Built For The Stage Podcast
BFTS Podcast is all about the ups and downs of a career in theatre and how it directly relates to all of our journeys in life. Be inspired by Broadway's finest who have successfully gone through the peaks and valleys of the biz.
All Episodes
#250 Timothy Oh - A young Korean-American actor, writer, activist, is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut with Romeo + Juliet!
During his time at Ohio University’s BFA Acting Program, TT participated as a Scribe of their BIPOC theater, Vibrancy Theater, and an alumnus of Shakespeare & Company.
#249 Jason Forbach - Listen in as Coach Joe got to speak with Jason Forbach, Joe Glaser in A WONDERFUL WORLD Broadway
Forbach joined the Las Vegas cast of The Phantom of the Opera understudying the roles of Raoul and Monsieur Reyer. In 2009, Forbach played the dual role of Rapunzel's Prince and The Wolf in Into the Woods at the Wells Fargo Pavilion.
#248 KIM EXUM - Can now be seen starring as Alpha Smith in the Broadway premier of the Louis Armstrong bio musical, A WONDERFUL WORLD.
Can now be seen starring as Alpha Smith in the Broadway premier of the Louis Armstrong bio musical, A WONDERFUL WORLD. You also know Kim from being the longest tenured Nabulungi in BOOK OF MORMON Broadway. Instagram: @kim.exum.
#247 Jordan Chin - Listen in as Coach Joe got to speak with Jordan Chin, a cast member of the Tony Award winning show for Best Musical, The Outsiders.
Listen in as Coach Joe got to speak with Jordan Chin, a cast member of the Tony Award winning show for Best Musical, The Outsiders. Jordan Chin (Swing, u/s Two-Bit) Broadway Debut! Theatre: ACL, In The Heights, Flashdance.
#246 Brent Comer - made his Broadway debut originating the role of Darrel.
Brent Comer made his Broadway debut originating the role of Darrel. But, Brent's journey to Broadway wasn't your typical story. Listen in to hear how Brent accidentally signed up to become an actor. See more on Brent @_brentcomer_.
#245 Dee Tomasetta - National Tour: Finding Neverland (Peter Pan/Associate Choreographer).
Dee Tomasetta (Associate Choreographer/Swing/Dance Captain) (she/her) is thrilled to be on this amazing journey! Broadway/NYC: Heart of Rock & Roll (Assistant Choreographer); SIX (Associate Choreographer); Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
#244 Elysia Jordan - Company Broadway Tour
Elysia Jordan (U/S Jenny, U/S Sarah, U/S Susan, U/S Joanne) National Tour: School of Rock. Regional / Concerts: Billy Elliot (Ogunquit Playhouse), Lincoln Center, Playwrights Horizons. BFA: Ithaca College.
#243 Julio Rey - opened his second Broadway as a swing in LEMPICKA.
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Julio grew up moving all over the country, stopped in Pennsylvania to get his BFA from Penn State, and moved to NYC six months before Covid-19 took over. Since then Julio made his Broadway and Principal debut in BAD CINDERELLA as the understudy for Prince Sebastian.
#242 Henry Gottfried - appear in the Broadway revival of CABARET at the Kit Kat Club as Ernst Ludwig.
This spring, Henry will appear in the Broadway revival of CABARET at the Kit Kat Club as Ernst Ludwig. His directing and associate directing credits include Broadway and Off-Broadway projects, as well as NYC concerts and the development of new works.
#241 David Guzman - Broadway and Film: Hell's Kitchen
Broadway and Film: Hell's Kitchen Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Hamilton, Newsies. Co-founder of @PLAYSPACE.NYC. Try out your own Broadway fitness program via an app at no cost and no catch! www.builtforthestage.com.
#240 Steven Booth - recently a part of DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES on Broadway!
Enjoy our chat with Steven Booth / @stevenbooth_verified who was recently a part of DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES on Broadway! Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Phil Spector/Terry Britten), School of Rock (Ned), Glory Days (Will), Avenue Q (Princeton/Rod u/s).
#239 Ryan Vasquez - as NOAH in the new Broadway musical, The Notebook!
Ryan Vasquez/@itsryanvasquez is currently starring as NOAH in the new Broadway musical, The Notebook!
#238 - Joe Rosko began his professional career as a trainer and actor at the exact same time in 2007.
Joe Rosko began his professional career as a trainer and actor at the exact same time in 2007. Since then, it has been his mission to build a bridge between the worlds of fitness and theatre.
#237 Mike Baerga - The Heart of Rock and Roll, Bad Cinderella, King Kong and Miss Saigon
Mike Baerga / @mikebaerga (a native Puerto Rican-Houstonian,) Choreographed and Produced for HBO’S EMMY Nominated Reality Show, We’re Here, Showtime Network King Mo Fight, New York Fashion Week, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Shangela’s Big Apple Circus, World Pride 2021 Stonewall-inn.
#236 Carly Anderson - Polly in Crazy for You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London.
Carly Anderson / @anderson_carly recently starred as Polly in Crazy for You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London.
#235 Jennifer Apple - Anna in the 10x Tony Award-winning The Band's Visit First National Tour
Jennifer Apple / @jenniferapple_ originated the role of Anna in the 10x Tony Award-winning The Band's Visit First National Tour. She’s also appeared on TV in New Amsterdam and Law & Order: SVU. Jennifer also hosts her own podcast, The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast.
#234 Natalie Kassanga - Roth in the West End Revival of Crazy For You!
Natalie Kassanga is a professional actress and singer from England, and she is best known as a musical theatre performer. A 10-year-old Natalie was first seen in the West End as Young Nala in The Lion King, a role she portrayed for about a year.
#233 Joanna Woodward - Clare in the West End The Time Traveler's Wife
Joanna Woodward / @thejoannawoodward is currently starring as Clare in the West End production of “The Time Traveler's Wife” and was seen before on the West End in Pretty Woman.
#232 - Fernell Hogan - KIMBERLY AKIMBO
Fernell Hogan / @fernellhogan (Martin) Credits: The Prom (Broadway); Mean Girls (National Tour); For You Paige (TikTok musical); Fernell is overjoyed to return to Kimberly Akimbo after an exciting run at The Atlantic Theater Company.
#231 - Angie Schworer - SOME LIKE IT HOT
Angie Schworer / @ngieschwore - "It's all about the button, baby." - Susan Stroman. Broadway! The Prom (Angie ), The Producers (Ulla) , Something Rotten!, Big Fish, Catch Me If You Can, Young Frankenstein, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Sunset Boulevard, Crazy For You, and The Will Rogers Follies.
#230 - Devon Hadsell - Some Like It Hot
"It's a matter of staying true to yourself while putting up healthy boundaries for yourself. Especially in our business, we don't want to dissapoint anybody. But at the end of the day if you stay true to yourself, if you stay authentic, then the right jobs will actually come to you.
#229 - Leslie Bowman - London's West End Guys and Dolls
Leslie Bowman / @lesliegbowman booked Hamilton on the West End with a broken collarbone throughout the entire audition process! He also performed on the streets to raise money to support his studies to go to conservatory.
#228 - Jarvis Manning Jr - Some Like It Hot
Jarvis Manning Jr / @jarvisbmanningjr - "Be yourself. It's so basic but it's such a freeing phrase. I was told that exact phrase, 'Go into the room and give them Jarvis. No one is going to go into the room and do Jarvis today.'" Broadway: Motown the Musical.
#227 - Ayla Ciccone-Burton - SIX
Ayla Ciccone-Burton / @aylaccb - "I'm a very firm believer that your words matter and saying things out loud. You just have to keep being sure of yourself." Ayla Ciccone-Burton is over the moon excited to be joining the Queendom!
#226 - Nick Drake - Broadway's Back to the Future
Nick Drake / @nickxdrake - "The biggest thing that I've learned is that you have to be kind. As a younger generation person, you just have to show up as yourself every single day." NICK DRAKE (Ensemble)(They/them). Broadway Debut!! From St.
#225 - Richard Riaz Yoder - Some Like It Hot
Richard Riaz Yoder / @richardriaz - "The people that fall, are the people that are really dancing." Richard Riaz Yoder is an award-winning tap dancer, performer, and veteran of 6 Broadway shows.
#224 - Andrew Durand - SHUCKED
Andrew Durand / @durandrew - "Always focus on what you want to present, not what you think the people want to see." Broadway: Shucked, Ink, Head Over Heels, War Horse, Spring Awakening. West End: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
#223 - TyNia Brandon - Some Like It Hot
TyNia Brandon / @thetybrand - "I try so hard to have this deep trust in my intuition and in my instincts. And, I just believe wholeheartedly that I'll be exactly where I need to be and things will just work out.
#222 - Scott Stangland - Shucked
Scott Stangland / @scottstangland on getting through the tough times within the theatre industry: "I think dreaming gets a bad wrap. There's an element of being a dreamer and hopeful... Listen, i have negative streaks in me too.
#221 - Clyde Voce - The Play That Goes Wrong
Clyde Voce / @clyde.voce What Clyde credits some of his consistent success in this tough industry: "Make mistakes. I make mistakes all the time. I have no problem being wrong. It's gonna happen anyway." https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge!
#220 - Tinovimbanashe Sibanda - London's West End, Guys and Dolls
Tinovimbanashe Sibanda / @tino_naledi "I had to decide that there's something that I had to tell as well. Then I just put my mind to absorbing and learning. I could still learn, but I also had something to offer.
#219 - Kristina Leopold - SIX Broadway
Kristina Leopold / @tinapold24 - "With basketball specifically, I was always stealing the ball. That’s what I did, so even still, my parents when I was younger, would say, “Swipe that ball,” because that would kind of ignite a different energy that would come out of me.
#218 - Ian Campayno - SOME LIKE IT HOT
Ian Campayno / @icampayno - "It will happen. You just have to be committed to sticking with it. Nothing will ever really be handed to you. There are times now when I wanna just quit. They’re always gonna be moments when things seem unfair or they seem like they should’ve gone another way that is out of your control.
#217 - Traci Elaine Lee - SHUCKED
Traci Lee / @tracelaine - "I know I love to move my body and I’m much better when I move my body. I do it every day intentionally.
#216 - Matt Gillett- Disney's FROZEN in the West End London
Matt Gillett / @mattdgillett is a dance captain for the production of Frozen on the West End in London! Swing / Assistant Dance Captain / Understudy Oaken and King Agnarr. Place of Birth: Sussex, England. Training: Arts Educational.
#215 - Ross Carpenter - BOOK OF MORMON West End
Ross Carpenter / @rosscarpenteruk has recently finished in the West End cast of THE BOOK OF MORMON as Elder Davis and playing the title role in PETER PAN at the Opera House Manchester.
#214 - Anna Woodside - Dance Captain for West End's FROZEN
Anna Woodside / @annawoodside is currently the dance captain for the West End production of Frozen! More on Anna: Theatre: White Christmas and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre); Oklahoma!
#213 - Joshua Rivera - HAMILTON Germany
Joshua Rivera / @shuarivera is currently the dance captain in the Hamilon Germany cast! Joshua was the first person in the world to perform in Hamilton in TWO languages! Listen to his journey on this episode of Built for the Stage Podcast!
#212 - Amanda Lindgren - West End's SIX the Musical
Amanda Lindgren / @amandili was previously seen as Anne Boleyn in SIX on the West End in London! More on Amanda: Amanda graduated from Base23, ‘Stockholm Musical Education’ in Sweden in 2015.
#211 - Ben Irish - FROZEN West End
Ben Irish / @bencirish, from Portsmouth, England, currently can be seen as Pabbie in the West End production of Frozen! Training: Arts Educational.
#210 - Natalie Chua - LES MISERABLES West End
Natalie Chua / @natalie_chua1. Training: Sylvia Young Theatre School and The Urdang Academy.
#209 - Alexandra Nylund - Actress / Model / Combat Sports
Alexandra Nylund / @alexxinee. From our guest: I'm a Swedish speaking Finn, born in Helsinki, Finland. Basically a viking from up North of the world. The population of Finland is only 5,5 million which is like half of the population of New York City.
#208 - Joe Rosko - Founder of BFTS
Joe Rosko / @builtforthestage. Tune in to hear how The Avengers lead to this week's guest accepting his claim to fame as “The Broadway Trainer.” We even get a few off-the-cuff renditions of Shut the Eff Up Alan!
#207 - Donald Craig Manuel - LES MIS West End
Donald Craig Manuel / donaldcraig is a an actor, singer, songwriter, and voiceover artist from Lake Charles, Louisiana. He received the Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA, and also holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
#206 - Collette Guitart - & JULIET West End
Collette Guitart / @colletteguitart is a British Actor, Singer, and Dancer. She previously played Eleanor and understudied Anne Hathaway in the west end production of & Juliet. Her final performance was on the 25th March 2023.
#205 - Kyla Bartholomeusz - HAMILTON Australia
Kyla Bartholomeusz / @kylalouiseb. Training: Full-time Scholarship Student – Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, 2012. Theatre: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML); Dirty Dancing (Gordon Frost Organisation); We Will Rock You (Gordon Frost Organisation); Dance Captain: American Idiot (Shake & Stir); Siren in Velvet Rewired (Rix Management).
#204 - Jordan Dobson - BAD CINDERELLA
JORDAN DOBSON / @jordandobson (Prince Sebastian). Broadway: Hadestown (Orpheus), A Beautiful Noise (Shilo, OBC), West Side Story directed by Ivo Van Hove (Tony).
#203 - Kevin Shen - LIFE OF PI West End
Kevin Shen / @_kshen. Kevin Shen is an Asian-American and British East Asian actor currently appearing as Mr. Okamoto in LIFE OF PI on London's West End. Originally from Orange County, California, Kevin has worked as an actor in London and Los Angeles for the past twelve years.
#202 - Gabrielle Mariella - Performer / Social Media Creator
Gabrielle Mariella / @gabriellmariella is a graduate of NYU Tisch where she received her BFA in Drama from the New Studio on Broadway for Musical Theatre. She has performed regionally, as well as in NYC in pre-Broadway and Off-Broadway workshops, labs, & staged readings of new musical theatre (Almost Famous, The Visitor, etc.).
#201 - Georgia Tapp - West End's BACK TO THE FUTURE the Musical
Georgia Tapp / @georgiatapp is a US native who currently is performing on the West End in Back to the Future the Musical in London. Training: The Boston Conservatory of Music.
#200 - Joe Rosko - Founder of BFTS
Joe Rosko / @builtforthestage gives away $400 worth of coaching and swag in this episode as he speaks about the power of starting regardless of feeling unprepared. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge!
#199 - Carl Man - & JULIET West End
Carl Man / @carlmanofficial - Theatre credits include: understudy Fiyero in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Rory in Proud (Turbine Theatre), Nintendo in Starlight Express (The Other Palace), Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin (USA), understudy Galileo in We Will Rock You (RCCL), Tiger Bay The Musical (Wales Millennium Centre), The Who’s Tommy (USA).
#198 - Laura Delany - West End's Revival of CABARET
Laura Delany / @_lauradelany - SWING / ASSISTANT DANCE CAPTAIN (SHE/HER) TRAINING: Royal Academy of Music.
#197 - Ricardo Castro - COME FROM AWAY West End
Ricardo Castro / @rico_castro was last seen in London on the West End in Come From Away and is now touring the US playing the role of Heathcliff in the in "Wuthering Heights"! https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge!
#196 - Joe Rosko - Founder of BFTS
Joe Rosko / @builtforthestage discusses how the time you establish your worth is not when in a show but while in the waiting. He also goes over blockades that people struggle with that deter them from the ability to give themselves a chance to succeed.
#195 - Rodney Vubya - West End's FROZEN
Rodney Vubya / @rodneyvubya is currently in the cast of Frozen and certainly no stranger to the stages of the West End! Cinderella The Musical [West End] World Premiere Adaptation, 2022. Ensemble. The Book of Mormon [West End] Original West End Production, 2021.
#194 - Tavio Wright - BACK TO THE FUTURE West End
Tavio Wright / @tavio_wright can be seen starring in Back to the Future on the West End! Training: Arts Educational School. Stage Credits: Swing in Back to the Future (Adelphi Theatre); Booker T. Washington in Ragtime (ArtsEd); Skimbleshanks in Cats (ArtsEd).
#193 - Tom Bowen - GET UP STAND UP West End
Tom Bowen / @tombowen91 was recently seen in GET UP STAND UP, the Bob Marley musical, on the West End as DOCTOR, CHRIS BLACKWELL U/S. Training: Tiffany Theatre College. Theatre Credits: Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), Privates on Parade and Opening Up (Union Theatre), and Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre).
#192 - Cameron Bernard Jones - West End's Ain't Too Proud, Tina Turner & Motown the Musical, Burn City
Cameron Bernard Jones / @cbjarts is set to be seen next on the West End in Ain't Too Proud! Cameron Bernard Jones is a London-based performing artist, voice actor and accent coach originally from New York City.
#191 - Isabella Glanznig Santos - FROZEN West End
Isabella Glanznig / @isabella.glanznig is half Austrian, half Filipino, born in the Philippines, raised in Nigeria, then Malaysia, all while going to an American international school. She now finds herself in this magical place called Arendelle since joining the cast of Frozen in the West End!
#190 - Danny Mahoney - CABARET West End
Danny Mahoney / @dannymahoney1 grew up in small-town Ontario and began acting at an early age. He made his professional debut at the age of 13 playing Louis in The King And I. He went on to study drama and psychology at Queen’s University before training at LAMDA in the UK.
#189 - Jamie Bogyo - MOULIN ROUGE West End
Jamie Bogyo / @JamieBogyo recently concluded his time on the West End in Moulin Rouge playing the lead role of Christian. Training: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. As Playwright and Screenwriter: Safe Space (RADA Festival – London production in 2022); Macho; Intimacy, Fantasy and Pornography; and The Great Whitehopes.
#188 - John Michael Fiumara - HAMILTON, NEWSIES, FUNNY GIRL, WEST SIDE STORY MOVIE
John Michael Fiumara / @john7michael is currently tearing up the stage with his taps in FUNNY GIRL on Broadway. From John Michael via Bloc Agency: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! I grew up as a dance competition kid, which is what got me into dancing in front of audiences.
#187 - Maya Britto - HAMILTON West End
Maya Britto / @mayabritto_ is a standby for all three of the Schuyler sisters in the West End production of HAMILTON. Theatre: The Magician's Elephant (RSC); Tokyo Rose (UK Tour/Edinburgh Fringe Festival/NDI); Beyond the Circle (workshop, National Theatre); Becoming Angela (workshop, National Theatre); Arabian Nights (Hoxton Hall).
#186 - Joaquin Pedro Valdes - LION KING UK Tour
Joaquin Pedro Valdes / @joaquin.pedro.valdes is a Filipino actor living in the United Kingdom. He started his career at a very young age in the Philippines and has extensively worked in the TV, Concert, Film and Theatre industries in Manila.
#185 - Anika Larsen - ALMOST FAMOUS Broadway
Anika Larsen has performed on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Avenue Q, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Rent. Off-Broadway, she was in Zanna, Don’t!, Myths and Hymns, Closer Than Ever, Miracle Brothers, How to Save the World…, Disaster!
#184 - Tom Stacy - Olivier Award Winner for LIFE OF PI
Tom Stacy / @tomstacy is an Olivier Award winning Actor & Puppeteer currently appearing in Life of Pi on the West End, where he is also the Movement & Puppetry Associate on the show.
#183 - Romy Vuksan - JAGGED LITTLE PILL AUSTRALIA
Romy Vuksan / @romyvuksan trained from a young age in all aspects of the performing arts at The Ritz Performing Arts Centre. Originally from Brisbane, Romy moved to Melbourne in 2013 and was awarded a full scholarship to Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.
#182 - Julius Thomas III - HAMILTON Broadway
Julius Thomas III / @juliusthomas3 recently ended his time with Hamilton where he played the title character, Alexander Hamilton. Julius Thomas III is a NAACP Theatre award Nominated actor from Gary, In. He stars as Alexander Hamilton in the smash hit musical, Hamilton.
#181 - Sophie Naglik - BACK TO THE FUTURE
Sophie Naglik / @sophienaglik. Sophie Naglik plays Jennifer Parker in the West End production of Back to the Future. In addition to Sophie starting at an early age in the West End's, Matilda, she also began a journey of becoming an amazing singer-song writer.
#180 - Josh Breckenridge - COME FROM AWAY
Josh Breckenridge / @j.breckenridge.music. Josh Breckenridge is a Southern California native. Joshua Russell Breckenridge began writing music in his early high school years.
#179 - Tanvi Virmani - LIFE OF PI WEST END
TANVI VIRMANI / @tanvi_virmani_. Training: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 2022. Theatre Includes: The Tempest (Bath Theatre Royal) This is Tanvi’s West End debut in Life of Pi. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge!
#178 - Jeff Gorti - CHICAGO
Jeff Gorti / @jeffgorti. Jeff Gorti grew up in North Philly where his love for the performing arts began in the dance studio. Jeff began training in his youth with The Rock School and The Princeton Ballet in Philadelphia.
#177 - Colin Barkell - PARADISE SQUARE
Colin Barkell / @colinbarkell. Colin Barkell saw the VHS of River Dance at a young age and the rest is history. His love for Irish dancing led to him touring the country. While on tour he learned to play guitar which birthed the start of his career in music.
#176 - Lina Lee - THE NOTEBOOK
Lina Lee / @linalee512. Originally born in Seoul, South Korea, Lina Lee moved to the states when she was about 5 years old living in NOVA just outside of DC. Born to parents in the music industry, Lina started singing as soon as she started to speak.
#175 - Krystal Joy Brown - HAMILTON
Krystal Joy Brown/ @krystaljoybrown. Krystal Joy Brown is currently starring as Eliza in Hamilton on Broadway where she stops the show each night with mid-song applause during her big number, “Burn”!
#174 - Nnamdi Nwankwo - FOR COLORED BOYZ
NNAMDI K. NWANKWO / @nnamdinwankwo. NNAMDI K. NWANKWO (man in orange) (he/him) is a Chicago-based actor, singer, director, and writer. As a versatile performer, he has performed in various genres of performance like opera, musical theatre, theatre, film, commercial, and voiceover.
#173 - Leslie Blake Walker - FUNNY GIRL
Leslie Blake Walker / @leslieblakewalker has been crawling to the Broadway stage since being an infant. Learn more about Leslie below and please share this episode with a friend!
#172 - Joe Rosko - Founder of BFTS
Joe Rosko / @builtforthestage is talkin' goals!!! How to best accomplish them. Joe Rosko grew up as a 3-sport athlete, theatre kid that eventually majored in musical theatre and played Division 1 college football at the same time.
#171 - JChris - Urban Latin Singer
JChris joins us on episode 171! Don't miss JChris's 54 Below show coming up on Sept. 18th! Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer Chris Urquiaga, known as JChris, is lauded for his exciting performance energy and smooth voice.
#170 - Tia Altinay - ALADDIN
Tia Altinay / @tiaaltinay. Tia Altinay is currently starring as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin on Broadway! Tia was also seen on Broadway in A Christmas Story and Mary Poppins. Tia shares her amazing story and gives us all the inspiration we needed on knowing your worth and going for it!
#169 - Sarah Sigman - MJ THE MUSICAL
Sarah Sigman / @sarahsigman_. Sarah Sigman recently made her Broadway debut in MJ the Musical! Credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (national tour), On Your Feet! (The Muny), Chicago (national tour).
#168 - Alexa Magro - The Prom Nat'l Tour
Alexa Magro / @alexa_magro. Alexa Magro is currently travelling the country with The Prom tour! More from Alexa! I am a New York City based actor, dancer, singer, and voiceover artist originally from The Woodlands, Texas (Houston Metro).
#167 - Tim Dolan - Broadway Up Close
Tim Dolan / @broadwayupclose. Tim Dolan lives a life that is an example for the power of passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of the arts. What started as an idea, evolved into a masterful business in the face of one adversity after the other.
#166 - Kara Menendez - MOULIN ROUGE
Kara Menendez / @kara.menendez. Kara Menendez is a New Jersey native. She began her dance training at the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble. Kara went on to further her dance studies at Marymount Manhattan College, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance, with a Ballet Concentration and a Business Minor.
#165 - Isaac Bradley - HAMILTON AUSTRALIA
Isaac Bradley / @iamisaacbradley. Isaac Bradley was recently seen in Hamiltion in Australia as a swing. Isaac has a background in classical music where he toured the world, basketball, and break dancing. Isaac has lived a life filled with vast experiences and a multitude of skills.
#164 - Bret Shuford - WICKED
Bret Shuford / @bretshuford. Bret Shuford performed, produced, choreographed and directed dozens of Broadway, Regional, National tours, viral videos, television and film productions from Wicked to the Wolf of Wall Street.
#163 - Blaine Krauss - HAMILTON
Blaine Krauss / @blainkr. Blaine Krauss is currently appearing in the National Tour of “Hamilton” as the standby for both Hamilton and Burr. To join Blaine's fitness challenge on July 5th (we also will be doing it again later in July) DM us @builtforthestage on IG and just say that you're in for Blaine's challenge!
#162 - Legna Cedillo Jobert - AMERICANO
Legna Cedillo Jobert / @legnacedillojobert. Legna Cedillo Jobert is a first-generation American from Kansas City and a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. She is an NYC-based singer/songwriter, actor, voiceover artist, and dancer.
#161 - Jennifer Khan - SCENERY BAGS
Jennifer Khan / @scenerybags / @jenwkhan. Jennifer Khan is a former Broadway stage manager that noticed the repeated waste of backdrops and other materials after the closing of a show. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to the creation of Scenery Bags.
#160 - Mikey Scirrotto - CHICAGO
Mikey Scirrotto / @michaelscirrotto. Mikey Scirrotto is currently a part of the cast in Chicago on Broadway. We chat fitness, life in Florida, and how he also does commerical finance while being a Broadway actor! NY: Camelot, Lincoln Center.
#159 - Talia Robinson - DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Talia Robinson / @taliasrobinson. Talia Robinson shares her inspiring journey of getting up at 2AM some mornings to commute into the city to live out her dream of making it on Broadway. Talia toured for two years with Les Miz before making her Broadway debut in Dear Evan Hansen as the principal character, Zoe.
#158 - Jared Grimes - FUNNY GIRL
Jared Grimes / @grimeystepz. Jared Grimes steals scenes as Eddie Ryan, Fanny’s (played by Beanie Feldstein) faithful friend and confidant.
#157 - Arian Keddell - CHICAGO
Arian Keddell / @ariankeddell. Arian Keddell took a less-travelled road to the Broadway stage and it sure does make for an amazing story. Enjoy our conversation! Broadway: CHICAGO the Musical. Tours: CHICAGO the Musical, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story 50th Anniversary.
#156 - Chip Abbott - STEPPIN' OUT
Chip Abbott / @chipstergram. Chip Abbott is a NYC based choreographer, director, and dancer who’s performance career spans the worlds of concert dance, commercial dance, and Broadway.
#155 - Sidney DuPont - PARADISE SQUARE
Sidney DuPont / @sidneydupont. Sidney is now starring in the new Broadway show, Paradise Square! Sidney is humbled to bring this character and powerful story to the stage. DuPont was last seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway, as well as the 1st National Tour and Australian Company.
#154 - Lee Siegel - PARADISE SQUARE
Lee Siegel / @lee_siegel. Lee grew up singing along to Jesus Christ Super Star and Annie the Musical. Fast forward to Lee's Broadway debut in...you guessed it, JCSS! On top of it, the show was in the Neil Simon Theatre, and the the first show to ever run in the theatre was, Annie!
#153 - Oge Agulué - HARRY POTTER
Oge Agulué / @iamoge. Oge Agulué is currently in the ensemble of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway! Growing up, Oge went from Atlanta, to Nigeria, back to Atlanta, and then off to Purdue for college where he began studying aeronautical engineering technology.
#152 - Cherry Torres - HAMILTON
Cherry Torres / @cherrytorres. Cherry Torres is currently touring the country with Hamilton as the Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy cover! More on Cherry: Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cherry Torres has been performing professionally since the age of 10.
#151 - Johanna Moise - HAMILTON
Johanna Moise / @johanna.moise. Johanna Moise grew up in Florida and was first enrolled into dance classes by her parents due to being born pigeon-toed. Since then, Johanna has danced her way to her Broadway debut in Hamilton with not much prior experience.
#150 - Joe Rosko - Founder of BFTS
Joe Rosko /@builtforthestage. Joe grew up as a 3-sport athlete, theatre kid that eventually majored in musical theatre and played division 1 college football at the same time. This life of sports and theatre lead him to creating Built for the Stage, Broadway's #1 Fitness Platform.
#149 - Eric Anthony Johnson - BEETLEJUICE
From Eric / @ericanthonyjohnson: I was born in Essexville, Michigan. Almost instantly, I had the power to destroy everything that came into my path; carpets, rugs, bottles of milk, you name it, I had somehow found a way to make it my own, or change it into something that meant more.
#148 - Ethan Slater - SPONGEBOB / ASSASSINS
Ethan Slater / @ethanslater. Ethan Slater is an actor and a writer. He recently starred as SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical on Broadway (and now on Paramount Plus!), for which he won Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, TheaterWorld Awards (and more) and earned a Tony Nomination.
#147 - Javier Ignacio - COMPANY
Javier Ignacio / @iamjavierignacio. Javier Ignacio moved to Wichita, KS at the age of ten from Venezuela. Javier started his career as a teenager at Music Theatre Wichita. He is now a part of the Broadway revival of Company.
#146 - Angelo Soriano - ALADDIN
Angelo Soriano / @gelosaurus. Angelo Soriano joins us from the Broadway cast of Aladdin where he swings 12 ensemble tracks and a handful of principal characters! Angelo hails from the Philippines, relocated with his family to California and just before enlisting in the Air Force found a love for musical theatre.
#145 - Eddie Noel - HADESTOWN Tour
Eddie Noel / @eddienoelr. Eddie Noel is currently touring the country as a swing in the tour of Hadestown! Check out more about Eddie here: http://www.eddienoel.net/about.html. References from interview: https://youtu.be/JKzQN0_SpmY. Documentary trailer of RESIDENTE.
#144 - Tayler Harris - CATS Tour
Tayler Harris / @sheistayler. Tayler Harris is currently playing Grizabella in the national tour of Cats! Tayler was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Tayler grew up in a musical family.
#143 - Tyrone Davis Jr - WAITRESS
Tyrone Davis Jr / @tyronedavisjr. Tyrone Davis Jr stepped into the role of Ogie in Waitress after having performed as an ensemble member and understudy in the production since 2017.
#142 - Vaibu Mohan - Musical Theatre Producer
Vaibu Mohan / @vaibumohan. Vaibu Mohan is blazing a trail for young producers of theatre while still finding time to perform, go to grad school, and run a half marathon. Make sure to take a listen to Nayika Mixtapes after tuning into this episode.
#141 - Jonalyn Saxer - MEAN GIRLS / WEST SIDE STORY MOVIE
Jonalyn Saxer / @jksaxer. Jonalyn Saxer is currently starring as Karen in the first national tour of Mean Girls after appearing in the original Broadway cast in the ensemble and as an understudy for Karen, Cady, and Regina.
#140 - Paloma Garcia-Lee - WEST SIDE STORY MOVIE
Paloma Garcia-Lee / @palomagarcialee. Paloma Garcia-Lee is an established actress who gained notoriety for her standout performances on the Broadway stage and now is making an outstanding leap to television and film.
#139 - Spencer LaRue - HARRY POTTER
Spencer LaRue / @spencer_larue. Spencer LaRue is currently a swing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Spencer is a Florida native and will graduate from The University of Michigan in May of 2019 with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre.
#138 - Nicole Benoit - CHICAGO
Nicole Benoit / @nicolbenoitonline. From Washington State's "Apple Capitol of the World" to New York's "Big Apple", Nicole Benoit has graced the stages of theaters worldwide from North America to Asia and even atop the waves of the Caribbean.
#137 - Davon Williams - DAVON AND THE SPECTACLE
Davon Williams / @daywilling. Davon Williams is an international performer, delegate for the Actors' Equity Association, and a TED Talk alum. Davon is committed to using his talents to bring about substantive social change.
#136 - Eleri Ward - A PERFECT LITTLE DEATH
Eleri Ward / @eleriward. Eleri Ward is a musical theatre performer who has recently burst onto the scene as a singer-songwriter. She recently released her album of Stephen Sondheim covers, A PERFECT LITTLE DEATH.
#135 - Michaeljon Slinger - MRS. DOUBTFIRE
Michaeljon Slinger / @double_windsor. Michaeljon is a Broadway vet who shares with us how to establish a career in the biz from either side of the table. Enjoy our conversation! CHOREOGRAPHY: MRS. DOUBTFIRE. ALMOST FAMOUS. THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE.
#134 - Olivia Valli - PRETTY WOMAN
Olivia Valli / @oliviafvalli. Olivia is set to hit the road as the lead, Vivian Ward, in Pretty Woman the musical! Olivia previously has toured with Wicked as the Elphaba understudy and played Mary Delgado in the Off-Broadway production of Jersey Boys.
#133 - Miracle Chance - BE MORE CHILL WEST END
Miracle Chance / @miraclechance. Miracle is currently on West End as Christine Canigula in Be More Chill. She grew up in a very artistic home with her parents, which igniter her love and passion for music and performing arts.
#132 - Andrew Norlen - When the Lights are Bright Again
Andrew Norlen / @anorlen. It began as an artist’s desperate desire to express himself inside a worldwide pandemic, but in one year’s time it has grown into a theater industry and country-wide outlet for healing, grief, justice, and hope in the theater community—and beyond!
#131 - T. Oliver Reid - HADESTOWN
T. Oliver Reid / @toliverreid. A true Broadway veteran, T. Oliver Reid has performed in over 10 Broadway shows and is currently in Hamilton. He shares insight and wisdom from his many years of experience on and off the stage in the theatre industry.
#130 - Kimberly Marable - HADESTOWN
Kimberly Marable / @misskimizzo. Kimberly is making waves in the Broadway community, not only as an actress, but also as a social activist as a co-founder of Broadway Serves, a service organization created and operated by Broadway professionals who are looking to "be the change we want to see in the world." Their mission is to provide opportunities for community service to Broadway and theater professionals.
#129 - Malcolm Armwood - HADESTOWN
Malcolm Armwood / @marmwood214. Malcolm is making his Broadway debut as a swing in Hadestown, and shares parts of his journey with us. He believes in staying ready and continuing to show up, because many times he thought he would book and didn’t but kept at it and booked Broadway.
#128 - Shawn W. Smith - WAITRESS
Shawn W. Smith / @shawnwsmith. Shawn is a true well-rounded artist who is in a band called “Stray and the Soundtrack” while also touring with the national tour of Waitress in the role of Earl.
#127 - Karla Puno Garcia - TICK TICK BOOM FILM / HAMILTON
Karla Puno Garcia / @karlapunogarcia. Karla has performed on several television programs, films, National Tours, and Broadway shows - the most recent being Hamilton: An American Musical, in which she was a swing for four years.
#126 - Ariel Reid - ALADDIN
Ariel Reid / @arieljreid. Ariel joins us as a current cast member of Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, and she is also the Dance Captain for the captivating musical. But, what we learn about Ariel is not only is she and incredibly talented dancer, she’s also a mom!
#125 - Stanley Martin - ALADDIN
Stanley Martin / @stanleymartinthethird. Joining us this week is the energetic and fun Stanley Martin! Stanley has been performing since the age of ten and is currently a cast member of Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway.
#124 - April Holloway - ALADDIN
April Holloway / @april_r_holloway. April Holloway is a dancer, singer, choreographer and all around performer. After graduating from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sport Science, April spent a summer at The Ailey School on a full scholarship.
#123 - Juwan Crawley - ALADDIN
Juwan Crawley / @juwancrawley. Juwan made his New York debut in the original cast of Spamilton, an award-winning, off-Broadway musical revue that spoofed Hamilton and earned him a nomination for the Clive Barnes award.
#122 - Adam Filipe - PRINCE OF EGYPT, WEST END
Adam Filipe / @filipe_navidad. After going into quarantine and being unsure of what the future holds, Adam Filipe recognized one of his true loves was more than performing, which was self defense practice.
#121 - Sophie Salvesani - Maria, WEST SIDE STORY AU
Sophie Salvesani / @sophie_salvesani. This week, we are joined by a young but shining star, Sophie Salvesani. Sophie has been intently studying music and performance since she was a young girl growing up in Ipswich and Brisbane.
#120 - Abbie-Lee Lewis - A MID SUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM AU
Abbie-Lee Lewis / @abbieleelewis. All the way from Australia, Abbie-Lee Lewis joins us to share her experience as she plays Hermia in Bell Shakespeare's production of Midsummer Night's Dream. Abbie-Lee is an actor and Arts Educator for Bell Shakespeare in Australia and we are thrilled to hear her story.
#119 - Nicole-Lily Baisden - ANYTHING GOES WEST END
Nicole-Lily Baisden / @nicolelily1. Nicole-Lily joins us as she prepares to take the West End stage in Anything Goes as Hope Harcourt at the Barbican, starring alongside the Broadway legend, Sutton Foster.
#118 - Michael Mott - IN THE LIGHT / THE ONLY ONE
Michael Mott / @michael_mott. Michael Mott grew up in New York, studied Musical Theatre in college and then went on to have a successful career as a performer Off-Broadway, in Regional theatre and National Tours.
#117 - Jack Sippel - THE PROM
Jack Sippel / @jackjsippel. When talking to Jack Sippel, you are truly speaking with a theatre industry professional. From a very young age, Jack has been actively involved in professional theatre.
#116 - Tanisha L Spring - PRINCE OF EGYPT WEST END
Tanisha L. Spring / @tanishalspring. Following her most recent opening night in West End's Prince of Egypt, Tanisha Spring joins us to share what the journey has been for her finding her way to the West End stage.
#115 - Mari McGinlay - HAIR SPRAY WEST END
Mari McGinlay / @marimoomcg. After studying acting at the Guildford School of Acting and training at the Dance School of Scotland, Mari McGinlay had laid a strong foundation to move forward in the theatre industry.
#114 - Stefan Lagoulis - HAMILTON AU
Stefan Lagoulis / @stefann96. Stefan Lagoulis comes from Down Under and is currently in Hamilton AU, experiencing coming back to the stage after more than a year of the shutdown and shares with us what that journey has looked like as he is rediscovering his strength and ability in the rehearsal room.
#113 - Ryan Gonzalez - MOULIN ROUGE / FUN HOME Australia
Ryan Gonzalez / @rgonzy. After starting at a young age pursuing to be a comerical dancer in Australia, Ryan then saw a live musical theatre production and was absolutely sold. He then did his first show at 18 and hasn't turned back.
#112 - Daniel Assetta - HAMILTON Australia
Daniel Assetta / @dassetta. From a very young age, Daniel Assetta was no stranger to the perfoming world. He started taking dance as a child, and it was all about the show. He had a deep desire to learn and grow and perform.
#111 - J. Harrison Ghee - MRS DOUBTFIRE, KINKY BOOTS
J. Harrison Ghee / @jharrisonghee. It is so exciting to hear how Broadway is coming back to life, and our conversation with J. Harrison Ghee is no exception! He is soon to be seen in Mrs. Doubtfire on Broadway, and he shares with us what the journey has been like returning to the stage.
#110 - Amos Wolff - FOLLIES, CHICAGO, GIGI / Equity Therapy Therapist
Amos Wolff / @amoswolff. When Amos Wolff made his Broadway debut at the young age of 25 in Follies, he assumed that he would be completely fulfilled. Instead, he found that he still wasn't happy.
#109 - Jason Sparks - KISS ME KATE, HELLO DOLLY, Fosters
Jason Sparks / @jasonasparks. Hello, Dolly!. Combining his training as a classical dancer, as well as a theatre performer, and his curiosity for how the world moves around him, Jason strives for the human body to be a lead voice in how his stories are told.
#108 - Liz Flemming - LAST 5 YEARS / Founder of Out of the Box Theatrics
Liz Flemming / @littlelizzybiz. In 2016, Liz Flemming had the idea to do the production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown on a playground. She wanted to create a piece that used all disabled and BIPOC actors, and she set out with a dream that then became the company Out Of The Box Theatrics.
#107 - Nasia Thomas - LAST 5 YEARS / CAROLINE, OR CHANGE / AIN'T TOO PROUD / BEAUTIFUL
Nasia Thomas/ @nasiathomas. "I believe everyone has learned something about themself during this quarantine"...Nasia says as she reflects back on what the last year has looked like and what it felt like to be prepping for a Broadway show, Caroline, or Change, and then to be told it is all put on hold for a global pandemic.
#106 - Nicholas Edwards - LAST 5 YEARS, FROZEN
Nicholas Edwards / @nickedwardsnyc. You don't have to wait for anyone to tell you to do something"...and that is exactly what has happened in Nick's life over the past few months!
#105 - Simon Gordon - HEATHERS UK
Simon Gordon / @simongordon. Joining us from the West End on today's episode is Simon Gordon! We are so excited to be talking to him about his upcoming role in the UK tour of Heathers the Musical.
#104 - Dennis Stowe - ALADDIN
Dennis Stowe / @dennisstowe. Have you ever had a dream that you thought would never come to pass as the years went by? Well, Dennis Stowe is the perfect example that good things come to those who continue to work hard and not lose focus of their dreams!
#103 - Mike Ruckles - BROADWAY SINGING VOICE SPECIALIST
Mike Ruckles / @rucklesvoice. Within the theatre industry, there are several components that are an absolute must that we focus on. One of those components is the training and care of our voice. But how do we do so correctly? What techniques should we use?
#102 - Kolby Kindle - COME FROM AWAY AU
Kolby Kindle / @kolbizzle. As so many of us are waiting to have the opportunity to walk back into a theatre, Kolby Kindle is living his best life as he is touring in Australia with the incredible musical Come From Away.
#101 - Salisha Thomas - BEAUTIFUL
Salisha Thomas / @salishathomas. Have you ever met someone whose mere presence becomes the light and energy in the room? That is Salisha Thomas. A woman with the power and joy to lift the spirits of anyone who meets her.
#100 - Alex Joseph Grayson - A BRONX TALE
Alex Joseph Grayson/@alexjgsings. How does someone raised as a military kid end up on Broadway? Alex Joseph Grayson shares his journey with us of how he found theatre later in life but once he found it, he couldn't be stopped.
#99 - Adam Jacobs - ALADDIN, LION KING, LES MIZ
Adam Jacobs / @adamjacobsnyc. Not everyone can say they have ridden a magic carpet, but for Adam Jacobs, that became his daily routine as he played Aladdin in the Disney Broadway musical. But, hanging out with a genie every night isn't all there is to this Broadway star that we have all come to know and love.
#98 - Christian Thompson - AIN'T TOO PROUD
Christian Thompson / @christianthompsonactor. "Pivot"- A word we have all heard throughout our industry, over and over again. Christian Thompson, who plays Smokey Robinson and Damon Harris in Ain't Too Proud the Musical.
#97 - Craig Feldmann - @PARODYBILL
Maybe you don't recall seeing the name "Craig Feldman" on the front of a Playbill, but you can absolutely find his genius and skill spread across each design of Parodybill.
#96 - Hillary Porter - A BRONX TALE
Hillary Porter / @hillaryporter_ From competitive cheerleading to the Broadway stage, Hillary shares some of the incredible stories that have been the ups and downs of her journey. Find out how she booked her first Broadway show, in spite of forgetting choreography in the audition room.
#95 - Brian Martin - MRS DOUBTFIRE
Brian Martin / @btmartz shared his booking Broadway journey with us! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com.
#94 - Justin Showell - HAMILTON
Justin Showell - @justinbshow joins us as he awaits the return of the Hamilton - And Peggy tour. A BFTS Fam member, recent Michigan grad, and all around beautiful human shares with us his journey and the importance of embracing the fact that it is your own personal, unique journey.
#93 - Elyse Niederee - KING KONG
Elyse Niederee / @elyseniederee was on BFTS Podcast a little over a year ago to talk about her Broadway debut in KING KONG. Since then, Elyse has become the head of our FLOW program at Built for the Stage. FLOW is a flexibility and mobility program specifically designed for performers.
#92 - Kfir Danieli - PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Kfir Danieli / @kfirmusic Born in Tirat Carmel, Israel, American/Israeli multi-hyphenate Kfir Danieli’s journey began at age 6 when one of his teachers encouraged him to enlist in ballet classes.
#91 - Raymond Baynard - HAMILTON
Raymond Baynard / @raymondbaynard joins us from the cast of Hamilton and will soon be seen premiering the new Michael Jackson Broadway musiical! We chat fitness, Hamilton, and the mentality he's shifted to while in this pandemic. Enjoy!
#90 - Zachary Daniel Jones - BEETLEJUICE
Zachary Daniel Jones / @aspiredance shares with us not one, but two, funny audition stories where he booked Broadway on both occasions. We also chat a bit about how he has drawn inspiration from his mom throughout his career. BROADWAY. BEETLEJUICE.
#89 - Riza Takahashi - MEAN GIRLS
Riza Takahashi / @rizatakahashi joins us from the cast of Mean Girls! While Riza has been away from the stage she's still been performing and also finding the time to learn how to fly fish. Enjoy! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today!
#88 - Shereen Pimentel - WEST SIDE STORY
Shereen Pimentel / @shereenpimentel chats with us about playing Maria in the Broadway revival of West Side Story, her new venture starting her MBA, and her new dog Thor! Enjoy! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today!
#87 - Broadway Panel - Dana Steingold, Nadia Brown, Gabe Hyman, Jerusha Cavazos, Jennifer Noble, Will Mann, Mo Brady
We were fortunate enough to interview a group of Broadway's finest to discuss how they've been staying motivated throughout the pandemic and their reaction to the recent election. Dana Steingold / @dsteinface - Beetlejuice.
#86 - Adrianna Hicks - SIX
Adrianna Hicks / @missadriannahicks from the Broadway show in waiting, SIX, shares with us about the day the show was scheduled to open, while simultaneously, the announcement to shutdown Broadway occurred. BROADWAY. THE COLOR PURPLE. ALADDIN. SIX.
#85 - Christine Cornish Smith - KISS ME KATE
Christine Cornish Smith / @christinecornish was a special guest for our Built For The Stage University series that focuses on training the future Broadway stars of tomorrow. Christine shares with us some of her experiences at CCM and her Broadway career that followed.
#84 - Anthony Festa & Emily Bautista - MISS SAIGON
Anthony Festa / @festafied & Emily Bautista / @em_bautista last were seen touring the country playing Chris and Kim in MISS SAIGON. They now joined us from upstate NY during the pandemic to chat about their experience on tour, the sudden stoppage, and now, life in the pandemic.
#83 - Patricia Kelly - GENE KELLY LEGACY SHOW
Patricia Kelly / @genekellylegacy is a film historian and the widow and official biographer of Gene Kelly. She has worked as a writer at a film production company, as a contributing scholar for the authoritative Northwestern/Newberry Writings of Herman Melville, and as a freelance journalist.
#82 - Eric Bean Jr. - LION KING Nat'l Tour
Eric Bean Jr / @ebjdance is a loved member of our BFTS Fam, a cast member of The Lion King national tour, and a choreographer based out of Las Vegas, NV. Hear Eric's story of how one blown audition didn't slow him down from booking one of those most well known musicals in history!
#81 - Paula Leggett Chase - TOOTSIE
Paula Leggett Chase / @paulaleggett is a Broadway vet that was recently seen in Tootsie the musical. She shares great wisdom on how to establish a lasting career in this ever changing industry and also the hopeful message that it's never too late.
#80 - Jody Reynard - SUMMER, THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL
Jody Reynard / @otherblkguy joined us to chat about his journey to his Broadway debut, a golf cart crash in Legally Blonde, and his thoughts on what it takes to make it in this competitive industry. BROADWAY: FOSSE. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. TABOO.
#79 - Terence Archie - COMPANY
Terence Archie / @terencearchie chatted with us about his time playing Apollo Creed in Rocky on Broadway, his time in waiting during the pandemic as his current show Company on Broadway is paused, and a few other topics definitely worth a listen for.
#78 - Susie Carroll - MEAN GIRLS
Susie Carroll / @susiecarroll was recently seen as a vacation swing at Broadway's, The Prom and suddenly, in two weeks time, took a hop, skip, and a jump to Mean Girls on Broadway. Susie shares about her year long journey of simultaneously swinging two shows on Broadway.
#77 - Dan Lauria - LOMBARDI
Dan Lauria / @realdanlauria joins us to talk about his experience playing Vince Lombardi in the Broadway play, Lombardi. We also get to hear stories about his time starring in the famous TV series, The Wonder Years, his take on auditioning, how he got his start in acting, and more.
#76 - Michael Midlin - HAMILTON
Michael Mindlin / @mindlin_choreo joins us to chat BRING IT ON in our series, "Fitness on the Broadway Stage." We also chat a bit about Michael's role as the dance supervisor for HAMILTON, the stresses of conducting online classes, and inspiring conversation about the simplicity of putting the work in.
#75 - Shonica Gooden - CATS
Shonica Gooden / @shonica joins us to talk all things BRING IT ON, Broadway babies, and her story starting out her career where she didn't even want to do musical theatre! BROADWAY. CATS. HAMILTON. CINDERELLA. BRING IT ON.
#74 - Vince Oddo - ROCKY
Vince Oddo / @vinceoddo talks to us about his Broadway debut in ROCKY and how he volunteered his way into a career in stunt work. BROADWAY. MICHAEL MOORE: THE TERMS OF MY SURRENDER. AMAZING GRACE. ROCKY. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today!
#73 - Jerry Mitchell - LEGALLY BLONDE
Jerry Mitchell / @jammyprod, Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics, Olivier award winner joins us as our first guest in our series, "Fitness on the Broadway Stage." We chat with Jerry about the iconic Legally Blonde number, "Whipped into Shape." Grab your jump rope, lace up your sneakers, and join us for a college tour where we revisit Harvard U.
#72 - Mark Peikert - PLAYBILL EDITOR IN CHIEF
Mark Peikert / @markpeikert joins us from our BPN neighboring podcast, "Today in Theatre History." Aside from hosting "Today in Theatre History,""he also serves as the editor in chief at Playbill so, we thought who better to join us to kick off our new podcast series, "Fitness on Broadway," than a theatre expert like, Mark.
#71 - Alan Green - SISTER ACT
Alan H Green / @alanhgreen has a wild story about how he ended up on the Broadway stage! The story goes from college football, to singing for the President, to booking his first Broadway show. You'll want to tune in for this one! CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
#70 - Amber Iman - SOUL DOCTOR
Amber Iman / @amberskyez kindly shares how struggles during her career ultimately led to some of the best opportunities she'd ever come across. We also got to talk to Amber about the Broadway Advocacy Coalition and how a "one-time" event evolved into a full time movement.
#69 - Ross Lekites - TINA / FROZEN
Ross Lekites / @rosslekites didn't really know what he wanted to do growing up as a kid. He knew that he was good at singing so, he decided to keep that up...it just happened that he was good enough to become a working actor on the Broadway stage.
#68 - Tomás Matos - DIANA
Tomás Matos / @tomatos_ chats with us about his soon to be Broadway debut in Diana the Musical. He was just weeks away from making his debut when Broadway closed its doors due to Covid-19. Listen in as we chat about learned lessons during the ups and downs of his young career.
#67 - Jelani Remy - AIN'T TOO PROUD
Jelani Remy / @itsjelaniremy talks to us about his road to Broadway, his time as Simba in The Lion King, overcoming today's recent struggles, and how the things that seem so far away are actually quite attainable. BROADWAY. THE LION KING. AIN'T TOO PROUD.
#66 - James Snyder - HARRY POTTER
James Snyder / @thejamessnyder aka Harry Potter joins us on BFTS Podcast from his backyard that displays his newly finished jungle gym that he constructed himself for his kids. James is not only a talented builder of childrens' playgrounds, but also in building substantial characters of depth on the stage.
#65 - Casey Garvin - MRS. DOUBTFIRE
Casey Garvin / @caseygarvin joins us from the cast of Mrs Doubtfire on Broadway. This episode is full of inspiration. Enjoy as you listen to Casey's story of ups and downs and how he truly has become, "Stronger Than Before." BROADWAY: MRS DOUBTFIRE.
#64 - Max Clayton - MOULIN ROUGE
Max Clayton / @maxmclayton joins us from the cast of Moulin Rouge. Max talks to us about his Broadway journey and shares his top tips that he credits helping him consistently book show after show on Broadway. BROADWAY: GIGI. ON THE TOWN. SOMETHING ROTTEN.
#63 - Brandon Leffler - WICKED
Brandon Leffler / @brandonleff joins us from the national tour of My Fair Lady. Brandon was kindly willing to share how an extreme hardship in his life caused him the loss of a theatre gig, but then ultimately lead him to return to this industry stronger than before.
#62 - Nasia Thomas - CAROLINE, OR CHANGE
Nasia Thomas / @nasiathomas comes to us from the cast of Caroline or Change on Broadway. Nasia shares with us the ups and downs of her career in theatre. Nasia inspires us with words of affirmation and positivity to take with us while traveling through this tough business.
#61 - Davin Desantis - MOULIN ROUGE
Davin De Santis / @davinds is currently a stage manager with Moulin Rouge on Broadway. This is Davin's 5th Broadway show he has stage managed and he shares with us the behind the scenes magic from one of the most beautiful shows on Broadway.
#60 - Jewelle Blackman - HADESTOWN
Jewelle Blackman / @elleshelley comes to us from the cast of Hadestown. We talk about creating her own art outside of the show, her Canadian roots, and her journey of making her Broadway debut while overcoming the status quo of the biz. BROADWAY.
#59 - James Brown III - HARRY POTTER
James Brown III / @jamesbrowniii and Coach spent the day together during a two show day of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. They walked through Times Square, ate donuts, did a podcast interview, and still managed to be at the theatre for over 7 hours.
#58 - Afra Hines - HADESTOWN
"Afra Hines / @afrahines joins us on BFTS Podcast in the midst of her 8th Broadway show! Afra is currently in the ensemble of Hadestown.
#57 - Michael Mott - MUSICAL COMPOSER/LYRICIST
Michael Mott / @michael_mott is a NYC based lyricist/composer who as of late, has been leaving his mark in the industry. We chat about the journey of creating a show from inception to production, having some of Broadway's biggest names sing his material, and jokingly plan to book him to do live instrumentals for each BFTS Podcast show in the future.
#56 - Tommy Bracco - NEWSIES
Tommy Bracco / @tommybracco joins us from BroadwayCon with guest hosts, Kevin Jaeger and Kimberly Cooper Schmidt from the BPN podcast, Broadwaysted. Tommy talks about his time on Big Brother, his fitness journey, and just shares a ton of laughs with the crowd at BroadwayCon!
#55 - Destinee Rea - TINA / BOOK OF MORMON
Destinee Rea / @destineerea joins us from the cast of Tina on Broadway! This episode was guest hosted by BFTS FAM, Kevin Jaeger! She talks about the physicality required of her in Tina, her favorite workouts songs, and more! AMÉLIE. THE BOOK OF MORMON.
#54 - Kimberly Cooper Schmidt & Kevin Jaeger
Kimberly Cooper Schmidt / @kimbercoops & Kevin Jaegar / @jaegerkev join us on BFTS Podcast! They are not only BPN Fam but, BFTS Fam as well! We talk about fitness journies, Broadway podcasting, and we honestly believe this is one of those most applicable, tangible episodes to date!
#53 - Dana Steingold - BEETLEJUICE
Dana Steingold / @dsteinface joins from the cast of Beetlejuice on Broadway! Dana shares with us her experience being involved with Beetlejuice all the way back to its first reading, her journey to Broadway, keeping mental health in check, and more!
#52 - Elliott Mattox - BEETLEJUICE
Elliott Mattox / @elliottmattox joins us from the Broadway cast of Beetlejuice. We talk gourmet baking, know what makes you special in the audition room, as well as his podcast, Equity One. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your free trial today!
#51 - Anthony Festa & Emily Bautista - MISS SAIGON
Anthony Festa / @festafied & Emily Bautista / @em_bautista are currently traveling the country in Miss Saigon playing the lead characters of Chris and Kim. Anthony and Emily are both BFTS Fam and both amazing people.
#50 - Ian Paget - MAMMA MIA / TIKTOK
Ian Paget / @ianpaget_ talks about the current out of town production of BLISS that is heading to Seattle, his journey of rebranding himself in the midst of his career, and how he overcame a serious back injury earlier in his career. SOUL DOCTOR.
#49 - Jake Boyd - WICKED
Jake Boyd / @jaykeboid is currently on Broadway playing Fiyero in Wicked. Jake talks to us about training, new works he's been involved with, as well as what being in this iconic show that he grew up on means to him. WICKED. ROCK OF AGES.
#48 - Kayla Davion - TINA / WAITRESS
Kayla Davion / @kayladavion is appearing in her third Broadway show after very recently graduating from Ball State with a degree in Musical Theatre. We talk about the recent opening of TINA on Broadway and her experiences understudying such an iconic music star.
#47 - Lauren Boyd - HAMILTON
Lauren Boyd / @laurenmboyd is currently performing in Hamilton on Broadway. She shares a story of how serving the elderly lead her to founding the outreach, "Broadway Babes." Tune to hear how Lauren not only shares her talents on stage but, also how she shares herself with our elderly community.
#46 - Michael Fasano - JERSEY BOYS NCL
Michael Fasano / @michaeldfasano recently hopped off a NCL cruise ship where he played Frankie Valli in JERSEY BOYS. This episode is highly informative touching on how Michael was able to balance the tough predicaments of cruis life for a performer while still bettering his fitness.
#45 - Jenifer Foote - TOOTSIE / A CHORUS LINE
Jenifer Foote / @jenyfoote is the definition of a "working actor." It actually wouldn't be an understatement to deem her the title of, "a legend." Jenifer has been seen in 15 Broadway shows! Without much of a description of this episode...we'd say it's worth your listen.
#44 - 2019 Holiday Episode
In this holiday episode, Coach sits behind the mic and shares some of his tips for how to crush 2020 on the stage, in the audition room, in the gym, and life in general! www.builtforthestage.com. www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com.
#43 - Ben Bogen - FROZEN
Ben Bogen/ @benmbogen chats with us about helpful audition experiences, his love for teaching, and making his Broadway debut. FROZEN. www.builtforthestage.com. www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com.
#42 - Ixchel Cuellar - MEAN GIRLS
Ixchel Cuellar / @itsixchel was most recently seen on Broadway in MEAN GIRLS. She can now be seen touring the country in the show. She shares about the unique experience of transitioning out of the Broadway show to mount a new touring production that carries on the spirit of the show but, displays it in a whole new light.
#41 - Jacob Gutierrez - ALADDIN
Jacob Gutierrez / @jacobgutierrez shares with us about his Broadway debut in ALADDIN. Jacob is a part of the ensemble and goes on from time to time as Aladdin, while serving as one of the understudies. We also have some laughs together as he does a few impersonations for us.
#40 - Harris Milgrim - TOOTSIE / CATS
Harris Milgrim / @harrismilgrim chats with us about his time in TOOTSIE, as well as some great audition tips for actors. TOOTSIE. CATS. www.builtforthestage.com. www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com.
#39 - Timothy Hughes - HADESTOWN
Timothy Hughes / @timothyrhughes chats about embracing your type, filming THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, the social media viral video showing Tim snatching a Re-Elect Trump 2020 flag off a spectator in the midst of a FROZEN curtain call, as well as his current experiences in the Tony winning best musical, HADESTOWN!
#38 - Nina LaFarga - IN THE HEIGHTS / ON YOUR FEET
Nina Lafarga / @ninalafarga shares with us her experience as a Broadway veteran! We chat a bit about IN THE HEIGHTS because who doesn't want to? AIDA. SWEET CHARITY. IN THE HEIGHTS. WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. ON YOUR FEET. FROZEN.
#37 - Chris Rice - PRETTY WOMAN / BOOK OF MORMON
Christopher Rice / @chrisriceny joins us on episode 37 to chat about his time with PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL. Chris made his Broadway debut in BOOK OF MORMON.
#36 - Jacob Haren - BOOK OF MORMON
Jacob Haren / @jacobdharen can be seen 8 times a week in Broadway's BOOK OF MORMON. Jacob is a seasoned vet in the show and can share some insight on how he continues to make performances fun and fresh.
#35 - Elyse Niederee - KING KONG
Elyse Niederee / @elyseniederee recently made her Broadway debut in KING KONG. We chat about that exciting experience and the unique way she was brought into the show. She also just happened to make her debut during the recent NYC blackout.
#34 - Bradley Gibson - LION KING
"Bradley Gibson / @bradgibson13 is currently playing Simba in THE LION KING on Broadway. Brad shares his experiences playing the iconic Disney role, some new original music he's been working on, and more! BROADWAY: THE LION KING. A BRONX TALE. ROCKY.
#33 - Giuseppe Bausilio - HAMILTON
Giuseppe Bausilio / @giuseppebausilio is currently playing Charles Lee in HAMILTON on Broadway. Giuseppe shares how growing up with ballet dancers for parents, he danced for six to seven hours a day as a child.
#32 - Krystina Alabado - MEAN GIRLS
Krystina Alabado / @krystinaalabado is currently playing as Gretchen Wieners in MEAN GIRLS on Broadway. Krystina chats about her time with the plastics, tips on making self-tapes, as well as her approach on mentally focusing/centering herself before an audition or show.
#31 - Gideon Glick - TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD / SPIDERMAN / SPRING AWAKENING
Built For The Stage Fam, Gideon Glick / @gidglick is currently playing as Dill Harris in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD on Broadway. Gideon was nominated for a Tony for his performance as Dill.
#30 - Joe Rosko - FOUNDER OF BFTS
In the final episode of Season 1, I break down the highlights from our first season! Listen in and also hear about exciting news with our partnership with the Broadway Podcast Network. Go to broadwaypodcastnetwork.com for more info!
#29 - David Bankston - CAPITOL RECORDS ARTIST
Episode 29 is a special one. I chatted with my college professor, best friend, and best man from my wedding. We chat about performing, auditioning, running a marathon while drinking beer, and stories from his past that influenced the creation of his music albums.
#28 - Aaron Alcaraz - MEAN GIRLS
BFTS Fam, @aaronreads chats with us about making his Broadway Debut in MEAN GIRLS. He goes on a 10 year journey from a children's theatre production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL as Basketball Player #4 to a Swing in a Broadway production!
#27 - Fredric Odgaard - MOULIN ROUGE
@fodg started out dancing in Vegas for Celine Dion, Cher, and other hit artists. He then ventured into the world of musical theatre and has had quite the career so far.
#26 - Casey Garvin - KING KONG
BFTS Fam, @caseygarvin joins me on BFTS Podcast. Casey is currently in the cast of King Kong on Brodway. This year was a big one for Casey. Casey an his cast mates were awarded Best Ensemble at the Chita Rivera Awards.
#25 - Sheldon Henry - THE PROM
Sheldon Henry / @d_only_don chats with me at Herald Square. He shares about being on The Late Night Show and his pursuit to get sponsored by Bass Pro Shop. BROADWAY: THE PROM.
#24 - Jessica Ernest - CHICAGO
I got to walk in a circle in Columbus Circle, NYC with Jessica Ernest / @maritimegirl01 who is currently in the cast of CHICAGO on Broadway. You can catch up with Jessica on her website, www.jessicaernest.com. BROADWAY: CHICAGO.
#23 - Michal Kolaczko - CHER SHOW
Built For The Stage Fam, @michalkolaczko recently closed up a show with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. He now is transitioning into his Broadway debut with The Cher Show. Hear how a dreamer who grew up with Polish parents in Detroit, Michigan has made it to the bright lights of Broadway.
#22 - Rachel Schur - CHICAGO
Broadway Actress, Dog Mom, Entrepreneur, Britney Spears Impersonator... Need I say more? Join me on this episode with @rachel_schur as we sit in Bryant Park with some tea from her company Realitea Check and her little doggy sitting by.
#21 - Mike Longo - ALADDIN
@mikelongofoto tells many secrets that are worth the listen. Tune in to hear Mike’s journey from $100 a week gigs to being an actor in now his second Broadway show. IGTV : https://www.instagram.com/tv/Bx8oq6RHFIu/ BROADWAY: BEAUTIFUL ALADDIN.
#20 - Jacob Dickey - ALADDIN
Jacob Dickey / @biguglyjacob chats with me at Bryan Park about his Broadway debut where he played Aladdin in Aladdin. We talk about his strong mustache game and also his past as a theatre intern working crazy hours at a rate that would be worse than a Carnegie steel mill worker’s in the late 1800’s.
#19 - John Riddle - FROZEN / PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Built For The Stage fam, @thejohnriddle joins me on the podcast and talks about his time playing Hans in Broadway’s Frozen, funny broadway debut stories, sailing the Hudson, and more! You can also view this interview on @builtforthestage IGTV.
#18 - Brandi Porter - BRONX TALE
On this episode with @thebrandiporter we talk about her Broadway debut, being amongst talent like Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri, how she stays extremely fit (see for yourself on her Instagram page), and her path in education. Enjoy!
#17 - Sarah Meahl - KISS ME KATE
@happymeahl sits down with me in Times Square to chat all the things. In this episode we’ll talk about her experiences growing up as a Disney kid, making her Broadway debut, working along side the likes of Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster, Kelli O’Hara, and her point of view on falling in love with a city and ultimately how to love yourself.
#16 - Jeff Kuhr + Katie Goffman - CLUELESS / KINKY BOOTS
Our first dual interview with @jeffkuhr and @katiegoffman ! These two were just swings together in the recent Off-Broadway production of Clueless The Musical. Lots of laughs, lots of inspiration, hope you enjoy! www.jeffkuhr.net / www.katiegoffman.com / www.builtforthestage.com.
#15 - Ashley Blair Fitzgerald - CHER SHOW
@ashleyblairfitzgerald is not just a superb dancer but, a Super Mom and grounded, intelligent woman. Listen in as we talk all things Broadway, working with Twyla Tharp and Chris Gattelli, and about being a giving wife/mother in the midst of a sometimes self-centered business.
#14 - Marija Abney - CHER SHOW / BLACK PANTHER
This episode with @marija_abney is gold! Listen in as we talk about her experience filming AVENGERS and BLACK PANTHER, being in THE CHER SHOW on Broadway, women's empowerment, and what it truly means to be an athlete/actor. www.builtforthestage.com.
#13 - Alanna Saunders - HARRY POTTER
In this episode with Alanna Saunders / @alannasaun, we hear how she's truly, "livin' the dream," as she is currently in the cast of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD on Broadway.
#12 - JC Schuster - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
@jc_schuster is a proud Texan who was seen on Broadway in Soul Doctor, Finding Neverland, Fiddler on the Roof, and Spongebob Squarepants. He’s been seen dancing on a Madonna music video, Glee, and much more. This guy is not the typical “actor type” which made this episode quite interesting.
#11 - Ben Jeffrey - LION KING
Ben Jeffrey has currently played Pumbaa in The Lion King on Broadway for 9 years now. He shares a story about his move to NYC and how having no plans turned out to be the best plan of all.
#10 - Jennifer Noble - KING KONG
@thejennoble is currently in King Kong on Broadway. Here’s a fun list: Gene Kelly, M&M’s, finding your worth, throwing towels at a Knicks’ game, learning how the magic of making King Kong come to life works, and going on as the lead for the first time in King Kong with less than two hours notice.
#9 - James Brown III - HARRY POTTER / FROZEN
On this episode we chatted with @jamesbrowniii via phone call while he was all the way over in Australia! Tune in to hear some Harry Potter talk, fashion, performing with Michael Jackson and more! www.builtforthestage.com www.jamesbrowniii.com.
#8 - Kyle Matthew Hamilton - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
@kylematthewhamilton goes from pro skateboarder to debuting in his first Broadway show via a short birthday video for Spongebob The Musical’s director, Tina Landau. Well, it wasn’t that easy...it took some practice, along side 11 year olds in tap class.
#7- Christine Cornish Smith - KISS ME KATE / CATS
Take a journey with CCS on this episode through Texas, Cincinnati, India, and now NYC. On this journey, Christine talks about her plants, wipe-outs during silent moments on the Broadway stage, and a handful of stories of how @christinecornish used grit, humor, and a life-long, student-like mindset to go from jobless to performing in now her third Broadway show.
#6 - Adam Perry - FROZEN
This episode with @adammperry is overflowing with inspiring comeback stories from his career on and off the Broadway stage. Adam has graced The Great White Way seven times, and has garnered a reputation as one of Broadway's most assiduous and handsome, dancing ensemble members.
#5 - Barbara Jo Bednarczuk - MY FAIR LADY
@barbara_jo inspires us with the constant pursuit of her best. She shares huge road blocks that would have derailed most. But, through her values of respect, discipline, as well as showing up early and prepared, she finds herself performing in her second Broadway show while sharing the stage with Patti LuPone and now Laura Benanti and Norbert Leo Butz.
#4 - Blaine Krauss - CHER SHOW
@blainekr talks coffee, dogs, soul food, mounting The Cher Show on Broadway, doing his costume fittings with Bob Mackie, walking his way towards some of the best abs in the business, and much more. He’s into politics so, if you want to support his campaign, give him a follow on Twitter @blainekr !
#3 - Sharone Sayegh - THE BAND'S VISIT
@sharonesayegh talks peaks of The Band’s Visit, valleys of struggles in her career, and amazing audition advice for any listeners out there in the biz. She talks about saying she could skate in her audition for The Band’s Visit, when really it should have been more of a, “kinda skate,” response.
#2 - Matt Gibson - GYPSY
In this episode we talk with @mrmattgibson about kicking Laura Benanti in Gypsy starring Patti LuPone. Conspiracy theories of Finian’s Rainbow and Toy Story. Matt talks fitness and what keeps him going during the daily grind of being an actor.
#1 - Ian Paget - MAMMA MIA / TIKTOK
@ianpaget_ talks Broadway shows, movies, heroes, childhood Invisalign, the fear of possibly getting fired during his Broadway debut, Jay-Z, and a few fitness things here and there. Thanks @ianpaget_ for being on Episode 1!
© Broadway Podcast Network, All Rights Reserved