect with Jennifer Cody.
S1 Ep3 - How to get cast on Broadway, with Rachel Hoffman
This Breaking Broadway we welcome award winning broadway casting director Rachel Hoffman. She works at one of the top casting offices in NY, working at Telsey and Co, who has cast hundreds of broadway shows.
S1 Ep2 - Mastering the Open Call, with Riza Takahashi
This episode features Riza Takahashi, who gives us tips on how to book a Broadway show from an open call! Riza is a New York based actor/singer/dancer who can currently be seen as “Sophie Kawachi” in the ensemble of “Mean Girls” at the August Wilson theatre.
S1 Ep1 - How to Find an Agent, with Jen Namoff & Tim Marshall
Manager Jen Namoff of Soffer/Namoff Entertainment and Talent Agent Tim Marshall (who is actually Kerry's agent!) join Kerry for this first episode to answer the question she is asked most on Instagram - "How do I get an agent?" This episode covers what both Jen and Tim look for when looking for new clients as well as providing additional insider tips and tricks to help you find representation.
Podcast Trailer
Ever wonder how to break into the business of Broadway? From how to get an agent to how to navigate open calls, we cover it all. This podcast is an insider’s roadmap to making it on Broadway.
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